Guilford County Board of Education
Board Meeting
May 8, 2007

GUILFORD COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

The Guilford County Board of Education met in a regular meeting on Thursday, April 26, 2007, at 712 North Eugene Street, Greensboro, North Carolina. The following board members were present: Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Garth Hébert, Dot Kearns, Amos Quick, Nancy Routh (arrived at 7:29 p.m.) and Anita Sharpe. Board member Deena Hayes was absent. Also present were Superintendent Terry Grier and Attorney Jill Wilson.

Call to Order
Chairman Duncan called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance
Board member Amos Quick led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moment of Remembrance and Silence
Chairman Duncan led the board in a moment of remembrance and silence in honor of students who have tragically lost their lives during this school year.

Recognitions

Design Award for Dudley High School
The board received recognition on behalf of the district for the 2007 American Institute of Architects Educational Facility Design, Citation Award.

Recipients of the National Achievement Scholarship

The board recognized the six district recipients of the National Achievement Scholarship. National Achievement Scholarships are awarded to outstanding black American students based on Preliminary SAT scores as well as other requirements including high academic performance, SAT scores, endorsements and written essays about interests, attainments and goals.

The GCS winners include: National Achievement PPG Industries Foundation Scholarship - Winnie J. Quick (Dudley High); National Achievement R. J. Reynolds Foundation Scholarship - Kira A. Mengistu (The Early College at Guilford), Horatio R. Thomas (The Early College at Guilford); National Achievement $2,500 Scholarships - Jessica G. Booker (The Early College at Guilford), Brittany A. Ervin (High Point Central), Chanelle J. Tyson (Southwest High).

North Carolina Association of Education Office Professionals’ Administrator of the Year

The board recognized Marilyn Woods, program administrator for After-School Care Enrichment Services (ACES), as the North Carolina Association of Education Office Professionals’ Administrator of the Year.

Public Comments

Chairman Duncan called on members of the public who requested an opportunity to address the board.

Daron Hill, 307 Mount Olive Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406
Amy Adams, 3825 Sandlewood Road, High Point, NC 27265
Dawna Tate, 5700 Drake Road, Greensboro, NC 27406
Lauren Rose, 4820 McNeil Road, Climax, NC 27233
Elena Romero, Two Judkins Court, Greensboro, NC 27407
Sara Roberts, Oak Hill Elementary School, 320 Wrightenberry St., High Point, NC 27260
Kathryn Doyle, Oak Hill Elementary School, 320 Wrightenberry St., High Point, NC 27260
Derrick Giles, 100 North Elm Street #138, Greensboro, NC 27401
Steve Cothran, Four Countrywoods Court, Greensboro, NC 27410
Shawn Hillman, Dudley High School, 1200 Lincoln Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Quinton Bass, Dudley High School, 1200 Lincoln Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Tyranda Johnson, Dudley High School, 1200 Lincoln Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Rickey Brown, Dudley High School, 1200 Lincoln Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Linda Mozell, 4701 Whitby Place, Greensboro, NC 27406
Luther Falls, Jr., 303P Avalon Road, Greensboro, NC 27401
Bobby Sarteh, Jr., 1905 Burgenfield Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407

Approval of Agenda

Chairman Duncan asked board members to review the meeting agenda and called for a motion to approve or amend it. The request was made to move the Staff Report item entitled “Evaluation of Advanced Learner (AL) and Very Strong Needs (VSN) Programs” before the Staff Report item entitled “Update on Security Plans.”

Motion was made by Walter Childs, seconded by Kris Cooke, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion passed upon unanimous voice vote.

Consent Agenda
Superintendent Grier presented the following Consent Agenda items:

A.  Personnel Action Reports

The consent agenda included personnel actions as noted in the monthly Personnel Action Report requiring board approval. 

B.  Budget Amendments and Transfers

The Consent Agenda included State, Local, Federal, Capital Outlay and After School Care Enrichment Services (ACES) budget amendments/transfers for the 2006-07 school year as follows:

State Public School Fund Amendment #5 reflects:

• the receipt of:
• substitute reimbursement for January, 2007 ($22,438) and February, 2007 ($20,950)
• interest for School Technology Fund for January, 2007 ($5,781) and February, 2007 ($3,652)
• reimbursement for the educational cost of children with disabilities assigned to group homes, foster homes or similar facilities ($39,590)
• allotment of transportation contingency fund request for second semester Early College Program transportation costs ($32,469)
• the transfers due to site-based requests and year-to-date expenditures

        
Local Current Expense Fund Amendment #5 reflects:

• the receipt of:
• Smart Start reimbursement for February, 2007 ($14,950)
• More at Four reimbursements for November, 2006 ($140,160), December, 2006 ($151,840) and January, 2007 ($148,555)
• Exceptional Children program donation ($944)
• Time Warner Cable Grant quarterly payment ($8,156)
• Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation Student Mentoring Awareness and Resource Team (SMART) grant payment ($66,250)
• Eastern Guilford High School (EGHS) donations ($4,925)
• School Impact Grant reimbursement for December, 2006 ($13,263), January, 2007 ($4,764) and February, 2007 ($8,484)
• the receipt of North Carolina Department of Public Instruction funds for Eastern Guilford High School media materials ($5,279)
• the transfers due to site-based requests and year-to-date expenditures

Federal Grant Fund Amendment #5 reflects:

• the allotment adjustment for ESEA Title I - School Improvement ($11,061)
• the transfers due to site-based requests and year-to-date expenditures

                    
Capital Outlay Fund Amendment #4 reflects:

• the transfer of available funds within the Reedy Fork Elementary School project from construction to furniture/equipment to purchase technology equipment

After School Care Enrichment Services (ACES) #4 reflects:

• the revenue/expenditure adjustments based on 2006-07 enrollment
• the transfers due to site-based requests and year-to-date expenditures

C.  First Reading – Policy IN, School Improvement Teams

The consent agenda included a recommendation to approve for first reading Policy IN, School Improvement Teams.

D.  Second Reading – Policy GAMAA, Sexual Harassment of Students

The consent agenda included a recommendation to approve for second reading Policy GAMAA, Sexual Harassment of Students. At its meeting on March 29, the board approved this policy for first reading.  The policy has been posted on the district Web site for a public comment period per the board’s policy. No comments were received.

E.  Second Reading – Policy GAMA, Sexual Harassment of Staff

The consent agenda included a recommendation to approve for second reading Policy GAMA, Sexual Harassment of Staff. At its meeting on March 29, the board approved this policy for first reading.  The policy has been posted on the district Web site for a public comment period per the board’s policy. No comments were received.

F.  Second Reading – Policy JR, Student Records

The consent agenda included a recommendation to approve for second reading Policy JR, Student Records. At the meeting of March 29, the board approved this policy for first reading. The policy has been posted on the district Web site for a public comment period per the board's policy. No comments were received.

G.  Expansion of Montessori Program at Erwin  

The consent agenda included a recommendation, based on the number of parent responses, not to expand the Erwin Montessori program to grade six for the 2007-08 school year. There are a total of 27 fifth-grade students currently attending Erwin.  Of the total number of students, only 11 parents indicated an interest in remaining in the program for grade six. Only two of the 27 fifth-grade students are considering attending Triangle Lake Montessori for the sixth grade.

H.  Duke Energy Carolinas Right-of-Way Agreement, The Academy at Smith

The consent agenda included a recommendation that the board approve a right-of-way request by Duke Energy Carolinas at 2225 S. Holden Road, Greensboro, North Carolina for the purpose of extending three phase underground primary installation to the new transformer location. The requested area having a width of 10 feet on each side of a centerline determined by the centerline of the electrical facilities as installed, to construct, maintain and operate underground lines and conduits with other apparatus and appliances, either above ground or below ground, to include transformers and service connectors, for the purpose of transporting electricity.

This item was deferred until the May 8, 2007 board meeting.

I.  Duke Energy Carolinas Right-of-Way Agreement, Northern High School

The consent agenda included a recommendation that the board approve a right-of-way request by Duke Energy Carolinas that dedicates a right-of-way strip to permit the underground primary installation for the lighting system at the Northern High School.  The requested area having a width of 10 feet on each side of a centerline determined by the centerline of the electrical facilities as installed, to construct, maintain and operate underground lines and conduits with other apparatus and appliances, either above ground or below ground, to include transformers and service connectors, for the purpose of transporting electricity.

This item was deferred until the May 8, 2007 board meeting.

J. Right-of-Way Encroachment Agreement, Northern Middle School

The consent agenda included a recommendation that the board approve entering into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to encroach upon the right-of-way on Simpson Calhoun Road at the Northern Middle School property.  This encroachment will allow the district to install the necessary infrastructure for the school’s new water well.

Motion was made by Kris Cooke, seconded by Darlene Garrett, to approve the consent agenda as presented. Consent agenda item A passed upon majority roll call vote of 6-to-3 as follows: Ayes – Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Amos Quick and Anita Sharpe; Nays – Jeff Belton, Garth Hébert and Dot Kearns. Consent agenda item B passed upon majority roll call vote of 8-to-1 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Dot Kearns, Amos Quick and Anita Sharpe; Nays – Garth Hébert. Consent agenda item C passed upon majority roll call vote of 8-to-1 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Garth Hébert, Dot Kearns and Amos Quick; Nays – Anita Sharpe. Consent agenda items D, E, F, G and J passed upon unanimous roll call vote. Consent agenda items H and I were deferred until the May 8, 2007 meeting.

Public Comments Regarding 2006-07 Budget

Chairman Duncan called on members of the public who wished to address the board regarding 2006-07 budgetary matters of the school district.

Mark Jewell, 210 Lindell Road, Greensboro, NC 27403
Robert Owens, 4100 Duffers Lane, Greensboro, NC 27407
Stacy Smith, 2404 Sherwood Street, Greensboro, NC 27403
Joe Stafford, 4604 Forest Village Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406
Margaret Arbuckle, 1100 Buckingham Road, Greensboro, NC 27408

Staff Reports

Eastern High School Update

Superintendent Terry Grier presented to the board an update on Eastern High School. Public forums on the upcoming bond referendum were scheduled for April 25 and April 30, 2007. As the board knows, these two issues are somewhat related because at one time the board considered placing Eastern High School on the bond referendum and then decided against that and has petitioned the Guilford County Board of Commissioners to finance the construction of Eastern High School. There has been some discussion with the commissioners and County Manager David McNeill about the board’s intent to use insurance money to help retire the certificates of participation. There was discussion by the board and an indication of intent but no formal action was taken. Dr. Grier stated that this action is germane to the discussion with the commissioners and suggested that the board take formal action to notify commissioners of its position in that regard.

Motion was made by Anita Sharpe, seconded by Darlene Garrett, that the board inform the Guilford County Board of Commissioners of its intent to pay down the debt with any additional insurance monies if it agrees to using certificates of participation (COPS). The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.
 
Dr. Grier talked discussed the fact that when new schools are built in GCS, they are provided with resources that have not been forthcoming to other schools when renovations are done. A good example relates to tennis courts. It is extremely difficult to have not only interscholastic athletics but also physical education activities when adequate facilities do not exist. Dr. Grier suggested that in the issue of fairness, when existing schools are going through renovation projects and there is money left in those projects, the attempt to provide these facilities should be made. It is understood that if the project runs over budget, other funds would need to be pulled.

For example, there are a number of projects presently that have money remaining from the 2003 bond referendum:

         Northeast High School – approximately $800,000 left in this project
         Southern High School – approximately $1.2 million left in this project
         Southwest High School – approximately $108,000 left in this project

The cost is approximately $110,000 to put surveillance and security cameras in the high schools. This is something that staff, PTAs and principals have requested in the past.

It costs approximately $40,000 to build a new tennis court with the cost to refurbish a tennis court being approximately $30,000. Staff recommends that remaining money in the Northeast and Southern high school projects be used to move forward with installation of surveillance systems and six tennis courts for Northeast and Southern. The tennis courts will allow participation not only in North Carolina High School Athletic Association events but also will enhance the physical education program and community utilization of these schools.

Chairman Duncan stated that Southwest High School has no functional tennis courts and no surveillance system. He suggested that money left in the Southwest project be utilized to install a surveillance system with the realization that there are not enough funds available to address new tennis courts.

Board member Darlene Garrett discussed Northwest High School’s need for a surveillance system. Chief Finance Officer Sharon Ozment stated that approximately $60,365 was left in the 2000 bond referendum from the Northwest High School project.

Motion was made by Amos Quick, seconded by Anita Sharpe, to authorize staff to move forward with installing a surveillance system at Southwest High School, a surveillance system and tennis courts at both Northeast and Southern high schools using remaining funds from the 2003 bond referendum and installing surveillance equipment at Northwest High School using remaining funds from the 2000 bond referendum. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

Consideration for Naming of Original Historic Building at Oak Ridge Elementary School

Kevin Lear, chief operations officer, presented to the board a recommendation that the board study and support the proposed name Thomas F. and Carolyn C. Brown Wing and, following a period of public comment or input, consider approval of the nomination or direct the administration to request the nominator to provide any further information as may be required by the board in order to more fully consider the request and to make a decision. The principal of Oak Ridge Elementary, on behalf of faculty, staff and student body, has requested that the original historic building, including the media center and gallery be named in honor of two distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions to GCS, as well as the greater Guilford County community. Pursuant to the district’s procedure on the naming of schools (FDCA-P), a nomination form and accompanying support documents are attached for review and consideration.

Motion was made by Darlene Garrett, seconded by Anita Sharpe, to study and support the proposed name Thomas F. and Carolyn C. Brown Wing and, following a period of public comment or input, consider approval of the nomination or direct the administration to request the nominator to provide any further information as may be required by the board in order to more fully consider the request and made a decision. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

Board member Nancy Routh arrived at 7:29 p.m.

Consideration for Naming of the Park at Montlieu Math and Science Academy

Kevin Lear, chief operations officer, presented to the board a recommendation that the board study and support the proposed name The Garry G. Burnett Park at Montlieu and, following a period of public comment or input, consider approval of the nomination or direct the administration to request the nominator to provide any further information as may be required by the board in order to more fully consider the request and to make a decision. Mr. Ed Price, on behalf of the citizens of High Point, has requested that the park at Montlieu Math and Science Academy be named in honor of a distinguished individual who has made outstanding contributions to the Guilford County School district, as well as the greater Guilford County community. Pursuant to the district’s procedure on the naming of schools (FDCA-P), a nomination form and accompanying support documents were provided for review and consideration.

Motion was made by Dot Kearns, seconded by Walter Childs, to study and support the proposed name The Garry G. Burnett Park at Montlieu and, following a period of public comment or input, consider approval of the nomination or direct the administration to request the nominator to provide any further information as may be required by the board in order to more fully consider the request and to make a decision. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

After-School Care Enrichment Services (ACES) Program Increase

Dr. Terrence Young, chief information and student services officer, presented to the board a recommendation for approval to increase the ACES fee from $35 to $40 per week in order to cover anticipated increases in ACES salaries and benefits and to have a full-time ACES site coordinator position for each program.

Motion was made by Anita Sharpe, seconded by Kris Cooke, to increase the ACES fee from $35 to $40 per week in order to cover anticipated increases in ACES salaries and benefits and to have a full-time ACES site coordinator position for each program. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote. Darlene Garrett was absent for this vote.

Welborn/Ferndale Attendance Zone

Superintendent Grier presented to the board a recommendation that the board affirm its intent to give the rising eighth-grade students living in the Blairwood community the option of attending Ferndale or Welborn for the 2007-08 school year with the district providing transportation.

Motion was made by Dot Kearns, seconded by Walter Childs, to affirm the board’s intent to give the rising eight-grade students living in the Blairwood community the option of attending Ferndale or Welborn for the 2007-08 school year with the district providing transportation. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

Evaluation of Advanced Learner (AL) and Very Strong Needs (VSN) Programs

Dr. Gongshu Zhang, executive accountability and research officer, presented to the board an evaluation of the AL and VSN programs. Retired Coordinator of Advanced Learning Ann Barr, Advanced Learning Coordinator Bonnie Crissman and Advanced Learning Facilitator Kathryn Moore were present to answer questions.

Update on Security Plans

Dr. John Wright, chief auxiliary officer, updated the board on general security planning for the district in light of recent national and local concerns.

Guilford County Schools cares deeply about the safety and welfare of its students, staff and community members. Schools have a mandate to provide students with a safe and secure environment that is fundamental for learning. Therefore, schools are empowered with the necessary tools to create a safe environment. While it may not be possible to prepare for every contingency, the safety plans incorporate a range of responses to a wide variety of issues.

Beyond the general safe schools plan, which the board has reviewed previously, and individual school plans, GCS maintains a comprehensive system plan to provide stability to the district and individual schools. The primary components of the district’s safety plan are:

Defining Specific Crisis Levels
Emergency Notification
Pre-crisis Planning
Crisis Teams
Response Procedures for Specific Crisis Situations
Recovery

Each year the school safety office provides a limited distribution of an updated internal classified or confidential Crisis Management and Emergency Handbook to all school administrators, school resource officers, senior level staff, division heads and selected safety partners. This manual represents the emergency response plan for the district and is not considered a public record pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 132-1. The crisis plan and manual will be extensively reviewed this year by a district project team starting within the next several weeks, and a revised plan and manual will be produced for 2007-08.

In addition to the district’s plans, the schools regularly conduct fire drills, practice lockdowns, emergency evacuation and bomb threat protocols. Each school also maintains a critical incident response kit to utilize in the event of an emergency. The school safety administrator routinely responds to campuses to assist school administrators and law enforcement on matters of safety, security and traffic-related concerns in addition to the safety planning.

Several schools have interior and/or exterior camera systems to serve as a deterrent to crime. The superintendent’s budget proposes to increase resources in this area. Alarm systems have also been installed in the majority of campuses. Locked door policies vary from campus to campus, but all visitors and guests are required to check in at school offices and wear identification while on campus. School campuses are provided with Nextel phones for emergency communications purposes.

Sworn law enforcement officers (currently 35) patrol the campuses of the middle and high schools, and the district maintains a very effective working relationship with all local law enforcement agencies and other emergency responders. In addition to general law enforcement training, school resource officers receive training specific to the school setting and in dealing with youth. Given the increasing safety concerns along with the growth in student population and schools, the board may want to consider strengthening the human resource commitment moving forward. To provide continuous improvement in this program, Safety Administrator Tony Scales will be securing benchmark data regarding programs, best practices, technology and staffing beginning with the other similar large school districts in North Carolina.

Board Discussion

Discussion of Standard Mode of Dress (SMOD)

Chairman Duncan led the board in a discussion regarding standard mode of dress (SMOD). Superintendent Terry Grier asked the staff, including Chief Auxiliary Services Officer John Wright, Chief Information and Student Services Officer Terrence Young and Executive Director of Assessment and Evaluation Sharon Johnson to look at which schools use standard mode of dress as well as how long they have used it. Although this is not a research study of cause and effect, they were asked to compile and look at data such as office referrals and out of school suspensions prior to and after the SMOD was implemented. Test scores in reading and math before and after SMOD were also reviewed.

Dr. Wright provided information on schools that have, or will implement, the standard mode of dress code (SMOD) as of March 23, 2007 including information on out of school suspensions in these schools as well as data on reading and math scores.

Board discussion followed in regard to the reasons schools may choose standard mode of dress and what the expectations are.

Chairman Duncan summarized by stating that if a SMOD is implemented, the board and schools should be cautious not to view it, based on both staff’s data and national research, as a stand-alone method for improvement in school climate, discipline or achievement. It should be chosen for the right reasons, not for superficial ones, and should be used in combination with other improvement efforts. The board resolved to continue to allow this program to remain a site-based decision so long as there is strong community support for it. This has been the board’s previous position and has followed the administration’s direction.

Follow Up on Meeting with SROs (School Resource Officers)

Chairman Duncan led the board in a discussion regarding SROs as a follow up to the April 20 discussion between the board and law enforcement personnel. Board member Amos Quick has prepared a motion as a result of that meeting with respect to the creation of a task force which was discussed.

Motion was made by Amos Quick, seconded by Walter Childs, that the Guilford County Board of Education direct the superintendent to assemble a task force of no more than 21 members between now and June 15, 2007. This task force should include the following in its makeup: teachers, school administrators, at least three community representatives, at least three students who are members of the class of 2008 or 2009, at least three parents with no other official Guilford County Schools affiliation, at least one member of the law enforcement community, at least one member of the Guilford County Parent Teacher Association and at least two Guilford County Board of Education members who will not count against the 21 and would have no voting power in meetings of the task force. This task force should be charged with: (1) reviewing the district’s handling of student misbehavior; (2) reviewing the Guilford County Disproportionate Minority Contact Report, (3) meeting with teachers, parents, students and community stakeholders and (4) making a report back to the Board of Education no later than the second regularly scheduled meeting of January, 2008. This report should include: concrete steps that the board may adopt to address the issues of reducing the number of suspensions and expulsions of Guilford County school students; improving the relationship between law enforcement, utilizing our schools and minority community’s disproportionately represented in arrest records; facilitate greater communication and understanding between the community, schools, parents, SRO officers and students; improve the classroom education component of the SRO program and increase the safety of our campuses with attention paid to the growing gang situations. This motion also calls for the task force to be given reasonable access to relevant data necessary to complete their assigned duties, meeting space and sufficient time at the second regular scheduled business meeting of January, 2008 to make its presentation.

Chairman Duncan asked that the number of law enforcement members included in the task force be changed from one to three to include the three different law enforcement organizations in the district.

Superintendent Grier stated that he is in favor of creating a task force. He suggested that if a task force is much larger than 10 to 12 people, it is difficult to get things done. In order to accomplish all tasks listed in Mr. Quick’s motion, one group broken into several subgroups to help tackle these things would be more effective. The subgroups could meet and report back to an oversight group, which could include board members and some others, to help coordinate their work.

Board members Amos Quick and Walter Childs agreed to revise the motion to include increasing the number of law enforcement members to three as well as dividing the task force into subgroups.

Board discussion regarding the composition and scope of the task force followed.

Chairman Duncan stated that a moderator/convener to lead the task force needs to be named. It is his strong feeling that this should be one or two members of the board. Dr. Grier suggested the task force have co-chairs consisting of two board members and suggested that Dr. Routh work with Mr. Quick in this capacity.

Chairman Duncan asked Mr. Quick to read his revised motion.

Motion was made by Amos Quick, seconded by Walter Childs, that the Guilford County Board of Education direct the superintendent to assemble a task force of no more than 24 members, divided into groups, between now and June 15, 2007. This task force should include the following in its makeup: teachers, school administrators, at least three community representatives, at least three students who are members of the class of 2008 or 2009, at least three parents with no other official Guilford County Schools affiliation, at least three members of the law enforcement community, at least one member of the Guilford County Parent Teacher Association and at least two Guilford County Board of Education members to serve as conveners and co-chairs. This task force is to be charged with: (1) reviewing the district’s handling of student misbehavior; (2) reviewing the Guilford County Disproportionate Minority Contact Report, (3) meeting with teachers, parents, students and community stakeholders and (4) making a report by consensus back to the Board of Education no later than the second regularly scheduled meeting of January, 2008. This consensus report should include: concrete steps that the Board of Education may adopt to reduce the number of suspensions and expulsions of Guilford County school students; improve the relationship between law enforcement, utilizing our schools and minority community’s disproportionately represented in arrest records; facilitate greater communication and understanding between the community, schools, parents, SRO officers and students; improve the classroom education component of the SRO program and increase the safety of our campuses with an emphasis on the growing gang concern. This motion also calls for the task force to be given reasonable access to relevant data necessary to complete its assigned duties, meeting space and sufficient time at the second regularly scheduled business meeting of the Board of Education of January, 2008 to make its presentation. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

Continued Discussion of the 2007-08 Budget

Chairman Duncan led the board in a continued discussion regarding the 2007-08 budget. Chief Finance Officer Sharon Ozment answered questions which were asked by board members during the last budget discussion.

Ms. Ozment provided five handouts for board members to study:

• Elementary Staffing Comparison 2007-08 to 2005-06 – This is a revision of the handout given to the board on April 24 including some cosmetic changes with an alpha designation as well as a correction to the planning time from 45 minutes to 40 minutes.
• GCS 2007-08 Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Allotment Formula Comparison – This report addresses a request from board member Anita Sharpe that recalculations be made for fourth and fifth grade with the first calculation at 24-1 versus 26-1 and a second calculation at 22-1 versus 26-1. Additionally, board member Garth Hébert asked that Ms. Ozment show, among those increases, how many of those teachers would be at non-equity schools and how many of those teachers would be at equity 2 and equity 3 schools. Ms. Ozment stated a change from 24-1 versus 26-1 would add 37.6 teachers. A change from 22-1 versus 26-1 would add 87 teachers. The cost for 37.6 teachers is approximately $1.7 million. The cost for 87 teachers is slightly over $4 million.
• Student-Teacher Ratio by School – This is a copy of an email which was sent to board members by Dr. Grier which includes information from the State Department. The email was received by Dr. Grier on April 25, 2007.
• Teacher Assistant (TA) Allotment Comparison – This report provides information on the teacher assistant calculations including two or three alternatives based on feedback received from principals.
• Increase in Energy Costs Calculations – A correction has been made and, given that Pleasant Garden has again been deferred, Ms. Ozment stated she is not certain that even the most current date listed on the GCS Web site will be wholly accurate. However, this has been included in the updated calculations. The downside is the budget will now increase by $128,743.30 because an additional 61,306 square feet which have been added must be taken into account. Information provided in the spreadsheet includes the name of the project, the square footage, the projected substantial completion date, the number of additional operating months in 2007-08, and how the cost is prorated for the year.

Board members will review this information and continue discussion at its next meeting.

Reports from the Chairman

Special Called Board Meeting for Budget Line Item Review

Chairman Duncan asked that the start time of the special called meeting on May 7, 2007 be changed from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Legislative Update

The chairman called on board member Dot Kearns, convenor of the Legislative Committee, to lead the board in a discussion regarding bills currently under consideration by the General Assembly. The following bills were discussed to identify board support:

HB 1740 School Board Fiscal Accountability Act
Motion was made by Darlene Garrett, seconded by Kris Cooke, to support HB 1740. The motion failed upon majority electronic vote of 5-4-0 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Darlene Garrett and Dot Kearns; Nays – Alan Duncan, Amos Quick, Nancy Routh and Anita Sharpe; Abstain – Garth Hébert.

Board member Garth Hébert stated he abstained because he did not have sufficient time to read the information related to this bill. Chairman Duncan said that additional time would be provided for Mr. Hébert to review the bill and a second vote on HB 1740 would be taken later in the meeting.

HB 156 – Funds for School Technology Facilitators and HB 228 Funds for Testing Coordinators
Motion was made by Dot Kearns, seconded by Jeff Belton, to support HB 156 and HB 228. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

HB 227 – Hold Child Nutrition Services Harmless and SB 682 – Child Nutrition Program Funds
Motion was made by Dot Kearns, seconded by Kris Cooke, to support HB 227 and SB 682. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

Resolution – Healthy Children for the 21st Century
Cynthia Sevier, director of child nutrition services, asked that the board pass a resolution (copy of resolution in minutes file) to the effect that:

The National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs provide healthy meals to all North Carolina students enabling them to be ready to learn,

Whereas one in five children ages 5-11 in North Carolina is overweight,

Whereas the prevalence of childhood obesity has nearly tripled for adolescents in the past two decades,

Whereas North Carolina is in the top 10 states in the United States for the incidence of hypertension and diabetes,

Whereas health care costs in North Carolina associated with obesity-related medical expenses cost North Carolina taxpayers more than $2.1 billion a year,

Whereas the North Carolina General Assembly has legislated and the State Board of Education has adopted Nutrition Standards for Elementary Schools in North Carolina schools requiring increased fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and foods high in fiber in school meals offered to students,

Now therefore be it resolved that the Guilford County Board of Education supports the N.C. State Board of Education’s proposed budget to provide $25 per pupil to enable local school districts to implement Nutrition Standards in elementary schools in the state.

And be it further resolved that the $25 per elementary child be recurring funds.

Motion was made by Dot Kearns, seconded by Darlene Garrett, to adopt the resolution. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote. Board member Garth Hébert was absent for the vote.

SB 469 – Additional Resources/Low-Performing Schools
Motion was made by Anita Sharpe, seconded by Jeff Belton, to follow the recommendation of Chief Finance Officer Sharon Ozment to oppose SB 469. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote. Board member Garth Hébert was absent for the vote.

HB 1740 School Board Fiscal Accountability Act
Motion was made by Dot Kearns, seconded by Garth Hébert, to table the vote on HB 1740 until a later date. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 9-to-1 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Garth Hébert, Dot Kearns, Amos Quick, Nancy Routh and Anita Sharpe; Nays – Darlene Garrett.

Board Comments

Board members were each allowed two minutes to make remarks, as they deemed appropriate.

Adjournment

With no further business, at 11:12 p.m., motion was made by Amos Quick, seconded by Darlene Garrett, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed upon unanimous voice vote.