Background material for each agenda item is available online under the Board Meeting Materials.

Recognitions

Guilford County Schools' Employee of the Month
The Board recognized Johnette McCain, the director of Dudley's Academy of Engineering, Education and Health Sciences, as the district's December 2005 Employee of the Month.

Hubert Humphrey Jr. Award
The Board recognized Northeast High School as the first recipient of the Hubert 'Hugh' Humphrey, Jr. Award. Northeast High School received a $10,000 award and the Hugh Humphrey Cup to display for one year.

Consent Agenda
The Board approved the following items on the consent agenda:

•  2005-2006 Budget Amendments and Transfers

•  SECURE (Southeast Cooperative Utilizing Resources Efficiently) Food Cooperative

•  Donation of Land Adjacent to Hampton Elementary

•  First Reading - Policy AEA, School Calendar

•  First Reading - Policy GA , Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace

Staff Reports

Proposed 2006-2007 District Calendar Options
Sonya Conway, Chief District Relations Officer, presented the Board with three proposed calendar options for the 2006-2007 school year. The Board requested that a modification be made to option three and again presented to the Board during its January 10 meeting. The calendar will then be posted for public comment before final approval is given.

Balanced Scorecard Update - Suspension Data
Dr. Eric Becoats, chief of staff, presented to the Board long-and short-term suspension data across the district. The Board requested data to illustrate which teachers are suspending students and a strategic plan to address the issue.

Board Discussion

Report from Governance Committee on One County Movement
Board Member Nancy Routh led the Board in a discussion regarding One County Movement.

Magnet and Options Schools and Programs
Chairman Duncan led the Board in a discussion of magnet and option schools and programs. The Board voted to remove the GPA requirement at Weaver Academy ; however, the portfolio/audition requirement will remain.

Continued Discussion of Proposed Redistricting Plans
Eric Hoekstra, district demographer, led the Board in a continued discussion of redistricting maps as previously presented by staff. The Board approved a motion from Board Member Nancy Routh that instructed the administration and staff to:

1) Identify the programs at the three High Point High Schools that will be the option (or options) offered by each school and to specify the number of seats to be made available in each program for rising ninth grade students.

2) Eliminate the lottery as a means of assigning students and allow students to apply for a program of their choice.

3) Determine the total capacity to each high school and recommend adjustments to district lines as needed to utilize each facility effectively.

4) Assure that all students currently enrolled in an existing academy or Early College Program will be able to remain in their chosen program to completion.

5) Assign rising ninth graders who do not apply for an option program, and those places in a waiting pool, to their designated district school according to Guilford County Schools' Student Assignment Policy - JBCC, effective for the 2006-07 school year.

The Board decided that no further steps will be taken until all proposed plans/maps are presented to the community via two public forums to be scheduled in January.

About Guilford County Schools
Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 68,800 students at 112 schools. With approximately 9,600 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship. For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.