September 13, 2011

GOOCHLAND COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
SEPTEMBER 13, 2011
GOOCHLAND HIGH SCHOOL

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER
Ivan O. Mattox, Sr., Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

Present were:
Ivan O. Mattox, Sr., Chairman
James L. Haskell, Vice Chairman
Mr. Maxwell G. Cisne
Mr. Andrew A. Meng, III
Dr. Linda A. Underwood, Superintendent

Absent:
Mr. Raymond A. Miller

Also attending were:
Tom DeWeerd, Director of Secondary Education
Debra Beasley, Director of Special Education and Student Services
Dr. Steve Geyer, Director of Elementary Education
Ernie McLeod, Director of Finance and Operations
Johnette Burdette, Principal, Goochland Middle School
Francie Ball, Principal, Goochland High School
Dianna Gordon, Principal, Randolph Elementary School
Tina McCay, Principal, Goochland Elementary School
James Hopkins, Principal, Byrd Elementary School
Christin Ashman, Assistant Principal, Goochland Middle School
Sonny Turner, Supervisor of Maintenance
Betty Thurston, Supervisor of Transportation
Connie Foreman, Enrichment and Interim Elementary Instruction Specialist
Shannon Lacy, Testing Coordinator
Andrea Erard, Legal Counsel
Diane Bennett, School Board Clerk

The Media was represented by:
Jim Fields, The Goochland Gazette

MOMENT OF SILENCE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
LaQuinta Pace, a 7th grader at Goochland Middle School led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/CHANGES TO AGENDA
Dr. Underwood presented additions/deletions/changes to agenda.

RECOGNITIONS
Mr. Mattox and Dr. Underwood presented certificates to the Maintenance and Custodial staff for hard work and dedication during the earthquake and hurricane of 2011.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

• Jane Christie asked that the Board vote against approval of the 2012-2013 Budget Calendar in that the date of the presentation of the Superintendent’s proposed budget is not in the best interest of the public as it falls during winter break and is only four days before the end of the current Board’s term.  She also feels that scheduling the first public hearing on the budget only four days after the new Board takes office is unreasonable.  Ms. Christie asked the Board to defer the item for more consideration.

• James Bates stated he is glad the parking fee was reduced to $75.  He thanked the Board for reconsidering the situation and asked that through the course as things develop if they need help to give them the opportunity to participate.

• Jason Hall spoke regarding the dance company having been moved to the band room rather than having the auditorium floor repaired.  He also mentioned that the dual enrollment students at J. Sarge have an hour between classes, but are not allowed to go to the library.  He asked the Board to consider both of these issues.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS:

• Regular workshop:  Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Goochland High School

CONSENT ITEMS:
The following Consent Agenda items were presented for approval:
August 9, 2011 minutes, and Bills and Payroll for August.

Appointments:

Brandon Jones, Prep, Instructional Assistant
Frederick Keeton, Bus Driver
Cynthia Pantos, Bus Driver
Ashley Snead, GES, Instructional Assistant
Judith Wagner, Bus Driver

Supplemental Appointments:

Joel Gray, Assistant Football
Kyle Hawk, Middle School Volleyball
Lisa Madding, Color Guard
Frank Minter, Percussion
Bruce Montgomery, GHS Newspaper
Jay Sykes, Band Director

Resignations:

Melissa Carr, Driver
Kathleen DeVary, Driver
Irene Philips, GES, Instructional Assistant
Vanessa Randolph, BES, Instructional Assistant

Retirement:

Kent Gall, GHS, Band

Mr. Cisne made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Haskell, to approve the consent items as presented.  The motion was approved unanimously.

ACTION ITEMS:
RECONSIDERATION OF PARKING FEE
Mr. Cisne made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Haskell, to change the parking fee to $75 retroactive to the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year and to refund anyone who paid the $125.  The motion was approved unanimously.

REVISION TO POLICY KG-R, USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
Dr. Underwood presented revisions to Policy KG-R, Use of School Facilities.

Mr. Meng made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Cisne, to approve Policy KG-R as presented.  The motion was approved unanimously.

REVISION TO POLICY BCF, ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE SCHOOL BOARD
Dr. Underwood presented revisions to Policy BCF, Advisory Committees to the School Board.

Mr. Haskell made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Meng, to approve Policy BCF as presented.  The motion was approved unanimously.

DONATION FROM POWHATAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Goochland County Public Schools received a donation from the Powhatan Correctional Center of school supplies.  Dr. Underwood explained that the supplies will be distributed among each of the schools to be given to the students who need them.

Mr. Haskell made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Cisne, to approve the donation of school supplies from the Powhatan Correctional Center.  The motion was approved unanimously.

DONATIONS FROM PEARSON PUBLISHING AND PREMIER
Goochland Middle School received a donation of student agendas from Pearson Publishing and Premier.  All of Goochland Middle School students received the agendas and the extra agendas were given to Goochland High School.  They were distributed to 9th graders. 

Mr. Cisne made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Haskell, to approve the donation of student agendas from Pearson Publishing and Premier.  The motion was approved unanimously.

DONATION FROM THE FREEDOM FLAG FOUNDATION
Goochland County Public Schools received a donation from the The Freedom Flag Foundation of four Freedom Flags.  The flags will be flown at each of the schools.

Mr. Haskell made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Meng, to approve the donation of the Freedom Flags from The Freedom Flag foundation.  The motion was approved unanimously.

LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR ALTERNATE POLLING PLACE
Dr. Underwood presented an agreement from the Electoral Board whereby Byrd Elementary School be used as an alternate polling place in the event the regular polling places cannot be used.

Mr. Haskell made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Cisne, to approve the license agreement as presented.  The motion was approved unanimously.

APPROVAL OF 2012-2013 BUDGET CALENDAR
Deferred to next meeting.

CUSTODIAL SERVICES
Ernie McLeod and Sonny Turner presented information regarding outsourcing of custodial services and requested authorization to issue an RFP for the services.

Mr. Meng made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Cisne, to authorize the issuance of an RFP for custodial services.  The motion was approved unanimously.

TITLE III, PART A, APPLICATION APPROVAL
Debra Beasley, Director of Special Education and Student Services, presented the Title III, Part A, Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students in the amount of $18,321.56.  Goochland County Public Schools is the lead fiscal agent in a consortium including Powhatan, New Kent, Sussex, and Dinwiddie.  Goochland will receive $8,014.89.

Mr. Meng made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Cisne, to approve the Title III, Part A, application approval as presented.  The motion was approved unanimously.

REQUEST FOR RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS
Dr. Underwood presented three requests for religious exemption from compulsory attendance pursuant to Virginia Code Section 22.1-24(B) and recommended approval of the requests.

Mr. Haskell made a motion to approve all three requests for religious exemptions, which was seconded by Mr. Haskell.  The motion was approved unanimously.

INFORMATION ITEMS:
DOMINION EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP GRANT
Connie Foreman presented information regarding a grant submitted to Virginia Dominion Power that will provide professional development for teachers and lessons for third, fourth and fifth grade students provided by the Math-Science Innovation Center.  Mrs. Cynthia Stansberry and Mrs. Jodie Pillow worked with Mrs. Foreman to write and submit the grant.  Mr. Scott Reed with Dominion was present to present a check in the amount of $5,000.

AYP REPORT
Shannon Lacy, Testing Coordinator, presented information regarding AYP.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN:  GOOCHLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Francie Ball, Principal, Goochland High School, presented the school improvement plan for Goochland High School.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN:  GOOCHLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL
Johnette Burdette, Principal, Goochland Middle School, presented the school improvement plan for Goochland High School.

ACTIVITY FUND AUDIT
Dr. Underwood presented information regarding the fiscal year 2010 activity fund audit.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Dr. Underwood presented an organizational chart for review.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Dr. Underwood presented information regarding the comprehensive plan in the areas of Academic Programs, Facilities, Safety, and Finance and Budget.  Remaining portions will be brought to the Board for discussion on September 27, 2011 and October 11, 2011.  Public Hearing is tentatively scheduled for October 25, 2011.

AUGUST 2011 FINANCIAL UPDATE
Ernie McLeod presented the August 2011 financial update.

SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

• Libby Luedecke and Katie Hall spoke regarding the dance class and the stage not being ready for the class.  She feels they have been punished by being in the band room this year.  She has witnessed injuries including being injured herself.  Secondly, she does not feel the American flags are adequately represented.  The flag by the football field is tattered and is never taken down and not illuminated.  She would like to see those taken care of as she feels they have been swept under the carpet by administration.

• Mark Maier spoke regarding fees and asked that in the future there be a column showing previous year fee so comparisons can be made.  He asked that the Board add an agenda item at meetings to address issues that are brought up.  He also attended kindergarten orientation and the bus ride and asked that the program be continued in that it was very helpful.

• Michael McDermott affirmed Ms. Luedecke for her comments regarding the American flag, as well as Mrs. Burdette and Mrs. Ball for their presentations.  He said we lost a great resource in Mr. Gall.  He asked why we are paying supplemental pay to a percussion coach rather than using the money for other things.  Regarding pay to play, the public spoke up and it went away, the public spoke up with regard to the parking fee and it went away.  He feels it is time to do something about the library hours.  He spoke regarding outsourcing the custodians. He feels there are better ways to save money by cutting administration.  He asked why the J. Sarge classes couldn’t be taught at GHS rather than J. Sarge in order to save money.  He mentioned the organizational chart and hopes that it will become an action item.

• Jane Christie spoke following up on her earlier comments.  She asked why GCPS is starting the budget process in December.  She said the process could be started earlier, which would allow the inclusion of unseated Board members.  Secondly, Ms. Christie mentioned GHS increasing the number of students registered for academically rigorous courses, but feels it doesn’t help if the requirements are reduced or the students are failing. She asked if GHS could publish the AP test results for SY 2010-2011.

• Katie Shedden expressed concern about dual enrollment students without transportation.  They were promised a supervisor and a place where they could do homework, but that never happened.  She has expressed concern for the students not having computer access and feels it is a waste of time to put them in a class where they cannot focus.

OLD BUSINESS:
None.

NEW BUSINESS:
None.

CLOSED MEETING
Mr. Haskell made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Cisne, to go into closed meeting pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(7) for consultation with legal counsel regarding actual or probable litigation – Palen Petition for Injunction. The motion was approved unanimously.

END CLOSED MEETING
Mr. Cisne made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Meng for the Board to come out of Closed Meeting.  The motion was approved unanimously.

CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING
Mr. Haskell made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Meng to certify that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by the Board.  The motion was approved unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by the Chairman.