MINUTES OF THE HABERSHAM COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Work Session
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Habersham County Board of Education met for a groundbreaking ceremony on the site of the new Habersham Central High School at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2009. The Board met in a Work Session on Monday, June 8, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Meeting Room. The Board reviewed the budget; discussed the upcoming GSBA Summer Conference; reviewed additional personnel added to the agenda and discussed the upcoming Board Retreat in July.
The Habersham County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2009 in the Board of Education Meeting Room. Present were:
Gilbert Barrett
Robert Barron
Trent DeMore
Meredith McConnell
Pat Taylor
Robert Costley, Superintendent
Mike Sanders, Assistant Superintendent
Jennifer Thacker, Board Attorney
1. Convene
Chairperson Patsy Taylor called the meeting to order. Larry Hill, Principal of the Alternative School, led the invocation. Superintendent Robert Costley led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Approve Minutes
On the motion of Robert Barron, seconded by Meredith McConnell, the Board unanimously approved the minutes from the May 11, 2009 Regular Board Meeting and the Called Board Meetings on May 14, May 21, and May 29, 2009.
3. Approve Agenda
On the motion of Trent DeMore, seconded by Gilbert Barrett, the Board unanimously approved the agenda as presented.
4. Announcements/Recognitions
In Announcements and Recognitions, Board Member Trent DeMore presented the Extra Mile Award to Pam Caldwell, teacher at Hazel Grove Elementary School. Ms. Caldwell was nominated by fellow teacher Krista Ivester as well as two parents for her leadership in coordinating the Hazel Grove 5th Grade field trip to Charleston. Through Pam Caldwell’s leadership, nearly $20,000 was raised to send the students to Charleston. Ms. Caldwell is commended for her passion for the learning of the students, compassion for those that may not have been able to afford such an experience and her dedication to Hazel Grove Elementary and the Habersham County School System. Mr. DeMore presented Pam Caldwell with a framed certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to The Copper Pot.
Mr. Costley presented the Habersham Sunrise Rotary Service Above Self Award to Ron York of the Custodial Department. Custodial Supervisor, Evelyn Lewallen nominated Mr. York for going the extra mile for our schools. Mr. York makes sure that the custodians have everything they need to fulfill their duties at each school. He takes pride in his work. Mr. York works behind the scenes and does it with a great attitude. Mr. Costley presented Ron York with a framed certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to Pizza Hut.
The School Board recognized several students for their achievements this year. The Habersham Central Girl’s Tennis team was recognized for their accomplishments this year. Coaches Rob Wallace and Ginger Armour were present along with team members, Annamarie Dwozan and Claire Stovall. The Girls’ Tennis Team ranked 3rd in the region.
The Habersham Central Boys’ Soccer team was recognized for their accomplishments during this season. The Soccer team, represented by Coach Ric Wallace, competed in the 2nd round of the State playoffs and finished with a record of 16-3.
Kelly Services presented the Substitute Teacher of the Semester award to Marie Thurmond. Mrs. Thurmond has been substituting for 27 years. Mrs. Thurmond is the most called substitute teacher for Clarkesville Elementary School and is considered part of the Clarkesville staff. Marie Thurmond was presented with a framed certificate and a gift certificate.
5. School Improvement Report
Rodney Green, School Improvement Director, brought the School Improvement Report. Mr. Green reported on Summer School 2009, which will be held June 8-26 from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Demorest Elementary and the Ninth Grade Academy. South Habersham Middle School, due to funds earned with the 21st Century Learning Grant, will provide services for Grades 6, 7, and 8.
Mr. Green reviewed the upcoming Professional Learning opportunities that include an Administrative Retreat on June 9-10 and SMART Board professional learning.
Mr. Green announced that Summer ExPreSS (Summer Exam Preparation for Science and Social Studies) will be offered by the Georgia Department of Education June 8-19 at Johnson High School in Gainesville. The Georgia DOE will cover transportation costs.
The Mountain Education Center recently graduated 16 Habersham Central High School students among which was the Center’s salutatorian.
Mr. Green also reviewed the 5th Grade Writing scores and reported an increase in the percent of students that meet and exceed. Woodville Elementary was recognized for their marked improvement on the 5th Grade Writing scores.
Upcoming assessments for the Habersham School System include the Georgia High School Graduation Test ExPreSS Program; the EOCT for Grade 9 on June 29 and 30; the CRCT for Grades 3, 5, and 8 on June 29 and 30 and the Georgia High School Graduation Test on July 13- 17.
Mr. Green also reported on Habersham Schools’ increased performance system wide on assessments this year. He will bring a detailed report at a later meeting.
6. Technology Update
Jason Hogan, Technology Director, brought an update on technology. Mr. Hogan reviewed the technology advances made in the schools this year that included adding computer labs to 7 elementary schools and introducing SMART Board classrooms in Grades 3-5. The Technology Department has continued to make upgrades to the wireless system throughout the county and is upgrading sound systems for performances and will upgrade teachers’ laptops during the summer. Mr. Hogan updated the Board on the PLU online learning opportunities for teachers, paraprofessionals and nutrition managers. Kerry Cash developed much of the curriculum.
7. Facilities Report
Mike Sanders, Assistant Superintendent, brought the facilities update. A groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier in the day on the site of the new Habersham Central High School. The property is in the process of being cleared. Mr. Sanders encouraged the Board and the public to go to the system website to view a 3 dimensional tour of the exterior of the new high school provided by Habersham Electric Membership Corporation.
Mr. Sanders also reported on the renovations being made at the Alternative School and the future site of the Mountain Education Center. The Alternative School will be able to utilize the facilities and computers during the day.
8. Financial Report
Mr. Sanders made the Financial Report. He reported on SPLOST and Advalorem revenue and stated that the system’s reserve is still strong.
On the motion of Gilbert Barrett, seconded by Robert Barron, the Board unanimously approved the Financial Report.
9. Superintendent’s Report
In the Superintendent’s report, Mr. Costley recognized Ms. Landis Hicks, Preschool Director at the Early Childhood Education Center at Habersham Central. The Early Childhood Education Center recently received the ECE Industry Certification Award, which includes industry certification and state accreditation. Of 6 school systems, Habersham was the only system that passed the certification.
Mr. Costley updated the Board on Summer School and announced that all school supply lists and summer hours are now posted on the school website.
Mr. Costley welcomed the Bike Ride Across Georgia to Habersham County. The bikers were lodged on the campus of Habersham Central High School.
Superintendent Costley announced that the cannery would open on June 29, 2009. Hours of operation will be Mondays from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon; Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. – 12 noon.
Superintendent Costley announced that the final adoption of the budget for fiscal year 2009-2010 would be approved on June 26, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. in the Board Room.
10. Consent Agenda
On the motion of Gilbert Barrett, seconded by Robert Barron, the Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda as follows:
a. Approved Payables to include the following per diem:
i. Regular Meeting, May 11, 2009: Gilbert Barrett, Robert Barron, Trent DeMore, Meredith McConnell and Patsy Taylor
ii. GSBA District 9 Meeting, May 12, 2009: Robert Barron, Trent DeMore, Meredith McConnell and Patsy Taylor
iii. Called Meeting, May 14, 2009: Gilbert Barrett, Robert Barron, Trent DeMore, Meredith McConnell and Patsy Taylor
iv. Called Meeting, May 21, 2009: Gilbert Barrett, Robert Barron, Trent DeMore, Meredith McConnell and Patsy Taylor
v. Called Meeting, May 29, 2009: Gilbert Barrett, Robert Barron, Trent DeMore, Meredith McConnell and Patsy Taylor
b. Approved the following Personnel Recommendations:
Accepted the following resignations:
· Suni Cawthon – 2nd Grade Teacher at Baldwin Elementary – effective June 2009
· David Buchanan – CTI Coordinator 49% at Habersham Central – effective June 3, 2009
Accepted the following transfers for the 2009-2010 year:
· Mimi Clark – transferring from Counselor at Demorest Elementary to School Psychologist
· Melissa Pless – transferring from Special Education Teacher at Habersham Central to Self-Contained Special Education Teacher at Habersham Ninth Grade Academy
· Monica Welborn – transferring from Science Teacher at South Habersham Middle School to 5th Grade Teacher at Hazel Grove Elementary
· Stephanie Ann Yardley – transferring from Nutrition Assistant at Habersham Central to Nutrition Manager at Hazel Grove Elementary
· Andrea Jones – transferring from 4th Grade Teacher at Clarkesville to Graduation Coach at HCHS
Accepted the following personnel for the 2009-2010 year:
· Kellie Carpenter – MOID Self-Contained Special Education Teacher at Clarkesville Elementary
· Rob Wallace – Varsity Men and Women’s Tennis Head Coach
· Christy Arrowood – Pre-K Para-professional at Habersham Central High School
· Alexander Page – Media Center Clerk at Habersham Ninth Grade Academy
· Donna Piper – Nutrition Assistant at Level Grove Elementary
· David Buchanan – Transition Coordinator 49% at Habersham Central
· Kathryn Youngblood – Special Education Teacher at North Habersham Middle
· Stephen Dalin – Speech Language Pathologist
· Jeff Wilson – Social Studies Teacher at HCHS
c. Approved the following Requests to Raise Funds:
North Habersham Middle School – Boys & Girls Basketball Teams - Sign Sponsorships
North Habersham Middle School – PE Department – Field Day for 7th & 8th Grade
North Habersham Middle School – PE Department – PE Uniform Sale
North Habersham Middle School – Boys and Girls Basketball Teams – Shirt Sales
Habersham Alternative School – Administration – Vending Machine sales
North Habersham Middle School – Outdoor Classroom – Silent Auction
North Habersham Middle School – Soque River Outdoor Classroom – T-shirt sales
North Habersham Middle School – Outdoor Classroom – Rubber Duck River Race
North Habersham Middle School – Chorus/Drama – 8th Grade Musical
North Habersham Middle School – Chorus – Box Tops for Education
North Habersham Middle School – Team 7 Black – Krispy Kreme sale
North Habersham Middle School – Team 7 Black – Refreshment sale
d. Approved Project Request of HCHS Key Club to attend International Convention in Dallas, TX, June 28-July 5
e. Approve Field Trip Request - HCHS Wrestling Team to travel to Appalachian State University, July 5-9, 2009
f. Approved Technology Acceptable Use Policy
g. Approved Nutrition Bids
h. Approved Nutrition Surplus
11. Business
On the motion of Meredith McConnell, seconded by Gilbert Barrett, the Board unanimously approved the recommendation to tentatively adopt the FY2010 Budget. The final adoption of the budget will be made at a Called Meeting on June 26, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at the Administrative Office Building in Clarkesville, Georgia.
On the motion of Trent DeMore, seconded by Robert Barron, the Board unanimously approved Superintendent Robert Costley’s recommendation for the first reading of the attendance policy. The first reading will be posted on the website.
12: Adjourn:
On the motion of Meredith McConnell, seconded by Gilbert Barrett, the meeting adjourned.
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Patsy Taylor, Chairman Robert Costley, Superintendent