CulpeperCountySchool Board

Minutes

March 13, 2006

Page 1

CULPEPER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

Minutes

March 13, 2006

The regular meeting of the School Board of Culpeper County was held March 13, 2006 at the County Administration Office at 302 North Main Street, Culpeper, VA. Present were Elizabeth Hutchins (Cedar Mountain District), Chair; Robert Beard (East Fairfax District); George Dasher (Stevensburg District); Leanne Jenkins (Jefferson District); Robert Jenkins III (Catalpa District); Claudia Vento (West Fairfax District), Vice Chair; Jennifer McCauley (Salem District); Division Superintendent David Cox, Clerk of the Board Jeff Shomo, Parliamentarian Eric Conti, and Deputy Clerk Pearl Jamison.

At 5:38 p.m. Ms. Hutchins called the meeting to order and Dr. Cox called the roll.

On motion of Ms. Vento seconded by Ms. Jenkins, the Board went into closedsession immediately regarding:

[a] Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by the School Board

regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advise by counsel. The subject matter of the consultation will relate to contractual matters with the Board of Supervisors pursuant to

Va. Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (7).

Motion carried 6-0 by voice vote.

Mr. Jenkins joined the closed session at 6:05 p.m.

On motion of Ms. Vento seconded by Mr. Dasher, the Board ended the closed session at 7:05 p.m. and certified by the following roll call vote that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the School Board.

YEAS: 7

Robert Beard

George Dasher

Elizabeth Hutchins

Robert Jenkins III

Leanne Jenkins

Jennifer McCauley

Claudia Vento

NAYS: 0

On motion of Ms. Vento seconded by Mr. Dasher, the board approved the adoption of the agenda as presented. Motion carried 7-0 by voice vote.

Ms. Hutchins led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Special Presentations

Dual Enrollment with GermannaCommunity College

Dr. Cox invited President Dr. Frank S. Turnage of GermannaCommunity College, Chancellor Glen DuBois of the Virginia Community College System, and Chair Elizabeth Hutchins to join him at the podium. Dr. Cox said tonight CulpeperCountyPublic Schools and GermannaCommunity College will sign a dual enrollment agreement. Dr. Cox said we are celebrating the fact that our staffs have worked very hard to bring about greater opportunities for the students in CulpeperCounty. He said this agreement will expand our dual enrollment opportunities. Dr. Cox also thanked former Gov. Mark Warner for supporting dual enrollment programs. Dr. Cox also recognized the teachers who helped make this possible, as well as, Dr. Eric Conti, and John Donnelly – Dean of Instruction at GermannaCommunity College.

Dr. DuBois said he is thrilled about this opportunity for the community. He said we hope to develop a program where students can complete a semester or two before they graduate from high school.

Dr. Turnage thanked Dr. DuBois for traveling from Richmond. He said this is a very special occasion in Culpeper. Dr. Turnage also thanked Dr. Cox, Dr. Conti, and John Donnelly, Deborah Wilson, and Pamela Frederick. Dr. Turnage said this truly is an opportunity for young people to become engaged early before they have to leave home. He said this is daring from the standpoint that we’re really on a frontier here. Dr. Turnage thanked the community for its interest and support of GermannaCommunity college for 30+ years. Dr. Turnage said the TechnologyCenter will open this year and in future years he hopes there will be a full blown college campus in Culpeper.

Ms. Hutchins thanked Dr. Turnage, Dr. DuBois, Connie Kincheloe, and all staff from GermannaCommunity College. She said GCC has provided many opportunities over the years. She said we look forward to the opening of the TechnologyCenter.

Dr. Cox recognized the dual enrollment teachers from CCHS.

Dr. Turnage also recognized the efforts of Connie Kincheloe in making this endeavor possible.

Culpeper Schools Foundation

Ms. Debbie Hoffman and Ms. Christie Park of the Culpeper Schools Foundation recognized members of the Culpeper Schools Foundation who could not be present tonight. She presented each board member with a CSF bracelet and a copy of the CSF website. Ms. Hoffman also presented each school with a check for their library in the amount of $250 from the CSF.

Recognitions

Dr. Cox presented Billy Thornhill with a ZAPP “Zealous Appreciation for Positive Performance”. He said Mr. Thornhill was being ZAPPED for this exemplary performance as coach of the CulpeperCountyHigh School boys varsity basketball team, having achieved his 400th career victory out of 645 coached games since 1981.

Dr. Cox said ten middle and high school students earned spots performing in the American Choral Directors Association Southern Conference Honors Choirs. He said the students submitted audition tapes for judging during the selection process and traveled to Charleston, WV for four days of intense rehearsals with expert choir directors before the culminating concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 in the ClayCenter for the Arts and Sciences. Dr. Cox recognized the following students: Nancy Collie-Beard, Sarah Leffler, Gwyneth McKenna, Kamille Toulotte, Kayli Toulotte, John Flemming, Kristen Shepard, Ian Masson, Kyle Masson and Ashleigh Thompson. These 10 students met and worked with choir students from 11 other states in the ACDA southern region at the conference.

Before Delegations, Ms. Hutchins said persons may present ideas or concerns regarding Culpeper County Public Schools. She said there would be no action taken by the Board at this Meeting and that such items would be referred to the appropriate administrators for future information and research and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. She said that personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. Ms. Hutchins noted there would be a three-minute time limit for speakers.

Michael Anderson (Stevensburg District)– Mr. Anderson addressed issues with the new high school, current overcrowding, lack of bus drivers, ESL, and No Child Left Behind. Mr. Anderson said some students with ESL are being babysat and passed onto the next grade level. He said we need to take a vested interest in the ESL students; however, English speaking students should not pay the price. Mr. Anderson said social security cards are not required for student enrollment. He said the student ID number should be the child’s social security number so it can be transferred to different states. Mr. Anderson said it costs $8,000 per year to educate a student. If we have 62 non-tax paying citizens at $8,000 each that equates to $496,000.

Kim Thompson (Salem District) – Ms. Thompson asked the School Board to change 4x4 to AB Block Scheduling. She is extremely concerned about lengthening AP classes to two blocks. She said you are taking choices away from the children.

Ashleigh Thompson (Salem District) – Ms. Thompson said changing AP classes to a two block class is really a bad decision. She said if some AP classes take two blocks she would miss classes she wants to take. She said she feels AB Block Scheduling would work better.

On motion of Ms. Vento seconded by Mr. Beard, the Board approved the consent agenda as presented. Motion carried 7-0 by voice vote. Ms. Jenkins and Ms. McCauley reviewed the bills and they recommended approval.

(a)Minutes of February 6, 13, & 27, 2006 Meeting

(b)Payroll and Payment of Bills

(c) Personnel Recommendations

The board heard the following reports:

(a)Building Updates

Mr. Spencer said the final inspection on the hood in the culinary arts kitchen was done last Friday. He said the paving should be done by Wednesday/Thursday of this week. He said the day after the Board of Supervisors appropriated $47 million for the new high school he issued a notice to proceed to Howard Shockey and Associates. He said they have obtained the land disturbance permits issued by the county. He said there is a meeting Thursday with VDOT regarding the entrance to the new high school. Mr. Spencer said a temporary road will be installed to the tennis courts. He said office trailers will be at the tennis courts. He said substantial occupancy is expected in April 2008 with final completion in July 2008. Mr. Jenkins asked about the floor tile at the AnnexBuilding that needed to be replaced. Mr. Spencer said the majority of the hallway has been repaired. Mr. Jenkins asked about the supplies the teachers are still waiting on. Mr. Spencer said the furniture delivery is set for the first week of April. Mr. Spencer said the blinds are on order.

(b)Financial Report

Mr. Shomo referred to Projected Budget Balances for 12/31/05. Mr. Shomo said the General Ledger is in December 2005. Mr. Shomo said the key thing to look at is that some items have six months of payroll left and some have eight months. Mr. Shomo referenced the utilities on the third page. Mr. Shomo said fuel prices have increased again. Mr. Shomo said the technology money will be used to purchase new servers at each school for testing. He said the projected savings as of 12/31/05 is $430,220. Ms. Hutchins asked Mr. Shomo to explain why the general ledger is still in December 2005. Mr. Shomo said the last posting from the County is December 2005. Ms. Jenkins asked what we can do to get more recent data. Mr. Shomo said the budget process at the county slows down the data input during the winter months.

(c)Innovative Practices

Dr. Conti said the SOLs mandate what we have to teach; however, there is a lot of latitude about how we teach. Dr. Conti said the STRIDES Program has been found to be effective and is being expanded. Dr. Conti said fostering classroom innovation is a wonderful retention tool.

  1. AGRES Kindergarten - Dr. Conti said the kindergarten teachers at AGRES want to pilot a transitional start next year. He said the placement testing and initial parent meetings of kindergarten students would take place during the first week of school. He said this approach will help build the bond.
  2. CMS Single Gender English – Dr.Conti said Mr. Zierden and Ms. Southard would like to pilot a single gender English experience for eighth grade students at CMS next year.
  3. CCHS Career Academy – Dr. Conti said we want to self-contain the CareerAcademy. Dr. Conti said teachers would have more flexibility and be able to align more with businesses. Dr. Conti said the high school has been directly involved with the discussions.
  4. CCHS Advanced Placement – Dr. Conti said AP teachers need more time to make sure the AP class is just that. He said the teaching also needs to get to the depth where our students should perform on AP exams. He said this is a teacher driven request.
  5. CCHS Expanded Dual Enrollment – Dr. Conti said we hope to have our students gain credit at the college level. Dr. Conti said Dr. Porter and his leadership team should be recognized for all their hardwork.

Ms. McCauley referred to the statement on Page 30 - parentsare welcome to bring their children to class and stay awhile. Ms. McCauley suggested that “awhile” be defined better.

Ms. Jenkins asked about the AP classes. She asked if the administration is suggesting we implement a change to all AP classes or some. Dr. Cox said this information is being provided in report form. He said the items are to be considered as a recommendation. He said the board can vote on the items in the future. Ms. Jenkins said we might want to consider looking at block scheduling. She said when the board implemented block scheduling it was suppose to be wonderful and offer more opportunities. She said we may need to look at all classes not just AP. Dr. Conti said the high school has recommend five classes to be extended to two periods. Dr. Conti said there have been lots of discussion and data gathered. Dr. Conti said our AP teachers want more time to get deeper into studies. Dr. Conti said he feels one reason 4x4 was chosen was it allowed students to focus on a smaller group of studies. Dr. Conti said we currently offer Biology and Chemistry year long. Ms. McCauley said she has spoken with several teachers on this matter. She suggested the teachers be invited to address the board with pros and cons.

Ms. Hutchins asked why English was chosen as the single gender class over Math. Mr. Zierden said there is considerable literature available regarding Math and English. He said two teachers at the eighth grade level were very interested in this endeavor. Mr. Zierden said the student’s skills are better in Math. Ms. Southard said single gender classes would allow the teachers to select books that appeal to girls or boys.

Ms. Vento requested that the Innovative Practices be placed on the April agenda for consideration. She also requested that they be listed as separate action items.

Ms. Hutchins recognized Sue Hansohn from the Board of Supervisors.

(d)Health Advisory Committee Report

Ms. Vento said they met in February and Dr. Werner was elected chair. She said they are looking for community members and parents to become part of the parent advisory. She said they are discussing the wellness initiative mandated by the Federal Government to be put in place in July. She asked anyone interested in serving on the committee to contact Dr. Larry Carter, Exec. Director of Administrative Services.

(e)Career Partners Committee Report

Ms. Richards-Lutz distributed brochures relative to the Career Partners. Ms. Lutz said the Career Readiness Certificates started three years ago. She said the certificate requires three work keys test – applied math, reading and locating information. She said these certificates are given in 13 states and soon to be 30 states. She said the tests are generated by businesses. She said some businesses are requiring potential employees to take the test. She said in April 50 juniors and seniors will be pilot students. She said the test will be given by GCC. The cost of the test is $45 per student paid by the State of Virginia. She said the Chamber of Commerce will review the results.

Ms. Lutz referred to the “Are You Ready” magazine. She said the magazine is being distributed to every Junior in the State of Virginia.

Ms. Lutz said JMU will offer “Educator in the Workplace” a 3 credit college course to secondary teachers this summer. She said Dr. Bloomer will teach the course. The class will spend 40 hours in the community shadowing various businesses. She said the teachers will develop lesson plans from this class.

Mr. Dasher asked if any teachers have seen the test for the Career Readiness Certificate. Ms. Lutz said they have seen five sample questions. Mr. Dasher asked if our students will be prepared. Ms. Lutz said our students should do well.

(f)PREP Board Committee Report

Ms. Jenkins said at the last board meeting she said the PREP Budget would be approved in February; however, the PREP budget will not be voted on until March 15th.

(g)Policy Committee Report

Mr. Beard said the board has been working on bylaws. Mr. Beard said the issue of board packets being received 10 days prior to a board meeting should be addressed in a work session as well as the charge of the finance committee. He invited Ms. McCauley and Mr. Dasher to come to the next policy meeting. Mr. Beard said they also discussed adding honesty to personnel requirements. He said the draft policy presented would not help but create more problems. Mr. Beard said the board has adopted integrity as a core value. He said the committee does not recommend adopting an honesty policy. He said the next policy meting will be March 16th at 4:30 p.m. He said the committee hopes to have the final bylaws approved to go into affect in July.

(h)Student Advisory Council Report

Cody Long (Senior) and Mark Simpson (sophomore) said at the Student Advisory Council meetings they talk about the plusses and negatives of CCHS. Mr. Long said Mr. Spencer came and shared the plans for the new high school and moving of classes to a specific school. Mr. Simpson said they also discussed overcrowding. Mr. Long said they also looked at the pros and cons and what can be done to promote morale. Mr. Long said Dr. Porter hopes to reward good behavior. Ms. McCauley asked if there were any ideas to help with overcrowding. Mr. Long said the house system should help with overcrowding. Mr. Long said one idea to help now is to use classrooms during lunch that are not being currently used. He said perhaps changing the bell schedule would help. Ms. Jenkins asked Cody and Mark how often they go to their lockers. Both boys said they do not use their lockers. Mr. Long said centrally locating lockers would help as well. Mr. Dasher asked if there was any discussion regarding the walkway between the high school and Annex. Mr. Long said we are overcrowded and need the classes. Mr. Beard asked if the students have any thoughts about school lunches. Mr. Long said he tries not to eat them – he said he avoids it. Mr. Simpson said by fourth lunch he is ready to eat. Dr. Cox said Mr. Beamer was a guest at the Student Luncheon two months ago.