CORRECTED MINUTES
JASPER COUNTY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES – MAY 26, 2015
PRESENT: Bennie Hazel, Leroy Bentley, Priscilla Fraser, Debora Butler, Tedd Moyd and Berty Riley (T).
ABSENT: Randy Horton (District 1 & 5 Seats are Vacant)
1. CALL TO ORDER – Priscilla Fraser, Board Vice-Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. This meeting was held in the Ridgeland Elementary School Campus Multi-Purpose Room located at 250 Jaguar Trail
in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Mrs. Fraser read the District’s Vision Statement.
2. ROLL CALL & ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM – 5P/1T/1A/2V
3. NOTIFICATION OF NEWS MEDIA – The following news media were notified of the date, time, place and agenda of this meeting. Jasper Sun Times, Beaufort Gazette, Bluffton Today, The Island Packet, Savannah Morning News, The Gullah Sentinel, WSAV, WTOC and WJCL/WTGS.
4. MOMENT OF SILENCE – A moment of silence was led by Tedd Moyd.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The pledge to the flag was recited.
6. *APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mrs. Fraser entertained a motion for approval of the May 26, 2015 Agenda as outlined. A motion was made by Bennie Hazel and seconded by Debora Butler for the approval of the May 26, 2015.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 5-0.
7. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 5, 2015 & MAY 11, 2015 -
Mrs. Fraser entertained a motion for adoption of the minutes from May 5, 2015 and May 11, 2015 meetings. A motion was made by Leroy Bentley and seconded by Bennie Hazel to adopt the minutes of May 5, 2015 and May 11, 2015 meetings with the necessary correction(s), if any.
THE MOTION PASSED 4 -1
(AYES-HAZEL/FRASER/BENTLEY/BUTLER)
(NAY-MOYD)
8. *CONSENT AGENDA
8.1 SPECIAL REVENUE BUDGETS (A-B) – EXH. I
8.2 BUDGET TRANSFER REQUESTS (A-B) – EXH. II
8.3 OUT-OF-STATE FIELD TRIP REQUESTS (A-C) – EXH. III
8.4 BEAUFORT COUNTY STUDENT TRANSFER (A-DD) – EXH. IV
8.5 INTENT TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES
(HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS) (A-B) – EXH.V
Mrs. Fraser asked if there were any items to be pulled from the Consent Agenda.
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Dr. Butler requested item 8.2 Budget Transfer Requests (A-B) be pulled for questions and discussion.
Mr. Moyd requested Consent Agenda Items 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 be discussed as well.
A motion was made by Debora Butler and seconded by Bennie Hazel for approval of Consent Agenda Items 8.4 and 8.5.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 5-0.
Mrs. Tigner explained item 8.2 Budget Transfer Request Exhibit A were Title 1 funds that were not used by the end of April. The funds are transferred to other line items to purchase literacy intervention kits for elementary teachers (K-5) and a portion allocated for indirect cost (space and electricity)
Agenda item 8.1 Special Revenue Budgets – Summer Reading Program
Mrs. Tigner stated this is special revenue from SC Department of Education for third graders summer reading improvement program.
Dr. Butler and Mr. Moyd questioned the Budget Transfer Request Exhibit B – Public Information. Dr. Washington stated the transfers were to cover the cost of the District’s Public Information Consultant.
Mr. Moyd questioned the time span of Agenda item 8.3 Out-of-State Field Trip Request Exhibit A. Dr. Thompson explained the time.
Mrs. Fraser entertained a motion for approval of Consent Agenda Items 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3.
A motion was made by Leroy Bentley and seconded by Bennie Hazel for approval of Consent Agenda Items 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3.
THE MOTION PASSED 4 -1
(AYES – FRASER/BENTLEY/BUTLER/HAZEL)
(NAY – MOYD)
Mrs. Fraser made a statement that Ms. Riley is not here tonight because of a family medical emergency. Ms. Riley may be calling into the meeting if she is unable be here.
9. SPECIAL RECOGNITION(S) –
9.1 TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECOGNITIONS PRESENTED BY
DR. ARTHUR L. HOLMES, CHIEF OFFICER OF ACADEMICS AND
HUMAN RESOURCES
Dr. Holmes introduced Jasper County School District 2015-16 Teacher of the Year and 2015-16 Rookie Teacher of the Year.
Mr. James McNeal of Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School is JCSD 2015-16 Rookie Teacher of the Year.
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Ms. Nyree Simmons of Ridgeland Elementary is JCSD 2015-16 Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Holmes recognized Mr. Bernard Reid, Jr. of Beaufort Jasper Academy of Career Excellence, the recipient of the Vashti K. Washington Educator’s Award.
Ms. Kristian Parker of Ridgeland Elementary School, JCSD 2014-15 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Parker was presented a check for $1000 from South Carolina Department of Education for representing the District as teacher of the year.
Ms. Riley arrived to meeting at 7:00p.m.
9.2 HIGH PERFORMING MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Dr. Washington recognized Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School students who will receive a letter in English and Spanish at the end of the school year.
Miracle Wade Marlaysia Westbrook Syvilai Xayadeth
Terrence Wing Heaven Sauls Kimbraia Brown
Celeste Vega Meyli Andrade Irvin Espinoza
Keandra Warren Jessica Graham
The Superintendent also recognized the top ten seniors from Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School.
These students have a cumulative GPA up to 4.87 which is used for Palmetto Fellows, LIFE and HOPE Scholarships.
Dr. Washington began with the tenth student and so on:
10 Nazair Wilson (3.8) - $145,060 – Coastal Carolina University
9. Raul Salmeron (3.9) - $20,000 – USCB
8. Kasey Brabham (4.01) – Technical College of the Lowcountry
7. Robert Lanier (4.16) - $20,000 – USCB, Air Force Reserve
6. Guadalupe Pech dela Rosa – (4.23) - $80,000 – Johnson & Wales University
5. Mary Holiman (4.25) - $128,502 – Columbia College
4. Shemar Taylor (4.36) - $240,700 – Limestone College
3. Tori Bostick (4.38) - $110,541 – Coastal Carolina University
2. Charrae Priester (4.4) - $288,780 – Howard University
1. Pavi Sreekumar (4.6) - $39,050 – College of Charleston
The top ten percent of the graduation class of 2016 (Juniors) were invited to the board meeting tonight to observe the budget process.
Jamiya Taylor Kristiana Kinard Esvieidi Noriega
JahJuan Bess Gabrielle Lawyer
Dr. Washington stated how proud JCSD are of these students. They are a perfect example to our community, our diversity and our economic status that we all can get along. Ms. Riley stated how proud the board of trustees are of all the students’ accomplishments and wished them all the best.
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10. SPECIAL HEARING(S) –
10.1 *THIRD READING OF THE 2015-2016 BUDGET – GARY WEST,
CHIEF OFFICER OF FINANCE AND DATA MANAGEMENT
Mr. West presented the 2015-2016 budget for third reading. He stated nothing has changed in the proposed budget of $26,176,110 since the second reading of May 11, 2015. Mr. West reviewed through a PowerPoint presentation the Anticipated Revenues, Budgeted Expenditures, Positions and Budget Summary. The next step will be on Monday, June 1, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. when the 2015-16 budget will be presented to County Council. After a lengthy discussion and many questions from board members concerning class sizes reduction, big ticket items, special revenues funding and funding for extra teachers, Mr. West concluded his presentation.
Ms. Riley, Board Chair, thanked Mr. West for the budget preparation workshops during the past month and the clear and precise presentation tonight of the 2015-2016 budget summary for third reading approval.
Ms. Riley asked the Superintendent what is her recommendation. The Superintendent asked the Board to approve the 2015-2016 Budget for third reading.
Ms. Riley entertained a motion for the approval of the third reading of the 2015 – 2016 Budget. A motion was made by Priscilla Fraser and seconded by Leroy Bentley to approve the third reading of the budget for 2015-2016 school year.
Mr. Moyd requested to make a statement – (“While I do not agree with everything in the budget. I voted for the first reading and was not here for the second reading but will be voting in favor of the budget tonight. I was contacted by my constituents to make more cuts to the budget to support PreK through third grade classes’ reduction. We have reduced the class size and that is a start. Can we do better and cut the budget some more – Yes, I think so. I was one of the board members who instigated an increase of 318,000 plus in order to reduce class sizes. I cannot vote for part of the budget, so I chose to vote in favor – all are none.”)
Dr. Butler expressed concerns regarding failure by administration to produce goals.
THE MOTION PASSED 5- 1
(AYES – RILEY/FRASER/BENTLEY/HAZEL)
(NAY – BUTLER)
10.2 ACE REPORT – ACE BOARDMEMBERS DR. BUTLER AND MR. MOYD – Mr. Moyd stated the ACE Board met last Thursday, May 21, 2015. They discussed the search for the Director whether are not to wait until the transition team have completed their work. ACE received $10,000 grant for AG/Science from the Community Foundation. The Board discussed the removal of mobile units from the property. The estimated cost to remove the mobile units is $100.000.
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Mr. Moyd stated there were some scheduling concerns.
Dr. Butler stated the concerns that JCSD students were being told not to enroll.
Ms. Riley stated the enrollment concerns affect both schools (Beaufort and Jasper).
Ms. Fraser asked where is the funding coming from to remove the mobile units.
Mr. West explained that ACE started the school year with $300,000 fund balance and they will take the money out of fund balance. Beaufort County has a company under contract that can handle the removal of the mobile units.
10.3 SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – DR. VASHTI K.WASHINGTON –
Dr. Washington gave a salute to the district volunteers who sacrifice their time to come into our schools to support the students of Jasper County.
The district have seen some improvement in the students’ reading not as much as we would like but they are improving. On Friday, May 29, 2015
under the direction of Mrs. Hazel, the District will host a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast at Palmetto Electric Community Room in Hardeeville. She stated this school year the District has formulated four councils: Literacy Advisory Council, SPEC, CATE and the Technology Advisory Council. All of these councils have had a huge impact with helping to guide the work of the District.
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS –
Mr. Moyd asked for an update on the Appleseed Report.
Dr. Cooler responded everything is on target and the Special Services Department have met all of the requested deadlines.
Dr. Butler asked if they will continue to monitor the District.
Dr. Cooler stated at this point she does not know.
12. NEW BUSINESS – NONE
13. INFORMATION ITEM(S)
13.1 END OF YEAR CEREMONIES AND COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES:
● HARDEEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “KINDERGARTEN MOVING UP CEREMONY” – MAY 27, 2015 @ 9:00 A.M. –
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM
● HARDEEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “FIFTH GRADE MOVING UP CEREMONY” MAY 28, 2015 @6:00P.M. - MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM
● RIDGELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “KINDERGARTEN MOVING UP CEREMONY” – JUNE 1, 2015 @ 9:00 A.M. – GYMNASIUM
● HARDEEVILLE-RIDGELAND MILLDE SCHOOL “EIGHTH GRADE
BRIDGING CEREMONY” – JUNE 1, 2015 @ 6:00 P.M. – GYMNASIUM
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● ACADEMY FOR CAREER EXCELLENCE “COMPLETER’S CEREMONY” - MAY 27, 2015 @ 6:00 P.M. – MAGNOLIA HALL
IN SUN CITY
● RIDGELAND-HARDEEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT
EXCERCISES – JUNE 5, 2015 @ 6:00 P.M. – FOOTBALL STADIUM
13.3 2015 RETIREES CELEBRATION/LUNCHEON – JUNNE 4, 2015 @ 12:00 P.M. – PALMETTO ELECTRIC COMMUNITY – EXH VI
14. *FUTURE AGENDA ITEM(S)
14.1 ACADEMY FOR CAREER EXCELLENCE (ONGOING)
14.2 GOALS FOR 2015-2016 (ONGOING)
15. PUBLIC COMMENT(S)
Anthony Cannick – Bees Creek Property
Marilyn Arseneau
16. *EXECUTIVE SESSION (PERSONNEL REPORT & OTHER LEGAL MATTERS, IF NEEDED)
16.1 *STUDENT REINSTATEMENT (A)
Ms. Riley entertained a motion to enter into Executive Session for the Personnel Report, Student Reinstatement(s) and other Legal Matters, if needed.
A motion was made by Priscilla Fraser and seconded by Bennie Hazel to enter into Executive Session for Personnel Report, Other Legal Matters, if needed, Student Reinstatement (A) and SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center Complaint.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 6-0.
THE BOARD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:15 P.M.
THE BOARD RETURNED TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:56 P.M.
Ms. Riley entertained any motions coming out of Executive Session:
· A motion was made by Priscilla Fraser and seconded by Bennie Hazel that the Board rescind the motion related to the immediate termination of an employee adopted at the May 11, 2015 Regular School Board Meeting. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 6-0.
· A motion was by Debora Butler and seconded by Priscilla Fraser that the Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for the suspension of employment and conditionally accept her recommendation for the termination of employment of a Continuing Contract teacher, Employee A, subject to the Board’s duty to review the matter on the merits pursuant to State law should the individual request a hearing.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 6-0.
· A motion was made by Bennie Hazel to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for Student A. Tedd Moyd seconded the motion.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 6-0.
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· A motion was made by Tedd Moyd and seconded by Leroy Bentley to accept the Personnel Report for New Hires, Termination, Resignation and Retirement. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 6-0.
17. *ADJOURNMENT – A motion was made by Priscilla Fraser and seconded by Debora Butler to adjourn. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Nancy Warren______
Recording Secretary
August 10, 2015______Berty Riley______
Approval Date Board Chairperson