Hall County Board of Education

                              Work Session

                              April 12, 2010

Board Members:         Richard Higgins, Chairman (arrived at 4:10 p.m.)

                                    Nath Morris, Vice Chairman

                                    Sam Chapman

                                    Craig Herrington

                                    Brian Sloan

William Schofield, Superintendent

Lee Lovett, Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Richard Hill, Assoc. Supt. for Human Resources

Dr. Eloise Barron, Assist. Supt. for Teaching and Learning

Jewel Armour, Executive Director of Operations

Dr. Aaron Turpin, Exec. Dir. of Information, Technology & Assessment

Jerry Huguley, Construction and Maintenance Manager

Kathy Culver, Director of Special Education (arrived at 5:25 p.m.)

Jim Sargent, Director of Student Services

Gordon Higgins, Director of Community Relations and Athletics

Cookie Palmer, Director of School Nutrition

Jerry Gunn, WDUN (arrived at 5:25 p.m.)

Steven Wang, HCEA                                                              Carrie Moffitt, Technology

Steve Brock, HCEA                                                                Todd Murrow, Technology

Gerald Boyd                                                                           Jimmy Smith, Technology

Dr. Sally Krisel                                                                      Karol Tullis, School Nutrition

Dr. Damon Gibbs, JHS                                                           Joe Gheesling, Principal NHHS

Phil Sutton, Asst. Hall Co. Adm.                                           Dr. Sarah Justus, Principal WHMS

Frank Norton, Jr., Realtor                                                      Dr. Jackie Adams, Principal WHHS

Hank Ramey, JES Principal, wife & son                               Larry West, Supervisor, Maintenance

David Smith, Center Point                                                     Jason Bess, Leadership Hall Co.

Catlyn Gravitt, NGCSU Student                                            Chad Cobb, Jones PTO

Julie Crouse, NGCSU Student                                               Penny Jordan, BOE Clerk

A 15 minute break was taken before starting the 5:00 Work Session.

Chairman Higgins called the meeting to order. On motion by Craig Herrington, seconded by Nath Morris, the board voted to approve amending the agenda moving item III. A. Recognitions, to first on the agenda, and V. B. Sales Tax Study, to second on the agenda. The superintendent proceeded with the following.

III.   Curriculum and Instruction

A.     Recognitions – Introductory remarks were made by Dr. Eloise Barron for the following recognitions.  Designated board members presented awards to those recognized. Photos were taken.

Superintendent Schofield followed with comments and thanked the principals and teachers for coming to support their students.

B.    Sales Tax Study – Frank Norton Jr. and Phil Sutton – Superintendent Schofield made introductory remarks prior to Assistant Hall County Administrator, Phil Sutton, and Gainesville realtor, Frank Norton, Jr., giving a report and online presentation of the results of the sales tax study the system and county partnered on to have done to address concerns that the sales tax revenue versus personal income growth was not matching up as it had in the past. They said it use to be a dead on indicator, but was now running 20-23% behind, and the county was losing an average of $5.4 million per penny per year ($25 million of lost sales tax revenue over a three year period). Issues of concern regarding Hall County’s Business License Comparison with DOR records and sales tax collections within retail trade groups and related data for the past three years were reviewed and discussed. (Frank Norton Jr., Andy Fox, Charlie Nix, and Jim Butt were present)

A.         Delegate & Alternate – 2010 GSBA Delegate Assembly – On motion by Craig Herrington, seconded by Brian Sloan, the board voted for Nath Morris to be the Delegate and Sam Chapman to be the Alternate, for the 2010 GSBA Delegate Assembly.  They will attend the June 11-12, GSBA Summer Conference and Delegate Assembly in Savannah.  Chairman Higgins, Craig Herrington, and Brian Sloan will not attend this year.  

         Dr. Barron made introductory remarks for the following:

B.     FY 2011 School Calendar – Rescinded – Discussion. On motion by Craig Herrington, seconded by Sam Chapman, the board voted 5-0 to approve rescinding the FY 2011 School Calendar, as recommended by the superintendent.

C.     2010-2011 Testing Calendar (Draft) – Review and discussion by Dr. Eloise Barron.

D.     School of Creativity and Inquiry - Chestnut Mountain Elementary – Comments by Dr. Sabrina May. On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the board voted 5-0 to approve the School of Creativity and Inquiry for Chestnut Mtn. Elementary School, beginning with the 2010 school year, as recommended by the superintendent.

E.      2010-2011 School of Choice – Johnson High School – Comments by Principal, Dr. Damon Gibbs. On motion by Craig Herrington, seconded by Sam Chapman, the board voted 5-0 for Johnson High School to be the IB School of Choice for 2010-2011, as recommended by the superintendent.

F.      Center Point Mentoring Program – Katie Hoffman from Center Point reported there are currently 366 mentors in Hall County Schools with 408 students being served--and 147 mentors for Gainesville City Schools, with 174 being served. 2008-09 evaluations show that of the students being served by a mentor, there is an 87% increase in academics, 79% increase in attendance, and 90% improved behavior. David Smith of Center Point was also present.

G.     Update on Cell Phone Pilot – Dr. Aaron Turpin and the superintendent reported the cell phone pilot program at Flowery Branch High School was going well with a lot fewer disciplinary actions being taken now than before it was started. Students are allowed to use cell phones between classes and in class sometimes, in certain cases. Dr. Turpin said an acceptable use draft would be sent this week.

H.     Development of Local Virtual High School Courses – Discussion on developing virtual high school courses by the superintendent and Dr. Turpin. Craig Herrington suggested the courses be copyrighted.

I.       Field Trips –On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Nath Morris, the board voted 5-0 to approve field trip numbers 1-7 on the list of trips for April 2010, as recommended by the superintendent. No rental van should be used on field trip #5 by FBH to Orlando. The list is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

A.     Financial Report – March 31, 2010 – Review by Lee Lovett.

A.     Bids/RFP Approvals - None

B.     Update on Bus Acquisition – Jewel Armour reported they were fortunate to find the 28 surplus buses they recently purchased for $70,000 from Cherokee County. Busses had been well maintained, were in good shape, and had mileage just over 100,000. Wants system buses that are much older than the 1997 and 1998 models purchased, taken off the road to be used as spares.

C.     Surplus Items – Discussion on declaring 17 drafting tables placed at the Hall County Warehouse, as surplus. On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Nath Morris, the Board voted 5-0 to them to be declared as surplus, as recommended by the superintendent.  Superintendent asked them to be put on Craig’s list.

A.     SPLOST Report –

   1.   Analysis of SPLOST III Revenues – March 2010 – Report by Lee Lovett.

B.     SPLOST Request –

1.   SPLOST III Request – April 12, 2010 – Discussion of two technology SPLOST III fund requests by Dr. Turpin. On motion by Craig Herrington, seconded by Brian Sloan, the board voted 5-0 to approve the following requests, as recommended by the superintendent. 

Exchange Server, Array, and video security                         $68,700.00

Martin Elementary – Netbooks and cart                                $21,000.00

A.     Personnel Packet – Dr. Hill announced that two system directors would be recommended to take on the additional roles of principals to reduce staff at the Central Office. David Moody, Director of Elementary Education, will move from interim to full principal of the World Language Academy; and Dr. Cindy Blakley, Director of Middle & Secondary Education, will move to principal of Lanier Charter Career Academy, replacing Danny Jones, who is retiring. Also, Dr. Terry Sapp will move from interim to full principal at Chestatee High School, and Dr. Ann Murphey was named principal at White Sulphur Elementary to replace Don Watson, who is retiring.

                                                                                                Hall County Board of Education

                                                                                                Public Comment Meeting

April 13, 2010

The Hall County Board of Education held a “Public Comment” meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, from 6:30-8:30 P.M., at Jones Elementary School, located at 6^th Chicopee Street, Gainesville, Georgia, regarding the potential closing of the school. The following were present:

Richard Higgins, Chairman

Nath Morris, Vice Chairman

Craig Herrington

Brian Sloan

Sam Chapman was unable to attend.

William Schofield, Superintendent

Lee Lovett, Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Richard Hill, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources

Dr. Eloise Barron, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning

Jewel Armour, Executive Director of Operations

Dr. Aaron Turpin, Executive Director of Information, Technology, and Assessment

Gordon Higgins, Director of Community Relations and Athletics

Jones Elementary Principal, Hank Ramey, welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Chairman Higgins called the meeting to order. On motion by Craig Herrington, seconded by Brian Sloan, the board voted 4-0 to approve the agenda.

Superintendent Schofield made opening comments followed by Hank Ramey explaining the format for the question and answer session to follow.

The following were discussed by the superintendent:

-State money and property taxes – only two sources

-Reviewed frequently asked questions

-270 open seats – Chicopee Woods

-100 open seats – McEver

-15 positions cut at central office

-Jones will not be sold

-Maintenance and upgrade on building

Chairman Higgins opened the meeting for public comments. Comments were made as follows:

·       Michael Harkins (T-Ball coach) - concerned about daughter being in a bigger class size and being left behind. “Cut back somewhere else besides this school that we love.”

·       Jane Jones  (village resident) – urged the board to find someway to keep the school open—grew up in the Chicopee Village—she and her children went to Jones--does not want icon school closed

·       Barbara Carpenter (GSC rep) – teaches her education classes in the summers at Jones

·       Sherry Harkins (former student of Jones) her daughter is in first grade at Jones—special needs. Said Jones’s staff really care about their students.

·       Mary Beth Sutton – began teaching in 1970 at Jones. Pleads to not close school.

·       Haley Cobb – student in 5^th grade at Jones has spent the past six years at Jones

·       Mark Mendoza – Speaking on behalf of GSC

·       Charles Shockley – introduced daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jones—two sons attended Jones—began teaching in 1972. Jones is a special school to him

·       Justine Williams – appreciates superintendent and board for keeping our budget in the black. Jones teachers spent extra time with Latino students. 2007, 70% reading CRCT—bragging on CRCT scores at Jones

·       David Crisp (substitute teacher in Hall County) – “can’t afford to not keep Jones open” (applause)

·       Allison Robinson – children second generation of Jones. Autistic child – teachers care about her children. Jones is the heart of our community.

·       Este Fuchs- moved son from Jones to WLA but after three months had to bring him back to Jones. Has home phone numbers of Jones teachers who are always willing to speak to her

·       Andrea Chastain Chicopee Village Homeowners Association—would be detrimental to neighborhood to close school

·       Tim Henley (bus driver – concerns the bus drivers about having to bus kids further away—longer bus rides.

·       Sherry Williams – teacher at Jones—taught in Hall County 14 years—Jones is special

(Maria Castillo (Interpreter for next speaker)

·       Anahy Rodriguez – student speaker -

·       Chad Cobb (Jones PTO president) – parents and students feel welcome at school. Mr. Ramey is always smiling. Jones’ students should be able to go to newest school, Chestnut Mtn.—newest technology. Announced his run for seat #26.

-      A petition signed by 163 Chicopee Village residents saying they were not in favor of the school being closed or used for any purpose other than an elementary school was received in addition to the 57 letters from GSC students referred to above.

The superintended made comments saying $1.1 million would be saved by closing Jones, projected enrollment is only 350 students and only six students are left in the village who attend Jones.

Chairman Higgins said the Board was waiting to get revenue figures from the state and look at the tax digest; but the Board needs to cut spending by 7 to 8-million dollars.

The meeting was closed by Chairman Higgins at 8:04 p.m.

                                                                            Hall County Board of Education

                                                                            4:00 p.m. - Second Public Hearing - JES Closing

                                                                             5:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting

                                                                            April 26, 2010

The Hall County Board of Education held a second public hearing regarding the potential closing of Jones Elementary in the small chapel of First Baptist Church, on April 26, 2010, at 4:00 p.m., with the regular meeting following at 5:00 p.m. in the regular large conference room at the central office. The following attended:

(PH) - designates present for Public Hearing

(RM) - designates present Regular Meeting

(PH/RM) - designates present for both meetings.

Richard Higgins, Chairman (PH/RM)

Nath Morris, Vice Chairman (PH/RM)

Craig Herrington (PH/RM)

Sam Chapman (PH/RM)

Brian Sloan (PH/RM)

William Schofield, Superintendent (PH/RM)

Lee Lovett, Deputy Superintendent (PH/RM)

Dr. Richard Hill, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources (PH/RM)

Dr. Eloise Barron, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning (PH/RM)

Jewel Armour, Executive Director of Operations (PH/RM)

Dr. Aaron Turpin, Executive Director of Information, Technology, and Assessment (PH/RM)

Jerry Huguley, Construction Manager (PH/RM)

Jim Sargent, Director of Student Services (RM)

Gordon Higgins, Director of Community Relations and Athletics (PH)

Cookie Palmer, Director of School Nutrition (RM)

Maria Castillo (PH)                                                    Zulma I. Roman, FBHS Parent (RM)

         The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman, Nath Morris, at 4:00 p.m.

         Superintendent Schofield made opening comments and Dr. Eloise Barron distributed handouts. Dr. Richard Hill then explained timeline rules for speakers.

Board members introduced themselves and the superintendent thanked First Baptist Church for letting them use the church.

Dr. Richard Hill then called on each speaker to begin, as follows:

Comments:

·  Andrea Chastain – Chicopee Village HOA – said 400 showed up, there were 200 names, and 500 people responded against closing Jones for a total of 1100 against closing—potential-done deal--questioned why new redistricting was in place and why Jones’ principal was to be named the new principal at Chicopee Woods, if not already decided to close----causes issues and credibility—doesn’t know where they stand--doesn’t understand having 30 AP’s, cut them

·  Marlin Mayfield – before disrupting lives of children wants to make sure everything is being looked at—very emotional decision

·  Mary Beth Sutton – why can’t dedicate a wing to Pre-K. as a cost effective measure–not leave open to vandals—will cause property values to drop—other ways to restructure building for another money making venture

·  Chad Cobb – Jones PTO group – thanked Board for the second notice—would have been better turn out with longer notice. “What’s going to happen to school?” Next year, another school?—will lose heritage of Hall County—385 students is not a large number—personal feel of elementary school--personal time given to students by teachers. Test scores will go down—main concern--will have to keep doing this—will Jones’ name still be used if school is closed?

·  Emily Williams – said she didn’t finish with bragging on test scores last time—reported on CRCT, Reading/Language Arts, & Math scores and how well they did and how they compared to entire system

·  (Interpreter for next two speakers)

·  Maria Romerez – why is the reason?—good support for children—would like for you to see all achievements they have gained these years--tell teachers and administrators thankful for achievements.

·  Flora delia Soto – questioned if her two children would go to same school if changed to different school (Adm. advised yes)

·  Bobby Lawson- the school has a lot of history and traditions--said there would be a lot of vandalism/real estate problems is school closes.

Chairman Higgins asked if there was anyone else. He then commented that the budget process was a struggle—that things are getting worse and that was the only reason they are considering this. They are trying to save positions. They know it’s not easy—it’s children’s lives. Said he would appreciate prayers on this decision—and that he appreciated Will Schofield’s leadership.

Superintendent Schofield said he wanted to respond to the accusations that closing Jones Elementary School was a “done deal”. He said it was not a done deal—it was one of several options for balancing the 2011 budget in this “Draconian” economy and that the Board was waiting for more information from the state on revenue figures and on the tax digest to get a complete picture before a final decision was made. 

The public hearing ended at 4:35 p.m.

Chairman Higgins invited the audience to attend the regular meeting starting at 5:00 p.m. at the HCSD Central Office Building.

Recess until 5:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER AND ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Chairman Higgins called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the agenda.

Craig Herrington gave the invocation; and visiting “Odyssey of the Mind” student teams, led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

On motion of Brian Sloan, seconded by Nath Morris, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the minutes of March 8, 2010 (Work Session), and March 22, 2010, (Regular Meeting).

Recognitions were planned for 5:30 p.m. but the 4:00 p.m. public hearing prior to the regular meeting ended ahead of schedule and the superintendent asked to go ahead and recognize any of the student teams already present and others would be recognized as they arrived. Dr. Eloise Barron made introductory remarks for the recognitions and team coaches introduced students and made a few comment about their competition projects. Awards were presented to them by designated Board Members. (Photos were taken)

• Martin Elementary – 2010 Odyssey of the Mind  - (Brian Sloan)

• Flowery Branch High School - Varsity Academic Team  - (Brian Sloan)

• Flowery Branch High School – Junior Varsity Academic Team  - (Brian Sloan)

• Logan Allen – The Da Vinci Academy – (Brian Sloan)

• Chad Newstrom – The Da Vinci Academy – (Brian Sloan)

Dr. Eloise Barron presented the following:

1.     “Flu-free School Project” –Linda Adams discussed a program planned this fall for the Health Department to conduct No Cost/low cost flu vaccine clinics in the schools for students and staff. Jim Sargent then recognized Linda Adams and Sheryl Graves, the two cluster nurses present, for the great job they do.

3.     Charter Letter of Intent – Riverbend Elementary –Dr. Debra Smith, Principal of Riverbend, discussed their intention to open a Technology and Communications Academy in August 2010, to prepare their students for the 21^st Century. On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the charter letter of intent for Riverbend, as recommended by the superintendent. Signatures were

4.   Hall County Schools Educational Technology Conference – Dr. Aaron Turpin reviewed information regarding the Hall County Schools Educational Technology Conference at Flowery Branch High School on July 28, 29, & 30, for teachers.  He said about half of the teachers of the online courses were winners of tech grants. Discussion followed.

5.   Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA)/Code of Conduct (COC) – The technology and student services departments have updated their Acceptable Use Agreement and Code of Conduct for staff and students. AUA changes were discussed by Dr. Turpin and COC issues/language changes were discussed by Jim Sargent. The superintendent and Nath Morris expounded further on changes related to the ethical use of cell phones/computers in the classrooms.

      (*More Recognitions – see page 3803)

6.   Field Trips – Dr. Barron reviewed trips. On motion by Brian Sloan, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the list of 14 field trip numbers for April 2010, as recommended by the superintendent.  The list is hereby made a pat of these minutes by reference.

1.   Financial Report – March 31, 2010 – On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Brian Sloan, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Financial Report for March 31, 2010, as recommended by the superintendent. A copy of the report is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

2.   Approval of Payments – March 2010– On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Brian Sloan, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Approval of payments for March 2010, in the amount of $22,608,641.34, as recommended by the superintendent. A copy of is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

      The superintendent thanked Mr. Lovett for his guidance on budget matters for the system. Nath Morris then reported on cuts other systems were making. Chairman Higgins also made comments saying there were no easy solutions.

1.   Bids/RFP Approvals

a.   Custodial Services – Discussion by Lee Lovett on custodial bids for 11 schools put out for bid by Dr. Damon Gibbs, Jerry Huguley, and Larry West.   On motion by Brian Sloan, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the apparent low bid from the vendor, Service Solutions, in the amount of $89,573.84 monthly, as recommended by the superintendent. The bid tabulation is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference. Increasing contract hours during year—save $300,000.

b.   Tracking System Software and Hardware Quotes – Discussion by the superintendent and Dr. Gibbs regarding installing software on 44 vehicles plus 14 in technology. Question on bid length by Sam Chapman. On motion by Craig Herrington, seconded by Brian Sloan, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the apparent low bid of startup cost of $367.99/monthly cost $18.45, from Sprint/Nextel, as recommended by the superintendent.  The bid tabulation is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

      c.   Instructional Digital Content RFP – Discussion by Dr. Turpin. On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the RFP for the Instructional Digital Content, as recommended by the superintendent.

1.     SPLOST Report – None

2.     SPLOST Requests – None

3.     Resolution to Request Ga DOE Assistance in Developing a New Five-year Facilities Plan – The current five-year local facilities plan will expire 2011. Jerry Huguley explained a resolution requesting assistance from GA DOE for a new one to be completed by March 15, 2011. On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Sam Chapman, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the resolution, as recommended by the superintendent. A copy is hereby made a part of these minutes.

4.     Request for Approval to Use CM Method of Delivery – Discussion by the construction manager regarding approval to use the Construction Management Method of Delivery for the work at East Hall High School kitchen renovation and North Hall High School restrooms addition. On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Brian Sloan, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the CM Method of Delivery for those school projects, as recommended by the superintendent.

At 6:11 p.m., on motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting.

Chairman Higgins called for citizen’s comments. There were none.

At 6:12 p.m., on motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted to enter into executive session to discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee. At 6:47, on motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the board voted 5-0 to come out of executive session.  On motion by Craig Herrington, seconded by Brian Sloan, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the superintendent’s certified and classified personnel recommendations as summarized below.  The lists of approved recommendations are hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

A.      0 Resignations

B.      1 Recommendation

C.      0 Transfers

D.      1 Reclassification from Temporary to Permanent Status

E.    10 Long-Term Substitutes

A.      3 Resignations

B.      0 Recommendations

C.      0 Transfers

D.      0 Reclassifications from Temporary to Permanent Status

E.       0 Long-Term Substitutes

F.       0 Other

A.       6 Resignations

B.       3 Recommendations

C.       2 Transfers

D.       0 Other

E.       2Terminations

A.     17 Resignations

B.      0 Recommendations

C.      0 Transfers

D.      0 Other

E.      0 Terminations

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