Hall County Board of Education

                              Work Session

                              February 8, 2010

Board Members:         Richard Higgins, Chairman

                                    Nath Morris, Vice Chairman

                                    Craig Herrington

                                    Sam Chapman

                                    Brian Sloan

William Schofield, 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

Jim Sargent, Director of Student Services

Gordon Higgins, Director of Community Relations and Athletics

Cookie Palmer, Director of School Nutrition

Steven Wang, HCEA                                                              Carrie Moffitt, Technology

Dr. Jackie Adams, WHHS                                                      Jimmy Smith, Technology

Johnny Johnson, Parent                                                          David Robles, IT Coord.

Todd Murrow, Technology                                                    Joe Gheesling, NHHS

Joe Bagwell, EHHS                                                                Gerald Boyd

Dr. Damon Gibbs, JHS                                                           Karol Tullis, School Nutrition

Jeff Cooper, EHHS                                                                 Danette Butcher, SHMS

Lindsay Burton, Leadership Hall                                           Penny Jordan, BOE Clerk

Chairman Higgins called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. 

On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Brian Sloan, the board voted 5-0 to approve the agenda. Superintendent Schofield proceeded with the following:

A.         Board Retreat – Superintendent Schofield announced the Board Retreat would be held on Friday, February 26th, 5:30-9:00 p.m.; and Saturday, February 27th, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Dr. Eloise Barron made introductory comments for the following awards:

A.     Recognitions –

·  North Hall High – 2009 Silver Award from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement for Meeting and Exceeding Standards –Award was presented to Principal, Joe Gheesling, by Nath Morris. NHHS was 1 of 23 in the state to receive this award.

·  West Hall High – 2009 Bronze Award from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement for Meeting and Exceeding Standards – Award was presented to Principal, Dr. Jackie Adams, by Craig Herrington.

B.     21^st Century Classroom Update – East Hall High – Jeff Hardison and Mark Anthony made comments and gave an online presentation on standards based activities created by their 21^st century classroom students.  They also discussed equipment being used in the classroom by the students. Sam Chapman said he had visited the classroom and was amazed at what he saw.

C.     9^th Grade Academy – East Hall High – Principal, Jeff Cooper; and Graduation Coach, Joe Bagwell; made comments and gave an online presentation to the Board seeking support for starting a 9^th Grade Academy at EHHS beginning August 2010, to address high 9^th grade retention rate problems.  Mr. Cooper said it could possibly develop into a model for all Hall County schools. Discussion followed. A plan will be worked on brought back to the Board.

D.     JROTC School of Choice – East Hall High – Dr. Barron and the superintendent noted WHHS has an interest in having this program but it is too costly at this time. After discussion, on motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve for EHHS to be the JROTC School of Choice next year for students interested in JROTC, as recommended by the superintendent.

E.      Board Policy AF – School Day for Students – On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve Policy AF, School Day for Students, a new policy that will align with State Board Policy, and will replace Policy IED (Scheduling for Instruction), which is being repealed by the State Board of Education, as recommended by the superintendent. A copy of the policy is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

F.      21^st Century Instructional Summit – Dr. Aaron Turpin announced the summit was rescheduled to Tuesday, February 16, at 8:15 a.m. at First Baptist Church.

G.     Field Trips – Review of trips by Dr. Barron.  On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the 14 trips on the list plus one received today for EHHS to go to Blairsville for a baseball game on February 27^th, as recommended by the superintendent.  The list of trips is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

A.     Financial Report – January 2010 – Reviewed by the superintendent.

B.     Approval of Payments – December 2009 – Reviewed by the superintendent.

C.     Budget Amendment – February 8, 2010 – Superintendent asked the Board to look over.

Board Members were informed that they would begin discussion of the FY11 Budget at the morning session of the Board Retreat.

A.     Bids/RFP Approvals

         1.      Waste Disposal Extended Contract – Jewel Armour reported an extension was built into the bid and they could keep the same price for the next couple of years, if they were pleased with services. The superintendent said Dr. Stewart and Mr. Lovett are very pleased and want to extend the waste disposal contract for another year-- which they can do for up to 3 years. Nath Morris asked for the bid sheet from two years ago to be provided.

A.     SPLOST Report –

   1.   Analysis of SPLOST III Revenues – Jan. 2010 – Report by the superintendent. The superintendent said there was nothing back on the SPLOST Revenue study in response to Nath Morris’s inquiry, and he would check on it.

2.   LCCA – Potential costs of our new program additions were discussed.

B.     SPLOST Request –

1.   SPLOST III Request – February 8, 2010 – Discussion by Dr. Aaron Turpin on moving approved SPLOST II technology projects to SPLOST III to clean out SPLOST II funds. Jerry Huguley then discussed projects planned for EHH, JHS, and NHHS. On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Brian Sloan, the Board voted 5-0 to approve SPLOST III funds for the February 8, 2010, projects listed below and approved to reduce the JHS project costs from $250,000 to $200,000, as recommended by the superintendent:

NHHS – Drainage at activity field                                         $  95,000.00

JHS – Road Relocation, Restrooms                                       $200,000.00

Martin Elem. – Special Ed. Restroom/Changing Table        $    3,000.00

Technology:                                       

Approved SPLOST II items to be moved to

SPLOST III                                                                             $148,159.00

C.     Naming of New Programs at LCCA – The superintendent suggested continuing naming projects under the umbrella of LCCA (Lanier Charter Career Academy) name, i.e., Bistro at LCCA.

B.     Personnel Packet – Dr. Hill said it was anticipated that action would be taken on a couple of recommendations in the executive session.

            A.     0 Resignations

            B.     2 Recommendations

            C.     1 Transfer

            D.     0 Reclassifications from Temporary to Permanent Status

            E.      3 Long-Term Substitutes

F.      1 Other

            A.     0 Resignations

            B.     0 Recommendations

            C.     0 Transfers

            D.     0 Reclassifications from Temporary to Permanent Status

            E.      0 Long-Term Substitutes

            F.      0 Other

            A.     0 Resignations

            B.     0 Recommendations

            C.     0 Transfers

            D.     0 Other

            E.      1 Termination

            A.     0 Resignations

            B.     0 Recommendations

            C.     0 Transfers

            D.     0 Other

            E.      0 Terminations

The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

                                                                                                Hall County Board of Education

                                                                                                Regular Board Meeting

February 22, 2010

Richard Higgins, Chairman

Nath Morris, Vice Chairman

Craig Herrington

Sam Chapman

Brian Sloan

William Schofield, Superintendent

Lee Lovett, Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Richard Hill, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources

Dr. Eloise Barron, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning

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

Jerry Huguley, Construction Manager

Kathy Culver, Director of Special Education

Jim Sargent, Director of Student Services

Cookie Palmer, Director of School Nutrition

Steve Wang, HCEA                                                    Dr. Sally Krisel, Rigor Specialist

CALL TO ORDER AND ADOPTION OF AGENDA

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

Brian Sloan gave the invocation; and Superintendent Schofield and two Boy Scouts from Troop 203, led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Recognitions:

Dr. Eloise Barron and Kathy Culver made introductory comments. Hall County Special Olympics Leadership Team representative, Scott Crain, followed with comments thanking the Board for allowing Special Olympics in Hall County. He then introduced a student representative for the Leadership Team, Jim Dickerson, who spoke about what it meant to him to be able to participate in the Special Olympics. (Photos were taken of the students recognized with their teachers and Board member from their districts.)

On motion of Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the board voted 5-0 to adopt the minutes of January 11, 2010 (Work Session), and January 25, 2010 (Regular Meeting).

Dr. Eloise Barron presented the following:

1.     FBHS Cell Phone Pilot – Dr. Mark Coleman and two FBHS teachers, Bridget Rodriquez and Kim Grennan, discussed a responsible use of cell phones program they would like to pilot at FBHS. After discussion, on motion by Brian Sloan, seconded by Sam Chapman, the Board voted 5-0 to approve FBHS to pilot a program for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year for the system, as recommended by the superintendent.

2.     9^th Grade Academy Implementation Plan at East Hall High – On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Brian Sloan, the Board voted 5-0 to approve for EHHS to move forward with their plans for beginning a 9^th Grade Academy on the EHHS campus in the 2010-2011 school year, as recommended by the superintendent.

4. Drug Abuse Forum Follow-Up – Jim Sargent and Carol Ann Ligon reported on two drug abuse forums held recently at Gainesville College and Gainesville High School on the growing abuse of prescription drugs and other controlled substances by teens.  A video clip from one of the forums was shared. They thought that a program that is student based and student led would be more effective and suggested a program be piloted in a school next year. Discussion followed by the superintendent and Board members.

5.     Waivers Passed – Dr. Barron announced the following waivers requested by the system had been approved by the state:

160-5-1-.29 Minimum Direct Classroom Expenditures so as to allow the district to spend less than 65% of its funds on direct classroom expenditures due to economic hardship.

160-5-1-.08 Class Size so as to allow the district to increase the maximum class size by 1-3 students in Grades K-12 Regular, Gifted, EIP, Remedial, and CTAE classes.

160-4-2-.14 Instructional Extension so as to allow the district to provide direct instruction during the regular school day.

6.   Field Trips – On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Brian Sloan, the Board voted 5-0 to approve February field trip numbers 16-30 received after the Work Session, as recommended by the superintendent.  The list is hereby made a pat of these minutes by reference.

1. Financial Report and Approval of Payments – On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Financial Report for January 31, 2010, as recommended by the superintendent.  Said financial report is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

2. Approval of Payments – December 2009, & January 2010 – On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the payments for December 2009, in the amount of $32,102,144.43, and payments for January 2010, in the amount of $35,035,354.09, as recommended by the superintendent.  The payments lists are hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

3.   Budget Amendment – February 8, 2010 – Reviewed by Lee Lovett. Comments by the superintendent.  On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the February 8, 2010, Budget Amendment, as recommended by the superintendent.  A copy of the amendment is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference.

         1.   Bids/RFP Approvals - None

         1.   SPLOST Report – Update on the new culinary arts complex and discussion on the possibility of allowing left over funds from the new Flowery Branch High School on Spout Springs Road to be combined with the $350,000 for the LCCA Culinary Arts Complex.

         2.   SPLOST Requests – February 22, 2010 – On motion by Sam Chapman, seconded by Craig Herrington, the Board voted 5-0 to approve taking the residual from the new Flowery Branch High School on Spout Springs Road along with $350,000 and put it in the budget for the LCCA Culinary Arts Complex, as recommended by the superintendent.

1.      Personnel Packet – Dr. Hill noted that Cookie Palmer and Donald Watson would be retiring effective May 31, 2010. 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.      0 Recommendations

C.      2 Transfers

D.    12 Reclassifications from Temporary to Permanent Status

E.      6 Long-Term Substitutes

A.      2 Resignations

B.      0 Recommendations

C.      0 Transfers

D.      0 Reclassifications from Temporary to Permanent Status

E.       0 Long-Term Substitutes

F.       0 Other

A.       8 Resignations

B.       5 Recommendations

C.       8 Transfers

D.       0 Other

E.       1 Termination

A.      0 Resignations

B.      0 Recommendations

C.      0 Transfers

D.      0 Other

E.      0 Terminations

On motion by Nath Morris, seconded by Craig Herrington, the board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

The regular meeting ended at 6:22 P.M.

Chairman Higgins called for citizens comments. 

Brian Sloan announced he would be qualifying for re-election to the Board.

Butch Miller complimented the superintendent and Board for what they are doing for the students  during these economic times.

An executive session was not needed.

                                                                        Hall County Board of Education

Board Retreat

February 26-27, 2010

The Hall County Board of Education held a Board Retreat on Friday evening, February 26, 2010, and Saturday morning, February 27, 2010, in the Hall County School District Central Office Conference Room.  The following were present:

Board Members:      Richard Higgins, Chairman

                                 Nath Morris

                                 Sam Chapman

                                 Craig Herrington                                        

                                 Brian Sloan

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 (Friday only)

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

Jerry Huguley, Construction Manager

Dr. Gary Stewart, Exec. Director of Adm. Services, School Safety & Security

The following agenda was discussed:

• Dinner and preview of retreat                    Will Schofield/Sandy Addis
• Student Presentation/Challenge              Tiffani Poole, Chestatee High
• Video Presentation/Student Panel                       Will Schofield          
• Future Technology Considerations                       Aaron Turpin
• Catalyst Programs in Action                                  Aaron Turpin
• Revising the Balanced Scorecard                        Eloise Barron

• Breakfast and Budget Considerations     Lee, Will, Board, et al

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