Board Agenda
October 17, 2013
The board’s regular public meeting — where most policies, budgets, and personnel decisions get a formal vote.
Agenda items
38
With votes
13
Contested
3
Attendance
No recorded vote.
Voting Members
From the minutes- Dr. Wanda West , President - Mrs. Susan K Sipe , Vice President - Mrs. Ella S. Carter , Board Member - Mrs. Lynn Farmer , Board Member - Mr. Thomas Hudson , Board Member - Mr. Lester M. Miller , Board Member - Dr. Thelma D. Dillard , Treasurer
No recorded vote.
Non-Voting Members
From the minutes- Dr. Steve Smith , Interim Superintendent Mr. Jason E. Downey-Absent
No recorded vote.
Call to Order
District All Service Color Guard
From the minutesThe District All Service Color Guard was presented by students from the District High Schools.
No recorded vote.
Pledge
Invocation
Approves the official record (minutes) of an earlier meeting.
Official wordingConfirmation of Minutes
No recorded vote.
Approves the minutes of the September 19, 2013 board meeting.
Official wordingSeptember 19, 2013 Board Meeting
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Susan K Sipe Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves the minutes of the September 20-21, 2013 board retreat.
Official wordingSeptember 20-21, 2013 Board Retreat
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Susan K Sipe Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Special Recognitions
From the minutes2013-2014 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Alexander II Magnet School - Crystal Walker Barden Elementary School - Shannon Milton Bernd Elementary School - Angela Howard Brookdale Elementary School - Jondrea Harris Bruce Elementary School - Kimberly Jackson Burdell-Hunt Magnet School - Teresa Little Burghard Elementary School - Leticia Dinkins Carter Elementary School - Jessica Brown Hartley Elementary School - Tracey Butts Hear…
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2013-2014 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Alexander II Magnet School - Crystal Walker Barden Elementary School - Shannon Milton Bernd Elementary School - Angela Howard Brookdale Elementary School - Jondrea Harris Bruce Elementary School - Kimberly Jackson Burdell-Hunt Magnet School - Teresa Little Burghard Elementary School - Leticia Dinkins Carter Elementary School - Jessica Brown Hartley Elementary School - Tracey Butts Heard Elementary School - Jacqueline Van Tone Heritage Elementary School - Tracy Clayton Ingram-Pye Elementary School - Synja Turner Jones Elementary School - Melanese Parker King-Danforth Elementary School - Daviea’ Flowers Lane Elementary School - Cindy Olson Morgan Elementary School - Glenda Davidson Porter Elementary School - Claudia Montford Rice Elementary School - Telli Hughes Riley Elementary School - Brittany Austin Skyview Elementary School - Kristy Doles Springdale Elementary School - Jennifer Johnston Taylor Elementary School - Catrice Allen Union Elementary School - Brandi Edwards Vineville Academy of the Arts - Kathleen Thomas Williams Elementary School - Robert Shepherd Jr. Appling Middle School - Patricia Thomas Williams Ballard-Hudson Middle School - Shayla Young Bloomfield Middle School - Chanda Williams Howard Middle School - Dana Goshorn Miller Magnet Middle School - Greta Renfus Rutland Middle School - Rosalyn Wiley-Tobler Weaver Middle School - Christine Lastinger Central High School - James Bawlson Howard High School - Dinah Redding Hutchings Career Center - Lawrence Robinson Northeast High School - Darryl Silas Rutland High School - Hema Keerthi Southwest High School - Dominique Lane Westside High School - Michael Womack Elam Alexander Academy - Eddie English Northwoods Academy - Toni Pitts Media Specialist of the Year - Jane Hardy, Lane Elementary School 2013-2014 Finalists are: - Jessica Brown – Carter Elementary School. Mrs. Brown is now in her fifth year of teaching at Carter Elementary School. She has an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Macon State College, which she received in 2009. In 2013, she earned her Master’s in Special Education from Georgia College and State University. - Dana Goshorn – Howard Middle School. Mrs. Goshorn has taught in Bibb County for six years. She previously taught in Staunton, Va. Mrs. Goshorn is ESOL, or English for Speakers of Other Languages, certified and has a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education, which she received from Berry College in 2007. - Brittany Austin – Riley Elementary School. Ms. Austin has taught at Riley Elementary School since 2010. She is certified in ESOL, or English for Speakers of Other Languages, endorsement. Ms. Austin received a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Macon State College in 2010. She earned a Master's degree in Early Education from Wesleyan College in 2011 and a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia College and State University in 2013. - Hema Keerthi – Rutland High School. Mrs. Keerthi, who is certified in both Gifted and Advanced Placement (AP), has taught at Rutland High School for eight years. There, she teaches AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and Accelerated Math III and IV. She is a 1992 graduate of Bangalore University and has a Master's of Mathematics Education from Georgia College and State University, which she received in 2012. - Rosalyn Wiley-Tobler – Rutland Middle School. Mrs. Wiley-Tobler has taught eighth grade Physical Science at Rutland Middle School since 2005. She has an undergraduate degree in Physics from Talladega College, which she received in 1991, and a Master's of Business Administration, which she received from Wesleyan College in 2005. - Catrice Allen – Taylor Elementary School. Mrs. Allen has taught in Bibb County for seven years. She taught high school science at Southwest High School before moving to Taylor Elementary School where she now teaches fifth grade. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 2006 and a Master's in Early Childhood Education in 2011 from Wesleyan College. - Robert Shepherd, Jr. – Williams Elementary School. Mr. Shepherd has taught in Bibb County since 2007. He is certified in special education. Mr. Shepherd earned an Associate of Science in Business Administration and an Associate of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications in 2003 from Macon State College. In 2006, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Information Technology – Track in Cross Culture Issues from Macon State College. He also received a Masters of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Wesleyan College in 2010. Mr. Shepherd is currently working on his Doctorate of Education in Technology Integration into the Classroom from Argosy University. The 2013-2014 Bibb County Teacher of the Year will be named at the 2013-2014 Bibb County Teacher of the Year Banquet on Thursday, November 7, at the University Center at Mercer University. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. On behalf of Dr. Smith and the Board Members, Sharon Roberts, Director of Accounting was recognized for serving almost a year as the Interim Chief Financial Officer. Organization Recognized for Partnership with Southwest High Representatives from Alpha Phi Alpha were recognized for forming a partnership with Southwest High School to provide mentoring services for students. Through the partnership, members of Alpha Phi Alpha have organized PSAT workshops for students at Southwest High and donated school supplies. They also will be joining students for lunch and attending football games, in addition to working closely with the school to provide additional academic support throughout the school year. They also intend to mentor students outside of the school environment. For example, this weekend they will gather with students to work on a project for Habitat for Humanity. Southwest students also may participate in the organization's annual cotillion and the organization also offers scholarship opportunities to students.No recorded vote.
Invitation to Visitors to Address the Board
From the minutesNo public comments.
No recorded vote.
Instructional Services
From the minutesNo Action Items.
No recorded vote.
Fiscal Services
No recorded vote.
Selects an architect for the Miller gym project.
Official wordingFS-4 Architect for Miller Gym Recommendation
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Susan K Sipe Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Advertises for construction bids for the Miller gym project.
Official wordingFS-5 RFP for Construction Services for Miller Gym Project
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Susan K Sipe Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Item Pulled
Official wordingFS-6 Item Pulled
No recorded vote.
Approves the district's Head Start operating agreement.
Official wordingFS-7 Head Start Operating Agreement
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer
Item Pulled
Official wordingFS-8 Item Pulled
No recorded vote.
Item Pulled
Official wordingFS-9 Item Pulled
No recorded vote.
Support Services
No recorded vote.
Awards the district's natural gas bid.
Official wordingSS-1 Natural Gas Bid
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Item Pulled
Official wordingSS-2 Item Pulled
From the minutesAgenda Item was tabled until the November 21, 2013 Board Meeting.
No recorded vote.
Advertises for bids for insurance brokerage services.
Official wordingSS-3 Solicitation for Request for Proposals for Insurance Brokerage Services
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Advertises for bids for excess workers' compensation insurance.
Official wordingSS-4 Solicitation for Request for Proposals for Excess Workers Compensation Insurance
From the minutesPage 8, (4) Change contract date from December 1, 2013 to effective date January 1, 2014. - Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Policy and Rules
From the minutesInterim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith updated Board members on the process of updating the District's policies. In June 2013, Board members voted to enter into an agreement with the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) to assist the District with policy revision and development. Dr. Smith said GSBA is still reviewing policies and will meet with him and members of the Board's Policies and Rules Committee in…
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Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith updated Board members on the process of updating the District's policies. In June 2013, Board members voted to enter into an agreement with the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) to assist the District with policy revision and development. Dr. Smith said GSBA is still reviewing policies and will meet with him and members of the Board's Policies and Rules Committee in the coming months to go over the list of policies that are fine to leave as they are currently written, the policies that need updating, and the policies that either conflict with or repeat state law and should be removed.No recorded vote.
Personnel Services
From the minutesExecutive Session - Personnel Matters/Future Acquisition of Property/Pending Litigation Mrs. Carter made a motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:42 p.m. for the purpose of personnel matters, future acquisition of property and pending litigation was made by Dr. Dillard and approved 7-0. Mr. Downey was absent. A motion to exit Executive Session at 9:13 p.m. was made by Mrs. Sipe; seconded by Mr. Miller and appro…
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Executive Session - Personnel Matters/Future Acquisition of Property/Pending Litigation Mrs. Carter made a motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:42 p.m. for the purpose of personnel matters, future acquisition of property and pending litigation was made by Dr. Dillard and approved 7-0. Mr. Downey was absent. A motion to exit Executive Session at 9:13 p.m. was made by Mrs. Sipe; seconded by Mr. Miller and approved 7-0. Mr. Downey was absent. No action was taken during Executive Session. Mr. Miller made a motion to settle two legal suits against the District, one for the amount of $8,750.00 to settle with Howard vs Elaine Clowers and one for the amount of $5,000.00 with Harold Prosser vs Board of Education; seconded by Mrs. Farmer and approved 7-0. Mr. Downey was absent.No recorded vote.
Approves new hires and job transfers for both teaching and support staff.
Official wordingPS-1 Appointments and Transfers–Certified/Classified Personnel
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Susan K Sipe Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves a list of employees leaving the district — resignations, retirements, and terminations.
Official wordingPS-2 Separations from Employment
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Moves Sylvia Hooker, Deputy Superintendent for School Improvement, from part-time to full-time.
Official wordingPS-3 Recommendation of Sylvia Hooker, Deputy Superintendent School Improvement from Part-time to Full-time Effective 11-1, 2013
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer
Keeps Bruce Giroux at 49% time as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.
Official wordingPS-4 Recommendation of Bruce Giroux to Continue at 49% as Deputy Superintendent Teaching and Learning
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard
Old Business
Channel 17- Televise Board Meetings
Official wordingOB-1 Channel 17- Televise Board Meetings
From the minutesDistrict to Partner with 41NBC for Management of Public Access TV Channel Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith announced that the District will be partnering with 41NBC to handle management of the District's Public Access television channel. 41NBC will not own the station or choose stories for content; the station will simply manage the channel and film stories as determined by the District. Stories airing on…
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District to Partner with 41NBC for Management of Public Access TV Channel Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith announced that the District will be partnering with 41NBC to handle management of the District's Public Access television channel. 41NBC will not own the station or choose stories for content; the station will simply manage the channel and film stories as determined by the District. Stories airing on the channel will be set up through the District's Communications / Community and School Affairs Department, and will filmed by staff at 41NBC. The District hopes to begin airing five to eight stories a week on the public access channel within the next month. Currently, the District's Public Access television channel is available on Channel 17 with Cox Communications Digital Cable, and on Channel 93.1 with a Digital Tuner Ready TV or Digital Box. 41NBC also will provide streaming services so that the channel airs live on the Internet as , once it becomes available.No recorded vote.
Strategic Plan Update
Official wordingOB-2 Strategic Plan Update
From the minutesDr. Smith told the Board that Retired Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver has agreed to work with Board members to address required actions regarding governance. Brig. Gen. Rodeheaver will initially help the Board to develop its own Strategic Plan to align with the District's Strategic Plan. Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement Sylvia Hooker also noted the District will focus internally on the three other areas req…
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Dr. Smith told the Board that Retired Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver has agreed to work with Board members to address required actions regarding governance. Brig. Gen. Rodeheaver will initially help the Board to develop its own Strategic Plan to align with the District's Strategic Plan. Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement Sylvia Hooker also noted the District will focus internally on the three other areas requiring action: technology, professional development, and grading procedures. She said a timeline will be developed to address these items in advance of the External Review Team’s return next spring.No recorded vote.
GSBA Superintendent Search
Official wordingOB-3 GSBA Superintendent Search
From the minutesSearch for Superintendent Moves Forward Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith and Board President Dr. Wanda West have been in contact with Jim Puckett of Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) regarding the search for a permanent superintendent. Mr. Puckett will likely attend the regular session meeting in November to discuss a potential timeline for the search process.
No recorded vote.
New Business
Winter Graduation Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Central High School
Official wordingNB-1 Winter Graduation Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Central High School
From the minutesThe date for Winter Graduation was announced during the meeting. Winter Graduation will be held Thursday, January 23, 2014, at 6 p.m. at Central High School, 2155 Napier Avenue, Macon.
No recorded vote.
Ends the meeting.
Official wordingAdjourn
From the minutesThe meeting was adjourned at 9:46 p.m. - Motion made by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer Voting results: Unanimously approved
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes