Board Agenda
February 27, 2014
The board’s regular public meeting — where most policies, budgets, and personnel decisions get a formal vote.
Agenda items
48
With votes
23
Contested
1
Attendance
No recorded vote.
Voting Members
From the minutes- Mrs. Susan K Sipe , President - Dr. Thelma D. Dillard , Vice President - Mrs. Ella S. Carter , Board Member - Mr. Jason E. Downey , Board Member - Mrs. Lynn Farmer , Board Member - Mr. Thomas Hudson , Board Member - Dr. Wanda West , Board Member - Mr. Lester M. Miller , Treasurer
No recorded vote.
Non-Voting Members
From the minutes- Dr. Steve Smith , Interim Superintendent
No recorded vote.
Call to Order
The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Macy Watson, Trey Foust and Sydni Dozier, 11th grade students from Rutland High School.
No recorded vote.
Invocation
Approves the official record (minutes) of an earlier meeting.
Official wordingConfirmation of Minutes
From the minutesAll Board Meeting Minutes were approved. Mr. Jason E. Downey was not present to vote. - Motion made by: Dr. Wanda West - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard - Vote Not Recorded: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Yes: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
January 16, 2014 – Board Meeting
No recorded vote.
Called Board Minutes 1-21-14
No recorded vote.
February 1, 2014 – Called Board Meeting – Facility Tour
No recorded vote.
Called Board Meeting Minutes 2-10-14
No recorded vote.
Report of the Interim Superintendent
From the minutesMs. Sylvia Hooker, Deputy Supt., School Improvement presented the Report of the Superintendent. Highlights and Recognitions Top Competitors at Bibb Spelling Bee Recognized Christian Lee, a fifth-grader at Springdale Elementary School, correctly spelled the word "massage" to win the Bibb County Spelling Bee on Saturday, January 25. The top spellers from District elementary and middle schools competed in the annual Bi…
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Ms. Sylvia Hooker, Deputy Supt., School Improvement presented the Report of the Superintendent. Highlights and Recognitions Top Competitors at Bibb Spelling Bee Recognized Christian Lee, a fifth-grader at Springdale Elementary School, correctly spelled the word "massage" to win the Bibb County Spelling Bee on Saturday, January 25. The top spellers from District elementary and middle schools competed in the annual Bibb County Spelling Bee, which was sponsored by the Bibb Association of Educators and hosted at Central High School . Keshon Hopkins, an eighth-grader at Weaver Middle School, took second place, and Aman Boricha-Masand, a fifth-grader at Alexander II Magnet School, took third place. The top two winners from this event, Christian and Keshon, are eligible to participate in the District Six Competition on March 1 at 10 a.m. at Fort Valley State University. The winner from the District Six Competition will advance to the State Spelling Bee Competition on March 21 at 11 a.m. at Georgia State University in Atlanta. 2014 STAR Students, Teachers Receive Accolades: Five District students and their teachers were recognized at the 2014 STAR Student and Teacher Banquet on February 18 at Middle Georgia State College. The event was hosted and sponsored by Middle Georgia State College, Central Georgia Health System, and State Bank & Trust Company, in partnership with the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). • From Central High School, Darby Mowell and teacher Christopher Kirby. • From Howard High School, Teva Ilan and teacher Amy Brand. • From Hutchings Career Center, Victravia Freeman and teacher Lawrence Robinson. • Rutland High School, Ariele Carswell and teacher Sara Elliot. • Westside High School, Mark Clayton and teacher Daniel Brown. The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, now in its 56th year, is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Department of Education. Since its inception, the STAR program has honored more than 24,000 students and the teachers they have selected as having had the most influence on their academic success. To obtain the STAR nomination, graduating high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the three-part SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. STAR begins each year in participating high schools throughout Georgia when the STAR Student is named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share this recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the more than 165 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system titles, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners then compete for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. Northeast Junior Wins First Place in Georgetown Club of Georgia Writing Contest: Science enthusiast Auriel Wright recently won first place in the Georgetown Club of Georgia writing contest. She was awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her essay entitled "Ops Plan." The scholarship required her to declare what she would do if she was given $50 million to help a world cause. Her response to the prompt included a three-part plan where she used telemedicine, genetically modified seeds and the Cambodian water filter to provide nutrients to the soil and to the people without harming them. Auriel is a junior at Northeast High. There she finds her place helping other students and spearheading fundraisers. She is president of the Health Occupation Student Association (HOSA) chapter at Northeast and a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). She volunteers at Twin Cedars where she helps with peer projects, including aiding students with interviews. She has also volunteered with Red Cross for the past two years. With career goals that include the medical field, keeping up her grades is very important to her. She wants to become either a medical researcher or a general physician and hopes to attend Georgia Tech. Howard High Senior Named Semifinalist in Intel Science Talent Search 2014: Teva Ilan, a Howard High School senior, was one of 300 students nationwide to be named a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search 2014. As a semifinalist, Teva will receive a $1,000 award. In addition, Howard High School will receive $1,000 in recognition of its excellence in science education. The Intel Science Talent Search brings together the best and brightest young scientific minds in the United States to compete for $1.25 million in awards. Semifinalists were selected from nearly 1,800 entrants hailing from 489 high schools throughout the country. The accomplishment comes after Teva placed fourth at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix in May 2013. The results of his project, "Response of Soil Invertebrates to Electromagnetic Stimuli," were published in a scientific journal, the "International Journal for Parasitology" (Volume 43, Issue 10, September 2013). Teva is also one of 16,000 National Merit Scholar semifinalists. He was also recently named National Merit Scholar Finalist. At Howard High, Teva is a part of Student Council, BETA Club, the String Orchestra, National Honor Society and the Science Club. Teva also plays for the Macon Youth Symphony Orchestra. He is an Eagle Scout and president of his synagogue’s religious youth group. He plans to attend college and pursue a career in physics. Westside High Teacher Receives National Attention: Westside High School Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) Coordinator Philip A. Starke was named the 2013 recipient of the Breaking Tradition Achievement Award from the Career Technical Education Equity Council (CTEEC). The Breaking Tradition Achievement Award recognizes an individual or company that has demonstrated distinguished achievement or performance that had a national impact on public attitude regarding gender equity and/or stereotyping. Mr. Starke was selected for this award because of his outstanding commitment to equity in career and technical education as an advocate for students with disabilities. Rutland High Teacher Nominated for Teacher Turn the Key Award: Rutland High Agricultural Science instructor Jeff Wilson was recently nominated for the Teacher Turn the Key Award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators. This award recognizes agricultural science teachers who excel and possess less than three years of teaching experience. Mr. Wilson has taught in the Bibb County School District for two years. At Rutland he not only teaches agricultural education, but is their FFA chapter sponsor. Three District Schools Named AP Honor Schools: On Monday, February 24, State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge named three District schools Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools. Howard, Northeast, and Rutland high schools were each named 2014 AP STEM Schools. Howard High School also was named an AP STEM Achievement School, and Northeast High School also was named an AP Challenge School. "We're excited about the AP recognitions received by Howard, Northeast and Rutland high schools," said District Director of Gifted/Advanced Academics Dr. Tandi Pressley. "AP coursework is a proven pathway toward college readiness. Students who participate in AP courses across all content areas will be better positioned to meet the challenges of the 21st century." AP classes and exams are administered by the College Board, which also administers the SAT. These courses offer rigorous college-level learning options to students in high school. Students who receive a 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams may receive college credit. The AP Honor Schools are named in five categories, based on the results of 2013 AP classes and exams: \- AP CHALLENGE SCHOOLS: Schools of 900 or fewer students with students testing in four of the core areas (English, math, science, and social studies). \- AP ACCESS & SUPPORT SCHOOLS: Schools with at least 30 percent of their AP exams taken by students who identified themselves as African- American and/or Hispanic and 30 percent of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. \- AP MERIT SCHOOLS: Schools with at least 20 percent of the student population taking AP exams and at least 50 percent of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. \- AP STEM SCHOOLS: Schools with students testing in at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses (AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics B, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science). \- AP STEM ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOLS: Schools with students testing in at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses, and at least 40 percent of the exam scores on AP math and AP science exams earning scores of 3 or higher.No recorded vote.
OTHER REMARKS
INVITATION TO VISITORS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD - Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.
From the minutesThe following community guests were invited to speak for three minutes: Darren Latch: Addressed the Board regarding candidacy as a future board member; continue to work through the budget; and hoping the graduation rate will increase. Andrian Harmon: Addressed the Board regarding disparity in the construction industry;African Americans are not being hired for construction work in the school District. Gwen Westbrook:…
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The following community guests were invited to speak for three minutes: Darren Latch: Addressed the Board regarding candidacy as a future board member; continue to work through the budget; and hoping the graduation rate will increase. Andrian Harmon: Addressed the Board regarding disparity in the construction industry;African Americans are not being hired for construction work in the school District. Gwen Westbrook: Addressed the Board regarding disparity in the construction industry in Macon with the African American businesses; equality given to all minorities; and working with voter registration of graduating high school seniors. Shawn Stafford: Addressed the Board regarding practices in the capital improvement program; examine all factors in the selection process of the construction industry contractors; and provide fairness in the construction management risk.No recorded vote.
Report of Standing Committees
No recorded vote.
INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES
Approves applying for a school improvement grant.
Official wordingIS-1 Request to Apply for School Improvement Grant
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Mr. Jason E. Downey Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves the conversion to a College and Career Charter Academy.
Official wordingIS-2 Conversion College and Career Charter Academy
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves applying for the 2014 GEAR UP grant.
Official wordingIS-3 Intent to Apply for GEAR-UP 2014 Grant Competition
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Wanda West Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves the 2014-2015 school calendar.
Official wordingIS-5 2014-2015 School Calendar
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Yes
Approves a plan for weather-related school days under state rules.
Official wordingIS-6 State Board of Education Weather and School Days
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Mr. Thomas Hudson Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Yes
Seeks a state waiver from standard class-size limits for grades K-12 for the 2014-2015 school year.
Official wordingIS-7 Class Size Waiver for Grades K-12 for the 2014-2015 Academic Year
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Wanda West
FISCAL SERVICES
Declares district property as surplus.
Official wordingFS-3 School District Surplus Property
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Mr. Jason E. Downey Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Yes
Accepts the audit of the district's finances for the year ending June 30, 2013.
Official wordingFS-4 Audit of the Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013
From the minutesFor the record during the Committee Board Meeting, Mrs. Sipe made a motion to appoint the Officers of the Board and Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith to look at what options are available as far as finding a firm or company to possibly conduct a fiduciary investigation or the matters discussed in the 2013 Audit; seconded by Mr. Downey and approved 6-2. Mr. Hudson and Mrs. Carter opposed. The motion below is…
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For the record during the Committee Board Meeting, Mrs. Sipe made a motion to appoint the Officers of the Board and Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith to look at what options are available as far as finding a firm or company to possibly conduct a fiduciary investigation or the matters discussed in the 2013 Audit; seconded by Mr. Downey and approved 6-2. Mr. Hudson and Mrs. Carter opposed. The motion below is the agenda item FS-4. - Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Mr. Thomas Hudson Voting results: Unanimously approved8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Yes
Approves the second amendment to the fiscal year 2014 budget.
Official wordingFS-5 Superintendent's Recommended FY2014 Budget Amendment No. 2
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Mr. Jason E. Downey Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
SUPPORT SERVICES
Extends the DCS cabling contract through January 31, 2015.
Official wordingSS-1 DCS - Cabling Contract (Extension of work until January 31, 2015)
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Wanda West Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Extends the Layer 3 network electronics and backup power contract.
Official wordingSS-2 Layer 3 - Network Electronics and UPS (Extension of work until
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Wanda West Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Extends the Layer 3 wireless network contract through January 31, 2015.
Official wordingSS-3 Layer 3 - Wireless LAN (Extension of work until January 31, 2015)
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Wanda West Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves the Presidio data center project to begin immediately.
Official wordingSS-4 Presidio - Datacenter Project (To begin immediately)
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves a new Cox wide-area network and internet access agreement, an E-rate project starting July 1, 2014.
Official wordingSS-5 Cox - New WAN/IA (Erate project that will begin July 1, 2014)
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves a Cox COLA agreement for an E-rate project beginning July 1, 2014.
Official wordingSS-6 Cox – COLA Agreement (Erate project that will begin July 1, 2014)
From the minutes- Motion made by: Dr. Wanda West - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves an agreement with the state for the Georgia Diesel Retrofit grant project.
Official wordingSS-8 Memorandum of Agreement between GA Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division and Bibb County School District for CMAQ GA Diesel Retrofit Project CDFA#20.205
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Mr. Thomas Hudson Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Awards bids for district computers.
Official wordingSS-9 Computer Bids for Bibb County School District
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Susan K Sipe Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Yes
POLICIES AND RULES
PERSONNEL SERVICES
Votes to meet privately on matters state law lets boards close — like personnel, lawsuits, property, or safety. No final decisions are made behind closed doors.
Official wordingExecutive Session – Personnel Matters/Future Acquisition of Property/Pending Litigation
From the minutesMr. Downey made a motion to enter Executive Sessio n at 8:43 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Hudson and approved 8-0. Mr. Downey made a motion to exit Executive Session at 9:10 p.m.; seconded by Dr. West and approved 8-0. No business taken in Executive Session. Mr. Downey made a motion to authorize Mrs. Sipe, Board President to sign order approving the tribunal's order approving the Superintendent's recommendation to terminat…
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Mr. Downey made a motion to enter Executive Sessio n at 8:43 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Hudson and approved 8-0. Mr. Downey made a motion to exit Executive Session at 9:10 p.m.; seconded by Dr. West and approved 8-0. No business taken in Executive Session. Mr. Downey made a motion to authorize Mrs. Sipe, Board President to sign order approving the tribunal's order approving the Superintendent's recommendation to terminate the employment contract of an educator (M.W.); seconded by Mrs. Farmer and approved 8-0.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: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
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: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Wanda West Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves an employee assistance program agreement with Southern Behavioral Services.
Official wordingPS-3 Employee Assistance Program Agreement between MCG EAP Services dba Southern Behavioral Services and Bibb County School District
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Dr. Wanda West Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Yes
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Yes
Hires Lashonda Gilbert as assistant principal at Vineville Academy of the Arts.
Official wordingPS-4 Recommendation for the Assistant Principal of Vineville Academy
From the minutesThe appointment of Lashonda Gilbert as Assistant Principal of Vineville Academy of the Arts. - Motion made by: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Motion seconded by: Dr. Wanda West Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Yes
New Business
Legislative Delegate Appointments
Official wordingNB-1 Legislative Delegate Appointments
From the minutesMrs. Sipe asked for volunteers as a Delegate. Mr. Jason E. Downey was appointed as the Board Delegate and Mr. Tom Hudson was appointed as an alternate Board Delegate.
No recorded vote.
Special Committee Appointments
Official wordingNB-2 Special Committee Appointments
From the minutesMrs. Sipe appointed Dr. Thelma Dillard and Mrs. Lynn Farmer. Mrs. Sipe will be removed from this committee. Mrs. Sipe asked for volunteers to serve on the AdvancED Committee. The AdvancED Review team will be here on April 28-29. Dr. Wanda West will chair the committee and Lynn Farmer will assist. The committee will report to the Board before the District Spring Break of March 31-April 4, 2014. The AdvancED BOE Team…
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Mrs. Sipe appointed Dr. Thelma Dillard and Mrs. Lynn Farmer. Mrs. Sipe will be removed from this committee. Mrs. Sipe asked for volunteers to serve on the AdvancED Committee. The AdvancED Review team will be here on April 28-29. Dr. Wanda West will chair the committee and Lynn Farmer will assist. The committee will report to the Board before the District Spring Break of March 31-April 4, 2014. The AdvancED BOE Team will meet with Dr. West and Mrs. Farmer. Dr. Smith presented the following Board Meeting Dates to the Board: Budget Planning Days: Called Board Meeting - Tuesday, March 4th - Community Input Committee/Regular Board meeting - March 20th Called Board Meeting - Tuesday, April 8th Committee/Regular Board Meeting - April 17th Called Board Meeting - May 6th - Budget Committee/Regular Board Meeting - May 15th (Recommend and Approve Budget) Parliamentary Procedure and Board Governance: Called Board Meeting - March 6th Called Board Meeting - March 25th Alternative Day Citizens Policy Advisory Committee Meetings: Called Board Meeting - April 24th AdvancED Review: April 28th or April 29th Dr. Steven Smith indicated that the Five-Year Facilities plan was sent to the Georgia Department of Education for approval and no information has been received. When the information is received, it can will be discussed at one of the Called Board Meetings. Mr. Hudson requested to add the Plan of Minority Women Vendors of contractors across the board on the March agenda. Dr. West requested a report of who participated in the Vendor Fair held on February 27-28, 2014. Mrs. Farmer commented on the District Bids process; Construction management at risk.No recorded vote.
Old Business
Superintendent Search Update
Official wordingOB-1 Superintendent Search Update
From the minutesMrs. Susan K. Sipe: GSBA will be sending weekly updates; March 28th is the closing date for the search; and applications will be submitted to the Board for review.
No recorded vote.
Ends the meeting.
Official wordingAdjourn
From the minutesThe meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m. - Motion made by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard - Motion seconded by: Mr. Lester M. Miller Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Yes