Board Meeting
January 16, 2014
The board’s regular public meeting — where most policies, budgets, and personnel decisions get a formal vote.
Agenda items
32
With votes
13
Contested
2
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 - Mr. Jason E. Downey , 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
No recorded vote.
Call to Order
The Pledge of Allegiance
From the minutesThe Pledge of Allegiance was led by Devon Barnes and Natalie Snead, 5th grade students at Burdell-Hunt Magnet School.
No recorded vote.
Invocation
Approves the official record (minutes) of an earlier meeting.
Official wordingConfirmation of Minutes
No recorded vote.
Approves the minutes of the December 19, 2013 board meeting.
Official wordingDecember 19, 2013 – Board Meeting
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Motion seconded by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Yes
Report of the Interim Superintendent
From the minutesDr. Smith introduced the Connect 2 Compete Group. Nationally three out of four K-12 teachers assign homework which requires Internet research. Hence the goal of Connect2Compete and Macon partners, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Bibb County School District, Cox Communications and Quality Computer Systems is to facilitate home Internet access for every Bibb student. Brought to Macon as a pilot program…
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Dr. Smith introduced the Connect 2 Compete Group. Nationally three out of four K-12 teachers assign homework which requires Internet research. Hence the goal of Connect2Compete and Macon partners, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Bibb County School District, Cox Communications and Quality Computer Systems is to facilitate home Internet access for every Bibb student. Brought to Macon as a pilot program by the Knight Foundation and Cox, Connect2Compete offered families in the free lunch program affordable Cox Internet ($9.95 a month) and computers ($150 for a desktop, $199 for a laptop) via online or phone registrations. The 2012 Connect2Compete pilot (in which Bibb schools were the top performing market) clearly indicated that qualifying Bibb school families wanted a local computer retailer who would allow cash and installment transactions and coach families through computer features and options. On August 7, 2013, owner Brad Spiegel announced Quality Computer Systems, located at 2940 Riverside Drive, would serve as the local Connect2Compete (C2C) partner for affordable computers. Mr. Spiegelʼs commitment to Bibb schools and connectivity has been extraordinary. Within the first few weeks, he responded to demand and expanded the offer to all Bibb school families versus only those in the Free Lunch Program. He went above and beyond the C2C product criteria, buying only metal framed laptops, installing Microsoft Office 2010 (versus 2007), adding a larger 15" screen option for laptops, and even offering lower priced options ($99 laptops) to school families. The staff at Quality Computer Systems jumped in to set up a Connect2Compete showroom at the front of the store, load links to recommended educational websites on each C2C computer, coach Connect2Compete clients about computers, and even gave up a Saturday morning to serve as the tech gurus for Maconʼs EveryoneOn Day. Mr. Spiegelʼs compassion matches his passion for connectivity. In December when Quality Computers began to get calls from installment customers struggling to pay for gifts, Brad and his staff forgave the remaining debt for 16 C2C customers, calling each to come pick up their computers that day. It is no surprise that Quality Computers Systemsʼ participation in Connect2Compete has essentially tripled the number of Connect2Compete computers sold to Bibb school families, selling well over 325 laptops and desktops within the last six months. The Bibb County School District and Connect2Compete is fortunate to partner with community citizens like Quality Computers, Cox Communications and the Knight Foundation. The Connect2Compete discounts continue through December 31, 2014. To learn more about Connect2Compete, visit www.connect2compete.org/cox, or visit Quality Computer Systems, located at 2940 Riverside Drive in Macon. Five Schools Recognized as Reward Schools for High Performance and Progress: The Bibb County School District is proud to announce that five schools have been designated as Reward Schools by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), with one of them being categorized as a Highest-Performing School. Alexander II Magnet School has been designated as a Reward School - Highest-Performing School. A Highest-Performing School is a Title I school among the 5 percent of Title I schools in the state that has the highest absolute performance over three years for the "all students" group on the statewide assessments. A school may not be classified as a Highest-Performing School if it has been identified as a Priority, Focus, or Alert School. Four schools have been identified as a Reward School - Highest Progress: Bernd Elementary, Burdell-Hunt Magnet, Appling Middle, and Bloomfield Middle. A High-Progress School is a Title I school among the 10 percent of Title I schools in the state that is making the most progress in improving the performance of the "all students" group over three years on the statewide assessments. A school may not be classified as a High-Progress School if it has been identified as a Priority, Focus, or Alert School. "We are excited about the progress these schools are making," Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith said. "It's a credit to the teamwork of the administration, faculty, staff, students, and parents. Our Offices of School Improvement and Teaching and Learning are aligning their work to increase achievement in all Bibb County schools. It demonstrates that working together we can accomplish our goals of success. I look forward to even greater progress in the future."No recorded vote.
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 regarding Bernd Elementary School. All community guests were in support to keep Bernd Elementary School open. Aisha Thompson Anaya Patterson Tyler Smith Keisha Williams LaTesha Eason Nakeitra Odoms, PTO President-Bernd ES Doretha Calhoun Edward Barnes Janice T. Davis: Addressed the Board regarding Riley Elementary School; Ms. Davis represents the…
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The following community guests were invited to speak for three minutes regarding Bernd Elementary School. All community guests were in support to keep Bernd Elementary School open. Aisha Thompson Anaya Patterson Tyler Smith Keisha Williams LaTesha Eason Nakeitra Odoms, PTO President-Bernd ES Doretha Calhoun Edward Barnes Janice T. Davis: Addressed the Board regarding Riley Elementary School; Ms. Davis represents the Greenbriar Neighborhood Association; she read a poem and thanked the Board for their consideration not to close Riley Elementary School.No recorded vote.
Instructional Services
No recorded vote.
Approves a modified dress code for Heard Elementary School starting in 2014-2015.
Official wordingIS-2 Official Recommendation of Heard School Council for a Modified Dress Code
From the minutesDr. West was not present to vote. Board members approved a modified dress code for Heard Elementary School beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year. The modified dress code recommendation was presented by the Heard Elementary School Council. - Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Mr. Jason E. Downey Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. C…
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Dr. West was not present to vote. Board members approved a modified dress code for Heard Elementary School beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year. The modified dress code recommendation was presented by the Heard Elementary School Council. - Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Mr. Jason E. Downey Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Yes: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Yes: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Yes: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2014-2015 School Calendar
Official wordingIS-3 2014-2015 School Calendar
From the minutesAgenda Item was tabled until February 27, 2014.
No recorded vote.
Fiscal Services
No recorded vote.
Amends the district's contract with Wipro.
Official wordingFS-4 WIPRO Contract Amendment
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Adopts a resolution to end the district's contract with Wipro.
Official wordingFS-5 WIPRO Contract Termination Resolution
From the minutes- Motion made by: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Motion seconded by: Mr. Thomas Hudson Voting results: Unanimously approved
8 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Support Services
No recorded vote.
Authorizes live broadcast of board meetings.
Official wordingSS-1 Live Broadcast of Board Meetings
From the minutesDr. West was not present to vote. - Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Mr. Jason E. Downey Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Yes: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - No: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Yes: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard
Selects a vendor for a new data center through the district's request-for-proposals process.
Official wordingSS-6 RFP Selection for Data Center
From the minutesDr. West was not present to vote. - Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Mr. Jason E. Downey Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Yes: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - No: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Yes: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard
Approves a wide-area network and internet access agreement.
Official wordingSS-7 WAN and Internet Access
From the minutesDr. West was not present to vote. - Motion made by: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Yes: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Yes: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Yes: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Policies and Rules
From the minutesMr. Randy Howard presented as informational. Board members all agreed to review the board policies in a separate board meeting. Dr. Smith and Mrs. Sipe will submit dates to the Board to review Board Policies.
No recorded vote.
Moves the board into a closed session to discuss personnel, property, and litigation.
Official wordingPersonnel Services
From the minutesMr. Downey made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters/Future Acquisition of Property/Pending Litigation at 8:01 p.m.; seconded by Dr. Dillard and approved 7-0. Dr. West was not present to vote. Mr. Downey made a motion to exit the Executive Session; seconded by Mr. Miller and approved 7-0. Dr. West was not present to vote. - Motion made by: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Motion seconded by: Dr. The…
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Mr. Downey made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters/Future Acquisition of Property/Pending Litigation at 8:01 p.m.; seconded by Dr. Dillard and approved 7-0. Dr. West was not present to vote. Mr. Downey made a motion to exit the Executive Session; seconded by Mr. Miller and approved 7-0. Dr. West was not present to vote. - Motion made by: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Yes: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Yes: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Yes: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Approves new hires and job transfers for both teaching and support staff.
Official wordingPS-1 Appointments and Transfers–Certified/Classified Personnel
From the minutesDr. West was not present to vote. - Motion made by: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Motion seconded by: Mr. Thomas Hudson Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Yes: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Yes: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Yes: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard
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 minutesDr. West was not present to vote. - Motion made by: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Motion seconded by: Mr. Lester M. Miller Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Yes: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Yes: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Yes: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Hires Christopher Holmes as the district's science coordinator.
Official wordingPS-3 Recommendation for Science Coordinator
From the minutesDr. West was not present to vote. Board members authorized the appointment of Christopher Holmes as Science Coordinator for the District. Mr. Holmes is currently the Science Instructional Coach at Central High School. He has been with Central since 2004, when he began teaching science there. He was named Central High's Teacher of the Year in 2011 and was selected as one of the top five finalists for Bibb County Teac…
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Dr. West was not present to vote. Board members authorized the appointment of Christopher Holmes as Science Coordinator for the District. Mr. Holmes is currently the Science Instructional Coach at Central High School. He has been with Central since 2004, when he began teaching science there. He was named Central High's Teacher of the Year in 2011 and was selected as one of the top five finalists for Bibb County Teacher of the Year. Mr. Holmes holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mercer University, and Master of Science in Post Secondary Education from Troy University, and an Education Specialist in Leadership from Valdosta State University. - Motion made by: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Motion seconded by: Mr. Lester M. Miller Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Yes: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Yes: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Yes: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
New Business
Make-up Day for Students
Official wordingNB-1 Make-up Day for Students
From the minutesBoard members agreed with Interim Superintendent Dr. E. Steven Smith's recommendation that no make-up days would be required after students missed school on January 6-7, 2014 due to weather concerns. Board members did not have to take action as they were not amending the academic calendar.
No recorded vote.
NB-2 Board Governance/Audit Committee
Elects Susan Sipe president, Dr. Thelma Dillard vice president, and Lester Miller treasurer.
Official wordingNB-3 Election of Board Officers
From the minutesDr. West asked the board to amend the agenda and move to Agenda Item NB-3, Election of Board Officers before moving into the Service Committees. Dr. Dillard made a motion to amend the agenda to discuss the Election of Officers; seconded by Mr. Downey and approved 8-0. Mr. Downey stated how the Board Policy process is handled to elect board officers;The Committee was selected at the November 2013 board meeting. Mr. D…
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Dr. West asked the board to amend the agenda and move to Agenda Item NB-3, Election of Board Officers before moving into the Service Committees. Dr. Dillard made a motion to amend the agenda to discuss the Election of Officers; seconded by Mr. Downey and approved 8-0. Mr. Downey stated how the Board Policy process is handled to elect board officers;The Committee was selected at the November 2013 board meeting. Mr. Downey, Chairman along with Dr. West and Mrs. Farmer made up the nominating committee;The committee met on Thursday, January 16, 2014 prior to the Committee Board Meeting. Mr. Downey read the slate of board officers for 2014. Susan K. Sipe, President Dr. Thelma Dillard, Vice President Lester Miller, Treasurer Mr. Downey made a motion to follow the Board Rule BBA to assume the duties of board officers; seconded by Dr. Dillard and approved 8-0. - Motion made by: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Motion seconded by: Mr. Jason E. Downey Voting results: Unanimously approved8 Yes
Full roll call
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Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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Old Business
Update on Superintendent Search
From the minutesMrs. Sipe stated a Community Forum was held at Central High School on Thursday, January 9, 2014 and the GSBA will meet with the Board on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 6:00 p.m., a draft of the Superintendent search brochure will be presented.
No recorded vote.
Ends the meeting.
Official wordingAdjourn
From the minutesDr. West was not present to vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. - Motion made by: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Motion seconded by: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard Voting results: - Vote Not Recorded: Dr. Wanda West - Yes: Mrs. Susan K Sipe - Yes: Mrs. Ella S. Carter - Yes: Mr. Jason E. Downey - Yes: Mrs. Lynn Farmer - Yes: Mr. Thomas Hudson - Yes: Mr. Lester M. Miller - Yes: Dr. Thelma D. Dillard
7 Yes
Full roll call
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes