Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education
May 18, 2009
Minutes
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education met on May 18, 2009 at the Long Street Administrative
Office with the following members present: Dr. Jim Emerson, Mrs. W. Jean Kennedy, Mrs. Linda
Freeze, Ms. Karen Carpenter, Mrs. Kay Wright Norman and Mr. Bryce Beard. Mrs. Patty Williams
was absent due to illness in her family. Also present were Dr. Judy Grissom, Mr. Gene Miller, Dr.
Walter Hart, Dr. Becky Smith, Mrs. Delores Morris, attorney Don Sayers and Mrs. Bonnie Holder,
Clerk to the Board.
Call to Order / Roll Call
Dr. Emerson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance/Meditation
Mrs. Kennedy officiated the Pledge of Allegiance and Mrs. Freeze had an opening prayer.
Celebrations
Congratulations to the following staff and students of the Rowan-Salisbury School System for the
following accomplishments:
RSS employees may be nominated to receive the “Customer Service Award,” which recognizes
employees for achieving excellent customer service.
Anyone may nominate a RSS employee for this honor. Forms are located on our website.
Employees nominated for the month of MAY are:
1. Linda Pearsall – EC Department
2. Kristin SinClair – EC Department
3. Janet Lott-Mitchell – Southeast Middle
4. Willie Armour – North Rowan Middle
5. Kim Turbyfill - North Rowan Middle
6. Cindy Martin – Knox Middle
7. Johnny Holt – West Rowan Middle
8. Beth Walton, North Rowan High
9. Don Knox – Principal/South Rowan
10. Ray Whitaker – Principal/Erwin Middle
11. Debbie Young – Human Resources Department
12. Janice Query – Transportation Department
China Grove Elementary School PTA is the 2008-09 winner of the NC PTA President’s
Membership Bowl. CGES had the highest percentage increase in membership for the 2008-09
membership year!!! CGES was recognized at the Parent Leadership Conference at the Hilton
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Hotel in April and presented with the Silver President's Bowl, which will be on display at the
school for the next year. Special thanks to Stephanie Erwin, CGES PTA President.
RSS Student Winners of the NC Science and Engineering (NCSEF) 22nd Annual Fair are as
fellows:
Evan Rogers, Erwin Middle School
1. 1st place for Junior Technology/Engineering
2. 5th-8th Grade Nomination for the “Discovery Education Young Scientist Challenge”
3. 2009 Special Award for Participation in the NC Science and Engineering Fair by the
US Navy/US Marines for Outstanding Projects
Daniel Engwall, Overton Elementary School
Honorable Mention for Elementary Projects
Joshua Price, North Rowan High School
2009 Special Awards for Participants of the NC Science and Engineering Fair by the
United States Army
Charlotte Cherry, teacher and student council advisor at East Rowan High School, was recently
named the Region 3 Finalist for the Warren E. Shull Award, which entitles her to be one of
eight considered for the National Student Council Advisor of the Year award that is offered by
the National Association of Student Councils.
Congratulations to the West Rowan High School Latin Club for winning their 13th consecutive
state competition. The team members are as follows:
Amezquita Carlos
Barbee Katie
Blackwell Cj
Brittain Joe
Cogburn Mollie
Daniel Sam
Davis Dustin
Dioone Lindsay
Gregorie Jackie
Grissom Morgan
Hampton Joe
Holmes Chris
Hosch Daniel
Huffman Brett
Kennedy Mack
Knepp Katie
Lazina Christine
Lippard Melani
Lytle Lee Beth
Lytle Nate
Matlock Amanda
Meek Ricky
Milam Daniel
Miller Luke
Morris Jordan
Pence Leslie
Petrea Dj
Phillips Melissa
Pond Jacob
Rayl Emily
Shipton Magen
Wilson Will
Wood Austin
**Steve Daniel / Advisor
Congratulations to the Child Nutrition Managers for being the recipients of the NC DPI 20082009 Awards for Excellence. The purpose of this award is to foster high standards of
excellence across the State of North Carolina and to honor those school cafeterias that
maintain high standards. The Child Nutrition Manager Winners are:
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Bostian Elementary – Linda Branch
Erwin Middle – Mary Duggan
Overton Elementary – Renea Bailey
China Grove Elementary – Debra McBride
China Grove Middle – Cindy Trexler
Cleveland Elementary – Ann Lingle
East Rowan High – Ron Hoslhouser
Elizabeth Koontz Elementary – Sandra Wrights
Enochville Elementary – Janet Brooks
Granite Quarry Elementary – Terri Hobson
Isenberg Elementary – Sylvia Doyle
Hanford-Dole Elementary – Paul Hart
Hurley Elementary – Carolina Hernandez
Jesse Carson High – Stephanie Fesperman
Knox Middle School – Angie Gegorek
Landis Elementary – Donna Spry
Millbridge Elementary – Wanda Pender
Mt. Ulla Elementary – Sallie Lowe
North Rowan Elementary – Angela Lambert
West Rowan Middle – Barbara Jordan
West Rowan High – Heather Strickland
Managers and cafeteria staff participating in Awards for Excellence 2008-2009 conducted activities
in the following categories:
A. Effective Nutrition Education
B. Marketing and Customer Service
C. Management
D. Professional Development
E. Environmental Management
F. Quality Food Production
Adopt Agenda
Dr. Emerson requested to add a field trip request, and a discussion regarding a Board Retreat
during the summer. Mrs. Norman moved to adopt the agenda with the additions. Mrs. Kennedy
seconded. (6:0)
Communication to the Board
None
Superintendent Comments/Board
Dr. Grissom acknowledged the Robertson Foundation for their continued support. She said this
year they graciously gave the school system over $400,000, which she felt was very generous
considering how the economic condition has affected their Foundation.
Dr. Emerson mentioned the joint board meeting of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners,
the Salisbury City Council and our Board. He said that he would need to appoint a committee to
work with members of the other boards to develop a literacy plan. Ms. Carpenter and Mr. Beard
agreed to serve on the committee.
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Mr. Beard said many folks associate the Robertson Foundation with Salisbury High, but not only
does the Robertson Foundation contribute to many of our schools, but also RSS received the
largest contribution they distributed this year. He said they have been a great support to our
school system. Dr. Grissom said that their donation was spread throughout the system.
Consideration of the Consent Agenda
Financial Summary for April 2009
April Budget Amendments
BOE Minutes of 4/27/09
Approval of RCCC Board of Trustee Nomination
** Mrs. Carpenter moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mrs. Kennedy seconded.
Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Discussion Items
May Field Trip Requests
Dr. Emerson asked if anyone had questions regarding the field trip submitted by Mr. Colby
Cochran. There were no questions.
** Mrs. Freeze moved the approval of the student council field trip to Denver, CO. Mrs. Kennedy
seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Consideration of Special Events to be held on school campuses during a Holiday
Dr. Hart introduced WRHS principal Mr. Jamie Durant, WRHS Coach Gurley and Lexington City
Schools Coach Harrison.
Dr. Hart explained that WRHS and Lexington asked him about hosting a special event next year on
the Martin Luther King Holiday. He said he brought the request to the Board to make sure they are
comfortable with this event taking place during a Holiday when the schools were closed. Coach
Gurley distributed a summary of the event to the Board members.
Coach Gurley said the two schools want to play a MLK basketball game, and also to incorporate a
celebration for Dr. King Day.
Mr. Harrison said he had spoken to representatives in Lexington, and they will be participating in
several events in Lexington followed by coming to Salisbury to play a game and celebrate with
WRHS.
Ms. Carpenter asked if the event would be at WRHS or a neutral site. Coach Gurley said they were
looking at a two year event and alternating schools.
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the request from WRHS to hold basketball games and a
celebration for MLK birthday in January 2010.
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Mr. Beard said that the proposal has an educational program to it. He asked Coach Gurley if those
that submitted essays would be reading them at the dinner or game. Coach Gurley agreed that
would be a good idea.
Ms. Carpenter called for the question. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Update of the Day Treatment Programs
Dr. Becky Smith said Dr. Crystal Vail had additional information on the three day treatment
programs from what was shared at the Curriculum Sub-committee.
Dr. Vail said they began to look at the day treatment programs because of budget constraints and
the different programs the school system is involved in. She spoke about Expeditions that is
shared with Kannapolis City and Cabarrus County. Dr. Vail presented a power point and explained
the three different program options being considered. Dr. Vail discussed the advantages and
disadvantages of the three options being considered.
Dr. Emerson asked if the students would be in a self-contained classroom at the schools. Dr. Vail
said the students would begin in self-contained classrooms, but would work toward transitioning to
regular classrooms.
Dr. Vail asked the Board to consider approval of Option 3, which would keep the New Bridge Day
Treatment Program at Nazareth Children’s Home, and add 6 new classes each at China Grove
Middle and Landis Elementary. Dr. Vail noted that several people that have been involved in the
discussions were in attendance. She introduced Mr. Matt Crone with Expeditions, Dr. Ron Turbyfill
who teaches at New Bridge, and Mr. James Davis, principal of China Grove Middle.
**Mrs. Freeze moved to select Option 3 of the day treatment program as presented by Dr. Vail.
Ms. Carpenter seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
2009-2010 Title I Application
Mrs. Alesia Burnette gave an overview of the use of Title I funding. She outlined the many programs
being offered and some new initiatives that will be implemented this year because of the money
coming to the system as part of the Federal Recovery Act.
Mrs. Burnette requested permission for her to submit the Title I Application.
**Ms. Carpenter moved to grant permission to file the 2009-2010 Title I Application. Mrs. Norman
seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Second Reading of Revisions to the 2009-2010 Code of Conduct
Dr. Hart said he has had no feedback from the principals or directors since the first reading of the
Code of Conduct.
**Ms. Carpenter moved on 2nd reading the approval of the Code Of Conduct. Mrs. Freeze seconded.
Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Second Reading of Policy 5-7/Distribution of Materials
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Ms. Carpenter said that since the first reading, there was an omission of some departments within
the community that she felt should be included in the policy. She reviewed the additions/corrections
to the policy revision.
Ms. Carpenter suggested a regulation should be developed to accompany the policy. She said the
regulation would detail a specific list of who would be approved to distribute material.
**Ms. Carpenter moved approval on 2nd reading policy 5-7, Distribution of Non-School
Material/Communication. Mr. Beard seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Commissioner Supply Funding Program 2008-2009
Mrs. Trexler shared a report of the expenditures of the funds received from the county
commissioners. She said 98% of the teachers eligible to receive the funds spent 96% of those funds.
Capital Outlay Budget for 2009-2010
Mr. Miller reviewed the coming year capital outlay budget. He said the budget was reduced by
approximately 12% because of the sales tax revenues being less than in 2008-2009. Mr. Miller
showed a comparison from last year and the 2009-2010 year.
Mr. Miller said that the system would not have the public school building capital fund account
because the state took it to help balance the budget. He said we would have very little money in the
way of new projects for this year. Mr. Miller said that it is a very thin budget at $2,604,000.
**Mrs. Norman moved to approve the Capital Outlay Budget as presented. Mrs. Freeze seconded.
Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Closing the Achievement Gap
Mr. Nathan Currie and Ms. Beth Foreman joined Dr. Smith to discuss the progress of the Closing the
Achievement Gap Committee. She distributed an informational sheet that outlined the mission and
goals of the Committee, as well as the names and contact information of the members.
Dr. Smith reviewed the recommendations of the Committee. She recognized the board members and
staff that serve on the committee, and introduced Ms. Beth Foreman and Mr. Nathan Currie to share
some of the enrichment opportunities being offered to over 135 students this year.
Ms. Foreman shared information on many of the programs being offered and attended by our
students. She said she can tell that it makes a difference to the students attending because their
attitudes toward school and grades have shown improvement.
Mr. Currie discussed his philosophy, which is to build relationships with the students. He said that
the teachers, parents and students have to build that trust relationship. He shared that his staff
has been working on team building. Mr. Currie said that he has also created a mentoring program
between staff and students.
Discuss Date for BOE Retreat
Dr. Emerson said that the Board had mentioned discussing the development of an evaluation
instrument, and goals for the superintendent’s next evaluation. Dr. Emerson suggested that the June
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29 meeting could be combined with the retreat. He said it would be a two item agenda: the budget
resolution and the superintendent’s evaluation instrument.
It was agreed that Celebrations would be deleted from the June 29 meeting, and the Board would
meet at 3:00 p.m.
Mr. Beard asked the Chairman if the Board meet somewhere else on June 29. He said the Long
Street building depresses him, and he can’t see anything positive in it. Mr. Beard suggested meeting
in the County Commissioners boardroom. Dr. Emerson said he didn’t agree with meeting in the
commissioner’s boardroom. Dr. Grissom suggested meeting at Horizons. Dr. Emerson concluded
that the Board would meet at Horizons if it was available, and if not, the Board would meet at Ellis
Street.
Mr. Beard said he is tired of the fact that our school system does not have a consolidated central
office with a nice boardroom. He said he was going to continue to discuss his frustration and
disappointment over this issue. He said he had three more years to talk about it. Mr. Beard said that
anybody in North Carolina who could see that the 18 largest LEA in the state meets in this room
should be asked how impressed they are. He said what would they think about our county and how
the county views our schools system when they ask for accountability, and they are not even
accountable to give us an office to work and meet in that is worthy of what we are doing.
Dr. Emerson said the Board all agrees with him, but didn’t think we could accomplish much this
evening. Mr. Beard suggested that the Board talk about it.
Closed Session
Mrs. Kennedy made a motion to recess into Closed Session at 7:08 p.m. to consider personnel
action that involves an [officer] or [employee], or [prospective public officer or employee] of this
board. [NC Gen. Stat. #143-318.11(a)(6)]; to prevent disclosure of information that is privileged
or confidential pursuant to state or federal law [NC Gen. Stat. 143-318.11(a)(1) Mrs. Norman
seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
The Board took a 5 minute break.
Report of Closed Session
** Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the May Personnel Report with the revisions submitted by
Mrs. Morris. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the probationary contracts with the correction submitted by
Mrs. Morris. Mrs. Freeze seconded. (6:0)
Announcements
5/21 - NRHS Open House to observe Ipod Project/NRHS/11:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
5/21 - Retirement Banquet/Hurley YMCA/6:30 p.m.
6/1
- BOC Meeting/J. Newton Cohen Board room/4:00 p.m.
6/4
- BOE Finance Sub-committee Meeting/Long Street/3:00 p.m.
6/8
- BOE W/S Meeting/ Long Street/5:00 p.m.
6/10 - LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS
6/11 - BOE Building & Grounds Sub-committee/Ellis Street/3:00 p.m.
6/11 - BOE Personnel Sub-committee/Ellis Street/4:30 p.m.
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GRADUATION SCHEDULE:
Graduation Ceremonies - All graduations will be held at Keppel Auditorium on the
Campus of Catawba College with the exception of Jesse C. Carson High School and
Henderson Independent High School, which will hold graduation ceremonies in their own
facility.
***WEST ROWAN will hold graduation at Catawba College INSTEAD of having ceremony at
West as previously planned. The time has NOT been changed.***
Thursday - June 11, 2009
2:00 p.m. - Jesse C. Carson High School (Carson's Campus)
5:00 p.m. - Henderson Independent High School (Henderson's Campus)
8:00 p.m. - East Rowan High School
FRIDAY- June 12, 2009
8:00 a.m. - West Rowan High School
12:00 p.m. -South Rowan High School
4:00 p.m. - North Rowan High School
8:00 p.m. - Salisbury High School
Adjournment
** Ms. Carpenter moved to adjourn at 8:02 p.m. Mrs. Freeze seconded. Unanimously approved.
(6:0)
Dr. Jim Emerson, Chairman
Secretary
Dr. Judy S. Grissom, Ed. D.,
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