Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education
March 23, 2009
Minutes
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education met on March 23, 2009 at the Long Street Administrative Office
with the following members present: Dr. Jim Emerson, Mrs. W. Jean Kennedy, Mrs. Linda Freeze, Mrs.
Patty Williams, and Ms. Karen Carpenter. Mr. Bryce Beard and Mrs. Kay Norman were absent. 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. Williams had an opening prayer.
Mr. Beard joined the meeting at 5:04 p.m. Mrs. Norman joined the meeting at 5:06 p.m.
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 March are:
1. Linda Little – Hurley Elementary School
2. Betty Cox – Hanford Dole Elementary
3. Paul Hart – Hanford Dole Elementary
4. Melanie Panaccione – Henderson Independent High
5. Dilian Ramos – Henderson Independent High
6. A. J. Alexander – Koontz Elementary
7. Marianne Haywood – Landis Elementary
8. Ginger Smith – Faith Elementary
9. Paula Fernandez – Woodleaf Elementary
10. Hope Dutton – Woodleaf Elementary
11. Bob Lippard – Maintenance
12. Lisa Wear – Director of Horizon’s Unlimited
13. Ricki Pala – North Rowan Middle School
14. Kathy McDuffie – Director, Secondary Education
15. Tina Mashburn – Director, Middle School Educatio
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Congratulations to the Salisbury High School Girls’ Basketball Team and coaches for winning the
2A State Championship.
Kia Rice
Shi-Heria Shipp
Kraneshia Phifer
Lacresha Young
Ashian Holmes
Jessica Heilig
Ayanna Hicks
Jasmine Clinding
De’Rya Wylie – Most Outstanding Player
Shanequa Phifer - MVP
Isis Miller
Ayanna Holmes
Najawa Allison
Doreen Richardson
Justice Wright – Manager
Symone Knox – Manager
Andrew Mtchell – Head Coach
Cooley Fields – Assistant Coach
Trella McLean – Assistant Coach
Kristina Spring – Assistant Coach
Charlie Bryan – Spiritual Counselor
Mack Thomas – Video Technician
Through the NC School Boards Association, School Board members are provided with training
programs to help them effectively fulfill their responsibilities as leaders of public education in
addition to meeting the NCGS requirement of 12/hours of annual training.
The following Board of Education members have been recognized by the NCSBA for the following
completion of 30 0r more training hours for the 2007-2008 school year:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Jim Emerson – Certificate of Merit
Jean Kennedy – Certificate of Merit
Linda Freeze – Certificate of Merit
Patty Williams – Certificate of Merit
Karen Carpenter – Certificate of Achievement
Kay Norman – Silver Award
Adopt Agenda
** Ms. Carpenter moved to adopt the agenda as submitted. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously
approved (7:0).
Communication to the Board
Ms. Lee Ann Honeycutt – Ms. Honeycutt spoke on her objections to the proposed changes to the AIG
Program Plan.
Dr. Ashley Dunham – Dr. Dunham objected to the proposed changes of the AIG Program Plan.
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Superintendent Comments/Board
Dr. Grissom said she would like the Board to consider having a called meeting in April. She said the
Ed/Or group was unable to attend this evening to give their report, and that budget issues need to be
discussed. She asked if April 13 would be a suitable date for the members.
Dr. Emerson said he was interested in having the meeting. The consensus of the Board was to hold the
Special Meeting on April 13 at 5:00 at Long Street.
Consideration of the Consent Agenda
Financial Summary for February 2009
February Budget Amendments
BOE Minutes of 2/23/09 and Work Session Minutes of 3/9/09
Ms. Carpenter stated that her comment in the Work Session Minutes of March 9 needed revision. She
said under the Discussion Item of redistricting, her words were “that many of the NRHS constituents are
not happy with the size of that school, but the Board needs to decide if that is the message the Board
wants to send and if the principal is satisfied with the size.”
**Mrs. Norman moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, noting the amendments to be
made to the March 9 Work Session Minutes. Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Discussion Items
March Field Trip Requests
Dr. Emerson asked the Board members if they had any questions regarding the field trip requests.
** Mrs. Norman moved the approval of the field trip requests submitted. Mrs. Freeze seconded.
Ms. Carpenter asked about the large variation in the cost for each trip, they are going to the same trip.
Ms. McDuffie said that it is determined by which each group can do for fundraising.
Ms. McDuffie asked if competition trips can be approved by the secondary education director instead of
the Board. The consensus of the board was to allow the director to approve trips for competition
purposes.
Mrs. Norman called for the question. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Elementary AIG Service Delivery Model
Mrs. Feimster and Dr. Smith came to the table to present the proposed revisions to the current AIG Plan.
Dr. Smith said they wanted to share a proposal for a new delivery model for the AIG Program. She said
Mrs. Feimster would address some of the changes for the model.
Mrs. Feimster said there is a formula for growth that AIG students are supposed to meet each year, and
our students are not meeting that growth. She reviewed a report of the reading and math percentages.
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Mrs. Feimster said the salaries of many AIG teaching positions are being absorbed by attrition, eg:
retirements, return to regular classroom, transfers, moves to middle school, etc. She said she and other
administrators visited several other counties to look at their models, and that we are very unique
because we pull out every day. Most districts do pull out for enhancement, then do an inclusion model in
the classroom.
Mrs. Feimster reviewed the proposed changes. (Complete plan revisions can be found on the March 23,
2009 Board Agenda at http://schoolboard.rss.k12.nc.us).
Mrs. Feimster said the direction of the state is to take a look at a strong nurturing program, and also
looking at excellence in learning.
Dr. Emerson said he is opposed to the changes of the plan. He said we should be strengthening our
program, and that it is a draw for public education. He said it seems that we are turning these folks
(teachers) into curriculum coaches. Dr. Emerson said he did not think we should be cutting people that
have day-to-day contact with students.
Dr. Emerson noted that he is a stakeholder in the program. He said also in working with these students
out of the classroom reduces the load on the regular Ed teacher. He said he would like to adding extra
AIG teachers, and possibly split the time for that teacher that has small classes.
Mrs. Norman said she has some concerns, both pro and con. She wants to have an open dialog about it.
Dr. Emerson clarified that this plan is not a done deal. Dr. Smith and Mrs. Feimster reiterated that no, it
is not.
Ms. Carpenter said she is not really sure why the dialog is being opened with the Board instead of the
parents. Dr. Smith stated that there is already an AIG Plan. Mrs. Feimster said these proposals were
revisions to the existing plan, and that a new plan is to be drafted next year. Ms. Carpenter said she
doesn’t understand how we would be increasing the performance by decreasing teachers. Dr. Smith said
it doesn’t matter how many teachers we have, it has to do with the quality and rigor being taught so that
instruction does increase quality and learning. There also has to be a model that addresses a broader
range of students.
Mr. Beard said he understands budgetary issues and the limited number of kids with teaching time. This
comes up with the under utilization problem. Dr. Smith said if a teacher was shared between two
schools, differently scheduling could be done.
Dr. Emerson said if AIG teachers are teaching the same thing that is being taught in the regular
classroom, then they need to have a fire put under them. Mrs. Feimster said that is a discussion that has
been at every AIG meeting; to increase rigor and focus. Dr. Grissom said what stands out to her is that
instruction ranges from 15 student contacts to 43 contacts. That is a big difference in the load between
teachers.
Mrs. Norman said she wanted to know from the other models in the other counties are working
effectively for those students. There are some problems in the program, and always have been. She
feels strongly there is a need to support those in the early years of a student.
Mr. Beard said he has understood that the AIG program was funded by the state. Dr. Smith said the AIG
Program as it exists is not totally funded. She said with the model currently in place, the program has to
have funding supplemented.
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Mrs. Williams said her question mainly has to do with DPI. Mrs. Feimster said a new plan will be written
next year; the Fifth Generation Plan.
Mrs. Williams said some things are justified, some are not. She said two teachers cannot run a K-2
nurturing program. Mrs. Williams asked, “If we have teachers that aren’t serving children who have
been eligible for AIG writing or reading, why?” Mrs. Feimster said students are identified in reading or
math, and the school decides whether to serve in both areas.
Dr. Emerson asked when this would be put back on the BOE Agenda. Dr. Smith said in April.
Mrs. Williams asked if every school is doing a pull out for 4 and 5 grades. Mrs. Feimster said yes, and 3rd
grade gets whole class enrichment.
Dr. Grissom said she doesn’t know if this particular proposal is the answer, but something needs to
change. She said she doesn’t feel the program as it is now is serving our AIG students. Dr. Grissom
advised that there are some real inequities. Mrs. Williams said she would like to have teacher and parent
input before this plan comes back to the Board.
Update from Closing the Achievement Gap Committee
Dr. Smith said the Committee consists of 23 members that represent principals, community members,
and higher education. She said currently of the 23 members, there are 10 that are going next week to
the Raising Achievement and Closing Gaps Conference in Greensboro. Dr. Smith said as a part of that,
the Committee has established goals, and formed sub-committees for that process.
Dr. Smith said their purpose will be outreach and partnership facilitation. She said they plan to meet in
April, at which time the groups will work together one more time. She will come back to the Board for
an update.
Dr. Emerson asked if our system is making headway in closing the gap. Dr. Smith said it depends on
what area you are asking about. She noted that the reading test was re-normed last year making our
scores fall somewhat. Dr. Smith advised that female students are out performing our male students, and
in some cases, our minority students are not achieving where they need to be. Dr. Smith said hard data
can be supplied as requested.
2009-2010 Budget Request
Mrs. Trexler stated that there is nothing definite on the state and federal budgets. She shared the budget
requests that will be sent to the commissioners on April 1.
Mrs. Trexler said there have been some reports that the governor has released, but there are many
unknowns. Dr. Grissom said there were weekly conference calls with all superintendents, the governor, and
finance officers.
Mrs. Trexler said of the items cut from the budget, the largest is flexible reduction. She said it would be
$144 Million, stating that for us would mean $2,000,044.00. Mrs. Trexler said we will have to cut central
office staff by 5% and custodial by 2.5%, which is a recurring cut year after year. She said non-recurring
cuts would be staff development to be cut by 50% and school technology funds by 40%.
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Mrs. Trexler said the state has put a two year freeze on longevity payments. However, the amount would
still be included in retirement calculations, and those not on the teacher bonus leave would receive leave.
There will be step increases for teachers.
Mrs. Williams asked why the governor has said she is not cutting her education budget and increasing per
pupil spending, but on the other side she is cutting longevity, etc.
Dr. Grissom said she would love to know. She said she will meet with State Board Chairman, Bill Harrison,
on Friday along with other district superintendents, and will voice that concern. Dr. Grissom said that it is
difficult to cut what they have been told, but the community is hearing that the governor is increasing
education funding. She explained that the stimulus money is only for two years, so you have to make sure
that you can continue the program. Dr. Grissom said that the worse part is that we may not know until the
end of summer or early fall exactly what cuts are confirmed. She said what we are looking at right now is
that we will be cutting close to $3 million dollars, plus the little over $300,000 back to our county
commissioners.
Mrs. Norman said she does believe the impact will be felt locally because the state has not taken our cuts.
Mrs. Trexler said we will have a decrease in number of students because of the new cut-off date for
kindergarten enrollment.
Mrs. Trexler said the Finance and Budget Committee submits the recommendation that we submit a budget
request to the commissioners to fund the school system at state average funding. We have requested this
in the past two or three years. However, this will cover our mandatory increases. She said this request
would be an increase of $1,911,054.00 over last year for a total of $34,452,100.00. Ms. Carpenter clarified
that this did not include any new initiatives, that it was status quo.
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the local budget request in the amount of $34,452,100.00 for the 20092010 school year. Mrs. Beard seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
2008-2009 Financial Audit
Mrs. Trexler said there is a little over 5% reduction in our audit contract. She explained that she
researched other school systems’ audit contracts, and the amount looks in line. Mrs. Trexler advised that
Rowan-Salisbury Schools are the 18th largest school system, and 33rd on the fees list.
Mrs. Trexler requested approval of the audit contract with Dixon Hughes for $39,900.
**Mrs. Norman moved to accept the recommendation and award the financial audit contract to Dixon
Hughes for $39,900. Mrs. Freeze seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
The board took a five-minute break at 6:30 p.m.
Overview of RSS Drop-Out Prevention Plan
Dr. Walter Hart said he worked with principals, counselors and community representatives on the drop out
prevention plan.
Dr. Hart reviewed the report he prepared for the Board. Dr. Hart highlighted several areas stating that we
had 380 drop outs in grades 9-12 for the 2007-2008 school year, which was the same number of the year
before. He noted that what was surprising was the significant number of 12 graders, 74 or 19.50%.
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Dr. Hart reviewed the strategies being considered, saying that a good bit of the programs being
implemented are coming from the LINKS grant funding. He said mentoring is one of the aspects that make
a big difference in the program. Dr. Hart said they would like to have a dropout prevention coordinator at
each high school.
Dr. Hart said the staff at SRHS has been working very hard working with their students because their
dropout rate is high. He said personnel at South are beginning to work with students and CLMS and CGMS
to put a mentoring program in place before they get to the high school.
Mrs. Norman asked what we know about the students that have dropped out. Dr. Hart said he has found
that many of our dropouts are in their 2nd year of the 9th grade, failed the 9th math EOC and are someone
transient; been at more than one school during the school year.
Mrs. Freeze asked if there was a way to know the seniors that go on to get their GED, go on to another
school, or how they have moved forward. Dr. Hart said the tracking would be limited once they leave our
system; we don’t have a way to track them.
Dr. Smith said the student wanting to transition from the high school to a community college has to have a
document signed by the principal and superintendent’s designee. She said she signs these documents, and
does counsel with the student at that time.
Ms. Carpenter said she would love to hear at a future meeting from Dr. Smith of what kind of things are
going on at schools with our younger students.
Second Reading of BOE Policy 6-7/Interscholastic Activities and 8-30/ Student Transfers
Dr. Hart said the policy was not changed from the 1st reading. He said he had not received any feedback
since that meeting.
Dr. Emerson said we must have the tightening of the policy.
**Ms. Carpenter moved approval of 6-7, Interscholastic Activities on second reading. Mrs. Kennedy
seconded. Approved. (6:0) Mr. Beard opposed.
Dr. Hart said he had not received any feedback on 8-30 since last meeting.
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve on 2nd reading Policy 8-30. Mrs. Williams seconded. Approved. (4:3)
Mr. Beard, Mrs. Freeze and Mrs. Norman opposed.
First Reading of BOE Policy 7-14, Reduction in Force, Amendments
Mrs. Delores Morris said the Personnel Committee met and revised the Policy 7-14. She said it was the
consensus of the committee by unanimous vote to send it to the Board early. The committee asked that
the Board consider approval on first reading.
Dr. Emerson asked who was on the committee. Mrs. Morris said Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Freeze and Mrs.
Kennedy were the Board members serving on the Committee, and Mr. Ken Soo helped to write the policy.
Dr. Grissom said she received and reviewed the Reduction in Force Policies of 30 - 40 other systems.
**Mrs. Williams made a motion to waive the 2nd reading requirement, and approve Policy 7-14 on 1st
reading. Mrs. Freeze seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
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Reassignment of Personnel
Mrs. Morris asked if there were any questions on the reassignment of personnel. The Board had no
questions or concerns.
Salary Study Report
Mrs. Morris said Dr. Hart, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Trexler and Ms. Kelli served on the committee. She said they
surveyed 24 systems in the state, and our certified salary scale is in line with other systems. However,
there are issues are with our classified salary scale. Mrs. Morris said the salary committee put forth one
proposal that would have cost approximately $200,000 to bring the salaries closer in line. The Personnel
Committee’s recommendations would have moved the cost up to $306,000. Mrs. Morris said if we ever
have extra funds, the committee will come back to the Board on how to resolve issues.
Update on the Educational Center
Mr. Miller said that he is very disappointed that they had to request that the new education center be
removed from the commissioners’ agenda. The funding proposal by the governor and some of the senators
would not only make the commissioners’ funding source go away, but also our systems’.
Mr. Miller said more importantly, the capital building fund is not going to be available. He said revenue was
critical in our being able to meet our obligation to repair needs.
Mr. Miller said we have removed our request for consideration by the commissioners at this time, but
temporarily only. He said we would come back in 30 days, or as soon as possible, when the budget
situation is known.
Closed Session
Ms. Carpenter made a motion to recess into Closed Session at 7:16 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. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously
approved. (7:0)
Report of Closed Session
No report
Mrs. Williams asked if there wasn’t anything we could do about the central office. Dr. Grissom said the
biggest thing is to know what the governor is going to do. She said if we get the public school capital
funds, and the commissioners get the lottery, we will need to move forward. However, something needs to
happen at the Long Street office because it is a safety issue.
Announcements
3/24
- Parent Focus Group Meeting/Carson High/ SE Area/5:30 p.m.
3/25
- Parent Focus Group Meeting/Salisbury High/Salisbury Area/5:30 p.m.
3/30
- Parent Focus Group Meeting/WRHS/West Area/5:30 p.m.
3/31
- Parent Focus Group Meeting/SRHS/Sough Area/5:30 p.m.
4/1
- BOE Curriculum Sub-Committee CANCELLED
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4/2
4/2
4/2
4/6
4/7-9
4/10
4-20
4/27
- BOE Building & Grounds Sub-Committee/Ellis St./3:00 p.m.
- BOE Finance Sub-Committee/Long St./3:00 p.m.
- BOE Personnel Sub-Committee/Ellis St./4:30 p.m.
- Board of Co. Commissioners Mtg./J. Newton Cohen Bd. Rm./4:00 p.m.
- SPRING BREAK/ Offices and Schools Closed
- HOLIDAY/Offices and Schools Closed
- Board of Co. Commissioners Mtg./J. Newton Cohen Bd. Rm./7:00 p.m.
- BOE Meeting/Long Street/5:00 p.m.
Adjournment
** Ms. Carpenter moved to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Dr. Jim Emerson, Chairman
Dr. Judy S. Grissom, Ed. D., Secretary
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