Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education
February 23, 2009
Minutes
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education met on February 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, Ms. Karen Carpenter, Mr. Bryce Beard and Mrs. Kay Norman. 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.
Adopt Agenda
** Mrs. Norman moved to adopt the agenda as submitted. Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously
approved (7:0).
Pledge of Allegiance/Meditation
Mrs. Norman officiated the Pledge of Allegiance and Ms. Carpenter 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 February are:
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8.
Tina Rodgers – Koontz Elementary School
Donna Moss – China Grove Middle School
Abbie Brandt – China Grove Middle School
Jackie Taylor – East Rowan High School
Teresa Lang – Woodleaf Elementary (carried over from Jan)
Linda Freeze – School Board
Alan Hand – EC Teacher
Wendy Miller – Granite Quarry Elementary School
Rowan-Salisbury Schools Public Relations received 5 state Blue Ribbon Awards by the North Carolina
School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) for effective communications in the following categories:
1. Annual Report – The 2007-2008 Annual Report
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2. Calendar – 2008-2009 Master Calendar
3. Internet Website – RSS District Website
4. Marketing Campaign – The Marketing Package for the Opening of
Shive Elementary School
5. Newsletter – The District’s Monthly Newsletter “Education Matters”
Communication to the Board
Col. Rollins Collins – ERHS JROTC instructor, and senior JROTC instructor in Rowan County. Col. Collins
said Mr. Jim Sawyer with the BSA had asked for the JROTC to support the Learning for Life Program. Col
Collins said he brought it to the Board’s attention because the program is active in over 30 over of our
schools, and JROTC can coordinate many of their techniques with the BSA. He advised that there is a
field trip scheduled for April 1, but there is no idea of how many students will attend. He needs to give
Mr. Sawyer an answer on the best approach to requesting approval of the field trip. Col. Collins
suggested he felt the best approach would be to constrain the trip to the number of students in the
program willing to participate.
Mr. Richard Fuller – A parent from South Rowan High School. Mr. Fuller spoke on the continuation of the
OCS program Coffee Shop at SRHS before school. He said that he felt it was not a violation with USDA
policy. He reviewed the USDA regulation and state regulation, 115C-264. Mr. Fuller said he felt the
Board should review its local policy so that it is in line with the USDA regulations and state policy.
Mrs. Traci Anderson – A teacher at SRHS in the OCS program. She gave an overview of the OCS
program at the school, and requirement for the students to have work hours to fulfill their course work.
She said that the students must have on-campus hours in the OCS program.
Andrew Clark and Shawn Dobe – Students at SRHS spoke on the OCS Program. Mr. Clark gave the
Board members a petition in support of their request that had been signed by students. Mr. Dobe
discussed the experience he has received by running the coffee shop, and how it is like working at a real
job.
Staci Wilson – Parent from South Rowan. Ms. Wilson spoke in support of the OCS Coffee Shop at SRHS.
She said her nephew transferred into the school system in the fall, and his personality has really opened
up since coming to SRHS and working in the coffee shop. She would like to see the program continue at
the school.
Kathy Hardwick – A SRHS parent. Ms. Hardwick spoke on the school system’s high school bump up
policy. She said each school had its own policy, and all schools were not consistent. Ms. Hardwick noted
that the she contacted the State Board of Education, and that they do not recognize the advancement of
grading.
Mr. Henry Kluttz – Principal of Jesse Carson High School. Mr. Kluttz spoke about the advantages of
having years of experience because he can remember when they began the bump up policy around
1998.
He said that the policy has varied from school to school. However, the faculty and School Improvement
Team at Carson had developed their policy. Mr. Kluttz continued to summarize the policy and how it
benefits the students.
Dr. Windsor Eagle - Principal of Salisbury High. Dr. Eagle spoke on the pros of the bump up policy. He
said SHS has been using the program 10 of the 11 years since the ABC accountability. Dr. Eagle said
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SHS staff members and their SIT voted to allow the bump up policy in all EOC courses. Dr. Eagle said
this policy is a great incentive for students to take the exams and bring their grades up.
Superintendent Comments/Board
Dr. Grissom reminded the Board of several important dates that would warrant their attendance. She
also noted that the high school guidebook is now online.
Dr. Grissom reviewed two new publications. A Board informational sheet will be placed in the board room
for attendees. She said the sheet has pictures and information of all the Board members, as well as
Board of Education meeting information. Dr. Grissom also introduced a brochure about the importance
of staying in school to graduate. She said the brochure gives statistics about the differences in salaries
of graduates as opposed to those who don’t graduate, and employment statistics. Dr. Grissom said the
brochure also outlines programs that are in place to help students, and ways various groups can support
students. She advised that the brochure will go home with 6 – 12 graders this year, and to all students
beginning next year.
Ms. Carpenter asked that the bump up policy be placed on the March 9 work session. Dr. Emerson
noted that a redistricting update and the budget are already on the agenda.
Consideration of the Consent Agenda
Financial Summary for January 2008
January Budget Amendments
BOE Minutes of 1/26/09
** Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mrs. Kennedy seconded.
Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Discussion Items
February Field Trip Requests
Dr. Emerson asked if there were any questions regarding the trip requests. Ms. Carpenter asked that the
SRHS trip be discussed separately.
**Mrs. Norman moved the approval of the field trip requests submitted with the exception of South
Rowan High School’s request to Greece/Italy. Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Dr. Emerson asked Lea Ann Freeze and Wanda Corriher of South Rowan to speak on the field trip to
Greece and Italy. Ms. Freeze said all chaperones will be affiliated with the school, and no parents were
going. Ms. Corriher noted that the trip has been reduced to $4149.00 because fuel costs have come
down. Ms. Corriher said a group of students went this past summer to France and Paris, and the trip
went really well. She said an interest meeting was held with parents and students. There will be a
maximum of 42 students going with 8 adults.
Ms. Corriher outlined the payment plan and said that the trip is planned during the summer,
July 20 – 29.
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Ms. Carpenter said she did not feel the schools needed to be in the business of being tour guides
overseas. She said that it is just too expensive. Ms. Corriher said she feels travel is a great educational
experience.
Mrs. Williams said she has the same thoughts as Ms. Carpenter. She said she is concerned about the
economic times. However, she would like for the Board to be consistent with its decision because two
similar trips have already been approved.
Mrs. Kennedy said she looked at the organization of the trip rather than the costs. She felt the trip is
well worth taking.
Mrs. Norman said she hopes this is a topic the Board will consider at a future meeting. She said
although she doesn’t question the intellectual value, she doesn’t like seeing pricing trips out of the realm
of some students.
**Mrs. Freeze moved to approve SRHS trip to Greece/Italy in the summer of 2010. Mrs. Kennedy
seconded. Approved. (5:2) Ms. Carpenter and Mrs. Williams opposed.
Dr. Emerson said he might be willing to turn the approvals of the field trips to the principals. Ms.
Carpenter said the Board created the current policy, but she also feels they can un-create it. Ms.
Carpenter said it could be put on a work session.
North Rowan High School iPod Project
Mr. Rodney Bass explained that the parent meeting to introduce the iPod Program last Thursday went
very well. He said that on Feb. 16 the iPods were given to the teachers, and they were very pleased. A
few of the applications on the iPods are ACT prep, SAT prep. He noted that the students can not
download music.
Mr. Bass presented a power point, and reviewed the timeline for the project to be fully implemented.
Dr. Grissom said it was really good to see so many parents at the meeting. Mr. Bass said everyone is
eager to begin.
Dr. Emerson left the meeting at 6:14 p.m.
Title II Monitoring Visit Team Report for Rowan-Salisbury Schools
Mrs. Morris explained that a new state initiative is that each school system has to have a Title II
Monitoring visit every five years. She said Mrs. Heaggans handled the beginning teacher portion, and
Dr. Becky Smith took care of the staff development part of the visit. A copy of the report was given to
the Board.
Dr. Emerson returned to the meeting at 6:18 p.m.
Mrs. Heaggans said a lot of teamwork went into the preparation of the assessment. Dr. Smith stated
that the visiting team had a lot of good things to report, but did note some areas that could be improved.
Recommendations by the Athletic Eligibility Committee, and 1st Reading of Policies 6-7 and
8-30 amendments.
Dr. Hart reviewed the recommendations of the committee. He said that there was diverse representation
on the committee, which consisted of approximately 25 members from the school system and across the
community.
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Dr. Hart reviewed a brochure created for parents with questions and answers pertaining to student transfer
guidelines and eligibility. He said a training session with counselors and coaches will take place.
Dr. Hart reviewed the revisions of Policy 6-7, Interscholastic Activities, that were being recommended.
Dr. Emerson asked Dr. Hart to explain #4 of the revision, noting that he would hate to have an athlete to
be kicked off of a team who was charged of a crime, but not yet convicted. Mr. Sayers said that when a
crime was committed and you know what happened, you would take them off of the team until the incident
is investigated and the case is heard.
**Mrs. Norman moved to approve Policy 6-7 as written on 1st reading. Mrs. Freeze seconded. Unanimously
approved. (7:0)
Dr. Hart continued by reviewing the revisions of policy 8-30. There was an addition regarding students
transferring to attend academies.
Following Dr. Hart’s review, Ms. Carpenter said that she feels that students will transfer to academies to
play ball where they want to play.
Dr. Hart said a rising 9th grade student who was enrolled into an academy would be waived of the athletic
wait period, but because first priority for enrollment into the academy will be given the students of that
school, there shouldn’t be many students from other schools that can transfer in for the academy.
**Mrs. Kennedy moved to approve the first reading of Policy 8-30. Mrs. Williams seconded. (6:1) Mr.
Beard opposed.
Board Policy 4-8 Amendment – 1st Reading
Mr. Miller reviewed the revisions of the policy. He said it is a minor change, but it does state that,
“Employees must have current liability insurance and will be responsible for the first line of coverage in the
case of an accident.”
Mr. Miller asked that the policy be approved on 1st reading.
**Ms. Carpenter moved to suspend the currently policy of requiring the 2nd reading. Mrs. Williams
seconded. (7:0)
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve policy 4-8. Mrs. Freeze seconded. (7:0)
West High School Stadium Project
Mr. Miller reviewed the bid of the WRHS project. He said there was serious deterioration in the concrete at
the stadium. Mr. Miller stated the total cost has come in at $410,712, but it was budgeted at $465,000,
which would leave a balance of $54,000. Mr. Miller requested that the Board approve the bid of Carpenter
Construction Company at a cost of $410,712.
**Ms. Carpenter moved approval of the WRHS Project at the cost of $410,712 bid by Carpenter
Construction Company, which she pointed out is no relation. Mrs. Norman seconded. (7:0)
Mr. Miller stated that the completion of the project should be by the beginning of football season in the fall.
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Discussion of Policy 5-7, Distribution of Outside Communications
Ms. Carpenter distributed copies of the current RSS policy. She said that an unintended consequence in our
policy is limiting our students and parents to receive very worthwhile information. Ms. Carpenter also
distributed a copy of the Chapel Hill/Carboro policy. She discussed that policy.
Ms. Carpenter said she understands not burdening our school system. However, many of the non-profits
don’t have the resources to advertise in the newspapers, nor do many of our parents subscribe to the
newspaper. She asked to refer this matter to a committee of the Board to review it.
Dr. Grissom said the current policy was developed out of a concern from parents that the students were
getting so much information other than their school work to bring home. The principals requested that a
policy be put in place to limit outside distribution.
Ms. Carpenter said that we should develop something that is child centered because information is not
going home that benefits the children.
Mr. Sayers noted that in the courts where somebody has objected to material going home with students,
you run the risk of having allowed material from one agency, but not another. It can be seen as
discriminating. He said the Chapel Hill/Carboro describes the type of non-profit organization. Specifically,
the system desires to create a limited non-public forum for the distributions of materials.
Mr. Beard said that sometimes we form committees when there is no need. He stated that the Chapel-Hill
Carboro policy looks satisfactory.
It was decided that the Chapel-Hill policy should be used to develop an updated policy to address the
distribution of materials. The first reading will be brought to the Board March 23.
Closed Session
Mrs. Kennedy made a motion to recess into Closed Session at 7:05 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) Ms. Carpenter seconded. Unanimously approved.
(7:0)
Report of Closed Session
Ms. Carpenter moved to approve February Personnel Report. Mrs. Williams seconded. Unanimously
approved. (6:0)
**Ms. Carpenter moved to re-convene into Closed Session to prevent disclosure of information that is
privileged or confidential pursuant to state or federal law [NC Gen. Statute 143-318.11(a)(1)]. For the
purpose of discussing student athletic eligibility. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Report of Closed Session
No action taken
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Announcements
2/25 - BOC Retreat/ J. Newton Cohen Board Rm./Dr. Grissom to present at 8:15 a.m.
2/26 - RPE Education Summit/The Event Center, Webb Rd./5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
3/4
- BOE Curriculum Sub-Committee/Long Street/2:00 p.m.
3/5
- BOE Finance Sub-Committee/Long Street/3:00 p.m.
3/9
- BOE Work Session Meeting/Long Street/5:00 p.m.
3/12 - BOE Bldg. & Grounds Sub-Committee/Ellis Street/3:00 p.m.
3/12 - BOE Personnel Sub-Committee/Ellis Street/4:30 p.m.
3/23 - BOE Regular Meeting/Long Street/5:00 p.m.
Parent Focus Meetings
Parents are encouraged to attend the meeting in their child's school attendance area.
March
March
March
March
March
March
3/Salisbury Area - SHS, RCEC, Knox, Overton and Isenberg
17/North Area - NRHS, NRMS, NRE, Hanford Dole and Henderson
18/East Area - ERHS, EMS, Granite, Morgan, Rockwell, Shive
24/Southeast Area - JCHS, CGMS, SEMS, Bostian, Knollwood, Koontz and Faith
30/West Area - WRHS, WRMS, Cleveland, Mt. Ulla, Hurley and Woodleaf
31/South Area - SRHS, CLMS, CGE, Enochville, Landis and Millbridge
Adjournment
**Ms Carpenter moved to adjourn at 7:54 p.m. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Dr. Jim Emerson, Chairman
Dr. Judy S. Grissom, Ed. D., Secretary
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