Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education
January 26, 2009
Minutes
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education met on January 26, 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. Ms. Carpenter seconded. Unanimously
approved (7:0).
Pledge of Allegiance/Meditation
Mr. Beard officiated the Pledge of Allegiance and Mrs. Freeze had an opening meditation.
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.
Employees nominated for the month of January are:
1. Kathy McDuffie – Director of Secondary Education
2. Jane Woodward – China Grove Elementary
3. Pauletta Harrington – China Grove Elementary
4. Kelly Feimster – China Grove Elementary
5. Marilyn Moore – Koontz Elementary
6. Kathy Ender – NRHS
7. Sheri Rodenhuis – NRHS
8. Kristi Rhone – NRMS
9. Tina Pearman – NRMS
10. Kim Fink – NRMS
11. Nancy Foxworth – Southeast Middle
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12. Teresa Lang – Woodleaf Elementary
13. Betty Barrier – Accounting Department
14. Trudy Woodle – Transportation Department
15. Becky Kepley-Lee – Cleveland Elementary
16. Connie Chandler – Faith Elementary
17. Melinda Dabbs – Corriher-Lipe Middle
Bostian Elementary School and Southeast Middle School have received the STAR Award
presented by the Southwest Education Alliance.
West Rowan High School has two National Agricultural Winners:
1. Lori Fraley is the National Winner in Agriculture Sales Proficiency Award Area
2. Garrett Owen is the National Winner in the Floriculture Proficiency Award Area
WRHS was the only program in the state to have “two” winners.
National Board Certified Teachers
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Teresa F. Crawley, South Rowan High
Pamela L. Mesimer, Landis Elementary
Jeniffer A. Wooten, Salisbury High
Kendall C. Fulham, Knollwood
Melissa G. Parton, South Rowan High
Lori P. Smith, Koontz Elementary
Dana W. Milam, Woodleaf Elementary
Jason D. Chester, West Rowan High
Gregory W. Kuhn, Salisbury High
Congratulations are in order for Christine Barringer at Bostian Elementary and Ruth
Marohn at Carson High, Rowan Salisbury School's newly re-certified NBCT's! They
have continued the pursuit of excellence in their teaching profession.
Salisbury High School was awarded the silver recognition in the 2009 U.S. News & World
Report list of best high schools. The report analyzed more than 21,000 high schools across the
country. The process to determine the best high schools involved measuring how well schools
serve their students, partly by analyzing state proficiency standards.
Public Schools of North Carolina Teacher of Excellence Award presented to Mandi B. Sweet on
November 17, 2008. On behalf of the State of North Carolina, the State Board of Education and
the Department of Public Instruction, we extend our gratitude and appreciation for dedicated
service and outstanding contributions to the education of exceptional children in our state.
Corriher Lipe Middle School Gingerbread House Club placed second in a National
competition held in December at the Grove Park Inn. Club members are:
1. Jeremiah Bradshaw
2. Sarah Forgays
3. Whitney Hardison
4. Kaitlin Lane
5. Miranda Raymond
6. Katelyn Roberts
7. Chelsi Russ
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Teacher sponsors are:
Sharon Edwards; CTE, Family & Consumer Sciences, Lynn Haynes, Art
2008
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School Bus Safety Contest Winners: (six winners)
Malik Thompson, Woodleaf Elementary
Parker Greene, Cleveland Elementary
Abby Martin, Mt. Ulla Elementary
Neydi Ramirez Salazar, Mr. Ulla Elementary
Eileen Nguyen, China Grove Elementary
Kody Hegler, Southeast Middle
WRHS Football team 3A State Championship and Coach Scott Young was named
Coach of the Year!
Players:
Kevin Parks, Jr.
Trey Mashore
AJ Little
Nolan Phillips
Maxx Gore
BJ Sherrill
Brantley Horton
Nate Dulin
Ershawn Wilder
Austin Greenwood
Tim Flanagan
Jon Crucitti
Aakeem Minter
Jeremey Melchor
Kameron Finchum
Dominique Noble
Jonathan Hill
Quan Cowan
Matt Bishop
Coleman Phifer
Marquise Allison
Matt Turchin
Josh Safrit
Eric Cowan
Marco Gupton
Patrick Hampton
Casey Reavis
Eli Goodson
Josh Poe
Desmond Shaver
Tyler Mullis
Emmanuel Gbunblee
Dylan Andrews
Chris Smith
Brett Graham
Jairahmai Robinson
John Jancis
Ricky Moore
Christian Hedrick
Kenderic Dunlap
Joseph Kerley
Charles Hollaway
Armando Trujillo
Justin Teeter
Tim Pangburn
Xavier Still
Garrett Teeter
Daniel Spainhour
Rodney Cline
Mackel Gaither
Davon Quarles
Kendall Hosch
Dustin Davis
Jarvis Morgan
Atlrarig Abraham
Louis Kraft
Trey Culbertson
Coaches:
Scott Young
Butch Browning
Joel Crotts
Ralph Ellis
Lee Linville
Kevin Parks, Sr.
Durwood Bynum
Ed Bowles
Jeff Chapman
Tim Dixon
David Hunt
Joe Nixon
Stevie Williams
Communication to the Board
None
Superintendent Comments/Board
Dr. Grissom reminded everyone of some important dates to remember. She also shared with the
members of the Board that the Education Summit has been moved to The Event Center at Cornerstone
Church.
Ms. Carpenter asked Dr. Grissom if she would coordinate the parent focus groups with Board members’
schedules so that they may attend.
Consideration of the Consent Agenda
Financial Summary for December 2008
December Budget Amendments
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BOE Minutes of 12/15/08 and Work Session Minutes of 1/12/09.
Quarterly Purchasing Report
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mrs. Norman seconded.
Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Discussion Items
January Field Trip Requests
Dr. Emerson asked if any members of the Board had questions about the field trip requests submitted.
Mrs. Williams asked that the trip of the Rowan County Early College be discussed further.
**Mrs. Freeze moved to approve the field trip requests from East Rowan, Salisbury High, West Rowan
High, North Rowan High, North Rowan Middle, Erwin Middle, West Middle. Mrs. Kennedy seconded.
Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Dr. Emerson asked Mrs. Williams to share her concerns regarding the request of the Early College field
trip to Germany. Mrs. Williams said that she continues to be concerned about the economy, and the
strain on our parents to find money for the trips. She said she believes that there should be places in
the states that these students have not seen.
Mrs. Misenheimer said she is taking some of the students to Washington. She said the trip to Germany
was shared with the parents and students, who are very interested in going. She said that there will be
fundraisers to help defray the cost.
Mrs. Norman said it is not just the $150 a month, but the priorities of the parents at this time. Mrs.
Misenheimer noted all students will be attending the Washington trip.
Mrs. Kennedy said she thought the trip to Germany was a good outreach, and questioned if Mrs.
Misenheimer had explored the option of sponsors. Mrs. Kennedy said she knows that getting 100% of
students to participate is almost impossible no matter what is being planned.
Mr. Beard moved to approve the trip for the RCEC to go to Germany. Mrs. Freeze seconded. Approved
(5:2) Mrs. Williams and Ms. Carpenter opposed.
East Rowan High School Computer Lab Named for Blanche and Hubert Ritchie
Mr. Miller referenced the letter that was attached with the Board agenda. Mr. Kelly Sparger, principal of
East Rowan High School, requested the Board’s consideration for the placement of Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie
on the computer lab due to their generous donations to the school for the project.
**Dr. Emerson moved to accept the request, and allow the computer lab to be named in honor of
Blanche and Hubert Ritchie. Ms. Carpenter seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Update of Rowan County Early College
Mrs. Misenheimer distributed a document that detailed their tests scores, the application process, and
the courses being offered at the Early College. She outlined the percentage of failure the students had in
their college classes. Mrs. Misenheimer said 22% failed ACA and 23% failed PED 110. Mrs. Misenheimer
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said that many of the students failed, not because they didn’t do their work, but because they did not
turn in their work.
Mrs. Misenheimer stated that she has approximately 125 applications for the coming year.
Mrs. Misenheimer introduced Jermaine Thomas who attended Corriher-Lipe before coming to the Early
College at the beginning of his high school career. Jermaine said that he represents change. He said he
began in January of last year. Jermaine shared that he really wanted the opportunity to attend the Early
College because he feels it offers a chance at maturity as well as college credits. He said the students
have changed. Jermaine said his attitude has changed, and he is always encouraged by Mrs.
Misenheimer and the staff.
Update on North Rowan High School
Mr. Bass presented a power point on the Digital Learning Opportunities that will be coming to North Rowan
in the next couple months. Mr. Bass said that he will make a presentation once a month to update the
board on the progress of the program. He said that he would also like to bring some of the students in to
demonstrate what they are doing. Mr. Bass said that North Rowan will be the first school in the state to
implement this program. He is expecting visits from various state education departments, other schools,
and the State Superintendent.
Ms. Carpenter asked if the teachers at North are as excited about this program as he is. He said they are
all very excited. He said the 9th grade academy teachers are so enthusiastic.
2008-2011 School Improvement Plans
Mrs. Burnette shared the school improvement plan process for this school year. The Board members
received a CD with all of the school’s District Improvement Plan. She reviewed the timeline for the 20082011 School Improvement Plans.
**Mrs. Kennedy moved to approve the 2008-2011 School Improvement Plans as submitted. Ms. Carpenter
seconded. Unanimously approved (7:0)
Graduation Requirements, Effective 2009-2010
Ms. McDuffie distributed documents that outlined the Future Ready Diploma requirements that will be
implemented for the 2009-2010 school year. In the material that was distributed was a timeline of the
dates and times of registration informational meetings.
Ms. McDuffie detailed the difference between the current and new requirements. She noted that the math
requirements are going to be the hardest to adapt to. At this time, Rowan-Salisbury Schools require 28
credits to graduate. The state requires 21 credits. Ms. McDuffie said that she feels that this needs
discussion, especially because of the new math component that is most likely going to be difficult for many
of our students.
Ms. McDuffie reviewed the career clusters that are provided by the state. She said the career pathways ties
the courses the student will take with the job that the student is wanting to pursue.
Ms. Carpenter said it seems to her that the school system is asking our 9th graders to pick a major. She is
trying to understand the state’s rationale. Ms. McDuffie agreed that is exactly what it is like.
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Ms. Carpenter said she thought the emphasis was less on content specific, but trying to get students to
make their mind up.
Mr. Beard said he felt that these requirements are going to cause an increase in the dropout rate. Mrs.
Norman asked what the school district will be doing to make sure that the students are staying on their
track. Ms. McDuffie said that it is going to be a major undertaking that the counselors cannot do alone.
She said that the advisor/advisee program can help.
Dr. Emerson said he hopes that Ms. McDuffie and the principals will discuss the requirements further,
because he doesn’t think that implementing these requirements to have bragging rights is what we want
when it can cause our students to go out the back door.
West Rowan High School Roof Bids
Mr. Miller reviewed the roof bids that were submitted for the replacement at West Rowan High School. He
said the low bid was from Roof-Tek, Inc. at a base bid of $340,000. Mr. Miller asked the Board to approve
the low bid from Roof-Tek. He noted that these funds are in the capital outlay budget for this year.
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the roof bid of Roof-Tek, Inc. in the amount of $340,000 with design
and engineering fees, a total cost of $363,000. Mrs. Kennedy seconded.
Mr. Miller discussed that several shovel ready projects are being looked at. Those schools are Shive, Koontz
and Carson totaling $5.5 million.
Dr. Emerson called for the question. Unanimously approved (7:0)
Dr. Emerson left the meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Update on the Proposed Central Office
Mr. Miller said that the central office committee met on Friday, Jan. 20. He said they discussed several
different options for a location or building. He advised that no consensus was reached by the members of
the board of county commissioners.
Dr. Emerson returned to the meeting at 6:57 p.m.
Mr. Miller spoke to Mr. Page today and asked him if he would consider going with a 7.5 million offer to the
Board, if the Board of Education paid. He said the hope now is that they will pay $375,000 per year and we
would do the same for the next 15 years to pay for a new education center. Mr. Miller said once we get the
county commissioners commit on what money they will give, a meeting with the BOE will be called to
discuss the options of a building and/or location.
Rowan-Salisbury School System Strategic Technology Plan 2009-2013
Mr. Phil Hardin reviewed the Technology Plan. He said the plan has been submitted, but he has not
received approval from the state department. He entertained questions.
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the 2009-2013 Strategic Technology Plan. Mrs. Williams seconded.
Unanimously approved. (7:0)
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Closed Session
Mrs. Norman made a motion to recess into Closed Session at 7:07 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)
The Board took a 5 minute break.
Report of Closed Session
Mrs. Norman moved to approve the Personnel Report and to approve the superintendent’s recommendation
to extend the contracts of the assistant superintendents with the revision of travel compensation options.
Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Announcements
2/2 - BOC Meeting/J. Newton Cohen Board Room/4:00 p.m.
2/4 - BOE Curriculum Sub-Committee/Long Street/2:00 p.m..
2/5 - BOE Finance Sub-Committee/Long Street/3:00 p.m.
2/5 - District Spelling Bee/RCCC Teaching Center/6:00 p.m.
2/9 - Chamber Business After Hours/Horizons/5:00-7:00 p.m. drop-in
2/10 - JROTC Banquet/South Rowan High School/7:00 p.m.
2/12 - BOE Building & Grounds Sub-Committee/Ellis St./3:00 p.m.
2/12 - BOE Personnel Sub-Committee/Ellis St./4:30 p.m.
2/15 - Family Concert - Salisbury Symphony & All County 5th grade Chorus/4:00 p.m.
2/16 - BOC Meeting/J. Newton Cohen Board Room/7:00 p.m.
Adjournment
** Mrs. Norman moved to adjourn at 7:56 p.m. Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Dr. Jim Emerson, Chairman
Dr. Judy S. Grissom, Ed. D., Secretary
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