Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education
Meeting
November 24, 2008
Minutes
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education met on November 24, 2008 at the Long Street Administrative
Office with the following members present: Chairman Dr. Jim Emerson, Vice-Chairperson Mrs. W. Jean
Kennedy, Mrs. Linda Freeze, Mrs. Patty Williams, Ms. Karen Carpenter and Mr. Bryce Beard. Mrs. Kay
Norman was absent due to a family illness. Also present were Dr. Judy Grissom, 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 5:02 p.m.
Adopt Agenda
Mr. Beard suggested that the section of Board/Superintendent Comments follow the Communications to
the Board section tonight and in the future. Dr. Grissom requested that the Cotton Mill Project
Presentation follow Celebrations.
** Mrs. Carpenter moved to adopt the agenda as amended. Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously
approved (6:0).
Closed Session
Ms. Carpenter made a motion to recess into Closed Session at 5:02 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. (6:0)
November Personnel Report
Student Transfer Recommendations
Employee Grievance Minutes
Pledge of Allegiance / Meditation
Dr. Emerson reconvened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Karen Carpenter officiated the Pledge of Allegiance and Mrs. Kennedy had the opening meditation.
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Report of Closed Session
** Mrs. Carpenter moved to approve November Personnel Report at submitted. Mrs. Kennedy seconded.
Unanimously approved. (6:0)
**Mrs. Carpenter moved to approve the October 27, 2008 Employee Grievance Minutes. Mrs. Kennedy
seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
** Mrs. Kennedy moved to approve student transfers as submitted by the Appeals Committee. Mrs.
Carpenter seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Celebrations
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 November are:
1. Stacey Barnhardt
2. Melinda Dabbs
3. Leslie Holmes
4. Donna Flowers
5. Sam Kyzer
6. Brian MoragneEl
7. Tina Rodgers
8. Anelia (Neely) Laurens
9. Robin Phillips
10. Sandy Kizziah
11. Jennifer Lentz
12. Annette Reavis
13. Diana Ellenburg
14. Jamie Durant
15. Nelson Cowden
Jesse Carson High School
Corriher Lipe Middle School
Erwin Middle School
Erwin Middle School
Knox Middle School
Knox Middle School
Koontz Elementary School
North Rowan Elementary School
South Rowan High School
Southeast Middle School
Southeast Middle School
Southeast Middle School
West Rowan Middle School
West Rowan High School
West Rowan High School
The Salisbury High School Girls’ Tennis Team won the “2008 2A Dual-Team State Tennis
Championship” title. SHS team members Hannah Lebowitz and Kirsten Meyerhoeffer won the
State 2A Doubles Championship competition.
The girls tennis team members are:
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Hannah Lebowitz
Kirstin Meyerhoeffer
Brooke Johnson
Shea Comadoll
Joy Loeblein
Erika Nelson
Mary Margaret Mills
Mally Fisher
Sarah Truemper
Sun Dragas
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Dzenita Sukurica
Sarah Shirley
Sierra Davis
Meloney Ramos
Anna Wooten
Alex Yarborough
Charlotte Mills
Suzanna Maxwell
Coach Chris Myers
C. T. Overton Elementary School Overton Elementary was chosen to participate in the “NC
School Innovation Tour Day” that was held on November 18. The NC School Innovation
Tour Day showcased more than 100 schools statewide that exhibit programs that are leading
the way in innovative practices.
Presentation – Cotton Mill Project
Dr. Hensley said she had the pleasure of working jointly with the Cotton Mill Project over the past few
months. She introduced Mrs. Lynn Raker, who is the Urban Planner for the City of Salisbury. Mrs. Raker
said the 4th graders in all 20 elementary schools participated in the project.
Mrs. Raker gave a presentation that outlined the details of the Cotton Mill Project.
Communication to the Board
Mrs. Linda Shipton – An RSS employee at Knox Middle School. She spoke on the discipline problems of
the EC students at Knox Middle.
Mr. Steve Drinkard – spoke on behalf of the Rowan County Democratic Party. He said they would like to
say his group is here as a resource to encourage students to remain in school. Mr. Drinkard said they
want to help in anyway with the dropout problem.
Mrs. Trish Young – a parent of students at Knox Middle. Mrs. Young discussed the positive change Knox
this year. She is very impressed with the new principal, Mr. Moragne El. She said she has a son there
now, and is looking forward to having her other son at Knox next year. Ms. Young said she believes the
expectations at Knox have gone from adequate to exemplary.
Mrs. Rene Caldwell – A parent who said her daughter is very distraught about racial comments that were
made in her class at SRHS. She stated that she wanted to know what discipline is taken when this takes
place. Ms. Caldwell said she has asked the superintendent and the principal at SRHS to have diversity
training.
Superintendent Comments/Board
Dr. Grissom advised that the school system would be reverting back over $800,000 to the state. She
requested that the board approve the process and timeline for the reversions. She said she would like
suggestions from the Board in time to take them to the Finance Sub-Committee for their review. The
Committee’s recommendations would be brought to the Board on Dec. 15.
She discussed having a light dinner with the Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 15 prior to our
Board meeting. The Board agreed. Mrs. Carpenter requested moving the Closed Session portion of the
meeting to the end of that meeting, and having the dinner from 5 to 6 p.m.
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In compliance with federal law, the Rowan-Salisbury School System administers all educational programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion,
national ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability, or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.
Dr. Grissom discussed about having a breakfast with our State legislators. She said she was looking
tentatively at 7:00 a.m. on January 22.
Dr. Grissom reminded the Board that Dec. 1, the Board had agreed to meet with the RCCC Board of
Trustees to discuss the Market Street Research Project, and talk about ways the community college and
the school system can work together on that project.
Lastly, she unveiled a plan for North Rowan High School. Dr. Grissom said she is looking at a project
that would be very different. The One for One Project, where there would be a computer for every
student. The Apple Computer representative introduced using the iPod Touch, and the more expansive
ways of using the product and software. She said she told the staff at NRHS that the administration was
not requiring them do this. However, they seemed receptive.
Mrs. Carpenter said that she wanted to advise Steve Drinkard that Rowan Partners for Education is
working on Drop out prevention efforts with a committee that he may want to look into.
Mr. Beard said Knox Middle is one of the schools that he represents. He said that there seems to be
quite a bit of unsolicited positive comments about the changes at Knox Middle.
Mr. Beard also spoke to Mrs. Caldwell’s concern. He said that the administration has taken some action,
and the teacher has apologized.
Consideration of the Consent Agenda
Financial Summary for October 2008
October Budget Amendments
BOE Minutes of October 27, 2008.
2nd Reading of Policies 6-16 and 7-23
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Beard seconded.
Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Discussion Items
2007-2008 Audit Report
Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Tara Trexler introduced Mr. Pete Teague from the CPA Firm of Dixon Hughes
to reviewed the Annual Audit Report. Mr. Teague addressed each of the documents.
Dr. Emerson thanked Mr. Teague for the report, and he thanked Tara Trexler for the job she does.
Consideration of Field Trip Requests
JCHS – Mrs. Freeze asked about the itinerary. Mrs. Ashley Stillings responded that the date of the trip
was decided upon to reduce the cost of the trip. It was the consensus of the Board to approve the trip.
Emerson opposed.
The Rowan County Early College was discussed, and approved.
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Dr. Emerson questioned the trip that Mt. Ulla is taking to the Outer Banks. Principal Mrs. Thomas said
that this is the 4th year the trip has been taken, and all students who want to go are given the
opportunity. She said it in line with the NCCOS.
JCHS – The request to the Sound of Sea was questioned. Ms. Cloutier detailed the program. She said it
was a high school EC program.
Ms. Carpenter moved to approve all of the field trips as presented. Mrs. Freeze seconded. Approved.
(5:1) Dr. Emerson opposed.
NC Wise Project Update
SIMS Data Coordinator Ms. Judy Kirk outlined the NC Wise program, its status and deployment timeline.
She noted that at this time our system is in the pre-conversation stage, and extensive training is being
facilitated.
Dr. Grissom said that it takes a massive amount of training, and effort going into this transition. She said
that the school system has no option, and are required to convert to this program.
The Board took a recess at 7:40 p.m.
The re-convened at 7:57 p.m.
High School Updates
Ms. Kathy McDuffie discussed the high school guidebook for 2009-2010. She also updated the Board
members on more guidelines of the graduation project, as well as the community outreach she is
conducting at civic clubs and other organizations to get them involved.
Ms. McDuffie discussed the Future Ready Diploma, Career Clusters for CTE and Academies. She stated that
the administration is looking at academies for all of the high schools. Ms. McDuffie shared that Carson will
have a fine arts academy this year, and will be investigating a Business Education Academy with a
marketing focus. She said ERHS and NRHS are looking at a Allied Health Academy, and SHS already has
Science and Math, but are looking at expanding the curriculum with technology. Ms. McDuffie advised that
Mr. Knox at SRHS is looking at his options, but WRHS is looking at their agriculture program to possibly
form into an academy.
Ms. McDuffie said she would like to fast track putting courses that the State has approved in the guidebook.
Mrs. Williams asked if the academy would be at all high schools or certain schools. Ms. McDuffie said that
the focus that came from the school academy would determine whether it would be relative.
Dr. Emerson said he was concerned about student transfers. Ms. Carpenter said she had the same concern
because of having the different academies in different schools.
Ms. McDuffie said the high school principals have had the same conversation, but they want to support
academies at the schools because they know we can’t be everything to every student. The academies give
us a way to funnel those students.
Ms. Carpenter said she understands what is being said, but if the system can’t provide transportation we
are not going to be able to provide the course to every student.
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Dr. Emerson said he wants to make sure that every student has the same opportunity at each high school.
Dr. Smith said that the academy would have an application process as well, so that the student can apply to
the academy. Mr. Beard noted that the principal would have more input in the process.
Ms. Carpenter explained to Ms. McDuffie that the Board needed a recommendation from the staff so they
could make a decision of how to allow the academies. She asked, “Are we going to let the student to what
academy they want to, or will they have to go to the academy at their school?” “Will the Board need to
work on a new transfer policy?”
Mr. Beard said we have got to adapt and offer as many programs as we can, but we may not be able to
offer them at every school.
Ms. McDuffie offered a list of courses that she would like to add to the guidebook for the new year. She
said that this list indicated the courses that the staff wanted to add.
Dr. Grissom reminded the Board that they had decided that they wanted to be consistent in the core
courses, but that it is almost impossible to offer the special courses in all schools because the interest may
not be there. However, there is quite a bit of interest in some of the schools in specific arts.
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the 2009-2010 Guidebook on 1st reading. Mrs. Williams seconded.
Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Ms. McDuffie briefly discussed the pacing guides that have been development for more subjects. She said
guides will be put into place in the second semester, and they will collect feedback to how well they have
worked for the teachers.
Ms. McDuffie said they are continuing to update and upgrade equipment in the CTE courses. She said she
is working on a marketing plan for the CTE program. Brochures have been developed and will be given out
at all of the middle schools to help students in completing their high school registration.
Ms. McDuffie discussed the Differentiated Diploma.
**Mrs. Carpenter moved to approve the Differentiated Diploma Program with the revisions indicated in red
on the handout. Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved (6:0)
Review of Final 2007-2008 End-of-Grade Test Results, ABCs and AYP Status
Mr. Colby Cochran reviewed the 2007-2008 final testing reports. He noted that the high schools increased
in the high school graduation rate. It was earlier announced our graduation rate was 69.%, but the
revision put the rate at 70.9%.
Review of Policy 7-7 – Assignment and Reassignment of Staff
Mrs. Morris said that the policy is legally correct, but since the Board had asked review the policy, she
would like to know the board for direction on how they wish they the policy revised.
Dr. Emerson said he felt the policy needed to include a statement that teachers are not moved without their
approval.
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Dr. Sayers said he felt it would be a serious mistake to change the policy because an individual is
complaining about being moved.
Mrs. Williams said she didn’t know if this policy maybe shouldn’t go back to the Personnel Committee to be
reviewed. Mrs. Williams said she thinks that the superintendent should have the option to move whenever
she feels that she has the option to move, but to move someone from one school to another when there is
no documentation on performance is not justifiable.
Mrs. Kennedy asked Mrs. Morris to read the intent form.
Dr. Emerson said that it is involuntary moves that he has a problem with. Dr. Grissom said if the policy
locks us in so tightly so that because of enrollment a school loses 3 or 4 positions but a teacher don’t won’t
to move, what would she be able to do.
Mr. Sayers said that he felt that it would open up a lot of problems to open this policy up to having teachers
able to decide if they want to move or not. Mrs. Morris said if there is no other direction, she will keep the
policy as is.
West Rowan High School Tennis Court Bids
Mr. Miller stated that $804,092 was available for the athletic projects at West Rowan High School. The first
phase of the project is the tennis courts. He presented the bids that were received. Mr. Miller asked
approval of a total of $335,962. Mr. Miller said this total would include the contract from Carolina
Siteworks, the $88,144 for our staff to put in the lighting and architectural fees.
**Ms. Carpenter moved to approve the the amount of $336,962 for the tennis courts at WRHS. Mr. Beard
seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Mr. Miller said the second phase with be the concrete on the home side of the stadium, and the third phase
would be the sitting on the visitors side.
Dr. Emerson asked Mr. Miller to give him an update on the NRHS track and press box at JCHS at the next
meeteing.
Security Camera Bids
Reviewed the bids for the security cameras at Knox and SHS. The low bid was Fortress Systems
International for a total of $251,174.00 for both projects.
**Mr. Beard moved to approve the security systems for Knox and SHS in the amount of $251,174.00. Mrs.
Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Mr. Miller said NRHS, HIHS, and WRHS will be the next design process.
Matching Funds Projects for 2008-09
Mr. Miller reviewed the spreadsheet that outlined the matching funds received at each school for their
projects.
1st Reading of New Policies: 5-19/Registered Sex Offenders; 8-31/Student Sex Offenders;
8-32/Children of Military Families
Dr. Hart noted that the policies were recommended by the NC School Board Association.
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Dr. Hart said in brief, Policy 5-19/Registered Sex Offenders Policy reads that we will follow the state
guidelines to ensure the safety of our students. He said Policy 8-31 addressed what procedure we would
follow when we have a student sex offender.
Dr. Hart said Policy 8-32/Children of Military Families states that we will follow a federal provision that
ensures that our school system will work with these students and their parents whose family member has
been called to active duty.
**Mrs. Carpenter moved to approve 1st reading of all policies presented (5-19, 8-31 and 8-32). Mrs.
Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Announcements
11/27 & 28 -HOLIDAY (schools and offices closed)
12/1
- BOC Meeting/J. Newton Cohen Board room/4:00 p.m.
12/3
- BOE Curriculum Sub-Committee Mtg./Long St./2:00 p.m.
12/4
- BOE Finance Sub-Committee Mtg./Long St./3:00 p.m.
12/11
- BOE Building and Grounds Sub-Committee/Ellis St./3:00 p.m.
12/11
- BOE Personnel Sub-Committee/Ellis St./4:30 p.m.
12/15
- BOE Meeting/Long St./5:00 p.m.*
*BOE Christmas Dinner at 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Grissom reminded the Board that our December 15 meeting would begin at 6:00 p.m.
following a dinner with the Board of County Commissioners at 5:00 p.m. She said it was also
decided that our Closed Session would be at the end of this agenda.
Adjournment
** Mr. Beard moved to adjourn at 9:26 p.m. Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Dr. Jim Emerson, Chairman
Dr. Judy S. Grissom, Ed. D., Secretary
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