Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education
Meeting
August 22, 2011
Minutes
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education met on August 22, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. at the Long Street
Administrative Office with the following members present: Dr. Jim Emerson, Mrs. W. Jean Kennedy,
Mrs. Linda Freeze, Mrs. Kay Wright Norman, Mr. Mike Caskey, Mr. Bryce Beard, and Dr. Richard
Miller. Also present were Dr. Judy Grissom, Dr. Rebecca Smith, Dr. Walter Hart, Mrs. Delores Morris,
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. Mr. Beard officiated the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Norman shared the opening meditation.
Adopt Agenda
Dr. Miller moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously
approved. (7:0)
Celebrations
 STATE BUS ROADEO WINNER
Congratulations to Bryson Nesbitt, a bus driver for South Rowan High and Corriher-Lipe Middle
schools, won first place in the State Bus Roadeo Competition held recently in Raleigh.
 FAITH ELEMENTARY TEACHER RECEIVE NATIONAL HONOR
Faith Elementary teacher Karen Moyes is a NEH Summer Scholar, which is a summer study
opportunity supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Karen received a $1,200
stipend to help cover her travel, study, and living expenses.
 EAST ROWAN HIGH SCHOOL FBLA STUDENTS ARE STATE CHAMPIONS
Five ERHS FBLA students finished in the top ten in the state during the NC FBLA State
Competition.
Alex Bost
Alena Nouansavanh
Dakotah Munson
Devin Johnston
Jasmine Cooper
Business Calculations
Business Procedures
Impromptu Speaking
Job Interview
Public Speaking
** Devin and Alena were awarded 3rd place trophies.
**Alena represented ERHS at the National Competition held in Florida in June.
1
**Jasmine is a NC FBLA state officer representing the NW Region.
Advisors for the ERHS FBLA are Cindy Adkins, Becky Sabo, Blaire Goodale and Tracy Greene.
 RSS SCHOOLS RECEIVE STATE AND NATIONAL RECOGNITION AT THE NATIONAL JR.
CIVITAN CONFERENCE
Dale Davis, 2010-11 District Governor from East Rowan High Junior Civitan Club, will be the
new International President of Junior Civitan for 2011-12.
The following clubs were named NC District West Jr. Honor Clubs of Distinction: East Rowan
High / Andrew Smith-Advisor
Erwin Middle / Kim Shuping, Advisor
The following clubs were named NC District West Jr. Honor Clubs:
Rowan Early College / Meredith Abramson, Advisor
West Rowan High / Carl Epps & Angela Waldo, Advisors
CONGRATULATIONS to all of these Jr. Civitan Clubs
 WHITE REINHARDT AWARD WINNER
RSS TOY Theresa Pierce receives the White-Reinhardt award at the 2011 National
Agriculture in the Classroom Conference held this summer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Award
winners are recognized for their outstanding efforts to promote agricultural literacy.
 ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATIONS
17 RSS Schools and Facilities received the “Energy Star” certification. This brings the
total receiving this designation to 32. Mike Austin is the RSS Coordinator
School and Principal / Supervisor
Morgan Elem / Susan Sigmon
Hanford Dole Elem / Shanda McFarlin
Isenberg Elem / Nathan Currie
Hurley Elem / Kim Walton
Bostian Elem / Lisa Sigmon
Knollwood Elem / Shonda Hairston
Faith Elem / Jackie Maloney
Granite Quarry Elem / Vicki Booker
Mt. Ulla Elem / Lea Anne Thomas
China Grove Elem / Jenny White
West Rowan Middle / Nancy Barkemeyer
Southeast Middle / Skip Kraft
Corriher-Lipe Middle / Dr. Beverly Pugh
China Grove Middle / Linda Johnson
Henderson High / Rodney Smith
Head Custodian
Billy Sellers
Brenda Pearman
Terry Clodfelter
Velma Knox
Bonnie Livengood
Steve Goodman
Daniel Swink
Phyllis Padgette
Leo Barnette
Randy Matlock
Robert Lowe
John Carpenter
Tommy Knox
Jim Hedrick
Jessie Luther
2
Central Offices
Ellis Street Office /Steve Massey
Ellis Street Annex Office
Roy Huss
Roy Huss
Communication to the Board
County Commissioner Mr. Jon Barber said he was speaking to the Board as a citizen of the county.
Mr. Barber spoke in support of the consolidation of a central office. He noted he was also in favor of
having the Board of Education Central Office located in downtown Salisbury because of the jobs it
would create, and because Salisbury is the County Seat.
Ms. Marina Bare – a citizen of Salisbury spoke in opposition of a consolidated Central Office.
Mr. William Peoples – a citizen who spoke of the condition of Knox Middle School and also
Henderson. He felt there had been oversight at Knox and Henderson because schools had not been
taken care of. Mr. Peoples stated that he felt the school system was not equal, and that there is
some racism within the school Board.
Superintendent and Board Comments
Dr. Emerson stated that his comments were to address the recent media coverage surrounding Knox
Middle School. He read a prepared statement regarding the safety and sanitary conditions that had
come into question of our schools and the financial auditing of the schools. Dr. Emerson explained
that the school system had in place a process where each school was inspected twice a year by an
independent company for cleanliness and proper storage of cleaning supplies and chemicals, and
annually by the health and fire departments. Dr. Emerson also explained that the school system has
an independent auditor that audited our books in accordance with state statutes.
Dr. Grissom stated that she wanted to discuss a report on school readiness. She read a statement
on the status of our schools in preparation for Thursday’s opening of schools.
Dr. Grissom noted that 189 buses will be on the roads to pick up approximately 20,000 students
who will be entering our schools for another year. She informed the Board that there were a total of
22 vacancies at this time, but only 9 classroom vacancies.
Dr. Grissom continued by explaining how much funding we have to operate and maintain the
schools and the system’s five central offices. She noted that there is a budget of just over $2 million
dollars to keep our system operational.
Mr. Beard added that in 22 years as a school system, we have managed to build nine new schools
since 1989, and existing schools have had renovations. He said that the Board has always put the
students first.
Mr. Beard said that Knox was in a massive cleanup when the members from Cornerstone came to
the school. He said he would invite anyone for a tour of the school because he is very satisfied with
the way the school looks, and the job that the custodial staff has done.
Mr. Caskey thanked the volunteers that helped at the schools. He said he especially wanted to
thank Pastor Godair for the help he and his church did for Knox.
3
Dr. Miller said he wanted address a couple of issues. He said this past year the administration
approved a major facility correction for Knox, noting there had been leadership changes because a
school has to have the appropriate leadership in order to expect appropriate maintenance and
academics. Dr. Miller explained that anyone could drop into any school on any given day and see
something amiss. He thanked teachers that put in the time and effort that they put in. Dr. Miller
said teachers give the extra time, and they go into their pockets because they don’t get the
resources they need.
Dr. Miller stated that we all want the schools to be great. However, they can’t be great if we don’t
have an infrastructure to support those schools. He added that citizens have to take a holistic view
of it.
Mrs. Norman said that one thing that has to be understood is that opinion is one thing, fact is
another, and it hurts our teachers when points are belabored on emotion, not on fact.
Consideration of the Consent Agenda
 July 2011 Financial Summary
 Deletion of BOE Policy 5-18, School Volunteers
 BOE Minutes of June 30, and Special Meeting Minutes of August 3, 2011
 Submission of the YMCA Contract
 Quarterly Purchasing Report
** Mrs. Norman moved approval of the Consent Agenda as amended. Mrs. Kennedy seconded.
Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Discussion Items
Update on School Maintenance Procedures and Reports
Dr. Grissom commended the school system’s custodial staff for the work that they had done this
summer to maintain the schools and get them ready for school to begin.
Dr. Grissom explained that in 2000 the Board implemented a Clean School Inspection Program that is
conducted by Safalle, Inc., which takes place twice a year. She said the company has very strict
guidelines on how they rate the condition of the building, maintenance of cleaning supplies and storing
of chemicals. Dr. Grissom noted that in 2011 Knox Middle did not receive a passing score. She said
that personnel changes were soon made. Dr. Grissom informed the Board about the amount of work
that has been done at Knox Middle in the last several years.
Dr. Grissom said that replacement of Cleveland, Woodleaf and Knox has been on the agenda for years.
She stated that just to replace Knox would cost approximately $24 million, and $50 million for
Cleveland and Woodleaf.
Dr. Grissom said that the option that is on the table to consolidate the central offices does not require
up front funds. However, the cost of upgrading Long Street is close to $2 or $3 million. She stressed
that if we are not going to build a central office, there is an urgent need to do something at Long
Street.
4
Dr. Grissom stopped and introduced Rod Malone, attorney for Tharrington Smith to give the Board an
update on progress that had been made toward a proposed central office that was presented at the
last board meeting.
Proposed Central Office Update and Review of Pre-development Agreement
Mr. Malone, attorney with Tharrington Smith, said that he had been in communication with the
attorney for the developer, and they are close to coming up with a framework that will be agreeable for
the school and developer.
Mr. Malone distributed an outline to showing what needed to be accomplished and when. He
explained that the deals that have come forward from a capital lease in the past, have come from
architects to allow schools to be built with no money up front.
Mr. Malone said our Board has a unique situation, but he explained that lawyers will be meeting with
staff members of the Local Government Commission (LGC) to address some of the issues that have
been raised in the newspapers. However, Mr. Malone said he believes the LGC will approve a deal as
he understands it to be proposed.
Mr. Malone said the next step is to enter into a pre-development agreement. He stated that if the
school system and developer are in agreement, pricing from a contractor is obtained, and the lease
payments are in the range the Board finds acceptable, then the Board would enter into a capital lease.
However, it is not required to enter the agreement.
Mr. Malone explained that the agreement has to be approved by the BOE and the Board of County
Commissioners. Mr. Malone said that if the school board is looking for a place on the agenda with the
county commissioners for their September 19th meeting, a called meeting of this Board would need to
be scheduled.
Mr. Malone said that after that agreement is in place, the developer will hire an architect and work with
the school system staff. Mr. Malone continued to summarize the timeline.
Mr. Malone said that if the Board likes everything, a more formal capital lease will be prepared to be
approved, and presented to the county commissioners.
Mrs. Norman asked Mr. Malone how long he thought it would take from step 1 to 13. Mr. Malone said
he really doesn’t know what the developer has in mind. Mr. Randy Hemann said around the 14 to 15
month range from when the go time is. Possibly 18 months.
Dr. Emerson said that he was asked by the chairman of the county commissioners, Mr. Chad Mitchell,
to inform our Board members that there might be a 4 – 1 vote or a 5-0 vote if we would think of
building on our the transportation department property. He said he was told there would be some up
front money from the commissioners.
Mr. Beard said he wanted to proceed with what was on the table.
The Board agreed on September 6 at 9:00 a.m. for a called meeting.
Dr. Grissom said the Board needed to be sure that this is what they want to do because money will
have been spent by the developer.
5
2011-2012 Annual Budget Resolution
Mrs. Tara Trexler said that the Finance sub-committee had met this past Thursday and now has the
budget resolution in order for us to operate. She outlined the appropriations.
Mrs. Trexler said she is submitting the annual budget resolution and would recommend approval.
**Dr. Miller moved approval of the 2011-2012 Budget Resolution. Mrs. Norman seconded.
Unanimously approved (7:0)
First Reading of BOE Policy 8-29, Concussion and Head Injury
Dr. Hart discussed the issue of concussion in sports. He said the state passed the law for a policy
to be put in place, and that our district is in compliance with the policy and statute.
**Mrs. Norman moved the approval of the first reading of Policy 8-29, Concussion and Head. Mrs.
Freeze seconded. (7:0)
Literacy Update
Dr. Becky Smith addressed the Board regarding some of the things that are being done district-wide to
improve literacy in K-12.
Dr. Smith said they have looked very closely at the test results and looked at where there are gaps and
strengths. She said they have been working with principals to develop a literacy program for K-12.
Dr. Smith showed a Power Point entitled “Literacy Focus: 2011-2012 School Year and Beyond.”
During the summer Dr. Grissom, Dr. Smith, the grade level directors talked with the principals to
discuss with them about what they felt they needed in their schools. Dr. Smith said they built a
framework to go beyond this year.
Mrs. Norman asked Dr. Smith if she was looking at a one size fits all for all grade levels. She asked
what do we know about learning to read as it relates to children of various cultures, races and
demographics. Dr. Smith said that they are working on having an awareness of these variations.
Alternative Program of Excellence
Dr. Smith said that Expeditions was a program previously used for students with extreme discipline
issues, but this program had been phased out. She explained that the school system was aware this
was going to happen and were prepared for that. Dr. Smith said alternative programming has been in
place at Nazareth for elementary and middle school and Landis and China Grove Middle. She advised
that the program will be expanded to two more sites.
Dr. Smith explained the APEX Idea for Elementary and Middle School (6 & 7 grade). She said these
programs will offer alternatives for these children. Dr. Smith said they will add a program and Knox
Middle and North Rowan Elementary School, and each class will hold up to 8 students. She said there
will be an application process that a school counselor or principal has to go through. Dr. Smith said a
committee that will determine how the child is accepted to the program has agreed upon a flow chart.
Dr. Smith noted that regular education and EC students will be eligible for the program.
6
BOE Policy 7-14, Reduction in Force; BOE Policy 3-14, Superintendent: Administrative Staff
Evaluation
Mrs. Morris explained to the Board that both of these policies from the state board are being submitted
to them verbatim. She said that there is no recall anymore for an employee that has been terminated
because of a reduction in force. She said the person must apply for a job. Mrs. Morris was asked to
obtain approval on first reading.
**Mrs. Norman moved approval of the amendments to BOE Policy 7-14, Reduction in Force, upon first
reading. Mr. Beard seconded. Approved (6:1)
Mrs. Morris said the state board has put Policy 3-14 in place because there is now an Evaluation
Instruments that must be used to evaluate the administrators. She said the director’s evaluation
instrument is still being developed, but should be completed this year.
**Mrs. Freeze moved to approval of BOE Policy 3-14, Superintendent: Administrative Staff Evaluation,
on first reading. Mrs. Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. Unanimously approved (7:0)
Communications to the Board – Dr. Emerson
None
Superintendent/Board Comments – Dr. Grissom
None
Closed Session
Mrs. Kennedy made a motion to recess into Closed Session at 7:24 p.m. to consult with an attorney
employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between
the attorney and the public body. [NC Gen. Stat. 143-318.11 (a)(3)], 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. Freeze seconded.
Unanimously approved. (7:0)




BOE Minutes of June 30 and August 3, 2011
Student Appeals
August Personnel Report
Pending Lawsuit
The Board took a short recess.
Report of Closed Session
**Mrs. Freeze moved to approve August Personnel Report. Mr. Beard seconded. Unanimously
approved. (7:0)
7
Announcements
8/25 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
9/5
Labor Day Holiday (Schools and Offices Closed)
9/1
BOE Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Cancelled
9/7
BOE Personnel Sub-committee Meeting/3:00 p.m./Ellis St.
9/21 BOE Curriculum Sub-committee Meeting/2:00 p.m./Long St.
9/22 NCSBA District Meeting/Cabarrus County
9/26 BOE Meeting/5:00 p.m./Long Street
Adjournment
**Mrs. Freeze moved to adjourn at 8:42 p.m. Dr. Miller seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Dr. Jim Emerson, Chairman
Dr. Judy S. Grissom, Ed. D., Secretary
8