Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education
April 22, 2013
Minutes
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education met on April 22, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at the Long Street
Administrative Office with the following members present: Dr. Richard Miller, Mrs. Kay Wright Norman,
Mrs. W. Jean Kennedy, Mr. L. A. Overcash, Mr. Charles Hughes, and Mr. Joshua Wagner. Mrs. Susan
Cox was absent. Also present were Dr. Judy Grissom, Dr. Julie Morrow, Mr. Gene Miller, Mr. Nathan
Currie, Mr. Don Sayers, attorney and Mrs. Bonnie Holder, Clerk to the Board.
Call to Order / Roll Call
Dr. Miller called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Overcash officiated the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dr. Miller requested that everyone share a moment of silence.
Adopt Agenda
**Mr. Hughes moved to adopt the agenda as submitted. Mr. Wagner seconded. Unanimously
approved. (6:0)
Celebrations
Congratulations to the following staff members of the Rowan-Salisbury School System for the
following accomplishments:
 RSS RANKS 6TH IN THE NATION FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
The Rowan-Salisbury Schools achieved “6th Place” nationally in the “Large Student Population
Districts Category” for digital learning - presented by the Center for Digital Education and the
National School Boards Association at the National School Boards Conference held last week.
 FORMER NORTH HIGH COACH ROBERT STEELE INDUCTED INTO THE NCHSAA HALL OF
FAME
Former North Rowan High School Coach Robert Steele was inducted into the NC High School
Athletic Associations “Hall of Fame” at a banquet recently held in Chapel Hill.
 EAST ROWAN HIGH STUDENT RECEIVES VOLUNTEER HONOR
East Rowan High student Caroline Fry received the “President’s Volunteer Service Award” for her
exemplary volunteer service as presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program
on behalf of President Obama and in partnership with the National Association of Secondary
School Principals (NASSP). Andrew Smith is the teacher and Junior Civitan Club Sponsor.
 CORRIHER-LIPE MIDDLE STUDENTS RECEIVE STATE HONORS
Two Corriher-Lipe Middle School students were recognized for placing in the State Annual Poetry &
Poster contest sponsored by the National Career Development Association. Pam Orbison is the
teacher.
First Place
Mikey Pierce - Middle School Division for Poetry
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First Place
Kimberly Ramirez-Betancort - Middle School Division for Mixed Media Poster
**Both students will now compete in the National Competition.
 JESSE CARSON HIGH STUDENT PLACES THIRD IN STATE COMPETITION
Carson High student Savannah Deal won third place at the State Playworks Competition.
Alex Reynolds is the Theatre Arts Teacher.
 2012 NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL BUS SAFETY POSTER CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to the following students (and their teachers) for placing in the state school bus
safety poster competition:
First Place
Southeast Middle **Victoria Amaro
Grade 6-8
Teacher/Shannon Blackmon
Second Place
West Rowan Middle
Jaquerius Johnson
Grade 6-8
Teacher/Erich Epps
Third Place
Isenberg Elementary
Tylyric Smith
EC
Teacher/Cyrstal Lineberger
Fourth Place
Morgan Elementary
West Rowan Middle
Stephanie Kidd
Thomas Webb
Grade 3-5
Grade 6-8
Teacher/Audra Corriher
Teacher/Erich Epps
**Victoria competed in the National School Bus Safety Poster Contest competition that was held in
Memphis Tennessee.
 NORTH ROWAN HIGH STUDENTS RECEIVE BAND HONORS
North Rowan High School students have been recognized for excelling in band:
Virginia Tech University Honor Band
• Savanna Starnes
• Taylor Starnes
• Alexis Rice
• Carolina Billingsley
University of South Carolina Honor Band
• Taylor Starnes
• Alexis Rice
• Shenelle Hudson
• Valerie Miller
• Rafe Harrison
• Alex Gilland
• Garrett Miller
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Honor Band
• Caroline Billingsley
• Tyler Reash
• Bryn Gilland
• Taylor Starnes
Andrew Howe is the NRHS Band Director.
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 JESSE CARSON HIGH STUDENT ALEX LYLES IS STATE CHAMPION
JCHS student Alex Lyles won an individual title in the 3A state championship and Brandon Sloop
placed 4th. Bryce Vandenberg is the team coach.
 EAST ROWAN HIGH STUDENTS PLACE IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
ERHS students Jason Deutsch placed 2nd and Wyatt Blume placed 5th for individual titles in the
3A state championship. Barry Justus is the team coach.
 SOUTH ROWAN HIGH STUDENTS PLACE IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
SRHS students Logan Durham placed 3rd and Tyler Hall placed 4th for individual titles in the 3A
state championship. Wayne Freeman is the team coach.
 WEST ROWAN HIGH STUDENT APRIL SNYDER
Congratulations to West Rowan High School Student April Snyder for receiving Teen Link’s
“Editor’s Choice Award” for poetry. Wendy Fontenot is the English teacher.
 NORTH ROWAN MIDDLE TEACHER MIKE YARBROUGH
Congratulations to North Rowan Middle School Teacher Mike Yarbrough for being selected to the
2013 Dream Team sponsored by Learn Zillion – backed by the Bill Gates Foundation. Team
members create Common Core video lessons and assessments for all grade levels that are
available free for teachers.
 JESSE CARSON HIGH WINS STATE DIGITAL VIDEO CONTEST
Jesse Carson High won the “Digital Teaching and Learning Day Video” contest as announced by
the NC Department of Public Instruction’s Division of Digital Teach and Learning. This award is in
recognition for Carson’s video that creatively showcased digital learning from a student’s
perspective. Amie Williams and John Yates are the teachers.
Communications to the Board
None
Board/Superintendent Comments
Dr. Miller reminded the members that he had advised them at the last meeting the Town of East
Spencer had approached him and the staff with interest in the administrative building on Long Street.
He said the officials will begin a needs assessment on the building, and decide if it is feasible for their
needs. Dr. Miller distributed a letter he had received from the Town of East Spencer to review and
hold as information.
Dr. Miller distributed another letter he had received regarding the property on South Main Street being
considered for the RSSS Administrative Building. He noted that he has received the appropriate report
from NCDNER indicating that the site is approved for development.
Dr. Miller also handed out copies of the email he received from Chairman Jim Sides responding to the
letter sent to the Board of Rowan County Commissioners. The response from Chairman Sides was
that the Board would not agree to discuss the central office with the Board of Education and City of
Salisbury. Mr. Sides stated that the school board could work with the City on the project.
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Consent Agenda
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•
•
•
March 11, 25, and April 8, 2013 Minutes
March 2013 Financial Summary
March 2013 Budget Amendments
Quarterly Purchasing Report
**Mrs. Norman moved the adoption of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Overcash seconded. Unanimously
approved. (6:0)
Discussion Items
RCCC Board of Trustees
Dr. Miller explained that the board members may remember that on May 11 Rowan-Cabarrus Community
College had submitted a recommendation to fill the vacancy left by former Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz,
and at that meeting, the Board decided to solicit their own applications. Dr. Miller advised that he had
received four applications; one applicant was ineligible due to his employment with one of the counties
of RCCC’s administrative unit and the second application was withdrawn. He stated that the two
remaining applicants were Mrs. Patricia Fulcher and Mr. Bill Wagoner, Jr.
**Dr. Miller moved to approve the recommendation of Mrs. Patricia Fulcher for the unexpired term on
the RCCC Board of Trustees. Mr. Overcash seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Field Trip Request
South Rowan High School Spanish teacher, Mrs. Lee Ann Freeze, explained why she requested the
Board’s consideration for the field trip to London, Paris, and Madrid. She said that she also searched for
a trip that was the least expensive and where there would be several free opportunities for the students.
Dr. Miller asked if there will be fundraisers for students. Mrs. Freeze said a couple small fundraisers were
planned, and the travel agency she works with will set up payment options. She said the company also
provides scholarships for those that have trouble with the payments. Mrs. Freeze advised that any
student at South Rowan who wishes to participate has the opportunity to do so. Dr. Knox said that the
staff encourages all interested students to obtain information on the trip and ask questions.
**Mr. Overcash moved to approve the SRHS field trip to London, Paris and Madrid. Mr. Wagner
seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
District-wide Mini-Funk Band
Mr. Anthony Johnson reviewed how he implemented the Overton Mini Funk-Factory Band and how he
is hoping to expand the program. He said that he is hoping that next year he will be able to offer the
opportunity not only to students at Overton, but also Isenberg, Koontz, and Knox.
Mr. Johnson said that they presently have 115 students and have now outgrown the room at Overton.
He explained that Salisbury City Council’s Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell told him not to worry,
because it would be taken care of. He found it hard to believe until City Manager Doug Paris
confirmed Mrs. Blackwell’s statement.
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Mr. Johnson said a couple weeks later, he signed the agreement that allows his band to practice at a
City Parks and Recreation facility free of charge. He said they also have a practice field, storage unit,
and kitchen.
Mayor Pro Tem Blackwell said that she was very proud to be associated with Mr. Johnson, and that
the City felt this was a very worthwhile project. She further stated that at their Council retreat earlier
in the year, their Objective 4 in their long-range plan is to actively engage Rowan-Salisbury Schools
and Rowan County government in partnerships with them.
Mayor Pro Tem Blackwell explained that through the efforts of Doug Paris and Jeffrey Holshouser,
who were instrumental in taking the lead on the project, the need was covered.
Mr. Overcash thanked the City of Salisbury for everything they do.
**Mr. Wagner moved to approve the expansion of the Mini Funk-Factory Marching Band. Mrs.
Kennedy seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Child Nutrition Meal Price for 2013-2014
Mrs. Libby Post said that some of her staff and Knollwood celebrated Earth Day and introduced the Farm
to School Program there today. She explained that the school system will participate in the Farm to
School Program in May and will be serving fresh strawberries.
In another matter, Mrs. Post said that the USDA requests that she look at the meal prices each year.
She said that while using the USDA guideline tool, they found they would have to raise their prices by
$.10 for the 2013-14 school year. That would mean Elementary meals would be $2.10, and middle and
high school $2.25.
Mrs. Post noted that 50% participate in breakfast, as well as 24% middle grades and 20% of high school
students. She said that number has increased over the last five years.
Mrs. Norman asked if meal prices may be raised again next year. Mrs. Post said probably so, but our
system is in line with other LEA’s in the State, and this is something she has to review each year.
Mrs. Kennedy asked if Mrs. Post anticipated a per item increase. She said she didn’t believe so, and the
milk price will remain the same.
Mrs. Post said that it is a mandate that the meal price has to be raised independent of participation or
free/reduce lunch.
Dr. Miller asked what the $.10 increase would generate. Mrs. Post said approx. $100,000.
**Mrs. Norman to approve the recommendation of a $.10 increase in food prices for 2013-2014. Mrs.
Kennedy seconded. Approved (5:1) Mr. Wagner opposed.
Implementation of a New Academy at South Rowan
Dr. Knox distributed a packet of material that outlined the Public Service Academy he is proposing. He
said that the staff at SRHS feels this will be a great academy for their students and the South area. Dr.
Knox said that this academy will be shaping tomorrow’s heroes.
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Dr. Knox stated that for next year they will have a fire services training. He said they will be partnering
with RCCC, South Salisbury Fire Department, Town of Landis, Town of China Grove, and the Atwell,
Enochville, Bostian Heights, and Locke Fire Departments.
Dr. Knox said the academy benefits will offer the potential to attain 18 college credits toward an
Associate of Arts Degree from RCCC, as well as increase interest in public service sector jobs, increase
community safety, and increase in community involvement.
Dr. Knox explained that for the 2013-2014 year, the academy will be open to rising juniors and seniors.
However, in the 2014-15 school year, the academy will be offered as a full academy and open to rising
9th graders.
Dr. Knox said the cost to the school system is minimal. He said RCCC will be providing a coordinator 25
hours a week and other instruction. Dr. Knox said the survey he conducted with the Landis 8th graders
and his students indicated that approximately 60% were very interested in the possibility of the
academy.
Dr. Grissom said that Dr. Knox has been working on this project for quite a while, so she felt that the
staff has done their research. Dr. Knox said this will be the only academy in the state that will give the
students the possibility of receiving an associate degree while attending a traditional high school.
**Mrs. Kennedy moved the approval of the request to implement a Public Service Academy at South
Rowan High School. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Consideration of the 2013-2014 10-month Calendar
Mr. Colby Cochran said that he would like to request that the BOE reaffirm their vote to approve the
2013-2014 10-month calendar. He said that many LEAs had approached the General Assembly
requesting more flexibility in the school calendar. However, thus far, no action has been taken.
Mr. Cochran said that for each day that passes without a final calendar, makes it difficult for staff to
schedule meetings, as well as for staff and parents to schedule vacations.
Mr. Cochran asked the Board to formalize the calendar and that it will not be revised, even if the system
receives the flexibility approval for the 2013-14 school year. Dr. Grissom said the only caveat would be
that if the General Assembly would require us to revise the calendar.
Dr. Miller said he has had the most communication on this issue from the community.
**Dr. Miller moved to reaffirm the calendar the BOE adopted in February 2013 unless the General
Assembly required the school system to make revisions. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously
approved. (6:0)
Amendments to BOE Policy and Regulation 8-23, Prohibition Against Discrimination,
Harassment and Bullying, and 6-7, Interscholastic Athletics
Mr. Currie said he had been in touch with the Office of Civil Rights who reviewed policy 8-23, and their
one recommendation was to remove the word “unlawful” from the policy.
Mr. Hughes requested that the words substantially and unreasonably also be removed, as they are
subjective in this context. Mr. Sayers said the reasons Mr. Hughes explained were good reasons for
those words to be removed.
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** Mr. Hughes moved to approve the amendments made to BOE Policy 8-23 by removing the words
unlawful, substantially, and unreasonably. Unanimously approved (6:0)
1st Reading of BOE Policy 8-34, Appropriate Student Attire
Mr. Currie requested that the BOE adopt this policy because it is part of our student Code of Conduct and
having this same information as a board policy will allow schools to enforce the criteria for student attire.
**Mrs. Norman approved the first reading of Policy 8-34, Appropriate Student Attire. Mr. Wagner
seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Code of Conduct Revisions
Mr. Currie distributed the revisions that have been suggested for the student. The documents also had
the timeline to submit suggestions.
Mr. Currie reviewed the revisions.
Mr. Overcash felt that wording should be put in place to include property that is not owned by the school
system. Mr. Currie explained that the change is a statute change.
**Mrs. Norman moved approval of the Code of Conduct revisions on the first reading. Mr. Overcash
seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Consideration of Audit Bid Process
Mrs. Trexler said she sent out a request to other LEAs to find out if they had a policy or guidelines that
are followed for contracting auditors. She said she received 11 responses and of those 11, six have no
guidelines; two have official board policies; two have procedures in place to contract their auditors on a
five-year timeframe, and two LEAs have their auditors on a three-year timeframe. Mrs. Trexler
recommended to the Board that the finance committees address this issue as to whether we want an
official BOE policy or have guidelines.
As chairman, Dr. Miller gave authority to Mrs. Trexler to proceed with discussions the Finance Committee
and to submit their recommendation to the Board.
Receive Summary of Recent National School Board Conference Trip
Mr. Overcash said he had distributed documents to various staff members of information he brought
back from the conference. He said he attended many good workshops on school safety, bullying
prevention, and board challenges.
Mrs. Norman said that this conference was only three days compared to the five days of past
conferences. She said she attended some of her workshops in the new Learning Lounges. Mrs. Norman
said she enjoyed the workshop on Social Media, and learned that districts should embrace it to know that
social media can be utilized as a tool to begin conversations based on a sound foundation and facts.
Mrs. Norman said another workshop she enjoyed was Leadership Isn’t for Cowards. She stated that it
takes leaders who are inspired by passion and courage. She also enjoyed Gender in the Media lead by
actress Mrs. Geena Davis.
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Communication to the Board
None
Board/Superintendent Comments
Mrs. Kennedy discussed a meeting she attended at the Country Club. She said the speaker’s focus was
building relationships.
Mrs. Kennedy noted that the speaker had been courted to turn around the schools in New Orleans. She
said what she noticed was that everything that he mentioned he was implementing has already being
employed here in RSSS. Mrs. Kennedy said that those sitting at her table were making observations that
our administrators are ahead in making our system the best. She thanked Dr. Grissom for her
leadership.
Closed Session
**Mrs. Norman moved to recess into Closed Session at 7:10 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. state 143-318-11(a)(1). Mr. Overcash seconded. (6:0)


April Personnel Report
Closed Session Minutes of March 11, 25, and April 8, 2013
Report of Closed Session
**Mrs. Norman moved to accept the recommendation of the superintendent to hire Mrs. Kristi Rhone
as the Executive Director of Human Resources. Mr. Wagner seconded. (6:0)
**Mrs. Norman moved to approve the personnel report. Mr. Overcash seconded (6:0)
Announcements
4 - 26 Early Release Day
5-2
BT3 Banquet/North Rowan High/5:30 p.m.
5-7
BOE Personnel/Finance Sub-committee Mtg./Ellis Street/3:00 p.m.
5 - 13 BOE Public Forum/Long Street/5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
5 - 15 BOE Curriculum/Technology Sub-committee Mtg./Ellis Street/3:00 p.m.
5 - 15 Retirement Gala/Salisbury YMCA/5:30 p.m.
5 - 20 BOE Meeting/Long Street/5:00 p.m.
5 - 27 Memorial Day Holiday (Schools and Offices Closed)
Mr. Miller gave notice to the Board about the Commissioner’s May 6 meeting on the budget where
Mrs. Trexler will be giving a presentation.
Adjournment
**Mr. Wagner moved to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously approved. (6:0)
Dr. Richard W. Miller, Chairman
Dr. Judy S. Grissom, Ed. D., Secretary
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