Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education
January 28, 2013
Minutes
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education met on January 28, 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, Mrs. Susan Cox, Mr. L. A. Overcash, Mr. Joshua Wagner, and Mr. Charles
Hughes. Also present were Dr. Judy Grissom, Mr. Gene Miller, Mr. Nathan Currie, Attorney Mr. Don
Sayers, 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. Mrs. Norman officiated the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Overcash shared a prayer.
Adopt Agenda
Mr. Overcash moved to adopt the agenda as submitted. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously
approved. (7:0)
Celebrations
Congratulations to the following staff members of the Rowan-Salisbury School System for the
following accomplishments:
 APPLE RECOGNITION:
Adair Caperton from Apple will be presenting our district with the “Apple Exemplary Program
for 2012-2013” award. This marks the 3rd consecutive year that our district has received the
honor.
 ENERGY UNITED BRIGHT IDEAS GRANT AWARD WINNERS:
Three RSS teachers received the Energy United “Bright Ideas” grant:
o Renee Cunningham -Knox Middle School – Know Words of Wisdom ($1797)
o Ashley Miller -China Grove Middle School – PBL Makes Learning Transformation ($2000)
o Lynn Bradley -West Rowan Middle School – Microscopically Challenged ($1950)
Energy United representative Keith Wingler, from the Economic Development Team, will present
the awards.
 JTAN WHISENANT RECEIVES TEACHER OF EXCELLENCE AWARD:
RSS EC Teacher Jtan Whisenant received statewide recognition for her exemplary teaching of
children with disabilities by receiving the 2012 Teacher of Excellence Award as presented by the
State Exceptional Children Division.
 RSS TOY SAKINAH RILEY RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD:
RSS TOY Sakinah Riley has received the 2013 “Global Teacher Award” to participate in the
summer professional development program in India. This award is through the Center for
1
International Understanding and provided by the Blanch and Julian Robertson Family Foundation,
Inc
 SOUTH ROWAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVE A “TOP TEN RIBBON:”
South Rowan High Family & Consumer Science and FCCLA club students received a “Top Ten
Ribbon” for the 3rd consecutive year in the Annual National Gingerbread Competition held in
Asheville NC. Teachers Sharon Edwards and Wanda Taylor accompanied students Miranda
Raymond, Daniel Pope, & Kendall Howard.
 HENDRSON INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES THE “SEEDS OF CHANGE” GRANT
AWARD:
Henderson Independent High School has received the “Seeds of Change, Share the Good” grant in
the amount of $10,000. Henderson was one of 12 schools out of thousands to receive the grant
that will be used for gardening. Cynthia Kaminski is the Biology and Earth & Environmental
Science teacher at Henderson.
 CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDS:
RSS employees nominated to receive the “Customer Service Award,” for demonstrating excellent
customer service for the month of January are:
1. Stacy McCabe
2. Colby Cochran
3. Jonathan Smith
4. Lu Ann Phelps
5. Bryan Mills
6. Joe Pinyan
7. Dale Snyder
8. Angela Chrismon
9. Jim Grkman
10. Todd Bell
11. Chad Mitchell
12. John McNeil
North Rowan Middle Health and PE Teacher
RSS Director of Assessment & Accountability
North Rowan Elementary Media Specialist
East Rowan High Secretary
Athletic Director at North Rowan High
Athletic Director at Salisbury High
Athletic Director at Salisbury High
Athletic Director at South Rowan High
Athletic Director at Jesse Carson High
Athletic Director at West Rowan High
Athletic Director at East Rowan High
Athletic Director at East Rowan High
 CLMS TEACHER ON NCACTE COMMITTEE
Corriher-Lipe Middle School teacher Pam Orbison has been selected to serve as the state Region II
Representative for the NCACTE at the National level (Association for Career And Technical
Educators).
 NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Congratulations to the following RSS teachers that have achieved their certification as a National
Board Certified Teacher: Dr. William Dwayne and Dana Robertson are the RSS NBCT Coordinators.
Lani Earnhardt
Millbridge Elementary
Jenna Freeze
Mt. Ulla Elementary
Bob Johnsen
Carrie Powers
North Rowan High
West Rowan High
Molly Palmer
Rockwell Elementary
Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and
Middle Childhood
Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and
Middle Childhood
Social Studies-History/Early Adolescence
Career & Technical Education/Early
Adolescence Through Young Adulthood
School Counseling/Early Childhood Through
Young Adulthood
2
Aaron Richmond
West Rowan High
Mathematics/Adolescence and Young
Adulthood
Nancy Salamone
Morgan Elementary
Sarah Stepp
Hanford Dole Elementary
Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle
Childhood
Generalist/Early Childhood
 NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION RENEWALS
Congratulations to the following RSS teachers that have renewed their certification as a National
Board Certified Teacher:
Paula Askew
Tonja Brinegar-German
Elizabeth Cook
Morgan Elementary
Horizons Unlimited
Erwin Middle
Susan LaMarre
Sarah Phillips
Rockwell Elementary
Overton Elementary
Amy Pickler
Nina Pope
Timothy Safrit
Alexandra Shadroui
Traci Steele
Southeast Middle
Isenberg Elementary
Corriher-Lipe Middle
Mt. Ulla Elementary
West Rowan High
Brenda Stewart
Henderson Independent High
Amy Stokes
Staci Tatum
Cynthia Waller
Linda Winecoff
Granite Quarry Elementary
Granite Quarry Elementary
Erwin Middle
Hurley Elementary
Generalist/Early Childhood
Science/Adolescent and Young Adulthood
Vocal Music / Adolescent through Young
Adulthood
English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Physical Education / Early Childhood
Through Adolescence
Mathematics / Early Adolescence
Generalist/Early Adolescence
Social Studies-History/Early Adolescence
Science/Early Adolescence
Career and Technical Education/Early
Childhood through Young Adulthood
Exception Needs Specialist/Early Childhood
through Young Adulthood
Generalist/Early Childhood
Generalist / Middle Childhood
Social Studies-History/Early Adolescence
Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early
Childhood through Young Adulthood
Communication to the Board – Dr. Miller
None
Superintendent and Board Comments – Dr. Grissom
Dr. Grissom publicly thanked Transportation Director, Ms. Judy Burris, and her department for their
help in quickly coordinating departure of the students last week on Friday and again on this morning
when freezing rain or ice was being called for.
Dr. Miller noted that he had received a letter from Communities In Schools (CIS) Board Chairman Dr.
Ron Turbyfill, congratulating the school system on the improvement in the student drop out rate,
which is the lowest in years at 2.91.
Dr. Miller confirmed that there would be a meeting with the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 7 at 4:00
p.m. in the multi-purpose room at Hood Theological Seminary.
Consideration of the Consent Agenda
 BOE Minutes of December 17, 2012, and Joint meeting of Jan 3, and Work Session of January
14, 2013.
3
** Mrs. Norman moved approval of the Consent Agenda as submitted. Mr. Wagner seconded.
Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Discussion Items
Crosby Scholars Program
Dr. Grissom said she was very excited to be the first school system chosen for the extension of the
Crosby Scholarship Program from Winston-Salem. She said it is currently only offered in the WinstonSalem/Forsyth Schools where it has been very successful for a number of years.
Dr. Grissom introduced Mr. Art Gibel, President of Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina and
Ms. Mona Lovett, The Crosby Scholars Community Partnership Executive Director. Mr. Gibel said the
mission of Goodwill in the stores is to overcome barriers through employment, and the biggest barrier is
lack of education. He said Goodwill has an affiliation with the Crosby Scholars Program, and they want
to take the program and expand. RSSS is the first expansion of the program. Mr. Gibel stated that in
successive years other counties will be added.
Mr. Gibel introduced Mona Lovett, Executive Director of the Crosby Scholars Program. Ms. Lovett
advised that students may start in the program as early as 6th grade. She said the program offers
financial assistance for college bound students, but there are several components each student must
complete each year of enrollment in the program.
Ms. Lovett said the students and parents must sign a partnership agreement that is open to everyone.
The students must be good citizens, come to school to learn, drug and alcohol free, participate in
community service, and have no suspensions. Ms. Lovett said younger students take a class on goal
setting, high school students will take courses, and eighth graders take transition to high school. She
said high school guidance counselors talk with students as well. Ms. Lovett noted that high school
students participate in random drug screening. She explained that during the students’ senior year, the
students have a one on one advisor to help in every step of college admission.
Ms. Lovett said that 7500 students have been enrolled in W-S Forsyth, and that all programs are free and
open to everyone. She said their focus is to make sure students have both the ability and opportunity to
attend college.
Dr. Grissom stated that the Crosby Scholars Program will support our guidance counselors and schools to
help every child that would like to go to college to be able to.
Ms. Lovett said that the program is moving to Rowan, and they have hired an interim executive director,
Jennifer Canipe. She said they should be up and running for the next school year. Ms. Lovett noted that
this program is one of the few that is on the student’s transcript, and many colleges are very aware of
the program.
Dr. Grissom said this initiative started with a group of parents that were interested in creating a program
to help all students. She said she remembers that the Crosby Scholars Program began when she was
principal in W-S Forsyth, and it was very exciting to see the students change their behavior.
Dr. Miller clarified that there is not a financial impact on the Board at this time. Mr. Gibel said that was
correct. Dr. Miller asked how this would roll out to our students. Mr. Gibel said the process is being
worked out, and staff will have met with all principals by the end of this year. He said the program will
be in all schools by next school year.
4
**Mr. Hughes moved to approve development of a plan with the Crosby Scholars Program with its
implementation in the near future. Mr. Wagner seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
December 2012 Budget Amendments
Mrs. Trexler reviewed the month’s Budget Amendments in detail to refresh the Board members as to the
procedures of when and why she must process budget amendments. She noted that the budget
amendments are the legal documents that allow transfers between budgets.
**Mr. Wagner moved to approve the January Budget Amendments. Mr. Overcash seconded.
Unanimously approved. (7:0)
December 2012 Financial Summary
Mrs. Trexler reviewed the Financial Summary and explained that this is a summary of the six different
budgets. She indicated this report is for information only and does not require Board approval.
Quarterly Purchasing Report
Mrs. Trexler stated the Quarterly Purchasing Report is for information only and that she provides the
monthly expenditures over $10,000 quarterly, because a previous Board had requested and adopted a
policy to provide a quarterly purchasing report to the Board.
Field Trip Requests
Maj. Queen Williams noted that the AFJROTC has to take two activity trips to remain involved at
standard. She noted that Senator Hagen’s office is working to get a tour during their visit to
Washington.
**Mrs. Norman moved to approve the trip for SHS to Washington, DC. Mr. Overcash seconded.
Unanimously approved. (7:0)
On the second field trip request, China Grove Principal, Mrs. Linda Johnson explained the 8th grade
students have taken this trip to the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly several years in the past. She said the
8th grade teachers raised $3000 and the YMCA camp met that amount to fund the trip. Therefore, all of
the students wanting to go will be able to participate.
**Mr. Overcash moved to waive the 60-day notice for the field trip. Mr. Hughes seconded. Unanimously
approved. (7:0)
**Mrs. Kennedy moved the approval of the CGMS trip. Mrs. Norman seconded. Unanimously approved.
(7:0)
Update to Common Core/Essential Standards Discussion
Mrs. Alesia Burnette, Ms. Tina Mashburn, and Ms. Kathy McDuffie addressed the Board. Mrs. Burnette
said the three of them would provide a follow up requested from Board at their December 17 meeting.
She said a short survey went out to all teachers on January 9, after Mrs. Cox worked with the grade level
directors to develop questions for the survey.
5
Mrs. Burnette noted that she sent the survey out to 1700 certified staff members and she received
responses from approximately 435. She stated that 60% of the responses came from elementary staff.
Mrs. Burnette said that the survey did indicate that support would be helpful, and many of the common
responses were that they appreciated opportunities for planning and collaboration. The teachers would
like assistance that was common, and resources in teaching and planning that are aligned with the
common core. Mrs. Burnette said the major response was more time to learn about the curriculum.
Dr. Miller asked Mrs. Burnette what her assessment was on the survey. Mrs. Burnette said she wasn’t
surprised by the answers, and the teachers were direct about what they needed.
Mrs. Burnette said in the elementary grade level, teachers wanted more planning time. Therefore, she
looked at budgets to see if she could provide funds for training. She said she has allotted Title I money
at each school for each teacher to have four planning days. Mrs. Burnette said the money would provide
pay for the substitutes, and the schools had to create a plan as to how they were going to spend their
training days.
Middle Grades Director, Ms. Mashburn, advised that middle school already have the web and print
resources and are now looking at the informational text. She said that will be the middle school focus.
Secondary Director, Ms. McDuffie, said the high schools had completed the entire curriculum with the
first semester and are excited to be going on to the second semester. She said the staff do feel like they
have enough background, but resources are what her teachers are wanting. Her team will come
together to see what amount of money to spend in the four core areas.
Dr. Grissom said by the end of the week she will have met with every principal to discuss the school
improvement plans and the curriculum talks.
Dr. Miller stated this was very valuable data as we go into budget process, and to put a dollar figure on
the cost to give this planning time is good. If it continues, that it is a benefit.
Mrs. Burnette explained the costs for 459 core teachers and 189 specialty teachers in elementary will be
$256,400.
Overview of District Accreditation
Mrs. Burnette stated the system is getting ready to take on a tremendous task over the next 15 months
of re-accreditation. She presented a brief overview of what is going to occur during the process of reaccreditation.
The Board took a five-minute recess at 7:12 p.m.
The Board reconvened at 7:21 p.m.
Don Sayers left the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Safety Committee Update
Dr. Grissom began by saying a little about the safety committee task force members. She distributed a
list of the committee that is comprised of administration, principals, and local law enforcement. Dr.
Grissom advised that the committee had met on two separate occasions for over 2 hours each time.
6
Dr. Grissom said the committee was divided into the following subcommittees to research in specific
areas: protocol procedures – lockdowns; doors/key/buzzers/lighting; SRO – School Resource Officers;
front office coverage; PA Systems; signage; school policies; positive social media.
Dr. Grissom said the recommendations at this time were: Move forward with training, videos, and flipcharts at a minimal cost; move forward on signage; continue discussion buzzers, keys, and consider
including this in our budget request; work with Sheriff Auten on best use of scheduling for off-duty
officers; consider requesting resource officers in budget; continue to study and move toward more
consistent policies; discuss including improvement of PA system in budget, and; consider ways within
current budget to allow for more front office coverage at the elementary level.
Dr. Grissom stressed that we need to discuss how we can get our parents to work with us to make our
schools and their children safer.
Mr. Wagner asked Sheriff Auten what he would do right now. Sheriff Auten said he would make sure
there was consistency throughout the system for the short term. He said he would like to look at
resource officers for the next year, and that the officer volunteers are great. He said he could use staff
from the other municipalities. Sheriff Auten stated that all resource officers met last week and discussed
a lot of good things to put in place.
Energy Performance Program Update
Mr. Miller came forward to address the Board. He said in Feb. 2012, he made a presentation of an
energy performance program and how it would operate within our system. He reviewed the information
for the new board members.
Mr. Miller said the vendors that would do the work are bonded companies, and noted two of the vendors
were present and have offered bids.
Mr. Miller said that 14 different schools were visited and scenarios were performed, such as changing out
items that take money. He said the projects would not pay back in 8 - 10 years, but instead in 15 years.
Mr. Miller stated he had put out an RFP and seven companies were interested enough to bid. However,
all but Trane and ESG had dropped out. He said he will not be asking for an approval tonight because
the way the legislation reads, you have to get an audit.
Mr. Miller said the concern with awarding the bid, you have to authorize an integrated audit, which is
expensive, at a cost of $85,000. He said if the Board moves forward, we would have to spend the
money to implement the program, and for $5M we would be paying 30 – 32% in fees. Mr. Miller
explained he was in favor of doing this, because upgrades could be made with no money invested.
However, when he analyzed the fees, he was not sold on the program.
He said that although projects need to be done, there is not immediate need. Mr. Miller said we would
like to make our schools more energy efficient because the money does come back into the schools, but
the concern is finding the money to do this. He said the vendor will do an extensive audit, and will put
the company on the line because they are guaranteeing what we will save. Mr. Miller said he did not
realize that the fees would be so high from the company.
Dr. Miller clarified once we sign the contract, we borrow the money and hope the savings will pay the
loan off. Mr. Miller answered, “Yes, but there is no risk.” However, we are paying all the fees for a
$15M project. He said it’s the bottom line numbers that disturb him when we might be able to do the
work ourselves. Mr. Miller noted that if the Board decides to do this, they will have to go to the county
7
commissioners. He said there would be no debt on the commissioner’s part, but they have to sign a
resolution not to cut our funding during the 15-year period.
Mrs. Norman asked what Mr. Miller’s best recommendation was at this time. Mr. Miller said there are two
ways to present this project. He said going forward, but the Board should have a work session to bring
everyone up to speed and there are lots of pros and cons. Mr. Miller said he has always looked at the
bottom line, and 30 – 33% in fees to get into the program is his reservation.
Mr. Overcash said he would like to get more information on the program before moving forward. Dr.
Miller said that we might want to have a work session to discuss the topic. The Board agreed.
Board of Education Compensation
Dr. Miller distributed several NC General Statutes for the Board member’s review. Mrs. Trexler said that
the staff needed direction on how the Board wants to proceed before a request is made to the county
commissioners for an increase in Board compensation.
Mr. Wagner said that although he enjoys having an increase, he is okay with keeping the compensation
as it was in 2011-2012. Mrs. Cox agreed. Mr. Hughes said he would agree as well.
Dr. Miller only asked that each board member consider how elected bodies are treated. There is a
tremendous disparity when you look at the number of employees in our system and meetings that are
attended by Board members. He said he does not think the token increase is exorbitant. Mrs. Norman
said she believed it was 2001 for the last increase.
Dr. Miller said when you are over a budget of $180M and 3000 employees; it is more than a statement of
the volunteer time you are giving. Mrs. Kennedy said her only objection was a committee getting an
extra stipend for doing their duties because the entire Board is on committees. She would not change
her opinion on that.
Mrs. Norman said her right as a Board member is about where we were as to where we are. She used
to never take travel, but she is now looking at that differently. Nobody else is going to recognize the
value of the members. She said she could see where you can view this as underappreciated. She stands
as she voted before.
Mr. Overcash said he didn’t see any problem with the increase in compensation.
Vocational School Discussion
Mr. Wagner said he had been interested in the possibility of a vocational school before running for the
School Board. He advised that he was going to visit a vocational high school in Troutman, and although
he doesn’t have a lot of information about it at this time, he wanted to visit to ask the questions.
Dr. Grissom explained to Mr. Wagner that Kathy McDuffie and Roger Withers would be good for him to
have a conversation with, because they have information from other vocational schools that have been
visited previously. She said there is information he can learn from our staff as well.
Mr. Overcash said the Board had visited other vocational schools years ago. Dr. Grissom stated that it
always comes back to money. The Board decided to do different academies at the high schools.
Therefore, we have a lot of vocational academies throughout our schools.
8
Mrs. Kennedy was concerned that Mr. Wagner had not spoken with our own school system staff. Mr.
Wagner said he would be willing to meet with staff in our system. She asked Mr. Wagner to please be
sure to bring back the information to the Board. Dr. Miller suggested to Mr. Wagner that he might want
to vet himself in what we have here, so that he can ask better questions.
Sharing of Information Related to NCSBA Conferences Attended.
Mrs. Kennedy said she attended a very interested meeting during the District Meeting that was held at
Carson last fall. She made copies of an informational handout and asked the Board members to really
read the items in the packet.
Mr. Wagner said he appreciated going to the School Board 101 conference, and that he did get a lot out
of it. Mr. Overcash said the conference was very beneficial for him. Mrs. Norman said it was one of the
best initial conferences she had attended.
Dr. Miller discussed the Board Chair conference he attended. He passed out information from his
conference.
Dr. Miller distributed the announcement of the Law Conference coming up on March. 4.
Communications to the Board – Dr. Miller
None
Superintendent/Board Comments – Dr. Grissom
None
Closed Session
**Mrs. Norman moved to recess into Closed Session at 8:43 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), and 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)]. Mr. Hughes seconded. (7:0)



BOE Closed Session Minutes of December 17, 2012, January 3 and January 14, 2013.
Possible litigation
January Personnel Report and Administrative Contracts
Report of Closed Session
** Mr. Hughes moved to approve the January Personnel Report. Mr. Overcash seconded. Unanimously
approved. (7:0)
**Mrs. Kennedy moved to approve the recommendation of the superintendent to hire Dr. Julie
Morrow as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum. Mr. Overcash seconded. Unanimously
approved. (7:0)
**Mrs. Kennedy moved to approve the superintendent’s recommendation to hire Mr. Michael
Courtwright as the principal for Hanford Dole Elementary School. Mr. Overcash seconded.
Unanimously approved (7:0)
9
**Mrs. Kennedy moved to approve the superintendent’s recommendation to hire Mrs. Lindsay
Chatham as the principal for Mt. Ulla Elementary School. Mr. Overcash seconded. Unanimously
approved (7:0)
Mr. Overcash asked Dr. Miller to be recognized for a comment.
Mr. Overcash said he wanted to revisit the issue of Board compensation, and proceed to the
commissioners with a request. Dr. Miller asked Mr. Overcash if he would like to put a motion on the
table.
**Mr. Overcash moved to take the request for an increase in Board of Education compensation to the
Board of County Commissioners. Mrs. Norman seconded. (4:3) Approved. Mrs. Cox, Mr. Hughes,
and Mr. Wagner opposed.
Announcements
1/30 - PTA Council Luncheon/J. F. Hurley YMCA/11:45 a.m.
1/31 - Parents Matter Event/Jesse Carson High School/5:30 p.m.
2/4 - District Science Fair/Horizons/3:00 p.m.
2/5 - Personnel/Finance Sub-committee Mtg./Ellis St./3:00 p.m.
2/7 - Joint Bd. of Education & Bd. of County Commission Mtg./Hood Seminary/4:00 p.m.
2/15 - Faith-based Breakfast/Long St./9:00 a.m.
2/23 - All County MS/HS Band Concert
2/25 - BOE Meeting/Long St./5:00 p.m.
Adjournment
** Mrs. Cox moved to adjourn at 10:15 p.m. Mr. Overcash seconded. Unanimously approved. (7:0)
Dr. Richard W. Miller, Chairman
Dr. Judy S. Grissom, Ed. D., Secretary
10