DATE:
April 15, 2013
PRESENT:
TIME:
6:30 P. M.
PLACE:
Pitt County Office Building
Marc Whichard, Chair
Jill Camnitz
Mildred Council
Worth Forbes
Benjie Forrest
Sean Kenny
Jennifer Little
Robert Moore
Barbara Owens
Billy Peaden
Christine Waters
Mary Williams
ABSENT:
Chair Marc Whichard called the Board of Education to order in Regular Session at
6:30 P. M. in the Third Floor Board Room.
Ms. Barbara Owens led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Worth Forbes followed with a Moment of Silence asking that we remember all
students, staff and parents who have suffered a tragedy, sickness or loss of a loved
one in our Pitt County Schools system. He asked that we strive for safety in our
schools, remember those affected by the Boston Marathon explosion and guidance as
the Board searches for a new superintendent.
D. H. Conley Principal Mary Carter introduced a 10th grade Student, Casey Sokolovic,
who is the recipient of the prestigious Nestle Very Best in Youth Award sponsored by
Nestle USA. Ms. Carter shared that Casey has earned the National Youth Leadership
Service Learning Excellence Award for 2012, the City of Greenville, NC Humanitarian
Award for 2012 and East Carolina University’s Center for STEM Education – STEM
Girl’s Keynote Speaker.
Ms. Carter informed the Board that Casey launched a Program entitled the Upstream/
Downstream Connection which is a summer camp program that engages students
from the Boys and Girls Club in environmental and STEM Education and asked Casey
to share with the Board some activities involved with the Program. Casey stated she
started the program about seven years ago in trying to preserve the world through its
population and provides hands-on exhibits and outdoor experiences at a 400 acre site
in Ayden, NC.
In honor of Stacey’s award, Reading Is Fundamental, which has been supported by
Nestle, is presenting 40 STEAM-themed books to Assistant Superintendent of
Educational Programs and Services Cheryl Olmsted for placement in a Title I school.
These are high-quality books that explore a myriad of cultures while emphasizing
Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math (STEAM) areas, and each book is
accompanied by extension activities to be used by educators, parents and community
volunteers.
In closing Casey shared with the Board that April 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will
be an Earth Day Celebration at A Time for Science, which is where the camp is held,
with different events, i.e. recycling, and lunch and volunteers are needed.
Chair Whichard then offered the Agenda for consideration. Mr. Worth Forbes moved
that under New Business, Item E be added for Board Discussion regarding Forum
Dates being added to the Superintendent Search Timeline. Second was given by Mr.
Benjie Forrest. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Sean Kenny moved that the Agenda
be adjusted to add Number 3 under the Policy Committee Report to discuss adding the
color purple to Ridgewood Elementary School colors. Second was made by Ms.
Mildred Council. Motion passed unanimously.
No one wished to speak during Public Expression
For Spotlight on Teaching and Learning, Northwest School Principal Dennis Teel
shared that Northwest has a 93% poverty rate and has struggled the past few years
with academics. He explained a pyramid leading to the academic success of
Northwest with a foundation of belief in their mission and vision statement. Next, Mr.
Teel stated that you cannot have an average teacher but need effective high quality
teachers to grow students. In extending learning time, they added 25 minutes to the
instructional day with the help of Ms. Sandra Morris, who was the Principal at
Wellcome Middle School, and adjusted her schedule at the feeder school. Mr. Teel also
stated they have an after school tutorial program, summer academy and Early Bird
Kindergarten which was held for 20 days before school started. He added that his
staff look at data constantly and use technology resources interwoven in their
instructional days. Mr. Teel next discussed ways in which instruction time is
protected – i.e. not letting disruptive students interfere with the learning of other
students, not letting parents check out their children 30 minutes early because they
don’t want to wait in the car pool line, calls are sent to the teachers’ voice mail to be
answered at the end of the day. Professional development is chosen on the basis of
what is the most effective teacher strategy. Lastly, Mr. Teel stated at the top of the
pyramid is crucial conversations, which occur not only with staff members if an issue
arises; but also with children who now want to do well and are proud of their work
and with parents to ask them for help and support of the children.
Mr. Teel’s focus tonight was on the Early Bird Kindergarten as he shared the
differences in children the program has made. Before, students were assigned to
classes randomly; with the program, students were assigned to a classroom based on
assessment data obtained during the twenty days before school started. With the
program, there was no need to have staggered start dates – all kindergarten students
started the first day of school. Before, teachers would spend the first three or four
weeks assessing the students; with the program, teachers begin teaching on the first
day and form reading and math groups much earlier. In having the extra twenty days
in place, the students have had time to practice school procedures/drills and
academic learning starts on day one. Before, most students have very little exposure
to reading and lack pre-reading skills and vocabulary; with the program, students are
ready to read and have daily instruction on phonemic awareness, letter identification
and text structure. During the extra twenty days, students are exposed to
socialization skills while learning to share and take turns. They know key adults in
the building, i.e. the principal, teacher, bus driver, counselor, etc. Most importantly,
without the program, students have 181 instructional days; with the Early Bird
Program, students receive over 200 days of instruction. Mr. Teel added that if the
building didn’t have to be cleaned extensively during the summer, he would carry this
program for a longer period of time.
Mr. Teel also shared the results distributed at a Race-to-the-Top meeting he attended
last week where graphs of the growth of schools’ proficiencies were displayed with
Northwest Elementary being at the top with a 27.5% growth in two years. He
explained that in talking with his teachers, he noted that these students may be poor,
but they can learn. Mr. Teel added that goals were set high as students will strive to
meet goals.
Mr. Sean Kenny stated that he has met the faculty at Northwest, and they are most
professional and care about their students. He stated that there are no excuses at
Northwest and school pride is apparent in the welcoming atmosphere you receive upon
entering the building. Mr. Teel thanked Mr. Kenny for his comments and stated there
is no harder job than being a school teacher. He said that you can have all the
computers and technology resources possible; but if you don’t have a quality teacher
in charge of the classroom to teach and use tools effectively, it will not work. Ms. Mary
Williams commented to Mr. Teel that she feels good with him as a principal in her
district and asked about the success of assessments being used in all schools. Mr.
Teel stated he believes types of programs like this are beginning in other schools, i.e.
Read 3D which is a great assessment for reading in K-3. Ms. Jill Camnitz asked about
funding for Early Bird Kindergarten. Mr. Teel stated that Title I money or Race-to-theTop funding could be used. He also has just completed a $2 million School
Improvement Grant application like our three high schools have which will be
submitted Friday.
Under Consent Items, Mr. Billy Peaden asked that the Personnel Report be moved to a
Closed Session discussion. Mr. Benjie Forest gave a second. Motion passed
unanimously. Ms. Mildred Council, second by Mr. Worth Forbes, moved that the
Board approve the Minutes from the Regular Meeting held March 18, 2013, the
Minutes from Called Sessions held March 28 and April 5, and the Property to be
Declared Surplus List. Motion passed unanimously.
The first item of business was a report following a joint meeting of the Finance and
Human Resources Committees held March 26, 2013. Chair Mary Williams informed
the Board that for the next several months, both committees will be meeting together
to discuss the 2013-14 budget and allotments for Pitt County Schools and information
obtained from the Department of Public Instruction. She asked Assistant
Superintendent of Finance Michael Cowin to share the details of items discussed in
the meeting. Mr. Cowin stated there were three main topics to share with the Board:
1. 2012-13 Budget Amendment #2
2. 2013-14 State Budget-Governor’s Proposal
3. 2013-14 Proposed Local Budget.
Beginning with the 2012-13 Budget Amendment #2, Mr. Cowin stated there had been
an increase of $958,103.00 making a total of $224.5 million. He explained the
funding sources for this money and stated almost $74 out of every $100 goes almost
directly into the classroom whether in teacher salaries, supplies, or technology. Mr.
Cowin shared that appropriations in this funding includes Board initiatives for
Student Safety and Security amounting to $400,000 and Student Technology
amounting to $2,500,000. He commented that the allocation for Student Safety and
Security will be combined with other state, local or federal allocations appropriated for
school safety and specific projects will be determined by the Safety and Security
Committee and brought before the Board for approval. For Student Technology, Mr.
Cowin stated these funds will be used to complete installation of wireless access
points in every classroom, fund competitive technology grants within the district and
buy approximately 6,100 student laptop devices in order to meet the on-line testing
requirement by the State over a two-week period that will become effective with the
2014-15 school year.
Ms. Mary Williams moved, second by Mr. Benjie Forrest, that the Board approve the
2012-13 Budget Amendment #2 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Cowin then reviewed the proposed Governor’s budget for the 2013-14 school year
and how it will impact Pitt County Schools specifically. The first item is the fact that
the budget did not include an increase in funding for low wealth counties. When you
look at Pitt County Schools and where we rank based off the low wealth formula, our
appropriations will actually reduce by over $900,000. Mr. Cowin stated that our low
wealth percentage is going from 86.3 to 88.6 which is an inverse relationship – as the
wealth percentage goes up, the allocation to Pitt County Schools goes down. Low
wealth funding is used 100% for instructional positions above the state allotment
formula, i.e. regular instruction, CTE, EC, LEP, and AG. Mr. Cowin commented that
to overcome the $900,000 reduction, we will redirect cost savings in the area of public
utilities and we are holding discretionary dollars for remediation in our schools to
determine where the final State budget will end. Nonetheless, each school is still
scheduled to receive a .50 remediation position, there is full funding of the AVID and
Twilight Programs and the resource officers in the middle and high schools are
maintained as well.
Mr. Cowin explained that the Governor’s budget fully funds the projected increase in
ADM across the state – Pitt County Schools is projected to receive an increase of
approximately 10.6 teaching positions next year. This is misleading in that it is stated
in the Governor’s budget that there will be an increase of 1800 teachers state-wide,
but it truly just funds the increase of teachers due to the increase in average daily
membership – not really new money but funding formulas that are already in the
budget. Mr. Cowin stated that in the end, our actual number of allotted positions
within the schools will not reduce, and we will be able to maintain the supplemental
positions in the areas of EC, AG and CTE.
In the Governor’s budget, Mr. Cowin stated the discretionary reduction has not been
reduced. He explained that this reduction is a direct cut to the State Education
Budget and last year this meant $5.6 million for Pitt County Schools. For fiscal year
1013-14, it will mean $5.9 million for our system which results in a reduction of over
75 teacher positions and 51 teacher assistant positions.
Positives in the Governor’s budget include an increase for technology, textbook
allotment and supplies.
Mr. Cowin stated the major item that will have impact in all schools related to the
Governor’s budget pertains to teacher assistants. This budget reduces T/A funding by
$117 million state-wide or a $4.5 million reduction for Pitt County Schools. Funding
will only be provided for teacher assistants in kindergarten and first grade which
means that Pitt County Schools will have a reduction of approximately 121 teacher
assistant positions in many different areas – 102 positions in second and third grade
levels and the rest as media assistants in middle and high schools. Mr. Cowin
explained that the committee discussed ways to protect these classrooms and the
livelihood of these assistants over the next couple of years, even it means using our
fund balance in order to accomplish this. In minimizing this impact, he stated there
would probably be approximately 30 resignations/retirement and 41 positions covered
with the fund balance leaving 50 positions to be subject to a reduction in force. Mr.
Cowin stated this is a reality, though the House and Senate have not released their
budget proposals at this time, and we have less than three months before the final
budget will go to the Governor’s office for approval.
The final item Mr. Cowin discussed was the 2013-14 Proposed Local Budget. He
explained that dollars allocated to us from the county fund our capital and operation
appropriations which come from property taxes. Mr. Cowin reported that next year,
the total of the operating budget will be approximately $35 million with a capital
budget of approximately $750,000. He stated that this will be an increase of approximately $1.5 million. The capital appropriation was reduced to 0 this school year to
help the county cover their budget shortfall, and we are asking that it be reinstated for
school year 2013-14 – these monies cover replacements in roofing, paving, bleachers
or wherever needed as identified by the Operations Committee. A fixed cost increase
of $531,561 is just to maintain the current level of operations within Pitt County
Schools – a 1% increase in salaries according to the Governor’s budget, increase of
retirement rate to 15%, $260 increase per employee for health insurance and a
premium increase in Workman’s Comp of $150,000. The new money request is for
$200,000 to compensate incentives for beginning teachers in order to attract high
quality classroom educators in areas that are hard to fill in Pitt County Schools. Mr.
Cowin closed by stating in this proposed local budget, 50% is dedicated to
instructional programming. Projects for the capital budget have been separated into
Categories I, II, and III as he described to be used for painting, transportation
equipment, classroom furniture, etc.
Superintendent Beverly Emory re-enforced Mr. Cowin stating that we are not talking
about new dollars – the $750,000 and $531,000 are monies we had to give back at
previous times, and we’re asking for them to be reinstated. The only new funding
we’re seeking is the $200,000 to provide incentives for beginning teachers. Mr. Cowin
stated that we have a great working relationship with our County Commissioners and
are seeking to give this county the best school system it deserves.
Ms. Mildred Council asked what are we as a Board going to do to help this cause. She
asked can we send a letter to the Governor and the General Assembly to let them
know how this will impact our schools. Ms. Council feels we need to speak up for
ourselves if no one else does.
Ms. Mildred Council moved, second by Mr. Sean Kenny, that the Board send a letter to
Governor McCrory and members of the N. C. General Assembly stating that losing our
teacher assistants in Pitt County is unacceptable. Chair Whichard asked for an
amendment to the motion in terms of writing a Resolution from Mr. Cowin. Ms. Mary
Williams seconded this amendment. She stated that we need to continue staying on
our representatives telling them that we don’t like this loss of 121 teacher assistant
positions, which will not only impact our students, but also our community – adding
that this is a lot of jobs, and we need to be forceful in our language to them. Mr.
Robert Moore commented that we need to alert the County Commissioners to what we
are proposing. Mr. Benjie Forrest added that at a critical time in a child’s education in
the second and third grades when learning is formulated to move them forward, there
is no practicality in removing the teacher assistants. He then asked Mr. Cowin was
there a certain percentage that had to be reached before a county received no low
wealth funding, with Mr. Cowin responding 100%. Mr. Cowin said we have grown 2-3
percentage points in the last two years and really believes at some point, this will level
out. He added that we are impacted by the other 99 counties and truly believes it will
level out across the state. Mr. Cowin also reminded Board members that we have
made Read 3D a major initiative in this county to make sure all students in grades K2 are on grade level as far as reading; now we will be expected to implement this
program with less staff in the classroom. Dr. Emory stated that we are ahead in this
program as we were a pilot program, but remember that the State will mandate Read
3D in the fall of 2013 across the state. She added that the Excellence in Public
Schools Act came out today, which was modified by the Education Committee, stating
we will implement this diagnostic tool, while teachers will tell you they need someone
else in the classroom while they are assessing a child one-on-one.
Mr. Worth Forbes asked regarding teacher assistants who retire this year, will they be
replaced. Mr. Cowin answered that they are included in the mentioned
resignations/retirement that will not be replaced. Mr. Forbes asked will the principals
have the authority to shift assistants in their respective schools as they deem
necessary with Mr. Cowin responding yes. Dr. Delilah Jackson informed the Board
that at the end of the 10-11 school year, there were approximately 59 teacher
assistant resignations for various reasons. In the 11-12 school year, there were 45
resignations. Dr. Jackson informed the Board that to date this year, there are 15
resignations, though we are not at the end of the school year. As Mr. Cowin
mentioned, we are approximating the number of resignations at the end of the year to
be 30, as we look at other shifts in positions as well.
Mr. Benjie Forrest stated that he believes with the environment and climate in Raleigh,
that when a TA does resign, it will be smart not to fill that slot. Again, Mr. Forbes
voiced that the principals should have authority in shifting/sharing teacher assistants
as is deemed necessary. Dr. Jackson stated we have always given the principals
authority within their building to make the adjustments they need. To that end, she
stated we create a process for a surplus list and begin to seek other areas of
employment based on his/her certification, skills, etc. that will allow him/her to be
transferred to a different department.
Chair Whichard then called for a vote by the Board on the amendment to have Mr.
Cowin write a Resolution to be sent to the Governor and members of the NC General
Assembly with a unanimous response for the amendment.
Chair Whichard then called for a vote by the Board for the original motion to include
the amendment of sending a written Resolution to the Governor and members of the
NC General Assembly strongly stating that losing teacher assistants for Pitt County
Schools is unacceptable. There was a unanimous response for the motion.
For the second item of business, Chair Worth Forbes asked Associate Superintendent
of Operations Aaron Beaulieu to share updates with the Board following an Operations
Committee Meeting held March 25, 2013. The first item Mr. Beaulieu presented was
an update from the Safety and Security Task Force whose members are working
diligently to hopefully bring to the May 6 Board meeting the initial recommendation
using the funding explained tonight for safety and security initiatives to enhance what
has already been implemented.
The two Capital Outlay Budgets were discussed which have been referred to the
Finance Department for Categories I, II and III and the Capital Outlay Budget. Mr.
Beaulieu shared that over $32 million of deferred maintenance needs have been
outlined at a previous meeting – roofs, HVAC units, plumbing, paving – simple things
that are used daily in a school system. He commented that what was able to be
funded in this year’s budget is roughly one million dollars. Mr. Beaulieu coined the
phrase that was used a number of years back, “let’s keep the cuts out of the
classroom”, stating there are no cuts that don’t affect the classroom – whether a longer
bus ride, a leaking roof, an HVAC system that doesn’t work properly – everything goes
into the overall needs of our students and staff. Additionally, he reported that there is
no money for new construction.
The next item discussed was the use of facilities. Mr. Beaulieu stated that Community
Schools and Recreation Director Rita Roy shared with the members of the Operations
Committee the policies, procedures, fee schedules and other information related to
using Pitt County Schools’ facilities. He stated that we have great community partners
across the district; but stated that if someone is charging a fee and using our facilities,
it’s only right that we cover our costs or move forward with asking that a percentage of
their income from the event comes back to the school district in tough economic times.
Mr. Beaulieu reported that a motion was made and seconded at the Committee
meeting that beginning with the 2013-14 school year, we proceed to work with some of
our community recreational groups to not charge our standard fee, but to charge them
with the cost of utilizing the lights for the recreational program. Mr. Sean Kenny
moved, second by Ms. Christine Waters, that beginning with the 2013-14 school year,
we proceed to charge for the cost of utilizing the lights for recreational programs using
school facilities. Ms. Mary Williams asked regarding the fees – are the fees standard
county-wide. Mr. Beaulieu shared that there are three unique situations across the
county which are the Whitfield Baseball Association and the Southern Pitt Baseball
Association which uses the Chicod and Stokes fields. He explained that they hope to
get separate meters so we can see the actual cost for the lights averaging $10$12/hour with a normal on-going charge set at $25/hour. Mr. Beaulieu stated by
charging them, this will be consistent with other community groups, i.e. Winterville
uses the A. G. Cox Softball Field and they pay the bills there, Ayden pays the bills for
their recreational groups using the fields behind Ayden Elementary School, Farmville
uses the field behind H. B. Sugg – this will make us consistent. Chair Whichard asked
if the district will be buying the meters with Mr. Beaulieu responding that we will work
with the utility companies to hopefully provide meters and capabilities to access them.
This decision has not been reached at this point, but will have to be worked out. Ms.
Williams asked how much are the meters with Mr. Beaulieu answering that he did not
know as this action was just adopted during our last meeting. Ms. Christine Waters
asked about issues with The American Legion with Mr. Beaulieu stated yes, this is
another outside group that is asking about reducing their fees from their current
charges of using the community college field. He stated that high school coaches are
responsible for their own fields and take pride in, but the subject was discussed.
Mr. Beaulieu repeated Mr. Kenny’s motion, second by Ms. Waters, that the Whitfield
Baseball Association and the Southern Pitt Baseball Association be charged the actual
cost of running lights starting with the 2013-14 school year. Motion passed
unanimously.
The last item Mr. Beaulieu discussed was the custodial allotment of 1734 hours
across the district. He reported that some schools have as few as two custodians in
the building which makes it more and more challenging to deliver quality custodial
services within our allotments as we move forward. Mr. Beaulieu informed the Board
that benefits for these employees are approaching 50% of the salary cost of some of
the individuals. He added that over time, we need to look at how we can hold these
line items neutral and not affect the classroom. Mr. Beaulieu informed the Board that
there are 4.2 million square feet of classroom space which does not begin to touch the
acreage of property that our schools are responsible for mowing, hedging, trimming,
etc.
Mr. Worth Forbes asked about a Chicod Sewer System update. Mr. Beaulieu shared
that the contract was extended from April 17 to April 29 due to the inclement weather
we had. He stated it is coming down to the wire, but we will not know until the 29th of
this month. Fortunately he stated, we don’t have a timeline other than bringing
forward a quality project and will hold the contractors 100% accountable for their
expectations. If they pass the April 29th deadline, they will be charged liquidated
damages.
Mr. Sean Kenny commented upon hearing the custodial report that we are literally
operating with a skeletal custodial staff who are working very hard. He had asked Mr.
Beaulieu to look at options of having substitute custodians when someone calls in sick
and not burn out these folks. Mr. Beaulieu reported that we are exploring our options
and some districts have proposed floater custodians so folks are trained and know
how to work the equipment. He shared that New Hanover has asked for floater
custodians – adding that they have 1200 kids more than Pitt County but their local
county appropriation request for this year is $67 million – we have a $34 million
request. This only shows the extreme variations we have in districts across the state.
Ms. Williams stated she thought we have custodial substitutes with Mr. Beaulieu
responding that we do, after three days; but added as low as our staff is now, we have
trouble getting substitutes.
The third business item discussed was a report following the Policy Committee
Meeting held just prior to the Board meeting presented by Chair Sean Kenny. Mr.
Kenny discussed two revised policies for First Reading: Policy 7.019 – AntiDiscrimination, Harassment, and Bullying (Employee) and Policy 10.200 – AntiDiscrimination, Harassment, and Bullying (Student). Chair Whichard asked were
there any questions or comments regarding either of these policies. Ms. Mildred
Council expressed hope that all our administrators will start adhering to the revised
policies as she keeps hearing complaints that some individuals working in the schools
feel they are being bullied just like our students. She believes a strong message
should be sent that everybody is somebody and needs to be treated as professional
adults. Ms. Council commented that no employee is better than anyone else as all
employees make the school work.
Mr. Kenney then reviewed two revised policies for Second Reading: Policy 3.600 –
Fiscal Management Policy, Purchasing and Contracts. Mr. Kenny moved, second by
Ms. Jill Camnitz, that the Board adopt Policy 3.600 as presented. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. Kenny then discussed Policy 10.209 – School Uniform and Appearance Policy with
a change being made on page 111, #6 to mirror page 110, part A, #6. Mr. Kenny
moved, second by Ms. Mildred Council, that Policy 10.209, with discussed changes, be
approved by the Board and effective with the beginning of the 2013-14 school year.
Ms. Mary Williams asked were all principals contacted regarding updates on policy,
and Mr. Kenny shared that this is effective with the 2013-14 school year. Ms.
Williams and Mr. Forbes commented that they are already getting emails regarding
this policy with Dr. Emory explaining that the Board had not approved the policy until
tonight so no emails should have been sent. She feels some of these issues have
arisen as spring is here, students start to wear shorts, etc. Mr. Robert Moore
commented that perhaps we need a list of items that really need to be enforced and
will have zero tolerance for. Chair Whichard believes this is a good idea and
mentioned schools have their school supply list – stating perhaps school uniform
suppliers could post specific standards that are pluses for uniforms and those that
will not be tolerated. Dr. Emory feels this is a great idea, but also believes that when
parents call a Board member saying my child was sent home today – that Board
member has to say that this is on the list of non-negotiable attire, and we expect it to
be enforced consistently.
Chair Whichard called for a vote. Motion was unanimous.
Chair Whichard then asked Mr. Kenny to share the additional item #3. Mr. Kenny
stated that Ridgewood Elementary has requested the color purple be added to their
school colors. Mr. Kenny moved, second by Ms. Mary Williams, that the Board
approve the color purple be added to Ridgewood Elementary School’s colors.
Motion carried unanimously.
Chair Whichard stated that the next item of business is a Teacher Leadership Cohort
Update given by Superintendent Beverly Emory, Assistant Superintendent of
Educational Programs and Services Cheryl Olmsted and Assistant Superintendent of
Human Resources Delilah Jackson. Dr. Emory stated that four years ago in the
auditorium at Wahl-Coates we looked at the first round of Unitary Status data
regarding a ten-year review of staffing. She shared that the goal was to come up with
a creative way to have our more experienced teachers want to go to work in some of
the schools that have greater challenges for student achievement. At that time, Dr.
Emory stated, we introduced our teacher leadership cohort. During the first year of
the pilot, she stated, we tapped three teachers in the district at 3rd, 4th and 5th grade
levels who were having consistent high growth in their classes and placed them in
Northwest and Belvoir Schools. She shared that they worked in classrooms, modeled
lessons and went out into all our lower performing schools and helped. Dr. Emory
stated that in their second full year, we gave teachers who applied a cash incentive to
be a part of the teacher leadership cohort in our lower performing schools. This is the
second full year that we’ve had the cohort, and as with many things, it needs to be
refined and improved. Dr. Emory stated that when we wrote the Race-to-the-Top
district grant, one of the components was to have model classrooms where we assign
interns and beginning teachers who would benefit from the expertise of these high
growth teachers. We are now looking at expanding this model – as a way to help us
keep some of these people in our district, keep them in our lower performing schools
and to collaborate with East Carolina University.
Dr. Jackson shared that Tier I is the present program with criteria identified through
EVAAS, a recommendation from the principal and two letters of reference from fellow
teachers. She explained that she and Mr. Tom Feller met often with teacher leader
cohort members discussing experiences in their schools and what they need, met with
administrators separately and also met jointly. Dr. Jackson stated the main focus
during their first year was the classroom and team or grade level. The teachers were
asked what they need for professional development and what we need to do to help
them be successful teachers. Dr. Jackson mentioned training, i.e. True Colors,
provided to help everyone get to know each other and feel comfortable in their settings.
She reported that the teachers were given incentives of $3,000, technology in the form
of an iPad and ten days of professional development.
Ms. Olmsted then discussed Tier II, and at the same time, looking at Unitary Status
and how to get the most effective teachers into our challenging schools. She stated
during this time period, East Carolina University wrote a grant entitled Teacher
Quality Partnership trying to redesign the Teacher Education Program to make
teachers completing the program more effective. They wanted to know how they could
get their interns into the best classrooms to train them to be effective teachers, and
provide incentives for them to stay within our county where they would receive
support as beginning teachers. This actually leads into Tier III which identifies
teachers who have been TLCs or have been in challenging schools and demonstrated
high growth for two years or more. They are identified as effective teachers and also
effective in whatever school they were placed in. Ms. Olmsted explained that these
teachers will start mentoring beginning teachers and have two interns who are coteaching. These interns will be able to flow in and out of a beginning teacher 1 and a
beginning teacher 2 classroom – with the effective cohort teacher mentoring which
totals at least five people involved in a particular group making a great PLC. Ms.
Olmsted explained that you actually have a cohort of five based on the one TLC’s
ability to facilitate. She summed the Teacher Leader Cohort plan by stating in Tier I,
the teacher is identified who is effective in teaching kids showing growth and is placed
in a challenging school. Tier II indicates they have been effective for the classroom,
team and school. Tier III is expansion of their influence by mentoring two beginning
teachers and two student interns. As the beginning teachers work with a highly
effective teacher and the students graduate having had experience in a classroom
working with a highly effective teacher, the comradery expands and benefits the staff
and the students.
Mr. Benjie Forrest stated he respects and appreciates all that East Carolina University
does, but wonders could we partner with other colleges and universities, i.e. the
traditional African-American colleges or Mount Olive College. Ms. Olmsted stated we
are in the beginning stages of this project and already had the partnership with ECU;
but believes if this is effective, other schools and universities will adopt it. Dr. Emory
added that the TQP Grant supported the interns, which is the other piece of keeping
them here. She explained that we will be happy to help other universities train people,
but they have to help with the incentive part – which ECU received grant money to do
this. Dr. Emory remarked that we are one of five school systems in the state that’s
been invited Thursday to appear before the Legislative Research Committee because
they are looking at merit pay. With Wake, Guilford, Winston and CharlotteMecklenburg, we will share this program as very few districts across the state have
done anything that remotely looks like merit pay. Dr. Emory stated our hope is if the
Board approves this plan tonight and we pay for it now, first with Race-to-the-Top
money and then federal dollars, then down the road if the legislature puts the merit
pay package out there, then there will be State funding for this.
Ms. Mildred Council remarked that she has the same concerns that Mr. Forrest has.
She commented that ECU is great, but we do have other institutions in our state, and
we need to mix it up by having a highly diverse educative pool for our system as our
student population is diverse.
Ms. Mary Williams commented that she’s really excited about this plan, especially
after hearing about Northwest Elementary tonight and seeing what the hard work has
produced. She believes if this program worked at Northwest, it can work county-wide
and state-wide. Dr. Jackson added that we have to give the teachers credit for this as
they saw what was needed to further enhance the program and expand the vision.
Mr. Worth Forbes stated regarding the beginning teachers, before they had been
paired with any teacher – could have been a strong teacher or a weak teacher. This
pairing provided them with their learning style to begin their career. Also, he reported
that ECU was teaching one method and Pitt County Schools implemented different
instructional strategies. Therefore, folks were on two different pages. Now, with this
plan, we are all on the same page which benefits the students tremendously as well as
helps to keep the beginning teachers in education as they are prepared to instruct a
classroom.
Ms. Jill Camnitz commented that it sounds like there are “wins” in every direction –
the kids and teachers. She feels though that she has to ask if teachers are truly
confident that they can handle their own classroom, two BTs and two interns without
being overwhelmed. Ms. Olmsted responded that the teachers have to agree to the
plan; and Dr. Jackson added that the beauty of this is that because of TQP, ECU
(through the grant) pays for coaches to come in if a situation occurs needing backup
or tweaking.
Dr. Emory recommended the plan by explaining that the identified schools of Belvoir,
CM Eppes, Lakeforest, North Pitt High School, Northwest, Pactolus, South Greenville
and Wellcome will continue to qualify for the Tier I and Tier II levels. The pilot schools
for Tier III are CM Eppes, Belvoir and North Pitt so that we can manage them
financially and see how the plan works. Funding for this will come from federal
dollars; but these folks are taking on more responsibility, and we feel the incentive
needs to be there for them. Dr. Emory added that she believes this is also a way to
attract and keep effective teachers in our schools that need them and recruit more
teachers to become part of a Teacher Leadership Cohort.
Mr. Sean Kenny moved, second by Ms. Jill Camnitz, that the Board approve the
Teacher Leadership Cohort Plan for Tiers I, II and III as presented. Motion passed
unanimously.
Chair Whichard recognized County Commissioner Tom Johnson who just joined us
from the County Commissioners’ meeting.
Chair Whichard then asked Vice-Chair Worth Forbes to lead discussion regarding
revision of the timeline for the superintendent search. He stated that a Timeline
Tentative Dates has been placed at everyone’s seat for review. Vice-Chair Forbes
mentioned the First Public Form, which has been set for April 29 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
He asked input from the Board regarding a location for this forum. Ms. Mary Williams
responded that she would really appreciate it being held North of the river possibly at
North Pitt High School. Vice-Chair Forbes then discussed the Second Public forum,
will be from 5:00-6:30 before our regular Board Meeting at 6:30 on May 6, 2013. Ms.
Jennifer Little suggested C. M. Eppes or somewhere central and Eppes was
designated. The Third Public Forum will be held May 20 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. before
our regular Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Barbara Owens suggested out in the
other direction from North Pitt, possibly Farmville or South Central. South Central
High School was selected. Vice-Chair Forbes also stated that the North Carolina
School Boards Association will send someone to attend the public forums.
Vice-Chair Forbes briefly mentioned other dates already placed on the timeline by
Attorney Allison Schafer from a previous meeting. Board discussion was held
regarding conflicts in setting dates to proceed with the search. The date of May 28th
remained on the timeline as scheduled. June 3rd from 5:00-6:30 p.m., the Board will
review applications and select first round interviews in Closed Session before the
regular 6:30 Board meeting. June 17 is a regular Board meeting. June 20-21 will be
reserved for initial interviews with a June 20th time of 2:00 p.m., and if needed, a June
21st time of 10:00 a.m. The interviews will be held in Raleigh at the NCSBA office.
The final interviews and terms of offer will be held June 27-28 at 2:00 p.m. in Closed
Session, also at the NCSBA office. Vice-Chair Forbes stated July 15th will be the
contract discussion date by the Board attorney with Board input on parameters of the
contract, and July 16th will be the date the new superintendent is announced to the
public. Vice-Chair Forbes asked Administrative Assistant Brenda Pippin to please
prepare the timeline with the addition of new dates and forward it to Board members
as soon as possible.
Ms. Mildred Council asked that Board Member Robert Moore’s name be added to the
Present List for the Called Board Meeting held March 28, 2013.
Under Comments by the Superintendent, Dr. Beverly Emory thanked Mr. Beaulieu,
Dr. Noland, Mr. Cowin, Mr. DeCresie and Mr. Smith for their hard work in preparing a
recommendation for School Safety and Security and using technology to change the
landscape of the classroom respectively.
Dr. Emory addressed the community and asked everyone to contact legislators about
the 121 teacher assistant positions we may lose and what it will mean to our district.
She commented that if folks can contact legislators about changing the size of this
Board and be heard, then surely they can do the same to support the staff and
students in our school system.
There being no further comments, Mr. Worth Forbes, second by Mr. Benjie Forrest,
moved that the Board go into Closed Session to 1) prevent the disclosure of student
information that is confidential under 20 USC 1232g and G.S. 115C-402; 2) consult
with our attorney to preserve the attorney-client privilege; 3) establish or instruct the
staff or agent concerning the negotiation of the amount of compensation or other
terms of an employment contract; and 4) approval of Closed Session Minutes from the
March 28 meeting. Motion approval was unanimous.
Upon returning to Open Session at 9:45 p.m., Ms. Jill Camnitz moved, second by Ms.
Christine Waters, that the Board approve the Personnel List for April. Mr. Benjie
Forrest asked for an amendment to the motion by delaying the decision on naming a
new Facilities Director until the new superintendent took office. Second was made by
Mr. Billy Peaden. Chair Whichard called for a vote by the Board with those in favor of
the amendment being Mr. Benjie Forrest and Mr. Billy Peaden. Mr. Marc Whichard
abstained. Motion failed. Chair Whichard then asked for a vote on the original
motion. Mr. Billy Peaden voted no. Chair Whichard abstained. Motion passed.
Motion was made by Mr. Worth Forbes, second by Ms. Barbara Owens, that the Board
adjourns. Motion passed unanimously. Time was 9:50 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
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Mr. Marc Whichard, Chair
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Dr. Beverly Emory, Secretary