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MINUTES
Charlotte County School Board
June 8, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The School Board of Charlotte County convened in regular session on June 8, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the County Administration boardroom.
Members Present:
T. E. “Ned” Locke, Jr., District C, Chairman
Gerald Watts, District A, Vice Chairman
William “Bill” Devin, District B
Barry Mason, District D
Henry Carwile, Jr., District E
Kimberly O. Pillow, District F
Angela Pulliam-Jones, District G
Also Present:
Melody D. Hackney, Division Superintendent
Steven R. Baker, Assistant Superintendent
Dana L. Ramsey, Clerk of Board
Chairman Locke called the regular meeting to order. Mr. Devin gave the invocation.
MINUTES
On motion by Mr. Watts, seconded by Mrs. Pulliam-Jones and unanimously carried, the Board approved the minutes of the May 11, 2010 Regular Session meeting as presented.
FINANCES
On motion by Mr. Devin, seconded by Mr. Carwile and unanimously carried, the Board approved payment of invoices and payroll in the amount of $1,994,028.71. Mr. Devin noted the amount for CCPS was $1,716,161.75, GSSV was $83,611.09, NCLB was $19,993.02, and Virtual VA was $174,262.85.
AGENDA
On motion by Mrs. Pillow, seconded by Mr. Mason and unanimously carried, the Board approved the agenda as presented.
CCPS SPOTLIGHT – Closing the Achievement Gap-Staff Development Update
Superintendent Hackney updated the Board on the end-of-year staff development held on May 25 and 26, 2010. These two days were very productive. May 25 was utilized by teachers as an opportunity to work collaboratively by grade level or by department. On May 26 these groups reported to the division on outcomes of the previous day’s meetings. As a division, the teachers will be focusing on 3 21st century learning skills for next school year: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Collaboration; and, Higher Level Oral and Written Communication Skills.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
REDUCTION IN FORCE-EMPLOYEE STATUS UPDATE
Superintendent Hackney updated the Board with a handout on the status of employees impacted by the RIF. These employees are continuing to be tracked and the Board will be kept apprised of their progress.
NEW BUSINESS
CIVIL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION HERITAGE TRAIL
Mrs. Monica Elder from the County Administration Office presented a request for approval of the nomination of Central High Museum as a potential trail site on the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail. This approval is necessary as the Museum is housed in the Early Learning Center. On motion by Mr. Devin, seconded by Mr. Mason and unanimously carried, the Board approved this nomination and requested that Superintendent Hackney address a letter to the county administrator stipulating the Board’s support for this nomination with the provision that visitors to the site will not interfere with the daily operation of the Early Learning Center.
INSURANCE SERVICES SOUTH PRESENTATION
Mr. Robert Laine and Mr. Sam Irby, representing Insurance Services South (ISS), addressed the Board. ISS has served as CCPS’s health insurance consultants for the last five years. They work with administration as a team to offer the best insurance plans with the most competitive rates possible. Mr. Laine stated ISS is helping with the transition to the new health and dental providers and looks forward to another great year working with the faculty and staff of Charlotte County Public Schools.
HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE
Superintendent Hackney updated the Board on the progress made in enrolling employees in our new health insurance provider, Piedmont Community Healthcare; and the new dental insurance provider, Delta Dental. This year’s adoption process has been difficult due to budgetary constraints. The decision to change providers was made primarily due to the need to stay within budget. Superintendent Hackney told the Board that Insurance Services South would stay on as a liaison with Piedmont and Delta Dental to offer a high level of customer service for our employees. Additionally, she will be working closely with Mr. Laine and Mr. Irby to promote wellness in our school division. The ultimate goal is to foster a healthy staff in hopes of reducing our insurance utilization which will help lower premium costs.
PROPOSAL REGARDING BUS DRIVER CONTRIBUTION
Currently, the Board pays 50% towards Bus Driver insurance premiums. Superintendent Hackney has begun research into evaluating trends in Region VIII so that more bus drivers are able to participate. Presently, only 11 drivers are able to afford this coverage. Superintendent Hackney will continue to research this with other school divisions and will get back with the Board with an analysis of the feasibility of increasing this contribution slowly over the next few years.
VRS RESOLUTION
On motion by Mrs. Pillow, seconded by Mr. Mason and unanimously carried, the Board approved the adoption of the resolution stating that Charlotte County Public Schools elects to pick-up the 5% member contribution for employees hired after July 1, 2010.
FIELD TRIP
On motion by Mr. Devin, seconded by Mr. Watts and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following trips: CMS & RHHS’s FFA to attend competition at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, Virginia from June 21 to June 24, 2010.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS IN CONSOLIDATED PLAN
Mrs. Carolyn Baker, Director of Federal Programs, presented the proposed Consolidated Plan Application for FY 2010-2011 for all Federal entitlement funds except Perkins and Special Education. Mrs. Baker gave an overview of each program under the Plan which supports funding totaling $943,099.21. On motion by Mr. Watts, seconded by Mrs. Pillow and unanimously carried, the Board approved the Consolidated Plan Application for FY 2010-2011.
USE OF SCHOOL BOARD ANNEX BUILDING
Mr. Baker outlined a request made by Sheriff Thomas Jones to utilize the School Board Annex building as the new location for the Tri-County Drug Taskforce office. The Taskforce, which covers Halifax, Charlotte and Luneburg Counties, was housed in Halifax however their building was closed due to budget issues. The Annex would house the Regional Drug Prosecutor along with two other drug enforcement officers. The Taskforce would enter a yearly lease with CCPS and would pay all utilities and maintenance. Superintendent Hackney fully supports this plan and also recommended that because of the tremendous support CCPS has received from the Sheriff’s Office over the years, the Taskforce be allowed to use the facility rent free. On motion by Mr. Watts, seconded by Mr. Carwile and unanimously carried, the Board approved this plan.
RENOVATION CONSULTATION
Superintendent Hackney has set up a meeting with a consultant for a free, formal assessment of the potential personnel and operational cost savings associated with closing any of our schools/buildings. Superintendent Hackney stated it was necessary to be proactive so the Board has up-to-date information during budget development for future years.
EOY MEETING DATE
On recommendation by Superintendent Hackney, the Board agreed to set the End-of-year 2010 meeting for June 29, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
ENTER CLOSED SESSION
On motion by Mr. Devin, seconded by Mr. Carwile and unanimously carried, the Board entered closed session under Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) personnel and (A)(2) student matters.
Time 8:45 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
On motion by Mr. Devin, seconded by Mr. Mason and unanimously carried, the Board returned to open session. Time 10:15 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
On motion by Mr. Watts, seconded by Mr. Carwile and according to the votes recorded below, the Charlotte County School Board certified that to the best of each member’s knowledge: (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act were discussed in the closed session to which this certification applies; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed session was convened were heard. Voting aye: Mr. Watts, Mr. Devin, Mr. Locke, Mr. Mason, Mr. Carwile, Mrs. Pillow, Mrs. Pulliam-Jones. Vote carried 7-0.
PERSONNEL
As recommended by Assistant Superintendent Baker, and on motion by Mr. Watts, seconded by Mr. Carwile and unanimously carried, the Board approved the personnel recommendations and addendum as presented.
STUDENT MATTERS-DISCIPLINE
On motion by Mr. Devin, seconded by Mrs. Pillow and unanimously carried the Board accepted the recommendation of the Assistant Superintendent in student discipline case EES01(09-10).
CLOSED SESSION FOLLOW-UP
On motion by Mr. Devin, seconded by Mrs. Pillow and unanimously carried the Superintendent will research the service plan fee for our insurance consultants in an effort to convert from a premium percentage to a flat fee for service.
The Board directed Superintendent Hackney to research the feasibility of a Capital Improvement Fund. After significant effort to conserve, surplus funds are anticipated at year end. The Board asked Superintendent Hackney to investigate the procedure for setting up a CI Fund.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Locke adjourned the meeting at 10:20 p.m.
Thomas E. Locke, Jr. Chairman
Dana L. Ramsey Clerk of Board Approved: July 13, 2010
MINUTES
Charlotte County School Board
June 29, 2010
The School Board of Charlotte County convened for a called meeting on June 29, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at the School Board Office.
Members Present:
T. E. Locke, Jr., District C, Chairman
Gerald W. Watts, District A, Vice-Chairman
Bill Devin, District B
Henry Carwile, Jr., District E
Barry Mason, District D
Kimberly O. Pillow, District F
Angela Pulliam-Jones, District G
Also Present:
Melody D. Hackney, Division Superintendent
Dana L. Ramsey, Clerk of Board
Steven R. Baker, Assistant Superintendent
Chairman Locke called the meeting to order.
END-OF-YEAR FINANCES
Mrs. Baker presented the payment schedules of invoices and payrolls for the Board’s consideration. After review and discussion of the bills, a motion was entered by Mr. Devin, seconded by Mr. Carwile, to approve payment of invoices and payrolls in the amount of $1,171,136.01 leaving $ 275,454.22 to potentially be returned to the county.
On motion by Mr. Carwile, seconded by Mr. Mason and unanimously carried the Board approved the payment of invoices totaling $38,359.81 for NCLB.
FOLLOW-UP ON BUILDING EVALUATION
Superintendent Hackney consulted with RRMM Architects to evaluate potential savings associated with closing all 3 small elementary schools. Findings indicate that the projected, total savings would gross $553,000 which could potentially finance a renovation at EES. Superintendent Hackney advises to get a second opinion and consult with Dominion Seven Architects.
POTENTIAL FOR DEBT SERVICE
Superintendent Hackney updated the Board on debt service the division/county would be eligible to borrow, with a payment of $553,000, from the potential savings. This payment amount would allow the Board to borrow between $8-10 million. The Board wants to continue to evaluate all options to include a new elementary school on the campus of R-H/CMS. Permanent financing options include State Literary Funds or the Virginia Public School Authority. Interim financing could be needed under either of these options but more likely with Literary Loans.
AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN IN ABSENCE OF SUPERINTENDENT
On motion by Mr. Watts, seconded by Mr. Mason and unanimously carried, the Board authorized Steven R. Baker and Sharon N. Hall to sign all Virginia DOE documents in the superintendent’s absence through June 30, 2011.
HEALTH INSURANCE DECISION FOLLOW-UP
Mr. Steven Baker, Assistant Superintendent outlined the four major considerations in comparing health insurance companies: 1) cost; 2) network of providers; 3) services; and, 4) benefits. As outlined in a handout, Piedmont was cheaper with a more localized network of providers and offered a lower out-of-pocket minimum than offered by Anthem. Services were comparable between both companies. Therefore, Piedmont was the most fiscally responsible choice of health care plans for both employees and the school division.
FIELD TRIP REQUEST
On motion by Mr. Carwile, seconded by Mr. Mason and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following trip: Southside Virginia Younglife (Kenneth Moorefield) to attend camp in Goshen, Virginia from July 2-7, 2010.
On motion by Mrs. Pillow, seconded by Mr. Mason, and unanimously carried the Board entered closed session under Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) personnel and (A)(14) budget. Time 6:30 p.m.
On motion by Mr. Mason, seconded by Mrs. Pulliam-Jones and unanimously carried, the Board returned to open session. Time 7:15 p.m.
On motion by Mr. Watts, seconded by Mr. Carwile and according to the votes recorded below, the Charlotte County School Board certified that to the best of each member’s knowledge: (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act were discussed in the closed session to which this certification applies; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed session was convened were heard. Voting aye: Mr. Carwile, Mr. Devin, Mr. Locke, Mr. Mason, Mrs. Pillow, Mrs. Pulliam-Jones, and Mr. Watts. Vote carried 7-0.
PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
As recommended by Assistant Superintendent Baker, and on motion by Mr. Devin, seconded by Mr. Carwile and unanimously carried, the Board approved the personnel recommendations and addendum as presented.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS CARRY OVER AND ALLOCATION REQUEST
Superintendent Hackney has been instructed by the Board to meet with the County Administrator to discuss end-of-year funding and possible carry-over request for capital improvements.
Chairman Locke adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
Thomas E. Locke, Jr. Chairman
Dana L. Ramsey Clerk of Board Approved 7/13/2010
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