School
Board Minutes School
Board Meeting
CLOSED MEETING Mrs. Davis moved that the School Board enter into a closed session in accordance with Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia, for discussion regarding acquisition of real property for public purpose where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the Board – 4 items. Mr. Trammell seconded the motion, and the Board entered a closed meeting at 4:36 p.m.
Mrs. Pettitt moved that the Board end the closed meeting; Mr. Doland seconded the motion and the Board entered regular session at 5:32 p.m.
On motion of Mrs. Davis, seconded by Mr. Trammell, now, therefore, be it resolved that the School Board hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by the School Board.
VOTE: ABSENT DURING MEETING: ABSENT DURING CLOSED MEETING: AYES: Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Pettitt, Mr. Doland, Mr. Trammell, Dr. Schroeder
__________________________ Clerk to the Board
_________________________ Chairman
Mrs. Davis moved that the School Board enter into a closed session in accordance with Section 2.2-3711 (A)(2), Code of Virginia, for discussion and consideration of admission or disciplinary matters concerning students – 4 items. Mr. Doland seconded the motion, and the Board entered closed meeting at 6:06 p.m.
Mrs. Pettitt moved that the Board end the closed meeting; Mr. Trammell seconded the motion and the Board entered regular session at 7:02 p.m.
On motion of Mrs. Davis, seconded by Mr. Doland, now, therefore, be it resolved that the School Board hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by the School Board.
VOTE: ABSENT DURING MEETING: ABSENT DURING CLOSED MEETING: AYES: Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Pettitt, Mr. Doland, Mr. Trammell, Dr. Schroeder
__________________________ Clerk to the Board
_________________________ Chairman
VOTE: ABSENT DURING MEETING: ABSENT DURING CLOSED MEETING: AYES: Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Pettitt, Mr. Trammell, Mr. Doland, Dr. Schroeder
__________________________ Clerk to the Board
_________________________ Chairman
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING A regular meeting of the Chesterfield County School Board was held on November 9, 2004. Dr. James R. Schroeder, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room at 10031 Iron Bridge Road.
Present: Marshall W. Trammell, Jr., Bermuda; Elizabeth B. Davis, Dale; Dr. James R. Schroeder, Midlothian; Dianne E. Pettitt, Clover Hill; Thomas J. Doland, Matoaca; Dr. Billy K. Cannaday, Jr., Superintendent; Kathryn Kitchen, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance; Dr. Dale Kalkofen, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; Dr. Lyle Evans, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources; Debra Marlow, Director of Community Relations; Catherine Clark, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent; Michael R. Packer, School Board Attorney; Carolyn Wright, Deputy Clerk; and Carol Timpano, School Board Clerk.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE Mrs. Kimberly Wootton, Children’s Pastor for Southside Nazarene Church, provided the invocation.
Officers of the Student Council Association of Crestwood Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. These students were Aly Metz, President; Maggie Sweeney, Vice President; Jake Boon, Secretary; Camaron Watkins, Treasurer; and Madison Boswell, Public Relations.
Ms. Marsha Carter, Principal of Crestwood Elementary and Ms. Jan Smith, Guidance Counselor and faculty sponsor of the Student Council Association, attended in support these young people.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Mr. Trammell moved that the minutes from the October 26, 2004 Regular School Board Meeting and the November 3, 2004 Special Called Meeting/Closed Session for Discipline be approved. Mrs. Davis seconded the motion, and the minutes were unanimously approved.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Mrs. Pettitt moved for approval of the November 9, 2004 agenda; Mr. Doland seconded the motion, and the agenda was unanimously approved.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Memo #98 Recognition
of Veteran’s Day Mrs. Debra Marlow, Director of Community Relations, presented Memo #98 in recognition of Veteran’s Day, which honors American citizens who are serving or have served in any of America’s wars.
Mrs. Marlow stated that Veterans Day is celebrated with special ceremonies and recognitions in many CCPS Schools, which include events at Beulah Elementary, Clover Hill Elementary, Davis Elementary, Grange Hall Elementary, Matoaca Elementary, Spring Run Elementary, Watkins Elementary and Woolridge Elementary; also, Bailey Bridge Middle, Carver Middle, Chester Middle, Manchester Middle, Perrymont Middle, Robious Middle, Midlothian High and Thomas Dale High. Mrs. Marlow stated that all CCPS schools will acknowledge Veterans Day during their moment of silence on Thursday morning, November 11, 2004.
Mrs. Marlow reported that Woolridge Elementary School plans to observe its 15th annual Veterans Day assembly on November 11. Fourth grade students have invited 72 veterans (grandparent, neighbor, parent, someone on active duty who is home on leave) to this assembly to share their experiences.
Mrs. Marlow introduced Woolridge Elementary 4th grade teachers and organizers of the assembly, Ms. Sally Wheat, Ms. Anne Knapp, Ms. Cathy Witherspoon, music teacher; Ms. Barbara Dilks; and students Jake Rogers and Thomas Negro. Mr. Bernie Monroe, Principal of Woolridge, was also in attendance.
Ms. Wheat gave a brief introduction of the Woolridge Veterans Day Program, which was begun fifteen years ago by the first principal of Woolridge Elementary, Mr. C. L. Slonaker. She stated that Mr. Slonaker’s philosophy of teaching students to give back to the school community and honoring traditions has grown into the current Woolridge Veterans Day Program. Ms. Wheat stated this program is a team effort of fourth grade students and teachers, Woolridge staff, parents, and community. Ms. Wheat stated that under Mr. Monroe’s leadership, a luncheon for the veterans in attendance was added to the Veterans Day celebration.
Ms. Wheat’s introduction was followed by a sample of the activities planned for Woolridge’s Veterans Day Program, with students Thomas Negron reading his original essay on veterans and Jake Rogers singing “Proud of our Veterans.”
Dr. Schroeder recognized the families of Thomas Negron and Jake Rogers. Mr. Doland recognized the veterans in attendance at the board meeting.
Mr. Doland congratulated Thomas and Jake for their performances, and presented gifts to these students, their teachers, and Mr. Monroe, noting that it is important that each generation remember the sacrifices of the previous generations.
Dr. Schroeder stated that these teachers and administrators from Woolridge Elementary are among an outstanding group of employees we have working with our children in CCPS.
Mrs. Pettitt noted that several times she has attended the Veterans Day celebration at Woolridge and that it is a very moving experience, particularly when the song sung by Jake Rogers is amplified by all the voices of the 4th graders. She shared that watching the faces of the veterans as they come forward and share their experiences and express their appreciation is heart warming.
Memo #97 Recognition
of the Bond Core Committee Mrs. Marlow noted that the recognition of our veterans complements the recognition of our Citizens for Chesterfield Students, and that the activities of the committee over the past ten weeks illustrates the importance of the quality of life and education in CCPS.
Mrs. Marlow stated that on November 2, 2004, 87% of Chesterfield voters showed their support for our school system by voting for the $231.2 million School Bond Referendum. She noted that the core committee devoted immeasurable personal time and provided selfless support for this referendum. Mrs. Marlow stated that the leadership, spirit of cooperativeness, and caring provided by the core committee of Citizens for Chesterfield Students unified the citizens in all Chesterfield County districts.
Mrs. Marlow asked that the following members of the core committee of Citizens for Chesterfield Students to be recognized for diligently working for the passage of the 2004 School Bond Referendum: Patty Carpenter, Chairman; Lisa Signorelli, Vice-Chairman; Danny Smith, Treasurer; Bill Hastings, secretary; and Tom Miller, Stella Edwards, Wayne Ozmore, Paul and Sheila Pleasants, Art Heinz, Jim O’Connell, and Dr. Freddie Nicholas.
The School Board presented each of the core committee members with a gift of appreciation. Mr. Trammell congratulated each member individually, stating they did a magnificent job of informing the citizens of Chesterfield County about the bond and were instrumental in its passage. Core committee members congratulated each other for their bipartisan spirit, while working toward the bond passage.
Mr. Trammell announced there was one more person who should be recognized, Mrs. Debra Marlow. He thanked Mrs. Marlow, noting she was the quiet person behind the scene and that the core committee members were very complimentary of Mrs. Marlow’s work and dedication to the bond referendum and her support of their work.
Mrs. Marlow acknowledged that she could not have done her part in the bond referendum without the support of the Superintendent and his staff. Mrs. Marlow also stated that Mrs. Leslie Haley, President of the County Council of PTA, was instrumental in communicating with the steering committee and the broader PTA group. She added that the work of Citizens for Chesterfield Students could not have been accomplished without the support of the PTA.
Dr. Schroeder noted that this dedicated group of citizens, some with children and some without, is what makes Chesterfield County unique.
Dr. Schroeder thanked the core committee and charged them with one last duty—to compile information on their thoughts and observations about the committee (hard facts and subjective thoughts, critique.) Dr. Schroeder believes this committee learned much about citizen committees and how they function, and that this information will be invaluable for future bond referendum core committee.
PTA Standards for
Parent/Family Involvement Dr. Schroeder stated, as part of the ongoing partnership with our PTAs, the Board has committed to highlight some of the wonderful initiatives involving volunteers at our schools.
Dr. Schroeder introduced Ms. Stella Edwards, Thomas Dale’s County Council Representative and Chairman of Education/Legislation for County Council of PTAs, Director of James River District, and Capital Committee Chairman of the Virginia Association of PTAs. Ms. Edwards presented information on the National PTA Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence.
Ms. Edwards shared with the Board, the Chesterfield County Council of PTA/PTSA’s plan for building successful partnerships. Ms. Edwards began with the PTA Mission and objectives.
The Mission is threefold:
1. To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before governmental agencies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children;
2. To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children; and
3. To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation.
The Objectives of the PTA are to:
• promote the welfare of children and youth in the home, school, community, and place of worship;
• raise the standards of home life;
• secure adequate
laws for the care and protection
• bring into
closer relation the home and the school
• develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.
Ms. Edwards spoke of the shared responsibilities of teachers, parents, and communities in our children’s lives. She defined parent involvement as “the participation of parents in every facet of children’s education and development.”
Ms. Edwards reported on the six national PTA standards for parent/family involvement programs. Ms. Edwards pointed out that these national standards are guiding principles for partnerships. They are researched-based, grounded in sound philosophy, and based on practical experience. Their purpose is to promote meaningful education, to raise awareness of components of effective programs, and to provide guidelines for school and community programs. Ms. Edwards stated the six standards work together, as well as build upon each other. They balance each other and success is dependent on having all pieces of the puzzle.
Ms. Edwards clarified the standards as follows: Standards I, Communication is defined as regular, two-way, meaningful communication between home and school; Standard II, Parenting skills are promoted and supported; Standard III, Student Learning is accomplished when parents play an integral role in assisting with our children’s learning; Standard IV, Volunteering, where parents are welcome in the school, and their support and assistance are sought; Standard V, Parents are full partners in School Decision-making and Advocacy in matters that affect children and families; and Standard VI, Collaborating with the Community means that community resources are used to strengthen schools, families, and student learning.
Ms. Edwards went on to say that schools that are truly involved in creating meaningful parent involvement programs will form action teams, examine current practices, develop an improvement plan, develop written parent-family involvement policy, secure support, provide professional development, and evaluate and revise all of the above.
Ms. Edwards stated that the Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence certification recognizes schools whose parent involvement programs are based on the National Standards of Parent/Family Involvement. This certification is designed to help schools assess their parent involvement practices and make improvements when needed. Schools are eligible to earn a Certification of Excellence for the outstanding parent involvement practices they have in place or Recognition of Commitment for their commitment to pursuing excellence in parent involvement.
Ms. Edwards noted that nine of the 51 schools in Virginia that have earned the Certification of Excellence for parent involvement are in Chesterfield County. They are: Bettie Weaver Elementary, Curtis Elementary, Gordon Elementary, Grange Hall Elementary, Hopkins Elementary, Providence Elementary, Spring Run Elementary, Clover Hill High, and Thomas Dale High Schools.
Stating that excellent schools do not just happen…they are created, Ms. Edwards said that these schools have reached out to key players that make up the community, the principal, the teachers, the School Board, the Superintendent, Public Officials, and the PTA to create a school of excellence.
Ms. Edwards stated that the blueprint for procedures to create schools of excellence, The National PTA Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Program, will be presented to the principal of each of our schools. She went on to say that Chesterfield County has three nationally trained parent involvement presenters available to assist with this process.
Ms. Edwards closed by asking the Board to remember the value of parent and family involvement for all children; to open their minds to a new way of thinking about what meaningful parent and family involvement means; and to explore new ways to effectively engage parents and families on behalf of children by using the six standards for parent/family involvement. She requested that the Board evaluate implementation of the PTA Standards, stating that the PTA County Council plans to come back to the Board to seek more definitive action on The National PTA Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Program.
Mr. Trammell congratulated Ms. Edwards’ on her dual role, stating that she has modeled each of the Standards, and this is a wonderful example of PTA partnerships.
SUPERINTENDENT'S
REPORT Memo #99 Transfers
Dr. Cannaday presented the most recent transfers.
ACTION ITEMS Human Resources
Memo # 100 Recommended Personnel Actions for 2004-2005
Dr. Cannaday presented memo #100, requesting approval of the recommended personnel actions.
Mrs. Pettitt moved that the School Board approve the personnel actions as listed and authorize the Superintendent to offer contracts, make assignments, approve appropriate salary placements in accordance with adopted salary scales or give appropriate notice of the action taken. Mrs. Davis seconded the motion, and Memo #100 was unanimously approved.
Instruction Memo #95 Additional Appointment to Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee
Dr. Dale Kalkofen, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, presented Memo #95, recommending Sharon Perkins of Appomattox Title Company Inc., to fill the vacancy on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee for the Matoaca District.
Mr. Doland moved that Memo #95 be approved. Mrs. Pettitt seconded the motion and Memo #95 was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Kathryn Kitchen, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance, presented Memo #96 in compliance with Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-5 which states the Superintendent shall recommend to the School Board, for their approval, tuition rates for non-resident students.
Mrs. Kitchen noted that CCPS does not accept non-resident students. This memo refers mainly to special education students attending CCPS on special arrangement with other school divisions.
The tuition rates for FY2005 were based on the FY2004 State Special Education Excess Cost Report completed by the Department of Business and Finance. They are as follows:
Mrs. Kitchen recommended the School Board approve the non-resident tuition rates as presented.
Mr. Trammell moved that Memo #96 be approved. Ms. Davis seconded the motion, and Memo #96 was unanimously approved.
DISCUSSION AGENDA
Mrs. Davis reported that Dr. Cannaday hosted the Clergy Breakfast this morning (November 9, 2004) for 35 members of the faith community to discuss ideas to sustain and maintain their relationship with CCPS. Mrs. Davis stated this is an example of the partnerships referred to in the Board Mission Statement and Vision and that CCPS is reaching out to our faith community to help make schools stronger.
Dr. Schroeder stated that the bond referendum is sometimes viewed as an end point, but he noted that the bond referendum is a means to an end—the end is educating each child in an environment that is conducive to learning with an outstanding teacher in the front of the class.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, SCHOOL BOARD COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Dr. Cannaday thanked all CCPS employees who contributed to the United Way, noting that CCPS reached 118% of our goal. He reported that CCPS employees committed over $226,000 to giving to others.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Donald Wilms, President, Chesterfield Education Association
Mr. Wilms stated that the CEA supported and is very pleased that the school bond referendum passed by such a wide margin. He noted that CEA understands the needs of our school system and one of those needs involves the attraction and retention of educators.
Mr. Wilms stated that creating a fair step schedule to attract and retain teachers is most important and that a good educator comes before “things.” A good educator can make up for any number of things lacking in the classroom, and the good educator, once lost, cannot be replaced by things.
Mr. Wilms pointed out that every dollar spent searching for teacher replacements and developing new talent could be more effectively spent on retaining teachers. Mr. Wilms said that an indexed step schedule will move an employee to the top in a reasonable number of years and provides lanes that encourage self-development through coursework. To clarify, the step rewards for growth in experience; the lane rewards for growth in knowledge, thereby, giving CCPS the best of both worlds.
Mr. Wilms asked the Board to include a step schedule in the planning and development of the budget.
Shannon Lavinus, teacher, Crenshaw Elementary School and CEA Board Member
Ms. Lavinus spoke to the Board about Educational Support Personnel (ESP), which includes but not limited to: instructional assistants, bus drivers, clinic aids, cafeteria workers, custodians, interpreter, and all other essential personnel who ensure that CCPS schools run efficiently and effectively.
Ms. Lavinus asked the Board to please recognize our schools’ ESPs on November 17, Education Support Professional’s Day and substitute teachers on November 19, Substitute’s Day. Ms. Lavinis thanked all the ESPs at Crenshaw Elementary School and throughout CCPS for their remarkable service to our children.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m..
_______________________________ Chairman
__________________________ Clerk |