School Board Minutes

School Board Meeting
Minutes for December 13, 2005

CLOSED MEETING

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 - 8 items. Mr. Trammell seconded the motion, and the Board entered closed meeting at 4:43 p.m.

Dr. Schroeder moved that the Board end the closed meeting; Mr. Doland seconded the motion and the Board entered regular session at 7:06 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: Mr. Trammell, Mr. Doland, Dr. Schroeder, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Pettitt

__________________________
Clerk to the Board

_________________________
Chairman

Mrs. Davis moved that the School Board uphold the Superintendent's recommendation for expulsion in Student Cases 2005-2006/20, 2005-2006/21, 2005-2006/22, 2005-2006/23, 2005-2006/25, and 2005-2006/26 and uphold the Superintendent's recommendation for long-term suspension in Student Case 2005-2006/S24. Mrs. Davis further moved that the Superintendent's recommendation for readmission be upheld in Student Case 2001-2002/53. Mr. Trammell seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

VOTE:
ABSENT DURING MEETING:
ABSENT DURING CLOSED MEETING:
AYES: Mr. Trammell, Mr. Doland, Dr. Schroeder, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Pettitt

__________________________
Clerk to the Board

_________________________
Chairman

School Board Meeting

The December 13, 2005, regular meeting of the Chesterfield County School Board was moved to The Public Meeting Room at 10031 Iron Bridge Road. Mrs. Dianne E. Pettitt, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

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; Cathy Clark, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent; Michael R. Packer, School Board Attorney; Kathryn Kitchen, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance; Dr. Dale Kalkofen, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; Dr. Lyle Evans, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources/Administrative Services; Debra Marlow, Director of Community Relations; Tim Bullis, Assistant Director of Community Relations; Carol Timpano, School Board Clerk; and Carolyn Wright, School Board Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Dr. James R. Schroeder, Midlothian District, led the Invocation.

Mr. Marshall W. Trammel, Bermuda District, led The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

Mrs. Carol Timpano, School Board Clerk, read the following statement:

The School Board completed its Closed Meeting that began at 4:43 P.M. this afternoon at its administrative offices. Prior to the commencement of the Closed Meeting, the Board adopted a motion to enter the closed session to discuss issues relating to student disciplinary matters and for discussion of the performance of a board employee.

Immediately upon the conclusion of the closed meeting, the Board reconvened in open session and took a roll call vote certifying that to the best of each member's knowledge only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and that were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed, or considered in the meeting by the School Board.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

Mrs. Timpano stated the minutes for the December 2, 2005, School Board Work Session would be tabled until the next School Board meeting, January 10, 2006.

Mr. Trammell moved for approval of the minutes as presented. Mr. Doland seconded the motion, and the minutes were approved unanimously.

AGENDA APPROVAL

Mrs. Pettitt stated that three people have asked to address the School Board during the Public Comment section of the Agenda. Following the Awards and Recognitions section of the Agenda, there would be a public hearing on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Mr. Doland made a motion to approve the agenda. Mrs. Davis seconded the motion and the agenda was approved unanimously.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Memo #97 Recognition of State AAA Girls Cross Country Champions
Ms. Debra Marlow, Director of Community Relations, stated the Midlothian High School girls cross-country team are the State AAA Girls Cross Country Champions. Team members include Christine Blackburn, Samantha Dow, Margaret Durcan, Kayla Huddleston, Paige Johnston, Mariah Landry, Mary Miller, Jessica Oakley, Erin Stehle, Anne Tenser, and Tierney Willard. Mr. Paul Terrell and Mr. Glen Witt assisted head coach Mr. Stan Morgan. Providing appreciated support were Principal,Ms. Christine Wilson and Activities Director Mr. Dick Overton.
Teammates Mary Miller and Paige Johnston earned All-Group AAA recognition for finishing in the top 15 in 5K competition. Their coach Mr. Morgan praised these girls for being student-athletes, noting they all have 3.0 or better GPAs.

Dr. Schroeder and Dr. Cannaday presented each girl with a small gift of appreciation.

Memo #98 Recognition of School and Teacher Awards

Ms. Marlow presented recognition of the following schools and teachers.

James River High teacher Laura D. Lay recently won $25,000 through the Milken Foundation National Educator Award program. An A.P. world history teacher and the school's social studies department chair, Ms. Lay was one of two teachers in Virginia to be honored by the Milken Family Foundation. A graduate of William and Mary, Ms. Lay is in her 10th year of teaching for Chesterfield County Public Schools. She is involved in numerous professional activities that enhance her instructional leadership. She has participated in the National Consortium for Teaching About Asia Study Tour to China, Korea Society Fellowship, and the Advanced Placement Summer Institute for A.P. World History. She also is a board member of the Virginia Council for Social Studies, has served on the Virginia Department of Education's Standard Setting Committee for World History, and is the Academic Team coach at James River.

Dr. James A. Russo, a 20-year veteran of Chesterfield County Public Schools, was recently honored by his peers as the Virginia State School Psychologist of the Year. Dr. Russo, a school psychologist at Monacan High and Swift Creek Middle schools, received his award in late October. He is now a candidate for the National School Psychologist of the Year Award. The state-level award is given to a school psychologist who provides a full range of services, performs in an exemplary manner, and earns the respect of others. The recipient should be active in database decision-making, consultation and collaboration, development of socialization, and life skills as well as prevention and crisis intervention.

Mary Precopio, a third-grade teacher in the Center-Based Gifted Program at Marguerite Christian Elementary, recently was named Chesterfield County Public Schools' Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted for 2005. Ms. Precopio is a dynamic, creative teacher who is instrumental in creating a culture of excellence in the Elementary Center-Based Gifted Education Program. She is a master teacher who focuses on higher-order thinking and is able to gently stretch her students to reach their highest potential. With 15 years teaching experience, Ms. Precopio stands out as a leader in her school and a role model among her professional colleagues.

Nancy Hoover, coordinator of the Pre-Engineering Studies Specialty Center at Bird High School, was selected as Outstanding Teacher in Physics for 2005 by the Virginia Association of Science Teachers. The Virginia Association of Science Teachers is a comprehensive professional organization dedicated to the nurturing and advancement of superior science education. This organization promotes an environment in which all students experience science, advocates high quality science instruction for all students, and provides an avenue for communication among members of the science teaching community. Ms. Hoover has taught in Chesterfield schools for nine years.

Bessie Cooper, principal of Bensley Elementary School, was named a 2005 Title I Distinguished Educator of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education. As a result of her leadership and her work with staff and students, Bensley has won several national honors including: Title I National Distinguished Award, National School Change Award for Fordham University, Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Award, Reading Excellence Act recipient and also the Title I Virginia Distinguished Award. Ms. Cooper integrates and coordinates all school funding to focus on the academic achievement of students and to support the needs of staff.

Four Chesterfield County Public Schools teachers won the 2005 R.E.B Awards for Teaching Excellence. Established in 1988, R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize public school teachers in the metro Richmond area who have distinguished themselves with inspiring classroom performances. The awards, developed by The Community Foundation and funded by the R.E.B. Foundation, provide up to $10,000 to individual teachers in grades K-12 for enrichment activities.

Chesterfield County Public Schools' winners include:

· Beverly Barker, Clover Hill Elementary - $6,200 to travel to sites representing three Native American tribes (the Pueblo, the Sioux and the Eastern Woodland Indians);
· Kathleen McDonald, James River High - $5,000 to participate in a summer session in London to develop plans for teaching literature to non-native English-speaking students;
· Andrea Tavenner, Swift Creek Elementary - $8,000 to travel to England, Scotland, Ireland and Amsterdam to gain insight on the perspective of the settlement of Virginia and the impact of customs, traditions and ideology; and
· Nicole Winter, Manchester High - $5,500 to follow the experiences of her ancestors by traveling to Bornholm and Copenhagen, Denmark, and Reykjavik and Westmann Islands, Iceland.

Two additional CCPS teachers - Ramona Nall of Evergreen Elementary and Cynthia Robinson of Swift Creek Middle - were recognized as finalists. Both received awards of $500.

School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Cannaday presented gifts of appreciation to each of these outstanding teachers and schools and congratulated them on their professional accomplishments and thanked them for their dedication to CCPS students.

PUBLIC HEARING

Mrs. Pettitt opening the public hearing on the Proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2007-2012.

Brenda Stewart, Chesterfield County Citizen

Ms. Stewart spoke to the Board and requested a postponement of spending the $300 million in the proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2007-2012. Ms. Stewart stated she had concerns about the use of public funds under the current system of contracting for schools. She stated the Schools Facilities Construction process has not been audited since March 1997 and she believes a County audit is overdue. Ms. Stewart referenced her numerous comments from the past during the Public Comment section of the School Board agenda, and stated she believes the construction contracting process is flawed.

Shelly Schuetz, Hampton Park Resident

Ms. Schuetz spoke to the School Board about her concerns on the CIP and whether the schools that are currently planned for construction would be built in locations that serve the students. She stated that the Center Pointe middle school location is not in the correct attendance boundaries to give future relief to Swift Creek Middle and Bailey Bridge Middle schools. Ms. Schuetz requested the money in the proposed CIP be used for additions and renovations for Swift Creek, Midlothian, Robious, and Salem Church middle schools to accommodate the current overcrowding at these schools and to delay the location of a middle school at Center Pointe.

Ms. Schuetz pointed out that the Center Pointe site for a new middle school is not fiscally responsible because the developer who donated land for school wants the school system to be responsible for utilities and roads. She suggested that renovating the current Clover Hill High School into a middle school could be a possible solution because no additional road development or utilities would be needed.

Ms. Schuetz requested the School Board carefully determine how and when the funds allocated by the 2004 Bond Referendum would be spent. She reminded the School Board that the Board of Supervisors gives them flexibility to determine school locations and requested that the CIP reflect the building of schools in areas needing relief from student overcrowding.

Marlene Durfee, Executive Director, Task Force for Responsible Growth

Ms. Durfee acknowledged the Board has a very important task of examining and exploring the CIP. She added that these are challenging times for our leaders in Chesterfield due to the ramifications of growth in the county. She observed that the previous avenues of looking at the CIP may need to change-that now may be the time to examine the CIP more closely. Ms. Durfee stated it is clear we now know where students are and where they are going to be in the future but that the layers of the CIP are not clear. There needs to be greater understanding of the potential projects or services the County would need to look into when there is increased student population. In conclusion, Ms. Durfee requested that the School Board "do things differently" this time-that they peel away the CIP layers and look at the real numbers.

Andrea Epps, Chesterfield Citizen

Ms. Epps spoke to the Board, stating that every new year brings an opportunity for new beginnings, new partnerships, and new cooperative undertakings. Ms. Epps stated she will take every available opportunity to gather support to ensure that Chesterfield does not go any further into the business of road building. She would ask the State and the development community (land developers) to partner with Chesterfield and would ask them to understand how the additional funding spent on roads needed in order to build schools could be better spent for our children. Ms. Epps concluded, stating she trusts that the School Board, as they look at placing schools, would remember that site location is incredibly important, and that schools be placed in a manner that is fair and equitable for everyone in the County-not just a particular district. Ms. Epps stated she hopes the Board of Supervisors, CCPS, and the Planning Commission can come together in 2006 to redesign what needs redesigning and to continue with what has worked well in the past, and have the wisdom to know the difference.

Mrs. Pettitt closed the Public Hearing on the CIP.

BOARD COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mrs. Davis, Chesterfield School Board's representative to the Board of the Math and Science Center located in Henrico County (a consortium of area school divisions), reported the Math and Science Center is going through a visioning process similar to that of CCPS several years ago. She stated a futurist worked with staff to review the trends in math and science and the type of education children would need and what the job market would be. Mrs. Davis stated the Math and Science Center would be working to reconstruct their goals, mission, and vision to meet the future needs of children. Traditionally, Math and Science programs have been onsite delivery and SOL-based, but Board members are looking to re-energize and enhance the process. Mrs. Davis stated the ideas and partnerships that are developing are exciting for the Math and Science Center. She added that she would be serving on the committee to help write the vision statement for the Math and Science Center.

Dr. Schroeder reported he attended the quarterly School Board's Clergy Breakfast (also attended by Mrs. Pettitt, Mrs. Davis, and Mr. Doland) on December 7, 2005. Dr. Schroeder explained the School Board meets with the faith community to discuss their mutual interest-the well being of children. He stated the faith community is involved with schools throughout the county in tutoring, mentoring, providing meals, and many more powerful activities. Dr. Schroeder stated this partnership is a vision that is just beginning to grow and that no school's accomplishments are done in isolation-they are accomplished when you have the power of people coming together. He added that this is the strength on CCPS.

Mr. Doland is the School Board representative to the Chesterfield Business Council. At a recent meeting, there were discussions regarding an Aviation Museum at the Chesterfield County Airport, which is in the planning and fund raising stage. He stated this museum would benefit CCPS students in learning the history of aviation and its impact on our country. Mr. Doland added that under consideration would be the development of SOL and aviation programs that would tie in with the museum's programs.

Mrs. Pettitt stated that the School Board is focused on forming partnerships from all segments of the community to provide support for youngsters. She emphasized the value of partnerships stating that children can be energized by real-life learning experiences, such as the aviation museum at the Chesterfield County Airport. Mrs. Pettitt pointed out that the Board's faith partnership is unique, and we welcome our faith partners to become individually involved in our schools.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

ACTION ITEMS

Update on the James River High School Feeder Pattern Pilot

Mr. Aubrey Lindsey, Consultant for Special Projects and former CCPS high school principal, gave an update on the pilot for the James River High School feeder pattern. Mr. Lindsey stated he had been following up on an instructional pilot program discussed at the June 21, 2005, School Board meeting.

Mr. Lindsey reported on the proposal to change the schools opening and closing times to better meet the needs of high school students. He stated the genesis of this proposal was in August 2001, when the study of the use of time was first introduced to the leadership staff of Chesterfield County Public Schools. The study was initiated for the purpose of leading teachers, parents, and members of the community to look at a variety of ways to use time as a resource to help students and teachers meet higher expectations. This "Time on Our Side" study focused on the length of the school day, the length of the school year, school absences, and other time factors that affect our students. Mr. Lindsey pointed out that much of the data in this project was based on studies and observation of student sleep patterns. Additionally there was a great deal of community input. At that time, using the observations and research, the transportation department developed a James River feeder pattern school opening and closing schedule that could be accommodated with our existing bus fleet. This schedule necessitated changing the opening and closing times of most of the schools in the James River feeder pattern, with James River High and Robious Middle opening an hour later than their current schedule. Some elementary schools would open at 7:45. Implementation of the pilot was postponed because it was felt teachers and parents needed more time to make adjustments.

Staff at James River High School continued research and on June 21, 2005, their recommendation for changing the opening and closing times of the schools in the James River feeder pattern was presented to the School Board.

Mr. Lindsey reported that in September 2005, Mr. Dennis Lewis, Director of Transportation for CCPS, and he met with the principals of all the schools in the James River feeder pattern to review the proposed pilot program. The schedules presented in June were reviewed, a new report from the School Health Advisory Board was presented, and principals were asked for their recommendations. The new report from the School Health Advisory Board included research of sleep patterns in children and adolescents and strongly recommended a later opening for high school students. Mr. Lindsey noted that the principals of the two elementary schools scheduled to open at 7:45 AM had concerns because the first bus pick-up of students potentially would be prior to 6:45 AM. However, all of the elementary principals agreed that an 8:00 AM opening would work.

Mr. Lindsey stated that the CCPS Transportation Department reviewed the 8:00 AM opening for some of the elementary schools. Although this proposal had no impact on the budget, it presented many challenges. Many additional scenarios were presented and discussed. One of the proposals would have provided transportation only to those high school students who lived more than two miles from the school. When researched, transportation found that the savings would be only three bus routes at James River, hardly a sufficient number to have an impact on time schedules. As recommendations were presented, it was quickly apparent that the opening and closing times for the 2005 - 2006 school year, without any modification, utilized every bus in the fleet to its maximum. The conclusion was that there were no apparent alternatives that did not require the purchase of a significant number of additional buses.

Mr. Lindsey added, that because of the compelling research on sleep patterns, transportation was asked to continue evaluating opening and closing times with the following criteria in mind:

1. Not having our very young children wait for school buses in the dark; and
2. Accepting recommendations in the report of the health advisory committee.

Mr. Lindsey reported that the recommendation under consideration at this time essentially "flips" the James River High and Robious Middle schedules and necessitates a flexible schedule for the specialty center students. In order to make the schedule work, it would be necessary for the specialty center buses arriving and returning to schools outside of the James River High feeder pattern to maintain the 7:25 AM to 1:50 PM schedule as they have for the current school year. Those specialty center students who arrive from schools outside of the James River High feeder pattern would have classes available for them beginning at 7:30 AM. Those who live within the feeder pattern would begin their classes at 8:30 AM. Specialty center students from schools outside of the feeder pattern who participate in activities after school will have multiple options for them (study hall, library, additional classes, etc.). An informational meeting for the community was held December 12, 2005, at James River High School.

During this community meeting, Dr. Richard Parisi, Medical Director of the Sleep Disorders Center of Virginia, again made the presentation on sleep and academic performance that he made to the School Board at the June 21, 2005 meeting. Additionally, the report of the School Health Advisory Board was distributed to parents. Time was allocated for community input. There were four basic themes that emerged:

1. Attendees were supportive of changing high school start time, less supportive of changing middle school start time. Questions and comments suggested we were shifting the problem to the middle schools.

2. Attendees wanted elementary schools to have the earliest starting time.

3. Working parents of middle school children were concerned about their children being unsupervised when dismissed an hour earlier. Some wanted to know what the school would do to provide activities/care for their children after school.

4. Specialty center concerns. How would these students be bused and would they follow the same schedule as regular James River High School students.

Mr. Lindsey reported approximately 96 community members attended the December 12, 2005 meeting-including 15 students, representatives of the media, and employees of Chesterfield County Public Schools. He observed that the crowd was split in its opinions about the proposal, with the split having more to do with the middle school start time than the overall proposal. Based on the number of invited community members who would be affected by the proposal (approximately 8,000, including parents and students) and the actual number of attendees who voiced displeasure, he stated a 50-50 split probably is not representative of the James River community's stance.

Dr. Schroeder acknowledged that it is tremendously difficult to implement change while maintaining focus on the best possible educational environment for Chesterfield students. But he also pointed out that unless CCPS changes, the school system would not produce competitive students in the world economy.

Dr. Cannaday stated the issue of time actually began in the 1990's-addressing the issue of increasing demands on teachers and students and how to maximize and recapture the time allotted. He indicated this issue of time would continue to be evaluated and resolved.

Memo #99 Recommended Personnel Actions for 2005-2006

Dr. Cannaday presented the most recent personnel actions.

Mr. Trammell moved 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. Mr. Doland seconded the motion and Memo #99 was unanimously approved.

Memo #89 Adoption of Revision to Human Resources Policy #506 Sexual Harassment

Mrs. Cathy Clark, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, reported that Federal and state laws prohibit sexual harassment and require procedures for reporting suspected sexual harassment. Currently, Human Resources Policy 506 Sexual Harassment defines sexual harassment but does not adequately prescribe procedures for reporting complaints or assign responsibility for follow-up. Mrs. Clark stated it is important to revise the current policy to provide the critical information employees would need to report harassment.

Mrs. Clark stated the School Board attorney and the superintendent's Policy Review committee reviewed the proposed policy. The School Board reviewed the proposed revision at their November 15, 2005, regular meeting and sought public comment. Since November 15, language has been added to clarify the range of consequences for false reporting of sexual harassment.

Mrs. Clark stated it is recommended that the School Board adopt the proposed revision to Human Resources Policy 506 - Sexual Harassment, with the addition of clarifying language on consequences for false reporting.

Mrs. Davis moved that Memo #89 be approved; Dr. Schroeder seconded, and Memo #89 Resources Policy 506 - Sexual Harassment was unanimously approved.

INSTRUCTION

Memo #91 Adoption of the 2006-2007 School Calendar

Dr. Dale Kalkofen, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, reported that the Chesterfield County Public Schools' proposed calendar for the 2006-07 school year includes 183 student days, 10 teacher/school/staff development days and one parent teacher conference day. She noted this is the third year that our proposed school calendar includes three school development days. The first nine weeks of school ends on November 3, allowing students to enjoy a four-day weekend as a result of grouping together the teacher workday and parent-teacher conference day, which occur on November 6 and 7. Dr. Kalkofen stated that spring break is scheduled for the week of April 9-13. June 16 has been designated as a teacher workday with schools having flexibility to complete this work in advance. Following the first presentation of this proposed calendar, there was very little public or school comment.

Dr. Kalkofen stated it is recommended that the School Board adopt the calendar as proposed for the 2006-2007 school year.

Mr. Doland moved that Memo #91 be approved; Mrs. Davis seconded, and Memo #91 Adoption of the 2006-2007 School Calendar was unanimously approved.

OPERATIONS AND FINANCE

Memo #94 Review and Approval of FY2006 Tuition Rates for Non-Resident Students

Mrs. Kathy Kitchen, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, stated that School Board policy 705, based on the Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-5, indicates that the Superintendent shall recommend to the School Board, for their approval, tuition rates for nonresident students.

Mrs. Kitchen reported the Department of Business and Finance has completed the FY2005 State Special Education Excess Cost Report that is the basis for determining our tuition rates for the current year for general and special education elementary and secondary students. Rates are determined for Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) counting the student in average daily membership (ADM) or the sending locality counting the student in ADM. The per pupil rate received from the State for FY2005 was $3,032. The tuition rates for FY2006 are as follows:

Elementary Secondary
General Education (CCPS counts in ADM) $3,390 $4,556
General Education (sending locality counts in ADM) $6,422 $7,588

Special Education (CCPS counts in ADM) $5,339 $5,740
Special Education (sending locality counts in ADM) $8,371 $8,772

These rates are $484 (8.16%) to $865 (10.94%) more than FY2005 tuition rates and bring tuition in line with actual costs.

Mrs. Kitchen stated it is recommended that the School Board approve the nonresident tuition rates recommended by staff for FY2006.

Mr. Trammell moved that Memo #94 be approved. Dr. Schroeder seconded the motion, and Memo #94 was unanimously approved.

Memo #95 FY2006 Ettrick 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant

Mrs. Kitchen stated the School Board's FY2006 Approved Annual Financial Plan included an appropriation of $21.434,600 and 365.9 full-time equivalent positions in the School Grants Fund. On November 15, 2005, the School Board approved grant revisions for an additional $489,963 in the FY2006 grants fund. On November 15, 2005 CCPS received notification from the United States Department of Education of a 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant award of $165,575 for Ettrick Elementary School for an Ettrick Elementary after-school program.

Mrs. Kitchen stated this grant would provide after school educational and enrichment services in partnership with the YMCA, Theatre IV, Virginia State University, Matoaca High School, and Communities in Schools. The goal of this program is to improve the academic performance of students as a result of quality "out-of-school" programs. The program would integrate expanded learning opportunities, enrichment, and recreational activities. The program would also work with the parents of these students so they would be better prepared to assist their children in achieving academic success. The only local funds required are an in-kind match.

Mrs. Kitchen stated it is recommended that the School Board (1) accept the Ettrick Elementary 21st Century Community Learning Center grant in the amount of $165,575 for the first year's funding; and (2) approve the resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors to increase the Instruction appropriation category in the School Grants Fund by $165,575.

Mr. Doland moved that Memo #95 be approved. Mrs. Davis seconded the motion, and Memo #95 was unanimously approved.

Memo #96 Architectural Selection for Additions and Renovations to L. C. Bird High School

Mrs. Kitchen reported that on October 2, 2005, Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) advertised for Request for Proposals for architects for the additions and renovations to L. C. Bird High School. Six proposals were received from Rancorn Wildman Architects, Rodriguez Ripley Maddux Motley, Ballou Justice Upton, Moseley Architects, Rawlings Wilson Architects, and BCWH, Inc.

The selection committee, comprised of Ed Witthoefft, Director of High School Education, Donna Dalton, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Pete Minton, Construction Coordinator, Joe Oley, Assistant Director of Construction, and Bill Bridgforth, Director of Construction, reviewed the proposals. Rancorn Wildman Architects was selected and recommended by the selection committee for the additions and renovations to L. C. Bird High School.

Mrs. Kitchen stated it is recommended that the School Board authorize the Superintendent to negotiate fees and execute a contract for the additions and renovations and construction administration for L. C. Bird High School with Rancorn Wildman Architects.

Mrs. Davis moved that Memo #96 be approved. Dr. Schroeder seconded the motion, and Memo #96 was unanimously approved.

Announcements

Mr. Trammell commented for clarification on one item referred to during the Public Hearing on the CIP for 2007-2012. This was the request that the School Board reconsider conversion and renovation of the current Clover Hill High School into a middle school. He pointed out this was the School Board's first choice-that the Board stated this and voted publicly-in an attempt to make this happen. Mr. Trammell stated the School Board was preempted from doing this. Substantial accord was not granted. Therefore, this option was not available.

Mrs. Pettitt announced the next School Board meeting - the annual re-organizational meeting - is scheduled for January 10, 2006, at 7:30PM in The Public Meeting Room at 10031 Iron Bridge Road.

Public Comment

Kevin Page, Monacan High School PTSA President and Gordon Elementary School PTA Second Vice President

Mr. Page spoke on behalf of the Monacan High School PTSA and the Gordon Elementary School PTA regarding their concerns about an application for a conditional use permit filed on November 4, 2005. If permitted by the County, this permit would allow for the placement of a cluster of two cellular telephone towers on School Board facilities located at Monacan High School. Mr. Page stated he was speaking out of concern for the 1,600 students and employees at Monacan and Gordon schools and the inappropriateness of placing cellular telephone towers on school grounds so close to a concentration of our (CCPS) developing minds, future citizens, and leaders of our community. Mr. Page observed that the cellular industry has not been in existence long enough to best understand the health implications to developing children that the School Board has in its care on a daily basis.

Mr. Page stated that although the County may own the Monacan and Gordon schools property, the School Board has a lawful and moral obligation to protect the children entrusted to them. In conclusion, Mr. Page asked that the School Board, as stewards and educators of Chesterfield children, take a position and formally express to the Planning Commission and the County Board of Supervisors that cellular telephone towers have no place at Monacan High School or Gordon Elementary School, or at any other school.

Frank Cardella, CCPS Teacher and Parent

Mr. Cardella spoke to the Board about changes to the daily start and finish times for elementary, middle, and high school students in the James River feeder pattern. He attended a public meeting on December 12, 2005. Mr. Cardella referred to public meetings in the past and the responses received at those times were similar to those at the December 12 meeting.

Mr. Cardella acknowledged there is support for changing schedules, that clearly with the late start, the most productive time for elementary students is missed because they usually are up and alert very early and are tired by 1:00PM; high school students are not alert early in the morning; both high school and middle school students should not be unsupervised at home early in the afternoon.

Mr. Cardella stated suggestions from the public about adjusting bus schedules and bus stop locations, noting that some thought buses should NOT dictate the instructional schedule. He stated that comments about beginning times favored elementary students starting first, followed by high school, and finally middle school.

Mr. Cardella stated he spoke with several members of the community following the public meeting, and the consensus was that CCPS should stop talking about changing the start times and just do it everywhere now. Roll it out countywide. Research supports these changes and a pilot study is not needed.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Mr. Trammell moved that the School Board meeting be adjourned at 9:20PM. Dr. Schroeder seconded the motion; adjournment was unanimously approved.

__________________________
Chairman

________________________
Clerk