Regular Meeting

Primary tabs

Dates: 
Monday, December 13, 2010 - 6:30pm

Location:  Morris Education Center, 225 Rosenwald Lane, Brevard

 

DRAFT Agenda
Oath of Office
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME
BUSINESS ITEMS
1.                  Election of Officers
2.                  Approval of Agenda
3.            Closed Session (Acquisition of Real Estate)
4.                  Public Comment
5.                  Good News Report
6.                  Former Students in the Military
7.                  Consent Agenda:
A.     Minutes
B.     Personnel Report
8.                  School Calendar 2011-2012
9.                  Overseas Trip Request
10.              Update on Curriculum/Essential Standards
11.             School Improvement Plans
12.             Topics for Retreat
13.             Important Dates
14.             Other Items
15.             Public Comment
 
Oath of Office

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
X
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
 
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 
Mr. Wayne Brown, Magistrate, will administer the Oath of Office to recently elected Board of Education members Chris Whitmire and Sue Fox. 
 
Election of Officers

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
X
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
 
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 
N.C.G.S. 115C-41 states:
 
“Unless otherwise provided by local law, all local boards of education shall have an organizational meeting no later than 60 days after the swearing in of members following election or appointment and as often thereafter as the board shall determine appropriate. The board may fix the date and time of its organizational meeting.  At the organizational meeting, the members of all boards shall elect one of their members as chairman for a period of one year, or until his successor is elected and qualified. The chairman of the local board of education shall preside at the meetings of the board, and in the event of his absence or sickness, the board may appoint one of its members temporary chairman.” 
 
The Transylvania County Board of Education has traditionally elected a chairman and vice chairman each year. 
 
The Board may elect officers for 2011 at this time.
 
Approval of Agenda

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
X
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
 
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 
A motion is in order to approve or revise the meeting agenda for December 13, 2010.
 

Closed Session
Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
X
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
 
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
X
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 
The Board will go into closed session to discuss the possible acquisition of real estate pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) and (a)(5). 
 

A motion is in order to go into closed session.
  
Public Comment

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
X
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
A sign-up sheet is available for public comment.  A maximum of 30 minutes will be allotted for public comment at the beginning of the meeting and at the end of the meeting. Speakers will be asked to limit their comments to 5 minutes each, except in the event there are more than six speakers per session, at which time the chairman may limit the time allotted to 3-5 minutes per speaker. Speakers will be asked to refrain from discussing any individuals by name in accordance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Law.  
 
Good News Report

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
X
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
X
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
BMS Students Visit PharmAgra
In November, students at Brevard Middle School visited the PharmAgra Lab as part of an 8th grade enrichment class.  Local scientists demonstrated some of the amazing things they have discovered using science and chemistry.  Students gained insight into some of the careers available in the field of science including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. PharmAgra is a local science and chemistry lab in Brevard.
 
Elementary Honors Chorus
Three Brevard Elementary students, Aaron Flynn, Sarah Branagan, and Emily Sheffield, sang in concert with the North Carolina Elementary Honors Chorus in Winston-Salem on November 7. The singers are all members of the Brevard Elementary Chorus, under the direction of music teacher Sarah Moser. Chosen by audition, the honors chorus was composed of 195 students from across the state. Students performed under the leadership of guest conductor Dr. Sandra Snow in front of a standing room only crowd at the historic North Carolina School of the Arts Stevens Center.
 
Student Leadership Academy
Fourteen students from BHS, RHS and DRS participated in the Student Leadership Academy held at Biltmore Estates on November 4. Approximately one hundred students from Asheville City, Buncombe County, Henderson County, Madison County, and Transylvania County schools attended the event.  Students attended sessions on Business Etiquette, Professionalism and Public Speaking, and the Biltmore Career Expo for interview tips. The students also enjoyed a tour of “The Farm” at Antler Hill Village, the newest addition to the Biltmore Estates.
 
One of the activities in which all students participated was the handshake contest. Students learned why a good handshake is so important and how to correctly shake someone’s hand in order to make a good impression. They then were given the opportunity to practice these tips in a handshaking contest.  Chelsea Stevenson from Brevard High School was the overall handshake winner.  Congratulations, Chelsea!
 
Transylvania County was well represented by these 14 student leaders.  Attendees were Caroline Harrison, Allie Hogsed, Juan Mascaro, Ryan Pepperell, and Chelsea Stevenson from BHS; Casey Barrett, Jamie Barton, Kayla Lance, and Cory Wilson from RHS; and Cassie Leslie, Joe Welch, Bekah McMinn, Logan Roland, and A’Lyana Spalding from DRS. Advisors were Jessica Edney, Billie Wilson, Laura Smith, and Luanna Carter. 
 
Adopt-a-Highway
The Rosman High School Science Action Force League recently hosted a road clean-up day for the Adopt-a-Highway Campaign.  Students and teachers worked hard to beautify stretches of road along Highway 64.  A special thanks to the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office for watching out for everyone while they were working hard.
 
Thanks for RHS Greenhouse Produce
Dr. McDaris recently received the following letter:
 
“Dear Dr. McDaris:
I just wanted to let you know how much John and I are enjoying our fresh produce from the Rosman High School Greenhouse.  Mrs. McNeely and her Ag class have been providing our bakery with fresh lettuce greens and fresh herbs for several weeks now, and it has been wonderful!  I think that they are providing other local restaurants with produce too, and are running their operation as a true small business.  Mrs. McNeely and her students have been a pleasure to work with, and I hope that we can continue this relationship for many years to come. I am so proud to be a part of a community that teaches its students to value hard work, the environment and a strong business ethic.
Sincerely,
Katrina Hansen
Blue Ridge Bakery
(828) 883-8444
 
RHS Opens Dr. Cannon Exhibit at the Transylvania Heritage Museum
Students from Rosman High School attended a reception to mark the opening of their history exhibit about Dr. Gaine Cannon and the Albert Schweitzer Memorial Hospital that he founded in Balsam Grove. The exhibit was co-sponsored by Susan Cannon and Priscilla Buchanan, Dr. Cannon’s daughters, and Mr. and Mrs. Luke Brown, current owners of the clinic property in Balsam Grove. Museum Director Rebecca Suddeth worked with the students to create the exhibit. Jason Chapell, Chairman of the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners and an RHS alumnus, attended the reception to recognize the students for their work.
 
ExxonMobil Donates $1500 to TCS
Connie Cunningham, Marcia Pangle, and Barry Edwards with Henderson Oil Company, a local ExxonMobil distributor, recently presented two grants to Transylvania County Schools.  Rosman Elementary School and Rosman High School each received a ExxonMobil Education Alliance Program grant in the amount of $750 apiece.  The grants target specific math and science programs that are in need of funding. Over the last seven years Henderson Oil Company has presented over $75,000 to local schools. Many thanks to ExxonMobil and Henderson Oil Company for their continued support of education and commitment to the children in Transylvania County Schools.
 
First Citizens to Sponsor TOY Award
Beginning next year, First Citizens Bank of Brevard will sponsor the $1,000 district Teacher of the Year award as well as plaques and paperweights for other “of the year” honorees. We greatly appreciate Mr. Billy Higgins and First Citizens Bank for their support of education and partnership with the school system.   
 
Transportation Audit
The annual audit review of the Transportation Information Management System (TIMS) data for TCS for the 2010-2011 year showed excellent results. To fully pass the TIMS data audit and maintain a high budget rating, all LEA efficiency percentages must exceed 90%. Transylvania ranked at or above 90% in all categories: students transported (95.0%); total bus miles (107.6%); total driver hours (90.0%); and number of buses operated (100.0%). Congratulations to Alan Justice, Julie Roberts and all of the TCS transportation staff. 
 
Visual Journal for County’s 150th Anniversary
To celebrate Transylvania County's 150th anniversary, all BMS art students are creating a visual journal page to be part of a school-wide visual journal.  Eric Scott, a professional artist, teacher, and visual journaler, is leading 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes in creating their artwork.  Each piece integrates photocopies of imagery and/or text from our county, provided by the Transylvania County Library, combined with the student’s vision of our county through additional writing and mixed media art.  The goal is to eventually display the visual journal through a traveling exhibit and then to house it in the BMS media center for future students to see.
 
Western Regional FBLA Competition
Seven Rosman High School students and advisor, Lisa Gillespie, attended the Future Business Leaders of America Western Regional Competitive Events on December 2.  The event was held at the Burnsville Town Center and sponsored by Mountain Heritage High School. Winners are listed below. All are eligible to compete at the State Leadership Conference in April:
 
Zach Cozart - First Place, Future Business Leader
Justin Raines, First Place, Business Procedures
Hannah Chappell - First Place, Public Speaking 1
Kelsey McGaha - 2nd Place, Business Calculations
Devon McIntosh - 2nd Place, Job Interview
Vada Judd - 2nd Place, Computer Applications
Jamie Barton - 3rd Place, Business Communications
 

DESTINY Bus
The DESTINY Traveling Science Learning Program visited Brevard High School last month. The program, based out of the UNC-Chapel Hill Planetarium and Science Center, is an educational outreach serving pre-college teachers and students across the state.  It provides a hands-on curriculum that enriches learning beyond the classroom environment.  This year BHS students had the opportunity to participate in the “Mystery of the Crooked Cell.”  Students discovered the molecular basis of sickle cell disease by using gel electrophoresis as a diagnostic tool to differentiate normal hemoglobin found in individuals with sickle cell disease.
 
Fire Department Education
Students from Brevard High School were recently given a tour of the Brevard Fire Department by Chief Budzinski and Public Education Officer, Captain Hughey.  Captain Hughey demonstrated the proper procedure for donning protective gear, including the turn-out coat and fire hat.  Students took notes for a writing assignment about firefighting procedures. The classes are also planning a writing assignment about the history of the Brevard Fire Department.
 
Senior Project Helps Cheerleaders Win Honors
Rosman High School cheerleader, Megan Owen, choreographed a competitive routine for her senior project.  The RHS cheerleaders used her routine to compete at Gardner Webb University on December 4 and placed second in their division. 
  
RMS Career Day
Rosman Middle School held its 7th Grade Career Day on November 12.  Students heard from several members of the community about their respective careers. Presenters included Kim Green (banking), Guy Kirk (crime scene investigation), four workers from Haywood EMC (power line service and repair), Katina Henson (small business and cake decorating), Dodie Porter (nail technician), A.J. Sizemore (sheriff’s department K-9 unit), and Christy Diehl (dental assistant). The students were intrigued by having these community volunteers take time out of their busy days to share information that may have an impact on their future plans.  

 
For more good news, please visit the Transylvania County Schools website at www.tcsnc.org.
 
Former Students in the Military

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
X
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
The Board of Education would like to recognize former students from Brevard High School, Rosman High School, and Davidson River School who are currently serving or have previously served in the U.S. Military.  Additional names will be included on the attached list as they are received. 
 
Consent Agenda

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
X
X
21st Century Professionals
Information
 
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 
The following items are submitted for consent approval:
 
1.                  Minutes from November 15, 2010 (attached)
2.                  Personnel report for December 13, 2010 (attached)
 
A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items. 
 
School Calendar 2011-2012

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 
Dr. Bo Williams will present the proposed school calendar for 2011-2012 as developed by the TCS Calendar Committee. The draft calendar is attached. 
 
Calendar Requirements:
·        180 student days
·        10 holidays
·        10 leave days
·        5 teacher workdays (TW) = One at beginning and one at end of year. One at end of each grading period.
·        10 workdays = 8 optional (W) and 2 designated (DW).
·        215 total days = 43 weeks
·        Must have a minimum of 8 makeup days in the second semester.
 
First student day = August 15, 2011
First semester = 88 days
Second semester = 92 days
 
NEW Four days (September 14, November 16, February 8, and April 25) have been designated for 12:00 p.m. student dismissals in order to provide professional development opportunities for teachers.  On these days, staff development would be scheduled from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. and would be mandatory. 
 
The last day before Christmas break (December 22) and the last day of school (May 25) would also be early dismissals. 
 
Approval of the 2011-2012 school calendar will be requested at the next regular meeting. 
 
Overseas Trip Request

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
X
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
X
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
Rosman Middle and High School Band Director, Carolyn Smith, has submitted a request for approval for the RMS/RHS band to travel to London, England in June of 2012 to perform at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Festival, which is in association with the opening of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games a month later. A letter of proposal, FAQ sheet, and brochure are attached. Also attached is Policy IIC “Field Trip Approval and Cancellation.” Dr. McDaris and Mrs. Smith will answer any questions you may have.    
 
Update on Curriculum/Essential Standards

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
X
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
X
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
Dr. Scott Elliott will give an update on curriculum and the new Essential Standards. A summary sheet from Dr. Elliott and the Instructional Improvement System for North Carolina (ACRE) are attached.    
 
School Improvement Plans

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 
David Sutton will present the School Improvement Plans for 2010-2012.  The timeline for the school improvement planning cycle and the quality checklist for school improvement plans are attached. The plans may be viewed online at the links listed below.  Approval of the plans will be requested at the next regular meeting.
 
Brevard Elementary School:
 
Brevard High School:
 
Brevard Middle School:
 
Davidson River School:
 
Pisgah Forest Elementary School:
 
Rosman Elementary School:
 
Rosman High School:
 
Rosman Middle School:
 
TC Henderson Elementary School:
 
 
Topics for Retreat

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
 
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
X
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 
The Board will hold its annual planning retreat on Monday, February 7, 2011. The time has been tentatively set for 5:30 p.m., with a light supper to be provided. Board members are asked to submit possible topics for discussion to the superintendent’s office. 
 
Important Dates

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 

Dec. 14
BHS Senior Projects
3:00 – 6:30 p.m.
BHS
Dec. 16
RHS Senior Projects
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
RHS
Dec. 22
Student early dismissal
11:30 a.m.
 
Dec. 23
Teacher Leave Day
 
 
Dec. 24-31
Christmas Break
 
 
Jan. 17-18
Teacher Workdays
 
 
Jan. 17
Miss Bengal Pageant
(snow date - Jan. 22)
6:00 p.m.
RHS Auditorium
Jan. 24
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
TBD
 
Other Items

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
X
X
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
An opportunity will be provided for other items from board members or staff. Two items have been submitted for discussion:
 
Requests to Name/Rename TCS Facilities:
The Board has received a request to dedicate/name the court in the Rosman High School Silversteen Gymnasium (old gym) in recognition of former Coach Jim Howell. Additionally, a request has been received to change the name of the Brevard Middle School mascot from “Knight” back to the original “Blue Devil.”
 

“Bullying in Our School Community” Survey:
Brevard Middle School teacher, Teresa Duvall, has submitted the attached survey on bullying and harassment for the Board’s review and consideration. Approval of the survey would be requested at the next regular meeting.
 
Date of January Meeting:
The Board will discuss changing the date of the January meeting from January 24 to January 10, 2011. 

 

Public Comment

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
X
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
A sign-up sheet is available for public comment. A maximum of 30 minutes will be allotted for public comment at the beginning of the meeting and at the end of the meeting. Speakers will be asked to limit their comments to 5 minutes each, except in the event there are more than six speakers per session, at which time the chairman may limit the time allotted to 3-5 minutes per speaker. Speakers will be asked to refrain from discussing any individuals by name in accordance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Law.
 
Adjourn
 

 

Groups audience: