Regular Meeting

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Dates: 
Monday, September 16, 2013 - 6:30pm

 

September 16, 2013
Transylvania County Library
6:30 p.m.
 
Agenda
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME
BUSINESS ITEMS
1.               Approval of Agenda
2.               Resolution of Recognition, Thanks, Commendation and Congratulations
3.               Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation Update
---Reception---
4.               Public Comment
5.               Good News Report
6.               Former Students in the Military
7.               Consent Agenda:
A.    Minutes
B.    Personnel Report
8.               Calendar Update
9.               FY14 Budget Resolution
10.           BES Office Relocation Bids
11.           Property Acquisition
12.           Elimination of Tenure and New Teacher Contract Structure
13.           Superintendent’s Update
14.           Important Dates
15.           Public Comment
16.           Other Items
 
 
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 September 16, 2013.
 
 
 
 
Resolution of Recognition & Commendation

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
X
X
21st Century Professionals
Information
 
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
Each year the Transylvania County Board of Education devotes one evening to honoring the educators and staff members whose service to the students of Transylvania County Schools has been truly outstanding. The individuals named below are being recognized for their years of loyal service and excellence in their fields.       
 
25 Years
The Board will present pins to the following individuals who have achieved 25 years of service with the Transylvania County Schools:
 

Kirk Dotson
RHS
Karen Kreigsman
BES
Laura Leatherwood
PFES
Chris Miller
BES
Renee Pagano
BMS
Nina Whitmire
RMS
  
Teacher Assistants of the Year
The following individuals were named as Teacher Assistants of the Year by their respective schools. Each honoree will receive an engraved paperweight and a $200 award from the Board. The principal or designee from each school will introduce the honorees.
 

Nancy Van Ness
BES
Patti Lance
BHS
Carri Harris
BMS
Chesnea Stansbury
DRS
Penny Creasman
PFES
Crystal Reese
RES
Susan Hoxit
RHS
Renee Avirett
TCH
  
Teachers of the Year
The following individuals were named as Teachers of the Year by their respective schools. Each honoree will receive an engraved paperweight and a $500 award from the Board. The principal or designee from each school will introduce the honorees.
 

Kim Grosvenor
BES
Jennifer Williams
BHS
Heidi Spradlin
BMS
Marilyn Edie
DRS
Leah Worley
PFES
Doyle Chambers
RES
Heather McNeely
RHS
Rhonda Whitmire
RMS
Tammi Humphreys
TCH
  
Rookie of the Year
Director of Human Resources, Jeremy Gibbs, will announce the Rookie of the Year for 2012-2013. The Rookie of the Year will receive a plaque and a $200 award from the Board.
 
Counselor of the Year
Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Scott Elliott, will announce the Counselor of the Year for 2013-2014. The Counselor of the Year will receive a plaque and a $500 award from the Board.
 
Media Specialist of the Year
Director of Technology Services, Donys Merrill, will announce the Media Specialist of the Year for 2013-2014. The Media Specialist of the Year will receive a plaque and $500 award from the Board.
 
Principal of the Year
Dr. Jeff McDaris, Superintendent, will announce the Principal of the Year for 2013-2014. The Principal of the Year will receive a plaque and a $500 award from the Board.
 
District TAOY and TOY Winners
Earlier this month, the school-level Teacher Assistants of the Year and Teachers of the Year were interviewed by a committee that was charged with selecting one teacher assistant and one teacher as the district TAOY and TOY winners for the year. 
 
Dr. Jeff McDaris will announce the 2013-2014 Teacher Assistant of the Year. The Teacher Assistant of the Year will receive a plaque and a $500 award from the Board.
 
Mr. Billy Higgins of First Citizens Bank of Brevard will announce the 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year will receive a plaque and a $1,000 award from First Citizens. He or she will also have his/her portrait placed in the gallery of past and present Teachers of the Year at the Morris Education Center.
 
Following the presentation of awards, the Board will adopt the following resolution:
 
NOW BE IT RESOLVED by the Transylvania County Board of Education that recognition, thanks, commendation ad congratulations be expressed to the persons named on this the 16th day of September, 2013. 
 
A motion is in order to approve the resolution.
 
 
 
 
TCSEF Update

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
X
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
X
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
Each year the Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation (TCSEF) awards approximately $10,000 in mini-grants to TCS teachers for projects that are designed to enrich educational opportunities for students. Page Lemel, Chair, will give an update on the Foundation’s fund-raising activities and mini-grants for the 2013-2014 year. To learn more about the mini-grant application process or the TCS Educational Foundation, please visit www.tcsef.org
 
 

 
The Board will recess for a reception in honor of the outstanding educators that were recognized this evening. 
 
 
 
 
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
 
 
 
N.C.G.S. § 115C-51 states that local boards of education shall provide at least one period for public comment per month at a regular meeting of the board. 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 specific individuals by name in accordance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Law. No solicitations will be allowed during public comment. A second for public comment will be provided at the end of the meeting. Sign-up is not required for the second public comment opportunity. 
 
 
 
 
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
 
 
 
TCH “Back to School” Outing
On August 16, the faculty and staff of T. C. Henderson Elementary School were treated to a complimentary luncheon and boat tour at the Lake Toxaway Country Club, courtesy of Mr. David Dew, President of the Lake Toxaway Corporation. Mr. Dew and his wife, Angela, have two children attending TCH, and they offered the outing as a way to thank the TCH staff for all that they do. Attendees reported that the luncheon was delicious, and the one-hour boat tour was fun and educational, focusing on the history of the Lake and the rich and famous people who have lived there. A wonderful time was had by all. Many thanks go to Mr. Dew, Mr. Dickman (the boat tour guide) and the entire staff of the Greystone Inn and the Lake Toxaway Country Club for providing this special day.
 
RHS Students Win Ribbons at Mountain State Fair   
Students in Billie Wilson’s Family and Consumer Sciences classes did very well at the 2013 Mountain State Fair. Mrs. Wilson took several prizes also. The following ribbons were awarded:
 

Food II Enterprise
Meagan Hall
1st Place and Best of Show – Bar Cookies
Kelsey Farmer
1st Place – Cake
Siarrah Lekan
1st Place – Fudge
Brianna Garber
1st Place – Quick Bread
Tonia Johnson
2nd Place – Decorated Cake
Alexis Jamerson
3rd Place – Decorated Cake
Maddie Gingrich
2nd Place – Drop Cookies
Dakota Curtis
2nd Place – Muffins
Foods I
Mikayla Parker
1st Place – Apple Butter
Breanna Galloway
1st Place – Peach
Kayla Thompson
1st Place – Apple Butter
Tannor Whitmire
1st Place - Salsa
Jordan Heath
2nd Place – Salsa
Matt Cole
2nd Place – Apple Butter
Tara Reid
2nd Place – Strawberry
Kye Stancil
3rd Place – Apple Butter
Gage Clark
3rd Place – Strawberry
Norman Rogers
3rd Place – Strawberry
Monique Clayton
3rd Place – Grape Jelly
 
 
Billie Wilson
Best of Show – Coffee Cake
Best of Show & Judges’ Choice – Adult Sewing
Best of Show – Rug Making
Judges’ Choice – Stuffed Toy
2nd Place – Quilt (first ever entered)
Several 2nd and 3rd Place – Baked Items
Donation to RES
On Friday, September 13, Principal Scott Strickler called with the exciting news that a donation of $13,000 has been pledged to Rosman Elementary School. The money will be earmarked for SRA reading materials for grades K-1. A heartfelt THANK YOU goes to the very generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous. 
 
TCSEF Supports the Southern Appalachian Backpacking Association
The Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation awarded a grant to Rosman High School teacher Kevin Merrill for the establishment of the Southern Appalachian Backpacking Association (SABA). The SABA was designed by Mr. Merrill for juniors and seniors at RHS who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of and respect for nature through exploration and education via excursions in Pisgah National Forest. In addition to learning concepts such as Wilderness First Responders, Wilderness CPR, Leave No Trace Behind, and Outdoor Ethics, students will collect plant specimens to establish a herbarium at RHS. The program is also designed to give back to the community through trail maintenance and restoration, data collection, and youth educational programs. 

 
 
For more good news, please visit us at www.tcsnc.org and on FACEBOOK.
 
 
 
 
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. The attached list is read aloud twice a year.  Additional names will be included 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 (see attached):
 
1.               Minutes from the August 19, 2013 meeting
2.               Personnel report for September 16, 2013
 
A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items. 
 
 
 
 
Calendar Update

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
 
 
 
In Spring 2013, the Board of Education collected input from the community, including two public forums, regarding a modified school calendar for the 2014-2015 year. The Board agreed to delay its recommendation on the type of calendar, modified or traditional, until after the North Carolina General Assembly had adjourned due to the possibility that new calendar laws would be adopted. 
           
Dr. McDaris will give an update on the calendar discussion to date. The Board may make a recommendation on school calendar options at this time.
 
 
 
 
FY14 Budget Resolution

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
 
 
 
Dr. McDaris will present the final budget resolution for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014. The resolution and supporting documents are attached. Dr. McDaris will answer any questions you may have. 
 
A motion is in order to approve the budget resolution for FY14.   
 
 
 
 
BES Front Office Relocation Bids

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
 
 
 
Bids were opened on September 4, 2013, for the office relocation project at Brevard Elementary School.  The low bidder was Clark and Leatherwood of Waynesville, NC, with a base bid of $216,000 and an alternate #1 bid of $2,000 (see attached bid tabulation).  This contractor has worked on several public projects in Haywood County and the surrounding area, and appears to be qualified to perform the work.
 
The BES project is budgeted at $150,000; therefore, the bid is in excess of the budget.  However, Padgett and Freeman Architects have agreed to drop their fee by $5,000.  In addition, the following value engineered items are recommended to be deducted from the work:
 
1.               Air handler in equipment room – deduct $3,655. There is currently no air handler for that room and we do not have a cooling problem there.
 
2.               Trench drain in front area – deduct $2,507. There have been no water problems in the past in that area and we do not anticipate any.
 
These deductions would result in a total bid of $211,838. 
 
Because bids are valid for only 30 days, and delaying the project could result in increased cost, the Superintendent recommends that the Board accept the base bid and alternate #1 of Clark and Leatherwood, including the deductions listed, and begin the project as soon as possible.  Additional funds to pay for the project would come from fund balance, with the amount budgeted in FY15.  If other FY14 projects come in under budget those funds would be used to cover the cost.
 
A motion is in order to award a contract for the Brevard Elementary School office relocation project. 
 
 
 
 
Property Acquisition

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 of Education will discuss and may take action on a property acquisition opportunity. 
 
The Board may choose to take action at this time. 
 
 
 
 
Elimination of Tenure & New Teacher Contract Structure
 
Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
X
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
X
Governance and Support
 
 
 
As part of the appropriations bill passed by the North Carolina General Assembly in July 2013, teacher tenure is no longer awarded and will be eliminated completely by 2018. The law further requires local Boards of Education to identify 25% of teachers at the end of the 2013-2014 school year who are already at career status or would have otherwise been awarded career status in May 2014. The identified 25% would be offered:
 
·       A four-year contract;
·       $500/year increase in salary (state funds) for each of the four years; and
·       Upon voluntarily accepting the Board’s offer, the teacher would surrender career status voluntarily.
 
Mr. Jeremy Gibbs, Director of Human Resources, will present an update on the tenure elimination, new contract structure, and implementation timeline. A summary is attached for your review. Mr. Gibbs will answer any questions you may have. 
 

   
 
 
 
Superintendent’s Update

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. McDaris will give an update on issues for the 2013-2014 school year. 
 
 
 
 
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
 
 
 

Sept. 26
NCSBA District 8 Meeting
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
R-S Central High School, Rutherford Co.
Oct. 16-18
NCSBA Annual Law Conference
 
Renaissance Hotel, Asheville
Oct. 21
Teacher Workday
 
 
Oct. 21
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Nov. 6
Early dismissal
 
 
Nov. 11
Veterans’ Day Holiday
 
 
Nov. 18
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Nov. 18-20
NCSBA Annual Conference for Board Member Development
 
Greensboro, NC
Nov. 27
Leave Day
 
 
Nov. 28-29
Thanksgiving Holidays
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 
 
 
The Board will provide a second opportunity for public comment. 
 
 
 
 
Other Items

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
 
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
An opportunity will be provided for other items from board members or staff. 
 
 
 
 
Adjourn
 
 
 

 

Groups audience: