Regular Meeting

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Dates: 
Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 6:30pm

 

November 21, 2013
Morris Education Center
6:30 p.m.
 
Agenda
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME
BUSINESS ITEMS
1.               Approval of Agenda
2.               Public Comment
3.               Good News Report
4.               Former Students in the Military
5.               Consent Agenda:
A.    Minutes
B.    Personnel Report
6.               Request to Approve International School Trip
7.               Instructional Update
8.               Update on Sale of Surplus Property
9.               TCS Compensation Study
10.           Local Teacher Salary Supplement
11.           BHS Baseball & Softball Restrooms/Concession Stand
12.           Assignment of Fund Balance
13.           Non-Faculty Coaches
14.           Superintendent’s Update
15.           Important Dates
16.           Public Comment
17.           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 November 21, 2013.
 
 
 
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, in which case 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. Sign-up is not required for the second public comment opportunity at the end of the meeting. 
 
 
 
 
Good News Report

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
X
Globally Competitive Students
Action
X
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
X
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
X
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
American Education Week
American Education Week, November 18-22, 2013, is a time to celebrate public education and honor the individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. In Transylvania County, all current and retired school system employees had an opportunity to enjoy Thanksgiving lunch as guests of the Board of Education on Thursday, November 14 in the school cafeterias. Members of the Transylvania County Retired School Personnel (TCRSP) meet for their annual fall meeting on November 21 at Pisgah Forest Elementary School. A proclamation is attached that designates November 18-22, 2013 as American Education Week in Transylvania County.
 
A motion is in order to approve the proclamation. 
 
Veterans Day
A number of activities took place this month in recognition of Veterans Day.  Students in Jennifer Bolt’s class at BMS visited the war memorial at the Transylvanian County Courthouse and went to the American legion to see the memorial for POWs and MIAs. Students in Elaine Goar’s class at RES visited the veterans’ memorial outside the Rosman Town Hall and placed rocks they had painted around the garden. They will also write letters to veterans during the holiday season.  The Wolf Scouts of Cub Pack 703 performed a flag ceremony at Brevard Elementary School and led the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence on the BES morning news show, The Morning Buzz.  An English class from Brevard High School visited the VA Medical Center in Asheville. The attached essay, “A Day with Our Veterans,” gives a moving account of the students’ reactions to the visit and what they learned. 
 
TCS Celebrates Red Ribbon Week
Transylvania County Schools took a stand against drugs during National Red Ribbon Week on October 23-31, 2013. The theme for Red Ribbon Week was “A Healthy Me is Drug Free.” Students took a pledge to stay drug free and to encourage their peers to live drug free. Teachers and staff took a pledge to talk to students about the dangers of drug abuse. School Resource Officers at each school led the charge through activities such as door decorating contests, posters, videos, red ribbons on vehicles, dress-up days, and pie contests.   
 
BMS Chorus Honored
The Brevard Middle School Chorus had the honor of being the only chorus in the state to be invited to perform at this year’s North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference that was held November 9-12, 2013 in Winston-Salem. The students performed 11 songs representing a variety of styles and genres. Under the leadership of Choral Director Rivers Smith, the BMS chorus program has grown from 22 members in 2009 to over just 145 members today. They perform at various events throughout the year and consistently receive superior ratings at the festivals and events they attend. 
 
Honors Chorus
Another component of the North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference is the Honors Ensembles. Students from elementary, middle and high schools from across the state audition for a spot in these prestigious choruses. This year, all three Brevard area schools had students chosen for the Honors Choruses. They were Anna Long from Brevard Elementary School; Iris Deyman, Sabra Freeman, Claire Griffin, Meredith Hooper, Matthew Sharpsteen, and Emily Sheffield from Brevard Middle School; and Tyler LaRowe, Madeline Lefler, Karven Morgan, John Smith, Kristy Stodola, and Brandon Zerressen from Brevard High School. The Honors Chorus performed under the direction of guest conductor Stephen Roddy, found of the Houston Children’s Choir.  

 
RHS Students Explore Real World Themes of the “Hunger Games” Trilogy
In October, students in Rosman High School’s Occupational Course of Study social studies class dug into the Suzanne Collins novel, Catching Fire, to explore themes of government power, class structure, and what it means to have rights and responsibilities as a citizen of a nation. Under the leadership of teacher Alana Marshall and in collaboration with media specialist Sarah Justice, the students used their Chromebooks and other media devices to research real-world topics such as post-traumatic stress disorder, child warfare, gladiators, rebellions, and dystopian literature. Afterwards, they compared what they learned with the fictional world that is depicted in the Hunger Games books.
 
BMS Students Test for Local Water Quality
As part of a unit on Earth’s freshwater resources, students in Laura Elliott’s eighth grade science classes tested the water quality of the BMS creek, a tributary of the French Broad River. Using the school’s Vernier LabQuest computers and temperature probes as well as advanced testing probes borrowed from Brevard High School, they collected data on turbidity, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen. Based on the results, they concluded that the BMS creek water quality rates “fair to good.”  In the spring they will retest the water for aquatic macro-invertebrates whose presence or absence can help determine water quality. Mrs. Elliot and her students would like to thank BHS for loaning their testing probes and Mr. Kolb for allowing access to the creek on the Deerlake Village property. 
 
RHS Blood Drive
In early November, Rosman High School hosted a blood drive for the American Red Cross. They had 75 donors and 26 first-time donors. Sixty productive units of blood were collected and five people donated double red cells. 
 
TCH Students Learn About NASA and Explore PARI 
In November, students in Fran Hughes’ class at T. C. Henderson Elementary School heard a presentation by Mr. Larry Kruse who worked for NASA for 40 years—Mr. Kruse was with NASA when man first walked on the moon. He shared pictures and models of space craft and satellites and gave each student their own NASA keepsake badge. The following day, Mr. Kruse traveled with the class to the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI), where students toured the facility and grounds and enjoyed programs such as the StarLab Planetarium and Space Science Lab. PARI is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to providing hands-on educational and research opportunities for users in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. 
 
BHS National Honor Society Fall Service Project
On November 6, members of the Brevard High School National Honor Society performed their fall service project, “School Sweep.” Students picked up trash on campus, washed windows, swept the gym and bleachers, and cleaned locker rooms. The members who were unable to participate on November 6 volunteered at the Brevard Halloween Festival where they helped staff the information booth. The NHS will perform another service project in the spring.   
 
BES Visits Residents at Kingsbridge
Ms. Speckman’s class at Brevard Elementary School recently walked to the Kingsbridge House to visit and share their collection of decorated pumpkins with the residents. There were smiles on the faces of everyone involved from ages 5 to 95. 
 
Rosman High Inducts Five Into Hall of Fame
On November 1, 2013, five people were inducted into the Rosman High School Alumni Hall of Fame during half time at the Rosman Varsity football game. The five individuals chosen this year were Master Sergeant Joel Dalton (Class of 1994), Mary Jane Powell Reese (Class of 1960); David Ronald Smith (Class of 1971), James Fox, Sr., (Class of 1964) and James Looper.
  
  • Master Sergeant Dalton is a highly decorated U. S. Army officer, currently serving as Battalion Operations Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge for the 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery, located in Charlotte, NC. He is also a former baseball MVP and Tigers quarterback. He was inducted in the Public Service category. 
  • Mrs. Jane Reese has been with RHS since 1968 and has served as school bookkeeper, secretary, receptionist and office manager. She has received two yearbook dedications in her honor and the Lillian Cothran “Golden Apple” award. Mrs. Reese was inducted in the Career category. 
  • David Ronald Smith will be remembered by many for his 25 years of dedication to the WNC Youth Football and Cheerleading Association, where he served as president. Although his position was one that received no monetary compensation, his dedication served as inspiration to all who knew him. Smith was also a baseball coach for 16 years. Mr. Smith was inducted in the Inspirational Experiences category. 
  • Retired teacher James Looper began his career at Rosman in the 1960’s. During his time at RHS, he served as mentor, teacher, yearbook advisor, women’s basketball coach, football statistician, and Miss Bengal advisor. He was selected five times as the RHS Teacher of the Year. Mr. Looper was inducted in the Contributions to RHS category. 
  • Coach Fox has been part of the Rosman family for sixteen seasons, where he served as head football coach, teacher and assistant principal. After retirement, he joined the coaching staff as a JV football coach. He has won numerous awards and recognitions including Coach of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and Most Influential Coach in WNC, to name just a few. He leaves an overall record of 99-79-1. Mr. Fox was inducted in the Athletic Achievements category. 
 

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 the 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. In honor of Veterans Day (November 11, 2013), the attached list of names will be read aloud. 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 October 21, 2013 meeting
2.               Minutes from the November 12, 2013 meeting
3.               Personnel report for November 21, 2013
 
A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items
 
 
 
Request to Approve International School Trip

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
X
Globally Competitive Students
Action
X
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
 
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
Last spring, students from a school in Denmark visited Brevard High School as part of a foreign exchange program. This spring, a group of students from Brevard High School would like to visit the Denmark school in return. The students would depart from the Asheville Airport on March 18, 2014 and return on March 29, 2014. Two students from Brevard High School will give a short presentation on the proposed trip and the exchange they have formed with the school in Denmark. 
 
Board Policy IIC, “Field Trip Approval and Cancellation,” states that field trips outside the continental United States shall not be sponsored or approved by the school system or by any of the individual schools of the school system. Brevard High School is requesting that the Board consider a waiver of Policy IIC for this trip and designate the trip as school-sponsored. A copy of Policy IIC is attached for your information. 
 
If the Board agrees, a motion would be in order to waive Policy IIC and designate the foreign exchange trip to Denmark as a school-sponsored trip.  
 
 
 
Instructional Update

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
X
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
Dr. Scott Elliott and Mrs. Audrey Reneau will give an update on Curriculum and Instructional Services. A summary is attached for your review. 
 
Also attached is an outline of the North Carolina Read to Achieve program.  The goal of the Read to Achieve program is to ensure that every student reads at or above grade level by the end of third grade.  Dr. Elliott and Mrs. Reneau will discuss the program and answer any questions you may have. 
 
 
 
 
Update on Sale of Surplus Property

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
 
 
 
At the November 12 meeting, the Board rejected an offer to purchase the Live Project house located at 72 Memory Lane in Brevard, and authorized the Board chair and Superintendent to negotiate offers for a period of 12 months. The Board also took action to list the property with agent Amy Fisher of Fisher Realty of Brevard. Dr. McDaris and Mr. Barger will give an update on the disposition of the property. 
 
 
 
 
TCS Compensation Study

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
X
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
 
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
At the October 21 meeting, Human Resources Director Jeremy Gibbs told the Board about a compensation study that is being done as a part of the district’s efforts to recruit and retain top employees. He has been collecting data from LEAs across the region and the state regarding employee compensation methods, local salary supplements, local salary schedules, extra-duty pay, and other related questions. Mr. Gibbs will present a report of his findings at this time.   
 
 
 
Local Teacher Salary Supplement

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
 
 
 
At the October meeting, Dr. McDaris reported that he and Mr. Barger had found a way within existing funds to increase the local teacher salary supplement from the current 7.44% to 8.0% for certified staff and school-based administrators. If approved by the Board, the increase would be reflected in teacher supplements beginning this month. 
 
A motion is in order to raise the local teacher supplement to 8.0% effective with the November 2013 payroll.      
 
 
 
BHS Softball & Baseball Restrooms/Concession Stand

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
 
 
 
At the October meeting, Norris Barger presented preliminary plans for a restroom/concession stand for the Brevard High School softball and baseball programs. The initial plans included a basement storage area and an office area. After much debate regarding the need for the storage and office areas and input from the BHS softball coach and BHS athletic director, the Board directed Mr. Barger to obtain cost estimates from the architect for the proposed facility as a 1) restroom and concession stand only, and 2) a restroom and concession stand with basement storage priced as an add alternate. Mr. Barger will present the revised plans and estimate and answer any questions you may have. Copies are attached for your review.       
 
 
 
Assignment of Fund Balance

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
 
 
 
GASB accounting standards allow the assignment of fund balance to use for specific purposes. The Board of Education has the authority to assign fund balance. The Superintendent recommends assignment of $59,838 of Capital Outlay fund balance to complete the Brevard Elementary School office relocation project. If funds become available from other sources, the Superintendent requests authority to reduce the assignment by the appropriate amounts.
 
A motion is in order to assign $59,838 of Capital Outlay fund balance to complete the Brevard Elementary School office relocation project. 
 
 
 
 
Non-Faculty Coaches

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
 
 
 
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association requires local boards to grant permission to employ non-faculty individuals as head coaches of varsity or junior varsity teams. As a rule, the Transylvania County Board of Education approves all volunteer and contract coaches for Transylvania County Schools. The following names are submitted for approval as non-faculty coaches for winter sports 2013-2014:
 
Rosman High School
Lester Fox
Men’s JV Basketball - Head
Timmy Owen
Wrestling – Asst.
Rosman Middle School
Devin Wilson*
Boys’ Basketball – Head
Justin Whitman
Wrestling – Asst.
Amanda Chapman
Basketball Cheerleading
Brevard High School
Jonathan Owen*
Men’s Basketball - Varsity Asst.
Chad Owenby
Men’s JV Basketball – Head
Mary Ramey
Women’s Basketball – Asst. Volunteer
Laura Gardin
Women’s Basketball – Asst.
Lindsey Cunningham*
Women’s Basketball – Volunteer
Bill Baldwin
Indoor Track
Tom Ellenberger
Wrestling – Volunteer
Justin McEntire*
Wrestling – Volunteer
James DeLa Riva*
Wrestling – Volunteer
Jimmy Jones
Weight Certification
Brevard Middle School
Roderick Brown*
Boys’ Basketball - Head
Kyle Justice
Wrestling – Head
Mark Ellenberger
Wrestling – Asst.
*first time coach, TCS
           

 

A motion is in order to approve the non-faculty coaches for the 2013-2014 winter sports.

 
 
 
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
 
 
 

Nov. 27
Leave Day
 
 
Nov. 28-29
Thanksgiving Holidays
 
 
Dec. 10
RHS Senior Projects
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
RHS
Dec. 12
DRS Senior Projects
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
DRS
Dec. 16
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Dec. 17
BHS Senior Projects
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
BHS
Dec. 23 – Jan. 1
Christmas Break
 
 
Jan. 10, 13
Teacher Workdays
 
 
Jan. 13-17
TCS Science Fair
 
TC Library
Jan. 20
Leave Day (MLK Day)
 
 
Jan. 21
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Jan. 27
Science Fair Awards Ceremony
6:00 p.m.
BHS Auditorium
 
 
 
 
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: