Regular Meeting

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Dates: 
Monday, September 15, 2014 - 6:30pm

 

September 15, 2014
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.               Update from Sheriff’s Department
6.               Good News Report
7.               Former Students in the Military
8.               Consent Agenda:
A.    Minutes
B.    Personnel Report
9.               Policy:
A.    KB-R, “Public Information Program”
B.    KC, “Title I Parent Involvement”
10.           Technology Purchase
11.           FY15 Budget Resolution
12.           Facilities Study Update
13.           Master Facilities Plan
14.           Local Board Training Credit
15.           Superintendent’s Update
16.           Important Dates
17.           Public Comment
18.           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 15, 2014.
 
 
 
 
Resolution of Recognition

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:
 

Tammy Bellefeuil
MEC
Chris Dodson
BHS
Vesta Hogsed
RHS
Jenny Hunter
MEC
Lystra Keever
RES
Freddie Whitman
RHS
 
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 check from the Board. The principal or designee from each school will introduce the honorees.
 

Melissa Mahoney
BES
Katrina Smith
BHS
Michele Smith
BMS
Tom Ellenberger
DRS
Carrie McCall
PFES
Gaye Owen
RES
Susan Hoxit
RHS
Sara Transue
RMS
Erica Shelton
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 check from the Board. The principal or designee from each school will introduce the honorees.
 

Melissa Redden
BES
Meredith Licht
BHS
Jennifer Bolt
BMS
Arami Bolick
DRS
Stephanie Sizemore
PFES
Stephanie Bell
RES
Alana Marshall
RHS
Amanda Lewis
RMS
Beth Morgan
TCH
 
Rookie of the Year
Mr. Jeremy Gibbs, Director of Human Resources, will announce the Rookie of the Year. The Rookie of the Year will receive an engraved plaque and a $200 check from the Board.
 
Counselor of the Year
Dr. Jeff McDaris, Superintendent, will announce the Counselor of the Year. The Counselor of the Year will receive an engraved plaque and a $500 award from the Board.
 
Media Specialist of the Year
Dr. Jeff McDaris will announce the Media Specialist of the Year. The Media Specialist of the Year will receive an engraved plaque and a $500 award from the Board.
 
Principal of the Year
Dr. Jeff McDaris will announce the Principal of the Year. The Principal of the Year will receive an engraved plaque and a $500 award from the Board.
 
District TAOY and TOY
Earlier this fall, the school-level Teachers of the Year and Teacher Assistants of the Year were interviewed by a committee that was charged with selecting one teacher assistant and one teacher as the district Teacher Assistant of the Year and the district Teacher of the Year. Dr. Jeff McDaris will announce the 2014-2015 Teacher Assistant of the Year. The Teacher Assistant of the Year will receive an engraved plaque and $500 award from the Board.
 
Ms. Amber Webb from First Citizens Bank of Brevard will announce the 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year will receive an engraved plaque and $1000 award. He or she will also have his/her portrait taken and placed in the gallery of past winners that is on display 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 and congratulations be expressed to the persons named on this the 15th day of September, 2014. 
 
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 thousands of dollars in mini-grants to TCS teachers for projects designed to enrich educational opportunities for students. Mrs. Page Lemel, TCSEF Chair, will give an update on the Foundation’s fund-raising activities and mini-grants for the 2014-2015 school year. To learn more about the mini-grant application process or the 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, 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. 
 
 
 
 
Update from Sheriff’s Department

Strategic Priority:
Reason for Consideration:
 
Globally Competitive Students
Action
 
 
21st Century Professionals
Information
X
X
Healthy and Responsible Students
Discussion
 
 
Leadership to Guide Innovation
 
 
 
Governance and Support
 
 
 
Sheriff David Mahoney will give an update on a new program designed to help improve communication and school safety. 
 
 
 
 
Good News Report

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
 
 
 
Davidson River School
This summer, Davidson River School held a summer enrichment program for students from June 16 through August 12. Twenty-four students participated in the program, earning a total of 28 course credits through online credit-recovery programs. Students also got ahead with course acceleration opportunities and individual tutoring and completed community service projects. In addition, students participated in fun-filled activities such as cooking locally raised food, hiking in Pisgah National Forest, and visiting Gorges State Park and Sliding Rock. The students’ collective time at the school totaled 2,147 hours. Thanks to Jessica Buhrman, Deidre Massingale, and Tom Ellenberger for coordinating the program.    
 
WNC Mountain State Fair Awards
Congratulations to the following students from Billie Wilson’s Family and Consumer Science classes at Rosman High School for winning ribbons at the WNC Mountain State Fair on September 5: 
 
Foods II Technology
Jordan Heath - 1st Place & Best of Show, Pound Cake
Audriana Barton - 1st Place & Judges Choice, Red Velvet Cake
Dart Harding - 1st Place, Cake Decorating
Ethan Orr - 1st Place, Blueberry Muffins
Kelsey Farmer - 2nd Place, Butterscotch Muffins
Nathan Moody, 2nd Place, Fudge
Megan Richardson, 2nd Place, Mints
 
Apparel
Ivey McCall - 1st Place, Stuffed Animals
Gloria Corona - 2nd Place, Stuffed Animals
 
For the first time ever, RHS Agriculture teacher Heather McNeely had two students show cattle at the Mountain State Fair. In April, FFA members Jacob Voris and Jeremiah Hooper each purchased a Holstein steer calf and raised them through the spring and summer. In competition, Hooper and his calf, “Leroy,” placed second as the overall reserve champion in Dairy Steer Showmanship and third in the beef cattle show. Both students sold their calves to a cattleman from Tennessee following the show. 
 
Led by Pam Granger-Gale, six students from Brevard Elementary had a fourth-place win for their group art display at the Fair. Congratulations to Jake Grosvenor, Kelsey Kingdon, Grace Cunningham, Piper Suttles, Lena Guidy, and Knox Witherspoon.
 
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 wishes to thank 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. Twice a year, the names on the attached list are read aloud during Board of Education meetings, and the list is recognized at every meeting. One new name, Josh Heath, has been added to the list. 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 of the August 18, 2014 meeting
2.               Minutes of the August 21, 2014 meeting
3.               Minutes of the September 4, 2014 meeting
4.               Personnel report for September 15, 2014
 
A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items. 
 
 
 
 
Policy

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
 
 
 
At the August 21 meeting, Jeremy Gibbs presented two policies as first-read information (see attached). Policy KB-R, “Public Information,” is recommended for rescission. Policy KC, “Title I Parent Involvement,” is new. Mr. Gibbs will answer any questions you may have about the policies. 
 

Code
Title
Status
Action
Requested
KB-R
Public Information Program
2nd read
rescind
KC
Title I Parent Involvement
2nd read
approve
 
Motions are in order to rescind Policy KB-R and approve Policy KC. 
 
 
 
 
Technology Purchase

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
 
 
 
Chris Whitlock, Director of Technology Services, will ask the Board to approve a purchase of technology equipment for the schools in an amount that exceeds the $90,000 threshold. Mr. Whitlock will present the proposals and make a recommendation. Three price quotations are attached for your review.
 
A motion is in order to approve the technology purchase(s).  
 
 
 
 
FY15 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
 
 
 
Norris Barger will present the final budget resolution for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The resolution and supporting documents are attached for your review. Mr. Barger will answer any questions you may have. 
 
A motion is in order to approve the budget resolution for FY15. 
 
 
 
 
Facilities Study Update

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
 
 
 
On June 16, the motion listed below was tabled until the next regular meeting when all five Board members would be present. At the July 21 meeting, the motion was tabled until the September 15 board meeting.    
 
MR. ROGERS MADE A MOTION “to come together to form a 2-on-2 joint partnership committee consisting of two Board of Education members, two County Commissioners, the Superintendent of Schools, and the County Manager to develop a plan of action in hiring a professional firm, to be paid for by the County Commissioners, that specializes in comprehensive studies of North Carolina school districts that would include, but not be limited to, future enrollment, security, a financial review of curriculum needs, salary study, and structure of future educational needs. Upon the completion and review of such a study, the Board of Education would then develop a plan that could implement some, none, or all of the recommendations in order to meet the needs and challenges of an ever-changing environment in our county and public education in order to provide the very best education for all students in Transylvania County. After this plan is identified and strategic goals are in place, the Board of Education would then hire an architectural firm to re-visit our Master Plan and make revisions in order to move forward in trying to obtain support from the community for a bond referendum in order to bring facilities up to current standards as well as make change as needed to provide extraordinary infrastructure so that students can be lifelong achievers.”   For the purpose of discussion, MR. KIVINIEMI SECONDED THE MOTION.
 
The Board may address the motion at this time. 
 
 
 
 
Master Facilities Plan

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
 
 
 
On August 21 and September 4, the Board heard proposals from four firms interested in providing a new system-wide master facilities plan for Transylvania County Schools. The Board may discuss how it wishes to proceed and/or take possible action. 
 
 
 
 
Local Board Training Credit

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
 
 
 
N.C.G.S. § 115C-50 requires all local board members to receive a minimum of 12 clock hours of training annually. The North Carolina School Boards Association sponsors workshops and training activities throughout the year as an avenue for board members to comply with this requirement. Members may also attend local, non-sponsored training activities to earn CEU hours toward the required total. The applications for local, non-sponsored credit require board approval. 
 
A motion is in order to approve the following applications for non-sponsored CEU credit for the 2014-2015 year (see attached):
 

Member
Event
Date
Location
Contact Hours
Tawny McCoy
TCS Administrators’ Retreat
8.12.14
Transylvania Co. Library
1.0
Ron Kiviniemi
TCS Administrators’ Retreat
8.12.14
Transylvania Co. Library
1.0
Mike Rogers
TCS Administrators’ Retreat
8.12.14
Transylvania Co. Library
2.5
Sue Fox
TCS Administrators’ Retreat
8.12.14
Transylvania Co. Library
7.0
Sue Fox
TCS New Educator Orientation
8.14.14
Gorges State Park Visitor Center
2.0
 
 
 
 
 
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 current and/or emerging educational issues.
 
 
 
 
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. 16
Candidates’ Forum
6:00 p.m.
Rogow Room
Sept. 17
Students dismissed at 12:00 noon
 
 
Sept. 25
NCSBA District 8 Meeting
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Cherokee Central School
Oct. 15
Students dismissed at 12:00 noon
 
 
Oct. 15-17
NCSBA Annual Fall Law Conference
 
Renaissance Asheville
Oct. 20
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Nov. 4
Election Day
 
 
Nov. 11
Holiday (staff and student)
 
 
Nov. 17
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Nov. 26
Annual leave (no students)
 
 
Nov. 27-28
Holiday (staff and student)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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: