THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, February 24, 2005, 9:45 AM AS BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS UNDER ITS CONTROL

The State Board of Education of the State of Alabama (also referred to herein as the Board) met in official session to consider postsecondary education matters beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 24, 2005, in the Auditorium of the Gordon Persons Building, Montgomery, Alabama. The meeting was called in accordance with Section 16-3-7, Code of Alabama 1975.

PRESIDING: MRS. SANDRA RAY PRESIDING OFFICER

The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Ray. The Pledge of Allegiance followed the invocation by Mrs. Ella Bell. On roll call, the following Board members were present:

Mrs. Ella Bell Mrs. Stephanie Bell Dr. Mary Jane Caylor Dr. Ethel H. Hall Mrs. Betty Peters Mrs. Sandra Ray

Also present: Dr. Roy Johnson, Chancellor of Postsecondary Education

Absent: Mr. McKinney and Governor Bob Riley

Mr. Byers arrived at 9:50 a.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Dr. Johnson asked that the Board add to the agenda Action Items VIII.A.4. Assistance for Displaced Workers of Tee Jays, VIII.A.5. Assistance for Displaced Workers of Solutia Inc., and VIII.A.6. Resolution Commending Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. On motion by Dr. Caylor, second by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the agenda was unanimously approved as amended.

APPROVED

MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2005 MEETING

On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, second by Dr. Caylor, the minutes of the January 27, 2005 meeting were unanimously approved as presented.

SECTION VI

PUBLIC HEARING

There were no individuals registered to address the Board at the Public Hearing.

Dr. Johnson asked that the Board consider the items under the Executive section first.

Mr. Byers arrived at this point, 9:50 a.m.

Minutes: State Board of Education Page 2 February 24, 2005

SECTION VIII (EXECUTIVE AND LEGAL)

ADOPTED

On motion by Dr. Hall, second by Dr. Caylor the Board unanimously adopted the following three (3) items:

T. A. LAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE

The Board authorized the President of Lawson State Community College, subject to review by the Chancellor and the Chancellor’s legal office, to purchase a parcel of real estate located at 3612 Margaret Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Alabama. Fiscal consideration: $5,946 – Appraisal Price of Property with related costs – College Plant Fund (Unexpended)

NORTHWEST-SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE QUITCLAIM DEED

The Board authorized the Chancellor on behalf of the State Board of Education to execute a Quitclaim Deed for a sign easement located on a corner of the two acres of property located in Tuscumbia, Alabama, purchased in 1995 from the State Board by JH Properties, owned by James Hughston. Fiscal consideration: None

THE ALABAMA COLLEGE SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL LEGAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

The Board authorized and directed each college, the Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute, the Skills Training Consortia and the Alabama Technology Network to purchase professional legal liability insurance under the policy recommended by the Chancellor for the coverage period March 1, 2005, through February 28, 2006. Fiscal consideration: $750,000 – Current Unrestricted Fund

On motion by Dr. Caylor, second by Mrs. Peters, the Board unanimously adopted the following two (2) resolutions:

Assistance for Displaced Workers of Tee Jays

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education has demonstrated its commitment to respond to the economic development needs of the State of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, The Alabama College System seeks to provide accessible quality educational opportunities, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for the people of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, community, junior, and technical colleges have provided direct services to assist displaced workers in securing skills necessary to re-enter the workforce; and

WHEREAS, Tee Jays Manufacturing Co. has announced the closing of its facility in Florence, Alabama, resulting in unemployment, dislocation, and economic hardship for 220 affected employees and their families; and

WHEREAS, these individuals are capable workers with specialized skills that cannot be readily transferred into the current job market; and

WHEREAS, there is a compelling need to respond rapidly to meet the re-training needs of these displaced workers; and

Minutes: State Board of Education Page 3 February 24, 2005

WHEREAS, this closing affects many residents of the Florence area, the Alabama State Board of Education will sanction flexibility for Northwest-Shoals Community College and other Alabama College System institutions serving the affected population, to meet the skills-emphasis training needs of these workers in the face of the economic exigencies so adversely affecting its service area; and

WHEREAS, the Chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education recommends this course of action to the Alabama State Board of Education:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That with due consideration of the above premises, the Alabama State Board of Education hereby authorizes a tuition waiver of 50 percent for displaced workers who will become unemployed as a result of the closing of Tee Jays and who are in need of re- training; and

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this tuition waiver is hereby restricted to eligible displaced workers of the above named industry who enroll during the period beginning with the spring term 2005 and ending with the spring term 2007; who are not eligible to receive funding under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) or other similar and/or related state and/or federal workforce assistance programs; and for whom substantial tuition assistance cannot be secured from other sources; and

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary education is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this Resolution, in compliance with appropriate court orders and constitutional privilege.

Assistance for Displaced Workers of Solutia Inc.

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education has demonstrated its commitment to respond to the economic development needs of the State of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, The Alabama College System seeks to provide accessible quality educational opportunities, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for the people of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, community, junior, and technical colleges have provided direct services to assist displaced workers in securing skills necessary to re-enter the workforce; and

WHEREAS, Solutia Inc. has announced the layoff of 500 employees at its facility in Decatur, Alabama, resulting in unemployment, dislocation, and economic hardship for affected employees and their families; and

WHEREAS, these individuals are capable workers with specialized skills that cannot be readily transferred into the current job market; and

WHEREAS, there is a compelling need to respond rapidly to meet the re-training needs of these displaced workers; and

WHEREAS, this layoff affects many residents of the Decatur area, the Alabama State Board of Education will sanction flexibility for John C. Calhoun Community College and other Alabama College System institutions serving the affected population, to meet the skills-emphasis training needs of these workers in the face of the economic exigencies so adversely affecting its servic e area; and

WHEREAS, the Chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education recommends this course of action to the Alabama State Board of Education:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That with due consideration of the above premises, the Alabama State Board of Education hereby authorizes a tuition waiver of 50 percent for displaced workers who will become unemployed as a result of the layoff at Solutia Inc. and who are in need of re- training; and

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this tuition waiver is hereby restricted to eligible displaced workers of the above named industry who enroll during the period beginning with the spring term 2005 and ending with the spring term 2007; who are not eligible to receive funding under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) or other similar and/or related state and/or federal workforce Minutes: State Board of Education Page 4 February 24, 2005 assistance programs; and for whom substantial tuition assistance cannot be secured from other sources; and

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary education is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this Resolution, in compliance with appropriate court orders and constitutional privilege.

On motion by Mrs. Ella Bell, second by Dr. Hall, the Board unanimously adopted the following resolution:

COMMENDING DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC.

WHEREAS, today, February 24, 2005, is officially Delta Day at the Capitol, involving the civic participation and leadership of members of Delta Sigma Theta Sororit y Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., founded in 1913, now an international organization of more than 200,000 women, the only African-American sorority having gained official status with the United Nations as a non-governmental organizatio n, serves communities across Alabama; and

WHEREAS, women of Delta Sigma Theta contribute to the social, economic, civic and cultural well-being of Alabama as educators, entrepreneurs, business owners and public servants; and

WHEREAS, the five-point international thrust of Delta Sigma Theta encourages leadership and service for education development, international awareness and involvement, political awareness, economic development and physical and mental health; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta has produced great women leaders in our state, including the majority of women in the Alabama Legislature – Senator Sundra Escott-Russell; Representatives Barbara Boyd, Yvonne Kennedy, Merika Coleman, Laura Hall, Mary Moore, and Linda Coleman; State Board of Education member Ella Bell; and public servants throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta promotes civic involvement encouraging all citizens to use their freedom to vote and participate in their government; and

WHEREAS, the advocacy, community involvement, and public service of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. benefits the citizens of Alabama, specifically through their emphasis on education;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alabama State Board of Education and the Chancellor of The Alabama College System hereby commend the sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for its dedicated service and commitment to education; extend their formal appreciation; and honor the contributions, leadership, and service of its members to the people of Alabama.

SECTION VII (INSTRUCTIONAL AND STUDENT SERVICES, FISCAL, AND RESEARCH AND INFORMATION)

ADOPTED

On motion by Dr. Caylor, second by Mr. Byers, the Board unanimously adopted the following five (5) items:

JOHN C. CALHOUN COMMUNITY COLLEGE RENOVATION PROJECT

The Board authorized Calhoun Community College to replace the carpet in the Brewer Library on the Decatur Campus. Fiscal consideration: $100,000 – College Plant Fund (Renewal and Replacement)

Minutes: State Board of Education Page 5 February 24, 2005

GADSDEN STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CONSTRUCTION OF COLLEGE ENTRANCE SIGN

The Board authorized Gadsden State Community College to construct a new entrance sign located near Wallace Hall on the George Wallace Drive Campus. Fiscal consideration: $140,000 – College Plant Fund (Unexpended)

T. A. LAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATION ON RENOVATION PROJECT

The Board granted Lawson State Community College additional authorization to renovate the Athletic/Recreation Complex located on the West Campus. Fiscal consideration: $450,000 – College Plant Fund (Unexpended)

LURLEEN B. WALLACE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND COMPUTERS FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES

The Board authorized Lurleen B. Wallace Community College to purchase equipment and computers for instructional purposes. Fiscal consideration: $290,000 ($208,000 – Current Unrestricted Fund [Technology Fee]; and $82,000 – Current Restricted Fund [Federal Vocational Education Funds])

THE ALABAMA COLLEGE SYSTEM DESIGNATION OF CHANCELLOR AS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

The Board authorized that the Chancellor of The Alabama College System be designated as the Board’s authorized representative for the purpose of declaring the intent of the Board to use proceeds of Bonds for the reimbursement of prior expenditures, as contemplated by the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations issued thereunder, including 26 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1.150-2. Fiscal consideration: None

On motion by Dr. Caylor, second by Dr. Hall, and with Mrs. Stephanie Bell registering an opposing vote, the Board adopted the following two (2) items:

THE ALABAMA COLLEGE SYSTEM REVISE POLICY 309.01 PURCHASING

The Board revised Policy 309.01 Purchasing to increase to $100,000 the minimum cost of personal property acquisitions requiring State Board of Education approval, and authorized the revised policy take effect immediately and declare null and void and supersede any other Board policy on Purchasing. Fiscal consideration: None

THE ALABAMA COLLEGE SYSTEM REVISE POLICY 501.01 CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, AND ALTERATION

The Board revised Policy 501.01 Construction, Renovation, and Alteration to increase to $200,000 the minimum cost of construction or renovation of campus facilities requiring State Board of Education approval, and authorized the revised policy take effect immediately and declare null and void and supersede any other Board policy on Construction, Renovation, and Alteration. Fiscal consideration: None

Minutes: State Board of Education Page 6 February 24, 2005

SECTION X CHANCELLOR’S REPORT

Dr. Johnson gave a brief report on his meeting with Senator Jeff Sessions, and a subsequent meeting with Assistant Secretary of Education Susan Sclafani, regarding proposed cuts in federal funding for education.

DATE AND LOCATION OF NEXT MEETINGS

The next work session for the review of postsecondary matters will be held on March 10, 2005, in the Presidents’ Conference Room, Alabama Center for Commerce, Montgomery, Alabama. The next Board meeting for postsecondary matters will be held on March 24, 2005, in the Auditorium, Gordon Persons Building, Montgomery, Alabama.

ADJOURNMENT

On motion by Mrs. Ella Bell, second by Mrs. Peters, the postsecondary Board meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:07 a.m.

______Presiding Officer

______Chancellor