THIS MEETING WAS RESCHEDULED FROM JANUARY 10, 2011 DUE TO ICY WEATHER CONDITIONS

JASPER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES – JANUARY 12, 2011

PRESENT: Barbara B. Clark, Randy Horton, Cathy Gardner, Alina Hamilton- Clark, Kathleen Snooks, Berty Riley, Priscilla Fraser and Pamela Williams

ABSENT: Michael Hubbard

1. CALL TO ORDER – Kathleen Snooks, Board Chairperson, called this regular meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom in Ridgeland, S.C.

2. ROLL CALL & ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM – 8P/1A

3. NOTIFICATION OF NEWS MEDIA – The following news media were notified of the date, time, place and agenda of this meeting: Jasper Sun, Hardeeville Today, Beaufort Gazette, Savannah Morning News, The Gullah Sentinel, WSAV, WTOC and WJCL.

4. INVOCATION – The Invocation was led by Alina Hamilton-Clark, Board Chaplain.

5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The pledge to the flag was recited by the Board and audience.

6. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS –

6.1 HARDEEVILLE HURRICANE RECOGNITIONS BY JAMES GARDNER, INTERIM ATHLETIC DIRECTOR – Dr. Washington shared that because the board meeting was changed to January 12th the coaches could not be here tonight. This recognition will be rescheduled for February.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT(S) – NONE

8. *APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mrs. Snooks entertained a motion for approval of the amended agenda with the addition of New Hires (A) under the Personnel Update and an Out-Of-State Field Trip Request (11.6). A motion was made by Berty Riley and seconded by Cathy Gardner to approve the agenda as amended. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0. MINUTES – JANUARY 12, 2011 PAGE TWO

9. *ADOPTION OF MINUTES – DECEMBER 13, 2010 – Mrs. Snooks entertained a motion for the adoption of these minutes. A motion was made by Barbara B. Clark and seconded by Priscilla Fraser to approve the minutes. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0.

10. *SPECIAL HEARING –

10.1 INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR – WILLIAM R. STRAUCH – Dr. Washington introduced William Strauch, the new Director of Technology.

Mr. Strauch came forward to address the Board. He stated that since he has been on staff he has had a chance to work with staff and take a look at the technology that they have in place in the Jasper County School District. The good news is that the District has a state of art network infrastructure and state of the art operating systems. There is also a great team of individuals in place who are willing to go the extra mile for the students. He is looking forward to working with the Technology team and the administrative staff. He could actually feel the energy when he walked into this building. The not so good news is that the network has not been utilized to its fullest potential. There are a lot of improvements that can be made on the existing network. Some of the areas that need improvement are the imaging of the computers, the application for deployment of software (where software applications would be deployed from a server to cut down the time needed for a technician to actually sit down at a workstation to install the software), and additional training for staff making them more confidant and efficient at what they do. The idea is to build accountability by making sure they offer services that are effective in student education.

Barbara B. Clark questioned if there is a tracking device in place if a laptop is stolen.

Mr. Strauch stated that the application that they use is offered through Computrace, where a chip is installed on the processor and if someone takes a computer and goes on the Internet they are able to trace where the computer is through the IP address. This is done through GPS and equipment can be located within two cubic feet. MINUTES – JANUARY 12, 2011 PAGE THREE

Dr. Washington added that at one time everyone ordered their own computers but they have started a new practice that any new computers must be ordered through the Technology Department and they will make sure that Computrace is installed on the computers. Mrs. Mack-Huff has also taken an extra precaution by blocking the ordering of computers through the District’s purchasing system.

Mrs. Williams asked if there is any way to install something on the older equipment so it can be traced.

Mr. Strauch stated that they can trace these through asset barcodes and they can ask pawn shops to contact the District if someone tries to sell any equipment.

Mr. Strauch thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve the District. He enjoys helping students learn technology so they can become productive members of society.

10.2 ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL (JCAP) PRESENTATION – IVY RICHARDSON, JCAP DIRECTOR/TEACHER – Dr. Washington introduced Ivy Richardson who is the Director/Teacher of the Jasper County Alternative Program (JCAP). Notebooks were passed out to the board members.

Mrs. Richardson shared a PowerPoint Presentation with the Board, highlighting the alternative school program. The JCAP Notebook gave a broader view of what the program is all about. A JCAP student was present who participated in the back on track program. The student shared what the program has provided to him. He passed the MAP test today. His mother was also present and shared that he has made a tremendous change since being in the program.

Mrs. Richardson shared that the motto for JCAP is “Rescue to Restore”. The goal is to provide the students with a holistic experience in the development of academic, social, and behavioral skills for Restoration to the feeder school. The JCAP team includes Dr. Vashti Washington, Christy Thompson, Curtis Dixon, Ivy Richardson, Venu Madhu, Linda Goins and Nyrita Austin. The curriculum is delivered through a traditional instructional setting, State Level Virtual Classroom settings and interactive instructional settings. Student are also offered remediation and enhancement. MINUTES – JANUARY 12, 2011 PAGE FOUR

Students are offered the same courses as the regular school program, with the exception of elective courses. This also includes a daily guidance session. Students are placed on a contract at JCAP. In order to leave JCAP, students must have a grade of 70 or above in all courses and a 90% or higher attendance rate. Eighteen students have been restored back to their home schools. A restoration ceremony is held when students are returned back to their school.

Mrs. Snooks stated that this was an excellent presentation coming from the alternative school program.

Barbara B. Clark stated that she knows that Ivy Richardson is an excellent math teacher because they were colleagues in the Chatham County School System.

10.3 FY 2011-2012 TIER III REIMBURSEMENTS & PRELIMINARY INDEX OF TAXPAYING ABILITY – SANDRA MACK-HUFF, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE – Mrs. Mack-Huff came forward to review the handouts with the Board and answer questions. She explained under the Tier III Reimbursements homeowners do not pay the school tax and the districts are reimbursed through Tier III money. Based on information from the S. C. Budget and Control Board, it is projected that Jasper County School District will receive $86,863 additional dollars of Tier III reimbursements for 2011-2012. This is in addition to the $18,502,864 projected for 2011-2012, bringing the District’s total to $1,890,149. The District is also projected to receive an additional $609,851 to bring the total disbursements to $2,500,000. These estimates may be revised once the FY 2010- 2011 revenues and the final CPI and population figures are known. This will be part of the budgeting process for 2011-2012.

Mrs. Mack-Huff explained the Preliminary Index of Taxpaying Ability index, which is designed to assist districts in budgeting by providing them with the approximated index factors to be used by the State Department of Education in apportioning the district’s EIA/EFA funding. They are looking at a new education formula. She shared that the Jasper County School District may lose approximately $900,000 if this educational funding does not go through. The assessed value has gone down and the district will be losing EFA funding. Over the budgeting process she will keep the Board updated on what is happening with the formula and education funding. MINUTES – JANUARY 12, 2011 PAGE FIVE

10.4 SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – DR. VASHTI K. WASHINGTON Dr. Washington shared her report with the Board. In recognition of Board Appreciation Month she applauded the Board for their collective work as the governing body for the Jasper County School District and the hard work that they are doing for the students. She addressed the incident that happened at the Ridgeland High School Basketball Game on January 7, 2011 and the teamwork involved in this crisis. She named the different agencies that responded to this crisis. She stated that this incident placed Jasper County School District in the national news and in the local spotlight. She also commended the staff who implemented a plan to notify the media and parents of the incident. She also addressed the delayed start of school this week due to icy weather.

11. *CONSENT AGENDA – Mrs. Snooks questioned if there were any item(s) from the Consent Agenda that needed to be pulled for questions.

11.1 2010-2011 DISTRICT CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN 11.2 2010-2011 BUDGET CALENDAR 11.3 LOWCOUNTRY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE RESOLUTION 11.4 BOARD ATTENDANCE – DECEMBER, 2010 11.5 PERSONNEL UPDATE - NEW HIRES (A) (HANDOUT 1/12/11) - RESIGNATIONS (A-B) - FMLA REQUEST (A-B) 11.6 OUT-OF-STATE FIELD TRIP REQUEST (HANDOUT 1/12/11)

Pamela Williams requested that 11.3 (Lowcountry Economic Alliance Resolution) be pulled for questions.

Mrs. Snooks entertained a motion for approval of the Consent Agenda with the exception of 11.3. A motion was made by Berty Riley and seconded by Pamela Williams to accept the consent agenda items. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0.

Mrs. Williams had a couple of questions regarding the Lowcountry Economic Alliance Resolution. She asked who the elected officials are from Jasper and Beaufort Counties that are part of the Alliance’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Washington responded that they are from county councils, city councils and Mrs. Snooks as the Board Chairperson would be part of this unless she appoints someone else. MINUTES – JANUARY 12, 2011 PAGE SIX

Mrs. Williams asked if there is anything in writing regarding the Lowcountry Economic Alliance’s and the Lowcountry Economic Network’s endorsement of a diversified economic vision for Jasper and Beaufort Counties. The main thing is that they know what they are approving.

Dr. Washington stated that she has the information that she can share with the Board. She explained that the Alliance is comprised of city and county governments of Jasper and Beaufort Counties. They invited the educational groups from Beaufort and Jasper to talk about how they can work together to build jobs for the communities. One of the main focuses of the Alliance is the Port.

Mrs. Snooks entertained a motion for approval of the Resolution (11.3). A motion was made by Barbara B. Clark to approve the Resolution followed by information from Dr. Washington. Priscilla Fraser seconded the motion. THE MOTION PASSED 7-1. (Ayes – B.Clark/Horton/Gardner/A.Clark/Snooks/Riley/Fraser) (Nay – Williams)

12. INFORMATION ITEM(S) –

12.1 IP VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM UPDATE – A letter was shared from Darryl Owens, Chief of Staff, updating the Board on the status of the IP Video Surveillance System for the schools. Once the final quotes are received from the vendors, they will be able to share more specific information. Dr. Washington stated that a presentation was shared with the Facility Committee prior to the board meeting. The committee will be meeting again next week regarding this.

12.2 SCSBA NEW BOARD ORIENTATION – A memo was shared from the South Carolina School Boards Association regarding new board orientation scheduled on February 24, 2011 in conjunction with SCSBA’s Annual Convention in Myrtle Beach.

12.3 BLACK HISTORY ARTS & HUMANITIES STUDENT TOURS – A letter was shared from Bridging the Gap Resource Center regarding scheduled student tours of the Arts and Humanities in the Hamptons in February in honor of Black History Month. Dr. Washington shared that students in grades 3 through 12 will be participating in these tours in Hampton County. MINUTES – JANUARY 12, 2011 PAGE SEVEN

12.4 DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY REVIEW (DAR) TEAM PARTICI- PANTS – Names of the participants on the District’s Accountability Review Team for the review in December was shared at the request of the Board.

12.5 FACILITY COMMITTEE MEETING – 1/12/11 @ 5:30 P.M. – Dr. Washington shared that this meeting was held prior to this board meeting.

12.6 JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS – Dr. Washington asked board members to pay special attention to the calendar of events for January.

13. *ACTION ITEM(S) –

13.1 SCHEDULE SPECIAL BOARD MEETING – 1/25/11 OR 1/26/11 – Dr. Washington stated that they need to discuss this in Executive Session.

A Policy Committee will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.

14. *FUTURE AGENDA ITEM(S) – NONE

15. *EXECUTIVE SESSION –

15.1 PERSONNEL MATTERS – Mrs. Snooks entertained a motion to enter into Executive Session.

A motion was made by Cathy Gardner to enter into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters. Pamela Williams seconded the motion. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0.

THE BOARD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:25 P.M.

* * * * *

THE BOARD RETURNED TO OPEN SESSION AT 7:47 P.M. MINUTES – JANUARY 12, 2011 PAGE EIGHT

The following motions were derived from Executive Session:

1) Priscilla Fraser made a motion to deny the request of Employee A to hear her grievance appeal. Cathy Gardner seconded the motion. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0.

2) Alina Hamilton-Clark made a motion to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for the suspension from employment and conditionally accept her recommendation for termination of employment of a Continuing Contract teacher, Employee A, subject to the Board’s duty to review the matter on the merits pursuant to State law should the individual request a hearing. Randy Horton seconded the motion. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0.

3) A special board meeting was scheduled on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

16. *ADJOURNMENT – A motion was made by Berty Riley and seconded by Barbara B. Clark to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

______Recording Secretary

______Approval Date Board Chairperson