MINUTES WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EDUCATION West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Secondary School for the Deaf (Multipurpose Room) 301 East Main Street Romney, West Virginia September 11, 2013
I. Call to Order
Following the welcome, introductions and Pledge of Allegiance, President Gayle C. Manchin called the meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) to order at 12:34 p.m. on September 11, 2013, in the Multipurpose Room of the Secondary School for the Deaf (Multipurpose Room) at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, 301 East Main Street, Romney, West Virginia.
The following members were present: President Manchin, Vice President Michael I. Green, Secretary Robert W. Dunlevy, Tina H. Combs, Thomas W. Campbell, Lloyd G. Jackson II, and William M. White, and ex officio James B. Phares, State Superintendent of Schools. Student representative present was Mr. Blake Humphrey, a senior at Wheeling Park High School, Ohio County. Members absent were L. Wade Linger, Jr. and ex officios Paul L. Hill, Chancellor, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and James L. Skidmore, Chancellor, West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College.
II. Welcome
Dr. K. Lynn Boyer (distributed information), Superintendent of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, welcomed the Board and provided a video presentation highlighting students and teachers. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment P.)
III. Recognitions
Ms. Michele Blatt, Executive Director, WVDE Office of School System Support, who provided information regarding the commitment of the National Guard to the Student Success Summit, introduced special guests and called Major General James A. Hoyer, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, to the podium to be recognized by the Board for his leadership and commitment.
IV. Mountaineer Challenge Academy
Major General Hoyer provided information to the Board regarding the Mountaineer Challenge Academy and asked the Board to consider the National Guard a continuing partner in creating generational change, invited Bard members to visit the Challenge Academy, and also invited the Board to hold a meeting at Camp Dawson. 2
V. Delegations
Ms. Sara Isner, student (representing the senior Civic Class), West Virginia School for the Deaf, Mr. Cameron Bell and Mr. Eddie Cox, students (representing the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Student Council), West Virginia School for the Blind, addressed the Board regarding their educational experiences at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Students also in attendance for Ms. Isner's presentation were: Ms. Samantha Plum, Mr. Matthew Kannon, Mr. Samuel Kimble, Mr. Tyler Kesner and Ms. Lacy House. Dr. Nancy Armstrong, Superintendent of the Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, and Dr. Mary Jean Sanspree, Retired Professor from the University of Alabama, members of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Board of Advisors, addressed the Board regarding the importance of low incidence schools. Ms. Cindy Beeson, Ms. Shirley McGraw, Ms. Michelle Farr, Mr. Lawrence Richmond (distributed information), Ms. Annabelle Woods, Mr. Randall Patterson, Ms. Mistie Richmond, Ms. Penny Mobley, Ms. Tammy Redden (read a message for George Matt Edwards), Ms. Marybeth Altizer, Ms. Sandra Harkins, Mr. Franklin Groves, Ms. Carolyn Arritt (distributed information), Mr. Scott Ingelton, Ms. Ashley Adkins, Mr. Geoff Heeter, and Mr. Leon Ivey (distributed information/member of the Fayette County Board of Education) citizens of Fayette County, addressed the Board regarding the Fayette County Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan. (Copies appended to the Official Minutes, Attachment Q.)
VI. Approval of Agenda
President Manchin requested that item VIII. Update on Community Input and Planning to Improve Facilities in Fayette County and Consideration of Amending the Fayette County Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP) be moved prior to item VII. Status of Data Collection related to West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) Facilities Planning.
VII. Break
President Manchin called for a break at 3:03 p.m.
VIII. Call to Order
President Manchin called the meeting back to order at 3:28 p.m.
IX. Approval of Agenda (Continued)
President Manchin called for a motion to approve the agenda as previously amended. Prior to the motion Mr. Jackson requested that Consent Agenda C.4. Employment of Substitute Teachers in Areas of Critical Need and Shortage be removed and taken up later in the agenda. Dr. White moved that the agenda, as amended by President Manchin and Mr. Jackson, be approved. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. 3
X. Update on Community Input and Planning to Improve Facilities in Fayette County and Consideration of Amending the Fayette County Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP)
Mr. Keith Butcher (distributed information), Superintendent of Fayette County Schools, provided an update on community input and planning to improve facilities in Fayette County. Discussion ensued regarding the documentation presented by Superintendent Butcher.
Following discussion, President Manchin called upon the Board to request that Superintendent Butcher:
amend the Fayette County Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP) to remove any indication that Meadow Bridge High School will be closed or consolidated as part of Fayette County's needs submission to the School Building Authority this year; undertake a study this school year to determine how the education needs of the students in the Meadow Bridge attendance area may be best served. The study should include the feasibility of high school age students in the Meadow Bridge attendance zone attending school cross county lines in Greenbrier or Summers Counties, the manner in which those same students could be served by the technical center at Oak Hill High School, and the way in which any transition could be assisted through formal assimilation activities or rendering at Meadow Bridge; and if, at the conclusion of the study of the closure of Meadow Bridge High School is agreed upon, that Fayette County Schools work with the School Building Authority so that a renovated K-8 school at Meadow Bridge be expedited.
President Manchin stated further that her purpose in asking for the amendment is to give the Meadow Bridge community appropriate time to build partnerships both within Fayette County and in neighboring counties to assure that best possible outcome for the education of their children and the vitality of the community.
Superintendent Phares provided clarification regarding process and the procedural aspects that must be addressed regarding amendment of the CEFP prior to a vote by the Board. Action regarding the proposed amendment is to be placed on the October 2013 agenda. Dr. White and Mr. Campbell requested additional clarification be provided at the October meeting regarding questions posed during Superintendent Butcher's presentation. (Copy appended to the Official Minutes, Attachment R.)
XI. Status of Data Collection related to West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) Facilities Planning
Dr. Boyer provided an update (via PowerPoint presentation) regarding data collected related to West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) facilities planning. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment A.) President Manchin requested item X. Capacity Building for Low Performing Schools and Intervention Counties be moved prior to item IX. Governor's Education Agenda. 4
XII. Capacity Building for Low Performing Schools and Intervention Counties
Mr. Ted Mattern, System Support Liaison, Office of the State Superintendent, provided information regarding capacity building for a number of low performing schools and the intervention counties.
XIII. Recess
President Manchin recessed the meeting at 5:03 p.m. and announced that the meeting would reconvene on September 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the same location.
XIV. Reconvene
President Manchin reconvened the meeting of September 11, 2013, at 10:05 a.m. on September 12, 2013, in the Multipurpose Room of the Secondary School for the Deaf (Multipurpose Room) at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, 301 East Main Street, Romney, West Virginia.
The following members were present: President Manchin, Vice President Michael I. Green, Tina H. Combs, Thomas W. Campbell, Lloyd G. Jackson II, and William M. White, and ex officio James B. Phares, State Superintendent of Schools. Members absent were Robert W. Dunlevy and L. Wade Linger Jr. and ex officios Paul L. Hill, Chancellor, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and James L. Skidmore, Chancellor, West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College. Student representative Mr. Blake Humphrey, a senior at Wheeling Park High School, Ohio County, was absent.
XV. Status of Data Collection related to West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) Facilities Planning (Continued)
President Manchin asked Dr. Boyer to take questions from members regarding her presentation. Dr. Boyer addressed questions regarding barriers and restrictions that hamper the provision of services at the WVSDB, marketing, recruitment and accessibility of staff to family members.
XVI. Governor's Education Agenda
President Manchin, assisted by Ms. Donna Hoylman Peduto (via PowerPoint presentation and distributed information), WVBE Director of Operations, Dr. James B. Phares, State Superintendent of Schools, and members of the WVBE, provided an update regarding progress toward accomplishing the Governor's education reform agenda including policy development, Commission on School District Governance and Administration (Mr. Campbell provided remarks), Governor's Commission on Middle Grades (Mrs. Combs provided remarks), using RESAs more efficiently, Project 24 (Mr. Green provided remarks), utilization of cross counseling, Preparation for Tomorrow, teacher certification/professional development to support reading on grade level by end of third grade, and leadership capacity development (Superintendent Phares provided remarks). Ms. Peduto issued an invitation, on the behalf of 5 Superintendent Phares, to members to attend the November 1 Superintendent's conference to provide updates. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment S.) XVII. Consent Agenda
Dr. White moved that the Consent Agenda be approved as previously amended. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. (Copies appended to Official Minutes, Attachments B through G and I through L.)
Approved the Education Performance Audit Report for Mingo County (Attachment B)
Approved the Office of Education Performance Audits FY 2014 Strategic Plan (Attachment C and addendum)
Approved meeting minutes of August 14, 2013 (Attachment D)
Received information regarding WVDE Personnel Matters (Attachment E)
Approved two first time requests and two requests for continuation of a waiver of WVBE policy (Attachment F)
Received notifications, per W. Va. Code §18A-4-7a(l)(3), Transfer of Person Employed in a Professional Position after the Twentieth Day Prior to the Beginning of the Instructional Term, from Barbour, Kanawha, Monroe, Ohio, Randolph, and Wayne County Schools (Attachment G)
Approved 55 county Step 7 Plans for Improvement of Instruction (Attachment I)
Approved Policy 2520.35, 21st Century Science 9-12 Content Standards and Objectives (Attachment J)
Approved Policy 5100, Approval of Educational Personnel Preparation Programs for placement on public comment (Attachment K)
Approved the WVBE's Response to the 2013 Annual Report of the West Virginia Advisory Council for the Education of Exceptional Children (Attachment L).
XVIII. Employment of Substitute Teachers in Areas of Critical Need
Mr. Jackson posed questions to Ms. Heather Hutchens, General Counsel to the WVBE and WVDE, regarding critical need policies. Following discussion, Mr. Jackson moved that Ms. Hutchens look into the requirements of law and policy and provide a recommendation or approach to address the hiring of a substitute as opposed to a new teacher. Prior to a second of the motion Ms. Hutchens addressed the Board regarding the statute and employment law and parameters of the requested recommendation/approach. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. 6
Mr. Jackson moved that the Employment of Substitute Teachers in Areas of Critical Need policies for Boone, Calhoun, Lincoln, Putnam, and Wyoming County Schools be approved. Mrs. Combs seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried with five members voting yes and one member abstaining. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment H.)
XIX. Governor's Education Agenda (Continued)
Mr. Robert E. Hull, Associate State Superintendent, Division of Teaching and Learning, provided an update regarding studies to be undertaken in response to the Governor's education legislation.
XX. Office of Education Performance Audit ~ Director's Information
Dr. Gus Penix, Director of the Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA), provided an update regarding the revision of Policy 2320 and noted a correction (addendum to Attachment C) to the OEPA FY14 Strategic Plan.
XXI. Initial Education Performance Audit Report and Revised Strategic Plan for Monroe County Career/Technical Center, Monroe County
Dr. Penix reported that an announced on-site review was conducted of the Monroe County Career/Technical Center May 8, 2013. The report was presented to the superintendent and the principal. The System of School Support immediately initiated assistance to the school and county in revising the strategic plan and correcting deficiencies reported by the Education Performance Audit. This item includes the Education Performance Audit Report and corresponding corrective actions contained in the revised strategic plan.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Penix, Mr. Campbell moved that the Monroe County Career/Technical Center correct the findings noted in the report by the next accreditation cycle. Dr. White seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment M.)
XXII. Selection of Schools and County School Systems for Education Performance Audits Mr. Jackson and Vice President Manchin, assisted by Ms. Betty Jo Jordan, Executive Assistant to the State Superintendent, presented the West Virginia Board of Education Master Plan for Statewide Professional Staff Development 2013-2014 for the Board's
President Manchin, in accordance with W. Va. Code §18-2E-5(m)(1), called for a motion to enter into executive session to discuss schools to be subject to an on-site review or dates for which on-site reviews will be conducted. Upon motion by Dr. White, seconded by Mr. Campbell and unanimously carried, the Board entered into executive session at 11:42 a.m.
XXIII. Return from Executive Session
Dr. White moved that the Board return from executive session. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. The Board 7 returned from executive session at 12:24 p.m. at which time President Manchin reported that no action was taken.
XXIV. Break
President Manchin called for a break for lunch at 12:25 p.m.
XXV. Call to Order
President Manchin called the meeting back to order at 12:58 p.m.
XXVI. RESA Liaison Report
Ms. Jane Lynch (distributed information), Executive Director of RESA 8 and RESA Liaison to the WVBE, provided an update from the RESAs regarding cooperative purchasing, E-rate, the AESA annual conference, and RESA 8's E-book library. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment T.)
XXVII. Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Phares (distributed information) provide information regarding: 1) FY15 appropriation request, 2) ESEA Waiver Accountability System - Achievement Results and Reports, 3) COMPASS results and 2013 ACT Report: The Condition of College and Career Readiness in West Virginia, 4) report on Aggregate Student Discipline (Level 4 Violations), 5) LOCEA and State Aid Reports, and 5) reorganization of Division of Educator Quality and System Support. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment U.)
XXVIII. Policy 5202, Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel & Advanced Salary Classifications
Mr. Hull presented Policy 5202 for the Board's consideration. Policy 5202 has been revised to address the governor’s challenge to the state board to ensure advanced career options for students. In addition, changes were made to identify requirements for new Temporary Authorizations; to create new Career and Technical (CTE) endorsements; to identify requirements for new Advanced Credentials and to update requirements for currently existing Advanced Credentials; to update the list of accrediting agencies for IHEs; to clarify language regarding salary classification for the Non-US Citizen Permit; to clarify the language for certificate renewal; to revise Appendix C; to update Praxis I and II information on Appendix B; and to make other edits to clarify the intent of the policy.
Dr. White moved the Policy 5202 be placed on public comment for a period of 30 days. Mr. Jackson seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Hull will research a question posed during the public forum (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment Mc.)
XXIX. WVBE Personnel inclusive of State Superintendent National Search, Executive Director of Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) 4 Search, 8 and Appointment of Interim Executive Director of RESA 4
President Manchin (distributed information) provided an update regarding the State Superintendent National Search. Mr. Campbell moved that Mr. Charles Nichols be appointed as Interim Executive Director of RESA 4, beginning September 13, 2013, at a daily rate of $363.31. Dr. White seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously.
President Manchin called for a motion to approve the Board's personnel attachment. Dr. White moved that the personnel attachment be approved. Mrs. Combs seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment N and addendum.)
XXX. Board Items for Future Consideration
President Manchin requested that items for future consideration be provided to her in advance of meetings and indicated that the Appalachian Regional Comprehensive Center and West Virginia Public Broadcasting, will provide presentations in October. Dr. White requested Chancellors Hill and Skidmore provide reports at the October meeting. Dr. White invited members of the Board to attend the WVSDB Board of Advisors meeting in Charleston on October 23 and 24. The Board requested Dr. Boyer work with Superintendent Phares and his staff in developing a prioritized long-term facilities plan for the Board's consideration with an update to be provided at the October meeting. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment O.)
XXXI. Future Meetings
The next regular meeting of the WVBE will be held October 9, 2013, in Charleston, West Virginia. The meeting will continue on October 10, 2013, if the agenda is not completed on October 9, 2013.
XXXII. Adjournment
Mr. Jackson moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 2:49 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Board on October 9, 2013.
______Gayle C. Manchin, President
______Robert W. Dunlevy, Secretary 9
Minutes were recorded by Virginia M. Harris Secretary to the Board WVBEMinutes9/11/13