Jasper County Board of Education

A PARENT/STUDENT HEARING WAS HELD PRIOR TO THIS MEETING

JASPER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION March 19, 2008

PRESENT: Patricia Walls, Kathleen Snooks, Sister Mary Gallagher, Berty Riley, Michael Hubbard, Randy Horton, Alina Hamilton-Clark, Priscilla Fraser (T) and James Gardner (T)

1. CALL TO ORDER – Berty Riley, Board Chairperson, called this parent/student hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom, Ridgeland, S.C.

2. ROLL CALL & ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM – 7P/2T

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

4. INVOCATION – The Invocation was led by Sister Mary Gallagher, Board Chaplain.

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

PARENT/STUDENT HEARING – Dr. Sanford shared that Donna Seabrook had requested a hearing for her son who has been assigned to the Alternative School.

Ms. Riley entertained a motion to go into Executive Session for this parent/student hearing. A motion was made by Alina Hamilton-Clark and seconded by Sister Mary Gallagher for Executive Session. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 7-0.

THE BOARD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:33 P.M.

* * * * *

MS. RILEY CALLED THE SPECIAL BOARD MEETING TO ORDER AT 6:30 P.M. WITH THE CONTINUATION OF THE AGENDA. MINUTES – MARCH 19, 2008 PAGE TWO

No motions were derived from Executive Session regarding the parent/student hearing.

6. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS & STAFF – Dr. Sanford recog- nized Al Arbee, Warren Norris, Sandra Mack-Huff and Bob Huff who were present at this meeting.

Ms. Riley welcomed everyone to the meeting.

7. *APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Dr. Sanford requested that #8 and #9 be switched on the Agenda so the Board can talk about the Construction Plaques for New Schools first and Mr. Norris will be allowed to leave.

Ms. Riley entertained a motion to amend the agenda as requested. A motion was made by Patricia Walls and seconded by Kathleen Snooks to amend the Agenda. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 7-0.

8. *CONSTRUCTION PLAQUES FOR NEW SCHOOLS – Dr. Sanford asked Mr. Norris to come forward. The board members were given copies of sample plaques along with the names of all of the board members (past and present) involved with the Referendum/Building Program and the past and present Superintendent.

Mr. Hubbard stated that if they include the name of Southern Management Group and Liollio Architecture on the plaques then they should be asked to pay for part of the costs because this would be advertisement for them.

Mrs. Snooks reminded Mr. Norris that he had given them other samples previously that she liked better.

Mr. Norris stated that he has been unable to locate the other samples.

Mrs. Walls commented that she has never seen a plaque without the names of the construction management firm and the architect included. MINUTES – MARCH 19, 2008 PAGE THREE

Mr. Horton suggested asking both firms if they would be willing to pay toward the cost of the plaques. He asked Mr. Norris if he had any idea on the cost.

Mr. Norris responded that the approximate cost will be $1,800 for each plaque.

(Priscilla Fraser arrived at the meeting at 6:38 p.m.)

Ms. Riley stated that the past and present Deputy Superintendents’ names should be included on the plaques as well.

Mr. Horton questioned the school name to be placed on the plaque. There was some discussion regarding this.

Mr. Hubbard asked Mr. Norris if he would have to do a Request for Proposal (RFP) for this work.

Mrs. Mack-Huff responded that they do not have to do a RFP but would need to get at least three quotes.

Mr. Hubbard questioned if the cost of the plaques are included in the building program budget for signage.

Mr. Norris shared that he was told that it would be the District’s responsibility to do the construction plaques and if funds are included in the building program budget for signage he is not aware of this.

Ms. Riley asked Mr. Norris to check into this to make sure.

A motion was made by Michael Hubbard to authorize Mr. Norris to order the construction plaques based on the information provided and to include the names of the past and present board members, past and present Superintendents, past and present Deputy Superinten- dents, and Southern Management Group and Liollio Architecture. Randy Horton seconded the motion. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0.

Mr. Norris was asked to come back to the Board with a proof before the plaques are completed. MINUTES – MARCH 19, 2008 PAGE FOUR

The Board will discuss the location of the plaques at a later time.

9. *RESTRUCTURING & RECONSIDERATION OF POSITIONS – Dr. Sanford stated that the new positions that he is recommending are designed to streamline the operations of the District, to provide better accountability and to enhance the services and programs provided to the students, parents and community. He explained the positions recommended for 2008-2009. Job descriptions were shared for each position.

Home School Teacher Liaison – The District has been cited twice by the State Department of Education for failing to have an active Parenting Program at both schools. The District is also required by Title I and the External Review Team to develop a Parent Involve- ment Program. This salary will come from the state parenting grant and Title I funds. The duration of employment will be 240 days.

Director of Purchasing and Fixed Assets – The District is duplicating the purchase of supplies and equipment from school to school. Centralized purchasing will result in competitive bidding and cheaper purchasing for the District. The savings over one year could possibly pay the cost of this position. The District must also get control of the fixed assets inventory. This person will take over the responsibilities of the Inventory Officer thus eliminating this position. The salary will be paid from general fund revenue. The duration of employment will be 240 days.

Facilities Director – This will not be a new position but will replace the Maintenance Director. This person will supervise the custodial staff at all of the schools to make sure that the schools are clean and will also assume responsibility and coordination of facilities, new construction and maintenance of all facilities. The duration of employment will be 240 days. MINUTES – MARCH 19, 2008 PAGE FIVE

Director of Magnet Programs/Academies – The District will establish a Visual & Performing Arts Academy at the Ridgeland site and an Engineering, Math & Science Academy at the Hardeeville site for 2008-2009. Plans are being made for the following magnets:

(1) Mass Communication Magnet (Ridgeland) (2) International Baccalaureate Magnet (Hardeeville) (3) Allied Health Magnet (Hardeeville) (4) Hotel/Motel Magnet (Hardeeville)

This person will be responsible for the supervision and development of these programs. The salary will come from all five schools’ Technical Assistance Funds. The duration of employment will be 240 days.

District Athletic Director – A district-wide position will eliminate the school athletic directors at both campuses that are paid supplements in the amount of $33,383.45 total. This person would be responsible for all athletics throughout the District. Additional sports are needed at both the junior and senior high schools. The District Athletic Director would bring some continuity to the District for both campuses. This person must also be certified to teach in South Carolina. The salary will be paid through general fund revenue. The duration of employment will be 240 days.

Certified Public Accountant – Dr. Sanford stated that this person is needed to assist the Finance Director in the financial accountability of the District. The duties of this position would not overlap with duties of the Finance Director. The salary would come from general fund revenue. The duration of employment will be 240 days.

This concluded the explanation of new positions being recommended by the Superintendent for 2008-2009. MINUTES – MARCH 19, 2008 PAGE SIX

Ms. Riley entertained a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss restructuring, new positions recommended by the Superintendent, reductions and changes in other positions. A motion was made by Patricia Walls and seconded by Sister Mary Gallagher. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0.

THE BOARD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:02 P.M.

* * * * *

THE BOARD RETURNED TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:01 P.M.

(James Gardner arrived during Executive Session.)

The following motion was derived from Executive Session:

A motion was made by Randy Horton to give permission to the Superintendent to continue with the new positions recommended and the positions to be eliminated as long as it is feasible within the budget. Kathleen Snooks seconded the motion. THE MOTION PASSED 7-2. (Ayes – Hubbard/Horton/Riley/Clark/Snooks/Gardner/Gallagher) (Nays - Walls/Fraser)

10. *ADJOURNMENT – A motion was made by Kathleen Snooks and seconded by Patricia Walls to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

Cheryl Smith______Recording Secretary

April 14, 2008______Berty Riley______Approval Date Board Chairperson