MINUTES: Jackson-Madison County School Board Meeting
DATE AND TIME: April 24, 2008; 4:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Joe Mays, chair, Grady Akins, Bob Alvey, Karen
Bell, Carol Carter-Estes, Vicky Foote, Anne Henning-Rowan, and
Linda Pride
MEMBER ABSENT: Ben Rudd
PLACE: Jackson-Madison County Board of Education
MOMENT OF SILENCE
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made to approve the consent agenda. This was
unanimously approved.
1. Carter-Estes 2. Henning-Rowan
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made to approve the agenda with the following
changes: move item nine (9) - 2008-2009 BUDGET AND ANY NECESSARY
BOARD ACTION on the regular agenda to item 4a; move item 5 -
RECOGNITION by MR. JAMES SHAW, PRINCIPAL – ROSE HILL’S GEMS on
the regular agenda to the May agenda; move item 6 - MS. ANNETTE
WILSON, ADMINISTRATOR – COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH on the regular
agenda to the May agenda; move item 7 - MR. ERNEST BROOKS, III
AND DR. ALLAN STERBINSKY – COMMUNITY TASK FORCE FOR PUBLIC
EDUCATION IN JACKSON AND MADISON COUNTY – PRESENTATION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS on the regular agenda to the May agenda; add
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING to the regular agenda as item 8a; and add
TSBA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AND ANY NECESSARY BOARD ACTION to the
regular agenda as item 8b. This was unanimously approved.
1. Carter-Estes 2. Henning-Rowan
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the previous minutes. This was
unanimously approved.
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Carter-Estes
FINANCIAL REPORT WITH ANY NECESSARY BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Mike Nichols, Madison County Finance Director, presented the
Board with a copy of the School Fund Sales Tax Report and stated
that it is very good for this month.
(See copy …… page 83)
Mr. Nichols stated that there was one budget amendment that
required board approval. He stated that Coordinated School
Health received ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and the amendment
is putting that money into line items and also moving some other
line items around. He stated that the total of the budget
amendment is twenty thousand six hundred sixty-four dollars
($20,664). A motion was made to approve the amendment. This was
unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 84)
1. Alvey 2. Foote
Mr. Nichols stated that he had presented the Summary Financial
Statement to the Board at the April 7, 2008, work session and he
stated that the expenses so far for this fiscal year look really
good.
(See copy …… page 85)
Mr. Nichols stated that Dr. Pride was interested in the local
portion of teachers’ compensation and that they had calculated
it to be approximately one hundred forty-five thousand
($145,000) or one hundred fifty thousand ($150,000) for
2006-2007. Dr. Pride asked about the figures for 2007-2008 and
Mr. Nichols stated that they were in the budget.
2008-2009 BUDGET AND ANY NECESSARY
BOARD ACTION
Bob Sadowski, director of school operations and financial
planning, presented the board with copies of the priority list
and the updated proposed 2008-2009 budgets. He stated that some
changes were necessary based on information that was received
from the State. He stated that the priority list requests are in
addition to last year’s line items. After discussion, questions
and expressions of concerns regarding each budget; Mr. Alvey,
chairman of the budget committee, recommended that the Board
take some action on the budget. No action was taken.
(See budgets …… page 86)
RECOGNITION
Mr. Rudd was unable to attend the meeting and Dr. Zambito
presented Virginia Stackens-Crump, principal at Jackson
Central-Merry High, with a plaque for the TSBA’s Excellence in
Education Award for Jackson Central-Merry’s “Cougar Time
Advisory Program”. Ms. Stackens-Crump accepted the plaque and
gave a brief explanation of the program.
Leigh Sanders, supervisor, recognized the School Social Workers
in the Special Education Department. She stated that they serve
as a crisis contact, a support person to the students, and a
liaison between the school and home. She introduced the
following: Aimee Arnold, Teresa Guthery, Megan Larson, Angela
Branch, Lartyania Merriweather, Heather Corbitt and Sherry Bell.
Judy Britt, instructional coach at Jackson Careers and
Technology, stated that Ms. Carter, principal, had to leave for
a meeting. Ms. Britt introduced Elizabeth Stewart, teacher, who
had coordinated the West Tennessee Science Fair at JCT. Ms.
Stewart introduced the winners in the West Tennessee Science
Fair, held at Union University: Hunter Alphin, first place in
the Elementary Biological Division and the Delta Faucet Green
Award; and Jacob Gross, Max Kephart, and Hayden Phillips, first
place in the Life Science Group Division.
Mr. Alvey stated that Dr. Williams was unable to attend the
meeting; however, Trebor Briley and his parents were present.
Trebor won the grand prize at the Northeast Middle School
Science Fair for his project. His project was sent to the West
Tennessee Regional Science Fair at Union University where he was
awarded first place in the Biological Division, and he will now
compete in Washington. Trebor summarized his project, UVC: An
Effective Alternative for Destroying Bacterial Growth in
Schools, to the Board.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Shelia Godwin stated that she continues to support Dr. Zambito.
She stated that when she said she was tired of substituting she
meant she is ready to teach. She stated that she was
disappointed that we are not recognizing janitors and
maintenance employees. She also stated that we should work
together for the kids. She stated that the Board should give the
teachers their money.
Barbara Johnson, retired teacher and county commissioner, stated
she was speaking to the Board with the heart of a teacher and
encouraged the Board to give the teachers their county raises
for 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.
Bill Sipes, former teacher and chair of the County Budget
Committee, expressed concern about the budget. He stated the
school system is scheduled to present their budget to the budget
committee on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. He asked the Board to
reconsider the vote taken tonight so the initial budget can
still go to the committee on Tuesday.
Jackie McKnight expressed concern about a drainage problem at
Barker Elementary and a pond around which the children play. She
also expressed concern about the superintendent being on too
many committees in the community.
Billy McCroskey, Moundview Drive, stated that they have a
problem with water coming of the Rose Hill property and running
under five houses. He asked that something be done about the
problem. Dr. Zambito stated that she will look into this.
David Morris, president of JMCEA, thanked the Board for talking
about giving the money to the teachers.
Mr. Sadowski stated that Mayor Harris is looking at the drainage
situation at Barker. Dale Catlett, maintenance supervisor,
stated that he would look into getting a “swell” to divert the
water from Rose Hill away from Moundview Drive.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
A motion was made that the Board request that the monies being
held for the teachers for 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 be released by
the county finance office.
1. Pride 2. Foote
After discussion, Dr. Mays asked that Steve Shields, Board
attorney involved in negotiations, address the Board. Mr.
Shields, attorney with Jackson, Shields, Yeiser & Holt,
explained that there is a collective bargaining process in place
with two teams that meet to work on tentative agreements subject
to final approval. He stated that the prudent course of action
would be to allow your team to go ahead and go forward not
allowing an end run to come around that process and ultimately
there will be an agreement that will be reached where teachers
will get their money. He stated that this is his counsel.
After further discussion, a motion was made to cease discussion.
1. Carter-Estes 2. Pride
Dr. Pride requested a reverse roll call. A vote was taken on the
original motion. This was approved.
Voting Aye: Pride, Mays, Henning-Rowan, Foote, Carter-Estes,
Akins
Voting Nay: Bell, Alvey
Mr. Nichols stated that he had a clarification questions and
asked if the raises were for teachers that have left the system?
Dr. Pride stated that “when I said teachers I meant everybody
that was teaching in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.”
TSBA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AND ANY NECESSARY BOARD ACTION
A motion was made that the Board purchase a plaque for their
building in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) and
those funds be taken out of the funds left in the Board’s
account at the end of the fiscal year. This was unanimously
approved.
1. Pride 2. Akins
COMMITTEE REPORT AND ANY NECESSARY BOARD ACTION
Ms. Carter-Estes, policy committee chair, stated that the policy
committee met on Monday, April 21, 2008. She stated that Policy
2.806 – BIDS AND QUOTATIONS and Policy 5.202 – SEPARATION
PRACTICES FOR NON-CERTIFIED EMPLOYEES would be pulled from the
committee’s recommendation for first reading. She stated that
the following policies are being recommended to the Board by the
committee for first reading: Policy 1.300 – BOARD COMMITTEES;
Policy 5.500 – DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT OF EMPLOYEES; Policy
1.403 – AGENDAS; Policy 1.404 – APPEALS TO AND APPEARANCES
BEFORE THE BOARD;
Policy 6.200 – ATTENDANCE; and Policy 5.801 – DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION. A motion was made to accept the
committee’s recommendation. Dr. Mays stated that the motion
coming from the committee did not require a second. This was
unanimously approved.
(See policies …… page 87)
1. Pride
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Zambito stated that she wanted to recognize the Central
Office curriculum staff that really contributes and masterminds
the kind of academic progress we are seeing in our schools. She
stated they are led by Pam Finney, assistant superintendent for
curriculum and instruction. She asked that they stand and be
recognized: Nathan Boyd, manager of pupil personnel and federal
projects; Melinda Broyles, high school supervisor; Tiffany
Ellison, NCLB 9-12 mathematics supervisor; Shannon Erickson,
NCLB instructional administrator; Brian Ford, K-12 fine arts and
ELL supervisor; Curtis Gillespie, vocational/technical
supervisor; Chad Guthrie, elementary school supervisor;
Christine Hart, Title I supervisor; Kippi Jordan, elementary
school supervisor (including pre-K); Eddie Mae Pirtle,
intermediate and middle school supervisor; Patrice Richardson,
testing supervisor; and Leigh Sanders, K-12 special education
supervisor.
Dr. Zambito stated that she wanted to say “thank you” to JEA and
Steve Bowers for a huge “assist” in our efforts to communicate
with the public about issues related to our school system. She
stated that Mr. Bowers, she, and other staff as specific issue
arise, will do a monthly TV show during which they will talk
about current school initiatives, concerns and clarify questions
that have arisen. She stated that these will usually be taped on
the Wednesday after a board meeting.
Dr. Zambito stated that last Saturday was our Jumpstart Jackson
kick-off event. She stated that they walked three (3) miles with
school teams to begin our effort to become the healthiest city
and school system in the country. She stated we are one of six
cities in the country involved in this initiative. She commended
Annette Wilson, coordinated school health administrator, and
Susan Johnson, food service supervisor, for all the hard work
they did with city officials to make it the success it was. She
stated that South Side High’s drum line marched and the South
Side ROTC students presented the colors at the beginning of the
program. She stated that many principals, teachers, cafeteria
workers, and staff members from schools and the central office
joined us. She stated that walkers included Mayor Jerry Gist;
Commissioner Susan Cooper of the Tennessee State Department of
Education; Representative Jimmy Eldridge; Senator Lowe Finney;
County Commissioner Katie Brantley; Mayor Jimmy Harris; Anna
Covington, who started the work in this community on the
childhood obesity issue; Chief Pearson; Tony Black; Steve
Bowers; Tom Britt; Mike Cook, YMCA; Vicki Lake, Jackson-Madison
County Hospital; students; parents; grandparents; neighbors of
students; babies in strollers; and pets on leashes. She stated
that next month we will recognize the winning school teams. She
stated that the hope is this will be the first in a series of
events designed to model for our young people what it takes to
lead a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Zambito stated that at the last board work session that Dr.
Foote brought up concerns expressed to her by some teachers from
South Side High regarding the modified block schedule being
implemented next year. She stated that she was grateful to know
of these concerns and have asked Mr. Erickson to help the staff
in that school and other schools to address the concerns. She
stated that supervisors have reported that when working with the
parents of rising ninth graders they are hearing great
enthusiasm for a schedule that will give their children extra
time in critical curricular areas. She stated that high school
staff members are reviewing data to ensure students are placed
in appropriate classes within the new format. She stated that
the modified block schedule provides extra time for remediation
and support for struggling students and enrichment of high
achieving students. She stated that we expect to see increased
student achievement and hope teachers discover that systematic
collaboration across a school and school system is a benefit to
them and the school team.
Dr. Mays asked Mr. Nichols if the Board needed to call a special
meeting to vote on the budget. Mr. Nichols explained that
normally the Board would vote to allow the administration to
take the approved budget before the county commission budget
committee and presently you do not have an approved budget. Mr.
Nichols stated that the school system is scheduled to appear
before the budget committee next Tuesday. Dr. Mays stated that
we will have a called meeting Monday, April 28, 2008, at 4:00
p.m.
Grady Akins stated that he had a list of serious issues and
concerns and asked that the superintendent address the issues
and advise the Board. He passed the list out to the board
members.
(See copy …… page 88)
CONSENT AGENDA
POLICIES FOR SECOND READING (4)
This was unanimously approved.
(See policies …… page 89)
1. Carter-Estes 2. Henning-Rowan
APPROVAL OF SUMMER SCHOOL LOCATION, TUITION, AND DATES
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 90)
1. Carter-Estes 2. Henning-Rowan
APPROVAL OF 2008-2009 SOCIAL STUDIES TEXTBOOK ADOPTION
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 91)
1. Carter-Estes 2. Henning-Rowan
APPROVAL OF FEES FOR BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 92)
1. Carter-Estes 2. Henning-Rowan
APPROVAL OF JACKSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DUAL ENROLLMENT
AGREEMENT
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 93)
1. Carter-Estes 2. Henning-Rowan
REQUEST APPROVAL OF NON-FACULTY, PAID COACH FOR THE 2007-2008
SCHOOL YEAR (MADISON – 1)
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 94)
1. Carter-Estes 2. Henning-Rowan
PERSONNEL STATUS REPORT (INFORMATION ONLY)
This report was for the board’s information.
(See copy …… page 94)
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made to adjourn. This was unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
____________________________________
Chair
____________________________________
Secretary
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