Montgomery County Schools

MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

MINUTES

January 6, 2014

            The Montgomery County Board of Education convened in its regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 6, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were as follows:

                        Steven W. DeBerry, Chair

                        Tommy Blake, Vice Chair

Bryan Dozier

Jesse Hill

            Chairman DeBerry called the meeting to order and moved to adopt the agenda as shown.  With a motion by Bryan Dozier and a second from Tommy Blake, the agenda was adopted with unanimous approval from the board. 

            Chairman DeBerry opened with a poem titled, “Just for Today”.  The poem was taken from a “Dear Abby” newspaper article that is run each New Year’s Day.  She borrowed it from the Al-Anon poem and slightly changes the words.  The poem is as follows: 

Just for today, I will live through this day only.  I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow.  I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.  I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today, I will be happy.  I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me.  If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

Just for today, I will accept what is.  I will face reality.  I will correct those things I can correct and accept those I cannot.

Just for today, I will improve my mind.  I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.  I will not be a mental loafer.

Just for today, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable.  I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path and not speak ill of others.  I will improve my appearance, speak softly and not interrupt when someone else is talking.

Just for today:  I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.

Just for today, I will do something positive to improve my health.  If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit.  If I am overweight, I will eat healthfully-if only just for today.  And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it’s only around the block.

Just for today, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

        The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Troy Elementary students Chloe Ellis and Jackson Byrd.  

Chairman DeBerry presented three Resolutions of Esteem.  The first was for Mitchell T. Smith, Sr. and reads as follows:

          WHEREAS, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite love and wisdom, saw fit to call home Mitchell T. Smith on November 6, 2013 and

          WHEREAS, his services as a teacher and coach with Montgomery County Schools were a living testimonial of his integrity and skill, and

      WHEREAS, his loss will be deeply felt not only by those with whom he served, but also throughout his entire community and county.

      NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Montgomery County Board of Education goes on record in expressing a sense of real loss and regret in his passing; that a copy of this resolution be conveyed to his family as an indication of our deep sympathy; and that a copy of the same be filed as a part of the permanent minutes of the board of education.

The second Resolution was for Dorning Jenkins Metzler.  It reads as follows:

      WHEREAS, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite love and wisdom, saw fit to call home Dorning Jenkins Metzler on December 2, 2013 and

      WHEREAS, her services as a teacher with Montgomery County Schools were a living testimonial of her integrity and skill, and

      WHEREAS, her loss will be deeply felt not only by those with whom she served, but also throughout her entire community and county.

      NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Montgomery County Board of Education goes on record in expressing a sense of real loss and regret in her passing; that a copy of this resolution be conveyed to her family as an indication of our deep sympathy; and that a copy of the same be filed as a part of the permanent minutes of the board of education.

     The third Resolution was for Carol Parks Williams.  It reads as follows:

      WHEREAS, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite love and wisdom, saw fit to call home Carol Parks Williams on November 15, 2013 and

      WHEREAS, her services as a bus driver and custodian with Montgomery County Schools were a living testimonial of her integrity and skill, and

      WHEREAS, her loss will be deeply felt not only by those with whom she served, but also throughout her entire community and county.

      NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Montgomery County Board of Education goes on record in expressing a sense of real loss and regret in her passing; that a copy of this resolution be conveyed to her family as an indication of our deep sympathy; and that a copy of the same be filed as a part of the permanent minutes of the board of education.

Barb Slingerland, Director of Exeptional Children, along with Jack Cagle and Cindy Sweet, Principal and Assistant Principal at West Montgomery High School, presented Christine Stackhouse with a certificate recognizing her as an Exceptional Children Teacher of Excellence.     Ms. Sweet stated, “Mrs. Stackhouse truly loves children; the genuine love and caring for her student’s day in and day out is remarkable.”  Mr. Cagle said, “Kids are important in her classroom; she gives them the love and support they need every day”.

Jennifer Hare received a Bright Ideas Grant from Randolph Electric.  Della Ingram, Principal at East Middle presented her with a certificate from the Board. The class researched the economy and geography of Montgomery County, incorporating the common core standards.  The final product was a children’s book for each elementary school.  Ms. Ingram stated, “Ms. Hare is one of the finest teachers at East Montgomery and a mentor to everyone in the building”. 

Elizabeth and David Hurley accepted a certificate on behalf of Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Departments from Katie Hursey.  The Hurley’s delivered new and gently used coats to the Central Office.  These coats were distributed to students through the school system and the Tree of Hope program.  Thanks to the Firemen and Mr. and Mrs. Hurley for their dedication to Montgomery County children.

            Estrella Munoz, eleventh grader at East Montgomery won our Christmas Card Contest this year.  Estrella was recognized by Katie Hursey and will receive a certificate and a fifty dollar savings bond.

Deidra Steed presented a report on the 2014 Govenor’s School.  Christopher Smith from East Montgomery High School is this year’s nominee. 

Phillip Brown presented a handout on Career and Technical Education Certifications.  The handout listed all the creditialing opportunities for students.  Possible certifications include:  Nurse Aide (CNA), CPR, American Red Cross First Aid, Automotive Service Excellence, Woodwork Career Alliance, Microsoft Information Technology Academy, National Center for Construction Education Research, NC Hunter Education, North Carolina Career Readiness (WorkKeys), ServSafe Food Protection Manager and Fire Fighter Technology.

Superintendent Ellis, along with Principal Jack Cagle, recognized the West Montgomery football team for ending the season with the conference championship and the 1 AA Western Regional Title.  Nick Eddins, Coach, Chris Brown, Assistant Coach and football team members Matthew Harkins, Jared Little, Jost Beamon and AJ Collins accepted a certificate from the Board.  Mr. Cagle spoke about Mr. Eddins stating how much he cares about his players, even regularly checking with their teachers to be sure their grades and conduct are acceptable to play football.  “He loves kids and is a disciplinarian; he expects them to play with the best sportsmanship and represent the school and the community in the best possible way”.  Congratulations to Mr. Eddins, his staff and the football team on a winning season.

Chairman DeBerry asked for a motion that the Consent Agenda be approved.  Bryan Dozier made the motion with Jesse Hill seconding.  With no opposition, the Consent Agenda was accepted as shown:

1.    Board Minutes from the December 9th meeting;

2.    Personnel and Auxillary Reports as follows:

a.  Upon recommendation of the principal, approval of the following additions to the

     substitute teacher list:

      Certified                                       Recommended By                       Record Check

1)    Judy Nance                                  Joan Frye                                         Yes

 Non-Certified                                    Recommended By                       Record Check

1)    Jackie Chunn                                Joan Frye                                     Yes

2)    Wanda Cagle                             Amy Parsons                                  Yes

3)    Roneisha Edwards                      Jack Cagle                                    Yes

b.    Superintendent reports the acceptance of the following resignations/retirements:

Resignation/Retirement              School/Assignment                          Effective Date

1)    Anne McLean                           Page Street Elementary                     February 1, 2014

Retirement                                      Principal

2)    Bethany M. Bowers               Star Elementary School                     December 18, 2013

Resignation                            4^th Grade Teacher

3)    Robyn Stone                          West Montgomery High School         January 17, 2014

Resignation                            Media Coordinator

4)    Beckie Allen                           East Montgomery High School          January 22, 2014

Resignation                            ESL Teacher

5)    Erie Greene                           Central Office                                           May 1, 2014

Retirement                             Director of Community and

                                               Business Partnerships/

                                               Dropout Prevention

6)    Melanie Lamonds                  Star Elementary School                     January 31, 2014

Resignation                            4^th Grade Teacher

7)    Charlene Inkenbrandt            West Montgomery High School         February 1, 2014

Retirement                             Data Manager

c.    Report of the following transfer:

Transfer/

Effective Date                      From                                To                                Replacing

1)    Janet Blackmon               Page Street Elementary   Page Street                 Linda Steck

01/02/2014                       Elementary Teacher         Guidance Counselor

d.    Upon recommendation, approval of the following interim probationary contract for 2013-2014 as provided by General Statute 115C-325:

       Contract/                             School/                                    Record     

       Effective Date                     Assignment                            Check                Replacing

1)    Tyler Koser                    East Middle School                   Pending             Chris Kingston

01/02/2014                     Health/PE Teacher

e.    Upon recommendation of the superintendent, approval of recommendation for employment of the following non-certified personnel:

 Employee/                           School/                                           Record

        Effective Date                     Assignment                                    Check          Replacing

1)    Barbara Pemberton       West Middle School                           Yes            Angela Leak

01/10/2014                     Teacher Assistant–EC

2)    Brenda Reza Merida      Candor Elementary School               Yes 

01/02/2014                     Temporary Translator

3)    Darthelia Ingram             Green Ridge Elementary                  Yes             

11/25/2013                      Interim Sub

f.     Upon recommendation, approval of the following administrative contract:

·         Elizabeth Garner, Director of Pre-K Programs, annual twelve-month term, commencing January 21, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015, pending criminal history check.

Upon recommendation approval of the following overnight school trips is requested.

           February 2-4, 2014 – East Middle School Beta Club to State Junior Beta Club Convention, Greensboro NC

Upon recommendation approval of the following Montgomery County School students for early graduation is requested.

Montgomery Learning Academy

Shayla Bowden                   Elisabeth Brewer                   Brianna Chriscoe

Jessica Goforth                   Clayton Moore                       Samantha Needham

Carson Bruton                     Guadalupe Calvillo                Deddrick Dowell

Beverly Mederos                 Santiago Perez-Leyva           Michael Mitchell Wallace

West Montgomery High School

Ca Sha Jackson                     Dakota Morris                     Rebecca Morton

Allison Richardson                 Aaron Scott                         Damian Scott

3.     Budget Amendment #2 as follows:

Troy Elementary School Principal Vance Thomas, Tonya Little, Kindergarten Teacher, Kristie Lynthacum, First Grade Teacher and Danielle Hurley, Instructional Facilitator presented a Power Point titled, “Join Us in Letterland”.  Letterland is a phonics program, created by Lyn Wendon that focuses on the sound of the letter using characters.  The Letterland characters transform plain black letter shapes into child friendly pictograms and simple stories and they all live in an imaginary place called Letterland.  The stories explain letter sounds and shapes, allowing children to progress quickly to word building, reading and writing.  Letterland focuses on consistancy.  Children know their expectations from kindergarten to first grade.

          Deidra Steed, Director of Elementary Education and Anne Evans, NCDPI K-3 Literacy Consultant, explained Read to Achieve.  Read to Achieve was adopted by the State Board of Education in August 2012.  The goal is to ensure that each student read at or above grade level by the end of third grade and continue to progress in reading proficiency.  There are seven basic components:  a comprehensive reading plan, developmental screening and KEA, facilitating early grades reading proficiency, elimination of social promotion, successful reading development for retained students, notification requirements to parents/guardians and accountability measures.  Read to Achieve will be effective at the beginning of the school year 2013-14.  The program uses two formative and diagnostic components, DIBELS Next, a universal screener and Text Reading Comprehension (TRC), compared to a “running record”.  Social promotion is eliminated; there are “good cause” exemptions, including limited english proficient students, students with IEP’s that include alternate assessments and reading interventions, proficiency on an alternate assessment after EOG or summer reading camp, proficiency through a reading portfolio or the student was previously retained more than once.  If a student is retained, there are plans in place to move him or her to the next grade level, such as summer reading camps, 3^rd/4^th transition class, accelerated class or mid year promotion.  Retention notification to parents will be more timely and in writing.  They will also have monthly reports on reading progress.  LEA’s and Local Boards will be held accountable to publish the results of the testing.  Mrs. Evans reiterated that DPI is always available for help or support.  Dr. Ellis reminded the Board that this is the reason we have Instructional Facilitators at the schools; because “this is what is right for the kids; the end result is that they read by third grade”.            

           Superintendent Ellis discussed Final Exam Waivers. After careful review, several tests have been identified that can be waived.  The request has been submitted to DPI.  Hopefully, we can continue to reduce tests when there is ample performance data for our students and teachers. The following tests will be waived this year:  Grade Four Social Studies, Grade Four Science, Grade Five Social Studies, Grade Six Social Studies, Grade Six Science, Grade Seven Social Studies, Grade Seven Science, Grade Eight Social Studies, Earth/Environmental Science, Physical Science, Physics and Fourth Math (Advanced Functions and Modeling, Discrete Mathematics and Pre-Calculus).  Students may have final exams in these classes but they will not be the state standardized test. They would be teacher-based tests.  

Next, Superintendent Ellis asked the Board to authorize him to declare Saturday as a possible snow makeup day instead of using Spring Break, should the need arise.  The recommendation will be tabled until the next Board meeting.

The Central Support survey was the next topic on the agenda.  Dr. Ellis discussed the results with the Board.

The calendar for the 2014-15 school year was presented by Dr. Kevin Lancaster for first reading.  The Board will vote on the calendar at the February 3^rd Board Meeting.   

           In closing remarks, Dr. Ellis applauded the Board recognizing January as Board Appreciation month.  Dr. Ellis said he was blessed to work with such a “tremendous Board who is very dedicated to students”.

           Chairman DeBerry then asked for a motion to adjourn.  With a motion from Tommy Blake, along with a second from Jesse Hill, the board unanimously approved going into closed session to discuss personnel.

            There not being a quorum present after closed session, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned.  

The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, February 3, 2014.

                                                                      _________________________                      

                                                                      Steven W. DeBerry, Chairman

                                                                        ________________________

                                                                       Dale Ellis, Ed. D., Secretary