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September 9, 2013

MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

 

MINUTES

 

September 9, 2013

 

            The Montgomery County Board of Education convened in its regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 9, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. Board members were present as follows:

 

                        Steven W. DeBerry, Chair

                        Tommy Blake, Vice Chair

Bryan Dozier

Jesse Hill

Ann Long

                        Sandra Miller

                        Shirley Threadgill

 

            Chairman DeBerry called the meeting to order and moved to adopt the agenda as shown.  With a motion by Sandra Miller and a second from Jesse Hill, the agenda was adopted with unanimous approval from the board. 

 

            Chairman DeBerry opened with a devotional.  The reading focused on failure and a person’s ability to recover from it.  In 1919, Paul Galvin began his search for a business in which he could achieve success.  After three failed business attempts, in 1928 he and his brother purchased a battery eliminator company’s plans and equipment at auction for $750.00.  Galvin created the brand name Motorola, making him a leader in the communication business.  In 1983, Motorola produced the DynaTAC 8000x, the world’s first mobile phone.  Paul Gavin refused to let failure lead to disappointment, saying, “Do not fear mistakes.  Wisdom is often born of such mistakes.  You will know failure. Determine now to acquire the confidence required to overcome it”.

              

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Candor Elementary students Talmedge Legrand, Meaghan Ayala, David Steed and Richard Steed.

 

With no one signing up to address the board, the meeting proceeded with a Resolution

of Esteem for Jane Crowell Cole.  The resolution was presented to her family as follows:

 

 WHEREAS, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite love and wisdom, saw fit to call home Jane Crowell Cole on July 3, 2013 and

 

WHEREAS, her services as an employee 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.

 

A second Resolution of Esteem was presented to the family of Novella LeGrand Turner.  It reads:

 

WHEREAS, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite love and wisdom, saw fit to call home Novella LeGrand Turner on July 30, 2013 and

 

WHEREAS, her services as a teacher for many years 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.

 

Superintendent Ellis presented Page Street Elementary School with a certificate for being a NCDPI Title 1 Reward School for the 2013-14 School Year.  This award goes to schools who have become one of 174 Title 1 schools to be recognized in the top ten percent as a Reward School based on the progress the school has made over several years in not only reducing the achievement gap but raising the bar for overall composite growth.  Principal Anne McLean, Instructional Facilitator Bev Russell and several staff members accepted the award.  Dr. Jeff James made comments about the Page Street.  He said, “The staff has overcome the odds by systematically changing their school’s culture from I can’t to I will”.  He added that it shows what can be accomplished with great leadership and a great staff.  

 

Donnie Lynthacum, Principal at Candor Elementary, presented Certificates of Appreciation to Debbie Allen, Teacher Assistant and Brenda DeBerry, School Nurse.  Mr. Lynthacum praised the two ladies for jumping into action when a student had an allergic reaction to an ant bite.  The pair tracked phone calls and stayed on top of the situation, thereby avoiding an escalated medical emergency.   

 

Next, Chairman DeBerry asked that the Consent Agenda be held until the closed session portion of the meeting.  With no opposition, the change was adopted.

 

Candor Elementary was responsible for the presentation portion of the program.  Donnie Lynthacum, introduced Charlene Little, Kindergarten Teacher who discussed her Penguin Reading Buddies program.  The program is making a huge difference in the classroom.  The program matches fifth grade students who need extra help reading with kindergarten children.  The fifth graders listen to kindergarten students read.  Reading Buddies is making a difference in the lives of the students, by improving test taking, fluency and social interaction.                 

 

Next, Dr. Kevin Lancaster updated the Beginning Teacher Licensure Plan.  The plan states that new teachers have 6 days of staff development.  Teachers attended orientation at the Montgomery County Board of Education office three of those days before school started.  A grant from UNCP is possible to give those teachers extra mentor support.  The ethical video was included in the three days of training.  The plan requires beginning teachers have three observations per year by the principal or designee.  The designee would be the assistant principal; the principal will do two of the three.  Sandra Miller made the motion to accept the plan with Bryan Dozier, seconding.  The plan was accepted with no opposition.

 

       

Superintendent Ellis discussed job descriptions.  Up to date versions of job duties are posted on the webpage for viewing by any employee.  The descriptions are listed for the Executive Cabinet and any Central Office Administrator with Montgomery County Schools.  This should help employees direct their questions or comments to the correct person.

 

Superintendent Ellis continued with the 2013-14 NCSBA Business and Non-Profit Honor Roll recipients:  Grede Corporation of Biscoe, McRae Industries, Jordan Lumber Company, First Health Montgomery and Win Dozier and the Dozier Family.  The recipients were presented a certificate for their contributions to Montgomery County Schools. Dr. Ellis said, “Our schools need people and businesses in the county to financially support what wer do and make our efforts manageable.  Thank you for all you do for Montgomery County Schools”. 

 

The following policies were presented by Dr. Lancaster for study to be approved at the October 7th Board Meeting:  Policy Code 4302-R-1 Incident Report-Use of Seclusion or Restraint in Schools and Policy Code 4330 Theft, Trespass and Damage to Property. 

 

            In closing remarks, Dr. Ellis discussed the fact that scores for tests taken last May and June will not be available until November, not October as first stated.  Teachers don’t have the information they need to move forward with teaching our children; they are using old data to base assessments on.  No matter the scores, holding them another month isn’t going to change the outcome.  Sandra Miller commented that the state needs to know how concerned the board is about this.  Dr. Ellis offered to pen a letter to the appropriate people in Raleigh with the Board being in agreement. 

 

           In other comments, Bryan Dozier praised Superintendent Ellis on the changes made at Page Street last year, saying that Dr. Ellis put the school on the right path.  Jesse Hill asked Executive Director of Auxiliary Services, Bill Mingin, how the Community Bus Stops were working out.  Mr. Mingin said even though there was a glitch in the computer system that put them behind a week in starting the revised stops, there were no major issues.  Mr. Mingin asked if the Board had any calls or complaints.  Ann Long stated that everyone was “happy in her area”.  No other Board Member had any calls or complaints to report.  Mr. Mingin said the Transportation Department would deal with weather issues as needed.

 

            With a motion from Bryan Dozier, along with a second from Tommy Blake, the board unanimously approved going into closed session to discuss personnel.

 

             Upon reconvening, Chairman DeBerry then asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.  With a motion from Bryan Dozier and a second from Shirley Threadgill, the board approved the following:

 

1)  Minutes from the August 5th, 2013 Board of Education Meeting;

2)  Personnel and Auxiliary Reports as follows:

 

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

     substitute teacher list:

 

      Noncertified                                 Recommended By                Record Check

 

1)    Mary Ann Sweitzer                       Jack Cagle                                Yes

2)    Angela Collett                               Heather Seawell                       Yes

3)    Kori Wall                                       Beth Lancaster                         Yes

4)    Faye Holmes                                Jack Cagle                                Yes

5)    Johnny Seawell                            Donnie Lynthacum                 Pending

6)    Elizabeth Baker                            Donnie Lynthacum                 Pending

   

 

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

 

Resignation/Retirement                        School/Assignment                          Effective Date

 

1)    Tammy Simmons                  West Montgomery High                      August 19, 2013

Resignation                            Part time Child Nutrition

 

2)    Wesley Maynor                      Mt. Gilead Elementary                        August 15, 2013

Resignation                            Part time Custodian

 

3)    Nora Beasley                         Page Street Elementary                     August 5, 2013

Resignation                            Elementary Teacher

 

4)    Edana McDonald                   East Montgomery High                       August 5, 2013

Resignation                            ESL Teacher

 

5)    Jessica Hargest                     West Montgomery High                      August 8, 2013

Resignation                            Math Teacher

 

6)    Amy Brewer                           Mt. Gilead Elementary                        August 20, 2013

Resignation                            Elementary Teacher

 

7)    Warren Odham                      Star Elementary                                  August 31, 2013

Retirement                             Teacher Assistant

 

8)    Jackie Greene                       Star Elementary                                  August 19, 2013

Resignation                            Part-time Child Nutrition

 

9)    Jamie Teeter                          East Middle School                             June 10, 2013

Resignation                            ELA Teacher

 

10) Julie Daniel                            West Montgomery High                      January 22, 2014

Resignation                            Science Teacher

 

11) Laura Chustek                       Page Street Elementary                     August 29, 2013

Resignation                            Guidance Counselor

 

 

c.    Report of the following transfers:

 

Transfer/

Effective Date                      From                                To                                Replacing

 

1)    Amy Glover                     Candor Elementary           Candor Elementary   Melvin Streeter

08/13/2013                       Part-time Custodian           Full-time custodian

 

2)    Heather Saunders            Candor Elementary           Mt. Gilead Elem.        

08/20/2013                       Pre-K Teacher                   Pre-K Teacher           

 

3)    Anthony Maynor              Candor Elementary           Candor Elementary

09/03/2013                       Full-time custodian             Part-time custodian

 

4)    Cynthia Martinez              WMS/West Montgomery   East Montgomery   Edana McDonald

08/20/2013                       ESL Teacher                      ESL Teacher

 

5)    April Mabe                        Page Street                        Star Elementary  Jacqueline Greene

09/03/2013                       Part-time Child Nutrition    Part-time Child Nutrition

 

6)    William Saunders             County Office                    County Office             Fannie Cagle

07/01/2013                       Maintenance Dept.                        Transportation Dept.

 

 

d.    Upon recommendation, approval of the following probationary contracts for 2013-2014

as provided by General Statute 115C-325:

 

       Contract/                             School/                                    Record     

       Effective Date                     Assignment                            Check                Replacing

 

1)    Steward Browne            West Montgomery High            Yes                    Tempest Leake

08/21/2013                     Science Teacher

 

2)    Casey Galloway            EMHS/WMHS                           Yes                     Ron Hudson

08/20/2013                     Firefighter Instructor

 

3)    Mollie Williams               East Montgomery High              Yes        Emalie Van Kuilenburg

01/14/2013                     Science Teacher 2nd sem.

 

4)    Michelle Wendell            East Montgomery High              Yes                       Lora Coble

08/20/2013                     Science Teacher

 

5)     Julie Estes                     Page Street Elementary             Yes                  Brittany Caldwell

08/20/2013                     5th Grade Teacher

 

6)     Claudia Stewart            East Montgomery High               Yes                  Meghan Harter

 08/20/2013                    EC Teacher

 

7)     Julie Daniel                   West Montgomery High              Yes        Emalie Van Kuilenburg

 08/20/2013                    Science Teacher 1st sem.

 

8)    Meghan Ridgeway         Candor Elementary                                Yes             Amanda Thompson

08/20/2013                     Pre-K Teacher

 

9)    Tyler Wendell                  West Montgomery High            Yes                  Jessica Hargest

08/20/2013                      Math Teacher

 

10) Corey Crane                   Page Street/Green Ridge          Yes                   Andrea Smith

08/20/2013                      EC Teacher

 

11) Yana Stevenson             West Middle School                  Yes                     Jada Holland

08/20/2013                      7th Grade Science

 

12) Courtney Britt                  East Middle School                    Yes                   Amy Yarboro

08/20/2013                      ESL Teacher

 

13) Lauren Peter                   East Middle School                    Yes                    Julie Daniel

08/20/2013                      6th Grade Sci/SS

 

14) Candice Dunton              Mt. Gilead Elementary               Yes                    Amy Brewer

08/20/2013                      2nd Grade Teacher

 

15) Teresa Allred                   East Montgomery High              Yes                Meredith Johnson

08/20/2013                      Health Occupations

 

16) Jennifer Nance               Page Street Elementary            Yes                   Nora Beasley

08/20/2013                      5th Grade Teacher

 

17) Shea Walter                    West Middle School                  Yes                    Sharon Wade

08/20/2013                      EC Inclusion Teacher

 

18) Seth Dunlap                    West Montgomery High          Pending              Tom Berriman

     Social Studies

           

 

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)    Kevin Bennett                Mt. Gilead Elementary           Yes                     Wesley Maynor

08/21/2013                     Part-time Custodian

 

2)    Dakota Dunn                  Candor Elementary                Yes                    Anthony Maynor

08/26/2013                     Full-time Custodian

 

3)    Cassandra Little             Mt. Gilead Elementary            Yes                    Melanie Hendrix

08/21/2013                     Part-time Child Nutrition

 

4)    Katie Hursey                  Central Office                          Yes                    Lindsay Whitley

09/10/2013                     Special Projects Coord.

                                                     Part-time

 

                                                     

f.     Upon recommendation, approval of the following coaches for the fall 2013 sports season:

 

East Montgomery High School

 

Coach                               Sport

Barry Jackson                  Football

Jerry Spencer                   Football

 

 

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

 

·         Tom Berriman, Asst. Principal, Montgomery Learning Academy, annual eleven-month term, commencing date TBD and ending June 30, 2015.

 

 

 

h.    Upon recommendation of the superintendent, approval of recommendation for employment

of the following bus driver/sub drivers for the 2013-2014 school year that are not dual employees:

 

Susan Smith

Michael Johnson

Roneisha Edwards

 

 

i.      Upon recommendation of the superintendent, approval of recommendation for leave of

       absence of the following personnel:

 

·         Debra Knowles, West Middle School, requesting a leave of absence from August 20, 2013 until October 8, 2013.

 

3)     Budget Resolution;

4)    Mission MedStaff Registered Nurse Contract;

5)    Invision Services Contract/Teacher for the Visually Impaired;

6)    GRES Tolling Agreement;

7)    Healthcare Provider Agreement;

8)    Community Use of School Facilities.

 

  After the closed session, Chairman DeBerry then asked for a motion to adjourn.  With a motion from Bryan Dozier, along with a second from Sandra Miller, the meeting was duly adjourned.

 

The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, October 7, 2013.

 

 

                                                                        _________________________________

                                                                        Steven W. DeBerry, Chairman

                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                        _____________________________     __

                                                                        Dale Ellis, Ed. D., Secretary