April 11, 2016
MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
MINUTES
April 11, 2016
The Montgomery County Board of Education convened in its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Steven W. DeBerry – Chair, Tommy Blake – Vice Chair, Jesse Hill, Ann Long, Bryan Dozier, Sandra Miller and Shirley Threadgill.
Chairman DeBerry called the meeting to order and moved to adopt the agenda as shown. With a motion by Ann Long and a second from Jesse Hill, the agenda was adopted as presented.
Chairman DeBerry opened with a poem by Bessie Anderson Stanley. What is Success? was written in 1904 for an essay contest held in Brown Book Magazine. The poem reads as follows: “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much. Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children. Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task. Who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul. Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it. Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had. Whose life was an inspiration; whose memory was a benediction”. Chairman DeBerry reminded us to develop a true sense of who we are; your job may vanish, but your self does not.
Chairman DeBerry called on Star Elementary students Devin and Tanner Hurley to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Next, three community members signed up to speak concerning the Green Ridge Redistricting proposal. Kay McCallum states that her grandson lives less than five minutes from the school. If redistricted, the distance will increase to fifteen minutes. Jasmine Cruz and Carmela Perez came to object to option two for the same reason as Ms. McCallum. The board thanked them for attending the meeting.
With family in attendance, Chairman DeBerry read a Resolution of Esteem for Maxine Hinson Poole. The resolution reads, WHEREAS, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite love and wisdom, saw fit to call home Maxine Hinson Poole on February 17, 2016 and WHEREAS, her services as an administrative assistant with Montgomery County Schools were a living testament 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 deepest sympathy; and that a copy of the same be filed as a part of the permanent minutes of the Board of Education.
Ms. Della Ingram, Principal at East Middle School, received the Patriot Award from the Guard and Reserves. Vice Principal Phillip Vassalo nominated Ms. Ingram for being supportive of his “other work” as a Navy Reserve Officer. As an extension of Ms. Ingram being nominated, Kevin Spaulding presented the Above and Beyond Award to Montgomery County Schools for outstanding service and continued support of the Guard and Reserves. Mr. Spaulding is the South Central Area Chair of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves.
Augusta Vang, a junior at West Montgomery High School received a certificate from Deidra Steed. Miss Vang was selected to attend the North Carolina Governor’s School of Mathematics.
Chris Hadlock, coach at East Montgomery High School, was invited to coach the North Carolina East/West All-star Girls Soccer team by the North Carolina Athletic Association. The games feature players who have just graduated from high school – the best from the Eastern half of North Carolina against the best from the West. Jerry Daniels was the only other coach from Montgomery County selected for this honor.
Superintendent Ellis recognized the partnerships it has with area businesses during our Tree of Hope campaign in December. The Tree of Hope program provides holiday gifts to children who are not fortunate enough to receive gifts otherwise. Recognized tonight was Lynn Epps with Communities in Schools and Debbie Musika with Partnership for Children. Montgomery County 4H and Talon Enterprises could not attend the meeting.
Philip Brown presented Ingersoll Rand employees with a certificate for their partnership with Montgomery County Schools. Ingersoll Rand provided a “Real Tools for Schools” grant in the amount of $20,000 to improve the classroom environment in the automotive program at both East and West Montgomery. The grant provided new aprons, stools and new tables with locking drawers and rubber mats for the department.
Chairman DeBerry asked that the consent agenda be held until closed session. The Board agreed.
Danielle Hurley and Jamie Trosky, teachers at Star Elementary, presented “Math Daily 3”, which is a framework for structuring math time so students develop deep conceptual understanding and mathematical proficiency. The teachers explained that students select three choices, working independently, while the teacher meets individual needs through whole-group and small-group instruction, as well as one-on-one. During the independent portion, students select from “Math by Myself”, “Math Writing” and “Math with Someone”. The student signs a weekly contract stating what they plan to accomplish during rotations, which develops the students’ independence and accountability. While students are on task, teachers are able to meet different needs to ensure that all students meet standards.
Superintendent Ellis and Phillip Brown discussed Early College Pathways. The goal of Pathways is to provide high school students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and an Associate degree while completing their junior and senior year by taking courses through MCC. The primary goals of this initiative are to address the needs of motivated students who would like to enroll in college courses prior to high school graduation, to graduate students with a high school diploma or an Associate degree and to allow students to attend college, who may not have the opportunity otherwise. Credits earned through Early College will transfer to a state college, if the student wishes.
Regina Smith and Michelle Cole with First Health Foundation discussed the “Kids in Crisis” benefit to be held Saturday, May 7 from 5:30 to 10pm at Flashbacks in Mt. Gilead. The foundation supports Montgomery County students and their healthcare needs. Projects include a stocked clothing supply closet at each school and testing kits and glucometers for diabetic students who do not have them. Dr. Ellis and the board thanked Regina and Michelle for all the work they do at the health centers with our students.
Superintendent Ellis presented for approval the Green Ridge Redistricting Proposal-Option Two. Dr. Ellis stated that option one and three did not suit the needs of the schools at this time. He also thanked the community who came out to speak at the board meeting. Mr. Dozier made the motion to approve the recommendation with a second by Ann Long. The board approved the proposal unanimously.
Next, Dr. Ellis presented a Facilities Update. The update included the Early College program, the Central High School and drawings of the East Middle School wing addition. The Early College program would benefit Montgomery Community College by attracting current and future students and expand funding. For Montgomery County Schools, it would expand opportunities for students allowing them to earn college credit while still in high school and allow MCS to provide a more rigorous curriculum to combat charter school issues. Students who attend Early College have a smaller, more personal environment, a higher graduation rate and a free college education. The criteria is for first generation college students or based on student need. A lottery system will be developed to handle an anticipated influx of applications each year. The application process is tentatively scheduled for April 2016 thru July 2017, with the college opening the fall of 2017. As for the Central High School, there are several benefits including increased access to clubs and student organizations, increased access to internships and apprenticeships, more courses for occupational course of study students and improved coordination for student services and guidance. Consolidations would save the county approximately twenty-eight million over the next thirty years by cutting fifteen million in maintenance costs and thirteen million in personnel. The last slide of the presentation includes a letter from the Montgomery Community College Board of Trustees stating, “If the Montgomery County School Board makes the decision to proceed with a new central high school, the Trustees of the Montgomery Community College resolves to support a new central high school for Montgomery County”.
Nelson Furr presented a power point on energy used at all sites. The presentation was a comparison of the 2014 and 2015 school year. Sewer, natural gas and propane costs decreased, while electricity and water costs increased.
Kevin Lancaster, Deputy Superintendent, submitted policy code 5030 - Community Use of Facilities, for first reading. This policy adds a fee schedule for community use and will be voted on at the May board meeting.
During his Superintendent Remarks, Dr. Ellis stated a parent once commented to him that the only thing he ever discussed were facilities. He said he wanted to make it clear to the board and the community that “we have come a long way with our buildings, even though we are still behind. Some important decisions still need to be made, while putting students first”. Dr. Ellis thanked the Commissioners for all their dedication and hard work.
Chairman DeBerry then asked for a motion to adjourn and move into closed session to discuss personnel. With a motion by Bryan Dozier, and a second from Sandra Miller, the board unanimously approved going into closed session.
During closed session, with a motion by Sandra Miller and a second by Bryan Dozier, the board approved the consent agenda as follows:
1) Minutes from the Board Meeting March 7th;
2) Personnel and Auxiliary Report 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) Erie Greene Heather Seawell Yes
2) Christine Stackhouse Benjie Brown Yes
3) Paulette Haywood Sharon Castelli Yes
4) Bobbie Bruton Chris Jonassen Yes
5) Morgan Miller Teresa Dunn Yes
6) Dawn Harris Teresa Dunn Yes
b. Superintendent reports the acceptance of the following resignations/retirements:
Resignation/Retirement School/Assignment Effective Date
1) William Saunders Central Office 7/01/2016
Retirement Transportation Specialist
2) Mary Wilson Green Ridge Elementary 6/13/2016
Retirement 4th Grade Teacher
3) Claudia Stewart West Montgomery High 3/7/2016
Resignation EC Teacher
4) Michelle Wendell East Montgomery High 6/13/2016
Resignation Math Teacher
c. Upon recommendation, approval of the following interim contracts for the 2015-2016 school year as provided by General Statute 115C-325:
Contract/ School/ Record
Effective Date Assignment Check Replacing
1) Maria Ferrell Page Street Elem. Yes
3rd Grade Teacher
2) Laura McCammon Mt. Gilead Elem. Yes
5th Grade Teacher
3) Deborah Robins East Middle School Yes
6th Grade Science
4) Kathyrn P.-Morris Montg. Learn. Aca. Yes
Social Studies Teacher
5) Sharon Swanke East Middle/EMHS Yes
Media Specialist
6) Roy Wright West High School Yes
Auto Tech Teacher
7) Nakee White East High/West High Yes
Theater Teacher
8) Carrie Watkins West Middle School Yes
Math Teacher
9) Sumer Southers Mt. Gilead Elementary Yes Candice Dunton
4/11/2016 3rd Grade Teacher
d. 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) Montie Cloud Mt. Gilead Elementary Yes
3/15/2016 MERIT Afterschool
2) Bobbie Bruton All Locations Yes
3/17/2016 Child Nutrition Sub.
e. Report of the following transfers:
Transfer/
Effective Date From To Replacing
1) Tiffany Smith Green Ridge Elem. Star Elementary Nannie Hinton
3/15/2016 P/T Child Nutrition P/T Child Nutrition
2) Kathy Munoz All Locations Green Ridge Elem. Tiffany Smith
3/16/2016 Child Nutrition Sub. P/T Child Nutrition
f. Upon recommendation, approval of the following coaches for the Spring 2016 sports season:
East Middle:
Nathan McCallum-Baseball
Jackie Baldwin-Baseball
Cindy Sweet-Softball
Alison Wilson-Softball
Kirk Watts-Soccer
Elise Smith-Soccer
Reggie Jackson-Tennis
Emily DeSpain-Tennis
West Montgomery High:
Claudette Cuthrell-Assistant Soccer
g. Upon recommendation of the superintendent, approval of recommendation for employment of the following bus drivers that are not dual employees:
1) Wanda Jacobs-Bus Driver
h. Upon recommendation, approval of the following revised administrative contracts:
Assistant Principals-Annual 11 month term commencing July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2020:
● John Shelton, West Montgomery High School
● Art Smith, East Montgomery High School
● Amy Reynolds, Montgomery Learning Academy
Upon recommendation, approval of the following overnight field trips are requested.
1. West Montgomery High School, to New Orleans, LA
Date: 6/26/16-6/30/16 – Trip#531
3) Green Ridge Tolling Agreement;
4) Budget Amendment #3;
After returning from closed session, Chairman DeBerry asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. With a motion by Ann Long and a second by Sandra Miller, the meeting was duly adjourned.
The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 6:30 pm.
Steven W. DeBerry, Chairman Dale Ellis, Ed. D., Secretary