March 7, 2016
MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
MINUTES
March 7, 2016
The Montgomery County Board of Education convened in its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 7, 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 Sandra Miller, the agenda was adopted as presented.
Chairman DeBerry opened with some inspiring thoughts written by Andy Rooney, a popular radio host and television writer. Andy Rooney is a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words. I’ve learned…That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. I’ve learned…That when you’re in love, it shows. I’ve learned…That just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day. I’ve learned…That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. I’ve learned…That being kind is more important than being right. I’ve learned…That you should never say no to a gift from a child. I’ve learned…That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way. I’ve learned…That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. I’ve learned…That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I’ve learned…That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult. I’ve learned…That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. I’ve learned…That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for. I’ve learned…That money doesn’t buy class. I’ve learned…That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular. I’ve learned…That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. I’ve learned…That the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can? I’ve learned…That to ignore the facts does not change the facts. I’ve learned…That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you. I’ve learned…That love, not time, heals all wounds. I’ve learned…That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am. I’ve learned…That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile. I’ve learned…That there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks. I’ve learned…That no one is perfect until you fall in love with him or her. I’ve learned…That life is tough, but I’m tougher. I’ve learned…That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. I’ve learned…That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. I’ve learned…That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away. I’ve learned…That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. I’ve learned…That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. I’ve learned…. That I can’t choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it. I’ve learned…That when you’re newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life. I’ve learned…That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it. I’ve learned… that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation. I’ve learned…That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Chairman DeBerry called on Green Ridge Elementary students Mario Clegg and Kayla Morrison to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
With friends and family in attendance, Chairman DeBerry read a Resolution of Esteem for Helen Bruton Poe. The resolution reads, WHEREAS, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite love and wisdom, saw fit to call home Helen Bruton Poe on December 27, 2015 and WHEREAS, her services as a teacher 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.
Montgomery Learning Academy Employees of the Month are Bill Gaisford, Certified and Maria Johnson, Classified. Principal Tim Addis presented the certificates along with Dr. Ellis. Mr. Addis stated that he is very fortunate to have both of them at the Learning Academy. Mr. Gaisford is an English teacher and Ms. Johnson is the Administrative Assistant at the school.
Superintendent Ellis and Deidra Steed awarded certificates to the winner of the 2016 MCS Spelling Bee and the winners of the North Carolina Region IV Science and Engineering Fair. Layla Jackson, Candor Elementary student, won the Spelling Bee with the word “cauliflower”. She will participate in the Winston Salem Journal Regional Spelling Bee on March 20. Winners of the Science Fair were Kaylee Wright - Elementary Honorable Mention, Aubrey Epps - Elementary First Place/Metcon Special Award Winner and David Steed - Junior Biological First Place/Biotech Special Award Winner.
Chairman DeBerry asked that the consent agenda be held until closed session. The Board agreed.
Katie Hursey discussed the 2016 “So You Think Your School Rocks” event, a collaboration by Montgomery County Schools and Communities in Schools. The student talent show draws a large crowd each year. The Board viewed a power point of the winning acts, Green Ridge Elementary and East Middle.
Green Ridge Elementary employees Donna Kennedy, Laurie Brown, Debbie Knapp, Erin Leach, along with NCDPI Consultant Anne Evans, presented “Creating a Culture of Literacy”. Mrs. Kennedy explained that although there was continuous learning at Green Ridge, there needed to be some modification in teaching to reach a broader group of students. Mrs. Kennedy wanted to implement a plan to improve student reading. The objectives of the plan included framing and facilitating learning; encourage independent literacy behaviors, such as reading and writing; and achieving the goal of marked improvement in reading. The overall goal of the teachers was to ignite a passion for reading. The teachers attended five sessions of professional development with Anne Evans. The sessions helped teachers learn how to choose books for their students to make them think and dig deeper in the text to better analyze their thoughts and responses. Laurie Brown reported that since the new strategies were implemented, reading data has continued to improve. Mrs. Kennedy said she looks forward to seeing the scores at the end of the year.
Dr. Ellis asked the board to table a vote on the Green Ridge Redistricting Proposal until the April meeting. The rescheduling is due to information he received from the Town of Biscoe that needed further consideration. Mr. Dozier made the motion to approve the postponement with a second by Sandra Miller. The board approved the policy unanimously.
During his Superintendent Remarks, Dr. Ellis stated that as he toured the schools, he could see the hard work that everyone was putting in. Teaching and learning has not slowed down, even as we approach spring break.
Chairman DeBerry then asked for a motion to adjourn and move into closed session to discuss personnel and student information. With a motion by Sandra Miller, and a second from Ann Long, 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 February 1st and the Mid-Year Review on February 23rd;
2) Personnel and Auxiliary Report:
a. Upon the recommendation of the principal, approval of the following additions to the
substitute teacher list:
Noncertified Recommended By Record Check
1) Jamie Hunsucker John McMillan Yes
2) Crystal Sheffield Teresa Dunn Yes
3) Michael Barrington Tim Addis Yes
4) Paris Pratt Donna Kennedy Yes
5) Mickey Lilly Anne McLean Yes
Certified Recommended By Record Check
1) Emily DeSpain Heather Seawell Yes
b. Superintendent reports the acceptance of the following resignations/retirements:
Resignation/Retirement School/Assignment Effective Date
1) Myrna DeJesus Sneed Troy Elementary School February 5, 2016
Resignation Interpreter/Pre-K Support
2) Leslie Barden Mt. Gilead Elementary February 16, 2016
Resignation 1st Grade Teacher
3) Eric Slingerland Central Office February 23, 2016
Resignation Groundskeeper
4) Jasper Smith East Middle School February 29, 2016
Retirement Custodian
5) Sam Davis East Montgomery High February 29, 2016
Retirement Guidance Counselor
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) Elise Smith East Middle School YesEC Inclusion Teacher
2) Leslie Shoffner East Montgomery High Yes
English Teacher
3) Brook Crump West Middle School Yes
Social Studies Teacher
4) Ariel Lowe East Montgomery High School Yes
English Teacher
d. Upon recommendation of the superintendent, approval of recommendation of employment of the following interim employees:
1) Anne McLean Mt. Gilead Elementary School Yes John Beard
02/15/2016 Interim Principal
2) Joan Frye Troy Elementary School Yes
02/23/2016 Interim Principal
3) LaShonda Douglas East Middle School Yes Fannie Covington
02/09/2016 STEM Teacher Asst. Sub
4) Linda Steck East Montgomery High Yes Sam Davis
09/01/2016 Interim Counselor
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) Jorge Munoz East Middle School Pending Jasper Smith
03/01/2016 Custodian
2) David Deberry Central Office Yes Eric Slingerland
02/29/2016 Grounds Keeper 1
3) Rosa Reynosa Troy Elementary School Yes Myrna Sneed
02/08/2016 Translator/Pre-K Support
4) Rachel Speight Mt. Gilead Elementary Yes
08/08/2016 PT MERIT Teacher
5) Bianca Lilly Mt. Gilead Elementary Yes Bethany Webb
02/01/2016 MERIT SITE Coord.
6) Charolette Norton Central Office Yes Vickie Caviness
03/07/2016 Child Nutrition Sub.
7) Ben McAuley West Montgomery High Yes Kenny Young
02/22/2016 PT Custodian
f. Report of the following transfers:
Transfer/
Effective Date From To Replacing
1) John
Beard Mt. Gilead Elem. Montgomery
02/15/2016 Principal Learning Academy
Lead
Counselor
2) Chris
Parson Star Elementary Mt. Gilead Elem. Josh Barbee
02/22/2016 K/1 Teacher 3rd Grade Teacher
g. Upon recommendation of the superintendent, approval of recommendation for employment of the following bus drivers, sub drivers and monitors that are not dual employees:
● Martha Staley Bus Driver Yes
● Bryant Luke Bus Driver Yes
● Tina Chappell Bus Driver Yes
● Tiffany Mormon Bus Driver Yes
● Charolette Norton Bus Driver Yes
● Tori Pope Bus Driver Yes
● Beverly Butler Bus Monitor Yes
● Katrina Graham Bus Driver Yes
h. Upon recommendation, approval of the following coaches for the Spring 2016 sports season:
West Montgomery High
Linda Piros-Head Soccer
Larry Lisenby-Head Softball
Russ Strong-Assistant Softball
Ronesha Edwards-Softball Female Rep/Bus Driver
Mike Elkins-Head Baseball
Phillip Beaman-Assistant Baseball
Ken Neal-Head JV Baseball
Charles Atkins-Baseball
Ricky Batten-Baseball
Alex Lemons-Tennis
Rikki Baldwin-Girls Head Track
James Johnson-Boys Head Track
Nick Eddins-Assistant Boys Track
Natalie Eddins-Assistant Girls Track
Daniel Coggins-Golf
East Middle SchoolKirk Watts-Head Soccer
Elise Smith-Assistant Soccer
Nathan McCallum-Head Baseball
Cindy Sweet-Head Softball
West Middle SchoolDaniel Jones-Head Baseball
Perry Owens-Assistant Baseball
Bradley Hammill-Assistant Baseball
Caitlin Batten-Head Softball
Chris Davenport-Assistant Softball (Pending Approval)
Emily Hess-Head Soccer
Clay McKnight-Assistant Soccer
Neal Williams-Tennis
Alicia Blalock-Tennis
i. Upon recommendation, approval of the following tutors:
1) Carol Parsons - Green Ridge Elementary Yes
2) Jennifer Hare - East Middle School Yes
3) Annie Still – Troy Elementary School Yes
4) Elizabeth Thompson – Troy Elementary Yes
5) Jordan Britt – Troy Elementary School Yes
j. Upon recommendation, approval of the following administrative contracts:
Principals-Annual 12 month term commencing July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2020:
● Sharon Castelli, Page Street Elementary School
● Benjamin Brown, West Montgomery High School
● Angie Tofflemeyer, Troy Elementary School
Assistant Principals-Annual 12 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
Central Office Administration-Annual 12 month term commencing July 1, 2016 and
ending June 30, 2020:
● Jack Cagle, Dir. of Business and Community Partnerships
● Pokie Noland, Director of Exceptional Children
Upon recommendation, approval of the following overnight field trips are requested.
1. East Montgomery High School, Boys Basketball to Catawba, NC
Date: 6/27/16-6/29/16 – Trip#483
2. East Montgomery High School, Boys Basketball to Guilford College, Greensboro, NC
Date: 6/21/16-6/23/16 – Trip#482
3. East Montgomery High School, Girls Basketball to Guilford College, Greensboro, NC
Date: 6/17/16-6/19/16 – Trip#480
3) Budget Amendment 2:
After returning from closed session, Chairman DeBerry asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. With a motion by Bryan Dozier and a second by Sandra Miller, the meeting was duly adjourned.
The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 6:30 pm.
__________________________ __________________________
Steven W. DeBerry, Chairman Dale Ellis, Ed. D., Secretary