April 18, 2006

The Montgomery County School Board met on the above date in the administrative building at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of a work session.

Board Members Present

Penny J. Franklin, Chair B. Wendell Jones

Jamie M. Bond (7:05 p.m.) Amy U. Lythgoe

David G. Dunkenberger, II Susan K. Morikawa

W. Wat Hopkins

Staff Members Present

Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent

Judith K. Barylske Rhonda Poindexter

Daniel A. Berenato Carol Reynolds

Christina T. Gilley Marilyn M. Session

Harvey C. Goodwin Walter L. Shannon

Anita P. Johnston Jeanette R. Warwick

Betti C. Kreye

Call to Order

Ms. Franklin called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag at 7:00 p.m.

Adoption of Agenda

On motion by Mrs. Lythgoe, seconded by Mr. Jones, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a revised agenda adding real estate matters to closed session and changing Item 04/06—62 (Report on State Reviewer’s Visits) to Report on State Reviewer’s Visits/School Improvement Plans and making it an action item rather than an information item.

Closed Session

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to enter into a closed meeting pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A) of the Code of Virginia at 7:01 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the following specific matters:

Student Matter: Discussion or consideration of a student disciplinary matter, as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (A)(2) of the Code of Virginia.

Personnel Matters: The discussion or consideration of prospective candidates for employment; assignment; appointment; promotion; performance; demotion; salaries; disciplining or resignation of specific public school officers, employees or appointees, as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) of the Code of Virginia.

Real Estate Matters: The discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real estate for the construction of a new school, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, as authorized by Section 2.2-3711(A)(3) of the Code of Virginia.

Return to Open Session and Certification

Mrs. Morikawa moved, seconded by Mrs. Lythgoe, and the Board voted unanimously to return to open session at 7:52 p.m.

Dr. Hopkins moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board adopted the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the County School Board of Montgomery County has

convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and

WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3711(d) of the Code of Virginia

requires a certification by this School Board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia Law;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

that the County School Board of Montgomery County

hereby certifies that, to the best of each member’s knowledge (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the meeting were heard, discussed, or considered.

Ayes: Jamie M. Bond Amy U. Lythgoe

David G. Dunkenberger, II Susan K. Morikawa

W. Wat Hopkins Penny J. Franklin, Chair

B. Wendell Jones

_________________________ April 18, 2006

Clerk of the Montgomery Date

County School Board

Action

On motion by Mrs. Lythgoe, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, the School Board voted unanimously to expel a student from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).

Honors, Awards and Recognitions

Continuing the commitment of recognizing student achievement and accomplishments, four new “Senior of the Month” selections have been made by high school principals in Montgomery County. Their activities reflect the full range of opportunities in the school division, ranging from fine arts to vocational experiences to athletic accomplishments. The four students for April are:

Auburn High School (AHS) Angela Pack

Blacksburg High School (BHS) Ann Vu

Christiansburg High School (CHS) Matthew Dickerson

Eastern Montgomery High School (EMHS) Kara Brown

The School Board recognized the Christiansburg High School wrestling team for winning the Group AA State Championship.

The School Board recognized the Blacksburg High School girl’s indoor track team for winning the Group AA State Championship.

The Board recessed at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened at 8:40 p.m.

Public Address

Emory Altizer, a parent of a student at Independence Secondary School (IS), addressed the Board regarding concerns about a reorganization of the alternative programs. Mr. Altizer urged the Board to consider the impact to children if such a move is made.

Don Reiley, a stepparent of a student at IS, told Board members that he has noticed a positive change in his stepdaughter since she moved to IS. Mr. Reiley said he has spoken to members of the administration and the School Board but he still has concerns and questions about changes to the alternative programs.

George Rivera, brother of a student at IS, expressed concerns about students losing high school credit if the alternative program is moved. Mr. Rivera said his sister would not be able to graduate from high school early if the program is changed, and this will create a hardship to the family.

Brownie Cauley, a member of the insurance advisory committee, urged the Board to consider the unanimous recommendation by the insurance committee to maintain the current health insurance plan in the present format.

Kay Altizer, a student at IS, told Board members that she is very concerned about proposed changes to the alternative education programs. Ms. Altizer said she is scared and nervous about all the changes she has heard about.

Jennifer Bertran, an IS student, voiced her concern to Board members about losing high school credit if students at ISS are moved to another building and losing wonderful teachers. Ms. Bertran told the Board that IS is not just a school - it’s a family. She urged the Board to rethink decisions concerning the alternative education programs.

Marion Smith, a parent of a student at IS, informed the Board that she doesn’t believe the students at IS would do as well if they were combined with students from other programs. Ms. Smith said students would also have to commute to CHS for vocational programs and lose high school credit.

Justin Graves, a student at IS, said he is graduating but is worried about his peers and the problems they will be facing if IS is moved to another building.

Item 04/06-57 Personnel Report: On motion by Mrs. Lythgoe, seconded by

Mrs. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to approve the personnel report with an addendum.

The personnel report is attached and made a part of the minutes as pages A1-A3.

Item 04-06-58 Payment of Bills: On motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by

Mrs. Lythgoe, the Board unanimously voted to approve the bills as presented.

Operating Fund:

Utilities, 04/12/06, Ck. Nos. 437271-437292, $169,592.79

Item 04/06-57 and Item 04/06-58

Bills, 04/18/06, Ck. Nos. 437293-437545, $214,000.84

Payroll, 04/06/06, Ck. Nos. 42826-42831, $11,009.39

Fixed Charges, 04/06/06, Ck. Nos. 42832-42835, $851.57

Cafeteria Fund:

Bills, 4/12/06 Ck. Nos. 1921-1940, $217,576.10

Work Session

On motion by Mrs. Lythgoe, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, the Board voted unanimously to enter into work session at 9:00 p.m.

Item 04/06-59 Overview of Special Education: Christina Gilley, Director of Special Education, provided the School Board with an overview of the special education program. Ms. Gilley informed the Board about the referral and evaluation processes, eligibility requirements, funding, etc.

Ms. Gilley said approximately 13 percent of the student population (ages two to twenty-one) is covered by special education services.

Ms. Gilley announced that at a statewide conference in March, the MCPS Special Education Department received a Commissioner’s Annual Award from the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services for the On-Campus Transition Program.

Item 04/06-60 Special Education Annual Plan: Ms. Gilley told Board members that the Special Education Annual Plan is a state-mandated document that provides information on how MCPS implements state regulations and spends allocated funding. She said it is a compliance document and must be approved annually. Ms. Gilley highlighted changes in the plan and told Board members that the Board would be asked to approve the annual plan at the next School Board meeting.

Item 04/05-58 (Continued), Item 04/06-59, and Item 04/06-60

Item 04/06-61 After-School Program at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School (GLES): Carol Kahler, principal at GLES, presented the Board with information on the pilot after-school program at the school. Ms. Kahler highlighted some of the activities provided by the program. She said it has been a wonderful asset to the school, students and parents. Ms. Kahler stated that a summer program would also be offered. Dr. Anderson noted that the program has a balance of $6,768.81 as of March 15 and has not impacted the school division financially.

Return to Regular Session

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, and the Board voted unanimously to return to regular session at 9:40 p.m.

Superintendent’s Reports, Recommendations and Announcements

Item 04/06-62 Report on State Reviewer’s Visits/School Improvement Plans (Action): Rhonda Baker, Interim Principal at Belview Elementary School, and Guylene Wood-Setzer, Interim Principal at Auburn Middle School, reported to the Board on the second round of visits by the state reviewers. They also informed Board members about changes taking place at the schools and school improvement plans.

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to approve the School Improvement Plans for Belview Elementary School and Auburn Middle School.

Item 04/06-63 Baseball Field Improvements Memorandum of Understanding with Montgomery County (Action): Dan Berenato, Director of Facilities, briefed Board members on baseball field improvements at Shawsville Elementary School and Auburn Elementary School. Mr. Berenato told Board members that the School Board Attorney has reviewed the agreements. He asked the Board to approve the agreements and authorize the superintendent to sign the agreements.

Mrs. Bond moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to approve the memorandum of understandings for the baseball fields at Shawsville Elementary School and Auburn Elementary School and authorize the superintendent to sign the documents.

Item 04/06-61, Item 04/06-62, and Item 04/06-63

Closed Session

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mr. Dunkenberger, and the Board voted unanimously to enter into a closed meeting pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A) of the Code of Virginia at 10:10 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the following specific matters:

Return to Open Session and Certification

Mrs. Morikawa moved, seconded by Mrs. Lythgoe, and the Board voted unanimously to return to open session at 10:40 p.m.

Dr. Hopkins moved, seconded by Mrs. Lythgoe, and the Board adopted the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the County School Board of Montgomery County has

convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and

WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3711(d) of the Code of Virginia

requires a certification by this School Board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia Law;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

that the County School Board of Montgomery County

Ayes: Jamie M. Bond Amy U. Lythgoe

David G. Dunkenberger, II Susan K. Morikawa

W. Wat Hopkins Penny J. Franklin, Chair

B. Wendell Jones

__________________________ April 18, 2006

Clerk of the Montgomery Date

County School Board

Action

Mr. Dunkenberger moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted six to one to approve the human resources agenda as amended by the superintendent’s recommendation regarding personnel matter number one. Voting in favor were Mrs. Bond, Dr. Hopkins, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Lythgoe, Mrs. Morikawa, and Ms. Franklin. Voting against was Mr. Dunkenberger.

Unfinished Business by School Board Members

Mrs. Lythgoe requested an update on the alternative education program plans. Dr. Anderson told Board members that an informational meeting for parents would be held on May 1. She said she would update the Board on this information at the May 2 School Board meeting.

Mrs. Morikawa expressed her desire for the School Board to discuss ways to be more available to community members. The Board discussed various options for achieving this goal.

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to schedule time at Board meetings to allow for information and discussion that Board members would like to hear concerning the district.

The Board agreed to discuss some of these possible topics at the retreat.

Agenda Preparation

May 2, 2006 Real Estate Update

Special Education Annual Plan (Action)

Health Insurance Proposal

Budget Update

May 19-20, 2006 School Board Retreat – Hotel Roanoke

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m. on motion by Mrs. Morikawa, seconded by Mrs. Bond, and passed unanimously.

School Board Chair Clerk of the School Board