April 22, 2009

The Montgomery County School Board met on the above date in the administrative building at 3:30 p.m. for the purpose of a special session.

Board Members Present

Penny J. Franklin, Vice Chair W. Wat Hopkins

Phyllis T. Albritton Joseph T. Ivers, Jr.

David G. Dunkenberger, II

Staff Members Present

Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent

Judith K. Barylske Katie Miano

Daniel A. Berenato Diane R. Naff

Kathy A. Duncan Mark J. Pasier

Patricia A. Gaudreau Rochelle

Harvey C. Goodwin Walter L. Shannon

Lois T. Graham Richard D. Weaver

Anita P. Johnston Laura Williams

Call to Order

Ms. Franklin called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag at 3:30 p.m.

School Board members and staff gathered to hear a report and recommendation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (CASI) team.

Monty Bush, Chair of the Review Team Committee and Director of District Accreditation with SACS/CASI, provided information on the review process and goals of the visit. Mr. Bush reported that the team visited eight schools and talked to numerous staff members, parents, students, and community members during the process.

Some of the school division’s strengths as noted by the review team include the visionary leadership of the superintendent; strong School Board support; instruction that is aligned with the Standards of Learning (SOLs); creative partnerships; commitment to student support services; stakeholder support and involvement in district initiatives; a wealth of career and technical education opportunities; and the school division’s annual report and calendar.

The review team commended the school division for empowering stakeholders through the visionary leadership of the superintendent; improving student performance to exceed mandates; establishing creative partnerships; having 100 percent Highly Qualified staff; receiving full accreditation by the Virginia Department of Education; continuing growth in academic performance; involving stakeholders; and for the district’s impressive annual report and calendar.

The team noted that some of the challenges the school district faces are funding constraints, expanding data analysis, maintaining and updating aging facilities, addressing student population growth, and expanding and upgrading technology.

The review team recommended that the school division evaluate operations technology with a focus on data warehousing; review district and school objectives to ensure measurable outcomes; and build upon the current momentum for continuous improvement.

Mr. Bush said it’s not in the school division’s best interest to hire a superintendent who will come in and change everything.

The review team recommended that Montgomery County Public Schools be awarded District Accreditation as a quality school system.

Ms. Franklin and Dr. Anderson thanked everyone for their hard work in making this possible.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:09 p.m. on motion by Dr. Hopkins, seconded by Mrs. Albritton, and passed unanimously.

School Board Chair Clerk of the School Board