April 24, 2007

The Montgomery County School Board met on the above date in the administrative building at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of a work session.

Board Members Present

Penny J. Franklin, Chair B. Wendell Jones

Jamie M. Bond Amy U. Lythgoe

David G. Dunkenberger, II Susan K. Morikawa

W. Wat Hopkins

Staff Members Present

Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent

Judith K. Barylske Mark J. Pasier

Daniel A. Berenato Carol Reynolds

Christine C. Burton Walter L. Shannon

Patricia A. Gaudreau Patricia Talbot

Christina T. Gilley Jeanette R. Warwick

Harvey C. Goodwin Sharon J. Zuckerwar

Anita P. Johnston Brad King, Attorney

Call to Order

Ms. Franklin called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag at 6:30 p.m.

Adoption of Agenda

On motion by Mrs. Morikawa, seconded by Mr. Jones, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a revised agenda adding a moment of silence at 7:30 p.m.

Closed Session

Mr. Jones 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 6:31 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the following specific matters:

Student Matters: Discussion or consideration of student disciplinary matters, 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.

Return to Open Session and Certification

Mrs. Morikawa moved, seconded by Mrs. Lythgoe, and the Board voted unanimously to return to open session at 7:45 p.m.

Mr. Dunkenberger 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 24, 2007

Clerk of the Montgomery Date

County School Board

Action

Mr. Dunkenberger moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to long-term suspend student A from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) until the end of the school year.

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to expel student B from MCPS with placement at an alternative program as discussed during closed session.

The School Board observed a moment of silence to reflect on those impacted by the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech.

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 Tiffany Lee Naff

Blacksburg High School Latoya Mayweather

Christiansburg High School Leslie Michelle Boyer

Eastern Montgomery High School Alena B. Naff

Allison Michelle Bishop, AHS Senior of the Month for March, was also recognized.

The following members of the BHS swim team were recognized for being named Group AA state champions and runner-ups:

Evan Gregg 200 Individual Medley State Champion

100 Freestyle State Runner-up

400 Freestyle Relay State Runner-up

Nico Baudoin 500 Freestyle State Runner-up

400 Freestyle Relay State Runner-up

Ian Cobb-Ozanne 400 Freestyle Relay State Runner-up

Ted Borny 400 Freestyle Relay State Runner-up

Coach Scott Rhodes was also recognized.

The School Board recognized Peter Dorrell, a member of the BHS boy’s indoor track team, for winning the Group AA State Championship in the 1600-meter and for being runner-up in the 1000-meter event. Brian Hencke was also recognized for being the runner-up in the 500-meter event. Coach James DeMarco was also recognized.

The School Board recognized the BHS girl’s indoor track team for being named Group AA State Runner-ups. Members of the team include:

Cate Berenato State Champion in the 1000 meter

Runner-up in the 1600 meter

Runner-up - 4 x 400 Relay Team

Hayley Rhodes Runner-up – 4 x 400 Relay Team

Kristy Schmitt Runner-up – 4 x 400 Relay Team

Runner-up – 4 x 800 Relay Team

Kelley Altice Runner-up – 4 x 400 Relay Team

Kathleen Stevens Runner-up – 4 x 800 Relay Team

Leah Fitchett Runner-up – 4 x 800 Relay Team

Joanna Stevens Runner-up – 4 x 800 Relay Team

Other members of the team include Annie Grant, Laurel MacMillian, and

Allison Homer. Coach James DeMarco was also recognized.

The School Board recessed at 8:20 p.m. and reconvened at 8:30 p.m.

Public Address

Alan Mandzak urged the Board to put an end to the fostering of nepotism within the facilities department. Mr. Mandzak said members of the management team in facilities are engaged in lying and threatening behavior.

Item 04/07-71 Personnel Report: On motion by Mrs. Lythgoe, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, 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-A7.

Item 04-07-72 Payment of Bills: On motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Dunkenberger, the Board unanimously voted to approve the bills as presented.

Item 04/07-71 and Item 04/07-72

Operating Fund:

Utilities, 04/04/07, Ck. Nos. 443237-443254, $184,656.19

Bills, 04/17/07, Ck. Nos. 443255-443504, $203,972.14

Utilities, 04/18/07, Ck. Nos. 443505-443528, $135,661.82

Cafeteria:

Bills, 04/11/07, Ck. Nos. 2224-2240, $109,084.21

Bills, 04/24/07, Ck. Nos. 2241-2252, $66,268.72

Work Session

Mrs. Lythgoe moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, and the Board voted unanimously to enter a work session at 8:35 p.m.

Item 04/07-73 Technology Plan: Harvey Goodwin, Director of Technology, presented the Board with information on the 2007-2012 Technology Plan, which includes information in the areas of operations, instruction and instructional support, and administration. Members of the technology department provided updates regarding security cameras in the middle and high schools, Internet safety, professional development, curriculum, computer labs, virtual education, and data integrity. The Technology Plan will be placed on the next agenda for approval.

Item 04/07-74 Special Education Annual Plan: Chris Gilley, Director of Special Education, presented the Board with the Special Education Annual Plan. Ms. Gilley told Board members that the plan is a compliance document. She updated the Board on changes within the plan. The Special Education Plan will be placed on the next agenda for approval.

Return to Regular Session

Dr. Hopkins moved, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and the Board voted unanimously to return to regular session at 9:10 p.m.

Item 04/07-72 (Continued), Item 04/07-73, and Item 04/07-74

Superintendent’s Reports, Recommendations and Announcements

Item 04/07-75 Review of School Division Safety Procedures (Information): Dr. Anderson provided the Board with information on the safety and lockdown procedures utilized during the week of the Virginia Tech tragedy.

Mrs. Lythgoe commended Dr. Anderson on her leadership in the face of the crisis.

Item 04/07-76 Social Studies Textbook Adoptions (Information): Sharon Zuckerwar, Supervisor of Social Sciences and Character Education, presented the Board with proposed textbook adoptions for World History and Geography I, World History and Geography II, US/VA History, US/VA Government, and Advanced Placement (AP) history courses. The textbook adoptions will be placed on the next agenda for approval.

Item 04/07-77 Middle School Mathematics Textbook Adoptions (Information): Dr. Anderson presented the Board with information on the proposed middle school mathematics textbooks. The textbook adoptions will be placed on the next agenda for adoption.

Item 04/07-78 2007-2008 School Operating Budget Update (Information/Discussion): Walt Shannon, Director of Management Services, told Board members that the Board of Supervisors approved a 6-cent increase in the real estate tax rate with 2.5 cents going to the school division, 2.5 cents going to the county, and 1 cent being designated for construction projects. Mr. Shannon added that Request for Proposals (RFPs) for health insurance have been received from Anthem and Southern Health. He noted that the adopted budget is $5,571,983 short and will need to be adjusted.

Mrs. Lythgoe said with the lack of funds in the upcoming budget, she would like to know if the Montgomery County Education Association’s priority is for maintenance of current health insurance premiums and co-pays or salary increases.

Items 04/07-75-78

Item 04/07-79 2006-2007 Salary Scales (Information): Mark Pasier, Director of Human Resources, provided the Board with copies of the 2006-2007 salary scales as information for budget planning.

Unfinished Business By School Board Members

The School Board scheduled a meeting on May 22, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. for discussion of the superintendent’s evaluation.

New Business By School Board Members

Mr. Jones asked when the last day of school would be. Dr. Anderson said the last day of school would remain on June 8 until further information is received from the state.

Mr. Jones told Board members that he was among approximately 30 people who attended the recent Price’s Fork community meeting. He said community members were not thrilled with the proposed site for the new school. Mr. Jones added that there is the perception that the School Board has already made all of the decisions with regard to this school.

Mr. Jones asked for a formal response regarding the issue presented by the speaker during public address.

Mr. Dunkenberger asked that an item regarding Board member discussion of the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Conference be placed on the next agenda.

Dr. Hopkins said he attended the School Law Conference, which dealt with a number of First Amendment issues. He stated that it was a good conference.

Agenda Preparation

May 1, 2007 Report on Drug and Alcohol Issues

Report from Board Members on NSBA Conference

Discussion of Youth Survey Options

Special Education Plan (Action)

Technology Plan (Action)

2007-2008 School Operating Budget

Feasibility Study Results

Social Studies Textbook Adoptions (Action)

Math Textbook Adoptions (Action)

School Improvement Plan for CMS (Action)

May 15, 2007 Efficiency Study Results

Item 04/07-79

May 22, 2007 Special Session - Superintendent’s Evaluation (closed session) – 6:00 p.m.

August 3-4, 2007 School Board Retreat – Wyndham Hotel in Roanoke

August 6, 2007 GIS Study Report

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. on motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mrs. Morikawa, and passed unanimously.

School Board Chair Clerk of the School Board