SCHOOL BOARD OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH

MINUTES OF SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING

JANUARY 8, 2008

The School Board of the City of Virginia Beach held a regular meeting Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at the School Administration Building.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mr. Daniel D. “Dan” Edwards, Chairman
Ms. Rita Sweet Bellitto, Vice Chairman	Mr. Dan R. Lowe
Mr. Todd C. Davidson	Mr. Lyndon S. Remias
Ms. Emma L. “Em” Davis	Ms. Sandra Smith-Jones
Ms. Patricia G. Edmonson	Mr. Michael W. Stewart
Mr. Edward F. Fissinger, Sr.	Ms. Carolyn D. Weems
Dr. James G. Merrill, Superintendent

Members ABSENT: None

1. Convene School Board Informal Meeting:

Chairman Edwards convened the Board in the einstein.lab at 4:34 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Ms. Smith-Jones and Ms. Edmonson who arrived at 4:38 p.m. and 4:39 p.m., respectively.

2. Workshop #1:

A. Capital Improvement Program Update: Mr. Anthony L. Arnold, P.E., Director of Facilities Planning and Construction, provided a status report on current projects in the 2007-08/2012-13 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) including total projected cost, architect, contractor, project manager, project inspector, design status, construction status and budget status. The following is an overview of what was presented:

CIP #	Project Name	Construction Status	Budget Status
1-082	School Plant/Supply Services Facility	Complete and occupied in June 2007	On budget
1-227	Windsor Woods Elementary School Replacement	Complete and occupied in September 2007	On budget
1-228	Brookwood Elementary School Replacement	Complete and occupied in November 2007	On budget
1-075	Diamond Springs Elementary School Replacement	Complete and occupied January 2, 2008	On budget
1-018	Newtown Elementary School Replacement	95% complete, scheduled occupancy January 29, 2008	On budget
1-085	Renaissance Academy	10% complete, scheduled completion December 2009	Construction on budget, evaluating furniture and equipment
1-234	Virginia Beach Middle School Replacement	Improvements to Beach Garden Park 95% complete; school project bid December 5, 2007 and construction scheduled to start January 7, 2008 with completion in December 2009	Under budget, to be adjusted within 2008-09 CIP
1-235	Windsor Oaks Elementary School Replacement	Advertise for bid in January 2008; construction scheduled to start in March 2008 with completion in September 2009	On budget
1-019	Great Neck Middle School Replacement	Construction scheduled to start in spring 2009 with proposed summer 2011 occupancy	On budget
1-078	Pupil Transportation Services Maintenance Facility	Construction scheduled to start in spring 2009 with proposed fall 2010 occupancy	On budget

In response to concerns raised by the public regarding possible elimination of athletic field lights at Great Neck Middle School, Mr. Arnold explained there are plans to replace the lights after construction with Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation providing the funding. Furthermore, he announced a public input meeting was scheduled for January 15, 2008. Discussion concluded at 4:55 p.m.

B. 2007-2008 Program Evaluation Schedule: Dr. Jared A. Cotton, Assistant Superintendent for Research, Evaluation, and Assessment, presented an overview of the 2007-2008 Program Evaluation Schedule to include the process used to select programs for evaluation, existing programs recommended for evaluation during the FY08 school year, evaluations scheduled as a result of recommendations from FY07 program evaluations, and evaluations currently scheduled for the FY08 school year in addition to reports/activities reported annually and in the future. The following summarizes what was presented:

Annual Reports/Activities	- SAT Report - Advanced Placement (AP) Report - Divisionwide SOL Trends - School Report Cards - Key Operating Measures
Future Report	- 9th Grade Attrition Study
Existing programs recommended for evaluation during 2007-2008	Committee recommendations rated the highest priority based on the established rubric - Professional Development Program (PDP) - Summer School - Gifted Education (K-12) - Local Assessment System
	Administration’s recommendations - Existing programs scheduled for 2007-2008 § Summer School § Local Assessment System - Existing programs tentatively scheduled for 2008-2009 § Professional Development Program (PDP) § Gifted Education (K-12)
Evaluations scheduled as the result of recommendations from 2006-2007 program evaluations	§ Year-Round Schools – report on key measures § Galaxy After-School Program – full evaluation, including recommendations regarding continuation § Extended-Day Kindergarten (EDK) Program – report on the achievement of measurable objectives
Evaluations currently scheduled for the 2007-2008 School Year	§ Project X-CD – comprehensive evaluation § Early Discoveries Longitudinal Study – update § Academy Longitudinal Study - update

The workshop concluded at 5:03 p.m.

3. Closed Meeting:

Motion for Closed Meeting in Accordance with VA Code § 2.2-3711, Part A: Vice Chairman Bellitto made a motion, seconded by Mr. Stewart, that the Board adopt a motion to recess into a closed meeting pursuant to exemptions from open meetings allowed by Section 2.2-3711, Part A, Paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, for the following purposes:

A. Personnel Matters: Discussion of or consideration of interviews of prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711, (A) (1); namely to discuss: hiring of an Internal Auditor.

B. Publicly Held Property: Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held property where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining, position, or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711, (A) (3); namely to discuss: acquisition of school sites in the Beach and Princess Anne districts.

The motion was unanimously approved and the Board entered into a closed meeting at 5:04 p.m.

Individuals present for discussion:

A. Personnel Matters: Hiring of an Internal Auditor: Board members; Superintendent Merrill; Dr. Sheila S. Magula, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Kenneth F. Palmer, Chairman of the Internal Audit Committee; Ms. Kamala H. Lannetti, Deputy City Attorney; and Ms. Dianne P. Alexander, Clerk of the Board.

B. Publicly Held Property: Acquisition of school sites in the Beach and Princess Anne districts: Board members; Superintendent Merrill; Dr. Sheila S. Magula, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. John S. Kalocay, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Support Services; Mr. Anthony L. Arnold, P.E., Director of Facilities Planning and Construction; Mr. Donald E. Greer, Demographer/GIS Manager; Ms. Kamala H. Lannetti, Deputy City Attorney; and Ms. Dianne P. Alexander, Clerk of the Board.

The Board reconvened in an open meeting at 5:36 p.m.

Certification of Closed Meeting: Vice Chairman Bellitto made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lowe, that the Board certifies that, to the best of each member’s knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed; and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed, or considered. The motion was unanimously approved.

4. Hearing of Citizens and Delegations on Non-Agenda Items: None

5. Formal Meeting Call to Order and Electronic Roll Call:

Chairman Edwards called the formal meeting to order in the School Board Room at 6:13 p.m. All Board members were present.

6. Student, Employee and Public Awards and Recognition:

A. Silver & Bronze Congressional Award: The School Board recognized Jessica Muth, senior at Kempsville High School, for being recognized by the Second Congressional District and awarded the Bronze and Silver Congressional Award Medals, the highest honor bestowed upon America’s youth, for the good work she has done for the betterment of her community and for the goals she has set for her own personal development.

B. 2007 ACTR Russian Scholar Laureate Award: The School Board recognized Kellam High School senior, Ann Eikenbary; Salem High School senior, Brynna Higgins; and Tallwood High School junior, Heather Shaw, for having been selected as 2007 American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR) Russian Scholar Laureates.

C. 2007 National Board Certified Teachers: The School Board recognized the following educators for earning national board certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS):

Corporate Landing Elementary	Vicki Lowe
Cox High	Judith Rea; Sara Lockett
Creeds Elementary	Joyce Hardin; Vivian Barber; Dixie Lehman
First Colonial High	Anne Kapral; Heidi Wimbush
Indian Lakes Elementary	Bree Ruzzi
Kempsville High	Lauren Knott
Lynnhaven Middle	Gerri Clement
Malibu Elementary	Janelle Roth; Beth Estill
Ocean Lakes High	Adrian Hayes; Kathy L. Turner; Mark Clemente; Don Kroeller
Princess Anne High	Beth Camper
Tallwood High	Gisele Falls; Carolyn Dusenbury
White Oaks Elementary	Nancy Story

D. National Soccer Coaches Association High School Team Academic Award: The School Board recognized Ocean Lakes High School for receiving the High School Team Academic Award for the 2006-2007 School Year from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The school’s Boys Varsity Soccer Team received its 10th award (more than any other team nationwide), while the Girls Varsity Team received its 3rd consecutive award. It was noted the cumulative team grade point average (GPA) was 3.42.

7. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Father James E. Parke of Church of the Ascension gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

8. Hearing of Citizens and Delegations on Agenda Items: None

9. Approval of Minutes:

A. December 18, 2007 Regular Meeting: Mr. Stewart made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith-Jones, that the Board approve the minutes of their December 18, 2007 regular meeting as presented. The motion was unanimously approved.

10. Adoption of the Agenda: Prior to a motion, Chairman Edwards announced the only change to the published agenda was to move Consent Agenda Item 11B – Textbook Adoption: Driver Education/Classroom Theory, Grade 10, to Action as Item 12B. Mr. Davidson then made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lowe, that the Board adopt the agenda as adjusted. The motion was unanimously approved.

11. Consent Agenda: Ms. Smith-Jones made a motion, seconded by Mr. Fissinger, that the Board approve the Consent Agenda. The motion was unanimously approved and the following items adopted as part of the Consent Agenda:

A. Resolution: Bullying Prevention Awareness Month as follows:

RESOLUTION FOR BULLYING PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

JANUARY 2008

WHEREAS, school bullying has become an increasingly significant problem in the United States and Virginia; and

WHEREAS, bullying can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and most recently in cyberspace, and can happen in many places on and off school grounds; and

WHEREAS, it is important for Virginia Beach parents, students, teachers, and school administrators to be aware of bullying and to encourage discussion of the problem as a school community; and

WHEREAS, the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach has developed a policy on anti-bullying to encourage positive behaviors and to eliminate bullying behaviors; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, through sustained and dedicated efforts, has implemented programs for all employees and students that recognizes a deep commitment at all levels to raise awareness of bullying and its prevention.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED: That the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach designate the month January 2008, as Bullying Prevention Awareness Month in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED: That the issue of bullying and its prevention be discussed in Virginia Beach City Public Schools classrooms during this time; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be spread across the official minutes of this Board.

B. (Moved to Action Item 12A)

C. The Board authorized the School Board Chairman to execute a right-of-way agreement for a Dominion Virginia Power easement for Salem High School

D. Appointments, Resignations and Retirements as presented on the January 8, 2008 personnel report. In addition, Superintendent Merrill presented, and the Board affirmed, Administration’s recommendation to appoint Heather Allen as Coordinator for the Partnership in Education, and Emmanuel Cenizal as Coordinator for Secondary Mathematics. Furthermore, Mr. Kenneth F. Palmer, Chairman of the Internal Audit Committee, presented the committee’s recommendation, and the Board affirmed, the appointment of Terri L. Pyeatt as Director of Internal Audit.

12. Action:

A. Textbook Adoption: Driver Education/Classroom Theory, Grade 10: Prior to a motion, Mr. Rodney J. Burnsworth, Director of Secondary Instructional Services, and Ms. Brenda M. Fuller, Coordinator of Secondary Health and Physical Education, responded to a Board inquiry regarding the implementation costs of the first choice textbook recommendation for the Driver’s Education portion of the Grade 10 Health and Physical Education course. It was explained the first-choice textbook is a companion to what is currently being used and would save teachers’ time and create a more consistent instructional delivery. Also included in the cost were student study guides and support materials, classroom resources, and online access to the text and instructional activities in a test-building program. Finally, it was noted although the second choice would do the job, the cost did not include support or resource materials and the text did not contain all of the state Standards of Learning (SOL) objectives . Following brief discussion, Mr. Fissinger made a motion, seconded by Mr. Davidson, that the Board approve the first-choice textbook as recommended by the Textbook Adoption Committee. The motion was approved (ayes 10, nays 1 – Bellitto) and the following textbook for Driver Education/Classroom Theory, Grade 10, approved for implementation in the fall of 2008 and replaces the current textbook in use since the 2001-2002 school year:

Title:	Responsible Driving
Author:	Automobile Association of America
Publisher:	Glencoe, McGraw-Hill
Copyright:	2006

13. Information:

A. Results of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR): On behalf of the Internal Audit Committee, Mr. Kenneth F. Palmer, Chairman, advised the committee had met with the external auditors in December to receive an unqualified opinion from review of the division’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. Specifically, he reported auditors had commented on how well records had been maintained and did not propose any adjustments. Additionally, they concluded there were no reportable deficiencies in internal controls, and there were no reportable findings relative to the single audit of federal grants. He commended financial services and stated the committee was proud of the findings.

B. Course Proposal: Tallwood High School Global Studies and World Languages Academy:

1. African American History I: Ms. Rebecca Gurley, Coordinator of the Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School, presented to the Board for information the proposed semester-long, one half credit social studies elective course - African American History I (HIS141) and course objectives for dual enrollment recommended for implementation in the 2008-2009 school year at the Academy. The purpose of the course is to survey the history of black Americans from their African origins to the present and will introduce students to the historical, cultural, social structures and societal contributions made by people of African descent. Additionally, students will learn that many similarities exist between the histories of Europe and Africa politically, economically, artistically, and socially.

2. Studies in Eastern Thinking: Ms. Rebecca Gurley, Coordinator of the Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School, presented to the Board for information the proposed semester-long, one half credit elective course – Studies in Eastern Thinking (PHI260) and course objectives for dual enrollment recommended for implementation in the 2008-2009 school year at the Academy. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to an in-depth study of the East through a variety of media which include music, literature and cinema involving an extensive exploration of various Indian, Chinese, and Buddhist philosophies and will be taught by a qualified Tidewater Community College (TCC) instructor during the fall or spring semester.

C. 2007-2008 Program Evaluation Schedule: Dr. Jared A. Cotton, Assistant Superintendent for Research, Evaluation, and Assessment, presented a public overview of what was presented to the Board earlier in the afternoon workshop of the schedule of programs that are being evaluated by the Department of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment during the 2007-2008 school year.

14. Committee Reports: Ms. Davis announced School Board members are planning to attend the February 2008 benefit for the Virginia Beach Crime Solvers Unit.

The Board recessed at 7:02 p.m. and reconvened in workshop format in Room 113 at 7:09 p.m. All Board members were present

15. Workshop #2: