SCHOOL BOARD OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH

MINUTES OF SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING

FEBRUARY 5, 2008

 

The School Board of the City of Virginia Beach held a regular meeting Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at the School Administration Building. 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mr. Daniel D. “Dan” Edwards, Chairman

 

Ms. Rita Sweet Bellitto, Vice Chairman

 

Mr. Todd C. Davidson

Mr. Dan R. Lowe

Ms. Emma L. “Em” Davis

Mr. Lyndon S. Remias

Ms. Patricia G. Edmonson

Ms. Sandra Smith-Jones

Mr. Edward F. Fissinger, Sr.

Ms. Carolyn D. Weems

 

Dr. James G. Merrill, Superintendent

Members ABSENT:         Mr. Michael W. Stewart

 

1.                  Convene School Board Informal Meeting:

Chairman Edwards convened the Board in the einstein.lab at 4:39 p.m.  All Board members were present with the exception of Ms. Weems and Mr. Remias who arrived at 4:54 p.m. and 5:03 p.m., respectively, and Mr. Stewart who was absent from the meeting.   

2.                  Workshop #1:

A.        Recommendations for Restructuring of the K-12 Summer School Programs:  Dr. Christine W. Caskey, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, presented a report on the findings and recommendations for the restructuring of the school division’s summer school program.  It was concluded that schools should provide services to their own students, allowing schools to serve students with whom they have developed relationships, and that schools should provide services closer to the time of need (e.g., at the end of a grading period rather than waiting until summer).  Below is a summary of recommendations presented.

Ø       Elementary School Recommendations for 2008 and 2009:

·    Provide year-round support for students in lieu of a division-wide summer school program

·    Transfer summer school funds to schools allowing increased flexibility to target remediation efforts for their own students

·    Continue to offer selected division-wide programs

-         Elementary Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) Program

-         English as a Second Language (ESL) Summer Program

-         Title I Kindergarten Academy

-         Gifted Summer Enrichment Camp

Ø       Middle School Recommendations for 2008 and 2009:

·    Provide year-round support for students in lieu of a division-wide summer school program for retakers

·    Require tutoring for students who earn an E in any core course at progress report time

·    Require enrollment in an acceleration bell for students who earn a grade of E for the grading period in any core subject

·    Continue to offer remediation programs

-         English as a Second Language (ESL) Summer Program

-         Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) Program

-         Step Up to Math 6

-         Step Up to Math 7

-         Strategic Reading

·    Continue to offer tuition-based Summer Band and Strings

Ø       High School Recommendations for 2008

·    Continuation of remedial and enrichment programs

·    Reduce the number of courses offered

·    Reduce sites from five to four high schools

·    Expand online course offerings

·    Reduce clock hours for repeat courses from 140 hours to 70 hours

Ø       High School Recommendations for 2008-2009

·    Provide and require ongoing opportunities for academic support that are built into the instructional day

·    Offer expanded online course offerings

·    Require first-time course takers to take online courses

Ø       High School Recommendations for 2009-2010

·    Continue to provide identified students with ongoing opportunities for academic support during the regular school year

·    Offer all high school summer credit courses in an online format

Ø       Changes to School Board Policy 6-80 to reduce the required number of instructional hours for students repeating courses from 140 to 70 hours

Ø       Tuition recommendations to begin in summer of 2008

Tuition Level

70-hour class

140-hour class

Level I  (full cost lunch)

$250 from $175

$500 from $265

Level II  (reduced cost lunch

$195 from $90

$390 from $130

Level III (free lunch)

$130 from 0

$260 from 0

Summary of Recommendations for 2008

§         High School

o        Allow high school students retaking a previously-failed class to reduce time in class to 70 hours

o        Reduce number of summer school site from 5 to 4

o        Offer additional online courses for high school students

o        Tuition increase

Summary of Recommendations for 2009

§         Elementary and Middle School

o        Allow elementary and middle schools to target academic support of their own students during the 2008-09 school year

o        Eliminate division-wide elementary remedial language arts and mathematics summer school

o        Eliminate middle school retake courses

§         High School

o        Conduct mandatory opportunities for academic support during the school day at all high schools

o        Require first time high school course takers to enroll in available online options

o        Increase the number of online credit course options to 8 classes

                                Summary of Recommendations for 2010

§         High School

o        Eliminate face to face high school retake classes

o        Offer only online high school summer credit courses

It was further reported estimated three year cost savings (2008-2010) to implement recommendations were estimated at $3.8 million.  In response to a Board inquiry, it was noted although students who earn an E would be required to participate; students who earned a D would be invited to attend as well.  Discussion concluded at 5:22 p.m.

B.         Board Schedule:  July 2008 – June 2009:  Chairman Edwards asked the Board to review the proposed School Board meeting schedule for the period July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009.  The schedule as proposed permits Board members and staff to plan their summers and develop plans for the coming year, and takes into consideration a change in local School Board elections from May to November with incumbents and new Board members taking office January 1, 2009.  It was suggested the first meeting in February 2009 be held on Wednesday versus the proposed Tuesday to allow for Board members who are returning on Tuesday from the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Federal Relations Network (FRN) Conference.  Discussion concluded at 5:30 p.m. 

C - E:   See Item 15 

The workshop concluded at 5:30 p.m.

3.                  Closed Meeting:  See Item 16

4.                  Hearing of Citizens and Delegations on Non-Agenda Items:  The Board heard comments from the following citizens and delegations on non-agenda items:

Anthony Felton, mentor at Lynnhaven Elementary School, regarding a mentoring program for black males; and

Mark Rupprecht, Kempsville High School parent, in opposition to mandatory use of mouth guards for soccer.

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

Chairman Edwards called the formal meeting to order in the School Board Room at 6:15 p.m.  All Board members were present with the exception of Mr. Stewart who Chairman Edwards announced was returning from Washington, DC where he represented the School Board at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Federal Relations Network (FRN) regarding funding and regulations.

6.                  Student, Employee and Public Awards and Recognition: 

A.                 National High School Football All-Star Game Participant:  The Board recognized Erik Manuel, senior at Bayside High School, for having been selected for and participated in the National High School Football All-Star Game.

B.                 Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence:  The Board recognized Creeds Elementary School, Kemps Landing Magnet School, King’s Grant Elementary School, Old Donation Center, and Princess Anne High School as recipients of the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence from Governor Timothy Kaine and the Virginia Board of Education.

C.                 2007 National Soccer Coaches Association High School Team Academic Award:  The Board recognized Cox High School for receiving the High School Team Academic Award for the 2006-2007 school year from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America with the boys and girls soccer teams cumulative grade point average in excess of 3.25.

D.                 2007 VHSL State Champion Golf Team:  The Board recognized Cox High School as the 2007 Virginia High School League (VHSL) State Golf Champions.

E.                  2007 VHSL State Champion Girls’ Field Hockey Team:  The Board recognized Cox High School’s field hockey team for having won their 15th state championship in the Beach District Tournament, as well as the Eastern Region Championship. 

7.                  Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance:  Reverend Charles M. Wiest of Heritage United Methodist Church gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

8.                  Hearing of Citizens and Delegations on Agenda Items: The Board heard comments from the following citizens and delegations on agenda items:

Ron Hall, Guidance Counselor at Bettie F. Williams Elementary School, in support of the National School Counseling Week Resolution; and

Iva Nash, president of the Virginia Beach Education Association (VBEA), presented the association’s budgetary requests as it relates to the 2008/09 Superintendent’s Estimate of Needs.

9.                  Approval of Minutes:

A.                 January 22, 2008 Regular Meeting:  Ms. Smith-Jones made a motion, seconded by Mr. Davidson, that the Board approve the minutes of their January 22, 2008 regular meeting as presented.  The motion was approved (ayes 10, nays 0).

10.              Adoption of the Agenda:  Prior to a motion, Chairman Edwards affirmed the continuation of workshops would be taken up under item 15 and added a closed meeting as item 16 for personnel matters, renumbering the remainder of the agenda accordingly.  Mr. Davidson then made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith-Jones, that the Board adopt the agenda as adjusted.  The motion was approved (ayes 10, nays 0).

11.              Consent Agenda:  Ms. Smith-Jones made a motion, seconded by Mr. Davidson, that the Board approve the Consent Agenda.  The motion was approved (ayes 10, nays 0) and the following items adopted as part of the Consent Agenda: 

A.                 Resolutions:

1.                  African-American History Month as follows:

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH, 2008 RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History has designated February as African American History Month; and

WHEREAS, the achievements and accomplishments of African Americans in the development of the United States are acknowledged as historically significant; and

WHEREAS, today’s school children are fortunate to learn to appreciate the achievements of African Americans and use materials that provide a fuller picture, textured and depended by new African American leaders and themes; and

WHEREAS, African American History Month provides a special opportunity for teachers and schools to celebrate this ongoing process and to focus on the many African Americans whose lives have shaped our common experience; and

WHEREAS, through the study of these contributions, all students may find role models whose participation, commitment, and achievements embody the American spirit and ideals.

Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED:  That the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach officially recognize the month of February 2008 as African American History Month in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools; and be it

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

2.                  National School Counseling Week as follows


 

RESOLUTION

NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK

FEBRUARY 4-8, 2008

WHEREAS, Virginia Beach City Public Schools counselors are employed to help students reach their full potential; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Beach City Public Schools counselors are actively committed to helping students explore  their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Beach City Public Schools counselors help parents focus on ways to further the educational, personal, and social growth of their children; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Beach City Public Schools counselors work with teachers and other educators to help students explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Beach City Public Schools counselors seek to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance and complement comprehensive school counseling programs and help students become productive members of society; and

WHEREAS, comprehensive developmental school counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school.

Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED:  That the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach hereby proclaims February 4-8, 2008, as National School Counseling Week in Virginia Beach City Public Schools; and be it

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

3.                  Honoring the Late Dr. M. Boyd Jones, Former School Board Member:

RESOLUTION HONORING THE LATE DR. M. BOYD JONES, FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

WHEREAS, the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach acknowledges the passing of a dear friend of education – Dr. M. Boyd Jones – on January 19, 2008; and

Whereas, Dr. Jones devoted his life to education, as student, scholar, teacher, principal, advocate, and professor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jones contributed significantly to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools as an appointed member of the School Board from January 1, 1987 to June 30, 1994, where he was elected vice-chairman in September 1990, a post he held through June 30, 1994; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jones served on both the Regional Board and the Foundation Board for the Governor’s Magnet School for the Arts; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jones at the age of 84 visited Moscow as a member of the Education Conference in the Citizen Ambassador Program of  People to People International; and

Whereas, Dr. Jones’s devotion to improving his community and assisting his fellow man was remarkable testimony to the depths of his community involvement and volunteerism; and

Whereas, Dr. Jones’s dedication to life-long learning and record of excellence in educational and community endeavors will long be remembered and appreciated; and

WHEREAS, the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach would like to tangibly and publicly recognize the extraordinary life and record of service of Dr. M. Boyd Jones.

Now, therefore be it

RESOLVED:         That the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach officially honors M. Boyd Jones for his role in improving the lives of countless students and citizens through his contributions to education and public service; and be it

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

B.                 The Board authorized the Chairman to execute the Agreement of Sale for the purchase of property for a new pupil transportation services maintenance facility

C.                 Revisions to the following School Board policies to reflect changes made during a divisionwide reorganization resulting in the Department of Accountability becoming the Department of Research, Evaluation , and Assessment

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