SCHOOL BOARD OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH

MINUTES OF SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 18, 2008

The School Board of the City of Virginia Beach held a regular meeting Tuesday, March 18, 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.

Dr. James G. Merrill, Superintendent

Members ABSENT: Ms. Carolyn D. Weems

1. Convene School Board Informal Meeting:

Chairman Edwards convened the Board in the einstein.lab at 4:42 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Ms. Smith-Jones who Chairman Edwards announced would be late; and Ms. Weems who he announced would be absent from the meeting due to a medical situation.

Prior to the start of the workshop, Chairman Edwards noted there was nothing to report relative to status of the state budget.

2. Workshop:

A. SchoolNet: Mr. Ramesh Kapoor, Chief Information Officer, introduced Mr. Christopher Bruno, Coordinator of Information Services, who presented an overview of the SchoolNet web-based performance management system for teachers, administrators and parents. He explained the program provides secure access to student data in attendance, achievement, and discipline, and includes a parent portal for online access to student information. Ms. Rebecca Compton, SchoolNet representative, demonstrated the programs key features designed specifically for teachers, principals, and parents. Discussion concluded at 5:47 p.m.

The workshop concluded at 5:47 p.m.

3. Closed Meeting: None

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 6:07 p.m. All Board members were present with the exception of Ms. Weems who Chairman Edwards announced was absent due to a medical situation.

6. Student, Employee and Public Awards and Recognition:

A. State Simulated Congressional Hearing Competition Champions – Kemps Landing Magnet School: The School Board recognized Kemps Landing Magnet School’s 8th Grade Team Madison as the Virginia State Champions of the inaugural middle school Simulated Congressional Hearing Competition sponsored by The Center for Civic Education.

B. National Science Bowl State Champions – Kemps Landing Magnet School: The School Board recognized four 8th grade Kemps Landing Magnet School students as the Virginia Science Bowl State Champions in physical, life, earth, and general science categories, as well as mathematics and computer, and who were undefeated throughout the entire competition.

C. Outstanding Attendance – February 2008: The School Board recognized the following schools for having the highest percent of student attendance for the month of February 2008: New Castle Elementary School with 96.94 percent, Kemps Landing Magnet School with 97.12 percent, and Tallwood High School with 94.57 percent.

D. Most Improved Attendance – February 2008: The School Board recognized the following schools for having the highest percent of most improved attendance for February 2008: Lynnhaven Elementary School with 1.05 percent; and Kemps Landing Magnet School with 0.07 percent.

7. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Due to the absence of the individual scheduled to deliver the invocation, Chairman Edwards conducted a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

8. Superintendent’s Report: In addition to recognizing the many awards and accomplishments of students and staff, Superintendent Merrill reported on activities throughout the school division including those related to Youth Art Month, recognition of National Education Association’s Read Across America celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday to encourage reading; the annual Career Connection: Transition to the Future event to assist middle and high school students with their career plans and decisions; National Girls and Women in Sports Day; a contribution of a handicapped-accessible van presented at Tallwood High School by the Noble Teens sponsored by the community’s philanthropic organization, the Noblemen; and the Education Foundation’s “Go Beyond” Capital Campaign. Also recognized were the first recipients of the new Superintendent’s Spotlight Award presented in February to honor individuals nominated by their peers for exemplary contributions to the school division. Additionally, he reported that a library book was returned to First Colonial High School that was due over forty years ago. He also advised the AlertNow rapid communication service piloted in ten schools continues to be reviewed in order to prepare for district-wide implementation in the fall. In conclusion, Superintendent Merrill encouraged Virginia Beach residents to respond to the 2008 Virginia School Census and explained an accurate census count is important because the number of children counted will determine the amount of state sales tax the school division will receive for education.

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

10. Approval of Minutes:

A. March 4, 2008 Regular Meeting: Mr. Stewart made a motion, seconded by Mr. Davidson, that the Board approve the minutes of their March 4, 2008 regular meeting as presented. The motion was approved (ayes 8, nays 0, 2 abstentions – Edmonson and Fissinger due to their absence at the March 4 meeting).

B. March 11, 2008 Special Meeting: Ms. Smith-Jones made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lowe, that the Board approve the minutes of their March 11, 2008 special meeting as presented. The motion was approved (ayes 10, nays 0).

11. Adoption of the Agenda: There being no proposed changes to the published agenda, Ms. Smith-Jones then made a motion, seconded by Mr. Stewart, that the Board adopt the agenda as presented. The motion was approved (ayes 10, nays 0).

12. Consent Agenda: Mr. Davidson made a motion, seconded by Ms. Edmonson, 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. School Library Media Month and National Library Week as follows:

SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA MONTH AND NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, school library media centers function as the information centers of the schools and provide for integrated, interdisciplinary, and school-wide learning activities; and

WHEREAS, school library media programs provide the experience and training necessary to prepare students to become successful and independent users of information and ideas; and

WHEREAS, school library media programs promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading, viewing, and listening for young people of all ages and all levels of development; and

WHEREAS, school library media programs provide resources and learning activities that represent a diversity of experiences, opinions, and social and cultural perspectives, supporting the concept that intellectual freedom and access to information are prerequisites to effective and responsible citizenship in democracy; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Beach City School Board recognizes the vital role that school library media centers play in the educational process; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Beach Public Libraries and Virginia Beach school libraries have formed a unique partnership that provides for the sharing of resources and services to the mutual benefit of all patrons.

Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the Virginia Beach City School Board reconfirm its belief in the value of the school library media program and officially recognize the month of April 2008 as School Library Media Month and the week of April 13-19, 2008, as National Library Week, calling their significance to the attention of all Virginia Beach citizens; and be it

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

2. April is Mathematics in Education Month as follows:

APRIL IS MATHEMATICS EDUCATION MONTH

WHEREAS, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has designated the month of April 2008 as Mathematics Education Month; and

WHEREAS, mathematical literacy is essential for citizens to function effectively in society; and

WHEREAS, mathematics is an essential skill—both in the home and in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, the language and processes of mathematics are basic to all other disciplines; and

WHEREAS, our expanding, technologically-based society demands increased awareness and competence in mathematics; and

WHEREAS, school curricula in mathematics provide the foundation for meeting the above needs.

Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach recognizes the month of April 2008 as Mathematics Education Month in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools; and be it

FUTHER RESOLVED: That the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach encourages all citizens, and especially our children and young adults, to continue mathematics studies and to understand how its application will relate to the occupations of the 21st century; and be it

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

3. Recognition and Appreciation of Volunteers in Education – April as follows:

RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF VOLUNTEERS IN EDUCATION

WHEREAS, volunteering and community service are integral parts of our national life; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Beach City Public School Board supports active community involvement as one of its seven major strategic plan goals; and

WHEREAS, voluntarism mobilizes all the resources of our community; and

WHEREAS, volunteers in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools number approximately 21,585 annually and donate approximately 514,748 hours of service to our school system, valued at more than $9,661,829 and

WHEREAS, volunteers are vital members of the education team who willingly give of their time and talents; and

WHEREAS, April is recognized as National Volunteer Recognition Month:

Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach officially recognize the month of April as Volunteers in Education Appreciation Month; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED: That the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach encourages all school staff to initiate, support and participate in appreciation activities designed to recognize school system volunteers; and be it

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

B. Religious Exemption Case Number RE-07-16

C. The Board approved the school division’s application for continued approval of the waiver for the pre-Labor Day opening requirements for Seatack, Corporate Landing, Plaza, and Point-O-View elementary schools for the 2008-2009 school year

D. Recommendation of General Contractor:

1. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Branham Electric Corporation in the amount of $615,910 for stadium lighting at First Colonial and Kellam High Schools

2. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Branham Electric Corporation in the amount of $91,300 to replace stadium lights at Ocean Lakes High School

3. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Roofing & Restoration, Inc. in the amount of $557,477 for roof replacement at Green Run Elementary School

4. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Master Contractors of Virginia, Inc. in the amount of $189,000 for gymnasium floor replacement at Independence Middle School

5. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with T.R. Driscoll, Inc. in the amount of $769,600 for Phase II roof replacement at the Technical and Career Education Center

6. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Mid-Atlantic Glass in the amount of $688,720 for Phase II window replacement at Bayside High School

E. Monthly Attendance Reports – February 2008

F. Appointments, Resignations and Retirements as presented on the March 18, 2008 personnel report.

13. Action: None

14. Information:

A. Building Utilization Committee Recommendations: As chairman of the Building Utilization Committee, Mr. Donald E. Greer, Demographer/GIS Manager, presented the recommendations of the 2007-08 Building Utilization Committee after its annual review of historical student membership, future student membership projections, building capacity, building utilization data, residential housing data (especially new housing data) and school attendance areas in accordance with School Board Policy 5-14. He commented this is the first time in many decades that there are no elementary schools more than 10 percent over capacity and advised secondary schools are improving, especially high schools, with only two high schools more than 10 percent over capacity. Further noted was the fact that Kellam High School is only 8.4 percent over capacity this year and it is projected by the 2010 school year there should be no high schools over 10 percent capacity. Mr. Greer explained the rationale and recommendation for the five areas identified as follows noting contact had been made with owner/residents in the impacted areas and only positive and supportive comments of the committee’s recommendations were received.

- Area A: Rezone Jonathan’s Cove subdivision currently generating 3 elementary and 3 middle school students from Kempsville High School to Tallwood High School effective with the start of the 2008-09 school year resulting in potential future savings of 2.4 miles per day for transportation regular route and 1.2 miles per day for the activity run

- Area B: Rezone Ocean Pines RV Park currently generating 1 permanent elementary student from Birdneck Elementary School to Corporate Landing Elementary School effective with the start of the 2008-09 school year resulting in potential future savings of 2.4 miles per day for the transportation regular route

- Area C: Rezone Sherwood Lakes currently generating zero students from Princess Anne Elementary School to Three Oaks Elementary School effective with the start of the 2008-09 school year resulting in potential future savings of 2.4 miles per day for the transportation regular route

- Area D: Rezone the Prosperity Road area currently generating 6 elementary students from Virginia Beach Middle School to Corporate Landing Middle School effective with the start of the 2008-09 school year resulting in potential future savings of 3.2 miles per day for the transportation regular route and 1.6 miles per day for the activity run

- Area E: Rezone a portion of the proposed new residential housing development – Renaissance Park – (not yet constructed, preliminary site plans currently under review) on the west side of South Independence Blvd. from Landstown Middle School to Salem Middle School, and from Landstown High School to Salem High School effective with the start of the 2008-09 school year.

B. Interim Financial Statements – February 2008: Prior to responding to questions, Mr. A. Samuel Cohen, Director of Business Services, reported the year- to-date expenditure pattern is looking very well with the exception of pupil transportation which should clear out by year-end; revenues are acceptable though there are still issues with sales tax which he advised, since the printing of the financial statements, the Commonwealth of Virginia had lowered the projection for the district by another $1 million resulting in an anticipated $3.4 million sales tax shortfall. However, he noted, most of the shortfall will be made up from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, he advised federal revenues are coming in well ahead of what was projected. Overall, he projected revenue by year-end should be around the break-even mark and will be taken into account when the mid-year review is conducted.

15. Committee Reports: Ms. Davis reported on sessions she attended at the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) 63rd Annual Conference where the theme was teaching the whole child.

On behalf of the Legislative Committee, Mr. Lowe reported action required to implement decisions of the General Assembly and the Governor have not yet been clarified and it is hoped more detail will be available to report at the Board’s next meeting.

Mr. Stewart advised a written report on the WHRO Advisory Committee meeting held earlier in the day will be provided and reported many new initiatives are in the works. Superintendent Merrill commented this is a result of Virginia Beach advocating for more virtual high school and online courses.

Ms. Bellitto reported the Site Selection Committee met March 14 and the only issue to discuss is options for a replacement site for Kellam High School.

16. Workshop (continued as needed): None

17. Vote on Remaining Action Items: None

18. Adjournment: There being no further business before the Board, Chairman Edwards adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Approved: Dianne P. Alexander, Clerk of the Board

1. Convene School Board Informal Meeting:

2. Workshop:

The workshop concluded at 5:47 p.m.

3. Closed Meeting: None

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

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

6. Student, Employee and Public Awards and Recognition:

7. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Due to the absence of the individual scheduled to deliver the invocation, Chairman Edwards conducted a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

10. Approval of Minutes:

11. Adoption of the Agenda: There being no proposed changes to the published agenda, Ms. Smith-Jones then made a motion, seconded by Mr. Stewart, that the Board adopt the agenda as presented. The motion was approved (ayes 10, nays 0).

12. Consent Agenda: Mr. Davidson made a motion, seconded by Ms. Edmonson, 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. School Library Media Month and National Library Week as follows:

2. April is Mathematics in Education Month as follows:

3. Recognition and Appreciation of Volunteers in Education – April as follows:

B. Religious Exemption Case Number RE-07-16

C. The Board approved the school division’s application for continued approval of the waiver for the pre-Labor Day opening requirements for Seatack, Corporate Landing, Plaza, and Point-O-View elementary schools for the 2008-2009 school year

D. Recommendation of General Contractor:

1. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Branham Electric Corporation in the amount of $615,910 for stadium lighting at First Colonial and Kellam High Schools

2. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Branham Electric Corporation in the amount of $91,300 to replace stadium lights at Ocean Lakes High School

3. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Roofing & Restoration, Inc. in the amount of $557,477 for roof replacement at Green Run Elementary School

4. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Master Contractors of Virginia, Inc. in the amount of $189,000 for gymnasium floor replacement at Independence Middle School

5. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with T.R. Driscoll, Inc. in the amount of $769,600 for Phase II roof replacement at the Technical and Career Education Center

6. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute a contract with Mid-Atlantic Glass in the amount of $688,720 for Phase II window replacement at Bayside High School

E. Monthly Attendance Reports – February 2008

F. Appointments, Resignations and Retirements as presented on the March 18, 2008 personnel report.

13. Action: None

14. Information:

15. Committee Reports: Ms. Davis reported on sessions she attended at the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) 63rd Annual Conference where the theme was teaching the whole child.

16. Workshop (continued as needed): None

17. Vote on Remaining Action Items: None

18. Adjournment: There being no further business before the Board, Chairman Edwards adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m.

Daniel D. Edwards, Chairman