SCHOOL BOARD OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH

MINUTES OF SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING

OCTOBER 2, 2007

 

The School Board of the City of Virginia Beach held a regular meeting Tuesday, October 2, 2007 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 4:04 p.m.  All Board members were present with the exception of Ms. Bellitto who arrived at 4:19 p.m.      

2.                  Workshop #1:

A.        FY07 Reversion Funds Resolution:  Mr. Farrell E. Hanzaker, Chief Financial Officer, presented an overview of the resolution itemizing the recommended uses of the $14,690,129 from fiscal year 2006-2007 reversion funds, revenue actual over budget and debt service budget over actual funds.  Recommendations included funding for various instructional materials and other purposes, Standards of Learning (SOL) support allocations, school equipment allocations, bus replacements and other vehicles and equipment, equipment and vehicles for School Landscape Services, custodial equipment, safe schools communication equipment and supplies, various technology and School Plant projects, Kellam High School pre-construction, and school equipment replacement special revenue fund.  Additionally, Mr. Hanzaker reviewed status of the Priority Needs Plan listed in the Board approved budget document.  Discussion concluded at 4:37 p.m.

B.         Board Communications Goal:  The Board discussed key elements, expectations and desired outcomes of the Communications Goal 6 designed to develop a systemic approach focused on increasing resources, garnering community support, and improving student achievement for the school division. Ms. Kathleen E. O’Hara, Assistant Superintendent for Media and Communications Development, facilitated discussion on the Board’s desired outcomes, key elements of the advocacy plan, how the Board feels it can best serve as advocates, and determine training needs.  Board suggestions included the ability to articulate to the public the impact (cause and effect) on students and education; talking points created for Board members to use when addressing the public; create palm cards (fact/brag sheet) promoting the school division; determine ways to inspire the public about education and its importance; bring about awareness of the public’s return on their investment; productive school visits by Board members; presentation training for Board members; provide an inventory of school programs, resources and materials; hold public forums; generate a community understanding and invite them to get involved and know their importance to the division’s success; engage non-parents as well; use of information kiosks; discover ways to inspire the people about education and its importance; and recognize each Board member’s passion and use it to the Board’s advantage.  Discussion concluded at 5:22 p.m.

3.                  Closed Meeting:  None

4.                  Hearing of Citizens and Delegations on Non-Agenda Items:

The following citizens and delegations addressed the Board regarding the academic performance of African-American students:  Betty Parker-McCullough, Ronald Taylor (Interdenominational Ministry), Lois Williams (former School Board Member), Jeff Bates, Dr. A.D. Moore (Mount Bethel Baptist Church), Andrew Jackson, and Carols Howard (Hampton Roads Leadership Council).

Upon conclusion of the hearing, Chairman Edwards commented on the Board’s efforts over recent years to address what is considered a systemic, national problem which is being tracked nationally as well as locally.  He thanked speakers for their input and expressed the desire for further engagement as the Board moves forward in developing strategies to achieve its goal. 

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

Chairman Edwards called the formal meeting to order in the School Board Room at 6:25 p.m.  All Board members were present.

6.                  Student, Employee and Public Awards and Recognition: 

A.                 National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame Inductee:  The School Board recognized Leo Anthony, starting his 21st season as coach at First Colonial High School, for being inducted into the 2007 National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

B.                 National Network of Partnership Schools 2007 Partnership District Award:  The School Board recognized Virginia Beach City Public Schools for receiving the 2007 Partnership District Award from the National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS).

7.                  Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance:  Reverend Clayton Ritter of WAVE Church gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

9.                  Approval of Minutes:

A.        September 18, 2007 Regular Meeting:  Mr. Stewart made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith-Jones, that the Board approve the minutes of their September 18, 2007 regular meeting as presented.  The motion was approved (ayes 10, nays 0, 1 abstention - Davidson).  Mr. Davidson announced his abstention was due to his absence at the September 18 Board meeting.

10.              Adoption of the Agenda:   There being no proposed changes to the published agenda, Ms. Smith-Jones made a motion, seconded by Mr. Davidson, that the Board adopt the agenda as presented.  The motion was unanimously approved.

11.              Consent Agenda:  Mr. Lowe made a motion, seconded by Mr. Stewart, that the Board approve the Consent Agenda.  The motion was unanimously approved and the following items adopted as part of the Consent Agenda:

A.                 Recommendations from the fall 2007 Point O’View Elementary Year-Round School Year-Three Program Evaluation as well as Administration’s Recommendations as follows:

PROGRAM EVALUATION RECOMMENDATIONS

ADMINISTRATION’S RECOMMENDATIONS

1.        Continue the year-round school program at Point O’View Elementary School.

2.        Continue to monitor students’ performance and implement strategies for improving performance, particularly young African-American students and students with disabilities.  Strategies specific to grade three English and grade five science should also be implemented and targeted to all students.

3.        Increase the percentage of the school population being referred for remediation during the fall and winter intersessions in an effort to provide intervention earlier in the school year.

4.        Continue to market the YRS program at Point O’View with the goal of achieving a balance between the number of students opting-in and opting-out of the program.

·   The administration concurs with all of the program evaluation recommendations as proposed.

·   In addition, the administration will continue to monitor the enrollment and achievement of students at Point O’View.  An update and recommendation regarding continuation of the program will be provided to the School Board in September 2008.

·   The administration will also identify key measures to assess and report the progress of all year-round schools currently operating in Virginia Beach City Public Schools.  A report, along with recommendations, will be presented to the School Board in September 2008.

B.                 The School Board accepted the final Long Range Facilities Master Plan which includes the following recommendations made by the Facility Master Plan Steering Committee: 

1.   The Facility Master Planning Steering Committee recognizes the outstanding efforts of Virginia Beach City Public Schools in addressing the improvement of school facilities through Project Renovate

2.   Projects to be included in the Long Range Master Plan

Elementary Schools

Middle Schools

High Schools

Ø Alanton

Ø Bettie F. Williams

Ø College Park

Ø John B. Dey

Ø Fairfield

Ø Green Run

Ø Holland

Ø Indian Lakes

Ø King’s Grant

Ø Kingston

Ø North Landing

Ø Old Donation

Ø Plaza

Ø Point O’View

Ø Princess Anne

Ø Thoroughgood

Ø White Oaks

Ø Bayside

Ø Independence

Ø Kemps Landing Magnet

Ø Kempsville

Ø Lynnhaven

Ø Plaza

Ø Princess Anne

Ø Bayside

Ø First Colonial

Ø Kellam

Ø Kempsville

Ø Princess Anne

Ø Technical & Career Education Center


3.   Prioritization of Projects

PHASE I

PHASE II

PHASE III

PHASE IV

1.  Kellam HS

2.  Princess Anne MS

3.  College Park ES

4.  John B. Dey ES

5.  Princess Anne HS

6.  Thoroughgood ES

7.  Old Donation Center

8.  Kemps Landing Magnet

9.  Plaza ES

10.  Kempsville HS

11.  Kempsville MS

12.  Bettie F. Williams ES

13.  Princess Anne ES

14.  First Colonial HS

15.  King’s Grant ES

16.  Plaza MS

17.  North Landing ES

18.  Bayside HS

19.  Lynnhaven MS

20.  Green Run ES

21.  Independence MS

22.  Fairfield ES

23.  Kingston ES

24.  Bayside MS

25.  Alanton ES

26.  Technical & Career Education Center

27.  Holland ES

28.  Point O’View ES

29.  White Oaks ES

30.  Indian Lakes ES

4.   School facilities not recommended for modernization, renovation, or full replacement continue to be properly maintained and kept in proper working order through on-going maintenance and component replacement

5.      Development of a Swing Space plan during the renovation or construction of school projects

6.      Development of elementary, middle, and high school educational specifications to guide the renovation, replacement, and construction of new schools

7.      Continue to annually review building capacities specific to each grade level facility

8.      Projects be accomplished in a timely manner

9.      Explore the development of shared facilities between schools of different grade levels as a means to reduce overall facility costs

10.  Consider reducing the number of elementary schools and the number of portables

11.  Develop the internal capacity and authorize the professional services needed to implement this plan

12.  Continue to adjust attendance boundaries to continue to balance enrollments and optimize the efficiencies of operations

13.  Update this plan every five years

14.  Continuously involve the community in the review and implementation of recommendations

C.        Appointments, Resignations and Retirements as presented on the October 2, 2007 Personnel Report.  In addition, Superintendent Merrill announced, and the Board affirmed, Administration’s recommendation to appoint Christopher P. Bruno as Coordinator of Information Services in the Department of Technology.

12.              Action:  None

13.              Information: 

A.        Evaluation of the Extended-Day Kindergarten Program Expansion to Non-Title I Schools:  Dr. Jared A. Cotton, Assistant Superintendent for Accountability, and Dr. Heidi L. Janicki, Assessment Specialist, presented to the Board for information an executive summary of the findings and recommendations, including administration’s recommendations, of the evaluation of the extended-day kindergarten program expansion at the non-Title I schools, and responded to Board members’ questions.

B.         Summer School Report:  Dr. Ann C. Shufflebarger, Remediation Coordinator in the Office of Elementary Instructional Services, in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, presented to the Board for information the Summer School Report for 2007 including the remediation, tuition-based, and enrichment programs offered for students.

C.        FY07 Reversion Funds Resolution:  Mr. Farrell E. Hanzaker, Chief Financial Officer, presented the proposed resolution discussed in the preceding workshop regarding FY2006-07 reversion, revenue actual over budget and debt service budget over actual funds noting this year, as opposed to years past, projected revenues came in at less than projected, while debt service figures provided by the City came in as a positive figure all resulting in reversion funds totaling $14,690,129.  He briefly summarized recommendations for use of the funds and reported 7 items of the 16 item list of $14.9 million Priority of Needs included in the Board’s budget had been either fully or partially funded through the proposed recommendation as well as through previously approved transfers.  He further explained remaining items on the list did not meet the criteria for which the division can expend reversion funds.  Following discussion, there being no objection, the Board agreed to take action on the resolution under Item 16 – Vote on Remaining Action Items.

D.        Literary Fund Financing for Capital Improvement Program (CIP):  Mr. A. Samuel Cohen, Director of Business Services, presented a proposed resolution authorizing submission of the Application of Loan from the Literary Fund of Virginia in the amount of $7,500,000 for Virginia Beach Middle School to be satisfied through 20 annual principal payments of $375,000 with interest on the unpaid balance at 3% per annum, in lieu of the issuance of $7,500,000 in charter bonds that are currently at a higher interest rate.  He explained once the Board of Education reviews and approves the request, it is placed on a prioritized waiting list and it may take a while for the funds to be received. Following discussion, there being no objection, the Board agreed to take action on the resolution under Item 16 – Vote on Remaining Action Items.

14.       Committee Reports:   Ms. Smith-Jones presented a summary report on the Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) Conference she and Ms. Edmonson attended in Georgia, September 27-30, and advised of training CUBE provides for urban schools of education.  Topics discussed at the conference included governance and training, assessing Boards’ preparedness, Board monitoring systems, and governing in difficult times.  Chairman Edwards suggested educational resources mentioned be considered by the Board training ad hoc committee.   

16.       Vote on Remaining Action Items:   Ms. Smith-Jones made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lowe, that the Board adopt the resolution regarding FY2006-07 Reversion, Revenue Actual Over Budget, and Debt Service Budget Over Actual Funds.  The motion was unanimously approved and the resolution adopted as follows:

RESOLUTION REGARDING FY 2006-07 REVERSION, REVENUE ACTUAL OVER BUDGET, AND DEBT SERVICE BUDGET OVER ACTUAL FUNDS

WHEREAS, On September 18, 2007 the School Board was presented with a summary of the unaudited financial statement for FY 2006-07 on the additional revenue and expenditure savings resulting in a reversion to the City’s General Fund; and

WHEREAS, the Revenue Sharing Policy provides for the application of the formula to any actual revenues in excess of budgeted revenues and any debt service budgeted expenditures in excess of actual expenditures, and

WHEREAS, the Administration recommends the following uses for the $14,690,129 available:

·         $ 1,700,000 to Fund 115-School Operating Budget, Instructional category, for various instructional materials and other purposes

·         $ 1,500,000 to Fund 115-School Operating Fund Budget, Instructional category, for school SOL support allocations

·         $ 1,000,000 to Fund 115-School Operating Fund Budget, Instructional category, for school equipment allocations

·         $ 1,511,500 to Fund 115-School Operating Fund Budget, Transportation category, for bus replacements and other vehicles and equipment

·         $ 282,000 to Fund 115-School Operating Budget, Operations and Maintenance category, for equipment and vehicles for School Landscape Services

·         $ 100,000 to Fund 115-School Operating Fund Budget, Operations and Maintenance category, for custodial equipment

·         $ 84,500 to Fund 115-School Operating Fund Budget, Operations and Maintenance category, for safe schools communication equipment and supplies

·         $ 3,600,000 to CIP 1-196 for various technology projects

·         $ 2,000,000 to CIP 1-211 for various School Plant projects

·         $ 850,000 CIP 1-104 Reno & Repl -  Reroofing Ph ll

·         $ 1,000,000 CIP 1-103 Reno & Repl - HVAC Ph ll

·         $ 150,000 CIP for developing high school Ed. Specs

·         $ 912,129 to Fund 107-School Equipment Replacement Special Revenue Fund

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED:  That the Board approves the recommended uses of the FY 2006-07 Reversion, Revenue Actual Over Budget, and Debt Service Budget Over Actual funds as presented by the Administration; and be it further

RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be spread across the official minutes of this Board, and the Clerk of the Board is directed to deliver a copy of this resolution to the Mayor, each member of City Council, the City Manager, and the City Clerk.

Ms. Smith-Jones made a motion, seconded by Mr. Stewart, that the Board approve the resolution approving the application for a literary loan for Virginia Beach Middle School.  The motion was unanimously approved and the resolution adopted as follows:

RESOLUTION

APPROVING APPLICATION FOR A LITERARY LOAN

FOR VIRGINIA BEACH MIDDLE SCHOOL

WHEREAS, the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia and the City Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia have determined that the School Board has an immediate need to implement certain school capital projects including the acquisition, renovation and construction and equipping of improvements to and new facilities for Virginia Beach Middle School for school purposes (collectively the “Project”) and the School Board will make application to the Literary Fund of the Commonwealth of Virginia for a Literary Loan (the “Literary Loan”) relating to the Project in the total aggregated amount of $7,500,000.00 or to other wise cooperate with the City to obtain long-term financing of the Project; and

WHEREAS, the School Board has embarked upon the construction of a new Virginia Beach Middle School and the renovation or replacement of related facilities to replace the aging existing building and facilities located at 600 25th Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451; and

WHEREAS, the $52,578,823.00 Project requires monies to pay for the needed construction project that the City must borrow long term; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth’s Literary Loan Fund is a source needed to assist the City in funding the $52,578,823.00 construction Project; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the School Board hereby approves the submission of a $7,500,000.00 application for Literary Loan Funds as part of the necessary funding for the Virginia Beach Middle School construction project and authorizes the Superintendent or his designee to take other actions as necessary to obtain the Literary Loan.

FURTHER RESOLVED:  That a copy of this resolution be spread across the official minutes of this Board, and the Clerk of the Board is directed to deliver a copy of this resolution to the Mayor, each member of the City Council, the City Manager, and the City Clerk.

  The Board recessed at 7:45 p.m. to reconvene in Room 113 in workshop format at 7:54 p.m.

15.       Workshop #2:  SAT Results & Strategies :   

Dr. Jared A. Cotton, Assistant Superintendent for Accountability, and Dr. Hope E. White, Assessment Specialist, presented results from the analysis of the 2006-2007 SAT test scores including comparisons by characteristics/ethnicity, participation rates and performance rates compared to the state and nation.  A target of the fall of 2010 was set for the school division to meet or exceed the state average on all sections of the SAT while maintaining or increasing the SAT participation rate and maintaining or increasing performance on SOL tests.  Dr. Christine W. Caskey, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Dr. Joseph Burnsworth, Director of Secondary Instructional Services, presented strategies and initiatives for students and teachers at the high schools and middle schools to improve SAT scores.

17.       Adjournment:  There being no further business before the Board, Chairman Edwards adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                       

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                    Dianne P. Alexander, Clerk of the Board Approved:</