SPARTANBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO



SPARTANBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 7

Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Spartanburg High School, Atrium

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

6:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Rick Gray, Chair

Mrs. Laura Bauknight, Vice-Chair

Mr. Vernon Beatty

Mr. Andy Hayes

Mr. Sanders Lee

Mrs. Julie Lonon

Ms. Sharon Porter

Dr. Ernest White

MEMBER(S) ABSENT: Mr. Andy Oberg

NOTICE TO MEDIA: In accordance with the S.C. Code of Laws, 1976, Section 30-4-80, as amended, the following were notified of the time, date, place and agenda of this meeting: THE SPARTANBURG HERALD/JOURNAL, WSPA, WYFF

I. CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Gray called the meeting to order. The Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were given by Mrs. Laura Bauknight.

II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Mrs. Lonon to approve the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Bauknight. All were in favor of the motion. The motion passed.

III. GOOD NEWS: Jasmine Sims, 7th grader at Carver Middle School was recognized for winning the District 7 Spelling Bee. She competed with students all across the district. Jasmine also recently represented the district along with school winners at the Region Spelling Bee. During the regional competition, Amajyah Reeder, 4th grader at Mary H Wright, was honored for making it to the final round. Five students received I Am an Achiever Awards: Tristan Harrill, Wyland Massey, Zaria Weeks, MarQuese Henderson, and Brandi Wylie. Layton Ward was honored for placing in the Top 10 in the Middle School category in the Atlantic Institute’s Art contest. Layton entered on the theme of “Kindness Without Borders: Open Eyes, Open Hearts in our Global Village.” Four students at SHS were honored for receiving a prestigious Scholastic Art Award: Shamika Nesbitt, Grayson Schmitt, Jillian Hoffman, and Casey Anderson. March was Music in Schools Month and to celebrate the district recognized the accomplishments of our choirs, orchestras, and band programs. 13 District 7 students and their teachers participated in the SC Elementary Honors Chorus. The students included: Aliah McKennedy, Lydia Newton, Jackson Phillips, Caroline Shaw, Mattilyn Gilliam, Ah'Leeyah Mathis, Madison McJimpsey, Aidan Atance, Anna Becknell, Lillian Byers, Laney Voyles, Gracie Wood, and Ian Wright. Members of the SHS choir recently traveled to Columbia to audition for All-State Chorus. This year 29 students were accepted, which makes SHS fourth in the state regarding the number of students making All-State. Congratulations went out to these students: Casey Anderson, Aaron Cauthen, Bryson Coleman, Holly Deal, Lauren Dixon, Kara Dowling, Christopher Durham, Jack Ellis, Audrey Ellis, Harlem Farr, Kezman Gilliam, Jayah Gist-Hilton, Perrin Hines, Jillian Hoffman, Isaiah Jordan,Emma Kendrick, Amanda Kenekham, Robert Lefebvre, Sam Mathis (Sam, out of 1,800 students , received the highest score in the state), Taylor Moody, Xavier Parks, Taylor Perry, Alexander Poole, Anthony Ravan, Mary Ryan, Skyler Sorrells, Mary Thalassinos, Dara Thompson, and Ronald Yates. Band students in grades 6- 12 auditioned for Region I Honor Band. This year 32 students were accepted. Congratulations went to these students: Chyre Bates, Bennet, Trejour Dawkins, Katie Edge, Daunye Ezell, Victor Fleifel, Ethan Hoffer, Meg Huff, Jeremiah Hughes, Samuel Jameson, Charles Jeffers, Isaiah Jordan, Amanda Kenekham, Michael Krell, Brett Lipscomb, Jada Mack, Jonas McAninch, Rachel Moore, Shakeria Nickson, Taylor Perry, Susie Stephens, Kierra Walker, Drew Whelchel, Katie Winch, Chad Frost, Emma Hardin-Parker, Jhelani Jordan, Nathan Jones, Will Lawton, Ellie Vensel, Alex Weygandt, and Zariah Valentine. Six band students were honored for being selected to All-State: Chase Cunningham, Ethan Durham, Christian Flores, Jordan Yates, Chantel Aguirre, and Andy Bogan. Orchetra students in grades 6- 12 auditioned for Region I Orchestra. This year 32 students were accepted. Congratulations went to these students: Sophia Barry, Raven Blackmon, Molly Cribb, Daryl Cunningham, Christopher Durham, Harlem Farr, Aniston Hoffman, Brandon Jeter, Ismet Zavala Lacunza, Max Lefebvre, Luke Martin, Seth Mathis, Simon Patel, Emilie Parsons, Ellen Rieth, Jay Stevens, Tamera Sullivan, Sheren Sumagui, Libby Tavel, Margaret Tebbe, Elly Tipton, Dara Thompson, Markia Young, Natalie Acevedo, Jalen Byrd, Ballie Cooksey, Sarah Cribb, Ilan Falcon, Savion Fullenwinder, Tommy Shealy, Aliah Shuford, Jack Thorp, Carter Tipton, and Sharon George. Five orchestra students were accepted into the prestigious All-State Orchestra: Christopher Durham, Emilie Parsons, Simon Patel (earned 1st chair concertmaster), Tamera Sullivan, and Jalen Byrd.

IV. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS: There were no citizen comments.

V. ACTION ITEMS:

A. Consent Agenda: A motion was made by Dr. White to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Mrs. Bauknight. All were in favor of the motion. The motion passed.

B. Approval of Cleveland Academy of Leadership Professional Staff Re-Employment for 2015-2016: A motion was made by Mrs. Lonon to approve the Cleveland Academy of Leadership Professional Staff Re-Employment for 2015-2016, seconded by Mr. Lee. All were in favor of the motion. The motion passed.

C. Approval Professional Staff Re-Employment for 2015-2016: A motion was made by Mrs. Bauknight to approve the Professional Staff Re-Employment for 2015-2016, seconded by Dr. White. All were in favor of the motion. The motion passed.

VI. Reports from Administration

Instruction: Dr. Terry Pruitt, Deputy Superintendent, noted that registration was underway for 4K and 5K students with a goal to register most students by March 10, 2015. Dr. Pruitt shared with the board that the new state assessment for grades 3 – 8 would be the ACT Aspire in English language arts and math, and that students in grades 3 – 8 would continue to take the PASS in social studies and science. He noted however, in grades 3 – 8 districts were encouraged to also take the ACT Aspire science assessment, so District 7 would be participating in that assessment as well. All 11th graders, he noted, would take the ACT and ACT WorkKeys. He concluded his report by mentioning that the Viking Early College had started to take applications for their third cohort of students.

Personnel & Student Services: Dr. Carlotta Redish, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Student Services, provided for information the monthly staffing report.

Communications: Ms. Sally Hammond, Chief Communications Officer, provided a copy of the communication’s overview and media report along with a list of pertinent dates for the month.

Planning & Operations: Dr. Thomas White, Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Operations, provided an update on the ongoing capital projects. He noted Duncan Park was substantially complete. He noted, the Viking vendor store, Viking Unlimited, was near completion and that a final date of inspection would be set soon from the Office of School Facilities. Dr. White shared that the upgrades to the SHS Atrium in conjunction with the store were progressing; the painting was complete and carpeting and furnishings had been ordered. He shared that the area once referred to as the “Senior Lounge.” was scheduled for completion and occupancy on April 13, 2015, which would be the Monday following spring break. Concerning the Playground Phase II at Pine Street, Dr. White shared that the Office of School Facilities and the City of Spartanburg Public Safety had given approval to the district’s design for the Fire Road at Pine Street Elementary and that the design for site improvements and Phase II of the playground were in the final stages. He noted Phase II was scheduled for this summer and should be completed before school begins in August 2015. Dr. White informed the board that the playground at ELC was complete and that a dedication and celebration was planned for 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, 2015.

Financial Report: Mrs. Missy Campbell, Chief Financial Officer enclosed the financial report for December 2014. Comparing December 2013 year-to-date activity to December 2014 the district’s revenue and expenditures were within target ranges and consistent with percentages from prior year. Ms. Campbell noted administration would learn more about local revenue projections, as we got closer to March 15th, which is the deadline for current property tax collections. She stated it was hard to gage how revenue estimates materialized until after the March 15th deadline.

In addition, she noted, she received notification that EFA Base Student Cost (BSC) had been capped at the 45th day. The reason, she said, for the “cap” is that state weighted pupil units (which is a component of the EFA distribution formula) grew at an amount higher than state officials projected. This “cap” really equates to a cut this is estimated to cost District 7 approximately $250,000. Historically 45th day ADM is higher than the 135th day ADM, which is the final funding benchmark. So, the amount of the cut could be reduced after the 135th day. Either way, Ms. Campbell concluded, the district’s tax collections look good and could be used to offset reductions in EFA funding.

VII. Superintendent’s Report:

District Collaborative: Dr. Booker provided information to the board about District Seven work in conjunction with Lexington One, Richland Two, and Horry County in an effort to design a comprehensive system centered around teacher evaluation, student assessment, standards, and internal/external accountabilty. He noted all of these school districts were part of the League of Innovative Schools. Dr. Booker noted this partnership would require a lot of diligent work but it too in turn had the potential to be a model for South Carolina.

Legislative & Budget Update: Dr. Booker shared that The House Ways and Means Committee had wrapped up its work and reported out the state spending plan for fiscal year 2015-2016. He noted for K-12 public schools, the plan included about $171 million in new money. This new money has been set aside to increase the base student cost by $100 per student from $2,120 to $2220, and to expand reading programs and improve technology.

State Ethics Commission Filing: Dr. Booker mentioned as a reminder, it was time to file the 2015 Statement of Economic Interests Report with the Ethics Commission.

Redistricting Update: Dr. Booker shared that he was awaiting a response from the legislative delegation regarding next steps, and that no other proposals had been brought forth at this point. Information, he said, was still posted on the website in an effort to receive public input.

Transatlantic Conference to Germany: Dr. Booker shared with the board that he had been asked by State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman to participate in the 9th Transatlantic Conference scheduled for March 6 – March 13 in Mainz, Germany. As a part of the delegation, Dr. Booker said he would be presenting on the topic of “Student Exchange Programs and School Partnerships in High School” with their Minister of Education.

State of the District: Dr. Booker said plans were underway for the fourth annual State of the District. The presentation would take place on Friday, April 17. This, he noted, was a shift from the past March date. He said moving the meeting to April would allow administration to make adjustments he felt would be beneficial to the presentation.

Inclement Weather Closings/Delays: Dr. Booker said the district designated three make-up days: this year, February 16, March 13, and June 1 and to date, February 17, 18, 24 and 26 were missed due to road conditions. Since the first designated make-up date was before an inclement weather day, March 13 would be the first make-up day. Dr. Booked noted, then, June 1 would be the other designated make-up day on this year's calendar. At this point, he expects we will have to add days to the end of the school year; however, the specifics would likely be subject to change due to state-sanctioned discretion in fulfilling the 180-day requirement. Dr. Booker further noted the district would not use Spring Break, Saturdays, or extended hours to recover instructional days.

Visioning Day: Dr. Booker said due to the school closings on February 17, the Visioning Day had been rescheduled for March 17, 2015. The meeting would take place at Converse College beginning at 8:00 am and ending at noon. He invited all the board members to attend.

AASA and ERDI: Dr. Booker thanked the board for allowing him to spend the week of February 23-27 in Newport Beach and San Diego, California for the Educational Research Development Institute and the American Association of School Administrators Conference. He noted that his time at ERDI was spent with select superintendents from around the nation, and he was humbled to represent South Carolina at AASA during the Superintendent of the Year recognition program.

Presentation: Dr. Booker provided a presentation to the board highlighting transitions in testing and assessments in South Carolina, changes based on new leadership in Columbia, the Profile of the SC graduate, and ending with a look back over the last 5 years in District Seven. Dr. Booker noted with the adoption of the Profile of the SC Graduate a unified effort to transform South Carolina’s public education system was finally aligned to a common goal. He noted educators and businesses had rallied around the new Profile, based on knowledge, skills, and life as a framework all South Carolinians could embrace. Dr. Booker believes this is a real game changer as it will allow all sectors to speak a common language, around the common goal of unifying expectations of our students’ future. Dr. Booker talked about the many accolades and opportunities that had come about since the restricting in the district – extended learning time, early childhood programs and early college programs, Seven Ignites, the excellent report card rating, a state championship, the high school with a continual strong hold on national lists for academic excellence, and the Northside Initiative, just to name a few.

VIII. Chairman’s Report:

Update on SCSBA Annual Conference: Chairman Rick Gray thanked board members - Vernon Beatty, Julie Lonon, and Ernest White - for joining him at the SCSBA Annual Convention in February. He also thanked Dr. Booker, Dr. Pruitt, Dr. John Moody and Lisa Cunningham for their attendance, and extended a very special thank you to The Corporation from Spartanburg High School for the exceptional job they did opening the 2nd General Session.

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 7:30 p.m. a motion was made by Mr. Beatty to go into Executive Session for a personnel matter, seconded by Dr. White. All were in favor of the motion. The motion passed.

OPEN SESSION: At approximately 8:30 p.m. a motion was made by Mrs. Lonon to return to Open Session, seconded by Dr. White. All were in favor of the motion. The motion passed.

X. ACTION ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION: There was not action taken.

XI. ADJOURNMENT: At approximately 8:30 p.m. a motion was made by Mrs. Bauknight to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Lee. All were in favor of the motion. The motion passed

____________________________ ______________________________

SUPERINTENDENT CHAIR

______________________________ _______________________________

SECRETARY MINUTES APPROVED

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