MINUTES OF THE GADSDEN CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET HEARING #2 AND REGULAR MEETING DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2017 The Gadsden City Board of Education met on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at 5:00 P.M. at the Gadsden City High School Library for Budget Hearing #2 and the regular meeting. Board members present: President Deborah Howard, Vice President Wayne Watts, Kelly Cochran, Frank Cylar, Mike Haney, Z. Andre Huff and Nancy Stewart. Dr. Ed Miller, Superintendent and Secretary of the Board, and Attorney Cleo Thomas were also in attendance. President Howard called the meeting to order, and Dr. Wayne Watts opened the meeting with prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Approval of Board Agenda Mrs. Nancy Stewart motioned to approve the agenda for the board meeting. Mrs. Kelly Cochran seconded the motion. The board voted to approve the agenda. Ms. Deborah Howard and Dr. Wayne Watts abstained. STUDENT ENROLLMENT REPORTS Superintendent Miller reported on the enrollment count for August 22, 2017. The overall enrollment is 5201, which is up by 49 students. The elementary enrollment is 2615 students, which is up by 3 students. The middle school enrollment is 1057 students, which is up by 17 students. The enrollment for the high school is 1529, which is up by 29 students. CAPITAL PLAN Dr. Miller reported the Capital Plan for the Gadsden City Schools. The plan included renovation projects, roof replacements, and HVAC units for various schools in the system. The report included the amount budgeted for each school the funding source and year of completion. President Howard asked that before the board enter into executive session she have a moment to state that each of the board members extend professional courtesy to one another. Ms. Howard stated that even when we do not agree with each other on issues, there is still a concept on professional courtesy. She reminded everyone that the mission was to do what was best for the students and even thought we do not agree, we can agree to disagree. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Superintendent recommended that the Board go into executive session to review matters relating to the reputation, character, and professional competence of certain individuals and pending legal matters. Mrs. Nancy Stewart made the motion to go into executive and a second by Mr. Z. Andre Huff. Motion was approved. MINUTES OF MEETING BOARD ACTION President Howard asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on August 1, 2017. Motion was made by Mrs. Kelly Cochran and seconded by Mrs. Nancy Stewart to approve the minutes. Motion passed. Ms. Deborah Howard, Dr. Wayne Watts and Mr. Frank Cylar abstained.
PERSONNEL ACTION The Superintendent recommended that the following personnel actions be approved: PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS Under Alabama law all new employees are subject to a criminal background check, and all employment recommendations are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background report. RETIRING Retiring: Jennifer W. Robinson w/f Emma Sansom Middle School 10/01/2017 6 th Grade Social Studies Larry Craig Shoemaker w/m Gadsden City High School/Alternative School 11/01/2017 Special Eduction Teacher Tracie Lynn Wiggs wf Floyd Elementary School 09/01/2017 Custodian RESIGNING Resigning: Delsia Malone b/f Striplin Elementary School 08/15/2017 Principal Eric Bryant w/m Gadsden City High School 08/18/2017 History Teacher Kari Britt Owens w/f Systemwide 07/31/2017 Social Worker Christina B. White b/f Litchfield Middle School 08/16/2017 Special Education Teacher Jennifer A. Holthof w/f Adams Elementary School 08/25/22017 Title I Intervention Aide Lesa D. Jacobs w/f Gadsden City High School 08/02/2017 DECLINED POSITION Declined Position: Kelly Ward w/f Systemwide (Mitchell Elementary School) 08/03/2017 LPN (nurse) Position FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE Family Medical Leave of Absence: Sabrina G. Chumley w/f Gadsden City High School 05/01/2017 thru 09/29/2017 CNP Manager Stephanie Dawn Swindall w/f Gadsden City High School 08/22/2017 thru 10/31/2017 REEMPLOYMENT Reemployment: Wesley N. Reid w/m Litchfield Middle School 08/07/2017 Social Studies Teacher TRANSFERS Transfers: From To Alicia Harrell b/f Emma Sansom Middle Gadsden City High 08/14/2017 Social Studies Teacher Social Science Teacher Justin F. Evans w/m Gadsden City High Emma Sansom Middle 08/14/2017 Social Science Teacher Social Studies Teacher NEW PERSONNEL New Employee: Holly Lynn Hudson w/f Donehoo Elementary School 08/15/2017 (1 st Semester only) Elementary Teacher (1 st semester only) Class B, Elementary Major: Elementary Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mr. Baeza Ashlin D. Cole w/f Gadsden Middle School 08/07/2017 (one year only) Special Education Teacher (one year leave position, only) Class A, Collaborative Special Education Majors: Collaborative Special Education, Health Education Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mrs. Maness, Mr. Gulledge
Miranda Kay Tyler w/f Adams Elementary School 08/03/2017 thru 05/25/2018, only Office of School Readiness Lead Teacher Class B, Early Childhood and Elementary Majors: Early Childhood and Elementary Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Ms. Blackwood, Mrs. Smitherman NEW PERSONNEL New Employee: Anthony Q. Ash b/m Striplin Elementary School 09/14/2017 Principal Class A, Instructional Leader Major: Instructional Leader Interviewed by Dr. Miller, Staff Jennifer D. Vance w/f Striplin Elementary School 08/09/2017 Elementary Teacher Class B, Elementary and Collaborative Special Education Majors: Elementary and Collaborative Special Education Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mrs. Malone Justin F. Evans w/m Gadsden City High School 08/14/2017 Social Science Teacher Class B, General Social Science Major: General Social Science Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mr. Colegrove, Mr. Young Tara Lynn Jensen w/f Systemwide (home school Mitchell Elementary) 08/10/2017 LPN (nurse) Position Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mrs. Bishop Phyllis O. Taylor b/f Systemwide 08/09/2017 Special Education Bus Aide Interviewed by Mrs. Maness Amy Worden w/f Gadsden City High School 08/21/2017 Tammy Parris w/f Floyd Elementary School 08/21/2017 NEW PERSONNEL New Employee: Janice Carson w/f Gadsden City High School 09/18/2017 (floater) David Barrett b/m Gadsden City High School 08/25/2017 August 9, 2017 through September 30, 2017 (Monday thru Friday Elementary Schools & Monday thru Thursday Middle & High Schools) (3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.) Five Elementary School Lead Teachers Two Elementary School Teachers Thirteen Elementary School Assistants
August 14, 2017 through September 30, 2017 (Monday thru Friday Elementary Schools & Monday thru Thursday Middle & High Schools) (3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.) One Middle School Lead Teacher Three Middle Schools Assistants One High School Lead Teacher Two High School Academic Tutors One High School Teacher One High School Family Liaison August 9, 2017 through May 25, 2018 (Monday thru Friday Elementary Schools & Monday thru Thursday Middle & High Schools) (3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.) Three Elementary School Lead Teachers Two Elementary School Teachers Seven Elementary School Assistants One Family Liaison September 5, 2017 through May 25, 2018 (Monday thru Friday Elementary Schools & Monday thru Thursday Middle & High Schools) (3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.) Enrichment Leaders September 5, 2017 through September 30, 2017 (Monday thru Friday Elementary Schools & Monday thru Thursday Middle & High Schools) (3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.) Two Elementary School Enrichment Leaders One High School Enrichment Leader August 14, 2017 through May 25, 2018 (Monday thru Friday Elementary Schools & Monday thru Thursday Middle & High Schools) (3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.) Two Middle School Lead Teachers Two Middle School Teachers Four Middle School Academic Tutors Four Middle School Assistants 2017 2018 SUBSTITUTES Substitutes Amy Pippin Terrie Dickson Shannon Morgan Vanessa Weatherly Daryl Douthard Natasha Lewis Beth Webster Emily Elkins Cheri Williams Mary Mayes Linda Allsup
Crystal Wright On motion made by Mr. Mike Haney and seconded by Mrs. Kelly Cochran, the Board approved the Superintendent s recommendation concerning the personnel actions. SURPLUS PROPERTY Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, on motion by Mrs. Nancy Stewart, and seconded by Mr. Z. Andre Huff, the Board approved designating certain equipment at Donehoo Elementary, Floyd Elementary, Mitchell Elementary, Striplin Elementary and Lunchrooms of Striplin Elementary and Donehoo as surplus property. OUT-OF-STATE, OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIP REQUESTS The Superintendent recommended to approve the out-of-state field trips of GCHS Show Choir to Disney World, Orlando, Florida for the dates April 24, 2018 thru April 28, 2018 and GCHS Varsity Baseball to Fort Walton, Florida for the dates March 25, 2018 thru March 31, 2018. Motion was made by Mrs. Kelly Cochran and second by Mrs. Nancy Stewart. Motion was approved. CAPITAL PLAN Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, a motion to approve the Capital Plan was made by Mrs. Kelly Cochran, and seconded by Mr. Mike Haney. Motion was approved. The following is a summary of planned projects, by priority: CAPITAL PLAN Priority Project Name Budget Classification Funding Year Funding Source 1 Floyd Elementary School $350,000 Roofing Only 2018 Unknown 2 3 Donehoo Elementary School $200,000 Roofing Only 2018 Adams Elementary School $350,000 Roofing Only 2018 Public School Fund Public School Fund 4 Gadsden Middle School $200,000 HVAC Only 2019 Unknown 5 Gadsden City Board of Education $150,000 Renovations 2019 Local Funds 6 Litchfield Middle School $200,000 Renovations 2020 Unknown
7 Mitchell Elementary School $200,000 Renovations 2020 Unknown 8 Sansom Middle School $50,000 HVAC Only 2020 Unknown 9 10 Thompson Elementary School $300,000 Roofing Only 2021 Local Funds Gadsden City High School $2,500,000 Additions 2022 Unknown DISPENSATION OF STATE AT-RISK FUNDS Gadsden City Schools at-risk allocation for is $168,158.00. The At-Risk Planning Team has proposed that the allocation continue to be used for the following programs that augment Gadsden City School s existing At-Risk Plan: Family Success Center (At-risk counselor) $14,000 TOTAL: $14,000 A motion to approve was made by Mr. Z. Andre Huff and seconded by Mrs. Nancy Stewart. The Superintendent s recommendation to disseminate at-risk funding as recommended by the At-Risk Planning Team was approved. Mr. Mike Haney abstained stating conflict of interest by serving on the board of the Family Success Center. FINAL REVIEW OF 2016-2017 SCHOOL SYSTEM BUDGET Superintendent Miller introduced Mrs. Susan Bishop, CSFO, who presented the proposed budget at the September 7, 2017, budget hearing #1. Superintendent Miller asked if there were any questions regarding the budget. There were no written or verbal questions from the public regarding the budget. Upon recommendation of the Superintendent to approve the proposed school system budget, motion was made by Mr. Mike Haney and seconded by Mrs. Kelly Cochran. Motion passed to approve the proposed school system budget to be submitted to the state for approval. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT AND BANK RECONCILIATION The Superintendent provided copies of the monthly financial and bank reconciliation report for examination by the Board. The financial data and cash balances presented to the Board are based on the reconciled bank statements to the general ledger as of July 31, 2017. On motion by Mr. Z. Andre Huff, seconded by Mrs. Nancy Stewart, the Superintendent s recommendation concerning the July Financial Report and Bank Reconciliation was approved.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS/REMINDERS Superintendent Miller announced that the next regular Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at 5:00 P.M. at Donehoo Elementary School. The Superintendent reminded the Board members of the AASB Fall Conference scheduled for October 1 & 2, 2017 in Montgomery, AL. Superintendent Miller informed the board and community that Striplin and Donehoo Elementary Schools had been awarded grant funding totaling approximately $1,000,000.00 for after school programs. Superintendent Miller introduced Mr. Anthony Ash, who was appointed as the new principal of Striplin Elementary. Mr. Ash is an alumni of Litchfield High School. Mr. Ash thanked the board for giving him the opportunity to come back to the system he graduation from. He looked forward to working with everyone. INFORMATION ITEMS President Howard asked that everyone please keep all those who have suffered any loss from Hurricane Harvey and Hurrican Irma in your prayers. She applauded the GCHS National Honor Society for their efforts to collect cleaning supplies for those affected in Texas. Dr. Wayne Watts acknowledged the GCHS football athlete that had been nominated for AL.com player of the week. He encouraged the entire community to visit the website and vote for JaMontez Woods. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned on motion by Mrs. Nancy Stewart and seconded by Mr. Z. Andre Huff. Approved: Ed Miller, Secretary