Board Bulletin

February 2005

Present were Superintendent Thomas A. Price, Chairman
Regina Buccafusco,
Vice-Chair
Wayne Bridges,
Mildred Blackburn,    Mike Sleeper, and.
Roxanne Whitaker.

BOARD COMMENTS
The Board congratulated Lakeside High for earning the designation of a "School of Excellence".  "It's nice when others recognize our fine schools," said  Regina Buccafusco, Board Chairman.  The Board also recognized Human Resources Department for the successful teacher interview screenings held last week.  A few Board members have heard from their  school councils about the SPLOST referendum on March 15, 2005. 

NEXT MEETING
Next meeting will be a Study Session on February 22, 2005 at the Board of Education in Appling.

BOARD ITEMS
Board Retreat is Saturday, March 19, 2005 at the Chamber of Commerce Office.

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

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Mr. Price recognized Lakeside High School for being recognized by the state as a "School of Excellence." This designation is given to schools with student test scores in the top 10% in Georgia.

PARTICIPATION
Dennis McClendon expressed to the Board that the new elementary school on Mullikin Road should be named Oakey Grove.  Todd Boudreaux, representing parents at Riverside Elementary, requested that the current elementary proposal being studied should not be considered due to incorrect information presented by the study team.

BOARD APPROVALS/Discussions
Consent Items.  The Board gave approval of consent items: minutes of 1/11/05,  December financials, employee travel, fundraisers, partners in education, gifts and donations, and Fine Arts curriculum revision committee.
Budget Amendments/Transfers.  The Board gave final approval to the following General Fund Budget/Transfers: Budget Transfer No. 31 - Transfer funds from the General Fund to the Building Fund.
SPLOST Resolution.  The Board gave final approval of Resolution Authorizing the General Fund to Advance Certain Dollar Amounts to the Special Local Option Sales Tax Fund and to be repaid with same.
HB 1190-Student Attendance Protocol Committee.  Mr. Price asked for an appointment of one of the Board members to serve on the County's Student Attendance Protocol Committee.  House Bill 1190, which was passed last year, specifies that each county create a student attendance protocol committee that is chaired by  a court judge and includes community representatives from county agencies. (ex: education, law enforcement, Social Services, Department of Health, etc.)  Ms. Blackburn has been nominated and will represent our Board on this committee.
Legislative Bill-Countywide Election of School Board Chairman. Mr. Price notified the Board that he has not received a second draft of the bill, and when Senator Whitehead forwards a draft of the bill to Mr. Price, the Board will need to review and discuss CCBOE's position.

BUILDING PROGRAM
Project Update.   Mr. Price updated the Board on the various building projects going on within the county: painting at Greenbrier Elementary, and EHS Re-roof/HVAC.
New Elementary School. Site: Site work for Phase I is complete.  General: HVAC duct work to classrooms is 70% complete.  Masonry walls are 85-100% complete.
New Administration Building.  Site: Concrete curb and gutter is complete. Rain has delayed progress this week. General: The Board approved the bid results for General Contractor and awarded the lowest bid to R.W. Allen for $4.6 million.
New Evans Middle School. Site: Water and sewer is being installed Rain has delayed progress this week. General: Project is out to bid with bid opening on March 15.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Report of School Council positions for Continuing Early Release Study.  Mr. Price presented the report from the elementary school councils.  While most agreed to continue study, there were many concerns addressed regarding the instructional time, the impact on art, music, and PE, and the additional costs for implementation and transportation.  "We have found some discrepancy in defining how others are using early release days," said Mr. Price in response to Mr. Boudreaux's comments.
Applied Behavior Analysis Program (Autism).  Cathie Justen, Director of Special Services, provided an update on the program to the Board.  Additional information was presented by Tiffany Brashear, Lead Teacher for the three model classrooms (Lewiston, Martinez, and Small Wonders). Jerry Evans, consultant, provided updates on staff development training. CCBOE has over 100 students identified with autism.
Waivers for Riverside Elementary.  Mr. Price presented to the Board the results of a survey for out of zone waivers. The Board awarded waivers to 9 students who wish to remain at Riverside Elementary instead of transferring to the new elementary school.  These students will be responsible for providing their own transportation to Riverside Elementary.
Request from Blanchard & Calhoun - Evans Middle.  Mr. Price presented a map of the EMS property and the parcel that Blanchard & Calhoun is requesting the Board to release this summer for construction.  Mr. Price's recommendation is to have our legal counsel and the school community review and address the impact of the request. 
Special Dates.  Mr. Price reminded the Board of a few special dates:

1. GSBA/GSSA Day at the Capitol: 3/14/05.

2. Board Retreat: 3/19/05 at the Chamber of Commerce Office.

PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS

On the recommendation of Superintendent Price, the personnel recommendations were approved as presented.