Board Bulletin

March 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 thanked Connie Davis and Human Resources Department for the successful teacher screening interviews and luncheon.

 "This is so exciting, and  we appreciate the spirit behind  which they've been given," said Ms. Blackburn on the recognitions for School Board Appreciation. Other Board members expressed appreciation to schools for gifts and display of student work.  Also condolences were expressed to Ryan Howell's family and the Greenbrier community.

Board members have received positive news about iparent and Ms. Buccafusco reminded schools to encourage their parents to take the parent involvement survey on our website.

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

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
.

Tim McGill and Carolyn Tynan of GA Power present a $1000 grant to Lakeside High School's Michelle Mixon for instructional supplies.  The GA Power grant program receives nominations from the 15 public colleges and universities in GA that have Schools of Education.  The candidate nominated must be in the top 25% of their class, and a first-year teacher employed by a public school in GA.  Ms.. Mixon was nominated by Augusta State University and is a first-year teacher at Lakeside High.

PARTICIPATION
Gene Eidson of the Southeastern Natural Science Academy and Phinizy Swamp expressed appreciation to the Board for their monetary support ($10,000) of Phinizy Swamp and its curriculum programs to Columbia County students. 

BOARD APPROVALS/Discussions
Consent Items.  The Board gave approval of consent items: minutes of 1/25/05 and 2/8/05,  January financials, employee travel, fundraisers, gifts and donations, and athletic or summer camps.
Budget Amendments/Transfers.  The Board gave final approval to the following General Fund Budget Amendments:  No. 28 - Budget funds for Greenbrier High School Band and Athletic Travel ($3,100); No. 29 -  Budget carry over funds for Title I Grant ($26,222); No. 30 - Budget carry over funds for Title IIA Grant ($151,321); No. 31 - Budget carry over funds for Title IID Grant ($9,976); No. 32 - Budget carry over funds for Safe and Drug Free Grant ($21,080); No. 32 - Budget carry over funds for Title V Grant ($5,600);
Budget Transfers. The Board gave final approval to the following General Fund or Special Revenue Budget Transfers: Budget Transfer No. 33 - Transfer funds in the K-3 reading and math grant for Lewiston Elementary; Budget Transfer No. 33 - Transfer funds in the Title I grant for Westmont Elementary.
Instructional Materials. The Board gave final approval to add instructional material recommended by the sex education parent review committee. Mr. Price displayed the QCC objectives to the Board and audience for 9-12 Health-Objective 9 as it relates to sex education.
SB 312-Legislative Bill-Countywide Election of School Board Chairman.  Since SB312 is in revision, a copy of the legislation was not available to the Board to discuss. Mr. Price presented a chart from Senator Whitehead on the timeframe for proposed district elections. The existing BOE districts would be redrawn from 5  to 4 BOE districts to coincide with  the County Commissioner Districts. (see the County Commissioner Districts at  http://www.columbiacountyga.gov) or see an overlay of the SB312 proposal at http://www.ccboe.net/BOE/districts.html
The election for BOE Chairman would occur in 2006 with only a 2 year term, to stagger with the election dates of County Commissioners.

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. General: HVAC duct work to classrooms is 90% complete.  Preformed metal roofing is about 15% complete. Brick laying has started on east wing.
New Administration Building.   General: The Board approved to remove server room from building and revise contract to $4.5 million.
New Evans Middle School. Site: storm sewer is being installed and grading of bus/parking area is being prepared. General: Project is out to bid with bid opening on March 15.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Update of Professional and Non-Certified Personnel Allotment.  Mr. Price presented the additional positions required for the 2005-2006 school year.  Salaries of personnel represent 90% of the total budget.  Ten contingency positions are built into the allotments for growth in regular and special education for a total of 42.5 additional certified positions. The additional personnel for growth, the new elementary school and psychological services will increase the 2005-2006 budget by $3.0 million.
Special Dates.  Mr. Price reminded the Board of a few special dates:

1. SPLOST Referendum: 3/15/05.

2. Special Olympics: 3/18/05 - Greenbrier High School.

3. 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.

BOARD ITEMS
The Board is reminded that GSBA Legislative delegate and alternate appointments will need to be selected to represent our Board.

BOARDS of EDUCATION:

Setting the Vision
for Our Public Schools

School Board Member Appreciation Week
March 14-18, 2005

Read the Resolution here