September 2005

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
There was no  public participation.

BOARD APPROVALS
Consent Items.  The Board gave tentative approval of consent items: minutes of 8/23/05 and 9/13/05,  August financials, employee travel, fundraisers, gifts and donations, athletic camps, and school/business partnerships.
Budget Amendments. The Board gave tentative approval to the following General Fund or Special Revenue Budget Amendments: Budget Amendment No. 10 - Budget additional media book funds 27 schools due to reduction in Title V Grant ($19,609);  Budget Amendment No. 11 - Adjust preliminary budget to actual allocation received. (-$19,609);  Budget Amendment No. 12 - Adjust instructional supplies for schools whose enrollment exceeded the budgeted estimate ($27,840);
BOE Policies.  The Board gave final approval for Policy CB/GBU - Code of Ethics for Educators.  The Board gave tentative approval for Policy JGI - Student Welfare - Child Abuse.  BOE policies and any revisions can be viewed by going to: http://www.ccboe.net/boe/policies/home.html
Incentive Proposal for Grant Applications.   The Board gave final approval to match grants awarded to schools dollar for dollar up to a maximum of $5,000 per school in one year.  Schools awarded the incentive grant will be required to utilize Board matched funds by the end of the school year.
Proposal for Collaborative Planning.  The Board gave final approval for a proposal for collaborative planning.  This alternative proposal would eliminate early release by utilizing paraprofessionals and substitute teachers on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays while teachers meet in two hour intervals across grade levels.
Serenity Behavioral Health Systems.  The Board approved a service agreement with Serenity Behavioral Health Systems (Community Health Center) for the current school year.

BUILDING PROGRAM
Project Update.   Mr. Price updated the Board on the various building projects going on within the county: painting at  Evans High, stage additions at EES and NCE, Evans Middle (projected completion date of 7/1/06, and the New Administration Building (projected completion date 5/17/06).

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
School Annual Progress Report.  Dr. Lauren Williams presented the outline for the School Annual Progress Report.  Board members will be able to view a copy of each school report later this week.
Calendar Committee.  At the last BOE meeting, the Board asked Mr. Price to assemble a calendar committee to review 2008-2009 and any future calendars.  Mr. Price presented to the Board the recommended make-up of the calendar committee that will include 5 parents, 3 business/community members, 4 high school students, and 3 school administrators and 3 teachers from each level.
Mileage Reimbursement.  Mr. Price notified the Board that the State is adopting the Federal standards for mileage reimbursement, which is an increase from .28/mile to .48/mile.  This change will not take effect for Columbia County employees until October.. 

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