An unofficial summary of discussions, presentations, and actions of the Columbia County Board of Education

January 2006

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
There was no public participation.

BOARD ITEMS:
The Board was reminded of a few meeting dates.
-Tenth District Legislative visit on February 16, 2006.
- GSBA/GSSA Day at the Capitol on March 13, 2006.

The Board discussed the status of the lawsuit filed by the Consortium for Adequate School Funding.  All school districts across Georgia were invited to join the Consortium of 51 school systems. The Board continues to contemplate the Consortium's invitation but has not opted to join at this time due to the membership cost.

NEXT MEETING:
The next scheduled Board meeting will be a Study Session on January 24 at the Board of Education in Appling at 6:00pm.

The agenda for the next BOE  meeting can be found here and is updated by the Friday before the next BOE meeting.

BOARD APPROVALS
Consent Items.  The Board gave final approval of consent items: minutes of 11/21/05, and 12/13/05, November financials, employee travel, fundraisers, and gifts and donations.
Budget Amendments/Transfers. The Board gave final approval to the following General Fund or Special Revenue Amendments/Transfers: Budget Amendment No. 21 - Budget the difference in the estimated Vocational Extended Day Grant and the actual allocation received ($-3,508); Budget Amendment No. 22 - Budget the difference in the estimated Title II, Part A and the actual allocation received (including carry-over) ($-5,665);  Budget Amendment No. 23 - Budget the difference in Title III, Part A LEP and the actual allocation received (including carry-over) ($7,264); Budget Amendment No. 24 - Budget the Title III, Part A Immigrant Grant ($10,370); Budget Amendment No. 25 - Budget the difference in the estimated Title V, Part A Innovation and the actual allocation received (including carry-over) ($-678); Budget Amendment No. 26 - Budget the difference in the estimated Title IV, Part A Drug Free Grant and the actual allocation received (including carry-over) ($22,787); Budget Amendment No. 27 - Budget the difference in the estimated Title I Grant and the actual allocation received (including carry-over)       ($-16,026); Budget Amendment No. 28 - Request matching grant funds for Columbia and Grovetown Middle Schools.  The school grant was received from Wal-mart for Columbia Middle and Toshiba for Grovetown Middle ($1,850).
BOE Policies. The Board approved Policy GBI - Evaluations and Policy; JN - Awards and Scholarships. All BOE policies can be viewed by going to: http://www.ccboe.net/boe/policies/home.html

BUILDING PROGRAM
Project Update.   Mr. Price updated the Board on the various building projects going on within the county: painting at  EHS; stage additions at EES NCE, and NHE; EHS Re-roof/HVAC-skylights; Evans Middle (projected completion date of 7/1/06) and the New Administration Building (projected completion date 5/17/06).
Approval of Change Order/Addendum. The Board approved Change Order No. 6 - New Administration Building for revised exterior louver dimensions ($3,225).  The Board approved an Addendum to for additional architectural/engineering services for the third floor to the Administration Building ($23,270)
Site-Layout of New Elementary School in Grovetown. Mr. Price reviewed the proposed site-layout for a new elementary school located on property adjacent to Grovetown Middle.  The new elementary school will relieve Euchee Creek Elementary and Grovetown Elementary.  George McDavid, of Once Source Development, provided pictures of the site layout, which can be viewed at www.ccboe.net.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Survey Process for Input on 2007-2008 School Calendar. Mr. Price reviewed the process for input on the 2007-2008 School Calendar to include an electronic/paper survey and a public meeting at HHS on February 25 from 9:00am-11:00am.  A note will go home with progress reports announcing the survey and timeframe (2/12-2/26).  Results will be summarized and shared with the Board at the March 14 BOE meeting.
Projected Enrollment for 06-07.  Mr. Price presented to the Board the projected enrollment (609) broken down by individual schools. The largest growth areas are in Lewiston (68), River Ridge (75), and Greenbrier High (100).  Additional portables will be necessary in anticipation of growth at these schools.
District-wide SACS Accreditation. Dr. Williams updated the Board on the timeline for the visit by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools District-wide Accreditation team.  A special called BOE Meeting will be necessary on February 15 at 3:00pm for the SACS evaluation report to the Board.
2004-2005 Annual Report 2004-2005.  Mr. Price reviewed the 2004-2005 Annual Report which includes information about student performance, departments that support student learning, financial operations, and community relations.  The 2004-2005 Annual Report can be viewed online at www.ccboe.net/community.
Proposed Budget Calendar for FY06.  Mr. Price presented to the Board the proposed budget calendar for FY07.  The schools and departments will submit their budget to the Business Department by 3/24/06.  The budget will be presented to the Board 4/25/06 with tentative approval by 5/23/06.
Independent Accountant's Report.  The Independent Accountant's Report for SPLOST expenditures indicates that we are in compliance with the requirements set forth by Georgia Constitution for the year ending June 30, 2005.
House Bill 661/Senate Bill 149.  Mr. Price notified the Board of pending legislation. HS661/SB149 will require written parental permission for students to participate in any extra-curricular activities or school clubs.
New State Board Rule 160-1-3-.09.  Mr. Price notified the Board of the new state board rule that offers waivers and variances of high school graduation assessments for students with a disability.
Special Events.  Mr. Price reminded the Board of the Teacher Screening Interviews on 2/3/06 at Savannah Rapids and 3/3/06 at First Baptist Church of Augusta.

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

This newsletter is produced by the Superintendent's Office.  Any questions can be directed to Karen Ribble at mailto:karen.ribble@ccboe.net?subject=Board Bulletin

Columbia County Board of Education,
6430 Pollards Pond, Appling, GA 30802, (706) 541-0650