MINUTES: Jackson-Madison County School Board
Meeting
DATE AND
TIME: July 12, 2007; 6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Bob Alvey, chair, Grady Akins, Karen Bell, Carol Carter-Estes, Vicky
Foote, Anne Henning-Rowan, Joe
Mays, Linda Pride and Ben Rudd
PLACE: Jackson-Madison County Board of
Education
MOMENT OF SILENCE
APPROVAL OF CONSENT
AGENDA
A motion was made to approve the consent
agenda with the following changes: move item 16 – REQUEST PERMISSION
TO ADD A FINANCIAL AND BUDGETING SPECIALIST FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL
YEAR to the regular agenda as a part of the superintendent’s report
and remove item 17 – REQUEST PERMISSION TO CHANGE TITLE I SECRETARY
POSITION TO TITLE I BOOKKEEPER/SECRETARY FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL
YEAR (FUNDED BY TITLE I) from the consent agenda. This was
unanimously approved.
1. Foote 2. Henning-Rowan
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made to approve the agenda with
the following change: add REQUEST PERMISSION TO ADD A FINANCIAL AND
BUDGETING SPECIALIST FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR as a part of the
superintendent’s report. This was unanimously approved.
1. Bell 2. Carter-Estes
APPROVAL OF
PREVIOUS MINUTES
A motion was made to approve the previous
minutes. This was unanimously approved.
1. Bell 2. Carter-Estes
REPRESENTATIVE
JIMMY ELDRIDGE – LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Representative Eldridge was unable to attend
the meeting.
RECOGNITION
Pam Finney, assistant superintendent,
recognized Teresa Luna stating that she has a legendary career as an
Academic Decathlon Coach with two national championships, an
unbroken string of eleven state championships and a distinctive
reputation as a classroom teacher. Ms. Finney stated that Ms. Luna,
representing grades seven through twelve teachers, received the West
Tennessee Health Care Foundation’s and West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx’s
Teacher of the Year Award and received a thousand dollars, a plaque
and her picture on a baseball card.
PRESENTATION – MR.
BEN RUDD – TSBA DIRECTOR
Ben Rudd, TSBA Southwest Director, presented
the board with a Board of Distinction plaque. Mr. Rudd explained
that the board was required to meet the standards set by Tennessee
School Boards Association in order to obtain this prestigious
award.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Paul Hare, Biracial Committee Chair, presented
the board with a copy of the Biracial Committee’s recommendation and
rationale on fourth block athletic practice. The Biracial Committee
recommends the School Board reconsider its’ decision to ban fourth
period (or school day) athletic practice during the 2007-2008 school
year. The Biracial Committee recommends the Board postpone the
consideration of elimination of fourth period (or school day)
athletic practice until the end of the 2007-2008 school calendar.
Rationale: Prior to making this recommendation the Biracial
Committee voted unanimously (with one abstention) to consider this
issue as a part of its constitutional duty since it concerns
extracurricular activities, transportation, personnel, student
achievement and the quality of education – all of which fall under
the auspices of the Biracial guidelines.
(See copy …… page
1)
Shelia Godwin, President of Watchdog
Organization, spoke to the board regarding fourth block athletic
practice stating she supports the board’s decision and ask that
negative comments against the board stop.
Jackie McKnight, concerned citizen, expressed
to the board that a retaliation policy needed to be put into place
and more work should be seen before extending Dr. Zambito’s
contract.
Steve Brooks, on behalf of Jackson
Central-Merry High School Football Booster Program, expressed to the
board concerns of trust, communication and fairness to all schools
involved in regards to elimination of fourth block athletic
practice. He asked the board to (a) consider withdrawing the vote
or (b) reconsider and give time for communication and institute in
the 2008 school year, if necessary.
Kevin Ross, coach (non-faculty), asked the
board to keep fourth block athletic practice as a motivation to keep
children in school.
Stan Gerard, taxpayer, spoke to the board
regarding fourth block athletic practice and asked the board to
bring fourth block athletic practice back to the table for a re-vote
and hopefully reinstate or include all extra-curricular activities
in the ban so we can say you were fair to all of the students in the
school system and not discriminating against the athletes.
Robert Lee Grand, freshman at Jackson
Central-Merry High School, stated that he had turned down Madison
Academic Magnet High School to attend JCM in order to have a fourth
block athletic practice and did not feel it was right to take it
away.
Dexter Williams, head basketball coach at
Liberty Technology Magnet High School, thanked the board for taking
the time and effort to work with the community regarding the
elimination of fourth block athletic practice. He reviewed
information presented by and to the board at the last board
meeting. He asked why the board was “picking on” the athletes.
Gwen Tomlin, former teacher and parent of a
student at North Side High School, spoke to the board regarding
steps other states had taken to improve their academic standards.
O’neal Henley asked the board not to use the
athletes to appease the state in showing we are doing something for
No Child Left Behind, look at other ways to do this. He also urged
the board to give Dr. Zambito another year on her contract.
John Brown, parent of a student at Liberty
Technology Magnet High School, spoke to the board regarding fourth
block athletic practice stating he hoped the board would listen to
the words spoken to them tonight.
FINANCIAL REPORT
WITH ANY NECESSARY BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Mike Nichols, Madison County Finance Director,
stated that there were no budget amendments. He stated that you
have a copy of the General Purpose School Fund and Education Capital
Projects budgets that were discussed at Monday’s work session. He
explained that the BEP money, in the amount of $4.5 million, was
received two days prior to the county commission’s final adoption of
the budget and the money was shown as revenue and put into the fund
balance. He stated that as you are advised how the BEP money can be
spent, the money can be budget amended out of the fund balance. He
stated that this is a change from what you voted upon and asked for
a vote to accept the budget as presented. He stated that there were
no other changes in the budget except property tax and sales tax
moved a little but the local funds are exactly the same. He stated
that the only real difference is the $4.5 million BEP money and you
had approved $2.3 million in the Education Capital Projects budget
for textbooks and $1.9 million of that was moved into the General
Purpose School Fund because we felt this would be covered under the
BEP money. A motion was made to accept the General Purpose School
Fund Budget as approved by the county commission. This was
unanimously approved.
(See budget …… page
2)
1. Akins 2. Bell
Mr. Nichols stated that on the Education
Capital Projects Budget you have the county commission approved
revenue, which with all of the request, would be a negative fund
balance. He stated we presented to you at Monday’s work session our
recommendation how the money would be appropriated for a positive
fund balance. A motion was made to approve the budget as approved
by the county commission.
(See budget …… page
3)
1. Rudd 2. Akins
Karen Bell asked where we stood as far as
Jackson Central-Merry High as this was not the budget we submitted.
Dr. Zambito explained that JCM was set aside because discussions are
still going on with the county commission, the school board and the
NAACP. Dr. Zambito explained that textbooks were moved to the
General Purpose School Fund so we could go ahead and order them.
Dr. Zambito also stated that $172,000 was taken out of instructional
equipment as this could be picked up with the BEP money. Carol
Carter-Estes asked if JCM was just set aside. Dr. Zambito stated
there was no comment at the county commission meeting regarding “no”
JCM.
After discussion, a vote was taken on the
motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Nichols stated that in August he would be
presenting a budget amendment because one of the stipulations on the
BEP money is that certified employees receive a three-percent
increase on the state portion of their salaries and the board had
previously approve a two-percent increase.
BUDGET UPDATE
Bob Alvey explained that the budget update was
to approve the General Purpose School Fund and the Education Capital
Projects budgets and that was included in the previous agenda item.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Anne Henning-Rowan reported that seventeen of
our youth, representing all five high schools, had participated in a
two-day Anti-Drug Workshop at Youth Town. She presented the board
with a list of the participants and facilitators and stated she
would keep the board updated on their progress.
(See list …… page
4)
Bob Alvey stated that at Monday’s work session
he brought a recommendation to extend Dr. Zambito’s contract by one
year. A motion was made to accept his recommendation and have the
executive committee and legal staff work on the contract. This was
unanimously approved.
1. Bell 2. Foote
DISCUSSION – FOURTH
BLOCK ATHLETIC PRACTICE
Joe Mays, in response to statements made
during the public meeting and also tonight, stated that he is not
anti-sports or anti-athletes. He stated that he played sports,
received a scholarship to play college football, and had been a
coach. He stated that it is state mandated that we look at this
every year and I have been opposed to this ever since I have been on
this board. He stated that he was on the committee headed by Brenda
Alexander that did extensive research on this issue. He stated he
felt very strongly about this and feels it is a disservice to our
young men and women because they are going into college unprepared
for college work. He stated that he really appreciates the
dedication and commitment of all of our coaches but he thinks
practice should continue, but after school
hours.
Vicky Foote stated she is a strong supporter
of athletics and that it is very important in the educational life
of a child. She explained that the state of Tennessee recognizes
athletics as an extra-curricular activity but recognizes band,
chorus and even working on the annual staff, which is journalism, as
academic classes. She stated that is why every year we have to vote
on whether or not we are going to petition the state to allow us to
have an extra-curricular activity during the school day. She stated
we have all done our research and some of us have been looking at
this for many, many years. She stated there are only two states,
which have block scheduling, that allow athletics during the day;
Texas and Tennessee. She stated
some reasons that
athletic practice should be after the school day. She stated we do
have to answer to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and to the state
and they don’t look at grades or averages; they look at test
scores. She stated that she appreciates every parent and coach that
had spoken during the public meeting because she had rather see
parents irate because they feel you are not doing what is best for
their child than see parents not show up at all and not
care.
Ben Rudd stated this whole issue is being
presented by many members of the board as a competing issue. He
stated athletics and academics, in my point of view, are not
competing services they are complimentary services. He stated
athletics, the practice of athletics and academics very much
intertwine with one another and they support each other. He stated
athletics is a character building issue. He stated he did not think
the change would be a positive one for the district but that it
would be interesting to see what it does to the dropout rate, NCLB
and the system. He stated that he respects the opinions of every
board member but he supports fourth block athletic practice; it is a
part of our system.
Bob Alvey stated that he believes athletics is
an important part of the development of young people. He stated
that his greatest concern is that we had a superintendent that came
to us with a recommendation and she decided to form a committee and
have coaches to work on this for a year and I think the board jumped
in ahead of her and said let’s go ahead and eliminate fourth block
athletics and never really gave what she tried to set up a chance.
He stated that he wants to say publicly that we have a great
superintendent. He stated that she has done great things for this
system and she is concerned for every student. He stated that at
the end of the day, if she brings data and says we need to eliminate
fourth block athletic, I will support that but I do not believe I
have seen enough data that has convinced me that this is the only
way to deal with this issue and we have not dealt with all the
issues. He stated that we took an item off the consent agenda to be
approved and moved it to the agenda and voted it down and never gave
the community a chance to give us some input. He stated that with
the attendance we have had at the public meeting and tonight it is
something important and personally I think it is an issue we should
reconsider. Mr. Alvey asked Anne Henning-Rowan (parliamentarian)
for the correct parliamentary procedure if we were to decide
reconsider. Ms. Henning-Rowan explained the procedure.
A motion was made to reconsider the June 14,
2007 vote eliminating fourth block athletic practice.
1. Alvey 2. Rudd
Vicky Foote called for a point of order. She
stated that according to Robert’s Rules of Order, regarding
reconsideration, the motion has to come from someone on the
prevailing side and also the second. She questioned whether Mr.
Alvey could make the motion as he did not vote on the original
motion and could Mr. Rudd second the motion as he was not on the
prevailing side. Mr. Alvey explained that his vote was recorded as
being on the prevailing side. Mr. Alvey asked Ms. Henning-Rowan for
a ruling. Ms. Henning-Rowan stated her interpretation was that the
motion did have to come from the prevailing side and also the second
but referred the question to Debra Owen, attorney. Ms. Owen stated
that because Mr. Alvey did not specifically abstain, his vote is
recorded as a yes and I think he can make the motion. Ms. Owen also
stated that your official rules of order do not address the second.
Ms. Foote stated she was fine with taking a vote.
Linda Pride called for a roll call vote in
reverse order. Dr. Zambito stated that after the board voted to
eliminate fourth block athletic practice she went to the high
schools and told the principals and counselors that the board has
spoken; get this done. Dr. Zambito stated that on behalf of the
principals, counselors and assistant principals that have worked so
hard to get the schedules changed and parents contacted, it is my
recommendation that you please do not change at this point.
After discussion, a vote was taken on Mr.
Alvey’s motion. This motion failed.
Voting Aye – Rudd,
Alvey
Voting Nay – Pride,
Mays, Henning-Rowan, Foote, Carter-Estes, Bell, Akins
BOARD EVALUATION
Bob Alvey stated that the board had completed
its self-evaluation with internal and external input. He shared the
results and stated the board’s next step would be to address those
items that received the lowest ratings. He also stated we had
talked about doing that at our quarterly dinner meeting.
(See copy …… page
5)
SUPERINTENDENT’S
REPORT
Dr. Zambito stated that at Monday’s work
session she had presented the board a job description for
ATTENDANCE/DROPOUT PREVENTION SPECIALIST and asked the board to
approve the position. Karen Bell requested that this position give
updates as delinquency and truancy is a big problem in the system.
A motion was made to approve Dr. Zambito’s recommendation. This was
unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page
6)
1. Mays 2. Henning-Rowan
Dr. Zambito stated that at Monday’s work
session there was a lengthy discussion on the job description for
FINANCIAL REPORTING AND BUDGETING SPECIALIST. She stated that they
had worked on the job description and she was bringing it back to
the board for approval. She explained the need for the position. A
motion was made to approve Dr. Zambito’s recommendation. This was
unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page
7)
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Akins
Dr. Zambito thanked the high school
counselors, assistant principals and principals who took on the huge
task of changing schedules and contacting parents. She stated that
they did an amazing job.
Dr. Zambito reminded the board that Dr.
Sterbinsky, Coordinator of Research and Accountability, had
presented the plans for the Achievement Gap Study and needed their
assistance in providing him with six to ten names of retired
educators in their district to assist him in conducting interviews.
Dr. Zambito stated that, as you know, we have
two new mayors and I met with Mayor Jimmy Harris about our school
district and he articulated his readiness to work with us and his
awareness that as our schools district goes so goes our community.
She stated that she looks forward to working with Mayor Harris and
Mayor Gist in their new roles.
Karen Bell asked how the overcrowding at
Liberty would be addressed. Dr. Zambito explained that the zoning
maps would have to be seriously looked at for not only Liberty but
also Thelma Barker. Dr. Zambito stated that students at Liberty and
Thelma Barker were given options of attending other schools. Ms.
Bell stated this needs to stay on the forefront as these schools
need relief. Dr. Zambito stated that any zone changes would require
approval by the parties. Bob Alvey asked about the freshman class
size at Madison and Dr. Zambito explained that Mr. Allen, principal,
balanced the grades with his staff in scheduling.
Dr. Zambito stated that each board member had
a copy of the 2007-2008 Consolidated Professional Development
Calendar and that the calendar would be on the website.
(See copy …… page
8)
TSBA FALL DISTRICT
MEETING – SEPTEMBER 13, 2007, DECATUR COUNTY
Bob Alvey stated that board members planning
to attend the meeting would need to notify Linda Cearley.
CONSENT AGENDA
APPROVAL OF
ATTORNEY FEES
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page
9)
1. Foote 2. Henning-Rowan
REQUEST PERMISSION
TO ADD SCHOOL COUNSELOR FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page
10)
1. Foote 2. Henning-Rowan
PERSONNEL STATUS
REPORT (INFORMATION ONLY)
This report was for the board’s information.
(See copy …… page
10)
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made to adjourn. This was
unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
1. Mays 2. Henning-Rowan
___________________________________
Chair
___________________________________
Secretary |
