MINUTES: Jackson-Madison County School Board Meeting
DATE AND TIME: September 20, 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
SPECIAL GUEST
Bob Alvey introduced and welcomed Representative Jimmy Eldridge. He also
introduced and welcomed the student members of the board: Christian
Brantley, Student Liaison from Liberty Technology Magnet; Tony Carroll,
Student Liaison from Madison Academic Magnet High (he was unable to attend
the meeting); Dominique Marshall, Policy Committee from Jackson
Central-Merry High; Taylor Parimore, Technology Committee from North Side
High and Mimi Tucker, Long-Range Planning Committee from South Side High
(she was unable to attend the meeting).
MOMENT OF SILENCE
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made to approve the consent agenda. This was unanimously
approved.
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made to approve the agenda.
1. Carter-Estes 2. Bell
Mr. Alvey stated that agenda item 5 should
be removed from the agenda. Ms. Carter-Estes amended her motion to approve
the agenda with the following change: remove item 5 – MS. SHIRLEY JONES –
FACULTY IN THE FACTORY from the regular agenda. This was unanimously
approved.
1. Carter-Estes 2. Henning-Rowan
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
Representative Eldridge thanked the board for the work they do in
education for the state and this community. He encouraged them to work
together for the betterment of our children and the educational process.
He also encouraged them to work with the County Commission, City Council
Members and the Legislators in Nashville. He presented the board members
with a copy of the Tennessee Blue Book, and a map of Tennessee. He
presented an update of legislative actions that address educational
issues. Dr. Zambito thanked him for his support.
MS. JESSICA MARTIN, JCM STUDENT BODY
PRESIDENT – JACKSON CENTRAL-MERRY HIGH STUDENT COUNCIL
Jessica Martin, Student Body President, explained that she and Student
Council members wanted to address the board with their concerns regarding
the recent movement of teachers from JCM. The following students addressed
the board: Olivia Harvell, Student Body Vice-President; Dominique
Marshall, Senior Class Vice-President; Jennifer Freeman, Junior Class
President; Olivia Vaulx, Senior Class Secretary; Franco Witherspoon,
Freshman Student Council Treasurer; Keren Shelton, senior and Student
Council member; Jahna Thomas, Junior Class Vice-President. They expressed
concern regarding the disruption caused, schedule changes, teachers
teaching subjects they were not prepared to teach, class size increases,
cancelled classes, the LRE class, negative publicity and loss of a
security guard. They presented the board with a questionnaire and
requested a response be sent to them.
(See copy …… page 18)
Dr. Zambito thanked the students for coming
to the board meeting and doing a good job of speaking. She explained the
process that took place before making the changes that were absolutely
necessary because Jackson Central-Merry did not make AYP and the state
said you must open the opportunity for JCM student to transfer to another
high school. She explained that when the student population at JCM dropped
to fewer than seven hundred (700) and that at North Side High grew to
almost thirteen hundred (1,300), teachers had to follow the students. Dr.
Zambito stated that she would answer the questions and give copies to the
board members. She commended the Student Council on bringing their
concerns and questions to the elected body.
Ms. Martin asked about the special
accommodations to assist JCM make AYP.
Dr. Zambito stated that the school district
has to put special resources into JCM and that is what is happening and
that she would be glad to meet with the Student Council to talk about
those resources.
RECOGNITION
Versie Hamlett, principal at North Parkway Elementary, recognized the
staff stating they had raised four-hundred and fifty dollars for “Goody 2
Shoes” which was sponsored by Area Relief Ministries to assist children at
the elementary and intermediate level to purchase tennis shoes. Dr.
Zambito stated they had thirty-four staff members to participate and
received a trophy for having the largest group to participate in the
event. Dr. Zambito stated they ran 3.2 miles and modeled for us how to
pull together and work for students in our District.
James Shaw, principal at Rose Hill Middle,
introduced and recognized Cindy Emison stating she had been chosen by
Sam’s Club as Teacher of the Year. He stated she is well deserving of the
award and he was honored to present the award to her. He also stated that
Sam’s Club had donated one thousand dollars ($1,000) to Rose Hill in the
name of Cindy Emison. He also stated that he was very proud of Ms. Emison
and all of our teachers and educators in Jackson-Madison County.
Buddy White, former principal at Alexander
Elementary, stated that the Microsociety Program, which is an
international organization of over 250 schools, gives children real world
types of training. He introduced and recognized Shirley Roberts and
Heather Pflaster who were awarded the 2006-2007 Facilitators of the Year
Award at the Microsociety conference. He also introduced and recognized
Natalie Pflaster, 4th grade student, who was recognized for outstanding
student venture for the year and stated that she introduced the keynote
speaker at the conference.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jackie McKnight expressed concern to the board regarding a local radio
station (101.5) encouraging parents to move their students from JCM and
class size at North Side.
Chanda Freeman, parent of a junior at JCM,
JCM alumni and Band Booster President, spoke to the board regarding the
letter sent to parents stating that because of test scores they had an
option to move their children. She also was concerned about the number of
teachers moved from JCM as compared to other schools and the public image
of JCM.
Olivia Vaulx, student at JCM, asked how
this could be a well thought out and well considered plan when you knew
the school would not make AYP at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school
year. Dr. Zambito stated that we knew the school might go into corrective
action but we had no idea the number of students that would make the
decision to move. Ms. Vaulx stated that her mother was told that we should
move. Dr. Zambito stated that we were required by the state to send a
letter to all JCM students, but the letter did not state it was because of
test scores it stated it was due to the graduation rate. Dr. Zambito also
stated we did not encourage students to move but families make their own
decisions. Ms. Vaulx also asked why a letter wasn’t sent to other schools
that they could come to JCM to help with the graduation rate. Dr. Zambito
explained that the state has this plan and because of some test scores in
the past JCM has been on the state list longer than any other school in
the District and it is possible that we could have another school in this
same situation.
Stan Gerard stated that he had seen and
heard about the good scores at JCM in the news media and had not see any
negative publicity. He requested that the board look into hiring more
Resource Officers at all the high schools.
Dr. Zambito asked to interject that Jackson
Central-Merry does still have their School Resource Officer as well as
North Side and Rose Hill. She stated that we did remove the parking lot
security person from JCM so that money could help fund a School Resource
Officer at a school without one.
Shelia Godwin stated that the board has
done a good job. She asked that as they vote for a new chair, vice-chair,
parliamentarian and TLN representative that it be in the best interest of
the children. She also stated that we need two new high schools.
Tommy Marshall, grandparent, applauded the
JCM students that had spoken to the board. He stated that the students
have a negative perception and encouraged the board to listen to their
concerns and to communicate with them as Dr. Zambito has agreed to do to
help them understand.
Melissa Russell, parent of a first grader
at Barker Elementary, stated to the board she had just been notified they
were not zoned to attend Barker. She expressed concern that her child
could not stay at Barker until she was able to move into the Barker zone
by October 1st. Dr. Zambito asked that she give her phone number to Ms.
Finney, assistant superintendent, and that she would contact her regarding
the situation tomorrow.
Rosalind Greer, teacher, expressed concern
that knowing JCM would be under corrective action we were not prepared for
the move of students and teachers from JCM. She also asked if there was a
plan in place if students want to move back to JCM in January. Dr. Zambito
explained that we were prepared and if students move back to JCM in
January there will be another staff transfer because we have to work
within our budget.
FINANCIAL REPORT WITH ANY NECESSARY BUDGET
AMENDMENTS
Mike Nichols, Madison County Finance Director, stated he had presented the
board with the General Purpose Summary Financial Statement at Monday’s
work session. He stated he had also presented them with the School Fund
Sales Tax report. He stated the sales tax is lower than we anticipated,
about $100,000.00, but it is too early at this point to be concerned.
(See copy …… page 19)
Mr. Nichols stated he had two budget
amendments requiring board approval; one is moving $53,000.00 from salary
and wages line item for the dropout prevention specialist to the fiscal
services line item to fund the budget specialist and the other is moving
$42,000 from BEP 2.0 to salary and wages line item to fund the dropout
prevention specialist. He explained that this had already been approved by
the county commission. A motion was made to approve the budget amendments.
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 20)
1. Carter-Estes 2. Bell
ELECTION OF SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR
Anne Henning-Rowan nominated Joe Mays. No other nominations were made. A
vote was taken for Joe Mays as chair. This was unanimously approved.
Mr. Alvey relinquished the gavel to Mr.
Mays. Mr. Mays thanked the board for the trust they had put in him. Mr.
Mays stated that he wanted to commend Mr. Alvey for the two years of
leadership he had provided.
ELECTION OF SCHOOL BOARD VICE-CHAIR
Linda Pride nominated Carol Carter-Estes. Bob Alvey nominated Karen Bell.
A motion was made that nominations cease. This was unanimously approved.
1. Carter-Estes 2. Akins
Voting for Carol Carter-Estes – Akins,
Carter-Estes, Henning-Rowan, Mays, Pride
Voting for Karen Bell – Alvey, Foote, Rudd
Passed – Bell
Carol Carter-Estes was elected vice-chair.
ELECTION OF SCHOOL BOARD PARLIAMENTARIAN
Anne Henning-Rowan nominated Vicky Foote. Karen Bell nominated Bob Alvey.
A motion was made that nominations cease.
1. Carter-Estes 2. Alvey
Voting for Vicky Foote – Akins,
Carter-Estes, Henning-Rowan, Mays, Pride
Voting for Bob Alvey – Bell, Rudd
Passed – Alvey, Foote
Vicky Foote was elected parliamentarian.
ELECTION OF SCHOOL BOARD TLN REPRESENTATIVE
Karen Bell nominated Bob Alvey. Carol Carter-Estes nominated Anne
Henning-Rowan. Mr. Alvey asked Ms. Bell to withdraw his name as he is
already on the state TLN Board.
Ms. Bell withdrew her nomination. A motion was made that nominations
cease.
1. Foote 2. Bell
Anne Henning-Rowan was elected TLN representative.
COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANY NECESSARY BOARD
ACTION
A. POLICY COMMITTEE
Carol Carter-Estes, policy committee chair, stated that the committee met
on September 10, 2007 and were recommending that first reading be waived
and the following policies be approved for a second reading: Policy 2.404
– School Support Organizations-Fiscal Operations and Policy 4.503 – School
Support Organizations –Recognition and Operations. A motion was made to
waive first reading and approve the policies for a second reading. This
was unanimously approved.
(See policies …… page 21)
1. Rudd 2. Henning-Rowan
Ms. Carter-Estes stated that the policy
committee reviewed Section 6, beginning with Policy 6.400 – STUDENTS, and
other policies were considered for any changes. She stated the committee
was recommending the following policies for a first reading: Policy 1.806
– Advertising and Distribution of Materials; Policy 6.701 – Student
Solicitations/Fundraising Activities; 2.900 – Student Activity Funds
Management; Policy 3.205 – Security; Policy 3.401 – Scheduling and
Routing; Policy 5.1141 – Teacher Effect Data; Policy 6.303 – Interrogation
and Searches; Policy 6.307 – Drug Free School; Policy 6.3071 – Student
Alcohol and Drug Testing; Policy 6.309 – Zero Tolerance Offenses; Policy
6.313 – Discipline Procedures; and Policy 6.308 – Bus Conduct. A motion
was made to approve the policies for first reading. This was unanimously
approved.
(See policies …… page 22)
1. Bell 2. Pride
Anne Henning-Rowan stated she wanted to
thank Representative Johnny Shaw for his donation of Tennessee State flags
for each school.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Zambito introduced and welcomed Dr. Teresa Tritt, new principal at
Alexander Elementary.
NSBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MARCH 29 – APRIL
1, 2008, ORLANDO
Linda Cearley asked the board member to let her know if they plan to
attend.
Joe Mays asked the board members to be
thinking about the committees they would like to serve on and that
appointments would be made at the October 8, 2007 work session.
CONSENT AGENDA
APPROVAL OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 23)
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
EVALUATE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAM
(PUBLIC HEARING – INFORMATION ONLY)
Notice was given that the public hearing on the family life curriculum was
scheduled for September 18, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the board room at the
Central Office.
(See copy …… page 24)
APPROVAL OF EXTENDED CONTRACT PLAN
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 25)
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
APPROVAL OF DUAL ENROLLMENT WITH JACKSON
STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 26)
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
ADJUSTMENT OF READING AND MATH SPECIALIST
POSITIONS TO TEACHING POSITIONS (2) TO ADDRESS THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL
MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHERS
This was unanimously approved.
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
REQUEST PERMISSION TO ADD TITLE I TEACHERS
AND TITLE I EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR (FUNDED
BY TITLE I)
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 27)
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
REQUEST PERMISSION TO CHANGE TITLE I
SECRETARIAL POSITION TO TITLE I BOOKKEEPER POSITION FOR THE 2007-2008
SCHOOL YEAR (FUNDED BY TITLE I) (ADDITION OF FOUR (4) SCHOOLS – JACKSON
CENTRAL-MERRY HIGH, NORTHEAST MIDDLE, TIGRETT MIDDLE, AND WEST MIDDLE)
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 27)
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
REQUEST PERMISSION TO ADD TWO (2)
(PART-TIME) READING INTERVENTION TEACHERS FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR
(FUNDED BY READING FIRST GRANT)
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 27)
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
REQUEST APPROVAL OF NON-FACULTY, NON-PAID
VOLUNTEER COACHES FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR (AFTER APPROVAL,
BACKGROUND CHECKS WILL BE CONDUCTED)
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 27)
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
REQUEST APPROVAL OF NON-FACULTY, PAID COACH
FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR
This was unanimously approved.
(See copy …… page 27)
1. Henning-Rowan 2. Bell
PERSONNEL STATUS REPORT (INFORMATION ONLY)
This report is for the board’s information.
(See copy …… page 27)
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made to adjourn. This was unanimously approved. Meeting
adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
1. Carter-Estes 2. Foote
___________________________________
Chair
__________________________________
Secretary
