LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT<= /o:p>

810 WEST MARKHAM ST= REET

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS<= /st1:place>

MINUTES

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

June 22, 2006

= ;

The Board = of Directors of the Little Rock School District held their regular board meetin= g at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2006, in the Boardroom of the Administration Buil= ding, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkan= sas. President Robert M. Daugherty presided.

= ;

MEMBERS PRESENT:

&nb= sp;

Robert M. Daugherty

Baker Kurrus

Tom Brock

Bryan Day

&= nbsp; Katherine Mitchell

Tony Rose

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Larry Berkley

ALSO PRESENT:

&= nbsp; Roy G. Brooks, Superintendent of Schools

&n= bsp; Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes

I. = CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

Dr. Daugherty called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Five members of the Board were pres= ent at roll call; Mr. Berkley was absent, and Dr. Mit= chell arrived at 6:00 p.m.

Ex officio representatives for the month of June= were also present: Joya Hampton, stude= nt from Hall High School and Leigh Scanlon, teacher from Forest Park Elementary School.

II. = REPORTS/RECOGNITIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS:

A. Super= intendent’s Citations & Commendations

<= span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-fon= t-weight: bold'>Dr. Brooks presented certificates of appreciation to the ex-officio representatives for the month of June, Leigh Scanlon, teacher from Forest Park Elementa= ry School and Joya Hampton, student from Hall High School.

<= span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-fon= t-weight: bold'>

<= span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-fon= t-weight: bold'>There were no other citations or commendations; however, Dr. Brooks introduced the individuals who were being recommended for administrative appointments during the Personnel section of the agenda.

<= span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-fon= t-weight: bold'>Those appointments were:

-&nb= sp; = Director of Early Childhood Education, Ms. Glenda Nugent<= /span>

-&nb= sp; = Principal of Dodd<= /st1:PlaceName> Elementary School, = Ms. Jill Brooks

-&nb= sp; = Principal of Chico= t Elementary School, = Ms. Shoutelle Richardson

B. Remar= ks from Citizens

Janet B= uford, Pulaski Heights Mid= dle School American history teacher, addressed the board regarding the district’s promotion policy related to science and social studies achievement. She noted that students are requir= ed to achieve passing grades in reading and math in order to be promoted, but that they are not required to make a passing grade in social studies. Her belief was that the policy all= owed students to be lazy because they know they don’t have to pass.

Dana Ke= ller, teacher at Rockefeller Elementary School, spoke to the bo= ard in support of the Teacher Advancement Program. She expressed disappointment that = TAP would be discontinued at Rockefeller because only 40 out of 75 staff members were declared eligible to vote in the recent election, and the vote was one short of the necessary 75% needed to approve a waiver under article 40 of t= he PN Agreement. Ms. Keller note= d that TAP was a successful rigorous, progressive program that supported student achievement and rewarded teachers for student success. She stated that the majority of te= achers at Rockefeller would be willing to fight for the right to keep TAP in place, and that at least fifteen teachers from Rockefeller were planning to discon= tinue their membership in the CTA over this issue.

Kristin= Mann, parent of 2 element= ary students and teacher at UALR, asked the board to consider the comments made earlier by Ms. Buford. She st= ated that the board’s policy regarding credits for America history and civics co= urses showed a lack of concern for social studies courses in the district. She asked the board to strengthen = the district’s requirements for social studies and require students to achieve passing grades in all courses.

C. Little Rock Class= room Teachers Association

Grainger Ledbetter reported that the union was pleased with the work of the mediator= s expressed appreciation for the commitment of those individuals who are working on the= negotiating teams. He reported that some = of the language items had been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties and ne= gotiations would resume on July 20.

Mr. Ledbetter responded to comments made by the Rockefeller teacher, Ms. Keller. He stated that the CT= A had not taken a position relative to TAP, and that it was the union’s role only to ensure a fair election process.&nb= sp; He noted that TAP was originally instituted at Rockefeller by one vo= te, and that it was now defeated by one vote. He confirmed that the election was required by the provisions of the contract and that no questions or concerns regarding TAP had been raised du= ring the meeting at Rockefeller. <= o:p>

IV. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

A.&n= bsp; Remarks from Board Members

Bryan D= ay encouraged the teach= ers at Rockefeller who were interested in continuing TAP to sit down with the union and try to work it out. He wi= shed everyone a safe and enjoyable summer break.

Baker K= urrus reported on attendin= g the press conference where teachers from Wakefield and Meadowcliff received their incentive awards for improving student performance. He stated that it was right and fai= r to pay high achieving people more than those who just work to meet basic minimum standards. He noted the inevitability of teachers in the future being paid based on performance, no= t on longevity. Mr. Kurrus also st= ated that he won’t vote to extend the current teacher contract.

Mr. Kurrus reported that he had attended the Central High School= graduation, and that his daughter was one of the graduates. He noted the number of retiring te= achers listed in the agenda, and thanked them for the years of service to our students. <= /p>

Tom Bro= ck congratulated the pr= incipal appointees who were introduced to the Board earlier in the meeting. He sympathized with the Rockefelle= r teachers who wanted to retain the TAP program, and he asked them to attempt to communicate with the union and work out a way to resolve their issues. Mr. Brock had also attended the pr= ogram at Wakefield where the teachers received their incentive checks, and he expressed hope t= hat more rewards would be distributed next year.

Tony Ro= se reported that he had= reviewed the list of retirees and stated that the loss of highly experienced teacher= s would leave the LRSD “in a pinch.” He noted the difficulty of recruiti= ng young teachers and retaining them in the teaching profession. Mr. Rose had also attended the pro= gram at Wakefield and he congratulated those teachers for their efforts.

Katherine Mitchell reported that she had attended Parkview’s graduation ceremony. On the topic of TAP and teacher pa= y for performance programs, Dr. Mitchell expressed hope that a fair and equitable= way to reward all teachers would be developed, noting the many daily challenges faced by all classroom teachers= in our schools. Dr. Mitchell asked t= hat bonuses and awards be given to all deserving teachers, and stated that the current = method of determining these incentive bonuses was a cause of internal conflict in = the schools.

Leigh S= canlon, teacher ex officio, expressed sympathy for the Rockefeller teachers. She stated that the teachers who a= re being rewarded now through incentive pay plans deserve to be rewarded, but = she also noted that most teachers in the district are working hard for their students even if there are no rewards attached.

Mike Daugherty reported that he had attended the Hall High School graduation and that he enjoyed a positive experience. He remarked that the LRSD is like a family - - that there are internal and external problems, but that when the= re are disagreements we work toward a consensus. He stated that the ability to succ= eed is based on our ability to come to terms with the decisions made by the board.=

B.&n= bsp; Budget Update

No report.

C.&n= bsp; Student Assignment Report<= /span>

No report.

D.&n= bsp; Construction Report: Proposed Bond Projects <= /span>

Mr. Goodman’s report was provided as part of the agenda.

E. Report and Recommendations from the Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Committee

Dr. Brooks reminded the board= that no-cost recommendations from the Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Committee had been approved for implementation approximately a year ago. This committee met regularly over = the course of the year and provided updated recommendations and additional information for the board’s review and consideration; the full report= was provided as part of the board’s agenda. Proposed curriculum and budg= etary implications will be provided for approval at a later date.

F. Internal Auditors Report=

Mr. Becker’s report was included in the agenda. No additional information was requ= ested; Mr. Becker was not present at the meeting.

V.&n= bsp; APPRO= VAL OF ROUTINE MATTERS:

A. Board Meeting Dates, 2006-2007 School Year

The proposed schedule of board meetings for the 2006-2007 school year was provi= ded for the board’s review and consideration. Mr. Rose made a motion to approve = the recommended meeting schedule; Mr. Brock seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. =

B.&n= bsp; Min= utes

Minutes from the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held on May 25, 2006, were presented for review and approval. Mr. Day moved to approve the minutes as written; Mr. Rose seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

VI. ADMINISTRATION:

A. Appointment= of Ad Hoc Committee for the Development of the Southwest
Learning Academy Program

A w= orking task force to provide recommendations and research to guide decisions for t= he new Learning Academy at Southwest was establish= ed and a list of those recommended for inclusion on this task force was provided f= or the Board’s approval. T= he committee will begin meeting once the coordinator is appointed. Dr. Daugherty agreed to serve as t= he board’s representative. Mr. Rose moved to approve the committee membership; Mr. Kurrus seconded the mot= ion and it carried unanimously<= /b>.

VII.     &= nbsp; EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:

A.           2006-= 2007 Evaluation Agenda

The schedule of evaluations that are required by the Court for completion during the 2006-2007 school year were provided for the board’s review and approval. The four court-mand= ated evaluations are for A+ Schools Network at Woodruff Elementary, the 21^s=
t Century Community Learning Centers, Read 180, and the district’s pre-= kindergarten programs.   In addition, = an evaluation of magnet schools and programs will be conducted. The board was asked to approve the schedule of evaluations. Mr. = Kurrus moved to approve the recommended schedule, Mr. Brock seconded the motion an= d it carried unanimously.

B.&n= bsp;        2006-2007 McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth
     Grant

The Arkansas Department of Education provides funds for students who are homele= ss or who live in shelters within LRSD boundaries. The board was asked to appr= ove the submission of a grant application which would result in an allocation o= f $267,911 to provide services for these students.&nb= sp; Mr. Rose moved to authorize the grant submission. Mr. Brock seconded the motion and = it carried unanimously. It was reported that approximately = 1,000 homeless students reside within the LRSD; we currently serve approximately = 300 hurricane evacuees.

VIII.    HUMAN RESOURCES

A.     Personnel Changes

Routine personnel issues were included in the board’s agenda. In addition, recommendations were = made for the appointment of principals to Chicot and Dodd Elementary Sch= ools and to the position of Director of Early Childhood Education. Mr. Day made a motion to approve a= ll personnel items presented. Mr. Brock seconded the motion and it <= u>carried unanimously.

IX.       FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVIC= ES

= A.           May 2= 006 Financial Reports

Routine monthly finan= cial reports were included in the board’s agenda. Mr. Milhollen made brief remarks regarding the budget, recovery of delinquent tax collections, interest earn= ings on investments, and projections for State funding allocations.

B. &= nbsp;      Proposed Budget for Annual School Election

The proposed budget f= or the annual September School Election was presented for the Board’s review= and approval. Board approval of t= his budget and publication in the local newspaper is required by the laws of the state of Arkansas= . Mr. Rose made the motion to approve the submission, Mr. Kurrus seconded the motion and it carried unanimous= ly.

C.     Extension of Technology Consultant Contract

The administration recommended a one-year extension of the contract for the district’s technology consultant, Sharon Dowdy. Mr. Milhollen urged the Board to support the request and reviewed the multiple assignments and responsibilities that Ms. Dowdy undertakes as our technology advisor. Mr. Brock= moved to approve an extension of Ms. Dowdy’s contract. Mr. Kurrus seconded the motion and= it carried 4-2, with Mr. Kurr= us and Mr. Rose voting “no.”

Mr. Rose and Mr. Kurrus asked that the administration find, hire, or train some= one within the LRSD to perform the duties we are outsourcing to this consultant.

D.        Donations of Property

The Board was asked to approve the acceptance of recent donations to schools and departments within the District. Student ex officio Joya Hampton re= ad the donations listed in the following chart.   Dr. Mitchell moved to accept= the donations, Mr. Rose seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

ITEM

DONOR

Carver Magnet Elementary

$30,112.18, includin= g cash and in-kind donations for the development and construction of a CROP gard= en

Multiple donors listed in the board’s agenda

Central High School

Upright piano, value= d at $6,000 to the CHS music department

Dr. Alex Pappas

Fair Park Early Childhood Center=

$11,661.91 cash for purchase of a laminator, covered courtyard awning, reading center and classroom supplies and materials

Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

ITEM

DONOR

Felder Alternative Learning Academy

Panasonic copier, va= lued at approximately $1,250; Konica copier, valued at approximately $250.00

Becky McDonald

Southwest Middle School

Computer, valued at $100.00 – Computers for Kids Program

Four computers, valu= ed at $400.00 – Computers for Kids Program

Southwest Middle School PTA

Office of Senator Blanche Lincoln

Western Hills Elementary

Silvertone 15-chord autoharp, valued at $300.00 for music classes

Mr. & Mrs. James Douglass



X.&n= bsp;        CLOSING REMARKS:<= o:p>

Dr. Brooks closed the meeting by thanking members of the Rockefeller Element= ary School staff who were in the audience and congratulated Principal Anne Mangan for the years of success at Rockefeller while implementing the Teacher Advancement Program. Rockefeller has operated as a TAP = school for four years, and was rated as one of the highest TAP models in the State.

The faculty recently conducted the annual election that would retain TAP at Rockefeller. Under the rules = of Article 40 of the PN Agreement, a 75% vote in favor of TAP was required. The result was one vote short of t= he necessary margin; therefore TAP will not be implemented at Rockefeller for = the 2006-2007 school year. <= /o:p>

XI.        ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business before the Board, Mr. Day moved to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. Mr. Rose seconded the motion, and = it carried unanimously.

APPROVED:&= nbsp; 07-27-06_               =             &nb= sp;           Orig= inals Signed by: =

  = ;            &n= bsp;         Robert M. Daugherty, President

Bryan Day, Secretary