School Board of the City of Norfolk
Minutes of the School Board Meeting
February 21 , 2007

EXECUTIVE SESSION—CLOSED

The School Board convened the executive (closed) session at 3:40 p.m. in the School Administration Building, located at 800 E. City Hall Avenue, in Norfolk, Virginia. Present were: Chair Bishop, Mr. Driggers, Dr. McCluney, Dr. Tonelson, and Dr. Wright. Vice Chair Rhodes and Mr. Cook were absent. Superintendent Jones, Chief of Staff Young, Chief Academic Officer Boone, Chief Operations Officer Spencer, and Clerk Rhodes were present. Mr. Cloud and Mr. Mungo were present from the City Attorney’s office. Vice Chair Rhodes was absent.

A roll call vote was taken on the motion and it was approved unanimously.

The Board came out of closed session at 5:25 p.m. and the School Board recessed for a dinner break.

FORMAL OPEN SESSION

A. CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Bishop called the formal session of the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. in Room 1202 of the School Administration Building. Present were Chair Bishop, Vice Chair Rhodes, Mr. Driggers, Dr. McCluney, Dr. Tonelson, and Dr. Wright. Mr. Cook was absent.

Also present were Superintendent Jones; Chief Officers Young, Boone, Schmitt, Spencer, and Sullivan; Executive Directors Jones, Lassiter, O’Konek, and Thomas; and Clerk Rhodes.

B. RESOLUTION CERTIFYING AN EXECUTIVE CLOSED SESSION

It was MOVED and seconded that whereas, the School Board of the City of Norfolk convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and whereas, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the School Board of the City of Norfolk that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law; now, therefore, be it resolved by the School Board of the City of Norfolk:

That the School Board of the City of Norfolk hereby certifies that, to the best of each member’s knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by the Board.

A roll call vote was taken on the motion and it was approved unanimously.

C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mr. Bishop led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

D. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

The Superintendent reported:

1. In Phase 2 of the Master Facility Planning study, MGT America is scheduled to host four community forums throughout the city. The proposed dates for these meetings are March 13, 14, 28 and 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. Locations have yet to be determined

2. As you know, the legislative session will end this week and we will know the final outcome of some key pieces of legislation still being considered by the General Assembly. I would like to thank Linda Steadman for her outstanding service as our Legislative Liaison. I also would like to thank those organizations and legislators who have supported public education throughout the session.

3. The National Council on Educating Black Children will host its annual conference locally in Norfolk at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside Hotel, March 22nd-25th. Obviously, we are participating in this event and I would encourage Board members and the public to attend, if possible. Board members interested in participating should let Sandie Stocks know tonight so she can coordinate those registrations.

4. Doug Reeves and the Center for Performance Assessment have released a multi-disc DVD series entitled Data for Learning: A Blueprint for Improving Student Achievement. Norfolk Public School is featured in the video and the district will receive royalties from the sale of the DVD set. Through this video set, people around the country will have an excellent opportunity to see how Norfolk uses data to drive its instructional practices. Our participation in this project is a testament to the outstanding work done by our teachers, principals and administrators each day.

5. In just a few minutes, you will hear our full budget presentation. After this presentation, a public hearing will be held on March 5th at Little Creek Elementary School to provide an opportunity for the Board to hear public comment on the proposal. The School Board will vote to approve its proposed budget at the March 21st Board meeting and then submit that proposal to the City Manager by April 1st.

We do not yet have the dates, but the Board’s proposed budget will be presented to the City Council in April and the City will then host a public hearing to receive comments on budget requests in May.

6. I am pleased to report that we continue to focus on improving customer service throughout the district. Customer Service handbooks have been distributed to all frontliners. In addition, office managers and Professional Senate members addressed this topic at recent meetings and are looking for ways to serve as customer service champions throughout the school system.

We will continue to offer additional training in the spring and we also will be offering continued Stephen Covey training on “First Things First” in an effort to help staff more effectively set priorities and focus on excellent customer service. You will also hear more about our efforts in this month’s items of interest…

The video on items of interest included the following:

1. Part of Norfolk Public Schools’ journey to world-class will be a renewed focus on the way we connect with the public as well as each other.

The 4-step greeting system has been implemented in all of the schools & the administration building. By working together we can continue to improve our relationships with fellow employees, parents, students and the community.

2. Food Lion does it again with an additional $25,000 to support Norfolk Public Schools. They have proven to be a caring partner in education by providing the financial resources to allow our schools to purchase Smartboards, books, math materials, projectors, and fund special educational programs. We are grateful and excited for Food Lion’s commitment to education and continued financial support.

3. Norfolk Technical Center received a check from Youth Service America for $1,000, through the State Farm Good Neighbor Service Learning Grant. This money was donated because of the Tech Center’s leadership & commitment to engage their students in addressing literacy issues in their community.

The money will fund a children’s storybook/coloring book called “A Book of My Very Own”.

The students in the Child Care, Computer Information Systems and The Graphics Imaging Classes are working together to develop pictures & stories focusing on character and education issues. It’s still a work in progress, but the object is to ensure that every child in the Head Start & Early Childhood Programs receive a book.

4. The Norfolk Technical Center benefited from another partner in education, Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital Foundation. The Tech Center received a check for $25,000 to support their medical programs including the Central School of Practical Nursing, the Dental & Medical Assistant programs and the Pharmacy Technician program.

5. Regina Davis, the Community Engagement Coordinator for Norfolk Public Schools, has been spearheading the Mentorship Program for 3 ½ years. She has succeeded in recruiting 38 out of 58 schools and facilities with over 1500 mentors throughout the system.

Hundreds of mentor programs were nominated to the Virginia Mentoring Association. The support of our schools by businesses and organizations AND the diligence of Ms. Davis have earned Norfolk Public Schools the 2006 Award for the Most Outstanding Mentoring Program in the state of Virginia.

Another fine example of what makes Norfolk Public Schools world-class.

6. Dreamkeepers Academy – a Fully Accredited school that has had 7 students place nationally in their grade level and came in 2nd as The Most Philosophical School in America. These are just a few of the many accomplishments Dreamkeepers has acquired. Now they can add the Star Award given by The Young Professionals Network of the Urban League of Hampton Roads. This award recognizes the Dreamkeepers Academy for their commitment to shaping the lives of students in their talents, skills & helping them to find their dreams early in life.

E. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ADMINISTRATORS

Mr. Spencer introduced:

1. Anhthy T. Nguyen - Promoted from Guidance Counselor, Maury to Senior Coordinator, State Mandated      Programs, Strategic Evaluation, Assessment and Support
2. Kyleah Parson -- Promoted from Teacher, Washington to Assessment Coordinator, Strategic Evaluation,      Assessment and Support
3. Anthony Brown - Elected, Maintenance Management Assistant, School Plant Facilities
4. Bernette D. Brock - Reassigned, Interim Principal - Suburban Park to Principal, Suburban Park
5. Lisa A. Earley - Reassigned, Interim Assistant Principal - Suburban Park to Assistant Principal, Suburban     Park
6. Ray Reyes - Promoted from Staff Accountant, Accounting to Senior Coordinator, Accounting

F. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND STATEMENT

Mr. Schmitt reported that as of January 31, 2007, we have encumbered or expensed $160,909 or 52.0 percent of budgeted funds. This compares to 53.0 percent at the same time last year and 49.2 percent in 04. He anticipates being at 99.6 percent at year end. It was moved by Mr. Cook and seconded by Dr. Tonelson to receive and file the financial highlights and statement for January. The motion was approved.

G. CITIZEN COMMENT ON AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Geraldine Boyd addressed the board regarding the elevators at Lake Taylor High School and requested that new elevators be installed.

H. DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

The Consent Agenda was presented for approval and contained the items listed below.

1. The minutes for the January 17, January 19, January 21, and February 12 School Board meetings.
2. The January Bills and Payroll Report
3. The Personnel Report, as amended with a new page 1.
4. The Pupil Personnel Report as amended with the following motion: With regard to the student appeal      presented on February 21, 2007, the School Board upholds the administration’s long-term suspension      with special conditions and placement at Madison. The Pupil Personnel report included the report of      long-term Suspensions with Special Conditions, the Long-term Suspension Report for the month of     January, and the Out-of-district report for January 2-31, 2007.
5. The January Use of School Facilities Report
6. A school rental request from Faith, Hope, and Love Ministries for the use of Coronado School for religious     services.
7. Adoption of Policies:
     a. BBDFZ—Voting Method
     b. BBFAZ—School Board Members, Officers, and Employees, Conflict of Interest
8. Approval of Resolutions:
     a. Youth Art Month
     b. Career and Technical Education Month

Mr. Driggers moved and Mrs. Rhodes seconded to approve the consent agenda. The motion was approved.

I. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS

Dr. Jones and Mr. Bishop presented Dr. Barbara Laws with the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE CITY OF NORFOLK CITY

Recognizing Youth Art Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, Youth Art Month is an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs.

WHEREAS, state and national leaders have acknowledged the necessity of including arts experiences in all students’ education,

WHEREAS, Art Education contributes powerful educational benefits to all elementary and secondary students; and

WHEREAS, Art Education helps students develop creative problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, learn to make good judgments about qualitative relationships, distinguish among multiple solutions, embrace ambiguity and persist to make meaning; and

WHEREAS, Art Education teaches sensitivity to beauty, order, and other expressive qualities; and

WHEREAS, Art Education gives students a deeper understanding of values and beliefs across times and cultures and encourages multiple perspectives; and

WHEREAS, Art Education, through big ideas, helps students make personal connections to their world and to other disciplines

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Norfolk School Board do recognize March 2007 as Youth Art Month.

Dr. Jones and Mr. Bishop presented Denise Wiggins with the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE
CITY OF NORFOLK CITY

Recognizing Career and Technical Education Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, Governor Tim Kaine of the Commonwealth of Virginia officially recognized February 1-28, 2007, as Career and Technical Education Month; and

WHEREAS, career and technical education services and programs enhance the work force which fosters productivity in business and industry and contributes to America’s leadership in the international marketplace; and

WHEREAS, the ever-increasing cooperative efforts of career and technical educators, business, and industry stimulate the growth and vitality of our local economy and that of the entire nation by preparing graduates for career fields forecast to experience the largest and fastest growth in the next decade;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the School Board of the City of Norfolk recognizes February 1-8, 2007, as Career and Technical Education Month and congratulates the students and staff.

There was a 5-minute recess to set up for scheduled presentations.

J. SUPERINTENDENT’S PROPOSED 2007-08 BUDGET

Mr. Schmitt, Mrs. Pellegrino, and staff of the budget office presented the report on the proposed budget.

K. ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION UPDATE

Mr. Spencer and Elsie Harold Lans presented the report on Alternative Education.

L. OAKWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT

The report was presented by Mr. Spencer.

M. SCHOOL BOARD MATTERS:

1. Retreat Follow-up
2. Report on LAP (Feb. 1-3)
3. Committee Reports
4. Other School Board Matters

The informal session adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Minutes approved by the School Board: March 21, 2007