Norfolk Public Schools • on the journey to world class Norfolk Public Schools • on the journey to world class Norfolk Public Schools • on the journey to world class Norfolk Public Schools • on the journey to world class Norfolk Public Schools • on the journey to world class Norfolk Public Schools • on the journey to world class

SCHOOL BOARD OF THE CITY OF NORFOLK

Minutes of the Monthly School Board Meeting
August 15, 2007

EXECUTIVE SESSION—CLOSED

The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mr. Bishop in the Superintendent’s Conference Room of the School Administration Building, 800 E. City Hall Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia.  Present were:  Mr. Bishop, Mr. Cook, Mr. Driggers, Dr. McCluney, Mrs. Rhodes, Dr. Tonelson, and Dr. Wright.   Others in attendance were Superintendent Jones, Chief of Staff Young, Chief Operations Officer, and Deputy Clerk Rhodes along with Mr. Cloud and Mr. Mungo from the City Attorney’s office. 

The School Board went into executive (closed) session at 3:40 p.m.

It was duly MOVED and seconded that the members of the School Board go into closed session for the purposes set out in clause 1 of subsection (A) of section 2.2-3711 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, as amended:

(2)

Discussion or consideration of prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, discipline, or resignation of specific officers, appointees, or employees of the Norfolk Public Schools including consideration of the personnel docket of this date.

(3)

Discussion or consideration of disciplinary matters concerning students in Norfolk Public Schools, specifically the pupil personnel docket of this date.

(7)

Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members, consultants, or attorneys, pertaining to actual or probable litigation, or other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by counsel.

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

INTRODUCTION OF NEW ADMINISTRATORS

Mr. Spencer introduced the following new administrators:

  1. Julie Honeycutt promoted from Instructional Specialist, Willoughby to Assistant Principal, Lindenwood
  2. Celeste Jones promoted from Teacher, Campostella to Assistant Principal, Tanners Creek
  3. Albert Balingit promoted from Senior Network Engineer, Information Division to Network and Engineering Services Administrator
  4. Reba Jacobs-Miller, elected Principal, Norview Middle School
  5. Rhonda Ambrose, promoted from Interim Camp Specialist, Camp Young to Site Coordinator, Camp Young

CITIZEN COMMENT ON AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS

  • Tyrese Kelly, regarding HIV School Safety
  • Ellis W. James, regarding fire at Maury High School/Outside Contractors

DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

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

  1. Personnel Report for August 15, 2007
  2. The Pupil Personnel Report consisting of the Reinstatement Report, the Long-term Suspension Report, and the Out-of-district Report for July 1-31, 2007
  3. The School Board minutes July 18 and July 31, 2007
  4.  The July 2007, Bills and Payroll Report;
  5. The July Use of School Facilities Report;
  6. A school rental six-month extension request for the original date of March-August 2007 to
    February 2008, by Stepping Out on Faith Ministries for the use of Coronado School for religious services.
  7. Adoption of the following policies, new and/or edited:
    • BDD: Electronic Participation in Meetings from Remote Locations (New Policy)
    • BF: Policy Manual
    • CBE: Severance Benefits (New Policy)
    • CMA: School Division Annual Report Card (New Policy)
    • DJF: Purchasing Procedures
    • EB: School Crisis, Emergency Management, and Medical Emergency Response Plan
    • IGAJ: Driver Education
    • IGBE: Remedial Instruction Program
    • IKF: Standards of Learning Tests & Graduation Requirements
    • JEC: School Admission
    • KNA: Sex Offenders on School Property
  8. Resolution in support of the Hampton Roads Freedom Walk

The motion was made by Mr. Driggers and seconded by Mr. Cook to approve the consent agenda.  The motion was approved unanimously.  .

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND STATEMENT

Mr. Schmitt presented the July Financial Report.  It was moved by Mr. Cook and seconded by Dr. McCluney to receive and file the report.  The motion was approved unanimously.   Mr. Cook asked Mr. Schmitt if any new teacher incentives had been paid and how many?  Mr. Schmitt replied that the incentives were effective at the beginning of the school year and therefore, none had been paid. 

STANDARDS OF LEARNING (SOL) UPDATE

Dr. Jones presented Karren Bailey to give a preliminary report on the SOL data.  He emphasized that this was preliminary data and that there would be no mention of specific schools in the preliminary report.  He hoped to have a more specific report at the September School Board meeting.

Dr. Bailey stated the challenges for Norfolk Public Schools were Grade 3 English, middle school math, and high school math and science.

Dr. Boone reminded the board members that each year represents a new start for Norfolk Public Schools and SOL testing.

REVIEW OF CAPITAL PROJECTS

Mr. Spencer updated the board on capital improvement projects. 

  • Undisclosed issues with the renovation delayed finishing the school as planned.  It was expected that when school opened on September 4th, the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd floors would be occupied.  The first floor, which is support staff, will not be ready until October.  The outside of the building will continue to be worked on through September and October.  Three mobiles will be moved to Ghent and one to Suburban Park.  The facility on 20th and Colley Avenue will be used for Music. 
  • Coleman Place is ahead of schedule and students should be in the building by September 4th with teachers arriving August 27th.  Completion of the project will be in October or November.
  • Parking lots were put in at Little Creek and Tarrallton Elementary Schools.  A side note that Hewitt Farms housing had completed and filled 75 unites and 200 units were expected by next.  This will effect enrollment at Tarrallton Elementary School.
  • All parking lots started in June were completed.  They includes Northside, Chesterfield, and P. B. Young, Sr.
  • An emergency procurement was requested to repair Maury High School due to the fire in the gym.  Sections of the bleachers and an electrical panel were damaged.  No real damage was done to trusses or beams.  Purchasing is still getting quotes on it.

Dr. Tonelson asked how we will pay for repairs to Maury and Mr. Spencer stated that was being worked out with the insurance adjusters.  It was estimated that repairs would be between $150,000 and $175,000.  The insurance has a $100,000 deductible. 

Mr. Cook stated Mr. Spencer deserves a lot of praise for his work in construction projects. 

Dr.  Wright if we really know when Blair will be completed and Mr. Spencer stated that by January 2008 we will take over the building and grounds.

Mr. Cook asked if the community asked any questions about the Blair project and Mr. Spencer answered that critics say this is a project waiting for.

Mr. Driggers asked whether background checks are done on contractors and Mr. Spencer answered yes. 

CELL PHONE POLICY UPDATE

Mr. Spencer was asked to poll principals regarding the student use of cell phones and he reported to the board that the Secondary Principals Association recognized enforcement is difficult but the alternative of opening up the use of cell phones is less desirable.  Mr. Spencer will give the Board Clerk the following articles to send to the board:

  • Education Week “New York City Schools Position on Cell Phones
  • National School Safety and Security Association report on cell phone use by students

Mr. Bishop went over the new format for meetings that will be implemented at the September 19th School Board meeting:

4:00pm – 5:30pm — Open Informal, CR 1200
5:30pm – 6:30pm — Closed, CR 1200
6:30pm – 7pm — Dinner Break for Board
7pm – 8:30pm — Open Formal, CR 1202 

Board meeting times and dates are listed on the NPS web site under the School Board section.

Ginny Bobby, who arrived late, was allowed to address the School Board on Special Education

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Minutes approved by the School Board:   September 19, 2007