SCHOOL BOARD OF THE CITY OF NORFOLK

Minutes of the Monthly School Board Meeting
September 19, 2007

EXECUTIVE SESSION—CLOSED

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 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. Driggers, Dr. McCluney, Mrs. Rhodes, Dr. Tonelson, and Dr. Wright.  Mr. Cook was absent.   Others in attendance were Superintendent Jones, Chief of Staff Young, Chief Academic Officer Boone, Chief of Operations Spencer, and Clerk Rhodes along with Mr. Cloud and Mr. Mungo from the City Attorney’s office. 

The School Board went into executive (closed) session at 4:07 p.m.

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

INFORMAL OPEN SESSION

Mr. Bishop called the informal session of the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. in Room 1200 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, Spencer, Schmitt, and Sullivan, Executive Directors Jones, Lassiter, O’Konek, and Thomas; and Clerk Rhodes.  

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.

Topics discussed during the informal session included:

1. Format for School Board reports
2. Update on Teacher Recruitment/Retention
3. Discussion on How to Proceed with Facilities Study
4. Improvement Plan for Lake Taylor Middle School
5. Special Education Update

The School Board took a short dinner break at 6:35 p.m.

FORMAL OPEN SESSION

Mr. Bishop called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.           

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

HIGHLIGHTS OF INFORMAL SESSION

Mr. Bishop presented highlights of the informal session.

1. A format for reports to the School Board was discussed.  School Board reports should do the following:
   
   
   1. Define the issue or question.
   2. Provide brief overview/background information.
   3. Provide recommendations.
   4. Provide a statement of impact.
   5. Provide budget implications.
   6. Identify potential policy implications.
      
      
2. Dr. Dillard gave the board an update on teacher recruitment and retention.  All 54 math positions have been filled with highly qualified teachers.  Of the 108 positions needed in special education, 16 are left to fill at this point with long-term substitutes.  Of the 108 teachers of special education students hired, 35 teachers had provisional or conditional licenses.  All bus driver positions have been filled.  Mr. Bishop stated this is the result of an extraordinary proactive effort of the administrative team and the board congratulated them.   Practices to retain qualified teachers include implementing dual enrollment classes at Granby and Booker T. this year; continuing special education work with many of our local partners where we have formed a partnership with Regent University similar to the career switchers that will focus on math and science.  In the way of retention, we will be doing a survey to better understand why employees want to teacher at Norfolk Public Schools.  We are expanding our mentoring and continue to have challenges with respect to teachers’ salaries and that was the focus this year.
   
   
3. The board had a discussion on how we go forward with our facilities study.  The board is very much in favor engaging of parents, expanding the opportunities for parents, parental choice in the form of K-8, and they are looking at moving forward on the Rosemont concept.  They are thinking about the best model for engaging in community involvement and engagement with respect to moving forward with the master facility study and they will be getting some additional information on that.
   
   
4. The board received an update on special education.  The changes seem to be going very well there. 
   
   
5. The board had a conversation on their request for conditional accreditation for Lake Taylor Middle School.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

1. The superintendent reported there was a smooth opening of school this year. This includes the openings of our two new facilities Coleman Place and Blair. He reported that five new bus loops and parking lots at were completed at schools throughout the city.
   
   
2. Congratulations went to Norview High School’s Thomas Smigiel for being chosen Virginia’s Region II 2008 Teacher of the Year.  School officials made a surprise visit to Mr. Smigiel’s classroom carrying balloons and other special recognitions presented by the State Department of Education’s Mr. Lan Neugent, Assistant Superintendent of Technology, and Dr. Ella Ward, Vice President of the Virginia School Board.
   
   Mr. Smigiel was one of eight regional winners selected among 69 nominees from across the state. Thomas, an Earth Science and Leadership teacher and graduate of Norview High School, has been a part of the Norfolk Public Schools’ family since 2000. He is a true advocate for all children and is a big fan of Dr. Seuss.  On the first day of school each year, he reads the classic, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” to each of his high school classes.  He knows there’s an important message in Dr. Seuss’ simple but powerful words. Thomas strives to take students who are labeled ‘at-risk’ and turn them into ‘at promise’ students. 
   
   

   In his words, “I want my students to leave my classroom understanding that they control their learning. I empower them to connect their learning with real-life situations.” He believes, “If you have a child’s heart, you have his head.”

3. Norfolk Public Schools has requested an efficiency audit from the Virginia Department of Planning & Budget.  The review will examine seven major areas: division administration and human resources, educational service delivery (not effectiveness of education), transportation, finance and purchasing, food service delivery, information technology acquisition (not integration in the classroom), and facilities. We will be holding a meeting with state representatives in mid-October and anticipate a site visit and data collection to take place in late November.  The School Board will be kept apprised as more information becomes available.
   
   
4. A special project to develop affordable housing for new teachers appears to be moving forward.  This is a joint project between Norfolk Public Schools, the City, and the Community Development Corporation at ODU.  The administration will provide more details to the School Board as information becomes available.
   
   
5. The Superintendent reminded the School Board of its joint meeting with City Council scheduled for October 2nd at 5 p.m. in City Hall. Discussion topics will include the recent facilities study, student performance, and fiscal issues.
   
   
6. The Superintendent informed the School Board that the first Leadership Associates Program for the year will be held locally at the Ted Constant Convocation Center October 10-12.  The theme will be Exceeding Expectations: Leading with our Heads, Hearts, and Hands.  LAP I will begin with a community dinner meeting on Wednesday, October 10 where there will be a discussion of the next phase of our journey to world-class status.  The program will also celebrate the accomplishments of our target committees and work groups and share the progress made on our performance measures.  On Thursday and Friday, October 11 and 12, meetings will continue to focus our work on identified gaps and high leverage strategies that will move the needle on our performance measures.  

 ITEMS OF INTEREST

1. In August, employees from the School Administration and the court side combined their efforts for the 2nd Annual Back-to-School Cookout.  Although food & fellowship may have been the main attraction for this parking lot picnic, bringing school supplies for Norfolk Public Schools students was the main focus.  Markers, crayons, notebooks, all the tools needed to help a student have a successful year.
   
   
2. Teachers at the School of International Studies at Meadowbrook prepared themselves for the start of the school year by inviting Derek Mungo, City Attorney for Norfolk Public Schools to do a presentation at one of their workshops.  He spoke to them on how to establish relationships with the students.
   
   
3. Norfolk Public Schools  held a Wellness Day, headed up by Tracy Munoz, which allowed employees to get some frustrations out, get their heart rates up, and talk about issues that concern them.
   
   
4. Dr. Jones gave his All-Staff Address to the employees of Norfolk Public Schools to get them moving forward on our journey to world class.
   
   
5. Opening was especially exciting for the students and teachers at Blair Middle and Coleman Place Elementary Schools.  Blair continues its renovations as the students and teachers get used to their new surroundings.  Coleman Place Elementary is an entirely new building with a brighter look, roomy classrooms, and a brand new playground.  

INTRODUCTION OF NEW ADMINISTRATORS

Mr. Spencer, Chief Operations Officer, introduced:

1. Jacqueline Y. Wilson promoted from Dean of Students, Lake Taylor Middle to Senior Coordinator, Human Resources
   
2. April M. Bernarde promoted from Dean of Students, Northside to Assistant Principal, Blair Middle School
   
3. Cindy Mabina elected Senior Coordinator, Truancy, Pupil Personnel Services
   
4. Jeffrey Haywood elected Information System Specialist IV, Information Division

CITIZEN COMMENT ON AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS

1. Monte Mercer, President of the Education Association of Norfolk
2. Victoria Maklouf, regarding Teacher Training
3. Laurie D’Angelo, regarding special education training for staff
   

OPEN FORMAL SESSION - CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Personnel Report and Supplement for September 19, 2007, as amended
2. The Pupil Personnel Report Out-of-district Report for August 1-31, 2007
3. The School Board minutes August 15, 2007
4. The August 2007, Bills and Payroll Report;
5. The August Use of School Facilities Report;
6. Four recommendations to approve home schooling based on the Religious Exemption Act.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND STATEMENT

Mr. Schmitt presented the August Financial Highlights and Report.  Mr. Driggers asked, “Where does money reside that hasn’t been spent yet?” and Mr. Schmitt stated that it resided with the city.  It was moved by Mrs. Rhodes and seconded by Mr. Driggers to receive and file the report.  The motion was approved unanimously.   

Mr. Bishop asked when the board can expect to receive the student population numbers and Mr. Schmitt replied that a 30-day enrollment would be available September 30, 2007.  Dr. Jones indicated that we seem to be right on the mark on the overall projection but it may vary from school-to-school. 

UPDATE ON SCHOOL BOARD INSURANCE PROGRAMS AND COVERAGE

Mr. Schmitt introduced Mr. Dan Hurley, Senior Director of Risk Management.  Mr. Hurley presented the board with an information report on how the school system is protected from potential liabilities through programs and insurance.  The Executive Summary of Insurance report was prepared by the Marsh Company and is attached to the minutes.

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Mr. Pat Sullivan reported to the board on long-term technology spending.  He stated summer projects exceeded staffing resources at times, but we made significant progress.  Beginning this school year, Norfolk Public Schools will face some old and new challenges.  The goal of the Information Division is to continue to update old equipment that is either out of warranty or has passed its usefulness.  In keeping with ever-growing standards, we feel that we must replace the following equipment at a minimum:  11 Core switches, 198 Regular switches, 84 servers, and 1,286 student PC’s.  Norfolk Public Schools has one more year before it will have to switch to the Windows Vista operating system from Windows XP.  Windows Vista does not work with the Novell Client software that runs the network.  Information has purchased some machines with Vista and are working with Microsoft to make it more compatible. 

LAKE TAYLOR MIDDLE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Mr. Bishop observed that the approval of the School Improvement Plan for Lake Taylor Middle School was not part of the consent agenda and asked for a motion to approve the plan from the board.  Dr. Wright moved to approve the plan and Dr. Tonelson seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously. 

SCHOOL BOARD MATTERS

1. Dr. McCluney reported she attend the Education Advisory Board Committee for WHRO.  The Committee acted on the following:
   
   
   1. Election of two new directors for the Board of Directors
      
      
   2. The scheduling for the new President and CEO, Bert Schmitt, to visit all the School Board in order for him to give a short introduction and a presentation on the future look for WHRO.
      
      
   3. Items of Interest:  WHRO worked very closely with the Virginia Department of Education to coordinate language arts and humanities AP offerings, on-line courses.  This was a big initiative for WHRO.  They have also released four virtual school courses:  9th grade English, Government, Earth Science, and Survival Economics.  They have plans for two more virtual education courses which will include 10th Grade English and Algebra I.  WHRO is part of a regional initiative seeking funding for modeling and simulation games for base learning.  They also introduced and hope most of the schools will participate in, five 7- to 8-minute Jamestown programs they have produced on African, Indian, and English voyagers of the Jamestown legacy.  These are all on-line lessons.  They come with plans, teacher resources, and stream videos to be used in the classroom.  WHRO is airing daily the show, “A Place of Our Own,” Monday through Friday, 1-1:30 p.m.  It is designed to meet the needs of child care providers from babysitters to mothers of very young children to early care providers.  They have identified this program to be of benefit to those who are caring for very young children.   
      
      
2. Dr. Tonelson reported that he and Col. Cook met with Linda Steadman regarding legislative issues.   They discussed the General Assembly convening on January 9.  It was felt by the committee that the Board should keep the focus on re-benchmarking of the Standards of Quality.  Regarding Governor Kaine’s preschool initiative, which the board strongly supports, the board would like our legislators to be careful that they don’t take money from programs that are working now in order to begin new programs.  The initiative is important, vital even, but he reiterated that the money should not come from monies that are already being used by the schools.  A meeting is set for November 21st for the board to meet with the legislators.  (A copy of the report is attached to the minutes.
   
   
3. Mr. Bishop attended the ACCESS retreat recently.  Two-thirds of the money in the program (has expanded region-wide) goes to Norfolk and Portsmouth graduates.  There is a school counselor in our high schools three days a week.  ACCESS has been an incredible gift to the community.  The program was started by Frank Batten and Josh Darden.  The reason why Norfolk/Portsmouth gets two-thirds of the money in the program is that the original endowment ear-marked the money for Norfolk and Portsmouth.
   
   Information regarding the LAP I event in Norfolk October 10-12 will be distributed as it becomes available.  Mr. Bishop stated the Board had to make a decision about who will represent the Board going to LAP II and Lap III (February and May).  He asked if Dr. McCluney and Col. Cook would be interested in attending and they will get back to him.

Mr. Bishop asked for a report on the School Board retreat to be presented at the next meeting.

The Board agreed to change the date for the November Board meeting from November 21st to November 20th due to the holiday the next day.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.