May 23, 2002
The
Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District held its regularly
scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2002, in the Boardroom of
the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock,
Arkansas. President Baker Kurrus
presided.
MEMBERS
PRESENT:
Baker Kurrus
Judy Magness
Tony
Rose
Larry Berkley
Micheal
Daugherty
Sue Strickland
MEMBERS
ABSENT:
None
ALSO
PRESENT:
T.
Kenneth James, Superintendent of Schools
Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes
I. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
President Baker Kurrus called the
meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Six
members of the Board were present at roll call; Ms. Strickland arrived at 6:10
p.m. Sherry Chambers, teacher at Dodd
Elementary School, served as ex-officio representative to the Board for the
month of May. The student
representative from McClellan Magnet High School did not attend.
II. PROCEDURAL
MATTERS / WELCOMING COMMENTS
Mr. Kurrus made brief opening remarks
and welcoming comments. He asked Mr.
Berkley to assist with the citations, recognitions and partnerships.
III. REPORTS/RECOGNITIONS/PUBLIC
COMMENTS
Dr. James introduced the 2002 Stephens Award winners. Each student received a $5,000 scholarship,
and each teacher received $5,000 cash award from the City Education Trust
Fund. The students were Jay
Bauman and Rachael Seidenschnur from Central High School
and Marissa McDaniel from Hall High School. The teacher recipients were Sarah
Gadberry, Alison Hargis, and Lenora Murray from Central
High School, Martha K. Raines from Fair High School, Jennifer
Lusk from Parkview Magnet High School, and Adeal Williams
from McClellan High School.
Each year the District purchases a work of art from one student at each high school. The pieces are then hung in the administration building for public enjoyment. This year’s student winners were present to display their work and receive a check in the amount of $200.00. The students were: Anushree Jumde, Central High School; Christina Pena, Fair High School; Chris Young, Hall High School; Latarsha Burns, McClellan High School; and Trevor Bennett, Parkview Magnet High School.
James Henson, Safety & Security officer, and Danielle Dickson, student at Fair High School were recognized for their quick thinking and life-saving actions. J. A. Fair teacher, Martha Nahlen, was eating lunch alone in her classroom in mid-April when she began to choke. She entered the hallway where she got the attention of Ms. Dickson, who ran for assistance. Mr. Henson administered the Heimlich maneuver, and dislodged the food from Ms. Nahlen’s throat. They were recognized for saving Ms. Nahlen’s life by their swift actions.
The Central High School chess team won the state championship this year, with a record 5 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie. Members of the team were introduced and given superintendent’s citations for their achievement. The chess team members are: Joe Liu, Joel Amaro, Victor Harris, and Shannon Rogers. Their sponsor is James Hill.
Superintendent’s citations were also presented to the Central High School
men’s tennis team, who won the state championship for the third consecutive
year. Team members are: Matthew Angulo, Mark Bacon, Scott
Bacon, Hunter Benson, Nick Clifford, Andrew Crone, Alex DePriest, Brock Dial,
Blake Downing, Daniel Krupitsky, Kevin Luneau, David Mitchell, Ananth
Ranganathan, John Shults, and Peter Thomas.
The Central High School women’s soccer team won the state 5A championship,
defeating the four-time state champions of Fayetteville in recent tournament
play. Team members are: Anne-Claire Allen, Caroline Allen,
Melissa Bandy, Katy Benson, Lindsey Brown, Lauren Cloud, Camille Cook, Allison
Corbin, Sally Cunningham, Elizabeth Daters, Riley Duke, Sheffield Duke, Jessica
East, Elizabeth Gray, Cara Janton, Elizabeth Manney, Elise Norton, Stephanie
Rogers, Lindsey Short, Rebecca Vehik, and Claire Wetzel. Their sponsors are: Betsy Hall-Jones and
Ellen Teeter, and the coaches are Keith McPherson and
David Duke. Jennie Cooper
heads the men’s and women’s soccer program at Central High School.
The teacher ex officio representative, Sherry Chambers, from
Dodd Elementary School, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for
her service during the month of May.
The student representative, from McClellan High School, did not attend.
Debbie Milam presented certificates in recognition of new
business / school partnerships as noted below.
Mr. Berkley made a motion to accept the new partnerships, Ms. Magness
seconded the motion, and it carried
unanimously.
The new partnerships were:
Fair Park Elementary School, represented by Principal Samuel Branch, in partnership with Center
for Effective Parenting, represented by Dr. Nicholas Long
Geyer Springs Elementary School, represented by Principal Donna Hall in partnership with Arkansas
Children’s Hospital – Insure the Children, represented by Debbie Rushing
C. Remarks from Citizens
Shellie Akbar, addressed the Board regarding the
elimination of an art specialist position at Booker Arts Magnet School. She stated that many parents selected Booker
for the arts curriculum, and that eliminating this position, or removing the
teacher who is in that position, will “water down” the program. She noted that many parents have signed
petitions in support of keeping this position.
Clementine Kelley was present,
but indicated that she had no report.
E. Joshua Intervenors
No report.
IV. REPORTS
AND COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. Mitchell commented on the elections held earlier in the week, and
expressed her disappointment that Senator John Riggs was not reelected. She stated that Mr. Riggs has a good record
on issues affecting the children of Little Rock, as well as on education
efforts across the state. She noted
that his dedication and service to the “education cause” started during his
terms on the LRSD Board.
Dr. Daugherty echoed Dr.
Mitchell’s comments and stated that he was very disappointed that Mr. Riggs
lost the election, and even more disappointed that race was brought into the
election as an issue by his opponent.
On another note, Dr. Daugherty expressed support for the LR Chief of
Police and disappointment in the FOP for their public stand against Chief
Johnson.
Mr. Berkley also
commented on Mr. Riggs’ election loss, but expressed confidence that Mr. Riggs
is not finished with his support of children and educational issues.
Ms. Magness expressed
appreciation to fellow members of the Board for making comments that invalidate
race as an issue.
Ms. Strickland expressed
disappointment in the results of this week’s election. She stated that she was “shocked” that Mr.
Riggs did not win. In addition, she
reported that she installed the Parkview PTSA officers for next year. She was impressed that students take an
active role in the PTSA process at Parkview and she encouraged other schools to
do the same.
Mr. Kurrus expressed his
high regard for Mr. Riggs, and said that he was proud of all Mr. Riggs has done
for the children in Little Rock and Arkansas.
He stated confidence that Mr. Riggs will continue to work for education
in the future and he expressed hope that the people who were elected will “step
up to the plate” to do what is right for public education.
Mr. Rose remembered
his first contact with Mr. Riggs was through the Chicot Elementary School PTA
when Mr. Riggs donated his excess campaign funds to various LRSD PTA
units. He noted his respect for Mr.
Riggs and also expressed confidence he would continue to work to benefit
children and education. Mr. Rose
announced that he had attended the annual SECME awards banquet at UALR. He thanked the staffs of the LRSD and UALR
who work tirelessly to encourage minority students to excel and achieve in math
and science.
Mr. Babbs reported that the District’s compliance
committee continues to meet weekly to prepare for court hearings that have been
scheduled for the week of July 22.
Evidence will be presented as to compliance in the areas of student
discipline, achievement, program evaluation, guidance and counseling, AP/Honors
courses, and extracurricular activities.
Judge Wilson has set aside 5 days for this hearing in response to our
efforts to be declared unitary.
He reported that other student registration processes are on schedule
in preparation for the 2002-2003 school year.
Dr. Stewart reported that the business office staff was in the process of preparing summer payroll checks. In addition, all budget managers have submitted their annual budget requests and this information is being loaded into the system.
Mr. Goodman reported that a lot of the scheduled construction projects would begin
over the summer months and that construction has begun at Romine
Elementary. All asbestos projects
should be complete by the end of the summer.
The updated progress report was printed in the Board’s agenda.
The Internal Auditors’ Report was printed as part of the Board’s
agenda.
Mr. Becker was present, but provided no additional information.
Ms. Neal was present and briefly reviewed the
report printed in the Board’s agenda.
A.
Minutes
Minutes from the regular meeting of the
Board of Directors held on April 25, 2002, and from a special meeting held on
May 9, 2002, were presented for review and approval. Mr. Rose made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Policy IHBEA provides for educational provisions for students who are identified as limited English proficient and was modified as part of an overall review of these services. As a result of these modifications, elementary assignment to the Newcomers Centers is being phased out, and secondary level ESL students are being provided the option of attending a school with a Newcomer Center or their attendance zone school. The proposal will result in a savings in transportation costs. The revised policy was approved on first reading at the April meeting of the Board and was presented for second reading approval.
In addition, first reading approval was requested for instructional policies, IKACA, IKC, IKEC, and IKF. Changes to these policies were proposed in order to bring our policies into compliance with state accreditation standards, and many of the changes incorporate language directly from these standards.
Ms. Magness made a motion to approve the revised policy IHBEA on second reading and all of the instructional policies submitted for first reading approval. Dr. Daugherty seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
The ADE standards review team recommended revisions to District regulation IHCDA-R, regulating concurrent enrollment. The revision will allow all eligible high school students to participate in the option of dual enrollment. The Board was not required to take action, but was invited to comment or question the recommended changes.
Carol Green
provided a brief report for inclusion in the Board’s agenda regarding the JOBS
for Arkansas’ Graduates (JAG) program.
This initiative is being implemented at Central, Fair, Hall and
McClellan High Schools beginning in the 2002-03 school year. Teresa Dow from the Arkansas Department of
Workforce Education attended the agenda meeting with Ms. Green to discuss the
mission of the program and answer questions from the Board. The program targets students who are at risk
of dropping out of school, and trains these students in employability skills
and career development.
A.
Second Reading: Health Policies –
JE, JLC, JLCA, JLCB, JLCC, JLCD and JLCE
A review and revision of the policy manual on
health-related issues was presented for the Board’s second reading
approval. First reading approval was
granted at the April meeting of the Board.
Mr. Berkley moved to approve the policies as presented for second
reading. Ms. Magness seconded the
motion and it carried unanimously.
B.
Revisions to Student Handbook, 2002-03
Dr. Watson presented proposed revisions to the
Student handbook for Elementary, Middle, and Senior High School students. Johnnie Johnson was present to review and
discuss the policies relating to extracurricular, co-curricular and athletic
activities. Dr. Watson noted that the
handbooks would be available on the District’s website for the next school
year. Dr. Mitchell made a motion to approve
the revisions and changes to the handbook; Mr. Berkley seconded the motion and
it carried
unanimously.
The Board took a brief recess and
returned at 7:20 p.m.
C.
Personnel Changes
Personnel items were presented as a part of the Board’s agenda. In addition, the nomination of Ms. Eunice
Thrasher for the position of principal at Rightsell Elementary School was
presented for the Board’s approval. Ms.
Thrasher was present and thanked the Board for giving her the opportunity to
serve as the instructional leader at Rightsell. Dr. Mitchell moved to approve the appointment of Eunice Thrasher
as the principal of Rightsell Elementary School. Dr. Daugherty seconded the motion and it carried
unanimously.
On the remainder of the personnel items, Dr. Daugherty made a motion to
approve the changes as presented in the agenda. Mr. Rose seconded the motion and it carried 7- 0.
A.
Donations of Property
The Board was asked to approve acceptance of
recent donations to the District. Mr. Kurrus read the listed donations. Ms. Magness made a motion to accept the
donations, Dr. Daugherty seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Donations are listed in the following chart:
DONATIONS
|
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT |
ITEM |
DONOR |
|
Fulbright
Elementary School |
$500.00
cash to be applied toward the purchase of new playground equipment Dry
cleaning coupons in the amount of $200.00 for the Silent Auction |
Schickel’s
Cleaners |
DONATIONS: (continued)
|
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT |
ITEM |
DONOR |
|
Geyer
Springs Elementary School |
$2,500.00
challenge grant toward the purchase of a new school sign $100.00
cash toward the purchase of a new school sign |
City
of Little Rock with Geyer Springs Neighborhood Association Theresa
Lane |
|
Jefferson
Elementary School |
Refreshments
and lunch, valued at approximately $100.00 for Special Olympics Team Play
fort, valued at approximately $1,000.00 for the pre-K playground Accelerated
Reader test disk valued at $139.00 |
Harvest
Foods Store #6168 Bob
& Debbie Worthington Jefferson
SECME Club |
|
Pulaski
Heights Elementary School |
A
combo punch and bind machine, valued at $427.00 to the kindergarten staff |
Mr.
& Mrs. William Griffin |
|
Williams
Magnet School |
Paintings, valued at $400.00 to the art department $11,000
cash to be used to purchase a new school sign, instructional materials,
resource materials and special programs for teachers, student awards,
certificates and incentives |
Richard
DeSpain and Betty Wright Williams
Magnet School PTA |
|
LRSD
HIPPY Office |
Computer
desk with hutch valued at approximately $300.00 |
Arkansas
HIPPY Office |
|
LRSD |
Assorted
office furniture, valued at $4,670.00, for use where needed |
Air
Transport International |
|
LRSD
Professional Development Dept. |
Books,
valued at approximately $3,500.00 to the Mahlon Martin Professional
Development Library |
Cynthia
Howell / Arkansas Democrat - Gazette |
B. Financial Report
Mr. Milhollen was present to review the financial reports printed in the Board's agenda. He noted that the county collector’s office has done a good job of collecting delinquent taxes, therefore revenue from that source is being received in a more timely manner than in previous years. He noted that the report included in the agenda is for 10 months of the fiscal year and that end-of-year budget preparation activities are in progress. June 30 ends the current year, and the final 2001-02 budget report will be presented as soon as it is complete. Ms. Magness made a motion to approve the reports as submitted. Mr. Berkley seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
IX.
SCHOOL SERVICES DIVISION
A. Second
Reading: Policy KBBA – Custodial and
Non-custodial Parent Rights and Responsibilities
Policy KBBA, Custodial and Non-custodial Parent
Rights and Responsibilities, was drafted to provide guidance to school
personnel with regard to access to students and to school records by
parents. It was given first reading
approval at the April Board meeting.
Dr. Mitchell made a motion to approve the policy on second reading. Ms. Strickland seconded the motion, and it carried
7-0.
X.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
No report or action presented.
XI.
CLOSING REMARKS
Dr. James reminded Board members of the upcoming graduation dates. He also noted that the June meeting of the Board had been rescheduled from Thursday, June 27 to Tuesday, June 25.
He noted that he had spoken to the HIPPY students at their graduation ceremony and at the commencement program for the ACC.
XII.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board,
Ms. Magness moved to adjourn at 7:35 p.m.
Mr. Rose seconded the motion and it carried
unanimously.
APPROVED:
06-25-02 Original
documents signed by:
H.
Baker Kurrus, President
Tony
Rose, Secretary