LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT

810 WEST MARKHAM STREET

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

MINUTES

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

January 22, 2004

The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District held its regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2004, in the Boardroom of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas.  President Tony Rose presided.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Tony Rose

Larry Berkley

Micheal Daugherty

Bryan Day

Baker Kurrus

Katherine Mitchell

Sue Strickland

MEMBERS ABSENT:

None

ALSO PRESENT:

Morris L. Holmes, Interim Superintendent

Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes

I.          CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

Mr. Rose called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.   Six members of the Board were present at roll call; Ms. Strickland arrived at 5:35 p.m.  In addition, student representative Marcus Kennedy from McClellan High School, and teacher representative Julia Banks, from Wakefield Elementary School, were also present.

II.         PROCEDURAL MATTERS / WELCOMING COMMENTS

Mr. Rose welcomed the audience and asked Dr. Holmes to proceed with the presentation of recognitions and citations.

III.        REPORTS/RECOGNITIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS

A.                 Superintendent’s Citations

Dr. Holmes introduced Yang Dai, a student at Central High School.  Yang achieved a perfect score of 1600 on her SAT this year, and a perfect 36 on the ACT assessment as a sophomore.  Yang was congratulated for this achievement.  The College Board reports that only 900 students in the country achieve a perfect score on the SAT, and only about 1 in 8,300 students make a perfect score on the ACT.

Anna Musun-Miller, a Central High School senior, was recognized for her selection as a regional winner in the annual Cum Laude Paper Competition sponsored by the Cum Laude Society.  The competition recognizes students for original thought and superior scholarship.  She received $500 from the Cum Laude Society in recognition of her achievement.

Students from the Parkview Magnet High School Student Congress team recently participated in the Arkansas Student Congress, a mock legislative session held annually at the Arkansas State Capitol.  This team won the overall award and each participant also received individual awards.  The participating students were:  Adam Baldwin, Graham Campbell, Abby Epperson, Luke Frauenthal, Malaiha Iqbal, Sam Kauffman, John Marcus Phillips, Emily Soderberg, and Andy Stroman.  Their teacher and sponsor is Pat Treadway.

The Superintendent presented a certificate of recognition to Barbara Blaine, counselor at Western Hills Elementary School.  Ms. Blaine recently received the Distinguished Professional Service Award from the Arkansas Counseling Association.  As a member of this association, she recently completed a three-year appointment to the association’s national public policy and legislation committee.

Dr. Holmes introduced Carol Fleming, a speech pathologist at Pulaski Heights Middle School.  She is serving as president-elect of the Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and was awarded a superintendent’s citation in recognition of her service to the community and to her professional organization.

David Hughey from Geyer Springs First Baptist Church attended the meeting, representing members of the church who participated in Share Fest.  This church group worked at Otter Creek Elementary School and Mabelvale Magnet Middle School, painting, planting and making other improvements to the school campuses.  Other Share Fest volunteers were recognized at the December Board meeting.

Estelle Matthis was invited to attend the Board meeting to receive a plaque honoring her husband, James Matthis, who recently passed away.  Mr. Matthis had retired as a vice principal at Mann Magnet Middle School in June 2002.  The plaque read:  “The Board of Education of the Little Rock School District expresses its condolences to the Matthis family and its deepest appreciation to James Matthis for his many years of commitment to his students, his school, and the Little Rock School District.”

Judy Martin, like Ms. Matthis, recently lost her husband, Frank Martin, who was the Executive Director of the Little Rock Classroom Teachers Association.  Although Mr. Martin was not an employee of the LRSD, he worked for the benefit of our teachers and Ms. Martin was given a plaque honoring his memory.  The plaque read:  “The Board of Education of the Little Rock School District expresses its condolences to the family of Frank Martin and acknowledges the important role Frank had in representing the membership of the Little Rock Classroom Teachers Association.”

Board Member Bryan Day was presented a certificate of completion from the Arkansas School Boards Association recognizing his completion of six hours of inservice study.  Arkansas law mandates that Board Members complete a certain number of hours of training each year in the duties and responsibilities of a Board member under the school laws of Arkansas.

Marcus Kennedy, McClellan High School student, and Julia Banks, Wakefield Elementary School teacher, were awarded citations of appreciation for their service as ex officio representatives to the Board for the month of January.

Lastly, Dr. Holmes introduced John Carter, LRSD security officer.  Mr. Carter has been assigned to provide safety recommendations and security to the 810 West Markham Street administration building staff.

B.                Remarks from Citizens

Vanessa Pace-Hampton, student council sponsor at Parkview Magnet High School, introduced the Parkview Student Council vice-president, Derrick Raney.  Derrick announced that Parkview would be the host school for the Arkansas Association of Student Councils in April 2004.  The school is working with City Year of Little Rock to attract young leaders of student councils across the state to attend the conference.  They asked the Board and the Superintendent to assist them in their efforts to provide a quality experience for the students, and he indicated that additional information and invitations would be sent to administrators, board members and the Superintendent as additional plans are developed.

James Floyd, from the Wright Avenue Neighborhood Association, yielded his time to Shirley Johnson, representing the Mitchell Elementary School PTA.  Ms. Johnson said that Mitchell parents are opposed to the dispersing of Mitchell students to Stephens and Washington Elementary Schools.  The PTA is interested in working through whatever steps are necessary to get their students back to a neighborhood school, and they want their children to be able to walk to school instead of having to be bused.  The current situation has caused some families a great deal of distress by having siblings separated between two schools, and it has caused the community distress by the appearance that the LRSD is trying to destroy the community by closing the school.  She asked the Board to repair the school, and get the children back to the Mitchell campus as soon as possible.

Dr. George Blevins addressed the Board and asked for an explanation of why the issue of closing Mitchell School is back on the table.  He suggested that the cause of projections of reduced enrollment at Mitchell is directly related to the way that students are being assigned to Mitchell School.  He stated that the building is in the condition that it is because of a lack of routine maintenance and upkeep.  The matter of public trust is at issue here, and the Board was reminded that the Mitchell Community supported the millage issue because of promises that were made to make improvements to Mitchell School.

Otis Kirkland stated that he has two children who attend Mitchell Academy.  He asked that the Board take whatever steps necessary to keep the school open and in good working order.  The school is a part of the community, and it is important to the community for the children to be able to attend their neighborhood school.

Annie Abrams introduced herself as a parent advocate for three generations of students in the Little Rock School District.  She retired from the LRSD, and has “worn many hats” in her efforts to advocate for various human rights causes.  She stated that the issues surrounding the current discussion on Mitchell Academy boil down to simple issues of accountability, accessibility of educational opportunities, and achievement by the District to provide what is “right” for every child.  Mitchell School is an anchor in the community and in the City of Little Rock.  She noted recent investments by the city providing new street lights, tree-plantings, grants for after school programs at Mitchell and other efforts to keep the Wright Avenue area and Mitchell School community thriving as a contributing sector of the city.  She urged the Board to keep the school open and operational as a part of the identity of the community in which it is located.

D.        Little Rock Classroom Teachers Association

Grainger Ledbetter, Executive Director of the L. R. Classroom Teachers Association, was present at the meeting.  He greeted the Board, but made no additional comments or presentation.

IV.       REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

A.                 Remarks from Board Members

Dr. Mitchell congratulated Jeffrey Trimble, Jr., a Mann Magnet student who represented the City of Little Rock and the State of Arkansas in the Jr. National Young Leaders’ conference at the Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness.  She stated that he did an exceptional job of presenting himself and representing our District in this event.

In addition, Dr. Mitchell complimented Jo Evelyn Elston and high school counselors who recently sponsored a graduate follow-up luncheon.  The luncheon was provided for students who graduated from the LRSD last year, including students who are now attending schools from all over the country, from trade schools and two-year colleges, four year colleges in-state, and other colleges and universities across the country.  These students provide perspective for counselors on how well they were prepared in the LRSD to succeed in post-secondary educational opportunities.  The discussion benefits the students, but most importantly provides insight for counselors and administrators to serve future students.

Mr. Kurrus thanked Dr. Blevins, Ms. Abrams and other speakers who advocated for Mitchell Academy at tonight’s meeting.  He stated that Mitchell Academy was a marvelous school.  He then read a quote from a recent Arkansas Democrat Gazette article, attributed to Mr. Dagtas who recently was granted a charter to operate the LISA Academy.  Mr. Kurrus noted that the quote and the article were insulting and insensitive to the issues of public education and the exceptionally good education that is available in the LRSD.  Schools like Mitchell Academy would be ultimately affected by the granting of charters to operate schools like the LISA Academy.  LISA would not be providing transportation or services for special needs students, but would draw from available state funds that would come to public school students.

Mr. Rose thanked Mr. Kurrus for his comments and stated that “Baker is my hero.”  We have great schools, great students, great families, and caring employees who provide the best possible public education for every child who comes through our doors.”  In addition, he commented on the recent State of the Union address, and noted that “the current administration is not a friend of education.”

B.                Student Assignment Report

Mr. Babbs reviewed current student assignment processes and noted that 72 students had been processed for NCLB transfers.  He announced open enrollment from January 26 through February 6; parents are encouraged to pre-register their children at their attendance zone school or at the student registration office.  When registering, parents must provide a birth certificate, social security card and proof of residence.  In addition, he announced the annual Magnet School Fair which is to be held on Saturday, January 24 at Park Plaza mall.

C.                Budget Update

Dr. Stewart provided a brief report on his recent monitoring of legislative sessions.  He noted the possibility that $500,000 - $700,000 would be allocated for poverty programs, but no actual figures had been provided.  He felt that it was good news that no reductions had been announced, and that the legislature remains very focused as they grapple with the funding formula and other aspects of accountability issues.  As of the date of this meeting, 50 acts had been signed, 10 or 15 bills had passed through the House and Senate, but had not been signed into law by the governor.  Reorganization of the state’s school districts is still very much part of the discussions.

D.                Construction Report: Proposed Bond Projects

Mr. Goodman reviewed the summary report provided in the Board’s agenda.  Dr. Mitchell asked him to review construction plans at Fair Park Elementary School, noting that it needs a new roof.

E.                 Internal Auditors Report

Mr. Becker was present and noted that his report was printed in the agenda.

No additional information was provided.

F.                 Technology Update

Ms. Neal was present and reviewed the summary report provided in the Board’s agenda.  She noted that 134 teachers would begin on-line staff development this week.  AETN and the Arkansas Department of Education are providing video clips correlated to curriculum standards which will be available on-line.  Mr. Berkley asked that Ms. Neal provide a report or a demonstration on how our teachers are integrating technology in their daily classroom instruction.

G.                Update:  Division of Exceptional Children

Barbara Barnes provided a written summary and a brief report, as requested by the Board.

V.                 APPROVAL OF ROUTINE MATTERS

A.                 Minutes

Minutes from a special meeting of the Board of Directors held on December 11, 2003, and from the regular meeting held on December 18, 2003 were presented for review and approval.   There were no corrections noted and the minutes were approved.

B.                Personnel Changes

Routine personnel changes were printed in the Board’s agenda.  Dr. Holmes recommended approval.  Mr. Berkley made the motion to approve personnel items as presented.  Dr. Daugherty seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

VI.               CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

A.                 Second Reading – Policy Revisions:  IKF – General Education Graduation Requirements

Policy IKF General Education Graduation Requirements was presented for the Board’s review and second reading adoption.  Arkansas Act 1748 of 2001 was revised by Act 1729 of 2003, changing the grade range from K-9 to K-8 for the requirement of 20 minutes of physical activity three times each week.  The policy revision puts the LRSD in compliance with State law.  First reading approval was granted at the December Board meeting.  Mr. Berkley moved approval; Dr. Mitchell seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

VII.             SCHOOL SERVICES

A.                 Magnet Schools Assistance Program Update

Debbie Price, Director of the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, provided a written summary of MSAP activities and achievements.  Dr. Holmes provided a brief background report and discussed a few of the program highlights.  No Board action was requested or required upon receipt of the report.

B.                2004 Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant Proposal

Linda Austin, Director of Planning and Development, presented the 2004 Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant proposal for the Board’s review and approval.  The proposal was printed in the agenda and a resolution in support of the submission was provided for the Board adoption.  Mr. Berkley moved to approve the proposal as presented.  Dr. Mitchell seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

VIII.           BUSINESS SERVICES

A.                  Donations of Property

The Board was asked to approve the acceptance of recent donations to schools and Departments within the District.  The donations are listed in the following chart.  Marcus Kennedy, student ex-officio, read the items listed in the Board’s agenda.   Dr. Daugherty made a motion to accept the donated items; Ms. Strickland seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

ITEM

DONOR

Central High School

$500.00 cash to be applied toward the completion of the reflecting pool

Central High School Class of 1993

Cloverdale Magnet Middle School

$240.00 gift card

Food coupons in the amount of $200.00

Wal-mart Super Center

Burger King

Wilson Elementary School

$400.00 cash to be used to purchase supplies for students

Elite, Inc.

Woodruff Elementary School

$100.00 cash match for volunteer hours from Tamela Warren, Woodruff parent to purchase good conduct incentives

Wal-mart #126

Little Rock School District

7,010 copies of the book “The Search for the Smell of Christmas” to be distributed to students in 23 elementary schools.  Donation valued at $104,800.00

Aromatique, Inc.

B.                Financial Reports

The monthly financial summary reports were provided to the Board as part of the printed agenda.  Mr. Milhollen was present to review the reports and respond to questions.

IX.               CLOSING REMARKS

Dr. Holmes reminded families that open houses are being held this week and that the specific information is included on the school calendar.  Report cards go home next week.

X.                 ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mr. Berkley moved to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.
Ms. Strickland seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

APPROVED:   _________                         __________________________________

Tony R. Rose, President

__________________________________

R. Micheal Daugherty, Secretary