THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OF

VANCE CHARTER SCHOOL

MINUTES

OF

JULY 2010 MEETING

 

 

The Board of Directors of Vance Charter School held its regular monthly meeting on July 19, 2010.  The following members were present and constituted a quorum:

 

Jay Andrews                                                   Gina Harris

Karen Bobbitt                                                 Janet Gruchacz

Bill Satterwhite                                               Mike Johnson

Deloney Spraggins                                          Adam Brewer

Anne Bunch

 

Also present were:

Joan Munn - Teacher Representative

Sean – Connolly - Principal

Jo Read - Curriculum Director

 

WELCOME

 

Jay Andrews called the meeting to order at 7:05p.m.   He welcomed all regular board members back and had a special welcome for the four new board members.  The new board members are Anne Bunch, Adam Brewer, Deloney Spraggins and Joan Munn as faculty representative.  He also welcomed Jo Read to her new position as Curriculum Director.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

None

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

After committee assignments were clarified, the minutes of the June meeting were approved with a motion from Janet Gruchacz and seconded by Bill Satterwhite.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Connolly introduced Jessica Wynns with Seed Comm to make a presentation on Smartboards.  Mrs. Wynn explained details regarding the opportunity to get 3 Smartboards and all necessary components at a reduced price.  She then gave an interactive presentation to the board showing how the Smartboards could enhance classrooms.  Several board members asked questions to clarify what exactly is included in the quote and as to how the Smartboards would work with our current technology in the building.

 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

 

Mr. Connolly announced that our preliminary AYP status should be announced next week at 90.401% which qualifies our school as a 2009-2010 Honor School of Excellence.

 

Teaching positions to be filled were discussed and Mr. Connolly recommended the hiring of Beth Carroll as a middle school language arts teacher.  Janet Gruchacz made a motion to hire Ms. Carroll and Anne Bunch seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.  More applicants have been interviewed for the art position and after further discussion Mr. Connolly recommended the hiring of Michael McCutcheon for the art position.  Gina Harris made a motion to hire Mr. McCutcheon for the position and the motion was seconded by Bill Satterwhite.  The motion passed unanimously.  Since a middle school math teacher is still needed, a motion was made by Gina Harris to give Mr. Connolly the ability to hire a middle school math teacher without board approval prior to our next board meeting due to time restraints.  Bill Satterwhite seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

 

The connectivity throughout the building was discussed and Mr. Connolly said he was to have a full proposal by Thursday from Walter Pegram at NCOL.  Other proposals are expected soon as well.  Mr. Connolly explained that most of the used lockers that we presently have are ugly, damaged and ultimately dangerous from bent metal.  There are 48 lockers that could be kept with a need to replace 130 – 140 new lockers for safety reasons.  He was instructed to discuss the purchase of new lockers for approximately $8,000 with the finance committee.  The Smartboards were discussed further and it was clarified that we could get 3 Smartboards with all necessary components installed for $19,500.  Discussion of where and how the first 3 Smartboards could be used was discussed and the board agreed that a plan should be established on how to get Smartboards in all classrooms over a 3-4 year period.  Dr. Read will continue to look for grants to help with the cost of additional Smartboards in additional classrooms. 

 

Mr. Connolly explained maintenance that has been completed over the summer.  The floors have been waxed, carpet shampooed, tile installed in approved areas, along with painting and light maintenance being completed.

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

Mr. Connolly explained that Tom Williams had informed him that the allotment numbers were going to be more than expected and we should receive those figures soon.  Mr. Connolly then explained that the NC state teacher pay scale is the same as last year.  No pay increase was factored into the state pay scale for 2010 - 2011.  Teachers will get credit for their year of service.  In the past, a 2% one time bonus has been paid to our teachers.  A 1 ˝ % one time bonus for all teachers was factored into the budget.  In order to offer a 2% one-time bonus as has been done in the past, an extra ˝% would equate to and additional $12,000 to $20,000.  After further discussion, Gina Harris made a motion to pay all full-time employees including new hires that are paid on state scale a one-time 2% bonus throughout the school year.  Anne Bunch seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Connolly stated that he and Dr. Read had discussed the idea of splitting the Reading Specialist for K-5 into two part-time positions.  He felt this would work well and he had some promising applicants.  Bill Satterwhite made a motion to grant Mr. Connolly the authority to hire 2 part-time teachers for this position.  Adam Brewer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

 

LONG RANGE PLANNING

 

No Report.

 

STUDENT RECRUITMENT

 

It was agreed that Mr. Connolly will start the calling process to fill the available positions for students for the upcoming school year.  Bill Satterwhite said the website will be updated with the recent changes in the schedule and process of the student enrollment.  Changes include that informational meetings can not be mandatory and the lottery will be held on a Saturday next year.  All board members are asked to be present to assist if they are available. 

 

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

 

Mr. Connolly stated that the lease and plans have been completed for the addition in the front of the school and we are in the process of getting bids from contractors.  His plan is to add the Spanish classroom and a new office to that area along with the additional classroom that will be needed for next school year. 

 

POLICY AND PERSONNEL

 

Mr. Connolly has reviewed the Staff and Student Handbooks and made only minor changes and typographical errors.  Bill Satterwhite made a motion to approve the staff and student handbooks for 2010 – 2011.  Karen Bobbitt seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

 

Joan Munn suggested that information regarding our capital campaign be pitched to kindergarten parents as well as first grade parents at Open House.

 

PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE

 

No report.

 

INCLEMENT WEATHER

 

No report.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Jay Andrews reminded all board members that the annual Back to School Breakfast will be held for the teachers on their first day back, which is August 18th.  The board members will provide a breakfast spread for the teachers to allow them to meet and greet returning and new staff members.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

None

 

Bill Satterwhite made a motion to go into closed session to discuss policy and personnel matters.  Janet Gruchacz seconded the motion.  Later Gina Harris made a motion to come out of closed session.  Karen Bobbitt seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

 

With nothing else to report, Gina Harris made a motion to adjourn and Anne Bunch second the motion.  The meeting adjourned at 9:20pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Karen Bobbitt

Secretary