4/9/09 Minutes of Andersoncounty Board of Education Regular Meeting Page No

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4/9/09 Minutes of AndersonCounty Board of Education Regular Meeting Page No.

Minutes

ANDERSONCOUNTYBOARD OF EDUCATION

101 S. Main Street

Clinton, TN37716

April 9, 2009

6:30 PM

MembersPresentAbsent

John Burrell, Chairman√

Dail Cantrell√

Greg Crawford√

Peggy Hayes√

Glenda Langenberg√

Wanda McCrosky, Vice-Chairman√

Rickey Rose√

Jo Williams√

V. L. Stonecipher, Director√

Student Board Members:

Will Housley√

Evan Simpson√

Others in Attendance

Jim Hampton, Tyler Hampton, Sheila Hampton, Jeremiah Ballew, Kathy Rollow, Victoria Stribling, Angela Weisgarber, Amy Jeffers, Mary Bullock, Gail Martin, Terri Ryan, Hanah Stribling, Melinda Reed, Janet Gibbons, Debbie Nall, Donna Jerden, Julie Minton, Jim Woodward, Vicki Davis, Jenna Rader, Stacey Honabach, Andrea Swinn, Scott Ridenour, Angela Ridenour, Matthew Ayers, Connie Ridgell, Natalie Harmon, Angela Sexton, Nancy Williamson, Donna Jones, Kelli Thompson, Judy Beach, Giovanna Cruada, Lee Ann Eaves, Judy Miller, Susan Fowler, Sue Voskamp, Denise Wilburn, Chuck Puglisi, Kim Guinn, Linda Davis, Denise McGaha, Heather Watts, Tiffany Murray, Merry Wolfe, Eric ?, Laura Calloway, Sara Myers, Debbie Myers, Kent Mitchell, Kim ? Ashley Cox, Debra Cox, Emily Cox, Karen Bridgeman, Cherie Bradley, Kristie Lowe, Doris Foust, Kristina Foust, Gail Berry, Gabrielle Sand, Terri Ferry, Tim Parrott, Holly Bass, Joanie Hayes, Greg Deal, Mike Harmening, Danny Richards, Jeff Harshbarger, Paula Sellers, Katrina Oakley, Bob Stokes, Margaret Burrell, Darla Williams, Angela Poole, Karen Cupples.

1. CALL TO ORDER
   

Dr. Burrell, chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:33PM as a regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education. Greg Crawford led the Pledge of Allegiance.

RECOGNITON OF GUESTS

1. Tammy Grissom, Executive Director of Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) presented three candidates for consideration for the Director of Schools position. The first candidate who will interview on Monday, April 20 is Dr. Larry Stein from Sweetwater, TN. The second candidate, Dr. Charles Edmonds from Winchester, TN will interview on Tuesday, April 21 and the third candidate, Carla Franklin from Memphis, will interview on Wednesday, April 22.

Dr. Burrell reminded the audience that two local candidates, Johanna Whitley and Larry Foster, have already interviewed for the position. Dail Cantrell, concerned with the quality of outside candidate resumes, stated Ms. Franklin has no administrative experience other than as a principal, and Dr. Stein has never been a director of schools. Dr. Edmonds was a director of schools, but was dismissed from the Franklin County Board of Education. Mrs. Grissom stated Dr. Edmonds had some very positive recommendations from former board members. She encouraged the board to contact people and former board members in his community.

Mrs. Grissom also described interview procedures and explained the board may or may not choose to use them. She stated all interviews are to be held in open meetings, and she recommendsthe board take a written ballot - write down the top two candidates and turn them in. The candidate with the most voteswill be the candidateto focus on first. The Board should also ask candidates the same questions for comparison. The chosen candidate should be unanimously selected. She also mentioned that if an external candidate is selected as a finalist, the board may wish to visit that person’s community.

Dail Cantrell stated both internal candidate interviews were exceptional. He said the board opened up the search and two of the external candidates do not have the experience Larry Foster or Johanna Whitley has, and the third was an attorney who chose to get a buyout. Wouldn’t it be better to have a second stage interview with Johanna and Larry and go no further with the external candidates? He suggested the board consider ending the TSBA process and go with the two candidates we have now. Motion by Dail Cantrell and seconded by Glenda Langenberg that we don’t go forward with the out of county searches andmove forward with what we have with Johanna and Larry, and pick from those two candidates.

Rickey Rose stated he would at least like to read the resume’s and make up his mind. Wanda McCrosky agreed.

Jo Williams stated she would like to go ahead with the search and at least allow time to look the resume’s over, and see what’s in the notebook.

Roll call vote:

Dail Cantrell aye

Greg Crawford aye

Peggy Hayesabsent

Glenda Langenbergaye

Wanda McCroskyno

Rickey Roseno

Jo Williamsno

Motion failed.

Tammy Grissom stated there is a nationwide shortage of superintendent candidates similar to the teacher shortage. TSBA used to have 35 to 40 candidates apply, but in the last few years she’s had only a few and the number seems to keep dwindling. Before the law changed, one could apply and theapplicant’s name wouldn’t be public knowledge. Now, the minute one applies, their name becomes public and it has really hindered the process.

Jo Williams stated two of the applicants are applying in RheaCountyand they may not even be interested in coming here. Glenda Langenberg said she doesn’t know how we can ever find two better candidates than we have here. They have a proven record and it speaks volumes. Dail Cantrell stated with regard to the candidate who is a principal, that’s not the level he wants to interview. And, Sweetwater is not an unknown system – he said he doesn’t look at that as the same quality system that we have here. He also stated he has concerns about someone whose contract was bought out. He voted to see what was out there, hoping the board would get an attractive candidate.

Jo Williams agreed with Dail Cantrell on the candidate with no administrative experience. The two locals have more experience.

Dr. Burrell asked board members to volunteer as escorts for the candidates. Glenda Langenberg volunteered for one day.

B.Nancy Williamson, Ed.D. presented the 2008-2009 interns and stated they finished another successful year. Fifteen interns were placed at Claxton Elementary, Grand Oaks Elementary and ClintonMiddle School. Three interns have picked up secondary certification.

C.Kelli Thompson encouraged ClintonHigh School and AndersonCountyHigh School administrators to allow the placement of Foreign Exchange Students (FES), saying it allows for diversity and understanding between our student body and FES. She introduced Giovanna Awada, a student from Brazil at AndersonCountyHigh School this school year, and also introduced Judy Beach, Field Director for the program. She provided literature to board members for their review.

III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

1. Request for appeal – parent had an illness in the family and could not be here.
2. Zero Tolerance case #1

Motion by Dail Cantrell and seconded by Greg Crawford to deny the requested appeal and refer the case to Mr. Stonecipher. Motion carried.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
   Motion by Greg Crawford and seconded by WandaMcCroskyto approve the agenda. Motion carried.

V. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes of Regular Meeting – March 5, 2009

1. Personnel Actions

Last Name / First Name / Location / Position / Effective Date / Return Date
New Hires
Cantrell / Heather / NWES / Interim Teacher / 3/23/09
Horne / Danielle / NWES / Interim Teacher / 3/23/09
Friske / Tara / LCMS / Café Monitor / 2/17/09
Holt / Bill / TLC / Crisis Assistant / 2/27/09
Farmer / Alex / ACHS / Volunteer Asst. Baseball Coach / 2/27/09
Lowery / Marjorie / LCMS / Lunchroom Monitor/Cook / 3/10/09
Byrge / David / CHS / Food Service Custodian / 3/9/09
Butcher / Sarah / Preschool / Early Head Start Asst. / 3/23/09
Riggs / Jodi / Preschool / Early Head Start Asst. / 3/23/09
Minton / Julie / Central Office / Financial Specialist / 3/30/09
Murphy / Melissa / Central Office / Speech Pathologist / 3/30/09
Transfer/Change of Status
Collins / Kristen / CES / Food Service / 2/23/09
Jones / Brennan / CHS / Asst. Baseball Coach / 3/2/09
Foust / Jennifer / GOES / Special Ed Teacher / 3/23/09
Seiber / Mary / GOES / Food Service / 3/23/09
Early / Dana / ACCTC / FCS Teacher / 3/24/09
Leave of Absence
Bjerke / Melissa / Preschool / Early Headstart Asst. / 2/23/09 / 4/6/09
Teffeteller / Judy / ACCTC / Cosmetology Instructor / 2/25/09 / ?
Jennings / Jennifer / CES / Teacher / 3/30/09 / 5/8/09
Rettmann / Victoria / CES / PE Teacher / 5/4/09 / 5/26/09
Left Employment
Cox / Meredith / NMS / Cheerleading Coach / 2/23/09
Terry / Roger / NMS / 7th Grade Math Teacher / 3/13/09
Reeves / Julia / CHS / Secretary / 6/30/09
Sewell / Randi / ACHS / Asst. Volleyball Coach / 3/4/09
Rehn / Michael / CHS / Food Service Custodian / 2/23/09
Kerr / Larry / ACHS / Head Football Coach / 6/30/09
Pittman / Pam / NMS / Volleyball Coach / 6/30/09
Cloutier / Kathy / CO / COTA / 6/30/09

C.Field Trips

1. Stephanie Coker, ACHS, to allow student to attend All-State Chorus and TMEA Convention in Nashville, TN Apr. 15 – 18, 2009. 1 student and 1 chaperone.

2. Lynn Justice, ACHS, to allow yearbook editors to preview the 2009 yearbook and tour the Taylor publishing plant in Dallas, TX Apr. 16 – 19, 2009. 2 students and 1 chaperone.

D. Professional Leave

1. Rebecca Sharp, Crystal Smiddy, Julie Julian, Brenda Bean, head start, to attend THSA spring conference in Nashville, TN Apr. 13 – 15, 2009.

2. Christopher Bradley, CHS, to attend AMSP Master Teacher project at University of Kentucky Apr. 27, 2009.

3. Tom Heffern, Johanna Whitley, OOT, to attend state attendance conference in Franklin, TN Apr. 29 – May 1, 2009.

4. Kristi Swafford, Grand Oaks Elementary, to attend Reading Recovery Teacher Leader Institute in Arlington, VA June 9 – 13, 2009.

5. Sharon Gaylor, Brenda Bean, head start, to attend Family Service managers institute in San Antonio, TX June 15 – 18, 2009.

6. Margaret Burrell, Child Nutrition, to attend professional development/ credential exam in Las Vegas, NV June 28 – Jul. 3, 2009.

7. Jim Davis, CHS, to attend AD convention in Murfreesboro, TN Apr. 20 – 22, 2009.

8. Jeremy Chapman, CHS/Norwood Middle, to attend W61 and percussion championships and clinic in DaytonOH Apr. 16 – 18, 2009.

9. Rob Harmening, Carrie Stewart, Clinton Middle, to represent ACEA at NEA/TEA conference in Nashville, TN May 1 -2, 2009.

7:10 PMEXECUTIVE APPROVAL (for information only)

A. Field Trips

1. Sindy Hale, ACHS, to allow dance team to compete in CANAM National Championship in Myrtle Beach, SC Mar. 19 – 23, 2009. 7 students and 1 chaperone.

2. Daphne Douglas, ACHS, to allow FBLA students to compete in state competition in Chattanooga, TN Apr. 1 – 4, 2009. 7 students and 2 chaperones.

3. Riley Sain, CHS, to allow students to compete in Envirothon in Jamestown, TN Apr. 2 – 4, 2009. ~6 students and 3 – 4 chaperones.

4. David J. Wood, David H. Wood, ACCTC, to allow students to compete in Ford IAAA state hands on contest in Nashville, TN Apr. 29 – 30, 2009. 4 students and 2 chaperones.

B. Professional Leave

1. Yelena Kirillina, ACHS, to attend AMSP meeting at the University of Kentucky Mar. 25 and Apr. 27, 2009.

2. Christopher Bradley, CHS, to attend AMSP meeting at the University of Kentucky Mar. 25, 2009.

3. Lindsey Hatmaker, Lake City Elementary, to attend mandatory supervision for internship in Richmond, KY Mar. 27, 2009.

4. Heather Powell, ACHS to attend FBLA state conference in Chattanooga, TN Apr. 2 – 4, 2009.

5. Renee Branham, Jessie Fritts, Norris Elementary, to attend Lucy Calkins one-day workshop in Memphis, TN Apr. 6, 2009.

6. Brenda Vowell, Claxton Elementary, Jeffery McCormick, Lake City Elementary, to attend TEA Conference in Nashville, TN May 1, 2009.

Motion by Wanda McCroskyand seconded by Jo Williamsto approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

VI. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
A.Motion by Rickey Rose and seconded by Greg Crawford to approve a resolution for classified staff. Motion carried. Glenda Langenberg mentioned she would like all board members to sign the resolution and send a copy to each school.

Resolution of Appreciation

Classified Staff

WHEREAS, a strong classified staff is essential to the establishment and maintenance of an inviting and encouraging learning environment; and

WHEREAS, classified employees support administrators and faculty with daily school functions to enhance the learning environment by efficiently and joyfully handling a multitude of responsibilities which are essential to the operation of our schools; and

WHEREAS, classified employees daily contribute to the education process by providing quality assistance in school operations and helping to establish a tone of encouragement for faculty, staff and students so that our schools can achieve a higher level of success; and

WHEREAS, classified employees serve as the faces of each school and some work behind the scenes, all serve as public relations agents building support for our schools by carrying success stories about them to their communities; and

WHEREAS, schools depend upon these colleagues to carry out a variety of essential daily functions including preparation of learning materials, operation of the office and business functions, tutoring and guiding individual students and many other activities which contribute to the learning and growth opportunities provided for our students throughout the school year; and

WHEREAS, this Board values the efforts and achievements of classified employees who strive to improve the educational process for each student;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education hereby establishes April 13-17, 2009 as Classified Employee Appreciation Day in all Anderson County Schools; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education expresses heartfelt appreciation to each member of the classified staff who works in our schools; and encourages all faculty, students and members of our community to join us in recognizing these individuals during this week for the vital role they play in the success of our school system and in the lives of students.

Approved by the Anderson County Board of Education in regular session on Thursday,
April 9, 2009.

B. Motion by Wanda McCrosky and seconded by Jo Williams to request that Mr. Stonecipher choose a student for the recognition award by TSBA by June 1, 2008. Motion carried.

C.What If– video – not available, will view at the next board meeting in May.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

A.Karen Bridgeman presented informationregarding the proposed dress code or “school gear.” Mr. Stonecipher expressed his appreciation to the Code of Conduct Committee for the time and work put into the preparation, and expressed his appreciation to the community for their response. He further stated as Director of Schools,the hardest job we have is trying to raise the value of an education whether it’s in AndersonCounty, the state of Tennessee or all across America. Having every student in school every day, ontime, ready and willing to learn, and ontheir best behavior seems simple, but those are four things the system can’t control. Our job starts when those four things are in place. Education will be a real value and we’ll be able to do a much better job. We need to change the culture of our system and community. I firmly believe these actions might be necessary at this point to change the culture and help raise the value of an education.

• Jessica Aslinger spoke on behalf of ClintonHigh School students and described her dress (jeans and t-shirt) as her way of expressing herself. She is a senior and an honor student. She heard opinions from classmates thatthey wanted to keep the dress code as is and enforce it.
  
• Jo Williams stated she had tons of calls and e-mails,and has to oppose the change for several reasons, mainly because of the hardship to parents. She said we have a dress code in the Code of Conduct – it’s almost identicalin content and she suggested we enforce what we have. She also suggested the board wait until the new director is on board to make a change. Motion by Jo Williams and seconded by Dail Cantrell to postpone the debate indefinitely. Rickey Rose said he talked with a lot of people and got a lot of favorable response indicating there would be no fighting with children, etc. Throughout, people were critical of the efforts to enforce what we presently have. If we’re not enforcing it, what guarantee is there that we would enforce something new? He also stated that the community said many of our staff members do not dressprofessionally. He hopes we wouldn’t postpone the decision indefinitely, but address what we already have.

• Wanda McCrosky saidshe appreciates the feedback and understandsthe hardship. She wouldn’t approve the change because it’s too restrictive. She suggests we should allow jeans without holes, and t-shirts in addition to polo and dress style shirts. In the consequence section of the Code of Conduct, she suggests corporal punishment be deleted. She also would like everyone to understand that the board is accountable to the state for the student’s education. What the board is trying to do is make positive changes in the attitude and culture in our system. The board is not trying to punish anyone. The TennesseeDiploma Project requires achievement to go up. This is an attempt to have everyone focus so we can help them achieve.

Jo Williams and Dail Cantrell agreed to amend their motion and second as follows: Motionto table the discussion,but don’t infer that we are adopting a dress code,until the end of the first semester of the 2009-2010 school year. Motion carried.

Dr. Burrell suggested Mr. Stonecipher inform each principal that it’s their responsibility to enforce the current dress code. The board agreed.

Darla Williams, NorwoodMiddle Schoolteacher, explained that it would be worth the board’s time to visit the schools to see how students dress. She stated she became a teacher to teach, not be the “dress police. “