Board Minutes- October 23, 2008

MINUTES
DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
October 23, 2008

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2008, in the Fuller Administration Building, 511 Cleveland Street, Durham, North Carolina. 

Board members present: Minnie Forte-Brown, Chair; Heidi Carter, Vice Chair; Steve Martin; Omega Curtis Parker Kirsten Kainz; and Leigh Bordley. 

Staff members present: Dr. Carl Harris, Superintendent; Hank Hurd, Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Terri Mozingo; Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Deborah Pitman, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services; Beth Cross, Executive Director of Advanced Academics; Larry McDonald, Director of Athletics, Health & PE, and Drivers Education; Chris Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction; Stacey Wilson-Norman, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction

Attorney present: Ann Majestic

Call to Order/Moment of Silence

Ms. Forte-Brown called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone in the opening statement. A moment of silence was observed.

Be Our Guest

Ms. Parker welcomed parents from Fayetteville Street Elementary, Mangum Elementary, Southwest Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, Rogers-Herr Middle School and Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School. The special guests walked the red carpet and received a gift of appreciation. 

School Celebrations

Superintendent Harris led the celebrations:

• Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program – Dr. Logan, principal of Hillside New Tech High School, introduced Mr. Krishna, an exchange teacher from India. Mr. Krishna is participating in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program with DPS Teacher of the Year Matthew Sears who is in India this semester.
• Carolina Panthers Community Captain – Kenneth Barnes, principal of Southern High School, proudly introduced Kendrick Wiggins, a senior wide receiver at Southern, who has been selected to serve as a Carolina Panthers Community Captain. Students are selected based on their strong leadership skills on the field, in classrooms and in communities.
• National Merit Semifinalists – Nine DPS students were named 2009 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies are chosen for this honor. Semifinalists from Durham School of the Arts, Jordan, Northern, and Riverside High Schools were introduced by Beth Cross.
• National Achievement Semifinalists – The National Achievement Scholarship Program is designed to recognize academically promising African-American students. Beth Cross introduced three DPS high school students who have been designated semifinalists. The students represent Hillside, Jordan and Northern High Schools. 
• PE Award - Larry McDonald shared information about the Floyd Woody Award. This award recognizes physical education teachers who demonstrate outstanding participation and exceptional leadership in physical education at their school and in their community. Tim Gibson, principal of Easley Elementary school, introduced Marie Flowe-Dawson recipient of the 2008 Floyd Woody Award.

Celebration comments – Ms. Forte-Brown, Chair

Great things are really happening in DPS – due to teachers, administrators, staff, parents, community, and most of all, students. Ms. Forte-Brown shared a classic saying that she learned, “Healthy things grow, growing things change, and change challenges us.” The board has a commitment to families and their involvement in the academic lives of their children. 

This is evidenced by the hard work of the Public Affairs office, parent involvement coordinator, volunteer parent coordinator, Community Education teachers and staff in organizing the following events this month: Grandparents Night, Middle School Parent Academies, Ready, Set, Go to High School, Elementary Parent Academies, Kitchen Table Conversation at Shepard Middle School

Thanks to the Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council for hosting the School Leadership Awards. The reception recognized DPS principals and assistant principals for their leadership excellence.

Thanks to the Women at Work for choosing the Lady Spartans at Southern High School to encourage careers in construction and architecture. Pink power tools were used to build bird houses and tool boxes.

Thanks to the Duke Neighborhood Partnership for sponsoring another School Days at Cameron Indoor Stadium. DPS middle school AVID students were invited to Duke University to experience a day in college. Members of the men and women’s basketball program shared words of wisdom on what it means to be a student athlete. Thanks to David Stein for increasing access and opportunity to what is possible

Vote early and vote education!

Agenda Review and Approval

On a motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Dr. Kainz, Item 12 – Closed Session, was unanimously amended to add the statement: “ and in accordance with NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the Board in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board in matters related to Copper, et. al. v. Durham Public Schools, et. al.

Closed Session

Chairman Forte-Brown called for a motion to convene in closed session to consider confidential personnel matters protected under NCGS 115C-319. The motion was made by Ms. Carter, seconded by Dr. Kainz and passed unanimously. The board convened in closed session at approximately 7:00 p.m.

The board reconvened in open session at approximately 7:10 p.m. 

Superintendent Harris recommended the following administrative appointments:

Renee Trapp as principal of Brogden Middle School. Upon motion to approve by Mr. Martin and seconded by Ms. Carter, the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Bennett introduced members of the selection committee and thanked them for their work. Mr. Bennett commented that the committee was a fantastic group of parents and teachers. Ms. Trapp thanked the board for the opportunity to rejoin the Brogden staff.

Neil Clay as principal of Forest View Elementary School. Upon motion to approve by Dr. Kainz and seconded by Ms. Carter, the motion passed unanimously. Ms. Wilson-Norman introduced members of the selection committee and thanked them for their work. She pointed out that the committee was very energetic and showed dedication, time, and thoughtfulness to selecting a new leader for Forest View. Mr. Clay thanked everyone for the support and said he was looking forward to working with students, staff and the community.

Public Comment

One person signed up to speak. He was allotted three minutes.

Donald Barringer spoke about the importance of voting and encouraged everyone to exercise their right to vote. Students can vote through Kids Voting. 

Board of Education Meeting Minutes

Recommendation: Action

Presented for approval were the August 28, 2008 open and closed sessions. On a motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Ms. Carter, the minutes were unanimously approved.

Veterans Awareness Week Proclamation
Recommendation: Action

Chairman Forte-Brown read the proclamation:

Durham Public Schools Board of Education

Veterans Awareness Week Proclamation

October 23, 2008
Whereas, Through the generations, America's men and women in uniform have defeated tyrants, liberated continents, and set a standard of courage and idealism for the entire world. On Veterans Day, our Nation pays tribute to those who have proudly served in our Armed Forces;

Whereas, To protect the Nation they love, our veterans stepped forward when America needed them most. In conflicts around the world, their sacrifice and resolve helped destroy the enemies of freedom and saved millions from oppression. In answering history's call with honor, decency, and resolve, our veterans have shown the power of liberty and earned the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation;

Whereas, All of America's veterans have placed our Nation's security before their own lives, creating a debt that we can never fully repay. Our veterans represent the best of America, and they deserve the best America can give them;

Whereas, As we recall the service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, we are reminded that the defense of freedom comes with great loss and sacrifice. This Veterans Day, we give thanks to those who have served freedom's cause; we salute the members of our Armed Forces who are confronting our adversaries abroad; and we honor the men and women who left America's shores but did not live to be thanked as veterans. They will always be remembered by our country;

Whereas, Tens of millions of Americans have served in the Armed Forces of the United States during the past century and hundreds of thousands of Americans have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces during the past century;

Whereas, The advent of the all-volunteer Armed Forces has resulted in a sharp decline in the number of individuals and families who have had any personal connection with the Armed Forces;

Whereas, This reduction in familiarity with the Armed Forces has resulted in a marked decrease in the awareness by young people of the nature and importance of the accomplishments of those who have served in the Armed Forces, despite the current educational efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the veterans service organizations;

Whereas, The system of civilian control of the Armed Forces makes it essential that the future leaders of the Nation understand the history of military action and the contributions and sacrifices of those who conduct such actions; and

Now, therefore; I, Minnie Forte-Brown, as chair of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education, on behalf of the Board, Superintendent, and Staff, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008 as Veterans Day and urge Durham Public School teachers to observe the week of November 10-14, 2008 as Durham Veterans Awareness Week; and encourage the people of Durham to observe the week with appropriate educational activities.

_________________________________________ _______________________________________
Minnie M. Forte-Brown, Board of Education Chair Carl E. Harris, Ed.D., Superintendent

Mr. Linzie Atkins, Sr. Veterans Employment Consultant, NC Employment Security Commission, thanked the board for the proclamation. He invited everyone to come to the Old Courthouse on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. in observance of Veteran’s Day. He read a poem entitled, “Freedom Isn’t Free.”

Consent Agenda

Recommendation: Action

The following item was thoroughly discussed in committee:

R. N. Harris Elementary School – Conservation Easement and Stream

Following brief comments by the Chair, Mr. Martin moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Dr. Kainz and passed unanimously.

Reports of the Committees

I. Administrative Services – Steve Martin, Chairperson

New Board Policy 3010 – MEET the Challenge (Manage, Empower, Energize, Transform) - Second Reading

Recommendation: Action

Public Comment:
One speaker was allotted three minutes:

Donald Barringer shared that, as a representative of DPS employees who are members of the DAE, some of his comments may be through the voices of other people. He requested that in the future new policies affecting educators, parents, or staff be shared with all employees so they have the opportunity to read and provide feedback prior to board approval.

Mr. Martin pointed out that the copy of the policy that went out in the board agenda packet is not the policy that the board worked on; however, correct copies have been provided to board members and the media. Mr. Martin explained how the policies differ. He also pointed out the various opportunities that have been available to individuals interested in learning about this policy.

The policy represents about six months of development by the board, with input from individuals throughout the school district. This is an overarching policy which is meant to bring together the vision statement and core beliefs and commitments of the board. It is also meant to drive, as a policy statement several policies currently being developed in the way in which the board hopes to transform the district into a high performance organization with the ultimate goal of realizing high student achievement for every student.

Mr. Martin made a motion for approval on second reading. The motion was seconded by Ms. Parker and passed unanimously.

Chairman Forte-Brown called for a motion to convene in closed session to consider confidential personnel matters protected under GS 143-318.11(a)(6) and GS 115C-319, confidential student matters protected under GS 115C-402 and FERPA, 20 USC 1232g, and in accordance with NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the board in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board in matters related to Copper, et. al. v. Durham Public Schools, et. al. The board convened in closed session at approximately 7:40 p.m.

The board returned to open session at approximately 8:35 p.m. 

Superintendent Harris recommended approval of the personnel reports submitted October 23, 2008. 

On a motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Dr. Kainz, the motion to approve the October 23, 2008 personnel reports was unanimously approved.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

_________________________________________
Minnie M. Forte-Brown, Chair
Board of Education

_________________________________________
Carl E. Harris, Ed.D., Superintendent
Durham Public Schools