Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 16:21:12 -0400
From: Mia Munn
Subject: My notes from the July 30, 2014 school board meeting.
Meeting started at noon. Two community members were in attendance (myself and Rev Paul McAllister from Pittsboro Church of God).
Agenda: http://board-of-education.district.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/groups/group_pages.phtml?gid=3618610&nid=444587&sessionid=1e1fd5ca75fb18b854d54c1d8dbb088e
*Consent agenda approved*
*Good News* – Dr. Jordan
Recognize staff members in Finance Dept– certificate of achievement for financial reporting – includes transparency
Certificate of excellence in financial reporting (FASB)
State BOE award for financial management
1 of 11 districts in NC to receive all 3 financial awards – 3rd year in a row
Mr. Messer – great group of individuals committed to school system and perfection
Host District 5 fall mtg sept 17 at Pollard -~100 people
Next week – summer leadership institute – Aug 5-7 – principals and other administrators. District Theme for year – growing together cultivating success (growth not just proficiency) – institute theme – growth begins with leadership. At Governor’s Club (huge break in facilities fees).. 8:30-5
*Transportation dept bus driver handbook* – fyi for board (changes in red – updated handbook not posted yet – should be in this folder
http://transportation.district.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/group_files.phtml?parent=12121640&gid=2347466&sessionid=1de030e02e82a2b1b49efdb71900aebf
Turner – last meeting when talked about student conduct – said that transportation was a privilege. Cut and pasted law – requirement.
Attorney – not at last mtg don’t have context. Schools do have the ability to exclude children from the bus for discipline issues.
Hamm – except can’t exclude EC – may have to provide separate transportation
*K-8 Student Laptop* Carts – Hartness/Medlin
Started in the spring – previously approved 8 carts with laptops. This request for the other 5 schools with K-8. Purchase not lease. $141K Same process. Reviewed by attorney.
*Approved 4-0*
*High School 1:1 Laptop Handbook* – for information
Changes to fees and wording for changes to describe current equipment
Fees based on actual cost to district.
“Students will be charged for the loss or damage to a laptop bag ($25), a charger ($66), a plastic protective case ($39), and a long powercord ($22). In the event of loss, theft, or damage to the laptop, there will be a $100 fee per incident that must be paid by the parent/guardian or student. Charges for the charger, laptop bag, plastic protective case, and long powercord may be in addition to the laptop payment depending on the situationâ€
*FVRC Activity Bus request* – Camp Dragonfly at Jordan Lake Aug 4-8.. Similar to discussions with Boys and Girls club. Attorney checking with state Attorney General if acceptable use. Request accept pending AG approval.
Attorney – law says can let non-profit use to transport to “non-profit or unit of local government†.
Howard – what if don’t hear back?
Attorney – told urgent. But recommend not approving without AG signoff. Plain language says “local†. Other place defines “governmental unit†as including state, so think local limits.
Recommendation – only approve dependent on AG approval
Jordan – did deny other non-profit – use for field trips not government.
Turner – isn’t this too much info to put out about confidential organization.
Attorney – under public records law, agreements must be made public..
Howard – option to deny unless AG decision allows.
Hamm – same thing – approve pending AG agreement
*Approved 3-1 (Howard dissent)*
(Howard called for a vote, took the vote, then asked for discussion)
Discussion Howard – are we leading them to believe it will be allowed?
Jordan – Blice has made clear to FVRC that there is a legal issue and approval is dependent on AG agreement.
Howard – have to make alternative plans
Attorney – as long as make clear that it is unlikely. Tried to find a way to get to yes, but need AG. Should tell them to plan to make alternative arrangements.
Jordan – I will ensure that we don’t give them false hope that it will be approved.
Adjourn to closed session ~12:45
Mia Munn
Candidate for Chatham County (NC) School Board District 3
Email me your school or campaign concerns at Mia4Chatham at gmail.com
My campaign website is Mia4chatham.com