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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-12-14 Special Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATIONPAGE 687 DECEMBER 14, 1999 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a joint meeting with the New Hanover County Board of Education on Tuesday, December 14, 1999, at 6:45 p.m. in the Hoggard High School Media Center, 4305 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were Commissioner Buzz Birzenieks; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr; Commissioner Charles R. Howell; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer; Chairman William A. Caster; County Manager, Allen O’Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Members from the Board of Education were: Chairman Edward B. Higgins; Vice-Chairman Donald S. Hayes; Steve M. Bilzi; Oscar A. Graham; Debbie Keck; Andy Wells; Nancy Wigley; Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Morris, Jr.; School Attorney, Stacey Fuller; and Administrative Secretary, Lois Basiliere. Chairman Caster and Chairman Higgins called their respective boards to order. Chairman Higgins recognized Dwight Anderson, Principal of Hoggard High School, and he expressed appreciation to him for allowing the joint meeting to be held in the Media Center. Mr. Anderson welcomed both boards to the Hoggard High School Campus. Chairman Caster reported on attending a Leadership North Carolina Workshop held in Charlotte, North Carolina, and stated this session focused on educational topics, particularly on the need to provide character education and control violence in schools. Chairman Caster said while touring an elementary school, middle school, and high school in Charlotte, he noticed that each school had an on-site community representative and corporate sponsor. He also noted that many of the new programs being offered to students were already being implemented in New Hanover County Schools. He complimented the Board of Education and Staff for offering a progressive curriculum to students, which made him very proud of the New Hanover County School System. Dr. Morris advised Chairman Caster that when community involvement is discussed later on the agenda, corporate sponsorships and community representatives will be addressed. TRANSFER OF PROPERTY DEED FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA LAND TRUST TO THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Attorney Camilla M. Herlevich, Director of the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, announced it was her pleasure to formally present the first deeded gift from the Coastal Land Trust to the New Hanover County School System for approximately 12 acres of land located on 132 acres in the middle of NorthChase. She advised that the land was to be used by teachers and students attending Trask and Laney Schools as an educational resource to teach students to better understand nature and recognize the need to protect their environment. Chairman Higgins, on behalf of the Board of Education, expressed appreciation to the North Carolina Land Trust for this generous gift and stated this donation will provide an opportunity for students to have hands-on experience in observing nature and plants on an open natural tract of land. The following topics were discussed by the Board of County Commissioners and Board of Education: TAXING AUTHORITY FOR SCHOOL BOARDS Chairman Higgins reported that the North Carolina Association of School Boards performed a survey last year to determine if local school boards would be in favor of levying a property tax to fund schools and relieve County Commissioners of this obligation. Surveys have been performed in the past with a majority of school boards being opposed to this idea; however, the results of a recent survey indicated that approximately 73% of respondents were interested in providing some form of taxing authority to school boards. As a result of these findings, District meetings were NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATIONPAGE 688 DECEMBER 14, 1999 scheduled throughout the State with representatives from the North Carolina Association of School Boards discussing taxing authority. In concluding the meetings, a proposed resolution was presented to local school boards for consideration and adoption. Chairman Higgins advised that enabling legislation will be required for taxing authority to be granted. A number of items will have to be addressed such as a county’s bond indebtedness, distribution of the sales tax, etc. If a school board decides to support taxing authority, it will take five to seven years before the tax authority can be transferred to the local board. In closing, Chairman Higgins reported that North Carolina is unique because it is one of four states where school boards have no taxing authority. Some states have a combination of taxing authority and county funding. A majority of states with taxing authority are responsible for the collection of the property tax. A major concern is whether the property tax will increase if taxing authority is granted to school boards. Also, members of school boards would be subjected to being voted out of office if the citizenry was not satisfied with the tax rate or use of school funds. It is important for everyone to understand that taxing authority for school boards is in the early stage of discussion. Chairman Caster reported that the N. C. Association of County Commissioners had not rendered a decision on this issue. He stressed the importance of this item being thoroughly discussed with input from the public before any decision is made. Commissioner Birzenieks strongly objected to taxing authority for school boards. He expressed concern for removing the focus from quality education to concern about increasing or decreasing the school property tax rate. He said that many candidates will run for office based on a promise to reduce the tax rate. Dr. Morris advised that accountability would be the key issue, and stated if taxing authority is granted, school boards will have to be accountable on how tax dollars are spent for the operation and quality of education provided by a school system. Vice-Chairman Hayes said that he was glad North Carolina was unique with checks and balances related to how school funds are expended. In other states where taxing authority is granted, the sole platform for a candidate is whether the school property tax will increase or decrease. He noted that a good working relationship exists between the Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Education which, in his opinion, provides an accountable system. Ms. Nancy Wigley stated that it was frustrating to see unmet school needs with the inability of the local school board to fund these needs. Every year the Finance Committee submits a funding request that is reduced by the Board of County Commissioners. She said if taxing authority is granted to school boards, it may be possible to more effectively address the needs of the schools. She recommended a complete study of taxing authority by the Board of Education so the right decision can be made regarding this matter. Mr. Oscar Graham agreed with Ms. Wiggley and stated that serving as past Chairman of the School Finance Committee for two years and identifying definite needs, it was frustrating to have no control of funding for these items. The Board of County Commissioners have worked with the Board of Education, but there are other county needs that have not been met. He also suggested a complete review of taxing authority before the Board of Education renders a decision. Vice-Chairman Greer advised that the N. C. Association of County Commissioners for the past two years has tried to obtain a 1-cent local option sales tax to help counties provide more funding to schools; however, the N. C. General Assembly is not in favor of increasing taxes. Chairman Caster expressed appreciation to the members of the Board of Education for their comments. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATIONPAGE 689 DECEMBER 14, 1999 PRESENTATION ON ABC PROGRAM Dr. Norman Shearin, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, reported that in 1994-95 the ABC’s Program was started for the purpose of requiring more accountability in schools and providing a method for measuring success. The acronym ABC’s is defined as follows: A for accountability; B for basics; and C for control. At the National Governor’s Conference this year, North Carolina was one of two states in the nation recognized for their accountability program. The other state was Texas. Currently, North Carolina and Texas are comparing methods and trying to improve on the program. Accountability standards are intended to respond to the student’s academic needs, the parents desire for performance by students, and community expectations. This is accomplished by a plan that has to be adopted by each school board with the following requirements: 1.Improve student achievement and increase the number of students performing on grade level. Grade levels are determined by dividing test scores into Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. A score of Level 3 and above means the student is performing on grade level or above. 2.Focus intervention is provided to students performing below grade level to eliminate social promotions. 3.High expectations are established for teachers, which result in high student achievement. 4.Gateways have been established and are used three different times during the 12 years of school. A gateway means that if a student does not perform at or above grade level, that student will not be promoted. 5.The first gateway occurs in Grade 3 through a test comprised of reading and mathematics skills. The student must perform at Grade Level 3 or 4 to be promoted. Dr. Morris pointed out that 90% of the students enrolled in the Pre-K Program, which was started five years ago, pass the first gateway in Grade 3. He stated this program has been quite successful, and he noted that further discussion is being held on expanding this program to enroll more students. 6.The second gateway occurs in Grade 5 and the students are tested in reading, mathematics, and writing skills. Students who do not function at grade level will receive intervention and assistance to develop their writing skills. The principals and teachers will use locally developed and scored writing samples during Grade 5 to determine whether these students have made adequate progress to be promoted to Grade 6. 7.The third gateway occurs in Grade 8 and the students are tested in mathematics, reading and writing. This is a critical point. The student cannot be promoted to attend high school at this point if he or she is not functioning at grade level or above. Any students failing to meet grade level will be provided intervention and assistance to develop the needed skills. 8.The fourth gateway is an exit examination administered in Grade 11. This testing is comprised of a computer skills test, comprehension, retention, problem solving, using numbers, processing information, reading, English, grammar, and mathematics. The student must pass this test to graduate from High School. In concluding the presentation, Dr. Shearin stated that the purpose of the ABC’s Program is not to hold back students, but to provide safeguards for students through multiple testing so they can reach grade level performance. Dr. John Morris commented on the quality of education improving in New Hanover County and stated that Hoggard High School students competed and won in the Academic Competition for the Science and Mathematics category. Also, the Gregory Magnet School placed exceptionally well in the National Science Competition. Dr. Morris emphasized the importance of the Pre-K School NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATIONPAGE 690 DECEMBER 14, 1999 Program and the required testing to insure that students will receive the necessary intervention to function at grade level or above. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOLS Mr. Jerry Randall, Director of Communities and Schools, reported on the efforts being made to involve the community and agencies in the school system. He presented a notebook listing the agencies and programs that assist students so they will not be expelled or become a school dropout. He advised that people are working throughout the community to shelter abused students or provide rehabilitation to students involved with drugs. Mr. Randall stated that a majority of citizens are not aware of the contributions being made by people within the community. Ms. Diane Avery, Community Schools Director, said that every school has some type of corporate partnership for various programs. Companies such as General Electric, First Union Bank, Carolina Power & Light Company, and BellSouth contribute time and money to these programs. These organizations are a tremendous resource for the New Hanover County School System. Chairman Caster suggested making the public aware of these programs and types of corporate partnerships. Superintendent Morris responded that he was seriously thinking of creating a marketing position to assist the New Hanover School System with informing people about the quality of education received in our area. The programs being broadcast over the Television Learning Network are an outstanding example of where a studio has become a lab for students to produce 10 hours of programs per week for the network. This arrangement provides students with marketable skills. DISCUSSION OF PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF VETERANS PARK Project Engineer, Greg Thompson, reported that New Hanover County has entered into a contract with an architect to prepare a design plan for the development of an athletic/park complex at Veterans Park. Currently, no funding has been budgeted in FY 1999-2000 to carrying out this work. Chairman Higgins advised that a high school and middle school with associated athletic fields will be completed and ready to open at Veterans Park by 2001. He asked if the County would have its fields completed by that date so practice fields will be available for the school teams. Chairman Caster responded that a budget retreat will be scheduled by the Board of County Commissioners to prepare the FY 2000-2001 budget, at which time the Veterans Park athletic/park complex will be discussed. Dr. Shearin stressed the importance of coordinating these efforts so money can be saved for both the County and School System. He also emphasized the importance of completing the athletic fields within the specified time frame to accommodate 25 more teams. DISCUSSION OF TEACHER SHORTAGE IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Superintendent Morris reported on the existing teacher shortage throughout the State and nation and stated that all students graduating next year from every school of education in the State of North Carolina can be absorbed in the Winston-Salem and Charlotte/Mecklenburg School Systems. Ms. Sandra McClain, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel, reported that a shortage of teachers in math, science, and the exceptional children category does exist in the New Hanover County School System. Recruitment of teachers is being made to all regions of the country, and the School System just submitted a request to the State of North Carolina for the New Hanover County School System to be considered a critical shortage area. School systems have to compete for graduates to accept teaching positions. Areas with the highest salaries usually succeed in filling their positions. In South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, a beginning teacher starts at a salary of NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATIONPAGE 691 DECEMBER 14, 1999 $30,000 plus. In North Carolina, the starting salary is $23,010 based upon the State Salary Schedule that cannot be controlled by local school systems. In order to compensate for this salary difference, the Personnel Department petitions the New Hanover County Board of Education for teacher supplements. Discussion was held on the supplements paid to teachers in New Hanover County. Ms. McClain advised that the supplement in New Hanover County is currently $2,500. In the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area, the supplement starts at $3,000 based upon a percentage of salary. Ms. McClain commented on difficulty in recruiting minorities and stated the Personnel Department makes an effort to contact historically black educational institutions. She said the State provides several alternatives and incentives to assist schools with recruiting minorities. Commissioner Birzenieks expressed concern for the number of teachers who leave the teaching profession or resign. He asked if any specific reasons had been identified. Ms. McClain advised that after reviewing exit interviews, five major reasons have been given: Relocating because of spouses Family responsibilities Lack of administrative support Lack of support for discipline in schools The need to pursue another profession Mr. Hayes said after teaching in the school system for a number of years, he feels that many teachers do not feel they receive enough support from the administration. They also feel they should be involved in the decision-making process regarding discipline. He noted that salary was not the only reason why teachers resign and stated, in his opinion, the Board of Education should address this issue. Dr. Morris spoke on meeting with the local chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators and stated after discussing the morale of teachers, this group conducted a survey in the New Hanover County School System. One of the highest scores on the survey was the support received from administrators. This proves that morale in the New Hanover County School System is not bad, but the problem is more complicated than salary. Teachers are faced with managing children in the classroom that were institutionalized in the past. Today, when a teacher or administrative official calls home to discuss a discipline or performance problem with a student, it is not uncommon for the parent to become irrate and file a lawsuit, which places a great deal of stress on the teacher and school officials. If litigation continues to increase, the New Hanover County School System will have to hire a full-time attorney. A lengthy discussion was held on courses being taught in the classrooms. Mr. Wells stated with changes occurring so rapidly in the work place, teachers should carefully abandon some topics that have been traditionally taught. Dr. Morris agreed with Mr. Wells and advised that the current trend is toward teaching what is more essential than what is nice to know. In the United States, the curriculum is much broader than in other counties. For example, many countries will focus on 20 objectives in mathematics that will provide the student with the ability to focus on all other areas of mathematics. In the United States, the student focuses on 78 objectives in mathematics, which are not absolutely necessary. These are areas that are currently being explored and will change traditional teaching in the classroom. He said with technology changing daily, it is imperative to focus on courses that will prepare students for the future. DISCUSSION OF THE Y2K Dr. Morris said on Sunday, January 2, 2000, principals and maintenance staff will be in each school to be sure that all systems are working. He asked if school officials should contact the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATIONPAGE 692 DECEMBER 14, 1999 Emergency Management Director to be sure generators are working if power or other systems should fail to function. County Engineer Greg Thompson advised that the generator contract was in place to accommodate the needs of the school system. DISCUSSION OF APPOINTMENT OF SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVE TO THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Chairman Higgins reported that he had checked into the need to appoint a representative from the Board of Education to serve on the Human Relations Commission. He advised that Ms. Nancy Wigley had volunteered to serve and stated that she will be appointed as the representative at the next Board of Education meeting. DISCUSSION OF HEAD START PROGRAM IN NORTH CAROLINA Chairman Caster referenced an article in USA Today reporting that the Head Start Program was not working. He said with the amount of money being spent in the State of North Carolina on this program, everyone should be assured that Head Start is producing successful results. NEXT JOINT MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 30, 2000 AT JOHNSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL After discussion of the joint meetings being beneficial, it was the consensus of both boards to schedule the next meeting on Thursday, March 30, 2000, at Johnson Elementary School beginning with dinner at 6:00 p.m. followed by the meeting. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Caster and Chairman Higgins adjourned their respective boards at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board