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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-15 Work Session NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 25 WORK SESSION WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION, JANUARY 15, 1997PAGE 758 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Work Session with the Board of Education on Wednesday, January 15, 1997, at 7:00 P.M. in the School Administration Building Conference Room, 1802 South 15th Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioners Buzz Birzenieks, Ted Davis, Jr.; Charles R. Howell, Vice-Chairman William A. Caster; Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Members present from the Board of Education were: Chairman Charles M. Lineberry, Jr.; Janice Cavenaugh; Oscar Graham; Donald S. Hayes; Edward B. Higgins; Debbie Keck; Nancy Wigley; and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Dale Martin. Chairman Lineberry expressed appreciation to the Board of County Commissioners for being willing to schedule a joint meeting to discuss school issues, and he called the Board of Education to order. Chairman Greer called the Board of County Commissioners to order. Dr. Martin reported that he had worked with Chairman Lineberry, Commissioner Caster and County Manager O'Neal in preparing the agenda for the meeting. He invited the Commissioners to feel free to ask questions at any time. STATUS REPORT ON CURRENT ACTIVITIES OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT School District Recognition Awards Ms. Diane Avery, Director of School Community Relations, presented a list of awards received by students, teachers, administrators, and employees. Also, a fact sheet was presented reflecting the student population; number of schools; number of employees; teaching salaries; classroom size; dropout rate; financial information; test scores; scholarships, financial aid; and community involvement. Dr. Martin advised the purpose of the fact sheet was to provide an overall picture of the New Hanover County School District at a glance. He advised there were many outstanding students who had won prestigious scholarships, such as Scott Bayzel, a senior at Hoggard High School, who was offered three scholarships and finally decided to attend Wake Forest University. He reported that students and employees who receive awards are recognized at regular meetings of the Board of Education. Discussion of the "Quality in the Classroom" Program Dr. Martin reported the New Hanover County School District, along with six other districts, was selected three years ago as a pilot site by the North Carolina Business and Industry Council to participate in a program entitled, "Quality in the Classroom". The School District has received grants of approximately $150,000 annually to implement the program. He requested Dr. Shirley Prince to present a video tape on the components and purpose of the program. Dr. Prince presented a video explaining "Quality in the Classroom" and advised that 450 teachers were participating in the two-year training program. The purpose of the program is to train teachers on all educational levels to use innovative teaching techniques to develop student awareness of the world around them with incorporation of the traditional basics such as reading, writing, and math from kindergarten through high school. By using a team approach with hands on tasks, children are given the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 25 WORK SESSION WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION, JANUARY 15, 1997PAGE 759 opportunity to move to different learning centers within the same room. Each learning center represents a different aspect of the day's lesson. Each team begins by reading about the subject from relevant literature. After the teams explore the individual components, the big picture of today's lesson is stressed. This provides students with a well-rounded understanding of the subject. Seventh graders at Trask Middle School are learning critical thinking skills in Language Arts through a process where students learn to think by responding to questions. Ground rules are in place to keep discussions succinct and lively. Questions and comments are generated by the students with group discussion and breakout sessions. Students are given an opportunity to see different sides of the same story. In this classroom setting, there are no wrong answers, which creates an environment for expression, understanding, and the cultivation of different ideas. At Lakeside High School, teachers eliminate the boring lecture aspect of education. With use of the fish bone diagram, the class is learning the detailed analysis of literary works. Every story or poem is carefully read and critiqued resulting in a firmer grasp of the method and style of the writer. At Hoggard High School, world history students use the fish bone diagram by breaking down historical events into fine parts. The students better understand and retain the concepts in comparison to the standard memorization process. At the Mary C. Williams Elementary School, the understanding and application of basic geometric principles are made easy by using the team approach to provide students with a firm grasp of the subject as well as generate enthusiasm. As each group tackles a particular task, the teacher can assist individual students one-on-one and at the same time use basic applications with team solving techniques. These innovations in education make New Hanover County Schools a model system throughout the State. Dedicated and creative teachers are striving to provide students of all ages the necessary tools to lead educated, informed and productive lives. Dr. Martin reported the quality education program was being more generally accepted throughout the State with twenty-six school districts participating in the program. After attending a conference in Wilson, N. C., thirteen school districts have begun to share different techniques and the methods being utilized. Commissioner Birzenieks commented on being deeply interested in the quality education initiative and asked the following questions with responses from Dr. Martin and Dr. Prince: (1)What type of initiatives are being used by the School District, the Juran or Deming? Response: The Deming and William Glasser initiatives are being used. The Deming technique applies to the business/operation of schools, and the Glasser technique applies to the educational setting. Dr. Glasser, a psychiatrist in California, has written books about quality schools and the quality school teacher. Also, the Malcolm Baldridge criteria was applied along with the Deming and Glasser techniques. (2)Is there a formal organization structured for the quality initiative such as a steering committee or team? Response: A Senior Quality Council began the quality education effort. This group has been involved in training and the methods used to implement the program across the school districts. A meeting had been scheduled for Thursday, and the agenda will address re-designing the Senior Quality Council with expansion of the group for a broader representation to begin monitoring the strategic gains. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 25 WORK SESSION WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION, JANUARY 15, 1997PAGE 760 (3)Will all teachers receive training in the quality initiative, and if so, who will be in the classroom during the training hours? Response: All teachers will attend a two-year training program. Each teacher will be required to be out of the classroom 2 1/2 days during the school year with the use of substitute teachers during this time. Teachers will complete the remaining training during the summer months or after school. (4)How will the success of the quality initiative be measured? Response: When submitting an application for the Malcolm Baldridge program, the New Hanover County School District was criticized for not being able to show the success of staff development to actual student achievement. Since that time, the School District has worked with Dr. Al Lerch to establish a tracking process of the teachers participating in the quality education program to determine if the students are actually performing. This process will enable the School District to evaluate the success of staff development. Discussion was held on the awards and special recognition of school districts participating in the quality education program. Dr. Martin stressed the importance of everyone understanding that staff development was the purpose for participating in the program, not winning awards. He reported most school districts are ahead in instruction and behind in business practices. One advantage during the application process was an awareness of the need to align the Finance Department, Operations Department, and Personnel Department with instructional practices in relationship to quality classes. In his opinion, the philosophy of education in New Hanover County is continuous improvement in the quality of education. This idea must be built on a long-term commitment and data must be gathered to see if the quality of education continues to improve. All measures are being aligned in relationship to the idea of continuous improvement and knowing whether we are a stable or unstable school system. The ABC accountability enacted by the State has been easier for New Hanover County teachers because of the quality education program. Also, the School District has tried to approach this program in an economical manner by training staff to perform the necessary training in lieu of bringing in outside trainers. He commented on the need to increase teachers salaries and stated the question to be asked is whether teachers should receive salary increases continuing to do the same thing, or as salaries increase, should there be additional expectations of teachers? In his opinion, additional expectations should be required. Another issue to consider is lengthening the school year for teachers only so more time can be provided to work on staff development. This process would avoid teachers having to attend training sessions after school hours. Many teachers are concerned about leaving the classroom during the day because research has proven that substitute teachers are for custodial purposes, which is not beneficial to the students. Ms. Janice Cavenaugh reported the Board of Education was very supportive of the quality education movement. She advised a major problem involving this effort will be parents because they are accustomed to individual achievement, individual recognition, and individual work ethics. Parents are not familiar with their children working in teams or groups. One primary reason for initiating the quality effort is that businesses and large corporations have shown an interest in hiring individuals with the ability to work compatibly in a group toward a common goal in lieu of individual achievements. The Board of Education feels this type of education should be provided to students. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 25 WORK SESSION WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION, JANUARY 15, 1997PAGE 761 Commissioner Birzenieks reported the quality initiative will require a change on the part of managers and administrators in the operation of the School District as well as a change on the part of teachers. He stated that being data driven was important, but emphasized the fact that any program must be administered with heart and soul, which means that caring is a top priority. Vice-Chairman Caster stressed the importance of making a long- term commitment to the quality initiative if the program is to succeed. He commented on the team that was administered the SAT test and stated it will be interesting to see the test results. Report on Hurricane Damage Mr. Bill Hance reported the total insurance claims filed as a result of Hurricane Fran were $1,062,910. Approximately $500,000 of insurance claims have been approved with $100,000 of funding received from FEMA for a total of $384,000 in outstanding claims. FEMA initially paid for debris removal and emergency labor. The remaining funds will not be released until reimbursements have been received from insurance companies. Discussion was held on the need to purchase a high-powered generator for the food service freezer because of the large amount of food lost during Hurricane Fran. Mr. Hance reported the School District was in the process of purchasing a freezer. County Manager O'Neal complimented the School Administrative Staff for the cooperation shown during Hurricane Fran and reported the School System was an integral part of the emergency process during both hurricanes. He advised that after a review of the emergency procedures, Staff feels it is important for the County and School System to work more closely in the design and planning of new schools since many of these facilities will serve as shelters during emergencies. Discussion was held on the problems that were experienced in the school shelters. Ms. Cavenaugh expressed concern for no electricity in many of the shelters and for the abuse of school facilities by the inhabitants. She urged the Commissioners to be sure that generators were provided to each shelter in order to protect the public health and safety of persons staying in the shelters. Dr. Martin complimented the Director of Emergency Management, Dan Summers, for closing schools in a timely manner and stated without this direction, some lives could have been lost. Report on New Construction Mr. Mark Strickland reported the School District was currently in the process of constructing the following new elementary schools with each school being approximately 60,000 square feet in size with a capacity to serve 535 students. (1)Eaton Elementary School located on Gordon Road. (2)Codington Elementary School located on Carolina Beach Road. (3)The new Winter Park Elementary School located on Holly Tree Extension. Dr. Martin advised that Eaton Elementary School was a site where the School District had purchased additional land for a middle school and common-use park area between New Hanover County and the School District. Chairman Greer commented on the large tract of land purchased beyond Monkey Junction and recommended implementing a joint effort in developing a park complex that could be used by the schools and community. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 25 WORK SESSION WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION, JANUARY 15, 1997PAGE 762 The following key renovation projects were presented: (1)Gregory Elementary School: Classroom and administration additions plus a new media center will be completed by August 1997. (2)Hoggard High School: A science addition was completed in December 1996 consisting of four advanced chemistry labs and one computer lab. A new media center addition is under construction and should be completed by March 1997. (3)Laney High School: A new cultural arts addition is being constructed consisting of two art rooms, a music room, a band/orchestra room, a dance room, and a teaching/technical theater. This project will be completed in April 1997. (4)New Hanover High School: The first floor renovation of Brodgen Hall has been completed with work to begin on the second floor. New bleachers have been purchased and many seats have been replaced. (5)Wrightsboro Elementary School: A new classroom addition and cafeteria/kitchen are being constructed. The old auditorium is being renovated into a media center and first floor additions are being made to the building. These renovations will allow for the computer lab to be placed on the first floor. The following minor renovation projects were presented: (1)Alderman and Bellamy Elementary Schools: Paving and traffic improvements are being made to assist with parking. (2)Blair Elementary School: Two classroom additions have been completed with renovation of restrooms. (3)Noble Middle School: Interior renovations are being planned for the restrooms. (4)Ogden Elementary School: A cafeteria expansion has been completed. (5)Roland-Grise and Virgo Middle Schools: ADA modifications are being performed to include ramps and the addition of elevators to access the upper floors. (6)Williston Middle School: The roof and windows are being replaced as well as bathroom modifications. In the future, other facilities will be modified. Discussion was held on the importance of contractors being responsible for correcting items during the warranty period. Mr. Hance advised that Staff had been working diligently to resolve problems before accepting the finished product. He stated since Hurricane Fran, it had been difficult to obtain contractors for small projects. Dr. Martin assured the Board of County Commissioners that funds allocated for each school had been spent as appropriated with no use of funds for other purposes. A lengthy discussion was held on school maintenance. Chairman Greer expressed concern for the lack of school maintenance in the past which had created costly repairs, and he urged the Board of Education to establish a stable maintenance program for daily cleaning and maintenance of school facilities. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 25 WORK SESSION WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION, JANUARY 15, 1997PAGE 763 Vice-Chairman Caster agreed with Chairman Greer's remarks and emphasized the importance of establishing a maintenance program using the same people to take care of the buildings. Comparison of School Districts Report Dr. Al Lerch presented a comparison report on the fifteen largest school districts. Statistics were presented reflecting areas of improvement and areas that need to be improved. Reading, math, and writing scores have shown improvement annually from Grades 3-8 and the magnet schools continue to be successful. SAT scores have improved, but the number of students preparing to attend a higher educational facility has decreased. The attendance and dropout rates are not acceptable, and there is grave concern for the number of students graduating with certificates instead of diplomas. A lengthy discussion was held on student employment and its impact on student attendance and the dropout rate. Dr. Martin stated many students work 20 to 40 hours a week which greatly influences student attendance figures. He recommended trying to establish an agreement with local businesses to limit high school students from working more than 20 hours per week. Mr. Oscar Graham emphasized the importance of including more vocational training courses in the school curriculum so that students will be given an opportunity to learn a skill and live more productive lives. Discussion was held on the social problems being experienced by students at home and the impact of these issues on student performance. Dr. Martin reported that New Hanover County has the second highest juvenile crime rate in the State. The County ranks first in the State with the number of children placed in foster care. Also, since State regulations were changed in the early 90's, children that were institutionalized are now being placed in public schools. With these factors and the disparity between the wealthy and poor families living in New Hanover County, student performance has been negatively impacted. In summary, Dr. Martin reported many improvements have been made in the quality of education; however, a problem of concern is the 65% of the students who either dropout of school or receive certificates instead high school diplomas. Plans For Use of State Bond Money Mr. Hance presented a list of plans for use of the $17.5 million received from State bond money. A majority of the funds will be used to purchase land, replace roofs on twenty-six school buildings, renovate toilets and restrooms, and install costly ADA renovations. He stressed the importance of everyone understanding that huge sums of money are needed to repair older school facilities. Discussion was held on the need to purchase additional land for new schools with continued growth in the population. Chairman Greer requested the Board of Education to consider renovating older schools in the City in lieu of purchasing new sites in the County. Mr. Ed Higgins agreed with Chairman Greer and stated many local residents feel the older schools are historic structures. He reported some school districts throughout the State have demolished old buildings and constructed new schools on the same site. Dr. Martin reported on the difficulty experienced when trying to work with the City of Wilmington on any project. He stated he would not be opposed to renovating schools in the City if the needs of the School District were met. With population growth occurring much faster in the County than in the City, new schools will have NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 25 WORK SESSION WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION, JANUARY 15, 1997PAGE 764 to be located further out in the unincorporated areas to meet these demands. Discussion was held on State regulations limiting school buildings to one level. County Manager O'Neal commented on the lack of land in New Hanover County and recommended petitioning the General Assembly to provide a waiver to New Hanover County so schools can be constructed on more than one level. Vice-Chairman Caster reported new schools and renovations would not solve the problems occurring in local schools. He expressed concern for the lack of morals and behavior by the students and stated until the community addresses these issues, no amount of new school facilities will create a good learning environment. He explained that he had no quick solutions to the social problems but felt that bond issues would not continue to pass if discipline was not restored in the classroom. Chairman Greer recommended including more vocational courses in the school curriculum so students will have a choice of taking college preparatory courses or vocational education. At a certain point, each student should decide on which curriculum to select and move in that direction. The students who are not interested in a curriculum and constantly destroy school property or create discipline problems in the classroom should be removed from school. In his opinion, allowing classroom studies to be destroyed by destructive behavior is not fair to the students who are interested in learning and obtaining a good education. Dr. Martin commented on Hoggard High School with an enrollment of 2,200 pupils and advised this high school was constructed to handle a capacity of 1,600 students. He stated with this type of overcrowding, problems will exist among teenage students. The community is aware of the need for additional school buildings, but the citizens will have to decide if they are willing to pay the price. Without additional space, shifts will have to be implemented in the middle schools and high schools. Discussion of Future Bond Referendum County Manager O'Neal presented a schedule for holding a school bond referendum on May 6, 1997. In order to comply with the time constraints, the Board of Education will be required to adopt a resolution of its intent prior to February 17, 1997. Commissioner Birzenieks emphasized the importance of moving forward with another school bond issue to address school needs. He advised that Wake County had a successful $250 million school bond issue because of advance research and planning before presenting the issue to the public. A firm was hired to perform a public opinion survey to identify the needs and determine if the community was willing to support a $250 million bond issue or a $100 million bond issue. He requested the Commissioners to move forward with hiring a firm to determine these facts before preparing the bond issue. Discussion was held on preparing information that would define the school needs with a projected cost for each item. Commissioner Davis commented on the importance of having these figures in place when a firm is hired to perform the public opinion survey. He, also, stressed the importance of everyone understanding the major issues facing New Hanover County, such as drainage and sewer expansion, that could necessitate another bond issue. These needs will be a determining factor in what the citizens will support. Dr. Martin welcomed the idea of hiring a firm, but stated the school needs were so far behind it would be difficult to decide whether to present one large bond issue or two bond issues as outlined in the five-year plan for New Hanover County Schools. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSBOOK 25 WORK SESSION WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION, JANUARY 15, 1997PAGE 765 ADJOURNMENT Ms. Cavenaugh commented on enjoying the Work Session and stated she felt many important issues were discussed openly with a feeling of cooperation between the two boards. Dr. Martin expressed appreciation to County Manager O'Neal for his cooperative efforts in preparing past budgets. He, also, expressed appreciation to the Board of County Commissioners for attending the Work Session. He offered to provide any information needed for the promotion of a school bond issue. Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to the Board of Education for scheduling the joint Work Session. He stressed the importance of becoming a unified voice when approaching the General Assembly about changing regulations pertaining to classroom size and construction of one-story school buildings. He offered to work with the Board of Education in promoting these issues. Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 10:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board