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WCPSS--Board of Education

OPEN SESSION

CALL TO ORDER - 2 p.m.

QUORUM DETERMINATION


PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE


INFORMATION

Chair's Comments
Superintendent's Report

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA


INFORMATION ITEMS


INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM


1. PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Information will be presented regarding the Mission and Goals of the State Board of Education that were adopted this past summer. The alignment between the State Board's Goals and our strategic directives will be illustrated.
Focus on Teaching and Learning
Retention, Recruitment and Training of High Quality Employees
Systems and Structures to Support Schools, Ensure Accountability, and Engage Community
Fiscal Accountability
Examples of teaching strategies that support the accomplishment of these goals will be provided. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: None

FINANCE


1. POTENTIAL CHANGES IN LOCAL EXPENDITURES FOR 2006-2007

To report potential changes in local expenditures for 2006-2007 as of March 31, 2007. Fiscal Implications: Potential adjustments within the local budget. Transactions transferring budget between accounts will be reported to the Board of Education with all Budget Amendments and Transfers quarterly. Recommendation for Action: No action is required. Administration is reporting potential changes in local expenditures.

FACILITIES


1. STATUS REPORT ON FEED THE BIN PROGRAM

Wake County Solid Waste Department, in conjunction with the Wake County Public School System, has created a paper recycling program called Feed The Bin. Feed The Bin allows students K-12 the opportunity to collect and recycle paper products at their school while learning about the "cycle of recycling" and its importance and positive impact on our environment. Feed The Bin also provides teachers with lesson plans and educational materials which have been correlated to the WCPSS Standard Course of Study in addition to providing $500 grants for teachers to fund any project environmentally related. Upon the conclusion of 2007, there will be Feed The Bin recycling containers present at every Wake County Public School. Mr. Jim Reynolds, Wake County Solid Waste Director, and Mr. Craig Wittig, Administrative Services Coordinator, will give a report on the program. Fiscal Implications: None. Presented for information. Recommendation for Action: None. Presented for information.
PUBLIC COMMENT - 3 p.m.
Citizens who signed up to address the board during public comment will be called on in priority order first for items on the agenda and then for items not on the agenda. Each individual speaker will be allowed three minutes for remarks. Issues or concerns involving personnel matters are not appropriate for this public comment setting. After 30 minutes of public comment, any speakers remaining will be recognized at the end of the agenda for their comments.

CONSENT ITEMS


APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

February 14, 2007-Human Resources Committee Minutes
February 20, 2007 -Board of Education Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2007-Board of Education Closed Session Minutes
March 13, 2007-Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2007-Instructional Program Committee Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2007 -Committee of the Whole Minutes

FINANCE


1. BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND TRANSFERS 2006-2007

To report changes in the budget resolution resulting from transactions processed during
January - March, 2007.
Fiscal Implications:
Adjust State Public School Fund + $5,221,274
Adjust Local Current Expense Fund + $9,334,620
Adjust Federal Programs Fund + $2,343,323
Adjust Capital Outlay Fund +$374,035,002
Adjust Multiple Enterprise Fund + $4,000
Net Changes + $ 390,938,219
Recommendation for Action: No action. In accordance with the Budget Resolution, administration is reporting changes in appropriations.

2. AUTHORIZATION FORMS

These authorization forms designate the persons authorized to sign vouchers for the payment of money on behalf of Creech Road Elementary. Fiscal Implications: These authorization forms are required for bank records. Recommendation for Action: Approval of Authorization Forms.

3. REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION APPROVED CONTRACTS

The attached summaries are provided as information in accordance with Board Policy 8361. The summaries list all change orders, and contracts having a value greater than $50,000 and not over $100,000, and purchase orders in excess of $250,000 for March 2007. Fiscal Implications: Not applicable. Recommendation for Action: Not applicable.

4. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUNDS

The remaining funds available for workers' compensation claims total $7,729.02. It is estimated that an additional $242,709.45 are needed to complete workers' compensation claim payments for Fiscal Year-End 2007. Funds are reserved in Fund Balance for excess claims. Fiscal Implications: Appropriate $242,709.45 to prevent shortfall. Recommendation for Action: Board Approval is requested.


FACILITIES


1. TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT: EAST GARNER ELEMENTARY/JONES SAUSAGE ROAD

As part of the development of East Garner Elementary School, it is necessary to make road improvements along Jones Sausage Road to address traffic and safety concerns, and to accommodate required improvements. Due to the road widening, grading and erosion control impacts to a neighboring property necessitates obtaining a temporary construction easement along Jones Sausage Road from landowners, Palmer L. Lisane and wife, Laeulia Lisane. To allow construction to proceed on schedule, a temporary construction easement, 817 square feet, is required. A copy of an Easement Plat is attached with the area of the easement identified thereon. Fiscal Implications: The Board will compensate the property owner in the amount of $100. Recommendation for Action: Staff request Board approval.

2. TRANSIT AND TREE CONSERVATION EASEMENTS: EAST MILLBROOK MIDDLE

As part of the renovation of East Millbrook Middle School, the City of Raleigh Transportation division requires dedication of a new transit easement to be located on a portion of the school property along Spring Forest Road. The City of Raleigh will erect and maintain a bus shelter and related facilities, containing 300 square feet, which will provide an area for members of the public to access public transportation. Additionally, as a condition of site approval, The City of Raleigh has requested Tree Conservation Easements upon school property in order to preserve the integrity of tree protection and natural resource buffers. These requested easements, containing a total of 4.887 acres, are in compliance with the City of Raleigh Tree Conservation Ordinance. The requested easements will not significantly interfere with the Wake County Public School System's present or future use of the property and were part of the master plan. A copy of the plat which indicates the areas of the transit and tree conservation easements is attached. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: Staff requests Board approval.

3. AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT (BUILDING NO. 4 - OLD GARNER ELEMENTARY)

The Board is currently leasing from the Town of Garner space within a building known as Building No. 4 on the site of the old Garner Elementary School property. The Board has recognized it no longer has a consistent need of the entirety of the leased building. The Town of Garner has recognized a need for an increased and regular use of a portion of the leased building. Terms and conditions of a modification to the Lease Agreement, entered into in December of 1994, have been reached with the Town of Garner.
Both parties desire to modify the terms of the Lease and amend it so that the space within the leased building and attendant responsibilities can be apportioned between the parties as is necessary to meet their respective needs and to efficiently share and utilize the public facility. The requested First Amendment to the Lease Agreement will not interfere with Wake County Public Schools' present or future use of the property. A copy of the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement and a diagram of Building No. 4 are attached. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: Staff requests Board approval.

4. PREFERRED BRANDS OF EQUIPMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

N.C.G.S. 133-3 requires performance standards to be used when specifying products. The statute also allows preferred brands of equipment to be bid as an alternate on school system projects provided that the performance standards were approved by the Board. To be approved, the alternate must either provide a cost savings or maintain/improve the functioning of a process or system affected by the brand alternate. Previously, the Board has approved door hardware, kitchen equipment, HVAC controls, stage lighting, and security equipment as preferred brands. Approval is requested for the International Electronics Incorporated (IEI) brand alternate for additional security equipment as indicated on the attachment. Fiscal Implications: Additional cost, if any, for a brand alternate will be identified on the bid and will be part of the total contract that the Board awards. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

5. CHANGE ORDER NO. CM-02: EAST MILLBROOK MIDDLE

Board approval is requested for Change Order No. CM-02 to Barnhill Contracting Company, Inc., for their Construction Management at Risk contract for renovations and additions at East Millbrook Middle School. This change order, in the amount of $21,674,719, is to establish a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the construction of this project. The total GMP for this project is $22,735,010. A list of bid packages is attached. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $30,995,052 of which $109,089 is from PLAN 2000 Start Up, $3,470,802 from PLAN 2004 and $27,415,161 is from CIP 2006. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

6. MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES: MILLS PARK ELEMENTARY (E-22)

Negotiations have been completed with Froehling & Robertson, Inc. to provide construction materials testing and inspection services for Mills Park Elementary School in the time and materials amount not to exceed of $148,340 in accordance with the Master Services Agreement for Geotechnical/Materials Testing Services and the Individual Project Proposal Agreement. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $22,142,874, of which $745,000 is from PLAN 2004, $330,823 is available from funds passed through Wake County from the developer in fiscal year 2004-2005, $15,897,874 from CIP 2006, and $5,169,177 is to be provided by the developer. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

7. DESIGN CONSULTANT AGREEMENT: E-30 ELEMENTARY

The CIP 2006 School Building Program includes the new elementary school designated E-30. Negotiations have been completed with Pearce Brinkley Cease & Lee, PA, for the design of this project. The form of agreement is the standard form approved by the Board attorney. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $ 22,822,608, all of which is from CIP 2006. The total project budget includes total proposed compensation for the design consultant of $743,468. A separate agreement, in the amount of $74,347, was previously issued for the early design. Therefore, this agreement is for $669,121. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

8. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK AGREEMENT: E-30 ELEMENTARY

The CIP 2006 School Building Program includes the construction of E-30 Elementary, located on the western side of Alston Avenue, south of the Kit Creek Road intersection, in Cary. Negotiations have been completed with Barnhill Contracting Company for the construction management of this project. The form of agreement for Construction Management at Risk has been previously reviewed and approved by the Board. Pearce Brinkley Cease & Lee, PA was previously selected as design architects for this project. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $22,822,608, all of which is from CIP 2006. The total project budget includes proposed compensation for the Construction Manager of $86,000 for pre-construction basic services. At the conclusion of design, the GMP will be negotiated along with the construction manager's fee. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

9. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK AGREEMENT: E-34 ELEMENTARY

The CIP 2006 School Building Program includes the construction of E-34 Elementary School, located north of Poole Road, on the east-side of Lake Myra, in Wendell. Negotiations have been completed with Clancy & Theys Construction Company, for the construction manager's pre-construction services only. The form of agreement for Construction Management at Risk has been previously reviewed and approved by the Board. Cherry Huffman Architects, PA was previously selected as the designer for this project. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $23,861,608, all of which is from CIP 2006. The total project budget includes proposed compensation for the Construction Manager of $80,000 for pre-construction basic services. At the conclusion of design, the GMP will be negotiated along with the construction manager's fee. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.


INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM


1. GRANT PROPOSALS

Competitive (#1071): US Department of Education, Magnet Schools Assistance Program / Central Services, Magnet Programs Office, Voluntary Desegregation Plan.
Per requirements of the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP), a school district without a court ordered desegregation plan is required to submit a voluntary desegregation plan with their grant application. WCPSS is planning to submit an MSAP grant application, Project Renaissance, and evidence of the district's official action adopting the plan for implementation must be submitted with the application. The voluntary desegregation plan prepared by WCPSS staff for the MSAP grant competition and provided as backup to this précis is a statement of the school district's student assignment policies and practices, including WCPSS Magnet Programs Office criteria for the selection of elementary and secondary students to attend magnet schools in the district. The desegregation plan prepared for Project Renaissance is consistent with WCPSS policies and practices as well as desegregation plans that have been submitted with previous MSAP applications. Fiscal Implications: Any required cash and/or in-kind matching contributions vary by grant program. Recommendation for Action: Staff is requesting Board approval.

2. AMENDMENT #2 TO CONTRACT 07-268 BETWEEN WAKE COUNTY SMARTSTART, INC. AND WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM (SPEECH LANGUAGE AND HEARING SCREENING PROGRAM)

This amendment to the contract approved at the July 18, 2006 Board meeting and amended at the November 7, 2006 Board meeting increases funding for Project Enlightenment to purchase a piece of equipment to provide vision screening services that target hard-to-reach populations. Fiscal Implications: This is a revenue contract to increase funding from $113,057 to a total of $117,524. No WCPSS funds are required. Recommendation for Action: Staff is requesting Board approval.

3. BEFORE SCHOOL CARE FEE INCREASE

It is recommended that the tuition fee for the Before School Care programs be increased by $.25 per hour.
WCPSS Before School Care program fees have not increased since 2002-03. The current Before School rate is based upon $1.50 per hour. Principals support a modest increase for both programs.
Principals in schools with Tuition School Care programs were surveyed in December, 2006. With ninety percent (90%) of surveyed principals responding, the 82.5% of principals with Before School programs support increasing the hourly rate to $1.75 per hour.
The current fee structure does not generate sufficient revenue to support new Before School programs starting with a minimum 30 students. The recommended increase allows new programs to break even.
Fiscal Implications: A modest increase in the Before School Care fee will allow schools to meet program expenses and maintain programs that support students and their families. Recommendation for Action: Recommend approval of fee increase.

POLICY


1. POLICY 2311 3011 4011-EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

Revised Second Reading.
The policy is being revised to include language which authorizes the superintendent to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive emergency operation plans for the district. Revisions also include a change in the policy's title. The proposed revisions were approved by the Policy Committee on 3.13.07. Fiscal Implications: none. Recommendation for Action: Staff is requesting Board approval.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS' REPORTS


ACTION ITEMS


FINANCE


1. APPROVAL OF BOARD OF EDUCATION'S PLAN FOR STUDENT SUCCESS 2007-2008

To approve the Board of Education's Plan for Student Success for 2007-2008. Fiscal Implications: The Board of Education's Plan for Student Success for fiscal year 2007-2008 will be delivered to the County Commissioners on May 15, 2007. Also, included are Projections for 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Recommendation for Action: Board of Education's approval of the Plan for Student Success including a budget request from the County Commissioners for 2007-2008. This amount is shown on the attached sheet.

FACILITIES


1. HERITAGE HIGH - LEVEL 4 JOINT USE AGREEMENT

Board and Town of Wake Forest partnered in the purchase of property for the joint design, development and construction of a school with additional recreational amenities beyond those included in the high school program. The Town shall maintain the tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and multipurpose fields in exchange for the privilege to schedule the use of these areas after normal school hours. The Board shall have priority of use of the school program tennis courts, baseball field, softball field, and multipurpose fields both during and after normal school hours. After normal school hours and when not needed by the Board, the Town shall exercise joint use privileges to schedule the use of the school's program tennis courts, baseball field, softball field, and multipurpose fields and given the autonomy to establish rates for third party users and the Town shall have priority of use of the baseball, softball, and multipurpose fields above the school program requirement. The initial term of this agreement is for a period of twenty-five (25) years. At the end of the initial term, the Town has the exclusive option to extend the Town's use for an additional twenty-five (25) year period, so long as the property is not needed for Board purposes and the facility is operated as a school. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

2. SCHEMATIC DESIGN: SMITH ELEMENTARY

Staff will present the schematic design documents prepared by sfL+a Architects, PA, for the construction of Smith Elementary Additions and Renovations. The Board requested staff to explore additional capacity increases at this campus, at its April 10, 2007 meeting. This additional information will be presented. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $18,631,717, of which $230,000 is from PLAN 2004 Start-Up and $18,401,717 from CIP 2006. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

3. SCHEMATIC DESIGN: ROOT ELEMENTARY

Staff will present the revised site schematic design documents prepared by Ramsay GMK Architects, Inc. for the new construction and renovations of Root Elementary School. Fiscal Implications:
Funding is available from the total project budget of $19,930,017, of which $300,000 is from PLAN 2004 and $19,630,017 from CIP 2006. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

4. SCHEMATIC DESIGN: EAST WAKE HIGH PHASE 2B RENOVATIONS

Staff will present the schematic design documents prepared by Pearce, Brinkley, Cease & Lee, PA, for East Wake High School Phase 2B renovations. This work includes renovations to Building A (2-story 1976 portion) and Building E ("link" building portion). This is a continuation of the work to complete the master plan for the south campus high school. Phase 2A is the construction of a new two-story classroom building and renovations for Child Nutrition and Plant Operations. That phase will be bid in April 2007. The original plan was to complete Phase 2A and 2B work in PLAN 2004. However, due to budget constraints, these phases were deferred to CIP 2006. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $ 22,553,769, of which $125,000 is from Plan 2004 Start-Up and $22,428,769 from CIP 2006. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

5. AGREEMENT: CARY HIGH

To complete the ongoing renovations and new construction for the PLAN 2004 project at Cary High School, staff recommends that Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC, be engaged to provide construction management services. To that end, the Board is asked to approve an agreement with J.M. Thompson Co., the general contractor on the first phase of the Cary High School Project; Federal Insurance Company, the surety for J.M. Thompson Co.; and Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC. The agreement authorizes Balfour Beatty to work with and assist J.M. Thompson Co. with the completion of the project. Fiscal Implications: No additional costs to WCPSS above the original contract in addition to liquidation damages for late completion of the original contract. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

6. POLICY 6203 - TRANSFER OF SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT

In Fall 2006 the Board of Education asked Board Advisory Councils to review processes and documents related to student transfers. Comments and suggestions from the BAC's identified a number of ways that Board Policy 6203, the R&P for Policy 6203, and documents used by the Growth Management Office could be made more "user-friendly" and more consistent. The policy being presented has been revised to reflect a clearer, more precise understanding of the student transfer guidelines. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: Staff is presenting for Board approval.

CLOSED SESSION

To consider confidential personnel information protected under G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) and 115C-319.
To consider confidential student information protected under G.S. 115C-402 and the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g.
ACTION ITEMS (cont'd)

HUMAN RESOURCES


1.RECOMMENDATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENT


2. ADMINISTRATIVE TRANSFERS


ADJOURNMENT


Meetings will be held in the Administration Building, 3600 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC unless otherwise indicated.