WCPSS--Board of Education

OPEN SESSION

CALL TO ORDER - 3 p.m.

QUORUM DETERMINATION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

INFORMATION

Chair's Comments
Superintendent's Report

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA

INFORMATION ITEMS

1. KENAN FELLOWS PROGRAM FOR CURRICULUM AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The mission of the Kenan Fellows Program for Curriculum and Leadership Development is to enhance curriculum relevance for the benefit of all students; engage teachers, business, and universities through unique professional collaboration; and promote growth opportunities for teachers and the teaching profession. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: For information only.

2. REPORT OF THE TRANSPORTATION POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Transportation Policy Review Committee was established in June, 2007, in response to community and parent suggestions for policy review. The committee was made up of a parent representative from each board advisory council and three representatives (school administrators) from the Division of Principals and Assistant Principals' transportation subcommittee, along with transportation advisory personnel. The purpose of the committee was the following: 1) to review existing policies and procedures for establishing safe bus routes and safe bus stops; 2) to review existing policies for establishing express routes/stops; 3) to consider potential changes to existing policies in the interests of student safety, shorter ride times, and efficiency of operations; and 4) to develop recommendations to the Board of Education. Fiscal Implications: None identified at this time. Presentation is for information. Recommendation for Action: None. Staff will report to the board a proposed plan of action.

3. 8th GRADE BOOSTERS PROGRAM: MT. VERNON
There are many students in the eighth grade who are 15 years or older. Mt. Vernon is providing a compacted 8th grade experience so that selected students may progress to the 9th grade at Mary E. Phillips High School beginning second semester 2007-2008. Students are participating in compacted curriculum and Service Learning Projects. Fiscal Implications: This is a pilot program for the 2007-2008 school year funded from money originally intended for John Baker Charter School. Costs at this time are $107,390 for a teacher and Student Support Counselor and approximately $5,000.00 for supplies and materials (primarily for Service Learning Projects). Recommendation for Action: This item is for information only.
PUBLIC COMMENT - 4 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

May 15, 2007 -Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2007 -Joint Meeting of the Board of Education and Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes
August 21, 2007-Board of Education Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2007 -Board of Education and Western Area Town Council Meeting Minutes
September 25, 2007 -Board of Education and Eastern Area Town Council Meeting Minutes
September 25, 2007 -Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2007 -Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

FINANCE

1. 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 September, 2007. Fiscal Implications: Not applicable. Recommendation for Action: Not applicable.

2. AUTHORIZATION FORMS

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

FACILITIES

1. CONTRACT: PROCESSING OF USDA COMMODITY (CHICKEN, BEEF AND CHEESE)

Staff requests board approval for commodity food processing service contracts as follows: Commodity processing of USDA chicken to Kings Delight in the amount of $475,000; Commodity processing of USDA beef to JTM Provisions Company in the amount of $500,750; and Commodity processing of USDA cheese to Rich-Sea Pak Corporation in the amount of $250,000. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the 2007-2008 Child Nutrition enterprise current expense budget. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

2. CONTRACT EXTENSION: FOOD SERVICE SANITATION SYSTEM

Staff requests Board approval to extend, for one year, the contract for food service sanitation with PortionPac Chemical Corporation, for $180,109.60. The bid solicitation in 2006 included an initial term of one year with option to extend for three additional years. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the 2007-2008 Child Nutrition enterprise fund expense budget. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

3. LEASE RENEWAL AGREEMENT: WAREHOUSE SPACE - BANNISTER PROPERTIES, LLC

Acquisition of mobile units, modular complexes and the renovation of existing facilities require the storage of both new and used furniture until facilities are ready for use. No additional warehouse space is available at the Rock Quarry Road Central Services Complex. Bannister Properties is currently providing 8,100 square feet of leased space for storage of this furniture. Staff recommends renewing the lease for an additional year. Fiscal Implications: 8,100 square feet at $4.00 per foot or $32,400 payable in a single sum at lease inception plus utilities. Funding is available from the 2007-2008 operating budget. This is an increase of $2,025 over the previous year's lease. Recommendation for Action: Staff requests Board approval.

4. RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISITION AND DEDICATION AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT ACQUISITION: BANKS ROAD ELEMENTARY/E-23 (HANNAH PROPERTY)

As a part of the development of Banks Road Elementary and the construction approval process, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Town of Fuquay-Varina are requiring road improvements to Banks Road and Chambers Road. The Town of Fuquay-Varina is also requiring that Chambers Road, which is a private road, be dedicated for public use. To complete the improvements and as a condition of site approval, it is necessary that WCPSS acquire a right-of-way dedication and a temporary construction easement as shown on the attached plat. Extensive mature landscaping improvements located within the right-of-way dedication area will be destroyed in the road improvement process, which will have an adverse impact upon the property owner's remaining property. Terms have been reached with the property owners (Michael A. Hannah and Nancy D. Hannah) to acquire the land needed for the right-of-way dedication, temporary construction easement acquisition and to compensate the landowner for the loss of extensive landscaping improvements. A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement is attached. Fiscal Implications: The Board will compensate the property owners in the amount of $41,754, from the CIP 2006 Land Purchase budget. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

5. DESIGN CONSULTANT AGREEMENT: WILBURN ELEMENTARY

The CIP 2006 School Building Program includes additions and renovations at Wilburn Elementary School. Negotiations have been completed with Moseley Architects P.C., for the design of this project. The form of agreement is the standard form approved by the Board attorney. With this renovation, the student capacity of the school will increase from 724 to 800 seats, on a traditional calendar. As a year-round school Wilburn Elementary will accommodate up to 1124 students. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $20,969,520, all of which is from CIP 2006. The total project budget includes proposed compensation for the design consultant of $1,046,679. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

6. CHANGE ORDER GC-04: BANKS ROAD ELEMENTARY (E-23)

Board approval is requested for Change Order GC-04 to Barnhill Contracting Company at Banks Road Elementary. This change order, the amount of $171,594, is to remove additional trench rock during the installation of water and sanitary sewer lines. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $21,778,705, of which $745,000 is from PLAN 2004 Start-Up; $20,049,101 from CIP 2006; $575,440 from CIP 2006 Offsite Improvements; and $409,164 will be provided by the Town of Fuquay-Varina and the Wake County Parks and Recreation Department for additional ball fields, parking and utilities for future upgrades to the park facility. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

1. CONTRACT FOR TEMPORARY OFFICE ASSISTANCE

This contract will provide temporary office assistance for the Evaluation & Research Department allowing our professional and clerical fulltime staff to provide timely, adequate data and reports for system decision-makers. The amount requested $101,000 will enhance productivity of testing, school accountability, program accountability and the administration of all services of the department. Fiscal Implications: No additional funds will be required. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

2. GRANT PROPOSALS

Competitive (#1190): Thomson Gale, Library Media Connection TEAMS
Award/Individual schools.
Collaborative (#1191): IBM, Innovation Technology Grant / Pleasant Union Elementary.
Competitive (#1192): Broadcom Giving Program / A. B. Combs Elementary School.
Fiscal Implications: Any required cash and/or in-kind matching contributions vary by grant program. Recommendation for Action: Staff is requesting Board approval.

3. UNIVERSITY INSTRUCTORS CONTRACT

University Instructors (UI) will provide tutoring services in support of the WCPSS AVID program in place at Wake Forest/Rolesville, Wakefield, Heritage, West Millbrook, East Millbrook, East Wake, Zebulon, Holly Ridge, Fuquay Varina, Apex, Carnage, Carroll, Daniels, Dillard Drive, East Garner, Leesville, Ligon, Martin, Moore Square, North Garner, Reedy Creek, and West Cary middle schools. Over a period of 28 weeks, UI will provide 22 instructors two days per week for three hours per day. UI will conduct extensive screening including criminal background checks and will provide this information to WCPSS so that WCPSS can do the same. They will provide regular reporting of used tutor hours and scheduling of tutors based on the needs of each school, as well as program design, coordination and management services as set forth in the service agreement with the Wake County Public School System.
Fiscal Implications: This contract is for $120,000.00. Recommendation for Action: This item is presented for approval

POLICY

1. POLICY 6201 - SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

Revised: First Reading - Waiver of Second Reading
Reference to Policy 6520-STUDENT GRIEVANCES was added for clarity per Ann Majestic. Policy Committee reviewed and approved on 10-9-07. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: Staff is requesting Board approval.

2. POLICY 6410 - INAPPROPRIATE STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Revised First Reading - Waiver of Second Reading
The revision of Policy 6410 creates alignment with Policy 22308/308/4008 - TOBACCO-FREE ENVIRONMENT. Additional definitions added for clarity. Policy Committee reviewed and approved on 10-9-07. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: Staff is requesting Board approval.

3. POLICY 6530 - DUE PROCESS

First Reading - Waiver of Second Reading
Recent legislative changes included in House Bill 1739 require the revision of Policy 6530-Due Process. The revised law allows students placed on short-term suspensions to take their textbooks home for the duration of the short-term suspension, to have access to homework assignments, and to ensure that parents receive actual notice of a student's expulsion or suspension from school. Revisions to our policy have been made with input of staff, and have been reviewed by Ann Majestic. The Policy Committee reviewed and approved the recommended revisions on 10-9-07. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: Staff is requesting Board approval.

HUMAN RESOURCES

1. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT

a.Professional
b.Support

2. RECOMMENDATION FOR CAREER STATUS

3. 2007-2008 SALARY SCHEDULES

Teachers and Certified Instructional Support
1)The state teacher salary schedule increases an average of 5%, resulting in employee raises ranging from 4.1% to 9.5% depending on the step. The table below provides a summary of percentage increases by step.
2)Step 31 has been added to the teacher salary schedule. As a result, no top of the scale bonus is applicable for the 2007-2008 school year.
Assistant Principals and Principals
1)Assistant principal salary schedules are based on the state teacher salary schedules. Assistant principal raises vary from 4.1% to 8.4%, depending on the step. The table below provides a summary of percentage increases by step.
2)Assistant principals who do not move up a step on the salary schedule because they were at the top of the pay scale in 2006-2007 receive a one-time bonus of 2.0% of their 2006-2007 salary and supplement, if they are employed on July 1, 2007.
3)Principal salary increases are based on teacher raises (see above), along with changes in allotted instructional positions to their school.
Noncertified support, central services, and technology personnel
The 2007-2008 state budget provides for a 4.0% salary increase for noncertified, central services, and technology employees. Additionally, the Board's approved Plan for Student Success provides a 1.23% increase, creating a total salary increase of 5.23%.
Substitute Teachers
1)The daily rates for substitute teachers are: $88 (certified teachers), $77 (substitutes completing effective teacher training), and $68 (noncertified substitutes).
2)Teacher assistants serving as substitute teachers earn $138.37 per day.

4. CONTINUE PARTNERSHIP WITH SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY TO PROVIDE STUDENT TEACHING AND FIELD EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENT TEACHERS IN WCPSS YEAR - ROUND CALENDAR SCHOOLS. AUTHORIZE THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS TO APPROVE CONTINUATION ANNUALLY

In February 2007, the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) Board of Education approved a partnership between Slippery Rock University (SRU) in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, a nationally accredited teacher education college, and WCPSS, which enables elementary education and elementary/special education majors to complete field experiences and secondary education majors to complete student teaching in WCPSS year-round elementary and middle schools. WCPSS principals and cooperating teachers agreed that the first cohort of SRU students completed their student teaching in WCPSS schools during the summer of 2007 very successfully. Advantages for WCPSS include the following:
In contrast to North Carolina's teacher shortage and increasingly competitive demand for teachers, Pennsylvania has an oversupply of teachers and thus, many Slippery Rock University (SRU) graduates seek employment with WCPSS.
The student teaching and field experiences will provide WCPSS administrators the opportunity to assess SRU student teachers for employability.
The presence of high quality SRU student teachers and field students in WCPSS classrooms will have a positive impact on student learning and increase opportunities for individualized instruction and co-teaching.
In February 2007, the WCPSS Board of Education (BOE) approved SRU's proposal and an initial cohort of eleven student teachers completed their 12-week student teaching in WCPSS year-round middle and elementary schools.
SRU university supervisors, SRU student teachers, WCPSS principals and WCPSS cooperating teachers agreed that this partnership resulted in a very successful, mutually beneficial relationship.
WCPSS principals were so impressed with the preparation and quality of SRU student teachers that several were hired for the 2007-08 school year.
Fiscal Implications: Stipends for cooperating teachers and all costs for student housing and university supervision will be paid by Slippery Rock University (SRU). Considering that national estimates for recruiting highly qualified teachers are as high as $15,000/teacher, the SRU proposal provides excellent no-cost recruitment opportunities for WCPSS.

BOARD ADVISORY COUNCIL NOMINATIONS

This represents new nominations to the Board Advisory Councils. The nomination forms are attached for the Board's review and consideration. Fiscal Implications: None. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS' REPORT

ACTION ITEMS

FACILITIES

1. TERMINATION OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK: LACY ELEMENTARY

On February 6, 2007, the Board awarded a Construction Manager at Risk agreement, in the amount of $145,000, to Devere Construction Company, Inc., for pre-construction services for the renovations and additions at Lacy Elementary School. Staff recommends a termination of the agreement with Devere, for the convenience of the owner, in accordance with section 10.2.1 of the agreement. A new agreement will be negotiated with another Construction Manager at Risk. Fiscal Implications: Payment will be made for time expended to date. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

2. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK SELECTION AND AGREEMENT: LACY ELEMENTARY

At the November 21, 2006 Board meeting, DeVere Construction Company, Inc. was selected as the Construction Manager for Lacy Elementary. Their contract has now been terminated for the convenience of the owner. The secondary selection for Lacy at that November meeting was Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC, (previously Centex). Staff now recommends the selection of Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC as the Construction Manager At Risk for Lacy Elementary. Negotiations have been completed with Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC for limited construction manager's pre-construction services only at Lacy Elementary. The form of agreement for Construction Management At Risk has been previously reviewed and approved by the Board. Modifications to this agreement have been approved by the Board's attorney and are noted on the attached summary. This contract includes reimbursable general conditions. These changes will all be incorporated into the next revision of the standard form of agreement. Skinner, Lamm, and Highsmith Architects, PA was previously selected as the designer for this project. Fiscal Implications: Funding is available from the total project budget of $21,854,837, of which $525,000 is from PLAN 2004 Startup and $21,329,837 from CIP 2006. The total project budget includes proposed compensation for the Construction Manager of $102,150 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.

3. IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) legislation was approved by the legislature in 2006. The legislature allows public school systems to enter into capital build-to-suit leases for school facilities. The attached guidelines were developed by the Board counsel for PPP, Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP, for the design, construction, and leasing of school facilities using the PPP process. The guidelines will be used in the development of an RFQ/RFP for any school facilities that the Board may use as a pilot project. Staff recommends Board approval. Fiscal Implications: None until a project is designated to be constructed using PPP. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

4. DESIGNATION OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITE FOR A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PILOT PROJECT

In order to proceed with a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) pilot project, a school site must be designated. Staff will present a recommendation for an elementary school site, slated for a 2010 opening, to be offered for a PPP pilot project. The land will be acquired by the Board and provided to the PPP private developer. In order to determine the interest of the development community, staff recommends an RFQ/RFP be issued in late October 2007 requesting proposals from private developers for the initial phase of the PPP process. It is anticipated that staff will present the shortlist of selected qualified firms to the Board for approval in December 2007. Acquisition of a site for the pilot school will be addressed in closed session. Fiscal Implications: Overall cost and financing arrangements will be part of the proposal by the PPP developer and will be brought before the Board at the appropriate point in the process. Once it is determined that it is feasible and acceptable to construct an elementary school using the PPP process, CIP 2006 bonds designated for its construction will not be sold by the County and the funds that would normally be used to repay the bond will be used to pay the lease. The funds needed for the furnishings and equipment in the new school will still be appropriated and used for the items to be provided by the Board. Once the school is constructed, the yearly operational funds will come from the school system operational budget. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

5. MIDDLE SCHOOL SPACE STANDARDS REVISION - AUDITORIUM TO CAFETORIUM

The Citizens' Facilities Advisory Committee recommended that "the Wake County Schools reduce the area devoted to auditoria by either use of a cafetorium in the middle school models, that is, one larger joint space with appropriate furniture and fixtures, rather than separate food/dining and auditorium spaces and or provide a small theater that can be expanded by opening it to the cafeteria with pullout bleachers for seating." The staff and the middle school prototype designers have explored options, and recommend a cafetorium that has a small theater with some seating, which opens into a larger space that doubles as dining. This option, in some ways, enhances the middle school theatre arts learning experience due to the fact that the small theater concept allows the students that age to work in an intimate, non-threatening environment. The staff will present revisions to the middle school space standards that reduce the total square footage without adversely affecting the educational program. Fiscal Implications: This change will result in savings of approximately $300,000 per future middle school. This will immediately impact CIP 2006 middle schools, M-9 and M-10, currently scheduled for 2010 openings. Recommendation for Action: Board approval is requested.

CLOSED SESSION

To consider confidential personnel information protected under G.S. 143-318.11(a) (60 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.
To establish or give instructions concerning the Board's negotiating position related to a potential acquisition of real property, as provided in G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5).
ACTION ITEMS- Cont'd

HUMAN RESOURCES

1. RECOMMENDATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENT(S)

ADJOURNMENT

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