Board Agenda for the Week of 10/23/2000

3:00 p.m. OPEN SESSION

CALL TO ORDER

QUORUM DETERMINATION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

INFORMATION

Comments from the Chairman
Superintendent's Report
Teacher Excellence Task Force Report
Tony Habit, Mike Patterson and Mike Burke of Wake Education Partnership will update the Board on the Teacher Excellence Task Force.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA

PUBLIC HEARING FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

(Other Than Program Action Item #3 - Designation of New Year-Round Schools)

CONSENT ITEMS - ALL COMMITTEES

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

POLICY

1. Policy 5534 - Dual Enrollment for Academic Enrichment Courses
Revised; Second Reading
The changes combine two dual enrollment policies into one by deleting Policy 5533 Dual Enrollment for Vocational/Technical Courses and by revising Policy 5534 Dual Enrollment for Academic Enrichment Courses. Revisions clarify the policy and provide additional opportunities for dual enrollment.
2. Policy 6860 - Cocurricular Activities and Athletics
Revised; Second Reading
Policy 6860.7 on Cocurricular Activities and Athletics is amended to meet new promotion requirements.
3. Board Advisory Council Nominations
New nominations to board advisory councils. (See attached nomination forms.)
4. Legislative Agenda - Year 2001
The legislative agenda for the year 2001 from the Legislative Committee is recommended for approval.

PERSONNEL

1. Recommendations for Employment
2. Recommendations for Administrative Appointments
3. Recommendations for Early Contract Extensions

PROGRAM

1. Grant Proposals
Competitive: (#00.520) SHOPA Foundation for Educational Excellence: Kids in Need Teacher Grants/Zebulon Middle School ($1,000);
Competitive: (#00.521) North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance: Friends of NCAAHPERD/Zebulon Middle School ($1,000). Funding varies by grant.
2. Lotus Academic Passport Program Agreement
Technology Services entered into an agreement with Lotus Development in June of 1999 to provide a phased-in implementation of Lotus Notes and Learning Space. Re-enrollment in the program and renewal of the software licenses is required each year. First year cost was $38,650. The current second year cost is $77,568. Third year cost for next year will be $100,050. Board approval is recommended. Funding is available annually through the Technology Services Division current expense budget.
3. Wake County Human Services
Wake County Human Services will provide: 1) Through two (2) adolescent drug abuse specialists, drug abuse counseling and assessment in all schools through referrals from Community Assessment Teams and student support teams in accordance with grant guidelines, 2) Five (5) regionally based mental health clinicians who will serve as Community Assessment Team leaders and provide mental health assessment, planning, and referral, and, 3) Three (3) coordinators to conduct training and consultation to community and school based after school programs to expand their capacity and develop life skills for students. Wake County Public Schools System will pay Wake County Human Services the amount of the expenses for Grant approved activities and provide unfurnished office space for five (5) mental health clinicians. Total aggregate costs not to exceed $647,359. Funding from Safe Schools Healthy Students Federal Grant.
4. Wake County Communities in Schools
Communities in Schools will provide:
1) 1.5 Tutor-Mentor recruiter/trainers to identify up to 300 mentors to assist students in
Wake County Schools, 2) Training for all tutor-mentors in how to help students to improve school behavior leading to academic success, 3) Ongoing support and supervision to tutor-mentors, and 4) Ongoing support to school coordinators.
Wake County Public Schools System will pay Communities in Schools of Wake County the amount of the expenses for Grant approved activities. Total costs not to exceed $132,823. Funding from Safe Schools Healthy Students Federal Grant.
5. 2001-02 Year-Round Calendar
A Year-Round Calendar Committee met on September 25, 2000, to review input of parents and staff from each year-round school with regard to proposed 2001-02
multi-track year-round calendars. The Committee reviewed several calendar proposals and came to consensus on the attached calendar. The Committee reviewed parameters for calendar development, annual testing dates, and inclement weather make-up days and concluded that the attached calendar is most effective in meeting these needs.
A highlight of this calendar is the two days that can be used for inclement weather make-up or for professional development for staff on all four tracks (February 11, 2002 and May 27, 2002). Staff recommends that the Board adopt this multi-track year-round calendar for the 2001-2002 school year. No fiscal implications at this time.
6. Goals for Existing Year-Round Middle Schools
Staff will present recommendations for three-year growth goals for existing year-round middle schools that reflect a positive change in the number of students who qualify for free/reduced price lunch. Staff will discuss the various strategies that might be used in helping schools reach their goal. This is presented for Board approval.
No fiscal implications.
7. Charter School Applications: Hope Elementary School and the Middle
School Academy of Southeast Raleigh
The applications for Hope Elementary School and The Middle School Academy of Southeast Raleigh are presented for a decision by the Wake County Board of Education.
These applications will be forwarded to the State Board of Education for approval pending clarification of middle school curriculum issues. State and local funding amounts transferred to these charters based on enrollment projections for year one will be approximately $524,374.50, and year two $750,258.90.

FACILITIES

1. Bids: Athens Drive High Roof Replacement
Bids for the state bond improvements (roof replacement) at Athens Drive High were received on August 24, 2000. Staff and Roof Engineering, Inc., recommend award of the contract to Quality Roofers and Guttering, Inc., in the amount of $1,183,387. A local roofing contractor raised several concerns about the bidding process and product. All of these concerns have been addressed to the contractor's satisfaction. Board approval is requested. Fiscal Implications - Funds are available from the total project budget of $1,565,913. The total project budget consists of $1,415,529 from the board-approved state bond project budget and $150,384 from the deferred maintenance component of the Phase IIIB Long-Range Building Program.
2. Bids: Cary High Roof Replacement
Bids for the state bond improvements (roof replacement) at Cary High were received on August 31, 2000. Staff and CTL Engineering, Inc., recommend award of the contract to CFE, Inc., in the amount of $859,950. A local roofing contractor raised several concerns about the bidding process and product. All of these concerns have been addressed to the contractor's satisfaction. Board approval is requested. Fiscal Implications - Funds are available from the total project budget of $2,750,805. The total project budget consists of $2,613,050 from the board-approved state bond project budget and $137,755 from the ADA component of the 1996 State Bond Program.
3. Bids: Fuquay-Varina High Athletic Facilities Improvements
Bids were received on October 12, 2000, for athletic facilities improvements at Fuquay-Varina High School. Staff and CLH Design, PA recommend award of single-prime contract to Austin Grading Company, Inc., in the amount of $378,954.45. Board approval is requested. Fiscal Implications - Funds are available from the total project budget of $1,097,494. The project consists of $784,624 from the board-approved state bond program project budget and $312,870 from Phase IIIB Long-Range Building Program project funds.
4. Bids: Lufkin Road Athletic Fields
Bids for the construction of the athletic fields at Lufkin Road Middle were received on September 28, 2000. Staff and CLH Design PA, recommend award of the multi-prime general contract to Jacobsen Construction, Inc., in the amount of $213,318. Board approval is requested. Fiscal Implications - Funds are available from the board-approved Phase IIIB total project budget of $22,498,675.
5. Bids: Washington Elementary Additions and Renovations
At the August 14, 2000 meeting, the board pre-approved issuance of Notices of Intent to award contracts and Notices to Proceed with construction of Washington Elementary additions and renovations, provided the bids received were within budget. Bids were received on August 10, 2000. Staff and Pearce, Brinkley, Cease & Lee, PA recommend award of the general contract to MLB Industries, Inc., in the amount of $2,653,000; plumbing contract to ABL & Associates Plumbing, LLC, in the amount of $458,012; mechanical contract to Baker Mechanical, Inc., in the amount of $965,400, and the electrical contract to H & L Electrical of Raleigh, Inc., in the amount of $544,400. The total of these multi-prime bids is $4,620,812. The lowest single-prime bid was $4,832,600. Board approval is requested. Fiscal Implications - Funds are available from the board-approved total project budget of $6,421,967. The total project budget consists of $4,766,634 from the Phase IIIB Long-Range Building Program; $795,870 from the board-approved state bond project budget; $259,463 from the ADA component of the 1996 State Bond Program, and $600,000 from the Phase IIIB Long-Range Building Program contingency fund.
6. Change Order No. S-02: Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle
Board approval is requested for Change Order No. S-02 for the soil excavation and removal contract at Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle for GARCO, Inc. This change order, in the amount of $127,290, is for cost associated with removal and replacement of soils under the building footprint. Fiscal Implications - Funds are available from the board-approved 1996 State Bond project budget of $15,665,274 and $737,989 from Phase IIIB project budget. The total project budget is $16,403,263.
7.Resolution: Long-Range Building Program Funding Reallocation
Resolution requests reallocation of funds from completed or nearly complete Phase IIIB projects to create a project and expenditure code from which to pay municipal assessments. These assessments are payable as a result of municipal contracts for road-widening projects deferred from Phase IIIA or Phase IIIB school construction projects. Board approval is requested. Fiscal Implications - No additional appropriation of funding is necessary.

ACTION AND INFORMATION ITEMS

FINANCE

Action
1. Request for Additional Positions
Based on initiatives related to Goal 2003, four additional positions are requested.
Human Resources Licensure Administrator: Responsible for administering the licensure process to insure that new teachers and administrators are paid correctly and minimize WCPSS risk regarding salary audit exceptions.
Human Resources Sr. Director for Salary Administration and Operations: Responsible for standardizing salary administration, implementing the WCPSS Compensation Study and managing non-school based operations.
Human Resources Secretary to Senior Director: Responsible for providing administrative support to the Sr. Director for Salary Administration and Operations.
Student Assignment Senior Administrator: Responsible for elementary magnet process including applications, selection, and population of elementary magnet programs to most efficiently use facilities and meet program needs.
Fiscal Implications: Funding provided from the $117,300 increase received in the state allotment for central office personnel with the remainder from any savings in the state central office allotment and fund balance appropriation for a total of $240,000.

FACILITIES

Information
1.Underwood Elementary - Process to Review Facility Options
Staff will present the facility options that are under consideration for Underwood Elementary and the process for staff/community review of these options. This is presented for information only at this time. Fiscal Implications - None at this time.

PROGRAM

Information
1. Progress Toward the 2003 Goal
The Evaluation and Research Department will present a report analyzing End of Grade test results from the 1999-2000 school year and will identify trends impacting achievement of the 2003 Goal. In brief, findings show that while improvements in test scores moved toward the goal, current rates of improvement are inadequate. Of particular concern is the gap in the rates of gain for students who qualify for the Free/Reduced Lunch program and other students who do not qualify for free or reduced price lunches.
2. Class Size Reduction in Schools with Small Classrooms
Staff will recommend postponing for a year consideration for reduced class size for schools with small classrooms. The pros and cons will be presented for Board discussion and input. This is presented for information.
3. Development of Review Process for Crowding in Individual Schools
Staff will present for discussion review processes for studying impact of crowding in individual schools. Staff will receive added input from the Board. Staff will be able to provide data. Transportation costs will vary according to strategies used.
4. Options for Overcrowded Schools
Staff will review a list of options for relieving overcrowded schools. The pros and cons of several options will be presented for Board discussion and input. This is presented for information. Funding will vary depending on option(s) chosen.
5. Magnet Schools Assistance Program - The Next Cycle
The next Magnet Schools Assistance Program proposal (magnet grant) is due on December 22, 2000. The staff is currently exploring possible concepts, programs, and strategies on which to build the next proposal. The status of the current legislation and central issues that must be addressed are delineated. A preliminary list of possible options is provided. No fiscal implications at this time.

Action
1. Brooks Elementary School Magnet Program
Brooks Elementary School is being presented as a new magnet school. The proposed magnet theme is an elementary museums model with an emphasis on technology.
The magnet program will be similar to the program being developed at Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School. Brooks will be included in the Magnet Schools Assistance Program applications as a new magnet program. It is recommended that the program begin with the 2002-03 school year. Staff recommends the approval of Brooks Elementary School as a magnet school to become Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School. No fiscal implications at this time.
2. Extended Day Magnet School
Extended Day Magnet Schools have been in existence since 1977. Extended Day Magnet Schools were designed to connect with the regular school day and to provide after-school care for students. Extended Day programs exist at Combs, Joyner, and Olds.
Each of the three schools have other magnet or enhancement themes: Combs Leadership and Extended Day Magnet; Joyner Language Arts/Communications and Extended Day Magnet; and Olds University Connections and Extended Day Magnet
Due to mounting costs, affordable daycare options in the community, and personnel issues, the Extended Day magnet program has not been able to meet their proposed budget. The staff recommends the elimination of the Extended Day Magnet Program at these three schools. Each of the three schools will offer private childcare onsite.
This proposal has been shared with parents and staff. Staff also recommends that the three schools remain magnet schools by emphasizing their additional theme.
Possible 2001-02 Budget implications.
BREAK - 6:00 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT ON CHILDREN - 6:30 p.m.
Fifteen students will be recognized as Spotlight on Students award winners.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROGRAM ACTION ITEM #3 - 7:00 p.m.
Designation of New Year-Round Schools

PROGRAM

Action
3. Designation of New Year-Round Schools
Staff recommends Stough Elementary and Carroll Middle for conversion to multi-track year-round for the 2001-02 school year. Staff will answer questions from the Board. This is presented for Board approval. Funds for an early hire of certain personnel and purchase of supplies and equipment will be needed. Funds for planning intersession (remediation) program will be needed. Transportation costs for these schools will increase.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

ADJOURNMENT

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