CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
December 7, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Linda Womack of the Cleveland Daily Banner, Tonya Brantley of the People News, Susan Shelton of The Chattanoogan and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked the board to approve the consent agenda. Dawn Robinson made the motion that the consent agenda be approved. The motion received a second from Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
In the First Spotlight, Autumn O’Bryan, Principal of Cleveland High School presented her goals and action steps for a school improvement plan, including; an improved website, developing a community board for CHS, school-wide community service day, community-wide school-service day and a parent, community and student Leadership Team.
In the Second Spotlight, Pat Chester, District Representative of TSBA presented the TSBA Award for Renovation to Arnold Memorial School. Kellye Bender accepted the award for Arnold Memorial Elementary School and Chris Ogle of Community Tectonics accepted the award for the architectural firm of Community Tectonics, Inc.
Dr. Denning gave the Director’s Updates:
The first item on the amended agenda was the recommendation for the 2010 - 2011 system school calendar. The recommendation had only one option. Dr. Denning stated that the other options had all been reviewed by the quality council and the administrative team. The option recommended by Dr. Denning was created from the other three options reviewed. Mr. Paul Ramsey reviewed the option recommended and told the board how this option came to be. The Board members all felt that other options should be brought to the board so that the community could review them and voice their recommendation before the Board votes on the calendar in January. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt that Mr. Ramsey come up with another option for the system 2010-2011 school year calendar. The motion received a second by Dawn Robinson. Dr. Denning concurred with this motion. The motion was amended to also state that Mr. Ramsey put the options on the webpage and that a ConnectEd message go out from Mr. Rockholt alerting the parents that the options are on the webpage. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning presented information for the New Tennessee Academic Standards and the High School Requirements. Dawn Robinson asked if the adoption of the resolution for the New Tennessee Academic Standards was separate from the Race to the Top information. Dr. Denning stated that yes they were separate.
Steve Morgan asked what the adoption of the standards does to our graduation diploma. Bill Brown stated that he feels the board needs to embrace the goals set in the new standards.
Steve Morgan wanted to know how the Race to the Top ties in with the New Standards. Dr. Denning said that the Race to the Top includes the $4 Billion Dollar grant from the Federal Government. Dr. Denning said it would be a challenge to pull all these programs together.
Bill Brown said that part of the resolution states that the Board supports the New Standards set by the State Education Department. Dawn Robinson made a motion that the Board Adopt the Resolution to support the New Standards. Bill Brown seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Bill Brown asked that the Legislatures as well as TSBA be provided with a copy of the signed resolution.
Kathy Shankle Rowan presented a report on the H1N1 vaccination schedule and stated that every one of the schools had at least 100 responses or more. She also reported that any person on the staff could receive the vaccination or the nasal spray.
Megan Wilson, City of Cleveland Traffic Engineer presented her recommendation for a new traffic flow pattern for Cleveland High School. Ms. Wilson stated that she fears for the safety of the high school students the way the traffic is flowing at the present time. She said she has witnessed students bailing from their cars on Raider Drive and dodging through traffic to cross the street. She recommended two lanes of traffic coming from each end of Raider Drive and looping around the side of the building and dropping off at a designated area. This would stack 30 - 40 cars at a time. Brian Templeton of Upland Design Group added that this traffic flow pattern would work well with the new science wing addition. The Board asked Dr. Denning to work with the City to make this new traffic pattern work. Dr. Denning asked Autumn O’Bryan, Principal of Cleveland High, and Mr. Templeton to meet with Ms. Wilson after her presentation to discuss the details of the plan. The board appreciated being kept up to date on the traffic issue but took no action since it is an administrative issue.
Dr. Denning then gave a detailed report regarding the Race to the Top program. He stated that each LEA is required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding up front in order to get a portion of the funding from the Race to the Top Grant from the Federal Government. He advised that several states are applying for these funds and that Tennessee feels it has a good chance of getting a portion of the funds. Each of the States in the United States will have a common curriculum and it is not known at this time what all the details of this program will be. The State of Tennessee Department of Education is asking all LEA’s to sign the Memorandum of Understanding before the details are explained. Nicole Matunas, President of the CEA reported that she attended a meeting with the TEA to discuss this program. If CCS does not sign the Memorandum of Understanding it will still have to follow the curriculum but will not be awarded any funding. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to direct the Board Chairman, Director of Schools and President of CEA to sign the Memorandum of Understanding. Evelyn Rockholt seconded the motion. The vote was six yes and one no. Steve Morgan voted no. The motion passed.
Ann Culbreth presented policy 6.701 Student Solicitations/Fundraising Activities for review. Dawn Robinson stated that she would like to see the name of the school on the new Fundraiser form. Dawn Robinson made a motion to approve the policy. The motion received a second by Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
Ann Culbreth presented policy 6.314 Corporal Punishment. She stated that the changes were recommended by TSBA. Steve Morgan made the motion to waive the second reading of this policy and to approve it on first reading. Dawn Robinson seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Brian Templeton reported on the bids received from the contractors for the Science Wing Addition to Cleveland High School. Murl Dirksen made the motion to accept the bid from Mid–State Construction Company deducting number 3 alternate. The motion received a second from Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous. A pre–construction meeting will be scheduled next week.
Ann Culbreth reported on the Annual Report Card for the Cleveland City School System. The scores are different because of the new standards. This year’s results cannot be compared to previous years’ scores. The Middle School came off of the school improvement list. The High School is still targeted for its graduation rate as are many other high schools. The overall score for academic achievement is as follows: A in Math and Bs in Reading/Language, Social Studies and Science. This is based on a three–year criterion referenced academic achievement for grades 3 - 8.
Dr. Denning asked that the pages for Item 7 be taken out and the revised Item 7 be put in its place. The item was part 2 of the Director’s Evaluation. Dr. Denning reviewed the system’s test scores and his goals. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to accept the second part of the Director’s Evaluation. The motion received a second from Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
Peggy Pesterfield asked the Board to choose the instrument to conduct a Board self–evaluation. Two instruments were reviewed. Dawn Robinson explained the evaluation she submitted was used by some boards across the state and was excellent for identifying strengths and weaknesses of the Board. Peggy Pesterfield explained the other instrument had been used in the past with a numerical scoring. She proposed removing the numerical system in favor of a different rubric. Steve Morgan made the motion that the Board complete both instruments and circle the topics they want to discuss, a minimum of 5. The motion received a second from Dawn Robinson. The vote was unanimous. The Board decided to meet on January 7, 2010 at 6:00 in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building to review the self-evaluation.
Steve Clariday presented an overview of the computer Home Link plan that he was asked to study and come back to the Board with. The Board had approved that the computers that are no longer suitable for the school system’s use be loaned to students who do not have computers at home. Mr. Clariday explained that he estimated the cost of providing Internet connection and technology assistance in repair and upkeep to be approximately $5,000.00 per year. Mr. Clariday would like to see this program be based at the Teen Learning Center through Mr. Bill Stockham’s engineering class. The plan is to move the computers to the Teen Learning Center and give the computers out this summer. Due to lack of funds, the Director of Schools recommended that this project to be put on hold but that permission should be given to move the computers to the Teen Learning Center so that those students may begin learning to rebuild them.
Dr. Denning gave his recommendation for the Long Range Facilities Plan Revision. He stated that the plan in the board packet is not the final version approved by the board and he would like the opportunity to work on the plan and bring it back to the Board at the January meeting.
Dawn Robinson asked that the Board choose a date for the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Science Wing Addition to Cleveland High School. Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. was agreed to by the Board members to hold the Ground Breaking Ceremony. That date will be pending until input from the contractor.
Murl Dirksen reported that he did not have an update from the Saturday University Program.
Murl Dirksen reported that there would be a site committee meeting held on Wednesday, December 9th at 8:00 a.m.
Dawn Robinson stated that she does not have a report from the TLN.
Dawn Robinson explained the Attorney General’s Opinion regarding the Procurement Process Required for Municipal Board of Education. The Cleveland City Council asked Senator Dewayne Bunch to get the Attorney General’s opinion on the procurement methods used by municipal boards of education. All board members received a copy and it basically states that local boards of education have the statutory right to decide what procurement methods they want to use as long as they follow the requirements in Tennessee Code listed. Robinson stated that she noticed the date the opinion was released was the day after the last council meeting, but felt confident the city manager would give it to all the council members.
Several Board members reported on their attendance at the TSBA Annual Convention.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
November 2, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Linda Womack of the Cleveland Daily Banner, Tonya Brantley of the People News and Susan Shelton of The Chattanoogan were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked the board to approve the consent agenda of the Amended Agenda. Board Members asked to remove several fundraiser forms from Item 2C, Rock A Thon, Read 180, Yard Sale and Gold Canyon Candle sales. They were put at the end of the regular agenda, as number 13. Mr. Brown asked for a correction to the minutes of October 9th on the second page, last paragraph fifth line from the bottom, the word “weigh” should be “waive.” Item 2E approval of new dates for bid opening was also removed. Murl Dirksen asked that the field trip forms be rewritten to include a line for the number of students participating. Dawn Robinson asked that the MTAS report be added to the agenda. This item was added as number 14.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked that the remainder of the consent agenda be approved. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the consent agenda. The motion received a second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Steve Morgan asked for clarification on Item 2E removed from the consent agenda. Dr. Denning stated that the mandatory pre-bid meeting was at the high school tomorrow, November 3 at 3:30pm and the bid opening was scheduled for Thursday at 2:00 pm, November 19 in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building.
In the First Spotlight, Jim David reported on his attendance at the Navajo Nation Culture study in Arizona.
In the Second Spotlight Lynn Voelz of the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation, reported on the National Teacher Certification funds. Tom Cloud stated that he would like to have funds in the budget to add to the salaries of the teachers who attain this certification. This he said would encourage the teachers to earn National Certification.
In the Third Spotlight, Principal Jeff Elliott reported on the CMS ICU Plan. He said this plan is for students who have an average below 69.5. They will be eligible for extra help after school one hour per week in that subject area. The goal is for all students to master the standards.
Dr. Denning gave the Director’s Updates:
Dr. Denning discussed the field house renovation project and the need for funds from the general fund to pay for the renovations. He stated that originally the funds were to come from the maintenance department. Dr. Denning referred to a memorandum from Brenda Carson, Supervisor of Finance and asked Brenda to explain the memorandum to the Board. She explained that there is a balance of $21,525.42 in the capital fund reserve and she proposed that the board pay for the CHS parking lot, the field house carpet/tile replacement and the Arnold handicap ramp from these funds, leaving a balance of $1458.18. She added that using this fund would protect the Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund for larger projects. The Board members asked why the field house project was not fully funded by donations as had been previously reported. Dr. Denning stated that some of the field house projects such as moving walls and such were funded by donations but the carpet and tile were not. After a suggestion by Bill Brown to vote on each item separately, a motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve paying the bill for the ramp at Arnold Memorial School from the capital funds reserve. The motion received a second from Bill Brown. The vote was unanimous.
A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve paying for the field house carpet/tile replacement from the capital funds reserve. The motion received a second from Tom Cloud. The vote was taken by roll call. Mrs. Robinson, yes, Mr. Cloud, yes, Mrs. Pesterfield, yes, Mrs. Rockholt, yes, Mr. Morgan, no, Dr. Dirksen no, Mr. Brown, no. The vote was four yes and three no, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve taking the funds from the capital reserve instead of the sales tax capital projects fund for the Cleveland High School parking lot. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was taken by roll call. Mrs. Robinson, yes, Mr. Cloud, yes, Mrs. Pesterfield yes, Mrs. Rockholt, yes, Mr. Morgan no, Dr. Dirksen yes and Mr. Brown yes. The vote was six yes and one no. The motion carried.
The item on the agenda regarding the new ISTE regulation was postponed because Joan Bradburn was not able to attend the meeting and discuss this subject.
Dr. Denning reported the quote received from Upland Design Group for renovation design to the Betsy Vines Auditorium. A motion was made by Bill Brown to postpone action on the auditorium renovations until the December Board meeting. The motion was second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning reported on the Good News from Cleveland City Schools. Dr. Denning asked the Board to note the addition of news from the Cleveland High School Band added to the amended agenda. Dr. Dirksen asked that the Board members be apprised of things happening at the Schools before they happen so that they may attend the functions from time to time.
Policy 6.701 Student Solicitations/Fundraising Activities was revisited by the Board of Education. Mrs. Rockholt read a paragraph that the policy committee recommended regarding an incentive to get the fundraising forms to the board for approval in a timely fashion. The suggestion stated that if the group holding the fundraiser does not have the form approved before hand, it would forfeit the funds received to the school’s general fund. There was discussion regarding whether the board should amend the policy stating that the funds raised should have a profit of 50% or more. Dawn Robinson said she felt it would be very difficult to ask clubs to only choose fundraisers that have a 50% profit margin. Dawn added that she didn’t like the idea of punishing volunteers and coaches by taking their funds after the students did all the work. Steve Morgan asked the principals what they thought about the margin of profit and if they felt that it would be fair to insist that the margin be 50% or greater. Kellye Bender said that it is difficult to find a fundraiser that is 50% or greater. Jeff Elliott said that they look at the profit based on the sales price. They are usually making 40 - 50 percent. Bill Brown suggested that the club having the fundraiser negotiate the margin of profit more. Autumn O’Bryan said that she felt it would be a strain to put the restrictions on the club to have to negotiate for a 50% profit. Dawn Robinson pointed out that 40% of a big sale was better than 50% of a small sale, using the Indian River fruit sale held by the CHS band as an example. Dr. Denning’s recommendation was to leave the policy as it is. He suggested placing in the policy that it is recommended that groups strive for 50%. Steve Morgan said he felt the clubs were going to try to make as much as they could anyway. Peggy Pesterfield recommended that the administrators review this and if they have a desire to change it then they can bring it back to the board for change. Steve Morgan asked Autumn O’Bryan to give her opinion regarding the form used for the fundraisers. He wanted to know if there would be an incentive to get the clubs to get the forms in on time. Autumn O’Bryan said she has been sending out emails and reminders. She has had conversations in faculty meetings instructing her teachers that the forms must be filled out completely. A motion was made by Steve Morgan to approve the policy as amended, taking out the punitive language. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous. The board asked Dr. Denning to continue to discuss this policy with the administrators.
Megan Wilson was not able to attend the meeting. The discussion regarding proposed traffic pattern for Cleveland High School will be hear at the December board meeting.
Bill Brown asked about an email he received regarding a policy recommendation from TSBA and wanted to know if it should to be voted on at this meeting. Dr. Denning said that it could be read at the December meeting.
Murl Dirksen stated that there was not an update at this time from the Saturday University Program.
Dr. Denning reported that the ramp at Arnold Memorial Elementary School is completed and looks great.
Murl Dirksen gave an update on the site committee. He stated that there would be a site committee meeting this Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. He said there are several things on the agenda for this meeting including some issues at Mayfield School that will be addressed.
Dawn Robinson reported on TLN. She mentioned that the board members have all received the school report and should look that over. She also mentioned that the delegates have received a packet of information regarding Delegate Assembly and those issues to be decided at the TSBA annual convention.
Dawn Robinson reported that she has arranged for the board to meet in retreat at the TSBA convention on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in Belle Meade A. The room is free of charge.
The Board decided on a date to host the annual joint meeting with the Bradley County Board of Education. The meeting will be held on Monday, January 11, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Cleveland City Schools Administrative Office Building.
The board discussed the four fundraisers that were pulled from the consent agenda. These fundraiser forms were not fully completed and will be sent back to the school with the exception of the fundraiser for the sale of Gold Canyon Candle Sales, which was pulled because the margin of profit was under 50%. Since the board had agreed that the policy would not be changed with regard to the margin of profit this fundraiser was submitted for approval. Steve Morgan made a motion to approve the fundraiser for Gold Canyon Candle Sales. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Murl Dirksen asked why the Cleveland City School system did not have more mini grants applied for. Lynn Voelz stated that it was certainly encouraged and that several were received. Dr. Denning added that the employees are swamped with work but that he will discuss this with the administrators.
Dawn Robinson asked that the MTAS letter received by the City Council be made a part of these minutes. The report will be attached to the original minutes on record. She also asked that it be put on the website link. Steve Morgan added that the report was asked for by the city council and that it stated that the RFQ committee did the right thing.
A motion was made by Bill Brown to adjourn the meeting. The motion received a second by Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
October 9, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in special session on the above date in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Linda Womack of the Cleveland Daily Banner, Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press, Tonya Brantley of the People News and Susan Shelton of the Chattanoogan were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 8:06 a.m.
Rick Denning announced that Mr. Wills of EMJ contacted a board member yesterday and accused Dr.Denning of removing the required EMJ transmittal sheet from the group of credentials received at the AOB. Rick called upon Melinda Carroll to report on the process used in opening the proposal packages. Melinda reported that all of the contractor proposals were in Dr. Denning’s office, the whole committee of five went into his office and brought the boxes and envelopes to the Board Room and each one was opened one at a time and separated and put into stacks. Nothing was removed from the room until each committee member took his stack of proposals home. Rick Denning asked Melinda if she noticed that any of the packages had been opened previously. Melinda said no they had not. Rick then asked Gene Bishop if he saw that any of the packages had been opened and he said they had not. Dr. Denning stated that false accusations about him or his staff are taken very seriously and should not be made to board members or anyone based on hearsay.
Peggy Pesterfield, Board Chair announced that a called site committee and special called meeting might be called next week, on October 21, 2009.
Peggy Pesterfield, Board Chair welcomed all the people from the city council, the community and press.
Peggy Pesterfield, Board Chair asked the Board to discuss the RFP Committee’s recommendation to the Board. Bill Brown asked the Board Chair for permission to deal with the appeals being brought to the Board regarding the RFP’s from two companies that were disqualified from the bidding. Bill welcomed EMJ’s attorney, Jimmy Logan. Murl Dirksen asked that Steve Morgan, chairman of the selection committee explain the appeal from EMJ. Steve stated that according to Section A4 of the RFP, a required transmittal letter with the individual’s signature on it was not in any of the packets reviewed by the committee. Dawn Robinson suggested that perhaps there were packets from those companies that were never opened, if the company sent more than the required six packets. She suggested the box that contained the RFP’s be brought into the meeting and gone through to look for unopened packets. Bill asked that the Board consider looking at the EMJ bid proposal by physically reviewing the packets submitted to the RFP committee. Steve Morgan said he did not think it would be appropriate for him as a member of the RFP Committee to be involved in this process. It was also suggested that the MidState documents be reviewed as well. It was suggested that Jimmy Logan and Brenda Carson go through the box that the bids were originally sent in to see if they could find the document that EMJ stated they submitted with their proposal. Steve Morgan explained the process used in opening the packets. Steve also wanted to go on record to say that some of these companies were trying to state that the RFP Committee was disqualifying people. It was a selection process, not an omitting process. If there had been thirty companies’ RFPs submitted the committee would have gone through all of them. Everyone was scored, no one was omitted. When the committee met to compile the scores, before seeing any scores or names, the committee unanimously agreed to disqualify the companies where any of the information was not included. Murl Dirksen also explained that the rubric was provided by the architect and not by the committee. Section A of the rubric was performed by Brian Templeton, architect for Upland Design Group. Brian nor any member of the selection committee ever saw the transmittal letters from EMJ or Midstate Contruction. The instructions to the contractors clearly stated that there was to be a transmittal letter in each and every notebook submitted by a company.
The Board recessed for the box to be opened and reviewed by Jimmy Logan and Brenda Carson. Peggy Pesterfield, Board Chair, asked if Melinda Carroll could also be involved in reviewing the box. Bill Brown said that he thought that this process was to be fair to the contractors who have appealed this process.
After the recess, Jimmy Logan reported that the document EMJ submitted was attached to the transmittal but not copied. Only one document was submitted and this packet, since there were more than five submitted was not opened. It was noted that the RFP request proposal requirements, 3.2.5 stated that each proposal should be submitted economically with an emphasis of completeness and clarity of content. Therefore the committee did not think the extra copies need to be considered. Murl Dirksen asked if it could be interpreted that there would be a master. Rick Denning said that there was not a master. Bill Brown said that since there is a document, whether or not it was a master or not that the board should consider the contractor’s proposal. Bill Brown made the motion that the Board refer EMJ and MidState’s files back to the RFP committee for review requesting them to provide us with their scores as expeditiously as possible. Murl Dirksen seconded the motion. Steve Morgan added that the scoring was already done. Bill Brown stated that he appreciates the committee’s work. He said it would be wonderful if the scoring had already been done. Rick Denning asked what the city would do in a situation like this. Melinda Carroll stated that on a technicality they have the right to accept or reject any and all bids and to waive any and all formalities or informalities to the best interest of the City of Cleveland. Typically she calls John Kimball, the city attorney. Evelyn Rockholt asked Melinda typically what is the recommendation of the attorney. The attorney would usually say whatever is in the best interest of the city is what should be done. A roll call vote was taken on the motion and is as follows: Mr. Brown, yes, Dr. Dirksen, yes, Mr. Cloud, yes, Mr. Morgan, yes, Mrs. Pesterfield, yes, Mrs. Robinson, yes, Mrs. Rockholt, yes. The vote was unanimous.
Peggy Pesterfield, Board chair asked the Board to continue with the recommendation of the RFP committee. Bill Brown stated that he felt the board should wait for the scores of the two contractors who were disqualified. Bill Brown made a motion to adjourn. After discussion Tom Cloud suggested that the scores be gotten from the architect and that the meeting could recess until the scores are obtained. Bill Brown withdrew his motion to adjourn. The board took a recess to obtain scores of each contractor from the architect and reconvened in a few minutes.
At 9:18 a.m. the Board reconvened with results of scores. Steve Morgan announced that the scores for EMJ were 87 making them number 8 and the score for MidState were 86, making them number 9. The updated complete sheet will be received by email from Brian Templeton.
Murl Dirksen made a motion to include all firms with a score of 80 or higher. The motion received a second from Tom Cloud. In discussion Steve Morgan clarified that this would mean that any contractor who scored 80 or higher would be allowed to submit a construction bid. The motion was restated to accept the scores as provided by the committee, accepting the top five scores and all of those scoring 80 or above. Bill Brown, Dawn Robinson, and Peggy Pesterfield all stated that they had full confidence in the committee who worked on this process and they thanked the committee for their efforts. They all stated that they did not expect to get so many proposals. Murl Dirksen added that this is a new process but a proven process for ensuring quality construction. Evelyn Rockholt stated that she agreed. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Mr. Brown, yes, Dr. Dirksen, yes, Mr. Cloud, yes, Mr. Morgan, yes, Mrs. Pesterfield, yes, Mrs. Robinson, yes, Mrs. Rockholt yes.
The Board discussed the pre-bid date and the fact that more contractors would be presenting bids who had not been at the pre-bid meeting. The architect will hold another mandatory pre-bid meeting. Bill Brown warned the contractors to review the CCS contract very carefully because this contract is not the standard AIA contract. They need to be prepared to tow the line, especially in regards to change orders. If any contractors bid low with the intention of making up the money by change orders, that will simply not happen. Rick Denning reported that there are now twelve contractors with a score of 80 or above. Steve Morgan stated that he hopes people know that the focus is the students and constituents. He encourages people to call their elected officials.
Rick Denning thanked Janice Casteel and her staff and the great relationship the school board has with Janice and her office.
It was brought to the attention of the Board that the deadline for passing a resolution for the bond money is October 31st. Brenda Carson will follow up by sending documents to Janice Casteel to take to the City Council.
Murl Dirksen stated that he would call the architect to include the proposals of the other contractors with scores of 80 or above.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Tom Cloud and received a second from Evelyn Rockholt. The meeting adjourned at 9:38 a.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
October 5, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Linda Womack of the Cleveland Daily Banner, and Susan Shelton of The Chattanoogan were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked the board to approve the consent agenda of the Amended Agenda. Steve Morgan asked that a slight change be made to the minutes of the September board meeting. He asked that the portion of the minutes regarding the SAT University project be taken from the Site Committee report and put in a paragraph of its own. Dawn Robinson made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the change. The motion received a second from Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
In the First Spotlight, Ms. Grace Dyrek, Librarian at Cleveland Middle School, presented a power point demonstration of the Web Blog at Cleveland Middle School and the Media Center. The Web Blog is a computer program for the students to write about the books they have read.
Dr. Denning gave the Director’s Updates:
Dr. Denning recommended that the board allow him to contact Upland Design Group to give an estimate for refurbishing the Betsy Vines Auditorium. He stated that boosters and supporters of the arts would like to raise money to help with the refurbishment, but that a comprehensive plan needs to be developed first. Tom Cloud made a motion that the Board allow Dr. Denning to move forward with having an assessment made by Upland Design Group of the Betsy Vines Auditorium. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. Dawn Robinson suggested that the Board look at the long-range plan and discuss where to put the cost of refurbishing the auditorium on the plan. The Board members discussed options that can be done now without going to too much expense. Steve Morgan agreed that this is something that needs to be done but it should not be put ahead of things already on the long-range plan. Bill Brown stated that safety is a concern. He commented that if dangers exist, perhaps the theater would need to be locked until those dangers are repaired. Murl Dirksen asked if there were repairs that could be done by maintenance to make sure the students are safe. He suggested that a list be made of those concerns and that list be sent to the maintenance department. The vote on the motion was unanimous.
Dr. Denning recommended that a handicap ramp be built at Arnold School by the maintenance department. Bill Brown made a motion that a handicap ramp be built at Arnold by the Cleveland City School maintenance department. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. Dawn Robinson asked that the ramp be made to look aesthetically correct. Tommy Green said the ramp would be built of concrete and will be made as attractive as possible. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning asked Tommy Green to discuss the new school bus replacement schedule. Mr. Green and Mrs. Jennifer Miller discussed the extended use of buses and the new schedule for buying new school buses. He referred to a chart he provided to the Board. Mr. Green stated that the Board would be spending more in upkeep on the buses than they have in the past because the buses will be older and will need some repairs. Mr. Brown made the suggestion that the board have a designated fund for bus repair and bus purchases in the future.
Peggy Pesterfield, Board Chair, asked to skip down to item 6 so Mr. Green could continue presenting and discussing the Overview of Schools and Sites. The list gave the square footage of each site and the square footage of each building. The bottom line is that CCS now has 936,584 square feet under roof and about 140 acres. This square footage includes an additional 155,465 added in the last 10 years. Mr. Green added that the maintenance department has to contract out some of the HVAC repairs. Also, occasionally some of the minor items of maintenance have to be put on hold for a little while such as hanging pencil sharpeners and bulletin boards because of the increased workload for the maintenance department. Mr. Green added that he has a 70% turnover per day in work orders. Murl Dirksen thanked Mr. Green for preparing this information and added that the board will need to look at the maintenance crew and vehicles needed and come up with a master plan. Dawn Robinson said this should be addressed at budget time.
Chuck Rockholt handed out the additional good news from Cleveland City Schools. Peggy Pesterfield stated that she has been informed that Bradley County School’s good news is printed in the local newspaper. Chuck Rockholt stated that he is looking into this for Cleveland City Schools.
Paul Ramsey reported on the energy management conservation program. He commended the board for creating this program. Paul gave a report of the savings realized so far. In July the system saved 10% and in August 20%. September is looking like a savings of 25 - 26%. Paul explained his process for checking each facility and the training he has been receiving. Murl Dirksen thanked Paul for his work and stated that the Board appreciates his efforts. Peggy Pesterfield mentioned that some of the teachers have talked to her about how warm the buildings have been when they have worked late. Paul explained that most of the buildings have an override for an hour after school on the classroom thermostats.
Peggy Pesterfield asked the Board Members to let Rea Bivens know their finalized plans for the TSBA leadership conference and annual convention. Peggy also announced that Dawn Robinson would be securing a meeting room at no charge for the board to meet on Saturday evening.
Bill Brown announced that this would be his last TSBA annual conference. He will not be running for re-election next August. Bill encourages highly qualified people to run for school board.
Murl Dirksen gave the site committee report. Murl said that the site committee appreciates all the work the RFP Committee did and announced that the Board will bring the City Council up to date with what the RFP Committee has decided at the city council meeting on Thursday at 3:30. Murl suggested that the Board of Education meet on Friday at 8:00 a.m. to vote on the RFP committee’s recommendation. Bill Brown stated that he wanted to be sure that the Board was acting within the state laws in its search for a contractor and that Mr. Chuck Cagle’s letter states that the Board has certainly proceeded consistent with state law. Bill added that he felt that this process is in the best interest of the students of Cleveland City Schools to insure quality construction. Murl Dirksen stated that he wanted to make it clear that he feels the way the board went about choosing a contractor, Best Value Procurement, Option 1, was the correct way to go about it. Peggy Pesterfield, Board Chair asked the Board to nod their heads if they agree to meet on Friday, October 9, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building. The board was in consensus.
Dr. Denning announced that he met with the City of Cleveland, Traffic Engineer, Meghan Wilson and she has agreed to the architect’s original design for the bus turn around of the Science Wing Addition to Cleveland High School. Ms. Wilson has agreed to come to the November Board of Education meeting to discuss the traffic flow on the east side of Cleveland High School. Basically, signage can be used to correct and clarify problems
Dawn Robinson gave the TLN Report regarding federal programs and announced that the child nutrition budget would increase. The bad news is that the feds are looking to cut the Title I funding in favor of a new school renovation fund which is a matching fund.
Fundraisers were submitted for approval. These items were presented after the board packet was prepared. Dr. Denning stated that his office would not be taking fundraiser requests later than five days before the board meeting. Dr. Denning added that he has formed a committee chaired by Jeff Elliott to prepare a new fundraising form to be used by all schools and that no fundraiser for less than 50% profit would be submitted for approval. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve the fundraisers proposed. The motion received a second simultaneously by Evelyn Rockholt and Tom Cloud. The vote was six yes with Steve Morgan passing on the vote because he did not have time to read the forms.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
September 30, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in special session on the above date in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield, and Evelyn Rockholt. Linda Womack of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked the Board to approve the agenda. Rick Denning asked to add one item to the agenda. The item was to decide upon a meeting date with the City Council. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to approve the agenda with the addition of an item to discuss a date to meet with the City Council. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
The first item on the agenda was to approve an overnight field trip submitted by the Cleveland High School Cross Country team. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to approve the overnight field trip. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Steve Morgan and Dawn Robinson took their seats.
The second item on the agenda was to approve the submission of Arnold Memorial Elementary School for the TSBA Architectural Award for renovations. Chairman Peggy Pesterfield said she received a call from Mr. Don Shell of Community Tectonics who wanted to submit Arnold School for this award. The application requires the Board of Education to approve the submission. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the submission of Arnold Memorial Elementary School for the TSBA Architectural Award. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
The third item added to the agenda was to set a date for the Board of Education to meet with the City Council to discuss the process for selecting a contractor to build the Science Wing Addition to Cleveland High School. It was requested by board members that Brian Templeton of Upland Design Group and Chuck Cagle of Lewis, King, Krieg & Waldrop also be asked to attend this meeting. The date agreed upon by the Board was October 8, 2009, at 3:30 in the City Council meeting room. The chairman will contact Chuck Cagle to ask if he will be available at that time. The architect stated that that date would be fine with that date.
The meeting adjourned at 8:16 a.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
September 14, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Linda Womack of the Cleveland Daily Banner, Tonya Brantley of The People News, Susan Shelton of The Chattanoogan and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked the board to approve the consent agenda of the Amended Agenda. Tom Cloud asked to pull item 2C from the consent agenda for more clarification. Dawn Robinson made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the change. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous. Item 2C will follow item 6.
In the First Spotlight, the Board recognized the teachers who have recently been hired at Cleveland City Schools. They are as follows: Bradley Benefield-CHS, Alison Burdshaw-CMS, Hanah Burger-Blythe-Bower, Cheri Carroll-Morgan-CHS, Joda Clark-Stuart, Casey Daniel- CMS, Lisa Eason-Ross, Joshua Foggin-CMS, Alicia Guyselman-CHS, Chelsea Hammond- Blythe-Bower, Melissa Hoffer-CHS, Jade Ivey-CMS, Maria Meadors-Yates, Heather Morgan- Mayfield, Gary Murray-CHS, Autumn O’Bryan- CHS, Michael Patrick-CMS, Richard Queen- CHS, Belinda Rahn-Yates, Tara Rush-CMS, E.K. Slaughter-CHS, Lindsay Sluder-CMS, Suzanne Smith-Mayfield, Bethany Soots-Ross, Gabriela Tallent-CHS, Amanda Thomas-CHS, Pagett VanHooser-CMS, Dawn Ward-CMS, Stephanie Wimberley-CHS, Jennifer Witney-CMS, Danielle Wright-Blythe-Bower and Rebecca Zaidman-CHS
Greg Thomas of the City of Cleveland presented the Population Growth Study being conducted by the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Thomas answered questions and stated that the study will begin in earnest in the next two weeks. Mr. Thomas stated that it was important for someone from each school system be on the committee for this study. Dr. Denning recommended that Chuck Rockholt, Supervisor of Public Information be appointed to this committee. Dawn Robinson made the motion that the Board appoint Chuck Rockholt to the Population Growth committee. The motion received a second from Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning gave the Director’s Updates by first asking Joan Bradburn to make a presentation in technology. Ms. Bradburn gave a power point demonstration of a new piece of technology called the Livescribe Pen. The Pen has a recorder and computer chip allowing the user to record what is being said and later having the capability to down load the information to a computer. Ms. Bradburn and Dr. Denning felt this technology would be valuable to students in the classroom. The Administration of Cleveland City Schools and two students, one from the high school and one from the middle school will be receiving one of these pens to try and discover its many uses.
Dr. Denning then called upon Ann Culbreth, Cathy Goodman and Larry Payne to discuss the Tennessee New Standards. Dr. Denning first handed out information received at the TSBA Fall District Meeting. He emphasized that test scores are going to fall because of the new standards and that the board and the parents will need to be warned of this. Ann Culbreth stressed that the teachers are being asked to do what they did when No Child Left Behind legislation came along. She felt sure that the teachers will continue to do whatever is needed to make the changes and continue to raise the bar of learning by the students. Cathy Goodman explained how the teachers are being prepared to meet the standards. Several teachers attended the training offered by the state and they came back to share this information with the rest of the teaching population. Mrs. Goodman added that she sent Dr. Edmonds the pacing guide and he commented that Cleveland City Schools are where they need to be. Mrs. Goodman stated that we do not have all the answers but we are trying to be proactive and progress in how we get all information to teachers. Larry Payne stated that he felt the deadline was close and they are trying to train the trainers more about strategies. He added that Cleveland Middle School has looked at the new standards closely. Dr. Denning added that the state has cut their budget by almost a third this year and that the burden is on the teachers to step up.
Dr. Denning reported that the QSCB interest free bonds applied for have been granted to Cleveland City Schools in the amount of $4,088,000. Murl Dirksen stated that he felt the Board should do something special to recognize Brenda Carson for her diligence in applying for and receiving these funds.
Dawn Robinson stated that she felt a groundbreaking ceremony should be scheduled for the Cleveland High School Science Wing. After some discussion it was decided that Dawn Robinson would be the chairman of the committee and she will call on other board members to help her. The ceremony will be held on a Sunday at 1:30. The date will be decided and invitations will be sent.
The Board voted to approve the revised agreement with the Fillauer Family Group regarding the Mayfield School property. Dawn Robinson made a motion to accept the revised agreement. The motion received a second from Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
On the Human Side, Dr. Denning thanked Kellye Bender for the very nice anniversary celebration of Arnold Memorial Elementary School.
Mrs. Jan Murphy presented a power point presentation regarding the terrible conditions of the Betsy Vines Auditorium at Cleveland High School. She stated that no improvements have been made to the auditorium in at least five years and she noticed that the theater was not on the list of capital projects being considered by the Board of Education. Anita Boggs, drama teacher at Cleveland High School stated that the drama program at Cleveland High was in jeopardy due to the poor conditions of the theater. Ms. Boggs feels that the improvements to the theater should be a priority. The board members said that they felt the same way and were in favor of seeing what they can do to help improve the theater. They will look at the facilities plan and discuss where the improvements to the theater could be placed.
Item 2C, Fundraisers was discussed. Steve Morgan noticed that two of the fundraising activities were the sale of cookie dough. He asked the principal to confirm that the cookie dough was not Nestle brand that had been recalled. It was also mentioned that some of the fundraiser authorizations had not been filled out correctly. Steve Morgan made a motion that the fund raisers proposed in item 2C be approved. The motion received a second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous. The board also requested that a uniform fund raising form be used throughout the school system and that once developed, it be placed on the website for an easy download for teachers and staff.
Mrs. Ann Culbreth presented the proposed policy change for first reading. Policy 1.8012, Extended School Day/Year Program and School Age Childcare. The policy proposes changing the name of the after school programs from ESP and CLC, to the After School University (ASU). A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the policy changes. The motion received a second from Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Steve Clariday asked the Board for permission to pursue and bring back a plan to donate computers that are no longer useful to students who do not have access to a computer at home. This would be considered a loan and internet service is still an issue. A motion was made by Steve Morgan that the board ask Mr. Clariday to pursue a plan. The motion received a second by Dawn Robinson. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Larry Payne gave an update of the school system enrollment as of September 14, 2009. To date enrollment is up by 44 students.
Dr. Kathy Shankle-Rowan presented a summary of the H1N1 response plan for Cleveland City Schools. Dr. Shankle-Rowan said that Cleveland City Schools is prepared and ready to handle a pandemic flu outbreak.
As an update of the Saturday University Program, Dr. Murl Dirksen called upon Ione Carter. Mrs. Carter reported that at this time the number of students who qualify has not been determined. Mrs. Carter said she would get back to the board when that number is available. As of now only 35 students have been identified.
Dr. Dirksen gave an update from the Site Committee. He stated that the gymnasium roof at Cleveland High School is still under repair but that the work is coming along and is on schedule.
Dr. Denning announced that he provided the city council with a list of the contractors who have applied in the pre-bid qualification process. The council had announced that they were very surprised that 17 contractor firms sent in proposals. Brian Templeton is going to meet with the RFP committee on Tuesday and give a tutorial on how to proceed. There was some discussion about the importance of the process that the board unanimously elected to use when choosing a contractor. Board members were reminded that if the board decided to change the process that it has advertised at this point, it would have to begin all over again, throw out the 17 sets of contractor qualifications and readvertise, basically starting all over again. Board members agreed that they did not want to start all over again, as that would significantly delay the project. The contractors have only sent in their qualifications, with no monetary bids. After the RFP committee finishes its work reviewing and scoring qualifications, the five highest scoring contractors will be invited to bid with the lowest bid winning the project.
Dr. Dirksen announced that the site committee will meet on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at 8:00 a.m.
Steve Morgan asked why the city council was presented with a copy of the list of contractors before the school board had seen it. Dr. Denning stated that he had been instructed by a board member to provide the list to the council for their meeting. Steve stated that perhaps the chairman of the RFP committee should have been the first to receive the list of contractors. Steve Morgan then made a motion to change the name of the RFP committee to the to the RFQ committee, in order to clarify for the public what the committee would be reviewing. The committee will not be reviewing any lump sum bids. Dawn Robinson seconded the motion. After some discussion, Steve Morgan withdrew his motion. It was mentioned that after the initial meeting of the RFP committee on Tuesday the time line for bidding might need to be changed due to the volume of contractors responding. The board will wait for a recommendation from that committee.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield suggested that the Board have a retreat either on September 21st or 22nd. It was agreed by the board members that they will meet in retreat on Tuesday, September 22nd at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Peggy Pesterfield in Birchwood, Tennessee.
The board members will also meet in retreat on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at the Gaylord/Opryland Hotel. The room in the Hotel will be determined at a later date but it will be a room that is provided at no cost to Cleveland City Schools.
Dawn Robinson gave the TLN report. She stated that the focus has been on the Tennessee Diploma Project. At the TSBA District Meeting several of the board members have been awarded new Boardsmanship levels and Dawn was awarded the National School Boards Association Award for Distinguished Service.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield announced the appointment of delegates to TSBA. The delegates will be Evelyn Rockholt, Tom Cloud and Dawn Robinson. The alternate will be Steve Morgan.
A motion to adjourn was made by Evelyn Rockholt and seconded by Tom Cloud at 8:29 p.m. The vote was unanimous.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
August 21, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in special session on the above date in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Randall Higgins from the News Free Press and several staff members were present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 8:07 a.m.
Dr. Denning reported that the PTOs of Ross and Stuart School have raised money to buy computers for their schools. Since the board policy stated that the board must approve any single items over $5,000 and each computer is under that amount the board will not need to vote on the purchase of the computers.
Mr. Brian Templeton of Upland Design Group presented the science wing plans for board approval. The Board members asked questions relating to the bidding process and asked what contractors have shown an interest in bidding. Mr. Templeton went over a list of alternate projects to be accomplished during the science wing addition to Cleveland High School. Mr. Templeton also went over the RFP schedule of events. After questions and answers regarding the RFP process, Bill Brown made a motion to approve the Science Wing Plans with the understanding that some of the alternates may be deducted. The motion was second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning reported on the ACT scores from last year.
Dr. Denning opened discussion for preparation of a long-range facilities plan. The cost of such a plan by Upland Design Group would cost $52,000. Discussion regarding the need of the plan and the cost of the plan ended with the board stating that they would wait until after the Chamber of Commerce finished their report on a long-range plan and work from there. It was suggested that the board plan a retreat in the fall.
Larry Payne gave a report on the enrollment numbers for the school system comparing the present enrollment numbers to last year. A decision to add and/or move teachers will be made on Monday.
A motion was made to adjourn by Dawn Robinson and seconded by Tom Cloud. The vote to adjourn was unanimous.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
August 11, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in special called session on the above date in the Board Room of the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were: Peggy Pesterfield, Murl Dirksen, Tom Cloud, Bill Brown, Dawn Robinson, Evelyn Rockholt and Steve Morgan. Susan Shelton from The Chattanoogan and Arleah DeFibbo from the Cleveland Daily Banner were also in attendance along with several employees of Cleveland City Schools.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m.
Dr. Rick Denning reported that the bidding for the roof repair on the Cleveland High School gymnasium have all come in. There were seven bids and the lowest bid was from P & C Construction at $75,755.00. In addition to this amount twelve struts would be purchased at the price of $1,062 each for a total price of $95,755. The board members asked Mr. Gene Bishop several questions regarding what the bid included such as painting. They also asked about how the gymnasium floor would be protected and how soon the project could begin. Mr. Bishop stated that they were ready to begin work immediately. The project length of time to complete repair is fifty (50) days.
A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to accept the bid of P & C Construction. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
The board discussed several issues regarding the Cleveland High School science wing project. They were informed that the traffic engineer for the City of Cleveland was opposed to a circle drive for the buses in the new wing design.
Paving projects were discussed and it was determined that they would wait and see how much money will be available for such projects.
The board thanked Mr. Gene Bishop for his involvement in securing bids for the roof repair.
The long-range plan was discussed and Dr. Denning informed the Board that Upland Design Group had quoted him a price of $52,000 for a long-range plan. The board stated they would discuss this at a later date.
A motion was made to adjourn by Tom Cloud and seconded by Steve Morgan. The vote to adjourn was unanimous.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
August 3, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Auditorium at the Arnold Memorial Elementary School, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Larry C. Bowers of the Cleveland Daily Banner, Tonya Brantley of The People News and Susan Shelton of The Chattanoogan were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked the Board to approve the consent agenda. Dawn Robinson asked that the minutes from the July 13, 2009, meeting be removed from the consent agenda. Chairman Peggy Pesterfield stated that the minutes would be discussed just before the director’s updates. Bill Brown asked that a report from the insurance committee be added to the regular agenda. Chairman Peggy Pesterfield said this item would become item 13 on the regular agenda.
A motion was made by Peggy Pesterfield to accept the consent agenda with these changes. The motion received a second from Bill Brown. The vote was unanimous.
In the First Spotlight, the Board recognized the teachers in Cleveland City Schools who have received tenure. The teachers were called by school and given a certificate of congratulations from the Board. The teachers are as follows: Arnold - Krislyn Martin and Leslie Melton; Blythe-Bower - Brittney Gobble, Laura Murray, Andrea Phillips, Laurehn Shelton, Craig Winsor; Mayfield - Cheryl Gilbert; Ross - Lazura Martin, Cherish Reid, Wenona Patterson; Stuart - Elizabeth Yasenchak; Yates - Rhonda Phillips, Susan Shaver; CMS - Karen Bunch, Nathan Cook, Kelly Hughes, Eric Phillips, Jennifer Whitley; CHS - Jason McCowan; TLC - Tim Gerrin, Kim Lockhart and Roger Parks.
In the Second Spotlight, the Board recognized the teachers, support staff and administrators who have retired. From Arnold, Judy Keen; Blythe-Bower, Guilford R. Hill and Lucille Humphries; Ross, Ella Lamb; Stuart, Donald Goff; CMS, Sara Bounds; CHS, Charles Cogdill, Stephen Elliott and Barbara Allen.
Dawn Robinson stated since she was not at the July Board meeting, she had a few questions regarding the minutes from July 13, 2009 for clarification. She asked about the item entitled Extended Utilization Vehicles with 12 Years Service. The minutes reflected that some action was approved by consent but Robinson asked what action the board consented to. The board members who were present stated that extending the life of school buses was discussed at length and that it was requested that more information be provided at a later date concerning potential savings or additional costs that might be incurred by extending the length of service of some school buses. The board had consented to getting more information but no vote was taken regarding extending the bus life. Robinson asked Dr. Denning if he needed the board’s vote in order to run any buses when the school year begins for students in one week. Dr. Denning stated that the board would need to take action to extend the life of the buses before he could run some buses this school year. Robinson asked that an agenda item be added to the regular agenda regarding extending the life of some school buses. Chairman Pesterfield added that item to be addressed immediately after discussion of the minutes.
Additionally, Dawn Robinson asked about the vote taken regarding the fireworks fundraiser. She asked why Bill Brown made the motion and seconded the motion. The Board members stated that Bill Brown made the motion and Evelyn Rockholt seconded the motion. This correction will be made to the minutes.
Lastly, Dawn Robinson asked about the item in the minutes regarding Steve Clariday’s request to donate computers to students who do not have access to technology. The minutes reflected that the board was in consent by nodding their heads. Robinson asked for clarification as to what the board gave its consent. The board members stated that Mr. Clariday was asked to bring this issue back to the board with a plan for disbursing the computers. The board consented to the request for a plan and no vote was taken regarding whether or not to disburse the computers The minutes will be corrected to reflect this.
A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve the minutes as corrected. Murl Dirksen seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
On the next agenda item, Bill Brown made a motion to approve the Extended Utilization Vehicles with 12 Years Service. This policy will reflect the new guidelines approved by the state legislature this past year. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous. Bill Brown made the request to bring the issue of funding bus replacements at a later date. Peggy Pesterfield stated that she felt this was a good idea.
The Director of School gave the following updates:
Dr. Denning stated that Joan Bradburn would not be presenting the LiveScrib Pen technology because it required the playing of a video. Joan Bradburn will present this at the September meeting.
Dr. Denning introduced Jennifer Norton who gave an update on the Community Garden project. Ms. Norton shared the successes thus far and handed out a brochure and pictures showing the garden. She is selling the produce as well as donating it to community food tables. Ms. Norton stated that she would be back with another update in a few months.
Dr. Denning called upon Ione Carter to report on the PAT program. This program is an enrichment program for gifted students at E.L. Ross Elementary and Stuart Elementary schools. The class size is limited to 8 - 10 students. This program is funded by a private source and has been limited to these two schools because they are non-titled schools.
Mrs. Carter and Dr. Dirksen reported on the meeting for the Saturday University Program. This enrichment program would be available to the title elementary schools. Mrs. Carter stated that the committee would like to have another meeting to work on some details and come back to the Board with a recommendation in September.
Dr. Denning reported that the BCPEF program audit is in the board packet and that the executive board met last Monday. Dr. Denning stated that from now on he would be providing the minutes from the quarterly meeting in the “B” agenda of the board packet beginning with September. Dr. Denning added that the joint meeting of the School Boards will be in January of each year and that Cleveland will host the meeting in the even years and Bradley will host in the odd years. Cleveland’s turn to host will be in January 2010.
On the Human Side, Dr. Denning reported that he was pleased to receive a letter from The Caring Place thanking the Cleveland High School Interact Club for a job well done.
Ann Culbreth presented policies on first reading:
Policy 3.200 Building and Grounds Management was presented on first reading. Paul Ramsey, the new Energy Manager, was asked to present this policy change to the Board of Education. The policy changes were made to incorporate the energy management project and position held by Paul Ramsey. Bill Brown made a motion to adopt the changes made to policy 3.200 and to amend the policy further to incorporate the guidelines for energy conservation and building management and that Paul Ramsey consolidate those guidelines to be incorporated into the policy. The motion received a second from Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 4.605 Graduation Requirements was presented for first reading with changes recommended by TSBA. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve the policy as amended. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 4.605 Graduation Activities was presented for first reading. Dawn Robinson made a motion to remove the underlined wording in lines 1 and 2 and take out line 16. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 6.701 Student Solicitations/Fundraising Activities was presented for first reading. A motion was made by Steve Morgan to accept the changes to policy 6.701. The motion received a second by Dawn Robinson. The vote was unanimous.
Item 6 was removed from the agenda and will be added to the September Board Meeting agenda.
Mr. Jeff Elliott presented an update of the Promotion Guidelines for Cleveland Middle School’s eight grade. Mr. Elliott stated that the program was so successful he plans to introduce this same concept to the 6th and 7th grades. When asked about the funding of this program, Mr. Elliott stated that it will be funded by the Title I funds. Ann Culbreth agreed with this statement.
Bill Brown and Peggy Pesterfield gave the TLN report. They both attended the Summer Law Institute.
The Board plans to attend the TSBA Fall District Meeting on Tuesday, September 8th in Sequatchie County. They will ride together from the Administrative Office Building leaving at 4:00 p.m.
Murl Dirksen gave an update from the Site Committee. He stated that Upland Design Group presented a preliminary design package. Upland Design also presented three options for the construction contract best value procurement options. The site committee recommended to the Board that Option 1 be adopted. Dr. Dirksen made the motion on behalf of the site committee. A vote was taken by roll call to approve option 1 as recommended by the Site Committee. The roll call vote was as follows: Murl Dirksen - yes, Tom Cloud - yes, Steve Morgan - yes, Bill Brown - yes, Dawn Robinson - yes, Evelyn Rockholt - yes and Peggy Pesterfield - yes. The vote was unanimous.
Murl Dirksen also reported that a group of people is being recommended by the site committee to review the qualifications of the top three to five contractors and to score the proposals. The people recommended by the Site Committee included the following people: Rick Denning, Gene Bishop, Steve Morgan, Melinda Carroll and Tommy Green. All have agreed to serve. A motion was made by Dr. Dirksen on behalf of the site committee to approve the group. A vote was taken to approve the committee and was unanimous.
The Board discussed the Agreement and Release from the Fillauer Family Partnership releasing Cleveland City Schools from its agreement to build a road and bridge from Parker Street to the remaining Fillauer property in exchange for $485,000.00 (four hundred eighty-five thousand dollars) in cash to the Fillauer Family Partnership. In addition to reviewing this agreement, Dr. Denning and Brenda Carson advised the Board that with a slight change in the wording of the agreement Cleveland City Schools would be allowed to use a Build America Bond to pay the release to the Fillauer Family. The wording would be to add to paragraph 2 Payment in effect stating “adjustment to the purchase price of the property.” The Board members agreed to have a special called meeting to vote on the final wording of the agreement after a review by the board’s attorney. They asked Dr. Denning to contact the Fillauers with that change. The meeting will be held on August 26, 2009, at 8:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Bill Brown to approve the application process for Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCBs) so that Cleveland City Schools can apply for four million dollars ($4,000,000.00) in funding toward the Cleveland High School science addition. Tom Cloud gave a second to this motion. The vote was unanimous.
The Board reviewed the school visitation schedule. Dawn Robinson made a motion to accept the school visit schedule. Evelyn Rockholt seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
The Insurance Committee report was given by Bill Brown. The report was that USAble Insurance is offering a $25,000 life insurance policy for each employee of Cleveland City Schools. The policy is at a lower rate than the one presently in place and for $5,000 more coverage. Bill Brown made a motion that the school board approves the contract with USAble Insurance for two years. Steve Morgan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
A motion to adjourn was made by Chairman Peggy Pesterfield and seconded by Evelyn Rockholt at 8:05 p.m. The vote was unanimous.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
July 13, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, and Evelyn Rockholt. Larry C. Bowers of the Cleveland Daily Banner, Ashley Murphy of the People News and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked the Board to approve the consent agenda. The following items were taken off the consent agenda: 2C, Approval of Fund Raisers, 2E Approval of RFP for Point of Sale and 2F, Approval of Extended Use of Vehicle and Twelve Years Service. Evelyn Rockholt made a motion to accept the proposed consent agenda. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
In the First Spotlight Rodney Fitzgerald announced that a grant for emergency management plans has been granted to Cleveland City Schools. This grant will allow the school system to continue with the program for emergency response plans set up under the Safe Schools Healthy Students Grant that will end in September of this year.
In the Second Spotlight Debby Torres announced that Cleveland City Schools received a plaque from the SACS for National Accreditation.
The Director of School gave the following updates:
Dr. Denning presented Linda Kidwell to discuss the need for TI-84 calculators for math students. Mrs. Kidwell’s request was for a total of $40,6530.50 to purchase calculators for use by students at Cleveland Middle School, Cleveland High School and the Teen Learning Center. After questions and answers, Mrs. Ione Carter stated that the board approved the funds for the calculators in her special education application in item 2G of the Board Agenda.
Dr. Denning announced the hiring of Cheri Morgan as teacher at Cleveland High School. Mrs. Morgan is the wife of board member Steve Morgan. Dr. Denning also announced the hiring of Head Football Coach E. K. Slaughter, Athletic Director Mike Collier and Cleveland High School Principal, Autumn O’Bryan.
Dr. Denning announced that he has received procedures for H1N1 flu outbreak included in the Board packet. These procedures are changing all the time and as they are received Dr. Denning will keep the Board apprised.
Dr. Denning submitted a proposal for the curb repair at the Cleveland High School track. A portion of the estimate for repair is to be determined later. A motion was made by Steve Morgan to approve the estimate for the track repair with the portion to be determined later not to exceed $25,000. The motion received a second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning asked Gene Bishop to report on the gymnasium roof repair at Cleveland High School. Mr. Bishop stated that the roof repair should begin as soon as possible and that if the board would allow the bidding to be advertised the package is ready. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to send out the bid package. Evelyn Rockholt seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous
Dr. Denning asked Paul Ramsey to report on the energy savings suggestions received from the schools and administration suggestion boxes. Mr. Ramsey reported on the suggestions and added that the board will be receiving a policy change at the next meeting with regard to energy savings.
Dr. Denning then discussed item 2F pulled from the consent agenda for Extended Utilization Vehicles With 12 Years service. Mr. Bob True of the Maintenance and Transportation Department for Cleveland City School explained the bus replacement system and the request. The Board asked questions regarding the inspection of the buses and the need to prepare the school budget for future bus purchases. The Board asked Mr. True to come back to the board with more information at a later time. There was no vote for permission to extend the use of the buses.
Ann Culbreth presented policies on first reading:
Policy 1.400 School Board Meetings was presented for revision. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to accept Policy 4.302 as revised. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. A motion to amend was made by Bill Brown by taking out the revision and the footnote. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous. Policy 1.400 will not be revised and will stay the same.
Policy 1.502 Board Meetings News Coverage was presented for revision. A motion was made by Bill Brown to accept the revision of policy 1.502. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 5.305 Family and Medical Leave was presented for revision. A motion was made by Steve Morgan to accept the revision of policy 5.305. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Item 2C removed the consent agenda; Approval of Fund Raisers, was discussed in that the fund raiser for the sale of fireworks had already taken place. Board Member Tom Cloud stated that he had some concern with approving something that had already happened. His recommendation is that the board receive the fund raiser requests prior to the event.
A motion was made by Bill Brown to approve the fireworks fund raiser. Chairman Peggy Pesterfield added that the problem be corrected but that the board give belated approval since it has already happened but that the board look into a way to correct this process in the future. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was five to one with Steve Morgan voting no.
A motion was made by Steve Morgan to approve the fund raiser to sell cookie dough if the product is not Nestle brand or it is not the recalled cookie dough brand. The motion was seconded by Bill Brown. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Denning will find out if the cookie dough is the recalled brand and if it is not, he will approve the fund raiser.
A motion was made to approve the fund raiser for the soccer tournament by Murl Dirksen. The motion received a second from Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman, Peggy Pesterfield presented part one of the Director’s Evaluation. She stated that part two would be addresses after the test scores come in. Bill Brown made the motion to find the director in compliance of all five categories of Qualifications and Duties of the Director of Schools. Steve Morgan gave a second to the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Regarding the section of the Director’s Evaluation, District Goals, Steve Morgan made a motion that the Director of Schools is in compliance. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Shelly Copeland presented information regarding the Child Nutrition Vegetable Grant. She stated that Arnold School would receive the grant for nutrition education and physical activity.
Shelly Copleland also discuss the ARRA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stating that the oven at Arnold School will receive a new oven replacing the oven that was purchased in 1966.
Shelly Copeland addressed item 2E Approval of RFP for Point of Sale that was taken off the consent agenda. She stated that this is a software system to help keep records for the school cafeterias and cut down on paperwork for reporting. A motion was made by Bill Brown to approve the Software RFP. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Murl Dirksen gave an update on the Leonard Center program for gifted students. He stated that a committee will meet on Wednesday, July 22.
Peggy Pesterfield asked that a report be given at the next Board of Education meeting on the PAT program.
Steve Clariday reported on a student computer program he would like the board of education to approve. He stated that his department has computers that do not meet the technology department standards. He would like to offer these computers to students who do not have access to technology. He said he has about 50 units. The board asked Mr. Clariday to come back to the board with a plan for disbursing these computers.
Murl Dirksen gave an update of the Site Committee. The site committee has asked Dr. Denning to schedule a meeting with Upland Design Group to review the preliminary blue prints for the proposed science wing at Cleveland High School. After some discussion it was decided that Dr. Denning would ask Upland Design if they could meet in the afternoon of July 20th instead of in the morning.
With regard to the Long Range Facilities Plan, Peggy Pesterfield discussed the need for a five year long range facilities plan. She stated that the City of Cleveland is doing a 10 year plan and would like to include Cleveland City Schools’ long range plan. Dr. Denning reported that he has asked Upland Design Group to give a proposal to the Board of Education to prepare this plan. The Board of Education agreed that they would like Dr. Denning to continue to pursue this.
A motion to adjourn was made by Murl Dirksen and seconded by Steve Morgan at 7:15 p.m. The vote was unanimous.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
June 4, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in a special meeting on the above date at the Administrative Office of Cleveland City Schools, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson, and Evelyn Rockholt. Dr. Rick Denning and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were also present.
Chairman, Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 8:20 and then asked Murl Dirksen to preside.
The only item on the agenda was to vote on a contract for the position and cost of Site Representative for Cleveland High School’s science wing project, west wing renovation and gymnasium roof repair.
The board members reviewed the proposed contract and made some changes. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve the contract as proposed with the changes made during this meeting, contingent upon funding, and Evelyn Rockholt seconded the motion. The vote by roll call was as follows: Dawn Robinson, yes, Evelyn Rockholt, yes, Peggy Pesterfield, yes, Murl Dirksen, yes, Steve Morgan, yes, and Tom Cloud yes. Murl Dirksen turned the meeting back to the chairman.
The meeting was adjourned by general consent at 9:07 a.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
June 1, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner, Ashley Murphy of the People News and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked the Board to approve the consent agenda. Murl Dirksen asked to remove item 2C for discussion. Item 2C was removed and put under item 10 of the regular agenda. Dawn Robinson made a motion to accept the proposed consent agenda. The motion received a second from Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
In item 3 the Director’s Contract was presented for vote. Bill Brown asked the board to note that the Directors’ amendment to his contract included a 4% increase. Annually, Dr. Denning will receive the same salary increase as the professional staff with the difference in that raise and 4% to be donated in a charitable contribution to the Cleveland/Bradley Education Foundation for a Mini-Grant to the Teen Learning Center and to a teacher applicant seeking National Board Certification as a teacher. Bill Brown made a motion to approve the Amendment to Extend Contract for Director of Schools as proposed. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. Tom Cloud stated that he had a problem with the 4% minimum salary increase for the Director of Schools because the other employees were not receiving a pay increase. Dawn Robinson stated that the dates under 1.A Term of Contract were giving a contract of more than four years as stated in the law. She said the date of June 1, 2009 until June 30, 2013 was incorrect because that was longer than four years, and the law only allows a maximum four year contract. Also, the school system’s fiscal year begins July 1. She felt the date should read commencing on July 1, 2009 and ending June 30, 2013. Dawn Robinson also added that she felt Dr. Denning has done a wonderful job and that because of his leadership the school system has not had to reduce the number of employees in the system in these poor economic times. Tom Cloud stated that this is commendable but he felt many teachers have gone above and beyond their duties and they are not getting an increase.
Bill Brown changed his motion to include that the Amendment to Extend Contract for Director of Schools should be changed to read “commencing July 1, 2009 and will remain in effect until June 30, 2013.” He also added as the second sentence of 1.A, “The existing contract will remain in effect until July 1, 2009.”
The vote was taken by roll call as follows: Mr. Brown, yes, Mrs. Rockholt, yes, Mrs. Robinson, yes, Mrs. Pesterfield, yes, Mr. Morgan, yes, Dr. Dirksen, yes, Mr. Cloud no. The vote was six yes and one no.
Dr. Rick Denning gave the following director’s updates:
Dr. Denning recommended that the Board of Education change the date for the July meeting from July 6 to July 13 because many of the board members were planning to take vacation during the Fourth of July weekend and would not be in town on the 6th of July. A motion was made by Tom Cloud to accept the recommendation of Dr. Denning and to move the Board meeting to July 13, 2009. Steve Morgan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning reported that he and Dr. Dirksen would be reporting on the Leonard Center at the July Board meeting. They were gathering more information for the Board. Dr. Dirksen stated that he felt sure they would have that information for the Board by the July meeting.
Dr. Denning directed the board’s attention to the Good News found in the board packet and stated he is always happy to provide the board members with this information each month. Dr. Denning then handed out Good News from one more school that came in after the packet was mailed.
Policies 4.302.1, 4.600 and 4.601 were presented for revision on first reading by Ann Culbreth. A motion was made by Steve Morgan to accept Policy 4.302.1 Field Trips and Excursions as revised. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
A motion was made by Steve Morgan to accept Policy 4.600 Grading System as revised. The motion received a second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to accept Policy 4.601 Reporting to Parents as revised. The motion received a second by Dawn Robinson. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield presented the Director’s Evaluation Instrument and asked the Board to approve it. She stated that the second part of the evaluation would be done after the test scores come back for the state. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to accept the Director’s Evaluation Instrument as presented in the Board packet. The motion received a second by Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Steve Morgan opened for discussion the budget for the completed Mayfield Elementary School construction. He stated that he wanted to clear up any confusion or misnomers in the community about paying too much for the construction of the school. The construction was under budget by $173,137.00. Bill Brown added that what you pay for a school is what you want in a school and what they charge you for it. He added that if you look at the savings you would see in the long run it paid off, especially considering geothermal and other energy saving construction used in the building. Dawn Robinson added that when people from the community actually went inside the school and saw what it has to offer for the students they agreed that it is a wonderful school and a beautiful school. Many people will see that it is money well spent. Dr. Denning handed out the cost breakdown of Mayfield School. He noted that the category “general conditions” is an expense that must be paid no matter which delivery system is used to build a building. He also supplied an expense sheet from the newly built Justice Center which showed the cost of “general conditions” for that building. General conditions category basically covers expenses necessary for the cost of maintaining the building site. There were no further questions or discussion.
Ione Carter and Ann Culbreth presented preliminary budgets for the Stimulus Package offered by the Federal Government. It was noted that the budgets were just preliminary and that committees are being set up to work on the budgets and plans for the Special Education and Title I students in the system. Bill Brown brought up several issues with the preliminary budget for Special Education and discussion ensued regarding the testing of students. Ione Carter stated that many of the special education staff was spending after work hours on the testing reports. After Ann Culbreth presented the preliminary budget for the Title I schools some discussion was had regarding how the committees would approach the decisions. Ann Culbreth stated that a lot of attention would be given to the Teen Learning Center. Ann Culbreth ended in saying that a lot of guidelines have been offered with the stimulus.
Murl Dirksen gave a report on the site committee meetings since the last board meeting. He said that Dr. Denning sent him a memorandum from Upland Design Group stated that they are at the tail end of the design phase of the science wing project and they are ready to go into the construction document phase. In two to three weeks they would be ready for the construction phase. Murl Dirksen announced that the next site committee meeting will be held on June 10, 2009 at 8:00 in the Board Room.
The contract for a senior project manager was presented for review, discussion and revision. At the board retreat some changes had been discussed. The board agreed that a special called meeting to discuss the changes and to vote on the position of senior project manager would be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. in the board room.
The TLN report was made by Dawn Robinson.
A motion to adjourn was made by Steve Morgan and seconded by Evelyn Rockholt at 7:00 p.m. The vote was unanimous.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
May 4, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Tonya Brantley of the People’s News and Randall Higgins of the Chattanooga News Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Board Chair Peggy Pesterfield asked the board if there was anything in the consent agenda that they would like to remove. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to accept the proposed consent agenda. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Keyes Fillauer of the Fillauer Family Partnership was present to answer any questions regarding the request from the Partnership to release Cleveland City Board of Education from its obligation to build a road and bridge as required in the contract signed July 12, 2005, in exchange for $485,000. A motion was made by Tom Cloud to accept the proposal. The motion received a second from Evelyn Rockholt. Dr. Rick Denning recommended the Board accept the proposal. The vote was taken by roll call as follows: Peggy Pesterfield, yes, Steve Morgan, yes, Murl Dirksen, yes, Evelyn Rockholt, yes, Dawn Robinson, yes, Tom Cloud, yes.
Dr. Rick Denning presented a memorandum from the Standards Based Report Card Committee with their recommendation for revisions to the report card. (Bill Brown took his seat at 5:40.) A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to accept the changes to the standards based report card made by the committee. The motion received a second from Evelyn Rockholt. Dr. Rick Denning recommended that the new standards based report card revisions be accepted. The vote was taken by roll call as follow: Dawn Robinson, yes, Evelyn Rockholt, yes, Bill Brown, yes, Tom Cloud, yes, Murl Dirksen, yes, Steve Morgan, yes, Peggy Pesterfield, yes.
In the first spotlight, the State Science Olympiad from Cleveland High School were recognized, Pricilla Han and Michael Ward.
In the second spotlight, Miss Phillips, history teacher, introduced the Model UN participants from Cleveland High School. Miss Phillips thanked the Board for the opportunity to attend the Model UN competition and gave a brief overview of the trip and the contest. The students then gave a brief report on what they learned and they each thanked the Board for allowing them the opportunity to attend Model UN.
In the third spotlight, teacher Jim David from Cleveland Middle School gave a power point presentation about the S.A.M. I am club at Cleveland Middle School. Several of the students who are members of in the S.A.M. I am club were introduced and a select few gave a brief description of the club activities.
Dr. Rick Denning gave the following director’s updates:
Dixie Produce will be donating 10 cases of Red Delicious apples to the School Board to present to the teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day.
The Board will hold a retreat on May 26, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The venue will be announced at a later date.
Dr. Denning recommended to the Board that they create a position for an Energy Education Manager. He stated that the position would be funded with the savings from the system’s energy bill. Mr. Thurman Atkins was present from Energy Education to answer questions from the Board regarding this program. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to approve the position of energy manager. Dawn Robinson seconded the motion. After some questions, the motion was withdrawn. Murl Dirksen then made a motion to approve the energy education management program, which includes a full time position of energy manager. The motion received a second from Dawn Robinson. The vote was taken by roll call as follows: Murl Dirksen, yes, Dawn Robinson, yes, Evelyn Rockholt, yes, Peggy Pesterfield, yes, Steve Morgan, yes, Tom Cloud, yes, Bill Brown, yes.
Dr. Denning made an announcement of personnel reorganization effective July 1, 2009. Mr. Paul Ramsey will be the Education Energy Manager and Mr. Chuck Rockholt will be the Public Relations Supervisor. Two new principals will be hired this summer for Blythe-Bower School and Cleveland High School, along with a head football coach for CHS.
Dr. Denning announced the retirement of Mr. Ron Hill, Principal of Blythe-Bower Elementary School.
Dr. Denning called on Mr. Doug Greene to report on the Emergency Response Procedure. Mr. Greene stated that they have been monitoring the Swine flu epidemic hitting the nation. He stated that the scare of the flu would spread faster than the flu itself. He added that if a school child or staff member is tested positive, that school would remain closed from 7 - 14 days.
Dr. Denning directed the board’s attention to the Good News found in the board packet and stated he is always happy to provide the board members with this information each month.
Dr. Denning reported that the Relay for Life Team from Cleveland City Schools had a goal of $10,000 and they have exceeded that.
Steve Morgan thanked Chuck Rockholt for his service as principal of Cleveland High School and said his work was greatly appreciated. Dr. Denning said he would be glad to have Mr. Rockholt at the Administrative Office.
Murl Dirksen gave an update from the site committee. He said the parents involved in the science wing project development have been a great help. It is great news that the science wing project will be going forward. The board is now beginning the design phase with Upland Design Group for the construction document phase. The preliminary documents look great and all involved are excited about the project. He added the Board should consider the possibility of hiring a project manager. It was his feeling that the board should not expect the staff to oversee the project on a daily basis. He referred to a letter from Mr. Gene Bishop offering to be the project manager for a total sum of $74,000. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to hire a project manager for the science wing and other projects in Cleveland High School to be paid no more than $74,000. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. Bill Brown questioned whether there would be a contract drawn between the project manager and the school system. He also questioned what type of authority the project manager would have and how his position would mesh with the obligations of the general contractor Murl Dirksen repeated that he felt it would be asking too much of the staff to oversee the project at all times. Dr. Dirksen emphasized that the board needs a liaison to the project and cited Lee University’s procedure as an example of use of a liaison. Bill Brown asked Dr. Denning to work on a contract for a private contractor with the site committee. He added a chain of command is needed for a line of authority. Bill Brown then asked Murl Dirksen to table his motion. Murl Dirksen withdrew his motion and added that this could be discussed at the Board Retreat. Dawn Robinson stated that the board was getting, “the cart before the horse,” in that the board had not yet established the contract for the general contractor. She believes the board needs to meet and design its contract for the general contractor, at which time the duties of a “liaison” could be specified. She asked Murl Dirksen if he could provide an example contract for a liaison like the one used at Lee. Murl Dirksen said the building project liaison at Lee does not have a formal contract but a less formal agreement. Robinson stated that she thought $74,000 was an extreme amount of money for hiring a liaison who would possibly have no authority Steve Morgan made the comment that it seems to him that the board is trying to fill a gap made by choosing to use a general contractor. He asked if the board hires someone for this position is that person going to be responsible for mistakes that are made? Morgan suggested that the board get their contract together and see if they will need the position. After comments made by Murl Dirksen about the cost of building Mayfield School, Steve Morgan said he would like the Mayfield construction budget to be reviewed by the board in public in order to set the record straight. He added that $74,000 is a lot of money for a liaison. This position also needs a job description. The motion was withdrawn.
Bill Brown reported on the system cost containment program. He hoped the public would see that the board is coming to grips with the energy consumption of the school system. He would like a statement to be sent out to the staff from the Board that the Board is interested in their ideas to conserve energy. Paul Ramsey reported that ideas were being placed in the suggestion boxes.
Dawn Robinson gave a TLN report.
A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to adjourn the meeting. Several board members seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
April 6, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Tonya Brantley of the People’s News were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
After a request from Murl Dirksen to take item 3, Director’s Contract Amendment off the regular agenda and to take Item 2I and 2G off the consent agenda, a request was made by Steve Morgan to put item 3 back on the agenda, a motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve the consent agenda with changes. The motion received a second from Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
In spotlight one, Mr. Randall Bennett of TSBA presented the TSBA Excellence in Architectural Design award to Community Tectonics and to Mayfield Elementary School.
In spotlight two, Mrs. Patty Puckett introduced the four students who attended the TSBA 2009 SCOPE conference. The students were: Joey Archer, Emily Johnson, Ben Murphy and Emily Reed. Each student gave a brief summary of his and her experience at SCOPE.
In spotlight three, Mr. Michael Kahrs present Erica Swindle the National Merit Scholar commended finalist and James Drury, the National Merit Finalist.
In spotlight four, Ms. Joan Bradburn recognized Dr. Don Robinson for his 13 plus years as the Cleveland City Schools webmaster. Dr. Robinson was presented with a computer notebook thanking him for all his years of volunteer service to Cleveland City Schools. Ms. Bradburn presented the new web design for Cleveland City Schools and announced that Kathy Blackner will be the new webmaster.
Under Item 3, the Director’s Contract Amendment - Mr. Steve Morgan stated that he wanted to know if Dr. Murl Dirksen would be working the Dr. Rick Denning regarding his contract. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen that the director’s contract be discussed at the June Board Meeting and that the Board Chair appoint another board member to perform negotiations with Dr. Denning. Chairman, Peggy Pesterfield, stated that she has talked to Dr. Denning and she feels that Bill Brown has agreed to continue with negotiations of the Director’s contract. Steve Morgan stated that some people do not know why the board gives a contract two years in to the present contract. He stated that the school system only has the ability to hire as far out as the director’s contract. Steve Morgan made a motion that a decision on the Director’s contract be made at the June Board of Education meeting. The motion received a second by Murl Dirksen and Evelyn Rockholt simutatiously. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Rick Denning recommended that the board meet in late spring or summer for a Board Retreat to discuss his contract and other issues. The board agreed by consensus by nodding their heads.
Dr. Rick Denning gave an update to the board regarding Capital Outlay Projects funding. Steve Morgan suggested that a banner be put on the website stating where the new tax revenues are being spent.
Mr. Bill Brown gave an update on the System Cost Containment plan. He recommended that the board move forward on energy efficiencies and to challenge the staff of all buildings to make suggestion for energy savings. He asked that a periodic report be made to the Board of Education. Mr. Brown added that if a suggestion made by an employee saves the system money a financial reward was possible. Further, Mr. Brown stated that an energy management position was most likely in the future. Mr. Steve Morgan made the suggestion that the suggestion box be made available to students as well.
Dr. Rick Denning referred the Board to the Good News found in their packet and stated that he is always happy to give the Board an update on all the things the schools are doing.
Mr. Brian Templeton of Upland Design Group gave an update on the proposed Science Wing project. The Board asked questions regarding the time line and payment. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to ask Upland Design Group to begin design development and subsurface coordination testing with the understanding that they would not be paid for their services until after July 1, 2009. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
It was announced that Melinda Carroll would not be present at the meeting this evening but that she would be happy to attend the next meeting.
The delivery method of the proposed Science Wing was discussed at the request of Mr. Steve Morgan. Mr. Morgan stated that he had been doing research regarding the preparation of a contract for the construction of the science wing. He added that he knew the board had made a decision regarding a construction manager versus a general contractor and he was not asking to revisit this issue but that he felt the project needed an information session to let the board and the public know more about what their money was being spent on. Mr Morgan stated that in early 2008 the site committee voiced its desire to hear some presentations regarding the two delivery methods, according to the minutes. However, the information session was never held and shortly after, the board passed, on a 4-2 vote, a motion to hire a general contractor for the CHS Science Wing. At the most recent site committee meeting, all board members present agreed that they did not know answers to many questions regarding the procedure for moving forward on the project. Mr. Morgan suggested that this subject be discussed at the regular board meeting. All present at the site committee meeting agreed that would be helpful. Mr. Morgan made a motion to direct Dr. Denning to put together an informal session for a short presentation to the public and board to better facilitate a plan for a science wing project. The motion received a second from Dawn Robinson. Mr. Morgan asked for a roll call vote. The vote was as follows: Steve Morgan, Yes, Dawn Robinson, Yes, Evelyn Rockholt, No, Peggy Pesterfield, No, Murl Dirksen, No, Tom Cloud, No, Bill Brown, Yes. The vote was 4 opposed - 3 for and the motion did not pass. After the vote Mr. Brown made the comment that the board does need to look at a contract regarding the general contractor. The board needs to put together a contract favorable to them. He said that the board may be able to use the general contractor contract presented at the TSBA Summer Law Institute that was developed by the Texas School Board Association that is favorable to school districts. Board members agreed that the contract development was very important and asked Dr. Denning to contact TSBA.
Mrs. Ann Culbreth reviewed board policies for first reading. With regard to policy 5.500 Discrimination/Harassment of Employees (Age, Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Religion, Disability) and policy 5.501 Complaints, a motion was made by Bill Brown to approve these two policies with suggested amendments. Evelyn Rockholt seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
With regard to policy 6.200 Attendance, Evelyn Rockholt made a motion to approve this policy on first reading as written. Bill Brown seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning announced that item 10 CHS redesign is not ready for a recommendation because of new state laws regarding graduation rate. This will be heard at another date.
Dr. Denning called on Michael Kahrs to discuss virtual schools in Larry Payne’s absence. Mr. Kahrs explained that he would be responsible for offering this curriculum to the students. Mr. Steve Morgan asked to receive the process that the students will use to sign-up for virtual school in writing so that board members could be more aware.
The Board discussed and planned their recognition of teachers for Teacher Appreciation Day. Apples will be delivered to teachers on Friday, May 8th at Cleveland Middle School between 11:00 and 1:00. Dawn Robinson will hand out the apples and Murl Dirksen will make every effort to help her.
On May 11th the following schedule will be followed:
Yates Primary School - Tom Cloud
Mayfield Elementary School- Bill Brown
Stuart Elementary School- Dawn Robinson
Arnold Elementary School - Evelyn Rockholt
Blythe-Bower Elementary School - Murl Dirksen
TLC - Steve Morgan
Ross Elementary School - Peggy Pesterfield
From 10:30 - 12:45 on May 11th the following board members will be at Cleveland High School to present apples: Steve Morgan and Peggy Pesterfield
Dr. Rick Denning announced that there will be no changes made to the dress code.
Dawn Robinson made the TLC report
Chairman, Peggy Pesterfield reviewed the year end events for 2009 CHS graduates.
Item 2G Fund raiser that was pulled from the consent agenda was discussed. A motion was made by Steve Morgan to approve the fund raiser upon signature from the principal. The motion was seconded by Bill Brown. The vote was unanimous.
Item 2I was discussed after being pulled from the consent agenda. Dr. Dirksen made a couple of comments regarding the plaque for Betty Lyle. This item was approved by general consent.
A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to adjourn the meeting. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 7:43.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
March 19, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in a special called session on Thursday, March 19, 2009, 11:30 a.m. at Mayfield Elementary School, 501 20th Street NE, Cleveland. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson, and Evelyn Rockholt. Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press and Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner were also in attendance. There were several staff members present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order.
The agenda was unanimously approved with a motion by Dawn Robinson and second by Evelyn Rockholt.
Dr. Rick Denning asked if he could hand out additional information that was not in the board packet. The board approved the additional handout by consensus.
Dawn Robinson made a motion to approve the 2008-2009 General Fund Budget Amendments and Food Service Amendments. Steve Morgan seconded the motion. The Board unanimously approved the 2008-2009 General Fund Budget Amendments and Food Service Amendments.
Dr. Rick Denning, Director of Schools presented the 2009 - 2010 General Budget to the Board of Education. Dr. Denning stated that the budget was the same as last year’s budget but with no salary increase.
A motion was made by Bill to approve the proposed 2009-2010 General Budget with a request to discuss strategy for cost containment savings at the May Board of Education meeting. The motion received a second by Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Rick Denning recommended a pay rate increase for substitute teachers. The rates will be as follows: $56 per day with high school diploma, $58 per day with college degree and $75 per day with teaching certification. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve these pay rate increases for substitute teachers. Murl Dirksen seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning presented three overnight field trips for Board approval. A motion was made by Steve Morgan to approve the overnight field trips. The motion received a second from Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
A motion to adjourn was made by Steve Morgan. The motion received a second from Evelyn Rockholt. The vote to adjourn at 1:20 p.m. was unanimous.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
March 2, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Arleah DeFibbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner was in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A motion was made by Steve Morgan to accept the consent agenda. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Under spotlights, Chairman Peggy Pesterfield recognized the Teachers of the Year at Cleveland City Schools. The teachers are: Sheron Brand of Arnold Memorial Elementary School. Stephen Duncan of BlytheBower Elementary School, Gayle Vandergriff of Mayfield Elementary School, Leslie Davis of E. L. Ross Elementary School, Amy McGrath of George R. Stuart Elementary School, Melissa Word of Donald P. Yates Primary School, Janis Brannen, Ronna Mills and Loes Riggins of Cleveland Middle School, Wanda Dent, Bedford Smith and Lea Broussard of Cleveland High School and Sylvia Cotes of the Teen Learning Center. The system winners are: Melissa Word, Janis Brannen and Sylvia Coates.
The Director, Dr. Rick Denning gave the following updates to the Board: Dr. Denning announced that the City Council Budget Retreat is scheduled for April 3, 2009, the time will be announced at a later date. Dr. Denning then announced that the Board of Education Special Called meeting on the budget would be held on March 19. He asked the Board to decide if they would like to meet in the morning at 8:00 a.m. at the Administrative Office Building or at 11:30 a.m. at Mayfield Elementary School. The board is scheduled to visit Mayfield Elementary School at that time. The Board decided by general consent that they would prefer to meet at 11:30 a.m. at Mayfield School before they had their visit at the school. Dr. Denning also stated that Joan Bradburn, Supervisor of Technology reported that the Internet Safety Instruction at Cleveland City School received 100% compliance from the Commissioner of Education. Finally, Dr. Denning updated the Board of Education on the progress being made with the standards based report cards and making them compliant with the new standards being set by the State Board of Education. Dr. Denning reported that Mrs. Ann Culbreth is meeting on Wednesday of this week regarding the assessment piece of the standards. He commented that this is a work in progress. His recommendation to the Board was to allow him to go ahead and work on a committee consisting of two parents, two teachers, two principals and two supervisors to revise the standards based report cards. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to allow Dr. Denning to set up a committee for revision of the standards based report card. The motion was seconded by Steve Morgan. Dawn Robinson amended her motion to add that one Board of Education members would be appointed to this committee for observation only. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning then introduced Mr. Glenn Gaines of Energy Education, Inc. who gave a summary of what his company could do to save Cleveland City Schools money on energy, particularly in electricity. Mr. Gaines answered questions poised by the Board. The Board asked Dr. Denning for a recommendation regarding hiring a company such as Energy Education, Inc. Dr. Denning asked the board to allow him some time to continue to research these services.
On the Human Side, Dr. Denning handed out the good news from all schools.
Dr. Denning reviewed a letter received by Mr. Jim Burton, Director of the Cleveland High School Band. The letter was from the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association thanking Mr. Burton for his efforts as the Lower Area Representative of the association.
The Board Policies being reviewed on first reading were presented by Evelyn Rockholt. Murl Dirksen made a motion to approve the first reading of policy 4.605 Graduation Requirements as written. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Dawn Robinson made a motion to approve the first reading of policy 5.109 Evaluation as written. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Steve Morgan made a motion to approve the first reading of policy 6.411 Student Wellness as written. The motion received a second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Larry Payne gave a virtual school update regarding adoption by the state board. He stated that virtual school has been approved provided credit is accepted by the local school system. All courses must be approved by the department of education and the school system must be responsible for evaluating the progress of the student. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson for Dr. Denning to bring to the board at a later date a model virtual course curriculum recommendation that would work with the Cleveland High School graduation requirements. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. Five board members voted in favor of the motion. They were Dawn Robinson, Evelyn Rockholt, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen and Peggy Pesterfield.
Larry Payne, Supervisor of Secondary Education gave an update on the curriculum standards recently revised by the State Department of Education. Larry said he would be bringing a revised policy back to the board at a later date for credit requirements for high school students. Dawn Robinson made the motion to begin the process of writing a policy to correspond with these changes. Steve Morgan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Cathy Goodman, Supervisor of Elementary Education gave an update on the revised standards for elementary level education. Mrs. Goodman stated that the math standards have changed more than the language arts. The department is preparing to educate the teachers on the changes. The state is having sessions as well as satellite broadcasts that are limited in space but the curriculum team for Cleveland City Schools is working on how to pass on the knowledge from these sessions. The board asked Dr. Denning to be sure the technology supervisor is made aware of the satellite broadcasts from the state to explore the possibility of linking them to all the affected teachers in our system.
The Cleveland High School course of study handbook will have only one change for next year. Personal finance will be added for one half credit. Dr. Denning recommended to the board that this change be made to the course of study for Cleveland High School. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson to approve this course change. The motion received a second from Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Dawn Robinson gave the TLN report. Among other items Dawn reported that there is legislation in the house regarding the length of service for buses.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield asked Bill Brown to discuss a committee he has been interested in establishing. The committee is Pathways to Excellence Committee-Enrichment. Bill Brown stated that at this time he could not in good conscious present this idea because it would cause more work for the teachers and at this time with the new standards he felt they had enough responsibility. He would like to discuss this again later perhaps after school is out for the year. Murl Dirksen stated that he wanted the community to give the students an opportunity to excel. He said he would like to give the gifted children an opportunity to do more. Dr. Denning and Dr. Dirksen will discuss this issue at length before bringing it back before the board.
It was announced that the next site committee meeting would be held on March 11, at 8:00.
Board members then reported on their experience at the TSBA Day on the Hill.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. by general consent.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
February 9, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Arleah DeFibbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of Chattanooga Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to accept the consent agenda. Bill Brown seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Mayor Tom Rowland presented a Proclamation to the Board proclaiming the week of February 2-8, 2009 as School Board Appreciation week.
Under spotlights, Chairman Peggy Pesterfield recognized Ms. Sylvia Coates for receiving the Lillie Frank Fitzgerald Award.
In the next spotlight, Chairman Peggy Pesterfield recognized Ms. Barbara Ector for receiving the NCSS 2008 Outstanding Middle Level Social Studies Teacher of the Year award.
The Director of Schools gave the following updates:
An email was received from Mr. Alan Bailey with commendation to Cleveland City Schools for his inspection of the buses. He stated that Cleveland City Schools consistently has excellent inspections.
A list of the Department of Education budget cuts was handed out with statement that the Department has been asked to cut one third of its’ total budget.
Dr. Rick Denning handed out the Good News from Cleveland City Schools.
Jennifer Norton, a graduate of Cleveland High School and Lee University presented a project from a group called "Community Garden" to the Board of Education. The location of the proposed garden is on the Mayfield Elementary School property. The garden is proposed for a threeyear period. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson that the Mayfield property be used for a community garden. The motion received a second from Steve Morgan. Bill Brown asked about insurance liability. He would like to see the motion be subject to insurance liability coverage. Dawn Robinson amended her motion to say that the Mayfield property be used for a community garden provided that the school system has adequate liability insurance coverage and access to the property by the Fillauers is granted if necessary. Steve Morgan concurred with his second. The vote was unanimous. The board instructed Dr. Denning to check on the liability coverage.
The first reading of policy 4.301, Interscholastic Athletics was presented to the board for review. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to adopt policy 4.301 as written. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Dawn Robinson gave the TLN report of proposed legislative bills now being considered.
Evelyn Rockholt reported on the Intergovernmental Committee. The group will begin meeting in March.
Board Chair, Peggy Pesterfield reported that a group of high school students would be attending SCOPE again this year at the direction of Patty Puckett.
The Board of Education by general consent asked Dr. Rick Denning to look into an enrichment program for students working at above grade level.
Board Chair, Peggy Pesterfield announced the appointment of committee as follows:
Intergovernmental-Evelyn Rockholt and Peggy Pesterfield.
TLN-Dawn Robinson
Sick Leave Bank-Tom Cloud and Steve Morgan
Insurance-Bill Brown
Site Committee-Murl Dirksen, Chair, Tom Cloud and Steve Morgan
Policies-Evelyn Rockholt
Alternate to sick leave or intergovernmental committeeDawn Robinson
Mrs. Michelle McRee representing "Parents For Fair Grade Reports" spoke to the Board of Education regarding the group’s views of the standards based report card. Dr. Denning was asked by the Board of Education to comment on the presentation. He stated that he appreciates the concerns of the parents and that the state is now handing out new standards to the schools systems. He stated that a new report card would be developed to follow these new standards. He recommended that the Board of Education look at the new standards and appoint two parents to a committee to study a new report card. It was the consensus of the Board to gather the information and come back at another time to discuss forming this committee.
Dr. Murl Dirksen gave a report from the Site Committee who met last Wednesday, January 28th. The report covered some repairs to be made at Mayfield Elementary School, funding for the Fillauer bridge and road project and the science wing at Cleveland High School. The site committee also felt that energy costs need to be watched very carefully. Dr. Dirksen reported that the site committee authorized Dr. Denning to have an expert in Energy Management give a presentation to the Board of Education at the next Board meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m. by general consent.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
February 9, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Arleah DeFibbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of Chattanooga Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Peggy Pesterfield called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to accept the consent agenda. Bill Brown seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Mayor Tom Rowland presented a Proclamation to the Board proclaiming the week of February 2-8, 2009 as School Board Appreciation week.
Under spotlights, Chairman Peggy Pesterfield recognized Ms. Sylvia Coates for receiving the Lillie Frank Fitzgerald Award.
In the next spotlight, Chairman Peggy Pesterfield recognized Ms. Barbara Ector for receiving the NCSS 2008 Outstanding Middle Level Social Studies Teacher of the Year award.
The Director of Schools gave the following updates:
An email was received from Mr. Alan Bailey with commendation to Cleveland City Schools for his inspection of the buses. He stated that Cleveland City Schools consistently has excellent inspections.
A list of the Department of Education budget cuts was handed out with statement that the Department has been asked to cut one third of its’ total budget.
Dr. Rick Denning handed out the Good News from Cleveland City Schools.
Jennifer Norton, a graduate of Cleveland High School and Lee University presented a project from a group called "Community Garden" to the Board of Education. The location of the proposed garden is on the Mayfield Elementary School property. The garden is proposed for a threeyear period. A motion was made by Dawn Robinson that the Mayfield property be used for a community garden. The motion received a second from Steve Morgan. Bill Brown asked about insurance liability. He would like to see the motion be subject to insurance liability coverage. Dawn Robinson amended her motion to say that the Mayfield property be used for a community garden provided that the school system has adequate liability insurance coverage and access to the property by the Fillauers is granted if necessary. Steve Morgan concurred with his second. The vote was unanimous. The board instructed Dr. Denning to check on the liability coverage.
The first reading of policy 4.301, Interscholastic Athletics was presented to the board for review. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to adopt policy 4.301 as written. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Dawn Robinson gave the TLN report of proposed legislative bills now being considered.
Evelyn Rockholt reported on the Intergovernmental Committee. The group will begin meeting in March.
Board Chair, Peggy Pesterfield reported that a group of high school students would be attending SCOPE again this year at the direction of Patty Puckett.
The Board of Education by general consent asked Dr. Rick Denning to look into an enrichment program for students working at above grade level.
Board Chair, Peggy Pesterfield announced the appointment of committee as follows:
Intergovernmental-Evelyn Rockholt and Peggy Pesterfield.
TLN-Dawn Robinson
Sick Leave Bank-Tom Cloud and Steve Morgan
Insurance-Bill Brown
Site Committee-Murl Dirksen, Chair, Tom Cloud and Steve Morgan
Policies-Evelyn Rockholt
Alternate to sick leave or intergovernmental committeeDawn Robinson
Mrs. Michelle McRee representing "Parents For Fair Grade Reports" spoke to the Board of Education regarding the group’s views of the standards based report card. Dr. Denning was asked by the Board of Education to comment on the presentation. He stated that he appreciates the concerns of the parents and that the state is now handing out new standards to the schools systems. He stated that a new report card would be developed to follow these new standards. He recommended that the Board of Education look at the new standards and appoint two parents to a committee to study a new report card. It was the consensus of the Board to gather the information and come back at another time to discuss forming this committee.
Dr. Murl Dirksen gave a report from the Site Committee who met last Wednesday, January 28th. The report covered some repairs to be made at Mayfield Elementary School, funding for the Fillauer bridge and road project and the science wing at Cleveland High School. The site committee also felt that energy costs need to be watched very carefully. Dr. Dirksen reported that the site committee authorized Dr. Denning to have an expert in Energy Management give a presentation to the Board of Education at the next Board meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m. by general consent.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
January 5, 2009
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Arleah DeFibbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of Chattanooga Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
After a request by Tom Cloud to pull item 2D from the consent agenda a motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to accept the consent agenda and seconded by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous
Under spotlights, Chairman Dawn Robinson, called upon Shelly Copeland, Supervisor of Child Nutrition who introduced her cafeteria staff at Mayfield Elementary School and announced that Mayfield was awarded the USDA Regional Best Practice Award.
In the next spotlight, Joan Bradburn presented the new projectors in the Board Room and both she and Chairman Dawn Robinson shared a webcam connection with J. B. Robinson in Italy. J. B. shared his experience teaching U.S. Military children in Italy. J. B. stated that he has been sharing some ideas with the administration in the school system in Italy that he learned while teaching at Cleveland City Schools.
The Director of Schools gave the following updates:
Dr. Rick Denning presented the Annual Report and reported highlights of the report.
On the Human Side:
Dr. Rick Denning reported to the Board that two staff members at Cleveland Middle
School have been commended for coming to the aid of a student suffering from a seizure and quite possibly saving the student’s life.
Dr. Rick Denning next shared an email from the parent of a new student at Cleveland City School who stated that her child is having a wonderful experience at Cleveland Middle School.
Dr. Rick Denning next shared a program at Cleveland Middle School called Make a Difference Project. The students of CMS have purchased a new wheelchair for a student in need.
Chairman Dawn Robinson presented a resolution to the Board regarding support of an appointed superintendent of schools as opposed to an elected superintendent of schools. The Tennessee Legislature is preparing to vote on a possible change of the law. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to approve the resolution as written. The motion received a second from Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Board Member Bill Brown stated that he might draft a resolution in the near future in support of the one halfcent sales tax for the City of Cleveland. He stated that he believed it would suffice for the board to state its support for the increase in the sales tax. Mr. Brown made a motion to endorse the sales tax referendum. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Board Policy 1.800 School Calendar was approved on first reading as written by motion of Tom Cloud and second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Board Policy 2.900, Student Activity Funds Management was approved on first reading as written by motion of Murl Dirksen and second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Board Policy 4.300 Extracurricular Activities was approved on first reading as written by motion of Tom Cloud and second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Board Policy 6.502, Foreign Exchange Students was approved on first reading as written by motion of Murl Dirksen and second by Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
The Board selected a School Calendar for school year 2009-2010 from two options. All Board members stated that the feedback they received from the community were unanimously in favor of option 1. Dr. Denning recommended option 1 from the feedback he received from the teachers. A motion was made by Steve Morgan to approve calendar option 1. The motion received a second from Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Joan Bradburn presented policy 1.805, Use of Electronic Mail for revision on first reading. The policy was accepted as written by motion of Tom Cloud and second by Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
Joan Bradburn discussed the student information system presently being used by Cleveland City Schools and the cost of said system. Joan stated that the system would be staying with the present system for at least one more year but will begin looking for new packages to review.
Tamara Humphres reported on the CLC and ESP after school programs. The board asked a few questions pertaining to cost and activities. The board thanked Tamara for her hard work and for bringing the update to them.
Chairman Dawn Robinson asked the board to look at their calendars in order to schedule the board retreat. The board agreed to meet on Friday, January 23, 2009, at 4:00 in the School of Religion Building at Lee University.
The Cleveland City School Board Annual Agenda was presented for review and/or revision. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to accept the annual agenda as written. Steve Morgan seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Dawn Robinson asked the school board members to let Rea Bivens know if they intend to attend the TSBA Day on the Hill.
Murl Dirksen asked the site committee members if they had any objection to meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month for a site committee meeting at 8:00 a.m. in the Board Room. The members nodded their general consent.
Murl Dirksen announced that according to a letter to Mr. Danny Coggin, Principal of Walker Valley High School from TSSAA, the students, Paul Hunter and Marcus Hunter who transferred from Cleveland High School were found to be eligible to participate in athletics at Walker Valley High School.
The list of names on the Textbook Selecting Committee was discussed for approval by the Board of Education. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to accept the list for the textbook selection committee. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Dawn Robinson gave notice of two possible dates for vote on the Director’s Contract. The dates are February 2, 2009 or March 2, 2009.
The Board of Education held the election for new Board Chairman, Vice Chairman and Chairman Pro Tem. Dawn Robinson stated that she would not like to be considered for board chairman. Tom Cloud nominated Peggy Pesterfield for the position of School Board Chairman. The nominations closed. The vote was unanimous. Evelyn Rockholt nominated Murl Dirksen for Vice Chairman of the Cleveland City School Board. The nominations closed. The vote was unanimous. Murl Dirksen nominated Evelyn Rockholt as Chairman Pro Tem. The nominations closed. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
December 1, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at Cleveland High School, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Board Chair, Dawn Robinson stated that the Board Members had before them a revised agenda adding items 11, 12 and 13. A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Murl Dirksen and received a second by Tom Cloud. Peggy Pesterfield asked that policies 4.301 and 6.202 be removed from the consent agenda. Murl Dirksen asked that item 2E Surplus Sale be removed from the consent agenda. Board Chair Dawn Robinson stated that policies 4.301 and 6.202 will be placed after item 8 and 2E, Surplus Sales would be placed after item 9 on the regular agenda. The vote was unanimous.
In the first spotlight Mr. Charlie Cogdill, Athletic Director for Cleveland High School recognized Mrs. Rachel Moore, girl’s basketball coach at Cleveland High School for receiving the TSSAA 2008 Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletics Association District 3 Coach of the Year Award.
In the second spotlight Mr. Steve Clariday Supervisor of the Vocational Department at Cleveland High School introduced Mr. John Southard, teacher of media program/video stream at Cleveland High School. Mr. Southard introduced three of his students who are active in the media program. They video athletic events, news and weather on the CHS website on a daily basis.
In the third spotlight Mr. Jeff Elliott, Principal of Cleveland Middle School, introduced the National Middle School Conference Presenters-CMS Purple Team. Mr. Joel Barnes gave a brief description of the presentation performed at the conference and thanked the board for the opportunity to attend and participate in the conference.
In the fourth spotlight Mr. Richard Shaw, Leadership teacher at Cleveland High School introduced three of his students who have been instrumental in planning a memory garden at Cleveland High School for students and teachers who have passed away while attending or working at the school. The garden will be on the left side of the entrance to the school across from the football field.
In the fifth spotlight Mrs. Athena Davis, English teacher at Cleveland High School who has developed a blog for her students to read and write comments about various articles and books regard the Jewish Holocaust. Three of her students commented on the blog and how it has helped them to learn.
Mr. Doug Greene, Assistant Director of Schools, sitting in for Dr. Rick Denning presented the Director’s Updates. He introduced Mr. Paul Ramsey, Public Relations Supervisor who reviewed highlights from the Internal Communication Survey. Mr. Ramsey stated that over half of the system employees responded to the survey.
Mr. Greene then introduced Mr. Renny Whittenbarger teacher in the Vocational Department of Cleveland High School. Mr.Whittenbarger introduced his Robotics Class students who made a presentation of their robots. The class hopes to compete in robotic competitions.
Mr. Greene recognized the dance team from Cleveland Middle School for receiving very complimentary comments from a parent of a dance team member in another school who saw the CMS Dance Team perform at a Country Jam fest in Nashville.
Mr. David Sheely reported on the Greenway Expansion project that will be adjacent to the Cleveland High School property. He stated that the project should be complete by the end of spring or early summer.
Mr. Brian Quinn gave an update on the Emergency Preparedness procedure for Cleveland City Schools. He stated that the procedure was found to be in compliance and was told that very few districts have anything like this plan. The principals, SRO officers, fire department and policy department all have access to this plan via the Internet.
Mrs. Ann Culbreth reported on the school system’s annual report card. The Board of Education asked questions and some concerns were addressed.
Mrs. Ann Culbreth addressed the policy changes to come before the board on first reading. Policy 1.106 Code of Ethics had three options to choose from. Bill Brown made the motion the approve option 2 as the new policy 1.106 Code of Ethics. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 1.1061 Effective Boardsmanship Standards was presented to the Board for first reading. Evelyn Rockholt made the motion to approve the changes to policy 1.1061 as written. The motion received a second by Peggy Pesterfield. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 4.301 Interscholastic Athletics was presented to the board on second reading. The Board agreed by consent to send this policy back to the administration for revision. No vote was taken on this policy.
Policy 6.202 Home School was presented to the board on second reading. The Board agreed by consent to send this policy back to the administration for revision. No vote was taken on this policy.
The annual system calendar for the coming school year was present to the Board. Two options were presented, Option 1 and Option 2. Mr. Steve Morgan suggested to the Media that the community be informed that both options will be available for review on the school system web site. The community can call a Board Member with their comments. The Board will vote on the school calendar at the January Board of Education meeting.
The items for Surplus Sale moved from the consent agenda were discussed. Several Board members asked that the items available be posted on the school system publication Pathways so that all teachers will have an opportunity to claim items for use in their classroom before they are offered for sale. Murl Dirksen made a motion that items 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 be taken off the surplus sale list and that the remaining items be approved for sale. Peggy Pesterfield seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
The Board Members each reported on their highlights of the TSBA Annual Convention held in November.
Chairman Dawn Robinson stated that it was requested that the Site Committee discuss a timeline by Upland Design Group for the science wing to Cleveland High School. Bill Brown stated that he had a discussion with representative of Upland Design Group regarding a delayed payment to the process until after the bidding phase of the project. It was suggested that the Board meet with the City Council to discuss this time line. It was decided that Dr. Rick Denning will set up the meeting and Dawn Robinson will send an email to the Board of the date. The site committee by general consent agreed to have a site committee meeting regarding the timeline and what to discuss with the council. Brian Templeton of Upland Design Group told Bill Brown during their discussion that he would work with the Board on the timeline and payment schedule.
Chairman Dawn Robinson reminded the board that the joint meeting with the Bradley County Board will be December 11, 2008, at 5:00 p.m.
Steve Morgan made the motion that the Board approve the overnight field trip submitted by Cleveland High School’s wrestling team December 19-20, 2008. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned by general consent at 8:19 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
November 3, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The Board Chair stated that the spotlight on the regular agenda would be deleted because the new projector for the Board Room has not been installed as previously planned.
A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Bill Brown and received a second by Peggy Pesterfield. Tom Cloud asked that item 2C, Approval of Field Trips be taken off the consent agenda. Board Chair Dawn Robinson stated that this item would be placed after the last item on the regular agenda. The vote was unanimous.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson asked that the Board to renew Dr. Rick Denning’s contract calling on Dr. Denning to explain that he would like his contract renewed for four more years. Dr. Denning stated that he would like to be the Director particularly since there would be a lot of changes in the next four years due to retirements of supervisors and the possibility of some building projects.
A motion was made by Bill Brown to approve the renewal of a fouryear contract for Dr. Rick Denning. The motion received a second by Steve Morgan. There was some discussion involving the percentage of salary increase for the Director. Dr. Murl Dirksen stated that four percent seems high during these financially difficult times. Board Chair Dawn Robinson stated that it was her observation that in order to keep the salary of the Director competitive that these increases were necessary. It was suggested by Peggy Pesterfield that perhaps the four percent increase could be revisited if financial times improved. Tom Cloud stated that he did not think he could vote to approve a four year contract but he could vote for a two year contract. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to revisit the 4% salary increase from year to year. It was recommended by the chairman that the vote be postponed until a member of the board have an opportunity to negotiate with Dr. Denning and report back to the board. Murl Dirksen withdrew his motion. Bill Brown made a motion to postpone his motion until the board negotiates further. Tom Cloud seconded. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Rick Denning explained the reason he accepted the four percent increase each year by stating that in some years past he was forced to hire a lawyer due to some issues between him and the Board. He also voluntarily reduced his 4 % increase when economic times were difficult. The chairman appointed Dr. Dirksen to negotiate with Dr. Denning and report to the board at a later date.
Dr. Rick Denning reviewed the Good News from Cleveland City Schools stating that the news from each school is in the board packet. He added that all of the employees of the schools work very hard and want he wanted to thank the administrators and the PTO members, some of whom are here tonight for all their hard work in the schools.
Dr. Rick Denning reviewed an article found in Newsweek Magazine reporting that in the United Kingdom 70% of all schools use Activboard in their classrooms. In the United States only 16% of all elementary schools have Activboards. Dr. Denning was happy to report to 100% of the classrooms in the elementary schools at Cleveland City Schools have Activboards. The secondary schools use some Activboards and some use similar technology such as slate boards. Cleveland City Schools are proud to have this technology in our schools.
Dr. Tervor Milliron of Lee University presented the program Play Therapy started in 2003 by a group of professors at Lee University. Dr. Milliron stated that the facility is licensed and partnered with Safe Schools Healthy Students. This program is available to both the city and county school systems to counsel and rehabilitate children with ADHD.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson stated that item 7 would not be discussed because a group from Cleveland City Schools had met with City Manager Janice Casteel and it was decided that a meeting with the City Council should be postponed until after the City Budget Retreat on November 7.
Dr. Rick Denning presented a draft for a new board policy entitled Extracurricular Activity and Interscholastic Athletic Participation. Dr. Denning recommended this new policy because in the past some students of other county school systems and some private and home schooled students have asked to participate in extracurricular activities at Cleveland City Schools. This request has presented a problem since there was not a policy to give a directive. The Board would like to review the recommended policy and vote on the draft at the next Board of Education meeting. Dr. Denning asked that the record show that any student who is participating in Cleveland City Schools extracurricular activities who are not an enrolled student will be allowed to continue doing so until graduation.
Ann Culbreth presented policies for approval on first reading. Policy 4.600 Grading System Mrs. Culbreth asked for permission to bring this policy back next month for first reading as some of the administrators have had questions about this policy and would possibly like to make recommended changes. The Board agreed that this policy will be brought back for first reading at the December Board Meeting.
An amendment to Policy 1.808, Registered Sex Offenders was brought to the board for approval on first reading. Evelyn Rockholt made the motion that policy 1.808 be accepted as amended. Murl Dirksen made a seconded to the motion. The vote was unanimous.
An amendment to Policy 4.301 Interscholastic Athletics was brought to the board for approval on first reading. Evelyn Rockholt made the motion to approve policy 4.301 as amended. The motion received a second from Peggy Pesterfield. The vote was unanimous.
An amendment to Policy 6.304 Student Discrimination was brought to the board for approval on first reading. Evelyn Rockholt made the motion to approve policy 6.304 as amended. The motion was seconded by Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
An amendment to Policy 5.114 Personnel Records was brought t the board for approval on first reading. Evelyn Rockholt made the motion to approve policy 5.114 as amended. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Principal Jeff Elliott introduced the staff members from Cleveland Middle School who attended the National Project Citizen Conference in Washington D.C. Mr. Eric Phillips, Mr. Charles Moore and Ms. Janis Kyser each spoke on the experience in Washington D.C. and how proud they are of the curriculum offered to Cleveland Middle School students in the Project Citizen program. The teachers thanked the Board of Education for allowing them the opportunity to have this program and to allow them to participate in the Conference.
Mr. Greg Thomas and Mr. Paul Corder of the City of Cleveland presented the urban growth plan and the three areas proposed for annexation by the City of Cleveland. Mr. Thomas explained where these areas are on a map of Bradley County and explained the number of residences in these areas. He stated that a study is being done by an independent consultant who is going to prepare a ten year plan for the city. This study will include public education growth. Mr. Thomas added that the planning commission did not recommend that area 2 be including in the annexation at this time. The city council has not voted on the annexation.
Larry Payne brought back the Virtual Schools update from the State of Tennessee. Mr. Payne said he had included the update in the board packets and he would answer any questions the Board had at this time. The actual guidelines have not been handed down from the state at this time. When asked when the guidelines would be handed down, Mr. Payne said he did not know but that he was attending a meeting next Friday and hopefully would be informed of the guidelines at that time.
Rick Denning gave an update on the School Support Organizations forms to be completed by each organization. At this time some of the forms are coming in and when they are all completed they will be posted on the school system website.
Dawn Robinson announced that TSBA is presenting a Sport Law Conference at TSBA headquarters on December 4, 2008. She asked that any board member wishing to attend contact Rea Bivens to register you for the conference.
Scott Carroll, Athletic Director for Cleveland Middle School presented the eligibility requirements for sports at Cleveland Middle School. Mr. Carroll explained that Cleveland Middle School follows the TMSSA rules. Mr. Carroll added that although Cleveland Middle School follows these rules they also have more restrictions they follow for athletic eligibility at CMS. Chuck Rockholt, Principal of Cleveland High School presented the eligibility requirement for sport at CHS. He too explained that CHS has added restrictions for eligibility on athletes. Although Cleveland City School Board does not have a policy for athletic eligibility, each school has rules and regulations that they follow above the requirements of TSSAA.
Mr. Lawrence Armstrong of NAACP Bradley County Branch commended both school systems for the rules they have in place but he said these rules still do not address the problems he has. He said there were some loose links for player eligibility. Mr. Armstrong felt that the rules are not strict enough and they are not consistent enough. He would like to see the rules and regulations so strict that the student is not allowed to play sports unless he or she is consistently making passing grades.
Item 2C pulled from the consent agenda was discussed. In particular, Mr. Tom Cloud asked about the field trip letter from the Wrestling Team. The request was not made on the proper form and some important information was left out. Mr. Jeff Elliott stated that he would have the coach prepare the correct form and resubmit it but that the trip was planned for a week from Friday. The board discussed this and a motion was made by Bill Brown that Dr. Denning will approve the field trip form after it is submitted on the proper documentation. The motion received a second from Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned by general consent at 8:13 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
October 23, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in a special meeting on the above date at the Teen Learning Center, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield and Dr. Rick Denning, Director of Schools.
ViceChairman Tom Cloud called the meeting to order.
The only item on the agenda was to vote on fundraising events for Cleveland High School and Arnold Elementary School. A motion was made by Bill Brown to approve the fundraiser event for Cleveland High School and Arnold Elementary School. Peggy Pesterfield seconded the motion. The vote passed by general consent.
The meeting was adjourned by general consent.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
October 6, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson asked that Policy 1.106 Code of Ethics be removed from the consent agenda and placed after item 10 of the regular agenda. Board Member Murl Dirksen asked that item 2D fundraisers be removed from the consent agenda. The Board Chair asked the board members to note that a list of fundraisers from Arnold School had been placed at each board members place. These fundraisers came in after the board packet was mailed out. Mrs. Robinson placed these items after item 8 of the regular agenda. After these two items were removed and one item was added, a motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the consent agenda with changes. The motion received a second from Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Doug Greene presented the Good News from Cleveland City Schools. Mr. Greene handed out two additional Good News reports that had come in after the board packet was mailed.
Mr. Greene called on Ms. Debby Torres to report to the Board of Education on the SACS Accreditation audit recently performed at Cleveland City Schools. Ms. Torres reported that the Administration and Board did a great job during this audit and that the auditors were very complimentary. Each year the school system will report to SACS on their goals and progress.
Mr. Tom Wheeler from Cleveland Utilities reported to the Board that energy/utilities costs would be increasing 20%. Mr. Wheeler complimented Cleveland City Schools on its foresight in installing Geothermal Energy Systems for many of the school buildings. He stated that the system would see a big savings in the long run. Mr. Wheeler hopes that the energy costs will come down in January.
Mr. Lawrence Armstrong, President of the Bradley County Branch of the NAACP approached the Board of Education asking them to investigate a situation involving two high school students who had transferred to Walker Valley High School and as a result have been denied eligibility to play sports by the TSSAA organization. Mr. Armstrong stated that he would also like the Board of Education to implement a policy so that this situation would not occur in the future. Mr. Armstrong stated that the father of the students was not adequately informed of the TSSAA rules regarding transferring students. The Board of Education discussed the situation with Mr. Armstrong and also heard from Mr. Demetrius Ramsey of the NAACP as well as the father of the two students, Mr. Mac Sharpe, and Pastor Martha Tibbs. Bill Brown offered to meet with the NAACP to discuss a new Board Policy that could require, among other things, that the TSSAA rules be shared with parents of students who are transferring out of Cleveland High School. Murl Dirksen made a motion that a committee be appointed to meet on behalf of the parents of the two students to investigate the situation. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was three no, three yes and one pass. Murl Dirksen, Tom Cloud and Dawn Robinson voted yes. Evelyn Rockholt, Bill Brown, and Steve Morgan voted no. Peggy Pesterfield passed. For lack of a majority vote, the motion did not pass. Bill Brown stated that he would like to meet with the NAACP representatives to collaborate on crafting the policy.
Bill Brown reported on the meeting of the Volkswagen Impact Task Force on September 24. The committee began evaluating a study for housing and school system demands. The committee also issued a request for proposal for someone to do a comprehensive study.
Murl Dirksen reported on the Greenway project. Dr. Dirksen stated that the new Mayfield Elementary School property would not be part of the Greenway project.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson announced that notice on the agenda of the School Board’s intent to renew the Director’s contract is in compliance with the State of Tennessee Public Chapter 904. Mrs. Robinson added that due to Dr. Denning’s recent illness the Board would discuss renewing the Director’s contract at either the November or December Board meeting depending on when Dr. Denning is well enough to return to work.
With regard to the fundraisers pulled from the consent agenda, five of the fundraiser request forms that are from the soccer team are not completely filled out. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen to approve the fundraisers except for the ones from the soccer team that are not completely filled out. The motion received a second from Bill Brown. Bill Brown also amended the motion to add that the organizations requesting the fundraisers must be in compliance with the student support organizations policy approved by the Board. The vote was unanimous.
Evelyn Rockholt reported on the possibility of forming an Intergovernmental Committee. Mrs. Rockholt stated that after the joint Ron Woody finance workshop with the City Board of Education, County Board of Education, City Council and County Commission there was informal discussion desiring that a committee of these governmental bodies form a committee to discuss issues pertinent to all four groups. Each group would appoint two members to serve on the committee. Dawn Robinson, Board Chair, asked Evelyn Rockholt and Peggy Pesterfield to serve on this committee. Tom Cloud will be the alternate. They will approach the other bodies and request their participation in such a committee. Evelyn and Peggy will report back to the board.
Policy 1.106 Code of Ethics, which was pulled from the consent agenda, was discussed. The Board discussed postponing the vote on this policy until the November meeting to get clarification on the differences in the TSBA Model Policy and the current MTAS ethics policy. A motion was made by Bill Brown to postpone the vote on this policy. The motion received a second from Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous.
The fall fundraisers submitted by Arnold Elementary School were reviewed. The list was not presented on the fundraiser forms used by the High School and the Middle School. The Board members added that the fundraisers need to be put on the proper form, completely filled out and resubmitted to the Board so that they may vote on them at the Board visit to the Teen Learning Center on October 23. The Board will designate that lunch as a special called meeting for the purpose of voting on the approval of the fundraisers.
There were no reports on the Fall District meeting. The Board attended the meeting but arrived very late due to a wreck on Interstate 24.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m. by general consent.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
September 8, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Steve Morgan, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Judge Mike Sharp administered the oath of office to reelected Board members Evelyn Rockholt and Murl Dirksen and newly elected Board member, Steve Morgan. Mrs. Mary Frances Armstrong of the Election Commission was also present for the ceremony and presented the election certificates to the Board members.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved by motion of Peggy Pesterfield and second by Evelyn Rockholt.
In the first spotlight the new teachers were recognized by Board Chair Dawn Robinson and introduced themselves as follows: Cassie Bailey BlytheBower, Sarah Brown-Arnold, Karen Bunch-Cleveland Middle, Jeremy Burchfield-Cleveland High, Mark Campbell-Cleveland High, Nicholas Cantrell- Cleveland High, David Casteel-Cleveland High, Laura Cate-Cleveland High, Amanda Ellis-Arnold, Ana Maria Estrada-Mayfield, Christy Fretwell- Cleveland High, Tim Gearrin-Teen Learning Center, Adam Grodek-Cleveland Middle, Matt Ingram-Arnold, Wade Jackson-Cleveland High, Melanie Johnson- BlytheBower, Nicole Lavigne-Cleveland Middle, Zelda Martin-Mayfield, Beth Ann Mills-Mayfield, Adam Moss-Arnold, Danny Murphy-Mayfield, Brandi Ownby - Cleveland Middle, Linda Pflug-Ross, Brad Self-Cleveland High, Teena Sherlin-Ross, Carlo Singleton-Cleveland High, Deborah Turner-BlytheBower and Megan Turner-Stuart.
In the second spotlight Ms. Paula Pedrick, fourth grade teacher at Arnold Memorial Elementary School presented a power point program she developed for her students. She also shared the web page for parents.
In the third spotlight, Dr. Rick Denning presented the Board with the Spirit of Achievement Award that was presented to him and the Board of Education from Junior Achievement.
In the fourth spotlight, Sandy Moore of Junior Achievement presented an update of what Junior Achievement has been providing for the students of Cleveland High School. Mrs. Moore summarized the different projects and programs available through Junior Achievement during the past two years.
Dr. Rick Denning asked the Board to amend the regular agenda adding a request by Cleveland Middle School to allow the 8th grade football team to leave school early one time to travel to a game in middle TN. This request came in after the agenda had been prepared. Dr. Denning also asked to move item number 8 to before number 5. Dr. Denning also asked that the regular agenda be approved. Murl Dirksen made the motion that the regular agenda be approved with the two changes recommended by the Dr. Denning. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning presented the Good News from Cleveland City Schools. He handed out a few more good news items that came in after the agenda was prepared.
On the Human Side, Dr. Denning reported on the Task Force Meeting of the Cleveland Bradley Church and School Initiative regarding "We Care Week."
The Director of School gave his update including an inspection report performed by Associated Architectural Services regarding the Cleveland High School Gym Wall Cracks. Dr. Denning stated that he was suspicious of some cracks he found in the wall and had the wall inspected to assure that it was safe. The inspection was performed by Mr. George Harbison of Associated Architectural Services and found the wall to be safe.
Dr. Denning asked the Board to review a request by the Cleveland Middle School Athletic Director to allow the eighth grade football team to leave at 1:15 on September 18 to play a game in Franklin, Tennessee. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to allow the eighth grade football team to leave school at 1:15 on September 18, 2008. The motion received a second by Peggy Pesterfield. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Doug Greene and Mr. Brian Quinn presented the board with the rough draft of the safety plan required to comply with the State of Tennessee SAVE ACT. A conference call was placed to Scott Corzine, Senior Vice President of Risk Solutions International and Christina Bredhold, Organizer/Presenter. The plan and procedures were explained to the Board and the Board asked questions of Ms. Bredhold. Ms. Bredhold answered all questions posed to her. Dr. Rick Denning recommended that the Board move forward with the SAVE ACT plan and to change the policy regarding this process. A motion was made by Peggy Pesterfield to proceed in putting the plan into action. The motion received a second by Steve Morgan. The vote was unanimous. Bill Brown made a motion that a report explaining the implementation of the plan systemwide should be given to the board in November. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Steve Morgan added that the policy corresponding to this procedure should be reviewed by November as well. Board Chair Dawn Robinson asked the policy committee to review this policy by the November meeting.
Parents of the baseball, soccer and football boosters were present to discuss the new legislation regarding school support organizations. The booster parents would like to propose a change to the board policy. The Board members agreed that a meeting should be scheduled for the Board and the parents to sit down and discuss the legislation and a possible change in the board policy. Dr. Denning will schedule the meeting and advise the Board Members of the date and place.
Policy 2.404 School Support Organizations was presented for second reading. The Board was in agreement that the policy needs to be voted on at this meeting with the understanding that it will be tweaked and brought back for another reading at a later time. Bill Brown made the motion that policy 2.404 be approved on second reading with a modification. The last paragraph should be moved to the second paragraph and the TCA site should be corrected to read TCA 492603 (4)(A) and (B). The motion received a second by Steve Morgan. A suggestion to further modify the policy was made by Steve Morgan to add at the end of the first bulleted sentence under Procedures "or his designee." The suggestion had the consent of Bill Brown, who made the motion. The vote was unanimous.
The Board presented the first reading of Policy 1.8012 for approval. Evelyn Rockholt made the motion to approved policy 1.8012 Extended School Day/Year Programs and School Age Childcare as written. The motion received a second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Policies 1.106 Code of Ethics, 1.1061 Effective Boardmanship Standards, 4.406 Use of the Internet, 4.502 Parent/Family Involvement and 4.503 Parent Organizations/Booster Clubs were presented to the Board for approval on first reading. Evelyn Rockholt made the motion to approve policies 1.106, 1.1061, 4.406, 4.502 and 4.503 as recommended by TSBA to match new laws. The motion received a second by Bill Brown. The vote was unanimous.
Ms. Tanya Jacobs, Power Utilization Engineer for TVA presented the TVA and Cleveland Utilities energy audit for Cleveland City Schools. Ms. Jacobs reviewed the audit and answered questions posed by the Board. Ms. Jacobs stated that after studying the audit it was felt that the school system should consider hiring an Energy Manager to enforce energy savings for the school system.
Mr. Larry Payne reported on the attendance and enrollment for Cleveland City Schools as of September 8, 2008. After Mr. Payne’s report, Dr. Denning made the recommendation that a teacher be hired for Cleveland Middle School in order to be in compliance with BEP requirements. Tom Cloud made a motion that the Board hire a teacher for Cleveland Middle School. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning reported that SACS is requesting two meeting with the Board of Education on Monday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 24. The Board decided to hold these meetings with SACS on Monday, September 22 at 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, September 24 at noon.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson appointed the following delegates to the TSBA Convention: Steve Morgan, Murl Dirksen and Bill Brown. The alternate delegate will be Peggy Pesterfield.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. by general consent.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
August 23, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in a special emergency meeting on the above date at Mayfield Elementary School, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson, Evelyn Rockholt and Dr. Rick Denning, Director of Schools. Doug Greene and Larry Payne, Administrators and Mr. Steve Morgan, citizen were also in attendance.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order.
The only item on the agenda was to vote on funding a new teacher for Arnold Memorial Elementary School, a new CDC position at George R. Stuart Elementary School, a new nurse/assistant at Mayfield Elementary School and a new one half teacher’s assistant at BlytheBower Elementary School. A motion was made by Peggy Pesterfield that the Board fund the new positions of two teachers, a nurse/assistant and a half time teacher’s assistant. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned by general consent.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
August 11, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at George R. Stuart Elementary School, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The Board Chair recognized Mr. Steve Morgan in the audience and congratulated Mr. Morgan on his election as School Board Member. Mr. Morgan will take his seat on the Board at the September 8th School Board meeting.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved after a motion to accept by Max Carroll and a second to the motion made by Tom Cloud.
In the first spotlight, Board Chair Dawn Robinson and the Board Members recognized the teachers who were granted tenure in Cleveland City Schools. The teachers are as follows:
Elizabeth Davis and Cynthia Parker from Mayfield School
Jennifer Barnette and Emily Elliott from Ross School
Julie Carson and Dianne Hundley from Stuart School
Joel Barnes, Rodney Broadnax, Sarah Brown, Grace Dyrek, Sherry Govan, Tammy Magourik and Erik Mountain from Cleveland Middle School
Rosita Brown, Kelly Conn, Rodney Gibson, Seth Jones, Taunya Lovelace and Julie Phillips from Cleveland High School. Each teacher was presented with a certificate of congratulations.
In the second spotlight, Board Chair Dawn Robinson and the Board Members recognized the teachers who retired from Cleveland City Schools. The teachers are as follows:
Sherry Wilson, Charlotte Timberlake, Delbert King, Dale Harmeson, Ann Horne, Jannuth Carroll, Mary Lynn West, Olivia Crump, Richard Shaw, Kaye Morrow and Hugh Pritchett. Each teacher with 15 years service was presented with a bonus check.
Dr. Rick Denning presented the Good News for Cleveland City Schools "On the Human Side." Dr. Denning reported that in some of the kindergarten classes, teachers make home visits to rising kindergarten students. Dr. Denning also reported that Mr. Chuck Rockholt, principal of Cleveland High School wrote to him regarding an excellent job done by the school bookkeeper in having "no reportable findings." Dr. Denning added that all of Cleveland City Schools received such reports this year. Good job bookkeepers! Dr. Denning also reported that Mr. Jim Burton, teacher at Cleveland High School has provided especially outstanding leadership as Tennessee Music Education Association’s Band Chair for the years July 1, 2006-June 30, 2008.
Dr. Rick Denning presented the Board with a Long Range Facilities Plan, which had been revised by the Cleveland City School Site Committee. A motion to approve the Long Range Facilities Plan as presented was made by Bill Brown. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Rick Denning brought the issue of a change in the school day schedule to Board as requested and stated that he did not have a recommendation for the Board at this time. He added that the high school is still studying this issue.
Dr. Rick Denning asked Mr. Larry Payne to report on the possibility of having virtual school classes available to student of Cleveland High School and the Teen Learning Center. Mr. Payne reported that the Teen Learning Center has some opportunities for virtual school classes. The cost is $50.00 per student. Mr. Payne asked Debbie Crabtree to attend the meeting this evening and she reported that there might be some opportunity for the technology grant E4TN to help with the cost. Mr. Payne added that the state board will be meeting and more information will be available after the meeting in October. Murl Dirksen asked that Mr. Payne report back to the Board at the November meeting regarding the state’s decision.
Dr. Rick Denning introduced Mr. Gene Bishop of D. F. Chase Construction. Mr. Bishop reported that he has been at Mayfield Elementary School this summer and supervising all the items not finished on the punch list at new Mayfield School building. He stated that the items are all complete now and the school looks new again.
Dr. Rick Denning stated that he sent an email to the Board as a reminder of the Administrative/Board Retreat on Saturday, August 23, 2008, presented by Apple Computers, Inc. The Board and Administrators will be trained on the uses available through iPod technology. The meeting will begin at 9:00 and will end at 1:00. A light breakfast will be provided at 8:30 and lunch will be provided as well.
Dr. Rick Denning presented early fund raiser for Cleveland High School. He explained that the fund raisers were not submitted until after the board packets were mail and would like the board to review them at this time. A motion was made by Peggy Pesterfield to approve the early fund raisers presented from Cleveland High School. The motion received a second from Max Carroll. The vote was unanimous
Dr. Rick Denning announced that with regard to the finance workshop to be presented by Ron Woody, he has checked with the City Manager, Janice Casteel who stated that the City Council has already had this financial training. Dr. Denning will check with the County Mayor to see if the County Commission would be interested in this workshop, and Mr. Johnny McDaniel, the Director of Bradley County School to find out if the County Board of Education would be interested in joining the City School Board in this workshop.
Mr. Doug Greene reported to the Board on the TVA Energy Audit. Mr. Greene handed out booklets prepared by TVA and highlighted some of the audit findings. Mr. Greene asked the Board to take the booklet and study it. Next month at the Board meeting a representative of TVA will present the audit to them.
Ms. Debby Torres reported on the Strategic Plan for Cleveland City Schools. Last month the Board was presented with a copy of the plan. Ms. Torres asked if there were any questions about the plan. She added that the plan is being updated all the time and the updates can be found on the website. The changes are made in a different color to assist readers in recognizing them. Max Carroll made the motion to approve the strategic plan. Bill Brown seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Larry Payne reported on the implications of the new graduation policy by the State Board of Education and the recommendation made by the team of administrators to study this policy.
Board Policies were reviewed and the following policies were submitted to the Board for changes:
Policy 2.404 School Support Organizations-A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the policy changes of Policy 2.404 as written. The motion received a second by Max Carroll. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 3.206 Community Use of School Facilities-A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the policy changes of Policy 3.206 as written. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 6.203 School Admissions-A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the policy changes of Policy 6.203 as written. The motion received a second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Tom Cloud asked the Board members if a meeting with the booster officers was necessary to share the new legislation regarding school support organizations. He added that he thought it would be helpful to them to understand the law. There was some discussion regarding the idea of a meeting. It was decided that a meeting was not necessary at this time but that if the booster and PTO officers would like to have more explanation that a meeting could be arranged. A motion was made by Bill Brown to require all organization to comply with the new legislation and the board policy by October 1, 2008. The motion received a second by Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Doug Moore announced to the Board that the PTO of E. L. Ross Elementary School has offered to fund the construction of an awning on the back of the school building. Mr. Moore would like to ask the Board for permission to allow the PTO to add the awning to the building. A motion was made by Tom Cloud to accept the funds from the PTO for the awning on the back of the E. L. Ross Elementary School building. The motion received a second by Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous. The Board thanked the officers of the Ross PTO for their contribution to the school.
Dr. Rick Denning reported to the Board that a half time ESL teacher was required to comply with Federal Regulations for class size. Dr. Denning asked the Board to approve this position. A motion was made by Peggy Pesterfield to approve the position of a half time ESL teacher. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Rick Denning presented the Board with a schedule of School Board visits to each Cleveland City Schools school building. The board approved the schedule by general consent.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson discussed the upcoming TSBA Fall District Meeting to be held at Richard City, Tennessee on Thursday, September 18. Mrs. Robinson stated that if the board members would like to attend they should let Rea Bivens know so that she can register them and if they would like to ride together that Dr. Denning would have a van available. The van will leave the AOB at 4:00 p.m.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson reported that the TSBA Annual Leadership Conference and Convention would be held on Saturday, November 15- 18. Board Members wishing to attend should let Rea Bivens know as soon as possible so that a room can be reserved for them at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
Board Chair Dawn Robinson recognized Max Carroll as this being his last school board meeting. Mr. Carroll has retired from the School Board after 25 years. Mrs. Robinson thanked Max for his years of service as board member and each Board member said a few kind words about Max Carroll and thanked him for his service and friendship.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
July 21, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield, and Dawn Robinson. Evelyn Rockholt was absent. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins from the Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved after a motion to accept by Max Carroll and a second by Tom Cloud.
In the first spotlight, Dr. Rick Denning presented Mr. Scott Carroll, athletic director at Cleveland Middle School to congratulate him on completing the "Certified Athletic Administrator" process.
In the second spotlight, Dr. Rick Denning announced that several teachers and the principal from Cleveland Middle School would be participating in the Appalachia Corridor Teaching American History grant. The grant is a threeyear program that allows the participants to receive a Master’s or EDS degree through Tennessee Tech.
In the third spotlight, Dr. Rick Denning presented Mrs. Betsy Hondorf, Swimming Coach of Cleveland High School. Mrs. Hondorf has been invited to join the ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association) Fellows Class of 2008.
Dr. Rick Denning announced that as part of the Good News from Cleveland Schools he would be adding a section entitled "On the Human Side." This month on the human side he announced that he received a memorandum from a parent and teacher from Cleveland Middle School praising the staff at Cleveland Middle School for her son’s experience at the middle school in his eighth grade year. Also on the human side Dr. Denning stated that after the death of one Cleveland High School student, several of the teachers gathered at the school with the students in the evening during the summer to counsel the students who had gone to the high school to be with each other in their grieving. Dr. Denning felt this was above and beyond the call of a teacher’s duties and wanted them to know he thought that this was a wonderful thing to do.
Dr. Rick Denning gave an update on the skateboard resolution passed by the Board at the June meeting. Dr. Denning received an email from City Manager, Janice Casteel stating that a city citation can be issued to those individuals actually skate boarding on the school premises and a state citation can be issued to anyone trespassing on the roofs. If an individual is found on the roof with a skateboard, a city citation can be issued.
Dr. Denning updated the Board on the progress being made installing the HVAC systems at George R. Stuart Elementary School. He commended CCS maintenance department for its hard work and stated that the maintenance crew had saved over $100,000 to the system by completing the work themselves.
Dr. Denning announced that the September Board of Education Meeting would be held on September 8 due to the first Monday being Labor Day. The October meeting will be held on October 6. This will start the meeting time change to the first Monday of each month instead of the second Monday of each month.
Dr. Denning shared with the Board a memorandum he sent to all Cleveland City School employees restricting travel because of the current economic situation. If an employee wished to attend a conference they will be required to personally bear the expense. The only exception will be travel approved prior to the memorandum and mandates dictated by federal, state or grant requirements.
Dr. Denning announced that the State Comptroller would be visiting Cleveland/Bradley County on July 29, 2008 from 9:00-11:30 at Cleveland High School. Senator Dewayne Bunch has asked the comptroller to come to Bradley County to explain the new legislation pertaining to school support organizations.
Dr. Denning shared a memorandum he received from Brenda Carson, Business Manager for Cleveland City Schools regarding the new 403b Administration requirements.
Dr. Rodney Fitzgerald gave a summary of the work done for Cleveland City and Bradley County Schools under the Safe Schools Healthy Students grant. Dr. Fitzgerald stated that the grant will run through September of 2009 and that hopefully after that time many of the programs that have been set up during the course of the grant will be picked up by the school systems.
Ms. Joan Bradburn and Mr. Andrew Phillips demonstrated a new computer set up that the technology department has been using in some of the city schools. The set up allows multiple compute monitors to run off of one computer hard drive. This will reduce the cost to schools that will be replacing aging computers. Mr. Phillips also demonstrated a computer program which allows him to work on individual computers in the system from his desk saving time and travel to the individual schools.
Dr. Denning shared the Free/Reduced Lunch percentages as of February 2008 with the Board.
Dr. Denning introduced Mr. Jeffrey Elliott, principal of Cleveland Middle School to share guidelines he has written for and 8th grade academic promotion procedure. This system would be a concept toward teaching the students about earning credits. Dr. Rick Denning made a recommendation to the Board to allow Mr. Elliott to try this program. A motion was made by Peggy Pesterfield to allow Cleveland Middle School to try this academic promotion procedure, after some minor changes are made to wording regarding special education students. The motion received a second by Dr. Murl Dirksen. The vote was unanimous
Dr. Rick Denning presented a revision of the Long Range Facility Plan presented at a previous meeting. The newly revised plan prioritized the facility needs into categories and in priority needs selected by the principal of the schools. The board of education agreed by general consent that the director would take the long range facilities plan to the site committee to come up with the top ten items or top $1 million dollars worth of improvements to present to the city council at its Fall Budget retreat. The Board will revisit the list after it has been revised at the August or September Board meeting.
The Board evaluated the Director of Schools and found him to be in compliance in all areas of Qualifications and Duties and School District Goals. A motion was made by Max Carroll that the Director be found in compliance in the areas of Qualifications and Duties and School District Goals. The motion received a second by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Rick Denning asked the Board to pick a date for Mr. Ron Woody of CTAS to present a finance workshop to the City School Board, the City Council, the Bradley County school Board and the Bradley County Commissioners. The board decided on the September 15, 2008, date to arrange for this workshop. Dr. Denning will contact Mr. Woody and contact the city and county groups to see if they are interested in attending this workshop.
Dr. Rick Denning shared an email he received from Mr. Brian Templeton of Upland Design Group regarding the cost of the storm water permit for the proposed science wing at Cleveland High School. The cost for this work will be $8,500.00. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen and seconded by Max Carroll that Dr. Denning, on behalf of the board take its request to the city council for funding. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Rick Denning handed out the Strategic Plan for the 2008- 2009 school year. He stated that revisions are being made and will be available on the school website. Ms. Debby Torres will be presenting the revised plan to the Board at the August Board meeting.
Item 14, TSBA Media Award was removed from the agenda because the due date for the nominations has already passed.
Chairman Dawn Robinson asked the Board of Education to review the 2009 Position Statement and Resolutions information provided by Mr. Stephen Smith of TSBA and to bring back any ideas to the August Board meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
June 2, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Murl Dirksen was absent. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, David Davis and Arleah DiFebbo of the Cleveland Daily Banner were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved after a motion to accept by Tom Cloud and a second by Evelyn Rockholt.
In the first spotlight, Dr. LeBron Lackey reported that the soccer parents group had decided to pledge to pay for the cost of the soccer field lights for the first year. Mr. Tom Cloud made a motion to accept the donation from the soccer parents to pay $14,410.56 constituting a oneyear lease on the soccer field lights and to authorize Dr. Rick Denning to enter into a contract with Cleveland Utilities for this lease. The motion received a second from Evelyn Rockholt. The vote was unanimous.
In the first spotlight, Dr. Denning recognized Mrs. Dee Dee Finison for her efforts and the efforts of the entire Reading First Grant team in securing another installment of the grant.
In the second spotlight, Dr. Denning recognized Mrs. Brenda Carson for doing a good job in keeping the Cleveland City Schools systems recorded in such order that the state auditors have come to Cleveland to do audits based on the fact that Cleveland has always kept such good records.
Dr. Rick Denning handed out copies of the Good News reports from the schools in the system.
Dr. Rick Denning introduced Mr. Brian Templeton and Mr. Kim Chamberlain, Architects from Upland Design Group. Mr. Templeton and Mr. Chamberlain presented a schematic design of the proposed Science Wing for Cleveland High School. The architects stated that they had met with the faculty at Cleveland High School and mentioned that they are excited about the momentum this project has taken on. Along with the designs a cost estimate was presented. Mr. Max Carroll made the motion that the board choose Option A as their choice from the two designs presented. Bill Brown seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
The architects stated that they would provide Dr. Denning with an estimate of the cost for additional design work.
Dr. Rick Denning recommended that the Board pay Cleveland Surveying Company for an additional topographic survey of the western side of the Cleveland High School property. The charge for this service will not exceed $1,750.00
Dr. Rick Denning presented the 2008 - 2009 General Fund Budget. Max Carroll made a motion to approve the budget as printed and to make amendments as needed. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Dawn Robinson presented an evaluation document to be used in evaluating the director of schools. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to use the evaluation document in evaluating the director. The motion received a second from Peggy Pesterfield. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 1.805 Use of Electronic Mail was presented on first reading. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the policy as written. The motion received a second from Peggy Pesterfield. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Bill Brown stated that he had been advised by the principal of Stuart school that skateboarders were getting on the roof of the school. Mr. Goff, Principal of Stuart School spoke with the city police department but they expressed to him that there was not a specific ordinance in place to deal with this type of incident and that very little enforcement was available. Mr. Brown stated that he would like to make a motion that the board request the city and county to establish an ordinance of trespassing and to specifically define trespassing as being around the HVAC system, on the roof and in the offices secured by locks. Evelyn Rockholt seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Dawn Robinson asked the board to make a motion with regard to the delivery method for the construction of the proposed science wing at Cleveland High School. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to commit to hiring a general contractor for the proposed science wing upon funding from the Cleveland City Council. The motion received a second by Peggy Pesterfield. Chairman Robinson then asked each board member to discuss their reason for the use of either a general contractor or a construction manager. Each board member stated his or her reason for choosing one method or the other. Mr. Bill Brown handed out a prepared memorandum that he would like to be made a part of the minutes of this meeting. The vote on the motion was taken by roll call. Evelyn Rockholt voted yes, Peggy Pesterfield voted yes, Tom Cloud voted yes, Max Carroll voted yes, Bill Brown voted no and Dawn Robinson voted no.
Evelyn Rockholt and Peggy Pesterfield shared their experience at the NSBA annual conference regarding Virtual School. Mrs. Rockholt stated that with the budget being as tight as it is and with overcrowding, perhaps the high school could look into the virtual school program in order to offer classes that would not require a full time teacher. It was decided that this would be discussed again at the August board meeting as there are some costs associated with these types of courses.
Peggy Pesterfield and Evelyn Rockholt shared their other experiences at the NSBA annual conference.
Peggy Pesterfield gave a legislative update. Mrs. Pesterfield briefly highlighted the legislation being proposed pertaining to public schools.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
May 15, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in a special called meeting on the above date at Cleveland Middle School in the library conference room, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Randall Higgins of Chattanooga Times Free Press, Brenda Carson and Jeff Elliott were present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order.
Brenda Carson presented for approval the 2007-2008 Budget Amendment #2. Max Carroll made a motion to accept the 2007 –2008 Budget Amendment #2. Evelyn Rockholt seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning shared a problem regarding the survey drawn of the Cleveland High School property for the proposed science wing. During the last site committee it was decided that a new survey was needed to include the southwest corner of the property. A motion was made by Peggy Pesterfield to have Cleveland Surveying do an additional survey of the southwest corner of the Cleveland High School property with a cost not to exceed $2,000.00. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
May 5, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Meg Veal of the Bradley News and David Davis of the Cleveland Daily Banner were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved after a motion to accept by Evelyn Rockholt and a second by Tom Cloud.
In the first spotlight, Renny Whittenbarger reported on the regional and state CTSO winners. The competition included contest in the areas of business, skills USA, Ford AAA, HOSA and TSA. Many Cleveland High School students placed in first and second place.
In the second spotlight, Carolyn Ingram, principal of Yates Primary School congratulated her PTO officers and members for the amount of money raised for her school allowing them to purchase active boards in value of over $40,000. Mrs. Ingram also announced that Yates Primary School would be celebrating Yates Day on May 18th from 2:00-4:00.
In the third spotlight, Chuck Rockholt, principal of Cleveland High School recognized CHS student Madyson Foster who will be representing Tennessee at the Miss America’s Teen contest in August.
In the fourth spotlight, Jim David, teacher at Cleveland Middle School thanked the Board of Education for the opportunity to participate in the Project Citizen program. Barbara Ector, teacher at Cleveland Middle School introduced the students who will be competing in the Project Citizen contest. The students performed a sample of the project they have worked on and will be presenting at the competition.
In the fifth spotlight, Dr. Rick Denning recognized Mr. Hal Taylor of Air Exchange, Inc. for installing the ventilation hoods in the science laboratories. Mr. Taylor’s company did the labor at cost for the high school.
Dr. Rick Denning presented the Good News report from Cleveland City Schools.
Dr. Rick Denning asked for permission from the Board to give him the authority to bring the issue of the school time change back to the Board during the next school year for consideration. He said he needed more time to research the advantages and disadvantages of the change. The Board acknowledged that he could have more time.
Dr. Rick Denning announced to the Board that the Food Service Department of Cleveland City Schools is participating in a Buying Group with other southeast school systems in an effort to save money on school meals.
Dr. Rick Denning announced to the Board that the Administrators of Cleveland City Schools would hold a technology workshop/retreat on the use of Ipod Technology. He stated that the workshop will keep the administrators informed of the latest technology and current practices. Dr. Denning asked the Board members to join them in this workshop on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at Mayfield Elementary School. The board members agreed to participate.
Dr. Lebron Lackey gave a report on the community soccer field that is being used the Cleveland High School’s soccer team. Dr. Lackey reported on the many improvements the soccer parents have made to the soccer complex including bleachers. Dr. Lackey stated that the City of Cleveland will be paving the drives around the fields and that he was asking the Board of Education to provide lighting to the complex. He stated that the lights would allow the complex to be used for competition bringing in more tax revenues to the City of Cleveland. The Board of Education asked Dr. Lackey to come back to the June Board of Education meeting to discuss the lights again. The Board is waiting for word on funding at this time.
Policy 4.600 Grade System was presented on first reading. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the policy as written. A second was made by Bill Brown. The vote was unanimous.
Policy 5.306 Military Leave was presented on first reading. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the policy as written. A second was made by Bill Brown. The vote was unanimous
Policy 5.801 Director of Schools Recruitment was present on first reading. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the policy as written. A second was made by Bill Brown. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Doug Greene presented an energy audit to the Board of Education. He along with Tommy Green explained the process of collecting the data they found. Mr. Greene discussed the data showing that in roofing alone the school system has saved money. The oldest roof in the system is the one put on the new portion of BlytheBower Elementary School. Dr. Dirksen asked if changing the type of lighting fixtures could help and Mr. Greene stated that it could and is being changed when needed. Mr. Tommy Green stated that the number of maintenance work orders have increased over the years and will in deed increase more but that the maintenance department is handling the work orders efficiently and that 75% of work orders are taken care of in one day. Mr. Doug Greene stated that the equipment the Board has put in place to save energy is showing a saving but it is hard to compare what is normal across the system because of the different types of energy used. Mr. Tommy Green stated that the maintenance department has computerized controls for some of the schools and that hopefully all the schools will be computerized in the future. Mr. Bill Brown asked if the energy loan the school system took part in a few years ago(QSAB) could be borrowed from to help with energy savings. Dr. Denning stated that he would look into this and report back at the next board meeting.
Ms. Zandra Morris, teacher at Cleveland High School reported on some new health and wellness programs that are being adopted at the high school in an effort to reduce obesity in teenage students.
Ms. Lana Green, Mr. Paul Ramsey and Mrs. Kellye Bender presented the Second Step Program being implemented by Ms. Green at the elementary schools. The program is a violence prevention curriculum, schoolbased social and emotional learning program that has had positive results enhancing academic achievement. This program is being taught to the teachers by Ms. Lana Green who was hired with funds provided by the Safe Schools Healthy Students grant. Board members expressed interest in having this program available in all the schools. They asked Dr. Denning to review it with his principals and report back to the board.
Debby Torres gave an update on the strategic plan with an overall review of what progress is being made to meet the current plan.
The tuition rate increase was voted on by the Board. A motion was made by Bill Brown to increase the tuition rate by 4%. Murl Dirksen seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Peggy Pesterfield gave a legislative update. Mrs. Pesterfield briefly highlighted the legislation being proposed pertaining to public schools.
Dr. Murl Dirksen gave a report on the site committee meetings held during the past month. Dr. Dirksen stated that the committee reviewed a list of long range facility items and had asked Dr. Denning to review the list with the administration and prioritize the items for the board to review. A motion was made by Tom Cloud to put a vote on the project delivery method on the agenda for June. Evelyn Rockholt seconded the motion. The vote was four to two. (Dawn Robinson and Bill Brown voted no.)
Bill Brown reported that the lawsuit regarding the title on the old Mayfield School property has been resolved and that the property should be closed on May 21st or 22nd.
Rick Denning reported that the architects for the proposed science wing will have a schematic design ready by May 29th and will present it to the board at its June meeting.
Evelyn Rockholt made a motion to change the June Board meeting from June 9 to June 2. The motion was seconded by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Dawn Robinson asked the board to agree to move the July Board meeting from July 14 to the 21st. Murl Dirksen made the motion to move the July board meeting to July 21st. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Dawn Robinson asked the board to consider moving the regular board meetings from the second Monday to the first Monday of each month beginning with the first Monday in October. Murl Dirksen made the motion to move the regular board meetings from the second Monday of the month to the first Monday of the month beginning with October 6, 2008. The motion was seconded by Tom Cloud. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Dawn Robinson asked the board to meet privately after the regular meeting adjourned to discuss a pending legal matter.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
All media, guests and employees left the boardroom.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
April 7, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, Beth Foster of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of Chattanooga Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved after a motion to accept by Evelyn Rockholt and a second by Peggy Pesterfield.
The architects from Upland Design Group, Brian Templeton and Kim Chamberlin presented a design for the proposed new Science Wing at Cleveland High School. After the presentation and questions and answers, a motion was made by Bill Brown to authorize the architectural firm of Upland Design Group to proceed to the next step of the process. The motion was seconded by Evelyn Rockholt. A suggestion was made to amend the motion to see if the community has any additions to make to the proposed design presented by Upland Design Group. The architects will be presenting to the science focus committee later in the evening. An amendment was made by Bill Brown to add the language. The motion read to authorize the architectural firm of Upland Design Group to proceed to the next step of the process if the community does not have any additions. The amendment was seconded by Tom Cloud. The vote to the amended motion was unanimous. The vote to the main motion was unanimous.
In the first spotlight, Chuck Rockholt introduced the students who have received commended status of the National Merit Scholars. Those students were Hannah Long, Rachel Isoms, Adil Niaz and Nick Peterson. The Board congratulated the student who received this commendation.
In the second spotlight, Patty Puckett, teacher at Cleveland High School introduced the students who attended the SCOPE conference in March. She thanked the Board for allowing the students to participate in this function each year. The students who attended were Zye Hooks, Kieley Best, Dan Henley, Emily Johnson and Erica Swindle. The students present gave a brief description of their day at the conference and thanked the Board for letting them participate.
In the third spotlight, Julie Phillips, teacher at Cleveland High School introduced the student who attended the Model UN conference in Chicago. The student were: Seniors: Will Curtis, Tyler Jackson, Josh Moore, Elisabeth Schweers, Zye Hooks, Jacky Basinsky, Houston York, Zac Ingraham and Michelle Dyer. Juniors: Thomas Wasson, James Laney and Ariel Hernandez. The students shared their experience at Model UN and thanked the Board for the opportunity to attend. Ms. Phillips shared some of the highlights from the conference.
In the fourth spotlight Seth Jones, teacher at Cleveland High School presented a power point demonstration of the web page he designed and how he is using this web page to assist his students with taking notes and catching up on classes they miss. He has all the notes from his class written out on the web page and the homework assignments. The board was very impressed by the use of technology in teaching the math class.
Dr. Denning handed out copies of the book "How Full is your Bucket" to the Board members for their information.
Dr. Denning shared some facts regarding the number of students from Cleveland High School who go on to attend four year and two year colleges. The combination of two made up 80% of the graduating class from the year 2007.
Dr. Rick Denning presented the Good News report from Cleveland City Schools.
Policy 2.404 was presented on first reading. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to approve the policy as written. A Second was made by Murl Dirksen. After some discussion, Bill Brown asked that the policy be amended for second reading. He would like to see the language added to procedures: Cleveland City Schools does not recognize student support organizations as defined by TCA Title 49, Chapter 2, Section 4. The motion was voted on and was unanimous.
Murl Dirksen asked the Board to review policies 5.500 and 6.304 and to ask Dr. Denning to review the policies with the Administrative Staff. A motion was made by Murl Dirksen that the Board ask Dr. Denning to review policies 5.500 and 6.304 with the staff to make sure policy is being followed. The motion was seconded by Peggy Pesterfield. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Dawn Robinson asked the Board what they would like to do in recognition of National Teachers Day on May 6th. The Board discussed handing the teachers apples and thanking them for all their hard work. The Board also discussed providing lunch for the teachers during the week of May 6th. The Board decided to do both. On May 6th they will hand deliver apples to the elementary schools and the Teen Learning Center. On May 7th they will hand deliver apples to the Middle School and High School. Murl Dirksen will present apples to Arnold Memorial Elementary School, Peggy Pesterfield will present apples to Mayfield Elementary School, Bill Brown will present apples to Stuart Elementary School, Tom Cloud will present apples to Ross Elementary School, Dawn Robinson will present apples to Yates Primary School, Evelyn Rockholt will present apples to the Teen Learning Center, Max Carroll will present apples to BlytheBower Elementary School. On May 7th the Board Members will present apples to Cleveland Middle School and Cleveland High School. Later in the week the board will provide lunch to all the teachers in all the schools.
Peggy Pesterfield gave the legislative report. She read some of the legislation pertaining to education.
Cathy Goodman gave a report on Singapore Math. This system of teaching math originated in Singapore. She stated that the system was good but that it used a lot of home participation and after school time was required. She added that she spoke with the math consultant used by Cleveland City School and she said she had not heard very much about the system and could not recommend it. Mrs. Goodman added that the system does not give skill and drill practice. The board members thanked Mrs. Goodman for her research of this subject.
Tom Cloud made a recommendation that the board vote to name the new science wing at Cleveland High School the "Max R. Carroll Science Wing." A motion was made by Tom Cloud to name the proposed new Science Wing the Max R. Carroll Science Wing. Peggy Pesterfield seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
MARCH 20, 2007
The Cleveland Board of Education met in a special called session on Thursday, March 20, 2008, 8:00 a.m. at the Administrative Office Building, 4300 Mouse Creek Road, Cleveland. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Dawn Robinson, and Evelyn Rockholt. Randall Higgins of the Times Free Press and David Davis of the Cleveland Daily Banner were also in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order.
The agenda was unanimously approved with a motion by Bill Brown and second by Tom Cloud.
Bill Brown made a motion to approve the 20072008 General Fund Budget Amendments and Food Service Amendments. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. Dr. Murl Dirksen asked how long the school system would get funding from the safe schools grant. The answer to his question was that the grant has been going year to year and the funds are not budgeted until we know we are getting the funds. The Board unanimously approved the 20072008 General Fund Budget Amendments and Food Service Amendments.
Dr. Rick Denning, Director of Schools presented the 2008-2009 General Budget to the Board of Education. During the discussion of the 2008- 2009 general budget Bill Brown asked a few questions about special education funding. Ione Carter answered the questions stating that federal funding would be reduced again this year.
Bill Brown also discussed an issue that was carried over from last year regarding lights for the Community Soccer field. The Cleveland High School Soccer team is playing its games at the Community Soccer field and Mr. Brown stated that last year he remembers that the Board agreed by nodding their heads to pay for lights at the Community Soccer field while being used by the Cleveland High School team. Chairman Robinson stated that, while the board may have agreed that the lights would be nice to have, she did not believe and the minutes do not reflect that any vote was ever taken. She also stated that the board had never received any estimates for the cost and therefore it was unlikely that the board had voted on the expenditure. Mr. Brown would like this budget item to be added to the want list attached to the proposed general budget.
A motion was made by Max Carroll to approve the proposed 2008- 2009 General Budget. The motion was seconded by Murl Dirksen. Bill Brown asked to amend the motion to include that to meet the needs of the federal teachers we will need to come up with additional state and local revenue to cover that expense so that the special education department does not have to subtract something to cover their budget. The vote was unanimous on the amendment to the motion. Mr. Brown then stated that he would like the soccer stadium lights added to the want list and that it be added to the list that goes to the city council. It was pointed out that the want list is not listed in priority.
The vote to the original motion was then voted on and unanimously approved.
Dr. Rick Denning recommended that in lieu of a rocking chair, a retirement bonus be given to retiring employees of Cleveland City Schools who have worked in the School system for a minimum of 15 years and have met the requirement of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System. The bonus plan is as follows:
$5.00 per day for the first 100 sick leave days accumulated
$10.00 per day for 101-150 sick leave days accumulated
$20.00 per day for 151-200 sick leave days accumulated
Dr. Denning recommended that this bonus plan begin with retiring employees of 2007-2008. A motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt to give retiring employees the bonus for accumulated sick leave days as set out by Dr. Denning. Bill Brown seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Dr. Denning discuss the Differentiated Pay Plan set out by the State of Tennessee and stated that according to our interpretation of the differentiated pay plan that Cleveland City Schools already has a differentiated pay plan that meets the criteria set out by the State.
The Board adjourned at 9:10 a.m. by general consent.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
March 10, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in regular session on the above date at the Administrative Office Building, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, David Davis of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of Chattanooga Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved after a motion to accept by Max Carroll and a second by Evelyn Rockholt.
In the first spotlight, Chairman Dawn Robinson recognized the Teachers of the Year as follows:
Richelle Shelton-Yates Primary School-systemwide winner in PreK5
Jean Dunn-Cleveland Middle School-systemwide winner in 6 8
Abby Lamb-Cleveland High School-systemwide winner in 9 12
The building level teachers of the year are as follows:
Phyllis Anderson-Cleveland Middle School
Anne Woody-Cleveland Middle School
Paula Pedrick-Arnold Memorial Elementary School
Karen Malik-Stuart Elementary School
Rachael Dooley-Cleveland High School
Sonia Griffey-BlytheBower Elementary School
Don Markham-Cleveland High School
Lori Ingraham-E. L. Ross Elementary School
Blair Deacon-Teen Learning Center
Michael Rogers-Mayfield Elementary School
In the second spotlight, Principal Jeff Elliott introduced Barbara Ector and gave a power point presentation of Mrs. Ector’s social studies class at Cleveland Middle School. Mr. Elliott announced that Mrs. Ector has been named as one of the Tennessee Outstanding Social Studies Teachers of the Year for 2008 by the Tennessee Council for the Social Studies.
In the third spotlight, Principal Jeff Elliott introduced Mr. Joel Barnes, teacher at Cleveland Middle School who presented the new "Slate" Technology used by some of the classrooms at Cleveland Middle School. This technology is used primarily in the secondary education because it gives the teacher more mobility around the classroom as opposed to standing at a computer and using the ActivBoard. The cost of the "Slate" units are lower than the cost of an ActivBaord.
Dr. Rick Denning presented the Good News report from Cleveland City Schools.
The Director of Schools gave the following updates:
Dr. Denning presented a letter from Senator Jim Tracy and Representative David Hawk regarding the use of lottery money. The Board asked that Dr. Denning pull the resolution from last year regarding this issue and secure more signatures.
Dr. Denning presented a memorandum from the Brenda Carson, Business Manager, regarding BEP Growth Funds and an update on the system’s Debt Service.
Dr. Murl Dirksen handed out a report from a meeting held on Friday, March 7th with Upland Design Group regarding the proposed Cleveland High School Science Wing. The report included a timeline, architectural fees, pay schedule, a rough estimate of the square footage for the proposed design, a rough estimate of the cost per square foot and architectural fees. Dr. Denning and Dr. Dirksen made the statement that the City Council has been very generous in coming forth with funding for Cleveland City School.
Dr. Denning reported on a ventilation problem in the science laboratories at Cleveland High School. He stated that one teacher and some of the students have been ill due to poor ventilation. Mr. Bill Brown stated that this emphasizes how important the new science wing is. A suggestion was made from a member of the community that ventilation hoods could possibly be donated to the school. The Board charged Dr. Denning with finding out how much it would cost to install hoods in the existing laboratories. The board also asked Dr. Denning to confer with Mr. Rockholt and try to find a temporary solution until a hood can be purchased or installed. The board agreed to revisit this issue when the research is complete.
Shelly Copeland, Supervisor of Food Services presented the Board with a report of insufficient funds in her department. The Board asked Dr. Denning for a recommendation and he stated that he did not have one at this point. He stated that the issue was a delicate matter and he would like to study it further. There was some discussion about starting to pick up some fees from the Payschools program to help pay for the insufficient funds. No decision was made at this time.
Gloria ScottRichmond presented the CEA Budget Requests. She stated that the teachers enjoyed their 5% pay increase last year. She said the request she has would benefit the full spectrum of our system. She added that it is a challenge to live on an educator’s salary and she asked that the Board continue to implement the momentum of 5% increases to help with the cost of living expenses. Mrs. ScottRichmond added that teaching is a "calling," they are not in it for the money.
The Board members gave reports from the TSBA Day on the Hill.
The May Board meeting was moved to Monday, May 5th by general consent.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
March 3, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in a special called meeting on the above date in the Library of Cleveland High School, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson, Evelyn Rockholt and Dr. Rick Denning, Director of Schools. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, and David Davis of the Cleveland Daily Banner were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The first item on the agenda was to choose an architectural firm for the proposed science wing of Cleveland High School. The motion was made by Evelyn Rockholt that the Board enter into a contract with Upland Design Group. Murl Dirksen seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
It was stated that the contract would be a standard contract. The Board members agreed that they would need to find out if funding would be approved for the project before a contract is signed. The City Council will be meeting on Monday, March 10, and the Board will request funding at this meeting. It was agreed that the board should not send out RFQ’s for contractors until they know if they have funding.
Dr. Denning announced that he signed the contract with Cleveland Surveying for the science wing project at CHS.
The Board discussed what they would be requesting from City Council. They had questions regarding what would be owed to the architect if they enter into a contract and funding is not granted. The Board charged Dr. Denning with setting up a meeting with Upland Design Group before the City Council Meeting on Monday and to include the Site Committee chairmen in the discussion. The Site Committee chairmen will then go before the City Council on Monday with the information gathered from the meeting with Upland Design Group.
Dr. Rick Denning was also charged with writing an RFQ for general contractors and construction managers by March 11, 2008. The board stated that before it decides what method to use for building, it would like to hear presentations from all interested parties who respond to the RFQ’s appropriately. The site committee will review and approve the RFQ form at the March 11 site committee meeting and then decide how to proceed.
The Geotech bid process was discussed and it was decided that the architects must have input on specs for the geotech surveys before RFP’s can be developed. Dr. Denning will discuss that with Upland Design Group and report back to the site committee.
In summary, on Monday, March 10, 2008, at the City Council Meeting the Chairman of the Site Committee of the Cleveland City School Board will ask the City Council for funding for the Architect and, if possible, the Geotech bidding survey. The school board would also like to receive some feedback regarding the total funding of the science wing project.
A motion to adjourn was made by Murl Dirksen. Tom Cloud seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and the meeting was adjourned 6:03 p.m.
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Retreat at Lee University
March 1, 2008
The board met at 8 AM in the conference room of the music building at Lee University.
Dr. George Nerren facilitated board discussion on what constitutes effective school boards. The board also viewed a compilation of its own scores on an instrument designed to identify board strengths and weaknesses.
After a short break, the board began discussing the presentations that the architects made on February 21 regarding a new science wing for Cleveland High School. The board identified strengths and weaknesses from each architect’s presentation. Through discussion and debate the board identified the favorite two of the four architects. A vote for the chosen architect will be taken at a special called meeting on March 3, 2008.
Input was welcomed from all attending the retreat.
Dr. Denning reviewed the capital expenditure list with the recommendation to ask the site committee to develop a fiveyear plan. The board agreed. The site committee will be meeting every Tuesday at 1:30 PM with a few exceptions.
The board discussed different options for building delivery of the new proposed science wing at CHS. Every board member had an opportunity to discuss pros and cons of general contracting vs. construction management. By consensus the board agreed that openness and fairness was very important to the final decision. The board agreed to solicit RFP’s from both types of services and to allow Dr. Denning to develop an RFP to present to the site committee on March 11.
Dr. Denning presented some opportunities for continuing to fund active boards in our schools with the ultimate goal of having them in all classrooms. After this summer, all K5 classrooms will be equipped with Activeboards.
The retreat adjourned at about 3:15 PM
Present: Director of Schools Dr. Rick Denning, Board members: Dawn Robinson, Peggy Pesterfield, Bill Brown, Murl Dirksen, Evelyn Rockholt, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud.
CHS Principal Chuck Rockholt Science Focus Group Members: Jean Jordan, Sandy Martin, Judy Watts
Press: Greg Caylor, Cleveland Daily Banner
Citizen: Milan Blake
CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE
February 21, 2008
The Cleveland Board of Education met in a special called meeting on the above date at Cleveland High School in the commons, Cleveland, Tennessee. Members present were Bill Brown, Max Carroll, Tom Cloud, Murl Dirksen, Peggy Pesterfield, Dawn Robinson and Evelyn Rockholt. Meg Veal of the Bradley News, David Davis of the Cleveland Daily Banner and Randall Higgins of Chattanooga Times Free Press were in attendance. There were several staff members and other guests present.
Chairman Dawn Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Four Architects made presentation to the Cleveland City School Board, City Council Members and the Science Focus Group Members for a science wing addition to Cleveland High School in the following order:
Downtown Design Studio of Cleveland, Tennessee
Upland Design Group, Inc. of Crossville, Tennessee
Perkins & Will of Atlanta, Georgia
Cope Associates of Knoxville, Tennessee
Each architectural firm presented their credentials, an estimate of the square footage they felt the project required, choices of placement for the addition to the high school and a rough estimate of cost per square foot. Each firm also stated approximately what their fee for the project would be.
When each presenter was finished, Chairman Dawn Robinson thanked each firm for their time and hard work in preparing for the evening.
Mrs. Sandy Martin thanked the presenters and the board and city council for coming to the presentation.
The meeting was adjourned at 815 p.m.
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02/05/10