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LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKll1M STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS July 6, 1995 MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS OCT 2 4 1995 Office of oe~.i egrega11on Morntomig The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District met in a duly called special meeting at 6:35 p.m. on July 6, 1995 in the Board Room of the Administration Building. The roll call revealed the present of seven (7) Board members. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Linda Pondexter Ms. Patricia Gee Mrs. Judy M,gncss Dr. Katherine 1itchell Ms. Stephanie Johnson Mr. Kevin O'Malley Mr. John Riggs M~tBERS ABSENT!.. None 1\1~0 PRESENT: Dr. Henry P. Williams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Russell Mayo, Associate Superintendent Mrs. Beverly Griffin, Executive Assistant Mrs. Norma Rodgers, Acting Recorder of Minu es CJ\LL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by the Pre ident, Ms. Linda Pondexter. The ex-officio teacher representative to the Board for the month of July was introduced, Ms. Faye Reynolds, teacher at Rockefeller Incentive/~arly Childhood Magnet School. The following items were listed as agenda items for the Special Board Meeting: 1. 2. Bond Resolution Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 96-97 Special Board Meeting July 6, 1995 Page 2 3. Discussion of Building Closures 4. Budget e nd Court Events 5. Worksession on Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook 6. Board Member Code of Conduct Ms. Pondexter announced the first item on the agenda: .L._ BOND RESOLUTION Mr. Mark McBryde, Senior Vice President o Stephens, Inc., explained to the Board that the bond refunding process act ually started 18 months ago. After answering questions from Board members, he stated that the bond refunding will equal a savings of $2.5 million ove r the next 24 years. Mr. Riggs moved acceptance of the Bond Resolution, seconded by Dr. Mitchell and it carried unanimously. RECESS: p.m. The Board recessed at 6:45 p.m. and reconvened at 7:10 PROPOSED BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES WITH TAX LEVEL FOR FISCAL YEAR 96-97 Mr. Fred Smith, Manager of Support Services, explained to the Board tha t State Law requires that the p r ojected budget on the amount the District thinks the millage rate will be for the next year, be published in the newspaper 60 days prior to school election date. This year that deadline is July 21, 1995. The Board was a r- ked to vote on the options. The options were a proposed tax levy of 43.9 mills
48.9 mills
or 53.4 mills. The 4 3. 9 mills is the amount that is currently existing for the District. The 48.9 mills would be an increase of 5 mills if the public voted for this increase. he 53.4 mills would bring in an increase of 9.5 mills if voted in by the public. After discussion by the Board, it was decided that the timing was not righ to ask the public for a millage increase. Ms. Magness moved that the administration publish the budget fo r 4 3. 9 mills at this time, seconded by Mr. Riggs, and it carried unanimously. Ms. Gee asked the administration to check on past history and see what time of the year the District had the most successful millage elections. _h DISCUSSION OF BUILDING CLOSURES Ms. Pondexter administration building. asked the procedure f or closing the She felt that one group of employees was Special Board Meeting July 6, 1995 Page 3 not being treated the same as other groups. Mr. Gadberry explained that the personnel on a 12 months contract are scheduled to work 250 days and that is followed at the administration building. The Superintendent was asked to inform the Board when the administration building is going to be c l osed . .L. BUDGET AND COURT EVENTS Ms. Pondexter asked the status of the following court cases: a. The Corky Haygood Case b. The John Hickman Case c. The Karen Buchanan Case The Board was told that the Haygood case was scheduled to begin the week of July 10. Mr. Jerry Malone, Attorney, was present and he stated that they have not received any additional information on t he John Hickman case. The Superintendent is recommenc ing tha t the Karen Buchanan case be appealed si1 c e it could open a lot of cases for the District. Mr. Riggs ,ioved that the Superintendent be allowed to appeal the case, seconded by Dr. Mitchell, and it carried unanill\outlY..:_ DR. MITCHELL A.ND MR. RIGGS LEFT THE MEETING AT THIS TIME. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK Ms. Jo Evelyn Elston and two members of her committee answered many questions the Board had concerning the proposed changes in the Handbook. There was discussion concerning secret societies that is mentioned. It was suggested that this be named more specifically, such as secret societies that promote hatred, racial separation, or demon worship. It was also suggested that the sign inside the front cover showing a knife and a gun be switched to the last page and something more positive be placed on the inside page. Ms. Gee moved that thG handbook as presented and the changes suggested be approved, seconded by Ms. Magness, and it carried unanimously. It was moved that included in this motion, the committee be given a citation by the Superintendent. h BOARD MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT There was no action taken on this item at this meeting. Special Board Meeting July 6, 1995 Page 4 1\DJC NMENT: With no further business to come before the Board, Ms. Gee moved adjournment at 8:40 p.m., seconded by Ms. Magness, and it carried unanimously, APPROVED: -------- LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS MINUTES REGULAR BOARD MEETING July 20, l.995 OCT 2 4 1995 Office of Desegregation Mon1,onn9 The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District met in its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m. on July 20, 1995 i 11 the Board Room of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. The President, Ms. Linda Pondexter, presided. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Linda Pondexter Ms. Patricia Gee Mrs. Judy Magness Dr. Katherine Mitchell Ms. Stephanie Johnson Mr. Kevin O'Malley Mr. John Riggs MEMBERS ABSENT_
_ None ALSO PRESENT: Dr. Henry P. Williams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Russell Mayo, Associate Superintendent Mrs. Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes .L_ CALL TO ORDER II. The President, Linda Pondexter, called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. The roll call revealed the presence of all Board members. The ex-officio teacher, Faye Reynolds from Rockefeller Incentivt School was introduced
the student exofficio, Cheryl Bryant was absent. READING OF MINUTES: Ms. Ponde xter, brought the Board's attention to the reading of the minutes from the Special Board Meeting on June 22, 1995
the Regular Board Meeting of June 22, 1995
and the Special Board of Directors Meeting July 20, 1995 Page 2 Board Meeting on July 6, 1995. Mrs. Gee moved approval of the minutes, seconded by Mr. Riggs and carried unanimously . III . PRESENTATIONS: fu.. SUPERINTENDENT The Superintendent presented a citation to Mr. Barry Travis of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau , which is a Partner in Education with Little Rock Central High . The agency provided services to the students and staff of Central after a fire last spring destroyed the school auditorium. Mr. Travis was instrumental in securing the Old Statehouse for the Central High School senior class baccalaureate service . The Superintendent recognized the members of the rights and responsibilities handbook committee for their many hours of work in the revision of the handbook . The individuals recognized were Jo Evelyn Elston, Mona Briggs, Rudolph Howard, Victor Anderson, Cassandra Mason, Marian Lacey, Margaret Gremillion, Larry Robertson, Sharon Brooks, Carolyn Teeter, Julie Davenport , Bobby Jones, Patty Kohler, John Nowden, Willie Dav is, Judy Walker, Sheila Patterson, Valerie Alexander, Rose Williams, Pamela Tims, Dr. Rufus Thrower, Blake Rutherford, William Holiday, Elizabeth Rodriquez, Lakeisha Williams, James Annesley-DeWinter, Wayne Knight, Debra Garner, Alene Goetz, Charlie Brown, Anthony Cha e rs, Jean Rouse, Tammi Dockett-Wil~ on, Janet Buford, Cleme,.tine Kelley, Linda Bell, and Catherine Mueller . At the conclusion, the Superintendent recognized the teacher ex- fficio Board member for the month of July, Faye Reynolds from Rockefeller Incentive School, and the student ex-officio Board member, Cheryl Bryant . .!L._ CITIZENS COMMITTEE Jerry Peters, repre,enting Empower Arkansans, repo1ted on a campaign in the New Orleans Public Schools that increased voter participation in school activities and millage campaigns. He asked that our Board look to creative methods to gain community support in the Little Rock School District. One example of significance was that school elections were held on Saturdays to gain c itizen partic ipation. Board of Directors Meeting July 20, 1995 Page 3 ~ SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. O!!ice o! Desegregation Monitoring Melissa Gulden, representing ODM, reported that a r e port on the racial balance of school staffing for the hree districts in Pulaski County would be filed with the Court this week. 2. Classroom Teachers Association Frank Martin, Executive Director, reported that contract negotiations are in progress and that he is hopeful, but not overly optimistic, that a settlement will be reached soon . He introduced Betty Mitchell, the newly elected president of the CTA, and Melinda Martin, vice-president elect. 3. Joshua Intervenors No report. 4. Knight Intervenors No report. 5. PTA Council No report. BOARD MEMBERS Judy Magness reported on her visit to the Principals' Institute which was conducted on July 17-18, 1995. She remarked that the LRSD was very fortunate to have the highest caliber of principals and that they were very excited and enthusiastic about the upcoming school year. She recognized Sadie Mitchell and Margaret Gremillion for doing an outstanding job of coordinating the annual Institute activities. John Riggs reported that he is very optimistic about the future of the LRSD. He i ~ convinced that we are closer than we have ever been to r eaching some of the goals of the original Desegregation Plan through the coordinated efforts of administration and the other parties to the Plan. He stated his confidence in this Board of Directors
although its' members do not always agree, they vote their conscious belief in the issues and do not allow personalities to interfere . Board of Directors Meeting July 20, 1995 Page 4 Mr . Riggs announced his candidacy for re-election to the Zone 4 position on the Board . Stephanie Johnson announced her intention to run for the Zone 7 position. She reported that she had attended the Second Annual M. L. King Youth Assembly this past weekend at the Statehouse Convention Center. Approximately 1,200 students attended from around the nation and she congratulated these youth for their respectful and responsible behavior . Linda Pondexter reported that she had attended the Principals ' Institute as a speaker on the program. She had also attended the luncheon meeting of the parties to the desegregation suit last Monday and would be attending the next meeting on Monday, July 24, at the AEA Building. IV. REMARKS FROM CITIZENS Michael Daugherty, representing the Little Rock New Party, congratulated the Board and administration for being willing to work with the parties to come to agreement in the desegregation case. He attended tonight to express his concerns about the proposed Board Member code of conduct, and he asked the Board to reconsider the need for such a code which he feels is an infringement on the Constitution . ....Y,_ ACTION AGENDA A. School Board Member Code of Conduct Mr. Riggs had provided a revised Code of Conduct for the Board's review. He suggested that we refer to the proposed policy as a Code of Ethics to eliminate some of the misinformation that has arisen about the need for such a document. Much of the content of the Code is already a pat of district pol icy and the community has been misinformed about the initial reasons for development of the Code. Mrs. Gee made a motion for the Board to hold a review of the Code of Conduct at the August Agenda meeting
Mrs. Magness seconded and it pas f ed 6-1, with Mr. Riggs c .:1sting the no vote. Board of Directors Meeting July 20, 1995 Page 5 B. First Reading - Policy on Naming Facilities The Superintendent presented the policy for Naming of District Facilities for the Board's consideration and introduced Sadie Mitchell as the chairperson of the committee. Rev is ions suggested by the Board to allow considerat ion of persons who were still living had been incorporated into the policy guide ines for the first reading. Mrs. Magness requested an additional change to the section of the policy that directs the Superintendent to gain written authorization from the closest relative of the person to be honored by the naming of a facility
such authorization should be secured from the individJal if tha ~ person is still living. Administration was also asked to review the suggested time limits for nominations of individuals. After a period of discussion Mrs. Gee moved for a postponement to allow additional r ~visions to the policy
Mr. Riggs seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. C. ESEA Title VI Application The superintendent recommended aprroval of the Title VI ESEA application a nd introduced Mr. Leon Adams, Director of Fede ral Programs, for r ~sponse to any que ~tions by the Board. There were no questions and Mr. O 'Malley moved approva l of the application
Mrs. Gee seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. D. Request for Lease of Property Dr. Williams recommended approval of a lease agre ement between Pulaski Technical College, Ford Motor Company, and the LRSD for classroom, laboratory, and office space at the Metropolitan Vocational-Technical Center. Carol Green was present to provide additional information to the Board. M . O'Malley made a motion to approve the lease agreement
Ms. G~e seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. E. First Reading - Policy for School Activities on Election Days At the Board's request a policy was developed that would prevent scheduling of school activities on election days. Mrs. Gee moved for approval of the policy
Mrs. Magness seconded the motion. Motion approving the policy on first reading passed unanimously. Board of Directors Meeting July 20, 1995 Page 6 F. Resolution - Voter Registration in Schools At the request of Mr. O' Malley a resolution was presented inviting authorized voter registrars to be present in our schools during the Fall Registration period, August 7-8, 1995. Mr. O'Malley resolution. an editorial Dr. Mitchell recognized Suellen Vann as the writer of the He made a motion to approve the resolution with change to eliminate specific dates and times. seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. G. lonations The Superintendent recommended approval of the following it ns for donation to the LRSD: SCHOOL McDermott Elementary Baseline Elementary Baselin Elementary Boston Paper Trimmer $500.00 cash for purchase of 40 dictionaries $200. 00 cash for purchase of food items for school closing activities Mr. Riggs moved for approval of the donations, seconded by Mrs. Magness, and it carried unanirnou sl_y . H. Personnel Changes Mrs. Gee made a motion to reorder the agenda to consider Personnel changes as the last item of business after an executive session. There was no objection to the motion and the Board moved to the next item. I. 1pproval of 1995-96 Budget The Superintendent reported that there are pending collective bargaining issues that will prevent the budget from being final at this time. The Court, through ODM, was notified of the reasons for the budget's delay and is aware that the submission is a "living document" that will undergo further modification. Fred Smith presented information relative to the budget submission that must be filed on July 24, 1995. Mr. Riggs offered the motion to accept the final budg< t for submission with the stipulation that the Board begin meeting monthly to review revisions to the budget as they are made
Board of Directors Me eting July 20, 1995 Page 7 VI. Ms. Johnson s econded the motion and it carried 6 to l, with Mr. O'Malley casting the no vote. (Mr. O'Malley objected to the use of additional loan fund monies to balance the budget.) J. Financial Reports Financial reports for the month ending June 30, 1995, were not available due to the end-of-year closing procedures. Mr . Riggs moved that the item be tabled, Mr. O'Malley seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Suspension of the Rules Mr. Riggs moved for a suspension of the rules for the purpose of rescinding a vote taken on June 22, 1995
Mrs. Magness seconded the motion and it carried 6 to 1, with Mr. O'Malley voting "no." Yotion to Rescind Previous Vote At a special meeting on June 22, 1995, the Boa rd approved closing Badgett and Fair Park Elementary Schools by a vote of 4-3. Mr. Riggs moved to rescind the action closing these s chools
Mrs. Gee seconded the motion and it passed 6 t o 1, with Mr. O'Malley casting the "no" vote. REPORT l\GENDA A. Desegregation Update Dr. Mayo was present to answer any questions on the desegregation update as printed in the agenda. B. Development of Policy - Disposition of School Buildings Mrs . l agnes s requested that the Board consider development of district policy on the disposition o t school property. Ms. Johnson made a motion to suspend the rules for the purpose of moving this item from discussion to action on the agenda. Ms . Gee seconded the motion and it carried una ~mously. Ms . Johnson moved that a committee be formed to develop district policy on the disposition of school propLrty that is no longer used for the education of students
Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mrs. Magness was appointed by the Board President to serve as the convener , and Ms . Johnson was app0 inted to serve on the committee. Board of Directors Meeting July 20, 1995 Page 8 c. Use of Cable Channel 4 for School Board Candidates Dabato Research was presented to the Board that would allow use of the district's cable channel for debate among candidates for School Board positions. It was recommended that an outside moderator be engaged for these debates. D. Millage Election: Dates of Past successful Campaigns Information was presented to Board members which included dates of past successful millage elections. Most millage election~ have been conducted every 2-4 years. II. AUDIENCES Nathan Dendy, President of International Graphics Communication for the Southern Region, spoke to the Board in opposition to outside contracting of maintenance services. EXECUTIVE SE 'SION Ms. Gee made a motion for the Board to go into executive session, Mr. Ri ggs seconded and it passed unanimously. PERSONNEL ACTION The Board returned from exec utive session at 8:57 p.m. Ms. Pondexter reported that no action was taken as a part of this session. Jerry Malone, attorney for the district was present to respond to questions regarding settlement of a lawsuit filed by Harold "Corky" Haygood against the district. Mr. Haygood had beE.. n terminated for insubordination and falsification of records. Mr. Malone recommended that the district settle the suit instead of pursuing further legal action. Ms. Gee made the motion to accept the settlement recommendation, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed 6-1, with Mr. O'Malley casting the "no" vote. The superintendent recommended approval of personnel changes presented to the Board in addition to those in the printed agenda. Mr. Riggs moved acceptance of the items, seconded by Mr. O'Malley and it passed 6-1 with Ms. Gee voting "no." The superintendent recommended approval of the personnel changes as printed in the agenda. Mr. Riggs moved approval, seconded by Mr. O'Malley and it passed unanimously. Board of Directors Meeting July 20, 1995 Page 9 VIII. DISCIPLINARY None . .ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Riggs moved for adjournment at 9:15 p.m., seconded by Ms. Magness, and it carried unanimously. A ..,PROVED: 9- d- '-f - 'f. 5 Whereas, the Little Rock School District is committed to providing service to the community
and Whereas, the Little Rock School District promotes community involvement in decisions that affect its patron
and Whereas, the Little Rock School District encourages community members to take part in civic decisions by part 1- pating in elections
and Whereas, th(
Little Rock School District especially encourages participation in School Elections, N0W, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors l f the Little Rock School District e. tends an invitation to all Voter Registrars to visit any school in the Dis trict for the purpose of registering new voters for Pulaski County. Adopted this 20th day of July, 1995. 'P~ rd~ gnda Pondexter, President IJ"ITLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST i\L\RKIIA\l STREET LITfLE ROCK, ARKA, 'SAS i\ll, UTES SPECIAL llOARD MEETING August l 0, 1995 OCT 2 4 1995 Office of Desegregation Morn.:m11g The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District met in a special session August 10, 1995, im111ediately following the regularly scheduled agc.:nda 111ccting, in the 13oard Room of the J\clministration Building, 810 \Vest \larkham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. The President. 1\1 . Linda Pondexter. presided. \IE\lBERS PRESE. "f: l\1s. Linda Pondexter l\fs. Patricia Gee Ms. Judy l\lagness Dr. l'athcrinl' \!itchell \L. Stephanie fohnson ~Ir. Kc\'in O'\lalley l\tr. John Riggs ALSO PRESE1 T: I. Dr. Henry P. Williams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Russell t\layo. Associate Superintendent Is. [kverly G1 iffin. Re,ordcr of i\!inutes CALL TO ORJl]::R The President, Linda Pondexter, called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m. The roll call revealed five Board members were pre. cnt. two were absent. Also present were ex-officio members of the Board, l\.fs. Lillie Srnll. teacher at Romine Intcrdistri cl Elementary School, and J\usti11 Burke, student from Parkvicw !agnet School. Board of Directors Special Meeting August 10, 1995 Page:?. II. PU RPO. E OF TIIE i\lEETING The agencb for the speci,11 meeting re\'calecl the following items for consideration of the Board: l. Review and Approval of Desegregation Plan lodifications -, Personnel Recommendations 3. Ratification of Tentati\'e Agreement - Teacher Cc ntract -L 1\lcKinney l:ducational Grant Application 5. Employee I lcarings 6. Student Reinstatement I lcarings II I. .-\CTIO:\ ITE\ IS Desegregation Plan i\lodilications There was discussion regarding the proposed plan modifications that have been prepared for submission to the Court. Dr. Mayo was present to respond to questions and concerns of the Board. Mr. John Walker submitted objections to the modification process and was invited by the Bt ird Pre idcnt to participate in the Board's discussion. After detailing some of his objectit 1s he asked the Board to postpone action on approving the plan modifications. Dr. Williams defended the information presented for the Board's consideration, the process used in developing the suggested modifications, and outlined the tirneline that had been followed in preparation for the Court submission. Melinda l\tartin, CTA vice-president, asked for a change to the proposed plan modification as it relates to transfers for employees of the district. The CTA requested that we strike "where practical" from the plan change to allow district employees to transfer their children to the building where they work. Board of Directors Speci,il i\keting August 10, 199.'i Page 3 i\ts. Johnson mack a motion to include the proposed changes to the plan on the agenda of the next joint meeting of the Parties to the Desegregation lawsuit. i\1s. Gee seconded the motion, and it passed 3-2, with i\1s. Pondexter, Ms. Gee, and i\!s. Johnson voting "yes." Dr. Mitchell and Ms. Magness voting "no." The Board took a rece sat 6:-40 p.m. and reconvened at 6:58 p.m. Ratification of Tentative Agrcc111cnt - Teacher Contract \tr. Gadberry advised the Board th.11 the Classroom Teachers Ass0<:iation had voted unanimously to ratify the proposed teacher contract for the I 995-96 school year. I\ls. Betty i\litchell. CTA president. agreed with Mr. G.1dberry that each team had \\orked hard to develop an agreement that was beneficial to all parties. t\.ls. Pondexter thanked all of the negotiating team members for their long hours of work. Ms. Gee moved for approval of the proposed teacher contract. Dr. I\!itchell seco11dcd the motion. a11d it passed unani11lot1slv. \lch:inncy Ecl11,alional Grant Application The Supe1 i11te11dent reco1111111.:nded approval of the 1995-96 \le Kinney Educational grant application. This grant. if approved, \\ill provide up to $25.000 to promote enrollment, attend.1nce, and succ1.:ss of homeless children. i\ts. i\tagness made the motion to approve sub111issio11 of the gra11t. 01. i\!itchell seconded the 111otio11, a11 it passed 5-0. The Board recessed at 7: 10 p.m . .111d recon\'ened at 7:20 p . 111. Employee Hearings Two trnnspo, tat ion depa1 t111ent e111ployees, Don Phillips and Debor.1h I I.1milton, requested a joint hearing before the Board. Both of these were former LRSD dispatchers and both have accepted employment with Laidlaw. They arc appealing the loss of pay a I reduction in benefits, especially retirement benefits, they will lose as Laidl.lw employees. tary Jane Cheatham presented the district's pos1t1on on the issue. Both of the employees were l011g-te1111 LRSD employees who were "surplus" or subject to "RI F." Board of Directors Special l\keting August I 0, 1995 Page 4 i\lr. Gadbeny reported that the district had been holding discus ions with the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System to develop a plan that would allow the district to continue paying into the employees retirement plan. The Superintendent recommended that the District negotiate with Laidlaw to make up the difference in salary and retirement benefits for Mr. Phillips and Ms. Hamilton. The Board asked that administration develop a written agreement that outlines the terms of compensating these two employees for their salary and benefit loss. i\ls. Pondexter a ked if thne was any objection to recessing the hearing for these employees until an agreement could be drafted. There was no objection from the employees. i\ls. i\lagness made the motion to recess the employee's hearing. Dr. Mitchell seconded and the Board voted 5-0 to npprove the recess. Student lfcnrings Larry Robc1 tson. Student I !caring Officer. pre. entcd information and recomrnenckd reinstatement of four students. Each of these students were reinstated to the LRSD on strict probation, with the stipulation that they report to the Board at the end of the first nine-weeks with their academic, attendance and citizenship records. Other stipulations and recommendations were: Quinton Forney, expelled for possession of a firearm from Cloverdale Junior High School. Quinton's parent request ed reassignment to another junior high school. The Board asked that he co1 tinue his involvement in the Step Up Program. Ms. Gee made the motion to reinstate Quinton, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. Brinn Rainey, expelled for possession of a firearm from Parkview Magnet High School. Brian was reinstated, but is to be reassigned to another high school. I le was asked to attend the Step Up Program and contact the Upward Bound program at Philander for academic assistance. Ms. Johnson moved approval of reinstatement under these conditions, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. Board of Directors Special t\kcting August 10, I 995 Page 5 Antwo11 \\'illialllS, expelled for verbal and physical ass
rnlt on staff from l lcndcrso11 Junior I ligh School. Antwon was reinstated to Henderson Jr. l Iigh School. I le is to become invol\'ecl in an after school program and apologize to the coach and the bus driver who were involved in his expulsion. t--.ls. Gee moved for reinstatement under these conditions, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. L,wrcnce Lawson, expelled for verbal assault on staff from McClellan High School. Lawrence was reinstated with the recommendation that he become involved in a counseling program. !\ts. Gee rnc1cle the motion to reinstate Lawrence, Dr. Mitchell seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. EXECUTIVE SESSIO\'. i\!s. \lagness moved for the Bonrd go into Executive Session nl 9:55 p.m. Dr. i\!itchell seconded the motion and it pnssed 5-0. The meeting reconvened at 10:38 p.111. and the President reported that no action \\'ilS taken during the session. Personnel Reco1111nc11dations Dr. i\litchell 1110\cd acceptance of the Superintendent's recomm endations for personnel changes ns listed on the memorandum of August 9. 199.'i. Ms. Gee seconded the motion and it passed 4-1 with i\-ls. Pondexter casting th "nay" vote. ADJOURNl\lENT With no further business before the Bo.1rd, Dr. i',.!itchell moved for adjournment at 10:-t.5 p.m., seconded by Ms. Gee, and it carried unanimously. APPROVED:~ -J..~ -Cf 5 August 9, 1995 To: Board of Directors From: ~llia~nt S..ibject: Recommendations for Personnel Changes I recommend the approval of the following personnel changes: TRANSFERS/PROMOTIONS Principal, Hall high School - Gayle Bradford Acting Principal, Mabelvale Junior High - James Fullerton Principal, Dunbar Junior High - Linda Brown Director of Planning, Researc and Evaluation - Dr. Ed Jackson Assistant Principal, Henderson - James Mosby Assistant Principal, Pulaski Heights - Reginald Knighten Assistarit Principal, Pulaski Heights - Deborah Berry Assistant Principal, Southwest - David Smith Principal, Brady Elementary - Ada Keown Principal, Franklin Elementary - Ethel Dunbar Principal, Garland - Lionel Ward As, istant Principal, Booker Magnet - Donna Hall Evaluation Specialist, P.R.E. - J.J.Lacey, Jr. Director, Staff Development - Sterling Ingram Title Change Only: Director, Media Services - Lucy Lyons LITI'LE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICI' 810 \\'EST l\lARKIL\:\I STREET lJ'lTLE ROCK. ARKANSAS l\llNUTES SPECIAL BOARD l\IEETING August 22, 1995 OCT 2 4 1995 Office of Desegregalion Mor.i orino The Bo
ml of Directors of the Little Rock School District met in a special session August 22. 1995. in the Board Room of the Adm inistr.-ition Building, 810 West M.-irkh.-im Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. The President, t-.ts. Linda Pondexter, presided. l\lE:\lBERS PRESENT: Ms. Linda Pondexter fs. Patrici.-i Gee Ms. Judy /1.fagncss t-.ts. Stephanie Johnson 1 tr. Kevin O'~lallcy Dr. Kath erine \!itchell \IE\ IBERS ABSE. "T: ~tr. Jo hn Ri g.gs ALSO PRESEl\T: Dr. I Ienry P. Williams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ru ssell 1\.hyo, Associate Superintendent Ms. Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER The President, Linda Pondexter, called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The roll call revealed five Board members were present, Dr. i\1itch ell arrived nt 6:40 p.m., one member was absent. II. PURPOSE OF TIIE MEETING The meeting was called at the request of the Dunbnr Alumni Association by presentation of a petition to the Bon rd . The ngencla revenled the following items for the duly called meeting: Board of Dirccto1s SpL'cial Mcl'ting August 22. 199.S Page 2 l. Dunbar Alu111ni Association presentation Student Reinstate111ent I karings III. ACTION ITE~IS Dunbar Alumni Association Six individual patrons of the district addressed the 13oard rl'garding the procedurL s used in filling staff vacancies at Dunbar for the !99.S-96 school year. Pearl Johnson stated concerns about the election process for the principal at Dunbar. I !er opinion was that the process wa. insensitive and cxclusion.1ry .1nd that one of the assist.1nt princip.1ls at Dunbar hould h.1,c been placed in the position of building principal. She questioned the colllposition of the selection committee by race
ind gender. She w.1s also concerned .1bout the selection of the mcd1
1 speciali t. Belinda \\'ilson. pa1ent of a Dunbar stu,lcnt. was concerned about .111 incident that <Krn1rl'd la:,
t school yc
ir RL'portedly a staff 111L'111ber shmed hn son and she did not feel there wa: a satisfactory response by .1d111inistration to that incident. She st.1ted that strong leadership was needed at Dunbar. Carl Hines. 19-tS graduate of Dunbar. is cunently in,oh ed with the lllento1 ing program at Dunbar. I le felt that he and other persons interested and .1ctive at Du11b.1r should ha\'e had an opportunity to subn1it questions for the intervie\\, proce s in selecting the building leader. Sterling Rogers. 19-13 graduate of Dunb.1r, is concerned about students .1nd feels that Dunbar Illus! have a dynalllic, "c.1n-do. ,viii-do" leader. I k feels that the process used in selecting the principal was faulty and asked that the selection be voided and repeated. Dale Charles indicated that the assistant principal at Dunbar should have been considered for placement as building principal. I le feels that the process was not foir and that the racial composition of the in ten il'w committee was imbalanced. I le reported that the Dunbar P'I
\ meetings had bcl'n held at the District administration building. I !is request was that these meetings be held at Du ),lr to relieve fears in the con11llunity that the Dunbar area is unsafe. Board of Directors Special \keting August 22. 19<)5 1'
1g.c 3 John \\'alkcr addressed the Board in support of the speakers. I le feels that their concerns arc legitimate and asked the Board to review the process. I k asked that the interview be clone over so th:it these patrons can ha\'C confidence in the selection process. Student Hearings Larry Rob1..rt:-.on. Student I !earing Officer, presentc.:cl information and recommended reinstatement of :i-,,: students. Each of these students was recommended fo1 reinstatement the LRSD 011 trict probation. ,,,ith thc stipulation that they report to the l3oard .11 the end of thc tirst ninc-wceks with their academic. attendance. and citizenship records. Othcr stipulations and recommendations ,,ere: Tara B11rks. cxpelkd for possession of a weapon. from Franklin Elcmentar1 Sclwnl. \Ii. C)'\l
illcy made th1..' 111otio11 to reinstate Tara. \Is. \lagness seconded thL motion
111d it carried G-0. Barron :\rnolcl. was expelled for po session of a weapon. from i\labchalc Junior I ligh. Barron wa~ asked to eek assistance and support from the program at I loover United :-,...1cthodist Church and i\lr. Robertson is to investigate possible reassignment to Southwest Junior I ligh School. \Ir. O'l\.lalley moved for approval of rei11statcme11t. Dr. \!itchcll seconded the motion and it passed G-0. Justin Caple had been expelled for possession of a firearm from McClellan lligh School. Ile was represented by Attorney 1\lark llampton. Ms. Johnson moved for reinstatement, i\ls. Gee seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. Larnr i\loorc was expelled for physical ass.1ult on staff from Cloverdale Junior I Iigh School. The Superintendent recommended an alternate junior high school .1ssignment and Lavar was asked to continue involvement with an after school program for assistance in handling his anger. i\ls. Magness made the motion for reinstatement, Dr. litchcll seconded tile motion and it passed G-0. I3oard of Directors Special Meeting August 22. 1995 Page --1 Jermaine Ingram had been expelled for inciting to riot. from Mabelvale Junior I ligh School. Dr. Williams recommended that J ennaine be reassigned to another junior high school and that he seek participation in an after school support program. Or. Mitchell moved for rein tatcmcnt. Ms. Gee seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. Cedric Pitts was expelled for possession of a firearn1 from Cloverdale Junior I ligh chool. The superintendent recommended reinstatement. Mr. O'i\Ialley made the motion to reinstate Cedric. Dr. :--.titchcll seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. It i. possible that Cedric has enough credits to enter high school. and if so. will be rcco111111cndcd for assignment to ~kClcllan I ligh School. ADJOURN:\IENT With no furthn bu siness bdorc the Board. :.Is. Gee mmcd 101 adjournment at 9:20 p.111 .. ccondcd by :.Is. :.!:ignc ss. and it carried 1111a11i111011.slv. APPROVED: q>-J-..?-15 L!TrI,E ROCK SCHOOL DISTRl(T 810 \\'EST \L\Rh.11.\
\l ~TREET Ll'ITLE ROCK. ARKA 'SAS 1\11'\UTES REGULAR BOARD i\lEETl1 'C August 2-1, 19 15 OCT 2 4 1995 Office of Des egregaticn Moniionn!J ... "_ - The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District met in its regularly scheduled 111ecting at 6:00 p.111. on August 2-4, 1995, in the f3oud Room of the Administration Building, S 10 West i\larkham Street, Littk Rock, Arkansas. The President, fs. Linda Pondexter, presided. \JE
\IBERS PRESE:\T: ~!s. Linda Pondexter \ts. Patricia Gee \Is. Judy i\!
1gness Dr. Kathe1ine \litchcll :\ls. Stephanie Johnson \tr. Ke\'ill O'\!alky \I E\IBERS ,\ BSI:. 'T: :\l1. John Riggs ::_\LSO PRESENT: Dr. I lcnry P. \\'illiams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ru.sell, !ayo, Associate Superintendent I\ls. Bcve1 ly Griffin, Recorder of I\linutes I. CALL TO ORDER The President, Linda Pondc\ter, called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.111. Tia: roll call revealed the presence of six Board members. The ex-officio teacher, Lillie Srnll from Romine Intc:rdistrict 1 1agn<:t Sch< ol. and the ex-officio student Austin Burke from Parkvicw i\.lagnct School were also present. I3o.-ird of Directors Meeting August 2-L 1995 Page 2 II. RE:\DING OF \11:'\UTES: l\ls. Pondexter, brought the I3o.-ird's attention to the re.-iding of the minutes from the Regubr l3oard l\keting of July 20, 1995. 1\ts. Gee moved for approval of the minutes, seconded by l\fs. Magness. and carried 1111ani111011sly. Ill. PRESE1 'TATIO:\S: ,\. SUPERl\"rE:\DE
'\T The Superintendent recognized Lillian Renee Kovach, e111ployec of the Instructional Resource Center. who has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and l\fathematics in Tcnching and a Presidential Citation. She was presented a Superintendent's Citation in recognition of this honor. A Citation was also presented to Sherry Chambers. teacher at Dodd Elc111entary School. l\ls. Chambers was selected to recei,e the I 99:i Sallie !\be First Class Te
-ichcr Aw,nd for first-year teachers. Twenty tr
rn:-,pcll'L1tiu11 lkpartment employees "ere recognized for ,oluntcering their ti111c 10 the .-\rkan:-,as "I I la,e A Dream'' Youth Assembly. ,-\ list of those i11dividu.1ls is attached. In conclusion, the Superintendent recognized the tea cher ex-officio Board member for the month of August, Lillie Scull from Romine lnterdistrict Mngnet School, and the student ex-officio Board member, Austin Burke from Parkview l\.fognct. B. CITIZE'iS C0\1:\t!TrEES l\.1s. Gee requested that Mr. Eaton provide an update on the Chicot rebuilding project and asked that the committee to rebuild Chicot be reorganized and scheduled to meet again. Mr. Eaton reported that all contracts have been awarded and the contractor is to begin roofing the building as soon as the shipment of steel is received. The cleaning of the building interior is complete and all areas that are finished arc scaled off and protected from vandals. The goal is to be finished by the first of 1996. Board of Directors r--kcting August 2-l. 1995 Page 3 C. SPECIAL PRESEi':TATIO~S 1. Office of Desegregation i\tonitoring Melissa Gulden, was present bu, had no formal report for the Board. She emphasized that 111any of the employees of ODM have child1cn or grandchildren attending school in the Ll~SD. 2. Classroo111 Teachers Association Frank \lartin. Excrntive Director. reported his pleasure that school opened ,, ith settlement of the contract negotiations. I le reported that a proble111 exists with placement of the pre, ious CTA President. \Is. Coleman and that the problem may invohe the District's policy on nepoti 111. He asked that the Board investigate the circumstances su1 rounding \Is. Coleman's placement. 3. Joshua Intencnors '.',
o report. . 111ight l11tcnc11ors Betty \litchell, CTA representative. reported for the Knight lntcrvenors. Issues dealing with teacher transfers. ,oluntary and involuntary. are a concern and she asked that in the future the transfer process be completed earlier, before the end of the school vear. 5. JYf:\ Council 1 'o report. D. BO\RD \IE,\IBERS t-.ls. Ponclexte1 a luted tr. O'Malley for his service and dedication to the Board. I k has chosen not to seek reelection. Ms. Magness recognized and thanked LRSD administrative and support staff members, and congratulated Dr. Williams for building a strong team. Board of Directors i\keting A11gusl 2-1. l 995 Page !\'. Dr. l\litchell rl'jHlltcd that she visited the transportation depart111cnt open house. She co111me1Hkd th<..' llus dri\'l'rS for their cn111111i1111en1 and cooperative spirit. l\.ls. Johnson has ,isited some of the school in Zone 7. She
1t1ended orientation at Cloverdale Junior I ligh School, attended a PTA meeting. and encouraged other PTA groups to include student representatives. i\ls. Johnson also complimented the l\1cClcllan staff for their commitment to getting 10th gr:ide students off to a good start by ,vorking 011 the Sunday before school started. l\fs. Pondexter attended the orientation for retllrning bus dri,ers and the open house in transportation. She thanked everyone \\hO sent their condolences during her illness. She thanked the staff of Parkvic\\' for gelling th<..'ir Slllclcnts off to a good start.
,,1s. Gee in\'ited patrons to telephone her any time. She noted that it was \'Cry irnporl:111t that Board members keep in touch with the con1munity. l\ls. \!agncss in\'itcd Suellen Vann. director of rnmmllnications. to make a public service annou ncc111ent regarding a debate between school board candidates c 1 \londay. 1\ugust 28. 1995. at 7:30 p.n1. REi\l:\RKS FRO.\! CITIZENS Robert "Say" i\lclntos!J recognized Bennie Johnson as a faithful employee of the LRSD. Mr. Johnson was injured in an incident with a student. "S
-iy" also volunteered to do whatever he can to make the LRSD better. Deborah Vail. parent of a Dunb,n student, compliiined that her d,rnghtcr's bus had not yet run on time. Her child is missing first period class because of late trn nsporta t ion. Thcrctha Jackson stressed that it is not al\\ays the drivers' f,rnlt when the buses arc late. Some of the routes arc too long, some buses are malfunctioning, and there still exists a shortage of drivers. Neddie Nichols, reported that drivers arc being subjected to mental abuse. Ms. Nichols does not feel that the transportation director is qualified for the position and she stated that Mr. Smith docs not listen to tile drivers complaints. Board of Directors l\leeting August 24. 1995 Page 5 l\tirhael Campbell presented a pct1t1on signl'd by 49 transportation tkpartrnl'nt L'111ployees
1sking for the resignation of l\!ary Janl' Chl'ath
1111. Joh1111y Darrarntt was present in support of nallling the practice field at I !all I ligh School after Coach Raymond Peters. l\like Daugherty. member of the Little Rock New Party and candidate for the Zone 2 position on the Board. spoke in support of the district's custodial employees. I le asked the I3oard to support the District's rnstodial employees a11d reject the proposal to privatize custodial services. Stacy Pittman. co-president of the P'L\ at Pubski I !eights Elementary. rL'ported that a number of pare11ts have spent time O\'er the past two \\L'eks clc
111ing and preparing the school for opening day. She asked the Board to look ,ery se ri ously at privatizing custodial and mainte11anre scr:ices. The current taff and equiprne11t is inadequate for the amount of work that 11ecds to be done in that buildi11g. '.\lclinda i\tarti11. CTA Vice-Preside11t spoke 011 behalf of the bus dri,e rs. Prnblcms continue with managl'ment of dist1 ict transpo1 tat ion and it has caused poor morale of the dri,er.. \\'illic Gi,c11s ,poke in suppon of rn tod1ans a11d m
1inten: tnre ,,01 kers and asl-.ecJ the I3oarcJ 11ot to support subcontr
1cting of custodial and n1aintLnance sen ice. Janell Romandia is the parent of a pecial needs student whose bus has arri,ccJ at school l:ite each clay this week. Carolyn Rufus and Veola Parks are residents of St thwest Little Rock \\ho.-c students attend Pulaski I !eights. Transportation for these students has bl'en discontinued and they asked the Board to reinstate transportation for thl.?ir tudents. V. ACTIO 'AGEND.\ f\.1s. \1agness made a motion to reorder the agenda to mo\'e itelll "I I" (ServiccI\.laster Proposal) to item "/\." i\lr. O' talky seconded the motion . The motion passed 1111animo11 sly. The Board took a break at 7: IS p.m. and resumed the meeting at 7:35 p.m. noard or Directors i\lL'L'ting August 2l. 1995 Page 6 A. Service
\laster Proposal i\ls . .\L1g.11ess
1skecl that the presentation for co11tracti11g custodinl services be made by district administrators and Scrvicd\1aster representatives. Fred Smith, LRSD J\1anngcr or Support Services. and Ron I !ostetkr. Scrvicel\1aster representative. presented infonnation :rnd ans\\cred questions from the Board. l\lr. Smith asked the Board to authorize the administration to enter contract negotiations with Scrvic1: i\hstcr. t-1s. Magness made a motion to table action on the Snvice\1astcr propo. al until further clisc-ussion and study of the business c
1sc can be conducted. \Ir. 0'1'-1:ilky seconded the motion. and the 111otio11 to t
iblc failed by a 3-3 vote. with Ms. Pondexter. i\ls. Gee and .\Is. Johnson \'Oting "no" and Dr. i\litchcll, l\.1s. i\!agness and \lr. O'i\l
il!cy voting "yes." l\ls. Gee made a motion D.Q1 to contract out cu todial ser\ices. \ls. Johnson seconded the motion and it failed bv a rntc of 3-3. with i\!s. Pondexter. \!s. Gee. and i\!s. Johnson \'Oting "yes" and .\1s .. Magness. Dr. \!itchell. and \lr. O'\!allcy voting "no." i\Is. Gee made a motion to contract out District custocl1al se rvices ,111d \!s. Pondexter seconded. The motion failed ..i-2. The roll c
ill rcflcctecl \Is. \!agness. and l\.1r. or-.,t
1llcy voted "yes." i\ls. Pondexter. .\Is. Gee. ,\Is. Joh11s011 voted "no." Dr. l\litchell abstained. The agenda wc1s again reordered in considcrc11io11 of co111111u11ity members who were present to ask the Boarc!"s c1pproval of naming the practice field ill I !all I ligh School. Ms. Magness made the motion, Ms. Gee seconded. and it passed u11ani 111ously. B. Nomination for Naming Facility /\t Dr. Williams recommendation, Ms. Magness m,1de a motion to approve 11a111i11g the pr act ice field at Hall High School for the late Coach Raymond Peters. Mr. O'l'v1alky seconded the motion, and it passed 1111a11i111011s!y. Ms. Pondexter asked if there was any objection to postponing the remainder of the agenda until
inother elate. Some concern and objections were noted and it was decided to move as much of the action agenda as possible before adjourning the meeting. l!o
1rcl of Dirl'ctois \kl'ling August 21, 1995 Page 7 C. First Reading - School Board
\le1111Jer Code of Co11d11cl The Superi11tc11ck11t reco111mended apprnval of the Code of Conduct on first reading. l\1s. Magness made the motion to accept the policy on first reading, Mr. O'l\.ialky seconded the motion and it passed 5-1. with t\ls. Gee casting the "no" votl'. D. First Reading - Policy on Naming Faciliti l The Superintendent recommenc.lec.l acceplancc of the policy 011 Naming f-acilities for f'rst reading. \Ir. O'
\lalley 111ovecl for acceptance of the policy, \Is. \lagness seconded the motion and it passed 6-0 E. Seco11cl Reacli11g - Policy 011 Scheduling School :\cti\'ities 011 Election Days The policy for schLcluling school acti\'ities 011 election da!s was appro\'ed 011 first reading. July 20. 1995. It was rcco111mc11cled for apprn\al on se cond reading. i\!s. Gee mac.le the motion to accept the policy. \Ir. O'\lallcy st?condccl thL' motion and it pa 'i Secl 6-0 . F. Polic) IK.\ . .\ Rcg11latio11 \lodilicatio11 Regulation !KA,\ adopted by the Board in Dece111ber. I 989. regarding weighted grades for advanced placement courses, required modification in aider to bring District guic.lelines into compliance with Arkan sas Department of Education rcquir'ments. \I s. Gee mac.le the motion to approve the recommended modifications. i\lr. O'i\lalley seconded the 111otio11 and it passed 6-0. G. Arkansas Public Schools \\'eek Arkansas Public Schools: The 1atural Plc1ce to Lec1rn is the theme for this year' Arkansas Public Schools \\'eek, October 1-7. 1995. The Superintendent asked the I3oc1rcl to apprme a Resolution in sup1 Jrt of this ob ervance. \ls. Gee 111ac.le the 111 otio11 to accept the re solution, :-..tr. O'\lallc~ seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. Board of Directors i\il'cting August 2-1, 199:'i Page S II. l11cc11tivc School i\lonitoring lnstru111cnl The Superintendent Jsked the I3oJrd to approve the 1995-96 monitoring instrument for use in assessing the progrnms in the Inccnti\'e Schools. Mr. O'Mallcy made the motion to accept the monitoring instrument, !\..ts. Magness seconded the motion and it p
-isscd 6-0. I. Proposed Refinancing of 13onds In a special meeting on February 17, 199-4, the I3oard approved refinancing of bonds dated September I, 19S9, September I, 1990, and October I. 1991. Administration recommended th
it the I3oJrd approve the resolution authorizing the issu
-ince
-incl delivery of bonds to save the distri ct approximJtely $57.000. l\ts. Magness made the motion to approve the resolution, l\1r. O'Malley seconded the motion, and it passed 6-0. J. Donations of Property The Board was asked to appro,e acceptance or donations to the district. \Ir. O'l\falley made a motion to accept the item:
, \h. \Ligncss seconded the motion and it ill! ed 6-0. Donated items are listed below SC!-IOOUDEPART\IE1 T ITEM DONOR Pupil Services Dept. Drug Abuse Prevention Program Little Rock School District Sl,130 to purchase a computer Apple Ile Computer System/Software/Printer K. S11pcrinte11de11t's Evaluation No action taken. To be considered in special 1nceting. L. Developlllcllt of Due Process Procedures No action taken. To be considered in special meeting. Alltel The Vernon James Family Board or Directors Meeting August 2~. 1995 Page 9 l\t. Personnel Changes The Superintendent 111.-ide a recommendation to .-iccept personnel changes prt'sented in the agencl.-i and additional transfers of assistant principals. considered to be "acting" positions. Ms. Magness moved for approval or the personnel items. Mr. O'l\lalky seconded and the motion carried, 6-0. N. Financial Reports Dr. Williams recommended approval of the financial reports as printed in the agend.-i. Mr. O'i\!.-illcy 1110\'ecl for .1cccptance of the financi.1! reports. i\f.. Johnson seconded the 111otion .-ind it passed 5-1. with l\ls. Gee casting the "no" vote. 1\t the suggestion of the Board President. l\!r. O'l\lallcy mack a motion to recess the meeting and postpone the remainder of the action items 011 the agenda until next Thursday. August 31, 1995, .-it 6:00 p.n1. i\ls. Johnson seconded the motion and it \Vas approved by a 1111anirnn11s vote. After a short break, the board reconvened at 9:20 p.rn. for the pu I pose of hearing student reinstatcrn 'Ill petitions. VIII. DISCIPLINARY Lirry Robertson, Student I !earing Officer. presented information and reco111111encled reinstatement of Brandon Hughes, J:-ickie Young, and i\lichael Peals. At the Superintendent's recommendation, l\ls. Johnson made a motion to reinstate these students, l\.!s. Gee seconded the motion and the students were readmitted by a rnte of 6-0. Each of these students will remain on strict probation, with the stipulation ti at they report to the Board at the end of the first nine-weeks with their academic, attenclance and citizenship records. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: Dr. Williams notified the Board that he had met with Laidlaw representatives and had asked that they reestablish the SWLR routes as soon as possibk. The arrangement would be for one year. Adding bc1ck the routes will result in an additional expense for the District. Board of Directors :\IL'L'ting August 21. 1995 Page 10 Pat Gee made a motion to ask our attorneys to notify the court and :\-Ir. Walker that the Boilrd hild agreed to reestilblish the routes for students in southwest Little Rock to Pulaski I !eights. Judy t-.1ilgness seconded the motion. (No vote was taken on thi motion.) Pat Gee lllilde a motion thilt we aud back the rt Ites for these students, Judy i\fagness seconded the lllOtion. and it passed ( 0. ADJOUR. '\IE
\'.T Addition:-il business of the Board is to be continued on Thursday. August 31. 1995. at 6:00 p.m. \Is. Gee m:-iclc the motion to adjourn. :"\Is. Johnson seconckd the motion and it pilsscd unil11imouslv. APPRO\'ED: 9-d._ ~ _q $ TRA
--.
SPORT, TION DEPART 1EN r VOLU1 TFERS :,,,,tAIU I. L. Kl 1G. JR. AllKt\. SAS "I IIA\'E A DREA~1" ASSEi'vlBLY Carol) n Williams Rirky r,...iarks Sandrn Allison Phillip Watson Jerome Price Booker T. Washington Brenda Lynum Arthur Coleman I3rrnda Bass Fr,1nk I !award James I !ayes Clifton I !ayes Reginald Walker Zina Burns Brenda Po, lc..'r Renard Littles Tonv Burse Bcttv Rob111son Flo~d Coope1 :,,,,1ary Jane Chea I ham August 24, 1995 From: Subject. ns for Personnel Changes I recommend the approval of H ,e following personnel changes: TRANSFERS/PROMOTIONS Assistant Principal, Central H. S. - Daniel Whitehorn Assistant Principal, Mann Magnet - Donna Duerr Assistant Principal, Franklin Incentive - Reba Faye Reynolds Principal, Mabelvale Elementary - Tabitha Phillips LITI'LE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICI' 810 Wl:,ST i\tARKIIAi\1 STREET LlTfLE ROCK, ARKANSAS l\tINUTES SPECIAL BOARD l\lEETl'.'JG August 31, 1995 EC IV OCT 2 4 1995 Office of Desegregation Monizor,,,ll -..,
,,.....__.---,.. The f3o
ird of Directors of the Little Rock School District met in a special sc sion on Augu st 31. 1995, in the l3oard Room of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock. Arkans
is. The Pre sident, Ms. Linda Pondexter. presided. i\fE:'.!BERS PRESE1 T: l\1s. Lincl
i Pondexter l\fs. Patrici
i Gee Ms. Judy \Ligncss \1 . Stephanie Johnson i\!r. Kevin O'\L1ll\.'Y Dr. K
1the1inc \litchcll :--..tr. John !Zig.gs \fE:\IBEHS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Dr. Henry P. Williams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Russe ll 1\-!ayo, Associ
-ite Superintendent Mr. Chris Heller, LRSD Attorney Ms. Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER The President, Linda Pondexter, called the me!.:'ling to order at 6:05 p.rn. The roll call revealed all I3oard 111c111bers were present. Board of Directors SpL'cial t\keting August 31. 1995 Page 2 II. PURPOSE OF TIIE :\IEETING 111. The meeting was called for the purpose of completing the agenda of the regular meeting of August 24, 1995. The remaining agenda items were: 1. Superintendent's Evaluation Dcvelopmrnt of Due Process Procedures 3. Personnel Changes 4. Report Agenda 5 . Disciplinary - Student Reinstatement I Ic:nings . \CTIO. rL:\IS .\b. Cce !lladc a 1110tion to reonki the agenda to Lonsider till! Supl!1inte1 knt"s I:\aluat1on .ifte1 Cl)lllpktion of other business. \Ir. H.igg:, seconckcl the motion a,1d it passed 1111a11i111011slv. Devclop111c11t of Due Process Procedures I\ls. Pondexter had requested development of due process procedures for involuntary transfer of cmplO) ees. Superintendent Williams asked that this topic be discussed further in executive sc sion since the item has implications related to development of board policy that would be in violation of the Superintendent's contract. I\ls. Magness asked that Dr. Williams and t\.ls. Pondexter meet to discu ss the matter and return to the Board at a bter date. Personnel Changes i\fs. t\.Iagness moved to suspend the rules to consider additio II personnel items that \,ere not provided before the regular meeti g on August 2--L I 995. Mr. Riggs seconded the motion, and it passed 6-1, with Is. Pondexter casting the "no'' vote. i\tr. O'\lallcy made a motion to approve personnel changes, transfers, and promotions recommended by the Superintendent. Mr. Riggs seconded the motion, Board of Directors Special August 31, 1995 Page 3 and it passed 6-1, with 1\ts. Pondexter casting the "110" H)le. The personnel ch:rngcs are listed 011 the memorand 111 attached to these minutes. IV. REPORT AGENDA Desegregation Update Dr. Russell \1ayo was present to nnswer questions and provide information 1n :iddition to the lkscgregation update printed in the agenda of August 24, 1995. Ms. i',.lagness asked Dr. ,\layo to report on
111 agreement for transporting desegregation transfer students. Students who had changed their address but had not been reassigned to their attendance zone school during the last school term will be allowed to remain at their current school .lssignment (Pulaski I !eights and Forest I !eights). Transportation will be provided for these students. Principals and parents will be informed of requirements regarding n:assign111e11t when address changes OCCU r. Chris I kllcr was prlsent to answer que'-tions n:garcling students affected by the
1grec111e11t \\ilh John Walko. 1\pproxi111atcly 15 13bck students were affected. Elc,cn of these st11drnts were already attending Pl !JI-I and three students were affectccl by the transportation issue. Ms. Magness expressed concern that some students were being denied scats in their attenclance zone school due to assignment of clesegregation transfer students. Or. Mayo reportccl that attendance zone preference would be given to stuclents and future problems in this area should be eliminated as the schools become better informed about reporting address changes. Or. \Villiallls has asked the Communications Department to scheclule a series of meetings in the CO!llrnunity, separate fro!ll Town Hall meetings, to ensure that the public is better infor!llcd about the Desegregation Plan, the attendance zone assignment plans, transportation, and the implications of all these issues on the CO!l1111UI1ity. Ms. Pondexter asked a question about double funding of the Incentive Schools. Dr. Williams responded that we currently double funcl these schools, and that as long as the District continues to operate uncler the current Plan we are obligated to double fund them. Adjustments will be made in the projected budget as the enroll!llent in these buildings is confirmed. Board of Directors Special
,.,keting August 31. 1995 Page ..i In response to a question by i\ls. Johnson. Chris I kllcr stated that double funding w
1s intended to provide integrated opportunities to those students who were racially isolated. The schools were to ha\'e \'ery specialized. high-quality progra111s to narrow achievement disparity and attract white students to desegregate the schools. John Walker was recognized by l\!s. Pondexter to also respond to this question. The Incentive Schools. originally called "major enhancement" chools. were to be funded at a higher level in order to .1ttract white parents. The District co111111itted to provide pecial progra111s to create opportunitiL'S for students to rccci\'e a strong basic educ.1tion and schobrships wc11.. to be pro,idcd. Dr. Williams responded that funding to support the Incentive School programs i 110 longer ,nailablc at the sa111c lc\'el that h.1s been pro\'ided in the past. The Court has said that money should not be an issue in pro\'iding enhanced programs, but budget reduction strategics must be developed ,vithout reducing the quality of education. If the district docs not receive a millage increase in the next frw years. it could face bankruptcy. 1 he Board is facing serious budget decisions that ,,ill affect all schools in the District. \Ir I lelkr addre:s,
L'd questions regarding the pwpnsL'd plan 111odific:1tin11s that will be presented to the Court on rriday. September I. 199:'-. :\dminrstration has rccom111e11ded areas of the Plan for 111odificatio11 and district ,11101 neys h
l\e assessed evidence indicating the District i in substantial compliance with Plan requirc111e11ts in these areas. Suspension of the Rules Dr. Williams recommended that the Board approve proposed Plan \.todifications that will be presented to the Court. i\lr. O'i\lalley moved to suspend the rules to consider a 11,otion of support by the Board of proposed modifications to the Plan. :-Is. i\lagness seconded the motion. The 111otion failed ..i-3 with \Is. i\!agness, Dr. \.litchell. \!r. o
,.,1allcy and \Ir. Riggs voting "yes," and I\ls. Pondexter. \ls. Gee. and l\fs. Johnson voting "no." (S-2 required for a suspension of the rules.) CARE Program Fees JoEvelyn Elston. Director of Pupil Scr\'iccs, \\as present to answer questions regarding increased fees for the operation of CARL Parents were notified of the increases prior to the start of school. Board members expressed concern that 110 Board action was required for approval of fee inneases. The program is self- Board of Directors SpLcial Meeting August 31. 1995 Page 5 supporting. the inncase is to co,n opcr
1ti11g expenses. and 110 district funds an: used for the operation of CARE. Ir. Riggs suggested, and 1\ls. Elston agreed, to use the Ct\RE Program as a marketing or rcnuiting tool for the District. The board recessed at 7::..5 p.m. and reconvened .1t 7:35 p.m. Standardized Dress for Alternative School Stud nts A report from the P1i11cipal at the t\LC' was included in the agenda for the Boardrcview. The Superintendent m.1de 110 recom111cntbtion for Board action regarding an ALC uniform policy. I k indicatL'd that fu1 thcr research would be clone before a recommendation would be presented to the Board. Update on Transportation Outsourcing Freddie c nith. Director of Support Ser\'ice . presented an update 011 the outsourcing of tran portation. The presentation included specific information on the number of district employees who transferred to Laidlaw. the number who remain district employees. and the 11u111bcr \\ ho did nut return for e111ployment. Cl1
11 t: were also p1esented det
1il1ng managL'lllent nitc1 i
1, retirL'lllent option-
. nu111ber of dr1\'L1s who had been employld ~incc L1idbw a:sumed opc1ations. routing and r.)uting changes. and info1 mat ion Lln courte:..y stops. T\\o additional buses ha\'e been added to accom111odate desegregation transfer students in the Southwest Lillie Rock area who arc assigned to Pulaski I !eights Jr. High School. r-..ts. Pondexter expressed ,1 concern about the schedu ling of the chool day. Younger students report to school earlier in the day, junior high and high school students start the school day later. She views this as a tran ~porta tion issue. other Board members suggested that it was a school operations issue. No action \\'ilS requested or taken al this time. Truancy Reduction Center, 199-t-95 End-of-Year Report The report was printed in the agenda and Ms. Elston was present to respond to questions. Hoard of Directors Speci,11 l\keting August 31. 1995 Page 6 Summer School Principals The salary report was prepared for review at the Board's request. Ms. Pondexter has concerns about placement of summer school principals in the secondary schools where 12-month principals are assigned. V. AUDIE TE \\'ITII l1 'D l\'IDUALS/CRO PS ~Ir. Ray Stewart. employee of Crow-l3urlingame Company. spoke in opposition of transportation outsourcing and contracting of custodial and maintenance services. I !is concern was centered on loss of re, enue for local businesses and out of state purchases of supplies and equipment. ~Ir. Jim I3ohannan, a retired State Department of Education employee, spoke in opposition of contracting dist1 ict services. I !is concerns related to spending tax dollars with out of talc businesses. Janet Ste,ens, parent of a handicapped student "ho attends Forest I kights. addressed concerns about transpo1 t.1tio11 sakty is_uc~ Special education buses h,1ve experienced maintenance problem:, and she i rnnterned about the children\\ ho ride these buses. Betty \litchcll. CTA president, spoke in oppos1t1on to contracting of custodial services. She requested face-to-face negoti.itions with employees to solve the mainten.1nce and custodiol problems of the Dist1 ict. Willie Givens, LRSD custodial employee. voiced concerns regarding the Serviccl\fost r 1no1 osal to contract custodial services. I le remarked on the difficulty of doing his job without the proper equipment and supplies. \Is. Gee made a motion to go into executive session to conduct closed studt t hearings at 8:35 p.m \Ir. O':'\lallcy seconded the motion, and it passed una11i111011slv. Board of Directors Special i\kcting August 31. I 995 Page 7 tudcnl Hearings L1rry Robertson. Student I le ,ning Officer, pre ented information and recommended reinstatement of Derrick Scott who was expelled by the Board in December 199-l. for verbal abuse of staff at Cloverdale Junior I Iigh. The Superintendent recommended reinstatement on strict probation . l\ts. Magness made a motion to rein. tale Derrick to the LRSD, the motion wa seconded by Dr. :--.titchell, and passed unanimou ly. Derrick's reins atemcnt stipulates that he will report to the 13oa1 at the end of thl' fi1st nine-weeks \\ith academic. attcnd
1ncl'. and citizen. hip records. The Board took a 10 minute recess at 8:50 p.m. and recon\'cned at 9:00 p.rn . Request for a Special l\lceting :'\fr. Riggs
111d :-Ir. o fallcy had rcquc tee! (b~ 111ernorandu111) a special meeting of the Board. :incl asked that it be hclc.J imrncc.Jiatcly follm\ing. acljournme111 of this meeting. i\fs. Pondexter read Di trict Policies BCB and BOA relating to calling of special meetings by the President of the Board. Since the president of the Board did 1101 schedt. lc the special meeting, she denied the request for the special meeting on this date and instead suggested a meeting date of Tuesday. September 19. 1995. Reconsideration of a Previous l\totion Dr. Mitchell had previously abstained on a vote to contract out the District's ct stoclial and maintenance services and she as. erted the right to move to reconsider the motion. Ms. Pondexter stated her opinion on the rule of abstention: that while the abstention may constitute or result in a no vote, it does not mean that the vote was counted on either side. She did not consider Dr. 1'v1itchell's vote
1s a "yes" or a "no" but a decision not to vote on either side. Board of Directors Spcci
d \kcting At1gust 31, 1995 Page S !\Ir. Riggs mmTd to appl'al thl' decision of thl' I3oard President. !\Is. T\.lagness seconded the motil)Il, and the motion to appeal the decision of the Chair passed 4-3. The motion to reconsider the 111otio11 as pre L'ntcd by Dr. 1\litchell was before the I3oard and !\Ir. Riggs seconded the motion . The motion pnsscd l y a vote of 4-3, with l\-ls. \bgness, D1. l'>litchell. i\lr. O'\lalley. and !\Ir. Riggs voting "yes," and !\Is. Pondexter, !\Is. Gee, and i\fs. Johnson ,oting "no." On the 111otion to reconsider a previous issue. \Ir. Riggs made a 111otion that the District enter into a contract with SerYice\laster on their proposal to manage the District's custodial and maintenance sen ices. \1s. 1\lagness seconded the 111otion. \Is. \lagness spoke in st1pport of Sen ice\laster and the services they will provide to the District. \Is Gee.
,...1s. Pondexter. and \Is. Johnson spoke in opptrition to entering into the cont1act. \Is. Pondexter also 1ead a lclln into the 1ccord from Attorney John Walker
1sking the C'ot1rt to cnjt)in the District from entering in10 the Scn,ice\lastcr contract. The motion to en tL' I into thL' Sc,, icc\!a~tL'I co ntract ca~Jj_c.:d~ a ,otc of 4-.'. ,, ith
,...1r. Riggs. \b. \l
igncss. Dr. \litchcll. and \Ir. O'\lallcy \Ot1ng "yes.' and \Is. Pondexter, \I s. Gee, and :-.Is. Johnson ot1ng. "110." \Ir. Ed Ga111c1. reprc scntati\'l' of Sen1Cc\laster was recognized . lie thanked the Board fo1 their considl'lation and for their final decision. I le assured the employees present that they ,, ot1ld be satisfied with 1hcir working conditions under Service\laster. l\-ls. Pondexter accepted additional co111111c11ts fro111 custodial and /or 111aintcn.ince employees who were in attendance. (Reverend Daniels, :--.tilton Roland, Clt:velancl Love, three others -unidentified). upcri11tc11clc11t's E,aluation t\ motion to nrn\c into cxcrntive se ssion was made by l\-ls.
,...1agness. seconded by \ts. Johnson and it passed 1111a11imo11slv. Boa1d of Direrto1s Spen,tl ~kcting t\ugust 31. 199.'i Page 9 The Board rcturnl'd from executive session at 11 :55 p.m. reporting that no act'on h
id been taken With no further business, l\ls. Cee moved for adjournment, seconded by . lr. o:,..talley, and it carried 1111anilllo11sly. APPROVED: q J_s,' .q5 August 24, 1995 '\, From: Subject. Recommendati ns for Personnel Changes I recommend the approval of the following personnel changes: TRANSFERS/PROMOTIONS Assistant Principal, Central H. S. - Daniel Whit\,.
horn Assistant Principal, Mann Magnet - Donna Duerr Assistant Principal, Franklin Incentive - Reba Faye Reynolds Principal, Mab 1vale Elementary - Tabitha Phillips ISITU.. ROCK SCIIOOL DISTI !CT 810 WEST 1\L\RKll,\
\I STREET lXITI..E ROCK. ARK:\1 'S.\S 1\11.' TES SPECIAL BOARD 1\lEETI:--:G September 14, 1995 OCT ? 4 1995 Office of Desegregat,oo Morn ormg The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District met in a special session on September 14, 1995, immediately following the agenda meeting, in the Board Room of the Administration Building. S10 \\'est \larkham Street, I.ittk Rork. Arkansas. The President. \Is. Linda Pondexter. presided. \.is. Linda Pondcxtci /I.ls. Patricia Gee \Is. Judy \lagnl'ss l\.1s. Stephanie Johnson \Ir. Kevin O'\.tallcy Dr Katherine \litrhcll
\II. John Riggs \IE:\lBERS :\BSE. 'T: None ALSO PRESE. 'T: Dr. Henry P. \Villia111s. Superinkndcnt of Schools Dr. Russell i\fayo, Associate Superintendent !\Is. Beverly Griffin, Recorder of \linuks I. CALL TO OI{DER 1 he Presidrnt, Linda Pondexter. called the meeting to order at 5:55 p.m The n1ll call rc\'ealcd all Bo,1rd members were pre. ent. r3o
ml of Directors Special i\keting September 1-1, 1995 Page 2 II. PURPOSE OF TIIE 1\1EETJ:---
G The !lll'eting was called for the purpose of considering the following: 1. 1 3. 4. Early Childhood Ed11catio11 Commission Grant Proposal Student Reinstatement Hearings Student Expulsion Appeal I !enrings Employee I learings Ill. ACTIO'.\' :\GEi\'D:\ Early Childhood blucation Commission Grant Proposal The Superintencknt reco111111ended Board appro\'
il to submit
i grant application in the a111ount of $15,000 to the Arkans
-is Early Childhood Education Comrnis ion. The gr.int "ill be used to construct a new playground
it Fulbright Element.iry School and the Fulbr_ight PTA is prO\iding S8,200 matching funds. \!r. Riggs mo\ed for apprm
1I. Dr. \litrhcll seconded the mntion.
\11d it Jasscd 6-1 with '.\Is. Pondexter cnsting the "no" ,ote. Suspension of tile Rules Ms. i\!agness .iskcd for a suspension of the rules to allow .1ctio11 on a request from the Assist.1nt Superintendent of Seconcla1y Schools. !r. Riggs seconded the motion and it pnssed 7-0. Several high school athletic events had been scheduled prior to the Board's pa sing a policy to prevent school events on election clays. Dr. Williams recommended approval of Or. Anderson's request to waive the policy for one day, September 19, 1995. 1\!r. Riggs moved in favor of approving the waiver, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed 7-0. IV. DISC .>UNARY Without a formnl motion to reorder the agenda, an employee hearing was conducted prior to the scheduled st11de11t hearings. lloard or Directors Speci
tl 1\.keting SL'plelllbn 1-1. 1995 Page 3 E111ploycc Hearing 1\ls. Zola Tyeska requested a hearing before the Bo,Hd. She was represented by Attorney John Walker. l\tr. f3rndy Gadberry, Director of Labor Relations, presented information to the Board regarding his investigation into the circt1111stances of Ms. Tyeska's reqt1est for hearing. 1\1r. Jerry i\talone, attorney for the district, arrived during the hec1ring. 1\ts. Tyeskcl is currently employed as a school nurse assigned to Southwest Junior High School c1nd Bale Elementary School. She was previously assigned to Forest I !eights Jt1nior High School as the clinic nt1rse. \ts. Tyeska h.id been involt1nt.1rily tr
1nsferrcd from Forest I !eights .111C.J she had requested an explanation of the reasons for the transfer. \Ir. Gadberry hat.l lllet on Wednesday. September 13. 1995. with i\1 . Tyeska and Joy Springer. Gwcn Efird. nurse coordinator. and Duane Benc1ge. principal of Forest I !eights Junior I [igh. That meeting had concluded ,,ith an agree111cnt to further inwstig
1tion of the circumst.11H'es and ft1rther discu ssion or negotiation \\'ith i\ls. Tveska at the conclusion of that investig.1tio11 Forest I !eights had operated a school clinic with .i grant fro111 the St
1te l lealth Department. l\!s. Tyeskc1's salc1ry had been partially paid from these grant funds, but she is classified
is a District employee and the District \\Ould be the culpable party in any employrncnt
1ction or gricvc1nce. i\.lr Gadberry stated that J\ls. Efird and \fr. Benage reported that they had been advised by the [ lea Ith Department that the funds would 110 longer be available to fund the clinic if i\!s. Tycska was the assigned nurse. No written statement to this effect was provided by the Health Depc1rt111e11t. In past prnctice. District school nurses are reassigned upo11 request of the nurse or the building administrator. Mr. Benage had requested Ms. Tyesk.i's transfer and \,1s. Efird granted his request. l\1s. Tyeska feels that her reassignment was racially motivated. Mr. Walker questioned Ms. Efird regc1rding Ms. Tyeskcl s contractua l agreement. The following responses were provided by 1\.!s. Efird: nnard of Din.-ctors Spaial i'--.kcting Scptcmbn J.I, 199." Page -l , 3. -l. 5. !\ls. Efird h:1d know11 i'--.ls. Tycsk.l si11ce i'--.larch I 99-1. whc11 she wa: a substitute 11urse for 9 \\eeks at !\labelvale Ju11ior I ligh School. She became a co11tracted nurse with the District in /\ugust 199-1. !\is. Efird does not evaluate the pcrforma11ce of school nurses. To l\ls. Efird's knowledge, there was 110 writte11
igreement or co11trnct regardi11g the grant fu11di11g of the cli11ic at the begi11ning of 199-1-95 school year. Joh11 011 & Johnson had provided gra11t funding for three years previous to the 199-1-95 term. :'\ls. Efird h:id no k11owledge of rnrrc11t writtcn e\aluatio11s of the clinic's operiltions or of the illl10t1nt of funding that had been contributed by the I lea Ith Department. Reports 111ay h,we been done by the I lealth Department to docu111ent the nu111bers of students served by the clinic. Jo Gillam. the 11ursc who had operated the cli11ic prior to i\1s. Tyeska had retired.
-,.ts. Gillalll was White. Prior to i\!s. Gill:1111. assignment at Forest !!eights. 1\nita
\r111 ste:1d had been the nurse. \ls. Ar111 stcad '"1s 8lack. 6. i'--.fr. f3cn:1gc was nc,, to Forest !!eights during the 199-l-95 school year. i\ts. Efird had met with i\lr. !3cnage regarding clinic operations ilnd expectations of the I lcalth Department. Some of these meetings were conducted with representiltives of the Heillth Dcpartrnent. i'--.1s. Tyeska hild also ilttencled some of these meetings. None of the expectations agreed upon for operatio11 of the clinic had been in writing. 7. No remediiltio11 plan has been developed to detail corrective action for Ms. Tyeska and she was recommended for renewal with the reassignment. 8. Ms. Efird had not seen a written performance evaluation of Ms. Tyeska. 9. f\ls. Tyeska's performance evalur1tion reported that the clinic was not functioningsatisfactorily. Ms. Tyesb's routine performil11ce as a school nurse was satisfactory. IO. Ms. Efird reported that two represe11tatives of the I kalth Department, Ms. Zenobia I li11Tis and Christy 13ri11sfield, had reported dissatisfaction with Ms. Tyeska's operiltion of the clinic and had asked for placement of another nurs'. The request was not in writing. no
ml of Dircctms SpL'ci
d :--.kl'ting Sl'ptrn1bl'r J.l, 1995 l'agl' 5 11. Mr. Benage had requested reassignment of i\ls. Tyeska 111 late July or early August. l lis rl'.quest was not in writing. 12. i\!s. Efinl's response to l\.!s. Tyeska's request for reasons for her reassign111e11t was se 11t to :-.Ir. Gaclben)' i11 late August. 13. i\ls. Tyeska was replaced at forest I kights by Diana Kessler. who is White. J\.lr. Jerry /\!alone questioned i\!s. Efird and the following respo11scs were prmickd: 1. 3. A teaching certificate is not required for employment as a school nurse. i\1s. Tyeska was transferred, not reco1111llenckd for tn111inatio11. O\'er the years, many transfers of :c hool nurses have been gra11tecl at the request of either the 11urse or the principal. i\lr. Benage.: reque tcd the tra11sfcr because he felt the cli11ic was 11ot operating properly. \Is. Efird stated that her assessment of \Is. Tye.k
1\ pc1 for111a11cc ,,as strongly influenced by recolllllll'Ilclations of I kalth Dcp.11tllll'11t staff. \Is. Ffi1d had no respo11sibility to e,aluate the clinic. Cli11ic e,
iluatinn was
under the juriscJiction of the I kalth Depa1 tmcnt. As \Ir. Gaclberr1 h:1cl earlier reported. it was agreed during his pre,inus llll'l'ling with \I.. Tyesk
1, th.1t further re, icw of the circumstances ,,ou Id be clone and the Board hca1i11g ,,o,ild be postponed until the i11vestigatio11 was colllpletc. The acllllinistration was not aware that a hea1i11g would be conducted until the arri\'al of \Is. T1eska and her representati\'eS at this Jlleeting. i\.lr. Gadbeny further reported that in the 111eeti11g )esterday J\.ls. T)eska had tendered an offer to resign and indicated she did not wish to work for :Vis. Efird or for Mr. Benage. I le had asked her to reco11sider and make a decision after a full assessment could be made by the District. The I lcalth Department is not funding the clinic program at Forest Heights this school year and if \Is. Tyeska is re
issigned to rorest I kights. it will be a thrl'e-day per week assignment. Duane Benage, principal of Forest I !eights was present and responded to Mr. Walker's questions. The following responses \\ere provided: nnard of Dirertms Spl'l'ial \kl'llng. Sl'JllL'lllhl'I 11. 1995 Page 6 1. This is i\1r. lkn
iges sccon<l year at Forest l leights: he was !HL'\ iously employed in Br
i<lford, Ver111ont. ., 3. I k was 1101 aware of
iny written contIacts between the I lc
ilth Dcpa11111c111 an<l thl' District regarding \!s. Tyeska's e111ploy111e111. I le had rl'rn111111e11ded the transfer of \Is. T\'cska ba~ed upon pcrfor111a11cc. l lcr evaluation lated "The clinic is non-functional or not co111plctcly operating as initially designed." . I !is rClJUCst was not based 011 a I lcalth Depa, 1111c11t reque t to transfer \!s. Tyeska. I le stated that 110 one at the I lcalth Dcpart111c11t had tol<l hi111 th
it they would discontinue funding if \!s. Tyeska \\as not 111ove<l. \Is. Zenobia I l
nris. Arca \l
inager with the Arkansas Health Dcpart111c111. ,,
is present .-ind rc:-.pondcd to quctions of \!r. \\',ilkcr. The S1
1te l lc
1lth Dcpart111e11t is a partncr-in-L'duc.11ion with Forest 1 lcight . but she st,11cd that her area is not i11\'olvcd in this p,11tnership She denied that any conditions had been placed upon the clinic regarding \!s. Tycska's c111ploy111e11t. i\!r. Walker asked that the tr
inscript of this he,11ing be placed in the personnel files of :--1r. Ben
ige ,rnd :--1s. Efird. l lu111an relations and dcsegregation efforts shouhJ be considered in staff evaluations. i\!r. i\!alone reco111111endcd that the Board allow the administration to co111ple1c their assessment and return to the Bo
-ird \\ith a reco111111cncbtio11. Ad111inistration should decide if it is appropri
11c to place
1ny of the i11for111.1tio11 fro111 this he.-iring in the personnel files of \!s. Efird or Mr. Benage. Student Reinstatement Hearings Larry Robertson. Student I [caring Officer w
is present to provide i11for111atio11 and answer questions of the Board rcg
-irding students who were suspended or expelled from the District. Those students and the circu111stanccs urrounding their disciplinary a11ctio11s were as follows: Frank Enoch had been expelled from I lcndcrson Jr. I ligh School 011 January 26, 1995, for physical assault on a staff me111bcr. Frank's fa111ily has 111ovcd and his reinst
ite111ent would allow him to enter school in the Pubski County Special School Bn
ml of Directors Special :-,..teeting SLptl'lllhl'I' 11. l C)9S l'
t~L' 7 * District. Thl' Supninte11dent rcco111111ended rci11statL'llll'11t. i\!r. O'f\lalky 111ovcd to accept the 1ecom111endation. f\!s. Gee secondl'd the 111otion and it was appro,ccl 11nani111011sly. Allen Poole had been expelled from McClellan I ligh School on January 17, 1995. for inciting to riot. The SupcrintendL'nt reco111111ended reinstate111ent on strict probation. l\!s. Gee 111ade the 111otion to accept the reco111111enclatio11. Dr. l\litchell seconded the motion and it passed unani111011slv. Allen is reinstated with the stipulation that he rcpo1 t to the Board
It the end of the first ninc-\\'ecks \\'ith .1cadcmic. attendance and citizenship records. Student Appeal llcarings Two students had been expelled on weapons charges during the current school term. and were appealing their expulsions to thc Board. Each of these students was rei11:t
1tecl "ith the stipul,1tio11 th
1t they report to the Board at the encl of the first 11ine-\\eeks \\ith ac
1dc111ic. attendance and citi1c11ship records. Brycc \lurnford is a 19 year old. I Ith )!Iade :tudent from \lcClellan lligh School. Ile \\
1s L' \pellcd for possc.:ssion of a s111all \..nik \\'hich \,as found during a routinl' scan. ,\d111inistration recommended rcinstatL'lllent.
-,.l1. O'\Lllley mo,ec.l to accept the rccommcnc.lation. seconded by \Is \!agness and nasscd u11a11i111011slv. Christopher ~cw is a 12th grade student at Central High. A swiss army knife was found in his pocket c.luring a random search on September 5, 1995. The SuperintL'ndcnt recommended reinstatement. i\.!s. i\.lagnl'SS 111ade a motion to accept the reco111111e11datio11.
-,.Ir. O'f\lallcy seconded the 111otio11 and it was appro,cd unanimously. * Executive Session l\lr. Riggs made a motion for the Board to 1110\'C into executive session to discuss the evaluation of the superintendent. \ls. Johnson seconded the motion
ind it passed 11 na 11 i 111011 s Iv. The Board returned frn111 executi,e session at 9:00 p.111. reporting that 110
iction had been taken. The student hea1 ing.-. as reported ,1bo\'e, continued at this ti111e. Bo
1rd of Directot. Spl'ri
1I Meeting Septemblr 1-l. 1995 Page S ADJOUR, ME1 'T With no further businc.:s . 1\ls. Gee moved for adjournment at 9:35 p .111. The motion was seconded by Ms. Johnson. anc.l it carried u11a11imo11 l_y. q~W Li!Hl:i Pondexter. l'rl'sidcnt APPROVED: 9 J..? ,q5 OCT 3 1 1995 LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS Office of Desegregation M
.mi,w,,a MINUTES REGULAR BOARD MEETING September 28, 1995 The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District held the regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m. on September 28, 1995, in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. The President, Ms. Linda Pondexter, presided. Prior to the call to order, Carolyn Staley, Pulaski County Circuit Clerk, administered the oath of office to Board Members John Riggs, re-elected from Zone 4, and Sue Strickland, newly elected from Zone 7. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Linda Pondexter Ms. Patricia Gee Ms. Judy Magness Dr. Katherine Mit~hell Mr. Kevin O'Malley Mr. John Riggs Ms. Sue Strickland MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: I. Dr. Henry P. Williams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Russell Mayo, Associate Superintendent Ms. Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes CALL TO ORDER The President, Linda Pondexter, called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. The roll call revealed the presence of all Board members. The ex-officio teacher, Jo Chesser from Terry Elementary School, and the ex-officio student, Eric Johnson from McClellan High School were also present. . e Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 2 II. READING OF MINUTES: Minutes from several meetings were presented for Board approval, including special meetings conducted on August 10, 1995, August 22, 1995, August 31, 1995, and September 14, 1995, and the regular Board meeting of August 24, 1995. Ms. Gee moved for approval of the minutes, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and the minutes were accepted unanimously. III. PRESENTATIONS: A. SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Williams recognized Mr. Tom Crone, representing Back Yard Burger. Back Yard Burger received a citation in appreciation for their donation of certificates for a free hamburger for each LRSD employee . A citation was also presented to Dr. Brian Hardin, physician director of Arkansas Children's Hospital Sports Medicine Clinic. Arkansas Children's Hospital has provided athletic physicals for LRSD students, free of charge, for the past five years. A Superintendent's citation was presented to Mrs. Gwen Efird, Health Services Director of the District. Mrs. Efird has been named Arkansas' School Nurse of the Year by the National Association of School Nurses. In conclusion, the Superintendent recognized the teacher ex-officio Board member for the month of September, Ms. Jo Chesser from Terry Elementary School, and the student ex-officio Board member, Eric Johnson from McClellan High School. B. PARTNERSHIPS The Superintendent recognized and introduced two new business partnerships with LRSD schools. Partnership certificates were presented to: Christian Landry, representing Kinko's, and Sharon Davis, principal of Romine Interdistrict Elementary School
and Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 3 Bud Bailey, representing Kinko's, and Franklin Davis, principal of Wilson Elementary School. Ms. Gee made a motion to accept the new partnerships, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Mr. T. Kevin O'Malley was presented with a placque in recognition of his dedicated service to the Board and to the District. C. CITIZENS COMMITTEES Ms. Pondexter recognized Ms. Janet Stevens and Ms. Janelle Romandia. These parents have expressed concern about the safety of transportation of special education students. These parents participated in a demonstration at the transportation department parking lot last Monday morning. D. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. Office of Desegregation Monitoring No report. 2. Classroom Teachers Association Ms. Betty Mitchell reported continuing concerns with the operating conditions at the transportation department. 3. Joshua Intervenors No report. 4. Knight Intervenors No report. 5. PTA Council No report. Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 4 E. BOARD MEMBERS Ms. Gee extended a welcome to Ms. Sue Strickland, newly elected Board member, and congratulated Mr. Riggs on his reelection to the Board. She also announced the dedication ceremony on October 1, 1995, naming the auditorium at McClellan High School for Oma G. Iacovelli, former LRSD Board member. Ms. Magness reported visiting PTA meetings and open houses at Brady Elementary, Pulaski Heights Elementary and Junior High Schools. She extended thanks to Doug Eaton and the Plant Services staff for the improvements made in the auditorium at Pulaski Heights. She also attended a creative writing exhibit at Parkview and announced a dinner theater to be held at Parkview Magnet School next Friday and Saturday night. Mr. O'Malley, who remains on the Board until the run-off election October 10, voiced a complaint with the citizens of Little Rock. Less than 3,000 people voted in the school elections. He asked all registered voters of Zone 2 to vote in the run-off election on October 10. Mr. Riggs expressed appreciation to his family and to his campaign supporters in his reelection to the Board. Dr. Mitchell reported on her recent visit to Washington, D.C. and meeting with Secretary Riley. Title I programs and programs that provide funding for safe and drug free schools are in serious trouble. She encouraged everyone to contact their representatives to ask for support for these programs. Ms. Strickland thanked her supporters for electing her to the Board. She recognized that the LRSD has problems, but none so serious that they cannot be solved. She pledged to work for a harmonious relationship on the Board. Ms. Pondexter expressed concern for the low voter turnout in the school elections. She reported that the parties to the desegregation lawsuit continue to meet weekly with the goal of resolving some of the issues out of court and reaching common ground. Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 5 IV. REMARKS FROM CITIZENS V. Robert "Say" McIntosh appealed to everyone to "stop fighting each other and get together." He is concerned about students throwing bricks at school buses and asked parents to get more involved with their children. He suggested that some of the District's transportation problems are caused intentionally to make the District and the Board look bad. Neddie Nichols, transportation department employee, stated that some of the buses are unsafe and that her bus does not have a properly working turn signal. She stated that transportation employees had asked for Mary Jane Cheatham's resignation and were waiting on a response from the Board. Michael Campbell reported that he had met recently with Fred Smith and Brady Gadberry, but he feels that there are communications problems between drivers and administration. He asked the Board to define what they want from the drivers. Mr. O'Malley introduced the two candidates for the Zone 2 position, Rev. Robert Willingham and Mr. Michael Daughterty. ACTION AGENDA A. Election of Officers Ms. Magness nominated Mr. Riggs for the pos1t1on of Board President. Ms. Pondexter expressed concern for electing officers before the newly elected Board is complete. Ms. Magness' motion died for lack of second. The election of officers will be conducted at the agenda meeting on October 12, 1995. B. Second Reading of Policy: School Board Member Code of Conduct The Code of Conduct was approved on first reading at the Board meeting on August 24, 1995. The Superintendent recommended approval on second reading and Mr. Riggs moved for approval. The motion was seconded by Ms. Magness and it passed by a unanimous vote. Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 6 C. Second Reading of Policy: Naming of Facilities Dr. Williams recommended acceptance on second reading of the policy on Naming Facilities. The policy had been approved on first reading at the August Board meeting. Ms. Gee made the motion to approve the policy, seconded by Ms. Magness and it carried unanimously. D. First Reading - Policy on Scheduling School Activities on Wednesdays The Superintendent did not recommend Board acceptance of this policy based on a question of constitutionality. Mr. Riggs made a motion to table the question, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed 6-1 with Mr. O'Malley casting the "no" vote. Ms. Gee asked that administration be aware of problems caused by scheduling activities on Wednesdays and keep that in mind until the Board can develop a policy. Mr. O'Malley suggested that setting aside a specific day and making policy based on religious reasons would not be appropriate for a public school district based on separation of church and state. Ms. Magness made a motion that the item be removed from the table for further discussion at this time. Mr. O'Malley seconded the motion to remove it from the table, but the motion failed by a vote of 5-2 with Ms. Magness and Mr. O'Malley casting the "yes" votes. E. First Reading - Policy on Students Expelled from Other Districts Dr, Williams recommended approval of the policy on first reading. Mrs. Gee made the motion to accept the Superintendent's recommendation, Mr. Riggs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. F. First Reading - Policy/Regulations Administrative Reporting Procedures Regarding Students Who Commit Felonies The Superintendent recommended approval of the policy and regulations on first reading. Mrs. Gee moved to accept the Superintendent's recommendation, Mr. Riggs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 7 G. Resolution - Clementine Mathis Rouse Scholarship Fund A resolution was presented for the Board's approval expressing appreciation for scholarships in memory of Clementine Mathis Rouse. The motion to approve the resolution was made by Ms. Magness and seconded by Dr. Mitchell. The motion carried unanimously. H. Annual Report, 1994-95 The Superintendent asked the Board to approve the 1994-95 annual report of the District. Mr. O'Malley moved to accept the Superintendent's recommendation, seconded by Dr. Mitchell and the motion carried unanimously. I. Technology Grant This grant was withdrawn from Board consideration. J. Mini-Grant Proposals The Superintendent recommended approval of three mini-grant proposals presented for Board review. Dr. Mitchell moved for approval of the grant applications, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. K. Consolidated Application for Special Education and Related Services, 1995-96 The standard application for special education funding, based on student enrollment, was recommended for approval by the Superintendent. Ms. Gee made the motion to approve the application, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. L. Donations of Property The Board was asked to approve acceptance of donations to the District. Ms. Gee made a motion to accept the items, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Donated items are listed in the following chart. Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 8 DONATIONS SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT ITEM DONOR Brady Elementary Sign Brady PTA Booker Arts Magnet School Two 43" fans Booker PTA M. Personnel Changes The Board was asked to suspend the rules to allow an additional candidate for employment other than those printed in the agenda. Ms. Gee made a motion to suspend the rules, Mr. O'Malley seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Superintendent recommended acceptance of the personnel changes printed in the agenda and the assignment of Katherine Snyder as the assistant principal at Washington Magnet Elementary School. Mr. Riggs moved for appr9val of the personnel items, Ms. Gee seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. N. Financial Reports Dr. Williams recommended approval of the financial reports for July and August, 1995, as printed in the agenda. Mr. Riggs moved for acceptance of the financial reports, Dr. Mitchell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. VI. REPORT AGENDA A. Desegregation Update Dr. Russell Mayo was present to answer questions in addition to the report printed in the agenda. He responded to a questions of the Board regarding the waiting lists for magnet schools and reported that empty four-year-old program seats will be filled within the next few weeks. The Board took a recess at 7:20 p.m. and reconvened at 7:40 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 9 B. Facility Study, 3D International Mr. Gene Rutherford was present to answer questions regarding the District facilities study. Options were reported to the Board and a summary of the options and recommendations are attached to these minutes. C. Town Hall Meetings/District Dialogue Sessions A schedule of town hall and dialogue sessions was presented to the Board and Suellen Vann was present to answer questions. Ms. Magness asked Ms. Vann to investigate the possibility of having a "call-in" question/answer session in conjunction with the televised town hall meetings. D. Budget Update Fred Smith presented current information on the District's budget. There was discussion regarding the need to hold a budget worksession or special budget meeting. Mr. O'Malley suggested that .the meeting be scheduled after the Zone 2 . run-off election. Dr. Mitchell asked that the Board wait until appropriate recommendations are made by administration before setting ~ date for the meeting. Dr. Williams suggested that the Board make a formal request of the State Department of Education asking them to establish the school funding formula. Districts statewide are waiting for the State before making final budget projections. E. ServiceMaster Update Fred Smith answered Board questions regarding the ServiceMaster proposal, agreement, and contract. He reported that the Board's concerns were incorporated into the final agreement. F. Laidlaw/Transportation Update Mr. Smith was available to answer questions of the Board. He made a short presentation of the status of transportation problem resolution. Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 10 VII. AUDIENCE WITH INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS None. VIII. DISCIPLINARY Larry Robertson, Student Hearing Officer, presented information and recommended reinstatement of one student. In addition, four students were appealing administrative recommendations for expulsion. Troy McCollum was expelled from Henderson Jr. High School on February 8, 1995, for use of a weapon. The Superintendent recommended reinstatement on strict probation, with the stipulation that Troy report to the Board at the end of the first semester with academic, attendance and citizenship records. Mr. O'Malley made the motion to approve the Superintendent's recommendation, Dr. Mitchell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Students appealing administrative recommendations of expulsion and the details surrounding their disciplinary sanctions follow. Each of these students are to return to the Board at the end of the first semester with academic, attendance and citizenship records. Carol Burton, 7th grade student at Southwest Junior High, had been involved in a fight and was found in possession of a small knife and a can of mace. Dr. Williams recommended reinstatement under the conditions noted previously. Mr. Riggs moved to accept the Superintendent's recommendation, Dr. Mitchell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Cynthia Henderson, 8th grade student at Henderson Junior High School, was recommended for expulsion for having an ice pick at the bus stop on September 11, 1995. The LR Police Department found the weapon when they were called to a disturbance, and have charged Cynthia with possession of a weapon and disorderly conduct. Dr. Williams recommended placement at the Alternative Learning Center for the remainder of the first semester. Cynthia will be allowed to return to Henderson for the second semester if she returns with favorable academic, attendance and citizenship records. Ms. Gee made the motion to accept the Superintendent's recommendation, Ms. Strickland seconded the motion and it carried 6-1, with Ms. Magness casting the "no" vote. Board of Directors Meeting September 28, 1995 Page 11 Nathaniel Moore, a senior at Central High School, was charged with possession of a weapon on August 30, 1995. Nathaniel had a Swiss army knife on his key chain. The Superintendent recommended reinstatement under the terms and conditions noted previously. Mr. Riggs moved to accept the recommendation, Dr. Mitchell seconded the motion, and it passed 6-1 with Ms. Strickland casting the "no" vote. Darrecus Robinson, a senior at Parkview Magnet School, was charged with possession of a weapon on September 12, 1995. He was found to have a pistol in his car on the school campus. Darrecus was represented in this hearing by Attorney Marva Davis. He is also facing criminal charges for this incident. Superintendent Williams recommended upholding the expulsion recommendation for the remainder of the semester. Ms. Gee moved to accept the Superintendent's recommendation, Ms. Magness seconded the motion and carried 4-3, with Ms. Gee, Ms. Magness, Mr. O'Malley and Ms. Strickland voting in favor of the recommendation, and Ms. Pondexter, Mr. Riggs, and Dr. Mitchell casting "no" votes. Darrecus will return to the Board at semester for reconsideration of his petition for reinstatement. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business for Board consideration, Mr. Riggs made a motion to adjourn at 11:05 p.m. Dr. Mitchell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. ~fjJlll lttilllllll Whereas, Mrs. Clementine Mathis Rouse committed her time, energy and knowledge of education for the improvement of students and fellow staff members in Little Rock schools
and Whereas, Mrs. Rouse's family has generously developed the Clementine Mathis Rouse Scholarship Fund which will provide a $1,000 renewable scholarship for a student who will graduate from the Little Rock School District this Spring and continue his or her studies at an institute of higher education
and Whereas, Mrs. Rouse's family has established the Clementine Mathis Rouse Outstanding Teacher Award to recognize and reward an educator who provides outstanding service to our students
and Whereas, the Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District recognizes and honors the valuable contributions that the Clementine Mathis Rouse Scholarship Fund ~as made to the children in our city
and Whereas, these contributions will long be remembered by mem-bers of this community, ~, , NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District expresses its most sincere appreciation to the family of Mrs. Clementine Mathis Rouse. Adopted this 28th day of September, 1995. ~4'~il Linda Pondexter, President i1:.!.::!: RECOMMENDATIONS: To the Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District Recommendation No 1 Establish Preventative Maintenance Capital Fund Policy Protected Escrow Annual Incremental Funding Separate from Maintenance Budget Maintenance Operating Budget Surpluses to Fund Planned Capital Replace/Repair Disbursements Board Oversight Recommendation No 2 Establish Capital Program Five Year Building Program Preferable Strategic Plan for Capital Program e Design, Estimates and Planning Decisions Sale of Bonds Supported by Millage Increase Include Seed for Preventative Maintenance Fund Complete a Representative Program Recommendation No 3 Establish School Database Zone Block System for LRSD School Boundaries On Site Survey to Establish Accurate Census Consider Attendance/Mapping/ Software System Include Magnet Information Include Record of Private School Attendees Maintain System for Best Results (Forecasting) RECOMMENDATIONS: To the Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District Recommendation No 4 Achieve Unitary Status Continuing Quality of Education Complete Capital Program ., Effective Maintenance Plan and Budget Reduce Burden of Bussing Eliminate Funding of Non Productive Programs Taxpayer Dollars for Students, not Lawyers Provide Flexible Educational Opportunities for All Recommendation No 5 Consolidation and Re-use Establish New Attendance Zones Closure of Seven Elementary Schools . Closure of One Jr. High School One to Four Elementaries out of Service Requires Completed Alterations, Additions and New Construction Operational Savings Pays for New Construction Recommendation No 6 Option "C" Preference Enhanced School Experience for Children Favorable Opportunity for Parent Participation Development of Community Identities Diminished Burden of Bussing Comparable Cost to the District Does Not Affect Special Education Opportunities More Student Value for the Dollar RECOMMENDATIONS: To the Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District Recommendation No 7 Review of Options Representative Review Team for Options Evaluation of Strengths and Weaknesses Include the Court Reach a Conclusion for Best Interest of Children Recommendation No 8 Develop Critical Initiatives Form Broad Based Dedicated Citizen Task Force Support of Educational Programs & Achievements Support of Capital Programs and Bond Offering Support of Adult Educational Programs via LRSD Support of Preventative Maintenance Recommendation No 9 Develop Leadership Core Board Initiative Community Representation Professional Men and Women Leaders from Area Include Industry and Commerce Leadership Commuter Assignments Encourage Board Service (subject to election) RECOMMENDATIONS: To the Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District Summary: Recommendation No 1 Establish Preventative Maintenance Capital Fund Recommendation No 2 Establish Capital Program Recommendation No 3 Establish School Database Recommendation No 4 Achieve Unitary Status Recommendation No 5 Consolidation and Re-use Recommendation No 6 Option "C" Preference - Recommendation No .7 Review of Options Recommendation No 8 Dev.elop Critical Initiatives Recommendation No 9 Develop Leadership Core CLOSURES ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS OTHER USES ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS !otTIONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS NEW SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 7 1 0 1 11 0 0 2 Little Rock School District Facilities Master Plan 3D/I 7 1 0 4 12 0 0 2 , ............ .::: ... .: -::::::: 7 1 0 3 11 0 0 1 .. ... ?.. ... ... ~.,..... ' .!.'. .~ .:-..: .-.:.".. :
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-. - .. ------ - Ill! -:\ Little Rock school District Facilities Master Plan 3D/1 RECOMMENDED FOR CLOSURE Fair Park Elementary Garland Elementary lsh Elementary Jefferson Elementary Mitchell Elementary Wakefield Elementary Woodruff Elementary Mabelvale Jr. High '' t''ot al reno c''os ts FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR OTHER USES* Wilson Elementary Meadowcliff Elementary Mabelvale Elementary Pulaski Heights Elementary Rightsell Elementary total reno costs The four facilities listed as "not used " on tables following the revised attendance zone maps are available for alternate uses such as administrative functions, special programs, community uses, and lastly, closure if no other purpose is found. These schools initially provide , temporary locations for students from schools where extensive renovation or additions occur during the capital improvement process. $714,626 $1,373,658 $656,776 $1,814,531 $579,516 $1,238,092 $212,098 $2,263,241 $8,852,538 $933,698 $1,138,095 $1,343,716 $1,389,146 $645,652 $5,450,307 Table CST-7 Page1 Official Oatl1 I, Su~ Stricklattb, do hereby solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas and that I will not be interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract made by the district of which I am a director, except that said contract be for materials bought on open competitive bid and let to the lowest bidder and that I will faithfully discharge the duties as School Director in the littk Rock Sd1ool District, Zo~Numbcr7 of Pulaski County, Arkansas, upon which I am about to enter. ~c2rt~cMM-!)_ q l?&Th f ,
9-q_ Ad City, State, ZIP 72.,,,7.-07 Sworn to and subscribed before me, Carolyn Staley, a county clerk in the county of Pulaski this the twffibi-~sh1h day of Sq,tember AD., ~ 1h014f,M1b tdt1 h1mtmet, attb t1mffii-t'iv. ~~~ Pulaski Circuit County Clerk 401 W. Markham St. Suite 133 Little Rock, AR. 7220 I Official Oatl1 I,Jolm Ri55s lV, do hereby solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas and that I will not be interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract made by the district of which I am a director, except that said contract be for materials bought on open competitive bid and let to the lowest bidder and that I will faithfully discharge the duties as School Director in the Uttk Rock Scl1oo1 District, Z~NlMlbalf. of Pulaski County, Arkansas, upon which I am about to enter. ,L, '-t-ftr (2,g el..., to/2& 7 ~ io:
City, State, ZIP Sworn to and subscribed before me, Carolyn Staley, a county clerk in the county of Pulaski this the twfflnf-ds'11h day of Sq,tffl1ba AD., ~ thoM1.M1b t1ffl4? Jnm~t, am> t1metlf-ilv~. C~,~~ Carolyn Staley Pulaski Circuit County Clerk 401 W. Markham St. Suite 133 Little Rock, AR. 72201 OCT 3 1 1995 Office of Desegregation Mornt<mn9 LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS MINUTES SPECIAL BOARD MEETING October 4, 1995 The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District met in a special session on October 4, 1995, in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. The President, Ms. Linda Pondexter, presided. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Linda Pondexter Ms. Patricia Gee Mr. Kevin O'Malley Dr. Katherine Mitchell MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Judy Magness Ms. Sue Strickland Mr. John Riggs ALSO PRESENT: Dr. Henry P. Williams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Russell Mayo, Associate Superintendent Ms. Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER The President, Linda Pondexter, called the meeting to order at 5:12 p.m. The roll call revealed the presence of four Board members. Board of Directors Special Meeting October 4, 1995 Page 2 II. PURPOSE OF THE MEETING The meeting was called for the purpose of conducting student hearings. Of three students scheduled, only one was present for the Board's consideration. III. ACTION AGENDA Larry Robertson, Student Hearing Officer, presented information regarding Lakeisha Webb who was recommended for expulsion from McClellan High School. Lakeisha was charged with use of a weapon at a Friday night football game. It was reported that at least two other students were involved in the altercation. The superintendent recommended that the McClellan principal investigate the incident further and provide a report to the Board. Dr. Mitchell made a motion to accept the superintendent's recommendation and Ms. Gee seconded the motion. After additional discussion, Ms. Gee withdrew the second to the motion. Mr. O'Malley made a motion to expel Lakeisha for the remainder of the 1995-96 school year. The motion died for lack of a second. Ms. Gee moved to expel Lakeisha for the remainder of the first semester. Lakeisha could then return to the Board for reconsideration at second semester. Mr. O'Malley seconded the motion. The motion failed by 3-1 with Ms. Gee casting the only "yes" vote. Mr. O'Malley made a motion to reconsider the superintendent's original recommendation. Dr. Mitchell seconded and the motion to reconsider passed by a unanimous vote. The superintendent's original recommendation was before the Board. Dr. Mitchell moved to accept the superintendent's recommendation, Mr. O'Malley seconded the motion and it carried 3-1, with Ms. Gee casting the "no" vote. Lakeisha will return to complete this hearing after a complete investigation is submitted by Jodie Carter, principal at McClellan. Board of Directors Special Meeting October 4, 1995 Page 3 ADJOURNMENT With no further business for Board consideration, Ms. Pondexter moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. O'Malley, and it passed 4-0. / APPROVED: /0 ... ~ J-95 OCT ~ 1 1995 Office of Desegregation Mo111.~1mg LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS MINUTES SPECIAL BOARD MEETING October 12, 1995 The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District met in a special session on October 12, 1995, in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. The President, Ms. Linda Pondexter, presided. Immediately prior to the call to order, Mr. Michael Daugherty was administered the oath of office by Pulaski County Clerk, Carolyn Staley. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Linda Pondexter Ms. Patricia Gee Ms. Judy Magness Dr. Katherine Mitchell Mr. John Riggs Ms. Sue Strickland Mr. Michael Daugherty MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Dr. Henry P. Williams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Russell Mayo, Associate Superintendent Ms. Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER The President, Linda Pondexter, called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. The roll call revealed the presence of all Board members. Austin Burke, Student Ex-officio representing Parkview, was also present. Board of Directors Special Meeting October 12, 1995 Page 2 II. PURPOSE OF THE MEETING The meeting was called for the purpose of conducting the following business: 1. Election of Officers 2. Approval of a Monetary Donation to the McClellan Community School 3. Expulsion Recommendations 4. Student Hearings III. ACTION ITEMS Election of Officers: For the office of President, Ms. Gee nominated Linda Pondexter
Dr. Mitchell nominated J_ohn Riggs. Ms. Pondexter:was re-elected by a vote of 4-3, with Ms. Gee, Ms. Strickland, Mr. Daugherty, and Ms. Pondexter voting for Pondexter
and Ms. Magness, Dr. Mitchell and Mr. Riggs voting for Riggs. For the office of Vice-President, Mr. Daugherty nominated Pat Gee
Dr. Mitchell nominated Ms. Magness. Ms. Gee was re-elected by a vote of 4-3, with Ms. Strickland, Mr. Daugherty, Ms. Pondexter and Ms. Gee voting for Gee
and Dr. Mitchell, Mr. Riggs, and Ms. Magness voting for Magness. For the office of Secretary, Ms. Gee nominated Sue Strickland. Mr. Riggs moved to accept Ms. Strickland's nomination by acclamation, Dr. Mitchell seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. McClellan Community School Monetary Donation: Dr. Williams recommended approval of a contract between McClellan Community Education and the City of Little Rock in the amount of $50,000. Ms. Gee moved acceptance of the Superintendent's recommendation, seconded by Ms. Magness. The motion carried unanimously. - Board of Directors Special Meeting October 12, 1995 Page 3 Expulsion Recommendations: The Superintendent recommended expulsion of six students who are not appealing their expulsion to the Board. Mr. Riggs made a motion to accept Dr. Williams' recommendation, seconded by Ms. Gee. The motion to expel the students passed unanimously. The students are listed below. DATE STUDENT'S NAME SCHOOL OFFENSE 09-14-95 Angela Elie Forest Heights Possession/Weapon 09-19-95 Javier Lee Franklin Physical Assault/Staff 09-29-95 Corey Lucas Hall Verbal Abuse/Staff 09-26-95 Asmar Stewart Hall Verbal Abuse/Staff 08-21-95 Terrance Stigall Henderson Possession/Weapon 09-01-95 Deshunn Williams Dunbar Extortion The students who were scheduled for hearings had not yet arrived. Therefore, Mr. Riggs made a motion to recess the meeting to conduct the regularly scheduled Agenda meeting. Ms. Magness seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Student Hearings: The Board reconvened the Special meeting at 6:20 p.m., for the purpose of conducting student hearings. Larry Robertson, Student Hearing Officer, presented information regarding two students who had been recommended for expulsion from the District. Lakeisha Webb was recommended for expulsion from McClellan High School for possession and use of a weapon at a football game. In a special meeting on October 4, 1995, the Superintendent recommended that Jodie Carter, principal at McClellan, further investigate the circumstances surrounding Lakeisha's expulsion and provide a complete report to the Board. The October 4, disciplinary hearing had been recessed pending completion of the report. Board of Directors Special Meeting October 12, 1995 Page 4 Mr. Carter's report was presented to the Board and Lakeisha's hearing was reconvened. Keith Richardson, from the Step Up Center, was present on behalf of Lakeisha. He had been counseling Lakeisha in resolving problems and controlling anger and appealed to the Board to reinstate her. Dr. Williams recommended expulsion for the remainder of the school year. Dr. Mitchell made a motion to reinstate LaKeisha. Mr. Daugherty seconded the motion, with an amendment that any additional behavior incidents would result in expulsion for the remainder of the school year, as originally recommended by the Superintendent. Mr. Riggs seconded the amendment to the motion and it carried 6-1, with Ms. Magness casting the "no" vote. The amended motion to reinstate passed by a vote of 5-2, with Ms. Magness and Ms. Strickland casting "no" votes. Lakeisha's reinstatement carries the condition that she return at the end of the semester with satisfactory academic, attendance, and behavior records. Wardell Newsome was recommended for expulsion from Mann Magnet Junior High School. He was charged with possession and selling of marijuana. The Superintendent recommended reinstatement with alternative placement and enrollment in a drug abuse counseling and treatment program. Mr. Riggs moved to accept Dr. Williams' recommendation, seconded by Ms. Magness. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT With no further business for Board consideration, Mr. Riggs moved for adjournment, seconded by Ms. Magness and it carried unanimously. ~ APPROVED: /{)-at,~__r I I' I I I I \ f4 14 :01 PUL. COUNTY CLERK 501 / 372-8340 I~ Mflcl l>A1ffMmt, do hereby solemnly IWOlt or afftrm that I will support tho Conatitution of tb, Umted States and tile Couthudoll of die SUl&e of Ammu. mid that 1 Will not bo tntmnated. di1CICJtly or lndhootly, in any costtrDot mada by tho district of which I am I d!reotor, IXoept 1'br ODlltraota 1br materiall bought on opm1 competitive bid and let to tho lowolt biddor and that I wm ~ diRhargo the dudes u sohool director in 1M upon which I am about to ontm, 110\ S. MM'tln St. Lffllo Root. AJL 'TU04557a Sworn t:o at1d ll&bacribod before.me, Cerolyn Staley. a oounty olcrk in the Oouuty of Pulaski thlJ the ( Z.,,'f- day of oetobct A.O.,"' ~AM"'"'~ Attt, ~-ftw. Llkc~f~w Pulaati Ctrcuft CMy Clerk 401 w., ~ It. SWte 13:J Uttle a.oct. All. 12.201 002 . . . ...... ............ ....... .. .... , ............ ......... ...... .... .............. ............ .... ..... ........ ......... .. . LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS MINUTES REGULAR BOARD MEETING October 26, 1995 REC V JAN 8 1996 Office of Desegregation Monitormg The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District held its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m. on October 26, 1995, in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. The President, Ms. Linda Pondexter, presided. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Linda Pondexter Ms. Patricia Gee Ms. Sue Strickland Dr. Michael Daugherty Ms. Judy Magness Dr. Katherine Mitchell Mr. John Riggs, IV MEMBERS ABSENT: one ALSO PRESE T: Dr. Hemy P. Williams, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Russell Mayo, Associate Superintendent Ms. Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER The President, Linda Pondexter, called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The roll call revealed the presence of six Board members. Mr. Riggs arrived at 6:16 p.m. The ex-officio student, Austin Burke, was also present. Board of Directors Meeting October 26, 1995 Page 2 II. READING OF Ml UTES: Ill. Minutes from the regular board meeting of September 28, 1995, and from special meetings held on October 4, and October 12, 1995, were presented for Board approval. Ms. Magness moved for approval of the minutes, Dr. Daugherty seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. A. Dr. Williams introduced Mr. James Rouse and presented a Board Resolution, which was adopted on September 28, 1995. The resolution was in honor of Mrs. Clementine Mathis Rouse, who was a long-time LRSD teacher, and Rouse family members who have established a scholarship fund for teachers and students of the District. Reverend Kenpeth Hicks, representing Arkansas Friends for Better Schools, attended the meeting to make a special presentation to Mrs. Sarah Fason who was named a "Public School Hero" by the Arkansas Times. Dr. Williams presented certificates from the United States Information Agency to Mona Briggs, principal, and Mary Johnson, teacher, from Pulaski Heights Junior High School. Ms. Briggs and Ms. Johnson participated in the 1994-95 Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program, which sponsors international teacher exchanges. A citation was presented to Ms. Jean Smother and members of the West Little Rock Kiwanis Club. These volunteers delivered cookies to each school in the District on the first day of school. A Superintendent's citation was presented to Paula Smith and Katherine Snyder from Washington Magnet School, and Jean Whitesell from Mitchell Incentive School. These teachers were selected to implement the Arkansas K-4 Crusades for Math/Science in selected pilot schools. A citation was presented to Mr. Fred Johnson, president of the Dunbar Alumni Association. Members of the Alumni Association mentor at Dunbar, support the PTA, and perform other volunteer duties on a regular basis. Board of Directors Meeting October 26, 1995 Page 3 Dr. Williams presented citations to Ravyn Miller and Jerome Strickland, students at Parkview Magnet School, who make significant contributions to their school and community by participation in numerous extracurricular and volunteer activities. This past summer, Ravyn was elected Lieutenant Governor of Girls' State and Jerome was elected Governor of Boys' State. Bonnie Eldredge, postmaster, was presented a Superintendent's citation for her participation in Red Ribbon Week activities in the LRSD. The US Postal Service sponsored a visit by John Lasne, the Red Ribbon Sto1yteller, and provided copies of his book for each elementa1y school. In conclusion, the Superintendent recognized the student ex-officio Board member, Austin Burke, who is a senior at Parkview Magnet School. In addition to Superintendent's citations, several schools were recognized for their participation in this year's United Way campaign. Ms. Stephanie Johnson, previous Board member, was presented with a placque in recognition of her dedicated service to the Board from April through August, 1995. B. PARTNERSHIPS The Superintendent recognized eleven new business partnerships with LRSD schools. Partnership certificates were presented to each of these individuals in recognition of their efforts to build stronger ties between the school and community. Frederick Fields and Djuana Dudeck, representing Cloverdale Elementary School have established partnerships with: Ola Russenberger, representing River City Gymnastics
Mary Craig, representing Longley Baptist Church
Sherry Fields and Bernice Johnson, representing Bernice's Flower Shop
Eddie Tank, representing Kentucky Fried Chicken
Rita Clizer, representing Pizza for Less
Glenda Woods, representing St. Mark's Sanctua1y Choir
James McCarther, representing World Wide Services
Board of Directors Meeting October 26, 1995 Page 4 Other partnerships included: Lloyd Brubaker, representing Wright, Lindsey & Jennings
Betty Raper, representing Gibbs Magnet
Dr. Emma Kelly Rhodes, representing Alpha Mu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
James Washington and Teretha Kelly representing Henderson Health Sciences Magnet School
Monica Saunders, representing Association of Black Engineers in Arkansas
Sharon Davis representing Romine Interdistrict Elementary School
Bonnie Ladd, representing X-Site
Pat Higginbotham, representing Woodruff Elementary Ms. Gee made a motion to accept the new partnerships, Dr. Daugherty seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. C. CITIZENS COMMITTEES No reports. D. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. Office of Desegregation Monitoring Ann Brown introduced Mr. Skip Marshall, the newest member of the ODM staff. Mr. Marshall's background is in finance, budgeting and planning. 2. Classroom Teachers Association No report. 3. Joshua Intervenors Mr. John Walker asked for the Board to reconsider the ServiceMaster contract in order to avoid the scheduled Saturday court date. He alleged that the contract was not properly signed and was not considered valid unless ratified by the Board of Directors. Board of Directors Meeting October 26, 1995 Page 5 4. Knight Intervenors No report. 5. PTA Council No report. E. BOARD MEMBERS Ms. Magness reported on visits to Booker Magnet and Hall High Schools. She thanked members of the community and school staff members who had written letters in support of Superintendent Williams. Dr. Daugherty thanked his supporters, especially those from the New Party and ACORN. He stated that he hoped to make good decisions based on his conscious and on public/community input. Ms. Strickland remarked that she had visited several schools in her zone. She specifically noted her favorable impression at Mabelvale Junior High School. Her plans are to meet with groups of parents to turn around the negative concept that the community members have of the junior high schools in South
This project was supported in part by a Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives project grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Council on Library and Information Resources.

<dcterms_creator>Little Rock School District</dcterms_creator>