Little Rock School District, school board meeting minutes and correspondence

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LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS MINUTES SPECIAL BOARD MEETING January 8, 2007 RECEIVED FEB 2 - 2007 OFFICE OF DESEGREGATION MONITORING The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District held a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 08, 2007, in the Boardroom of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. President Katherine Mitchell presided. MEMBERS PRESENT: Katherine Mitchell Charles Armstrong Melanie Fox Larry Berkley Dianne Curry Robert M. Daugherty Baker Kurrus MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Roy G. Brooks, Superintendent of Schools Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes Leon Johnson, Attorney for the LRSD Administration John Burnette, Attorney for Karen DeJarnette Stephanie Branton, Court Reporter I. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL Dr. Mitchell called the meeting to order at 5:25 p.m. All members of the board were present at roll call. II. PURPOSE OF THE MEETING The meeting was called for the purpose of conducting an employee hearing for Dr. Karen DeJarnette, Director of Planning, Research and Evaluation, who was recommended for termination by the administration. Dr. DeJarnette requested that the hearing be closed. The board contracted with attorney Leon Johnson to represent the administration
John Burnett represented Dr. DeJarnette. Special Board Meeting January 8, 2007 Page 2 Witnesses called by Mr. Johnson in support of the administration's recommendation for termination included: - Roy Brooks, Superintendent - Hugh Hattabaugh, Deputy Superintendent - Olivine Roberts, Associate Superintendent - Ed Williams, Interim Director of PRE The board recessed at 6:30 p.m. and returned at 6:50 p.m. After the break, Mr. Hattabaugh was recalled by Attorney Johnson. Mr. Burnett called Karen DeJarnette. Mr. Johnson called an additional witness, Attorney Chris Heller, and recalled Hugh Hattabaugh. Ill. ACTION The board convened an executive session for deliberations at 10:00 p.m. They returned from executive session at 10:20 p.m. and reported that no action was taken. Mr. Armstrong made a motion to reinstate Dr. DeJarnette with attorney's fees. Ms. Curry seconded the motion. No vote was taken on the motion
the motion was not withdrawn. A second motion was placed on the floor: Dr. Daugherty stated that it was found that the facts were inconsistent with the testimony. He moved that the finding of fact was not discovered. Mr. Armstrong seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-3, with Mr. Kurrus, Ms. Fox and Mr. Berkley voting "no." Mr. Armstrong moved to pay Dr. DeJarnette's attorney's fees and reinstate her to her position. Dr. Daugherty seconded the motion. There was no vote on the motion as stated and the motion was not withdrawn, but was restated as a new motion. Mr. Kurrus made a motion to separate the two actions
Mr. Berkley seconded the motion and it carried 5-2 with Dr. Daugherty and Mr. Armstrong voting "no." Mr. Armstrong made a motion to reinstate Dr. DeJarnette to her position
Ms. Curry seconded the motion. It carried 4-3 with Mr. Kurrus, Ms. Fox, and Mr. Berkley voting "no." Mr. Armstrong moved that the district pay Dr. DeJarnette's attorney's fees. Ms. Curry seconded the motion. Dr. Daugherty asked for an amendment to the motion to include the payment of "reasonable" attorney's fees. He suggested that the attorneys meet to determine an amount that is considered "reasonable." Mr. Armstrong moved to include an amendment to his previous motion to allow the attorneys to negotiate "reasonable" attorney's fees. Ms. Curry seconded the amended motion, and it carried 5-2, with Mr. Berkley and Ms. Fox voting "no." Special Board Meeting January 8, 2007 Page 3 Ill. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the board, Ms. Fox moved to adjourn at 10:24 p.m. Mr. Kurrus seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Court reporter Stephanie Branton recorded the full hearing and a complete transcript will be made part of the official record. APPROVED: j-
).5 .D? Katfi'enne rtcei.resident ',~fu\ftw -EJx Melanie Fox, Secretary'C:, . LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVED 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS FEB 2 - 2007 MINUTES OFFICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING DESEGREGATION MONITORING January 12, 2007 The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District held a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2007, in the Boardroom of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. President Katherine Mitchell presided. MEMBERS PRESENT: Katherine Mitchell Charles Armstrong Melanie Fox Larry Berkley Dianne Curry Robert M. Daugherty Baker Kurrus MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Roy G. Brooks, Superintendent of Schools Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL Dr. Mitchell called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. All members of the board were present at roll call. II. PURPOSE OF THE MEETING The meeting was called by the board for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. Ill. EXECUTIVE SESSION Dr. Mitchell requested a motion to convene an executive session. Dr. Daugherty made the requested motion
Ms. Curry seconded the motion. There was no vote taken. The board returned from executive session at 7:05 p.m. and reported that no action was taken. .. Special Board Meeting January 12, 2007 Page 2 IV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the board, Dr. Daugherty moved to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Melanie Fox seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. APPROVED: / o1,S ,D 7 \i~tfl~ Kather\ne Mitchell, President Melanie rox, Secretary d LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREEi' LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS MINUTES SPECIAL BOARD MEETING January 17, 2007 RECEIVED FEB 2 - 2007 OFACEOF DESEGREGATION MONITORING The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District held a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2007, in the Boardroom of the Administration Building, 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. President Katherine Mitchell presided. MEMBERS PRESENT: Katherine Mitchell Charles Armstrong Melanie Fox Larry Berkley Dianne Curry Baker Kurrus MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert M. Daugherty ALSO PRESENT: Roy G. Brooks, Superintendent of Schools Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL Dr. Mitchell called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Six members of the board were present at roll call
Dr. Daugherty was absent. II. PURPOSE OF THE MEETING Dr. Mitchell opened the meeting by stating the purpose: to review a discussion held at the Office of Desegregation Monitoring on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, which included Attorney Chris Heller, Attorney John Walker, Board President Katherine Mitchell, and monitors from ODM. Dr. Mitchell provided a written report of items discussed at that meeting for the board's review. Special Board Meeting January 17, 2007 Page 2 Mr. Heller addressed the board regarding the compliance remedy of 2004 which resulted in the hearing now scheduled for the weekends of January 20 - 21 , and January 27 - 28. Regarding the notes provided to board members by Dr. Mitchell, Mr. Heller stated that it would be the responsibility of the board to agree to items proposed by Mr. Walker outside the realm of the federal court hearing, and that although all of the items presented were important, none of them were related to the remaining issue before the court - - that of program monitoring. Mr. Walker stated his belief that the LRSD had not complied with the court's order of 2004: "What was promised has not been delivered." He encouraged the board to withdraw their request for unitary status, and to reorganize their relationship with the Planning, Research and Evaluation office in order to receive information directly on the issues regarding narrowing the achievement gap. He stated that the programs implemented in the district which were intended to narrow the gap have not been effective and that the achievement gap had widened. Mr. Heller reminded the board that the remaining issue before the court was not related to the achievement disparity or about narrowing the achievement gap. The court found previously that we are unitary in all areas with the exception of program assessment. He emphasized that remaining under court supervision ould not remedy the achievement disparity. Mr. Walker questioned whether the district administration could be trusted to implement directives in good faith without the supervision of the court and stated emphatically that the benefit of staying in court provided a way of making the administration accountable for implementation of programs to address disparities. He asked the board to ensure that the administration is held accountable for remediation of the achievement gap. Board members were given an opportunity to ask questions of Attorneys Walker and Heller. Mrs. Fox asked Mr. Walker about the timing of his current request to delay the hearing. She noted previous directions from the Judge to bring concerns or questions to the court as soon as they arise. She also asked about the impact of state funding on the magnet programs. Mr. Heller reminded the board that it is the responsibility of the court to return local school operations to the local community once the requirements of the court order have been met. The Pulaski County Special School District has not yet been found unitary in the area of student assignment
the Little Rock and North Little Rock districts have been found unitary in this area. All three districts have found the magnet school programming to be beneficial to maintaining desegregated schools, and continuation of the magnet programs will be up to the local school districts whether federal court supervision continues or not. In addition, state funding for magnet programs is an issue that will continue to be before the state legislature. Mr. Walker disagreed with this response and suggested that the State of Arkansas will discontinue funding the magnet programs once the districts are found to be unitary. Special Board Meeting January 17, 2007 Page 3 - Ms. Curry asked Mr. Heller to discuss the "pro's and con's" of getting out of court. A written summary had been provided for the board's review. Again, Mr. Heller stated that it is the local school board's responsibility to make sure that district administrators follow court orders and that it is Judge Wilson's responsibility to assess whether that has been done. Mr. Berkley stated that the LRSD had been supervised by the federal court system for many years, and that if indeed Mr. Walker's argument were true - - that we had not met the requirement to reduce the achievement disparity - - that issue would still be before the court. He reminded the board that the only remaining issue is whether the district has embedded an assessment process to insure that the programs implemented are effective in meeting the needs of underachieving students. Mr. Berkley continued by saying that the Judge, board members, administrators, and members of the community, want the same thing . .. to provide additional assistance to the children who need it the most. He asked Mr. Walker and board members to allow the district to use the funds that we spend on court supervision to direct student instruction. Mr. Kurrus referred to the list of suggestions provided by Dr. Mitchell, and stated that all of the items on the list could be accomplished regardless of whether we are under court supervision, with the majority being "things that we have done, supported, or would support." He continued by saying the antagonism between the parties is fruitless, especially in light of the fact that everyone wants improved student achievement. He questioned Mr. Walker's reasons for wanting the district to remain under court supervision and stated that he wouldn't make a motion for a continuance, nor would he support anything that would prevent the district from letting the court make the ultimate decision. Dr. Mitchell asked Mr. Heller to address her concerns regarding how the district will appear in court in light of recent internal problems within the PRE department. Mr. Heller responded by saying that he didn't believe the Judge would base his decision on our internal problems, but would make his decision by remaining focused on the only issue before the court - - that of whether we have deeply embedded a comprehensive evaluation process. Mr. Heller continued by reminding the board that the evaluation process was adopted by the board and presented to the court for approval. The Joshua lntervenors did not object to the process at that time, nor have they filed objections since that time. He continued by reviewing the evaluation process which includes an annual adoption by the board of an evaluation agenda to facilitate future evaluations. In addition, a data warehouse is being developed to ensure that PRE staff and other evaluators will have access to accurate data when they need it. Mr. Heller reminded the board that they approved a resolution in November which stated intent to continue to evaluate programs annually and in good faith. Evaluations and assessments will continue after release from federal court supervision. In response to questions from Mr. Walker regarding development of school portfolios, Mr. Heller reported that Judge Wilson had never ordered school portfolios to be implemented in the LRSD. He reported that the decision to use portfolios had merit, and that district staff had begun the process of establishing a portfolio system. In addition, district administrators Special Board Meeting January 17, 2007 Page 4 - had stated intent to put in place school portfolios regardless of whether they were required by the court because it is a useful process to assist in making data-driven decisions. Mr. Walker stated that monitors from the Office of Desegregation Monitoring and Dr. Karen DeJarnette would testify that they don't believe a process for evaluating the district's programs have been "deeply embedded." He asked what proof exists that there is a process in place. Mr. Armstrong called for the board to join efforts as a community and to become color blind. He stated "we should forget about the color of our skin and make our decisions based on what is best for all the children in Little Rock." Ms. Curry asked if it was possible to ask Judge Wilson for a continuance if for no other reason than to allow the new board members additional time to review information they had recently received. Mr. Heller responded that it would be possible to ask for a brief continuance but that he didn't believe the Judge would look favorably on the request. The fact that the hearings were. scheduled on the weekend was an indication that the Judge believed it was important to bring the matter to a close as soon as possible. Mr. Walker objected to asking for a "brief' delay, suggesting that no less than a year was needed. Ms. Curry made a motion to have the attorneys file a joint motion between all parties involved to ask the judge for a continuance to allow time to pool efforts and come together as a community and agree to the issues before the court. Mr. Armstrong seconded the motion. Discussion continued. Mr. Berkley expressed concerns regarding Mr. Walker's expectations compared to the district's obligations under the court order. He objected to committing in federal court to things that we can't guarantee. Mr. Kurrus agreed, and further expressed a willingness and desire to renew the board's commitment, but would not support broadening or limiting the obligations that the court has previously imposed. Mr. Heller emphasized his previous statement - - "it will be up to the judge to decide the length of the continuance." He stated that it isn't within our authority to tell Judge Wilson how long we wish to continue, and that whether we are in litigation or released from supervision, it will remain the continuing responsibility of the board to improve the education of the students in the district. He asked the board for direction regarding their reasons for asking for a continuance. Mr. Kurrus stated that the parties had been antagonistic for years and that a declaration of unitary status would provide a window of opportunity to put the antagonism behind and to work together in the best interest of all children in the school district. He agreed with comments made by Mr. Armstrong. Mr. Berkley agreed and expressed his desire to do what is in the best interest of all students in the community. He noted that the district has an obligation to the state regarding efforts to seek unitary status and to prove good faith in complying with our commitment. "We have been diligent in our efforts to become unitary." Special Board Meeting January 17, 2007 Page 5 - On the motion made previously by Ms. Curry, the vote was 5-1 , with Ms. Fox casting the "no" vote. EXECUTIVE SESSION Ms. Fox made a motion to convene an executive session to discuss a personnel issue. Mr. Berkley seconded the motion, and the board went into closed session at 7:30 p.m. The board returned from executive session at 8: 12 p.m. and reported that no action was taken. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the board, Ms. Fox moved to adjourn at 8: 12 p.m. Ms. Curry seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. APPROVED: / :l S O? "'K~ Katherine Mitchell, Presiaent Melanie Fox, Secretary LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 81 ') WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201 MINUTES REGULAR BOARD MEETING January 25, 2007 The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District held their regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2007, in the Boardroom of the Administration Building , 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. President Katherine Mitchell presided. MEMBERS PRESENT: Katherine Mitchell Charles Armstrong Melanie Fox Larry Berkley Dianne Curry Robert M. Daugherty Baker Kurrus MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Roy G. Brooks, Superintendent of Schools Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL RECEIVED FEB 2 6 2007 OFFICE OF DESEGREGATION MONITORING Dr. Mitchell called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. All members of the Board were present at roll call. Ex officio representatives for the month of January were also present, Kevin Kim, student from Parkview Magnet High School, and Andre Warren, teacher from Mabelvale Elementary School. Dr. Mitchell welcomed members of the audience and asked Dr. Brooks to proceed with the citations. 11. REPORTS/RECOGNITIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS: A. Superintendent's Citations & Commendations The first citation was presented to Beverly Cook, a special education teacher at Brady Elementary School, who was recently named the Elementary Language Arts Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts. Ms. Cook had received her award in November at the council's annual convention. Vanessa Cleaver, Accelerated Student Achievement Program Project Coordinator for the District, was recognized for being selected to serve as the chairperson of the Nominations Committee of the Executive Board of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics. Board Meeting January 25, 2007 Page 2 Dr. Brooks announced that twenty-four (24) LRSD teachers had recently earned National Board Certification, bringing the district total to more sixty National Board Certified teachers. These teachers were present and received a superintendent's citation in recognition of their hard work and dedicated effort to complete the National Board requirements. In addition, Dr. Brooks announced that the CT A was recently given a check in the amount of $33,900 to supplement registration fees for teachers who need financial assistance in order to retake the National Board examination. The newest National Board Certified teachers were announced: Leonard Bryan, Mabelvale Magnet Middle School
Kimberly Collins, Franklin Elementary
Susan Daniel, Carver Magnet Elementary
William Felton, M.L. King Magnet Elementary
Shirley Ferguson, McClellan Magnet High School
Kathy Gates, Central High School
Susan Hestir, Gibbs Magnet Elementary
Ann Inman, Romine Elementary
Patricia Jackson, Booker Magnet Elementary
Sheryl Jackson, Mabelvale Elementary
Wanda Keith, McClellan Magnet High School
Emily Lewis, Parkview Magnet High School
Kelly Long, Williams Magnet Elementary
Kelly Navin, Rockefeller Elementary
Linda Neal, Franklin Elementary
Jennifer Newborn Thomas, Carver Magnet Elementary
Monica Norwood, Romine Elementary
Carol Overton, McClellan Magnet High School
Tamara Ringler, Booker Magnet Elementary
John Scott, Parkview Magnet High School
Richelle Thomas, M.L. King Magnet Elementary
April Thompson, Parkview Magnet High School
Michelle Vire, Mabelvale Magnet Middle School
and Mindy Williams, Forest Heights Middle School. Superintendent's Quality Customer Service Awards - Celestine Piggee, Assistant Principal at Parkview Magnet High School, was nominated by Ms. Karen Keyes Diner to receive a quality customer service award. Ms. Diner wrote: "I want to commend Ms. Piggee and I want you to know how lucky you are to have her on your team. Ms. Piggee exhibits genuine concern for her students and is dedicated to and passionate about her job." - Pam Neal, Network Specialist in the Computer Information Services Department, was nominated by the staff of the superintendent's office. She voluntarily assumed the responsibilities associated with the technology requirements of the on-line agenda in January 2006, making sure that everything is in working order before every board meeting. - Certificates of appreciation were awarded to ex-officios for the month of January, Kevin Kim, student at Parkview Magnet High School, and Andre Warren, teacher at Mabelvale Elementary. B. Partners in Education Debbie Milam introduced a new partnership between Brady Elementary School and Big Brothers - Big Sisters of Pulaski County. Mr. Berkley made a motion to accept the partnership
Dr. Daugherty seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. In addition, Ms. Milam announced that January was national mentoring month and that the district would be initiating efforts to recru it new mentors for students in our schools. She discussed Project 67, a collaborative effort between the LRSD, Pfeifer Camp, and New Futures for Youth, and she invited community groups to partner with the district in providing adult mentors for our students who need role models. Board Meeting January 25, 2007 Page 3 C. Little Rock Housing Authority Presentation Ms. Shelly Ehenger, Executive Director of the Little Rock Housing Authority, presented a check in the amount of $166,269 to the LRSD representing the Housing Authority's PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement. Ms. Ehenger announced that seventeen single family homes would be built across the street from Washington Elementary School where a housing project was recently demolished, and she offered the assistance of the Housing Authority in working for LRSD students who live in city housing. She closed by thanking the board and the administration for the recent sale of the district's old annex building to the Housing Authority, noting that the address would be changed from 100 South Arch Street to 601 West Markham. D. Remarks from Citizens Brenda Thomas introduced herself as a teacher from Baseline Elementary School. She read letters from students on the topic of being compared to Meadowcliff Elementary School in studies regarding merit pay, and expressed distress in being labeled low-performing when Baseline has not been designated on the state's School Improvement list. Cathy Koehler delivered a letter to board members regarding the issue of merit pay. She questioned the reasons for including Baseline in the evaluation study, especially in light of the fact that Baseline isn't on the state's school improvement list. Teresa Gray commended Dr. Brooks for his commitment to moving the district forward with the proposal to build a school in west Little Rock. She thanked the administration and board members for their dedication to making every decision based on what is best for the children and for acknowledging accountability for decisions made. She encouraged the board to move forward without delay to build the west LR school. E. PT A Council Bernadette Turner, PT A Council President, thanked the board for funding the construction at Forest Heights Middle School, and expressed excitement at the groundbreaking ceremony recently held. She congratulated Katherine Mitchell on her recent recognition by the Martin Luther King Commission. The Jefferson PT A hosted the January PT A Council meeting where the winners of the essay and art contests were announced. Ms. Turner reminded board members that the State PTA would host legislative day on February 8th and that the annual Founder's Day luncheon would be held on Tuesday, Feb 13th at The Women's City Club. She encouraged the board, administrators, parents and community members to move forward united and as a team. F. Little Rock Classroom Teachers Association Katherine Wright Knight acknowledged the National Board Certified teachers who were recognized earlier in the agenda. Ms. Knight thanked Dr. Brooks, Mr. Hattabaugh and Mr. Milhollen for providing funds for national board certification testing re-takes and she stressed the importance of providing the additional financial support to teachers who may need to retake one or more sections of the test. Board Meeting January 25, 2007 Page 4 Ms. Knight reminded the board that the CTA had received grant funds to assist approximately thirty first-time testing candidates. She provided statistical information regarding the number of teachers across the state and the nation who are now national board certified and noted that Arkansas ranks11 th nationwide, a 56% increase over 2006. Ms. Knight addressed concerns regarding merit pay and the research study completed by the University of Arkansas. She stated that the findings were modest, extremely limited and that it was impossible to measure effectiveness of merit pay based on one study. She suggested that merit pay issues be subject to independent study and evaluation with the district's Planning, Research and Evaluation office involved in internally comparing test scores of students in schools with merit pay. She also discussed concerns from teachers who were unhappy about having to enter SOAR data along with end of semester grades. She reminded employees that the district has a mental health program and she encouraged teachers to take advantage of that program when they feel overwhelmed. IV. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS: A. Remarks from Board Members Mr. Kurrus congratulated Dr. Mitchell on her receipt of the King Commission Salute to Greatness Award. He also congratulated Mr. Felton, one of the newly board certified teachers, for a recent television news report on the EAST lab initiative at King Elementary School. Mr. Kurrus expressed pride in the progress at Forest Heights Middle School, especially the groundbreaking for the new construction project at that school. He reminded the board that Matson Construction Company completed the original facility at Forest Heights in 1954, and he expressed pleasure that they would be involved in the new growth at that building. He thanked Bernadette Turner for her contributions to the success at Forest Heights and Fulbright and he asked the board and the community to continue to commit, with conviction and passion, to building schools where they are needed. Ms. Curry congratulated the national board certified teachers who were introduced earlier in the agenda. She encouraged more teachers to participate in the national board process. Ms. Curry committed to working toward a united effort to move the district forward, stating "We need to be about what we can do for the children in the district." Ms. Fox also congratulated the teachers recognized earlier in the agenda and she thanked the audience for attending the board meeting and for their comments and input on the topics before the board. Mr. Berkley thanked the audience and stated that it is "wonderful to see the level of attention in the community by the attendance at this meeting." He congratulated the national board certified teachers and thanked the administration for making funds available to help the teachers who need financial assistance. Dr. Daugherty referred to comments regarding tension among board members and stated his belief that it is healthy to disagree and to discuss topics that bring to the forefront the issues that are critical to running a school district. He reminded the listeners that board members don't receive any compensation and that comments that they don't care about kids are out of line. He stated that his twelve years on the board were provided as a service to the children of the district and that the voters in zone 2 supported him as their representative. He committed to voting his conscious and to listening to the community members who elected him. Board Meeting January 25, 2007 Page 5 Mr. Armstrong agreed with comments made by Dr. Daugherty and stated that the voters in zone 6 have a vision for the LR education system and look forward to the day when the people are united and focused on one cause. Andre Warren, the teacher ex-officio representative, thanked the board for the opportunity to serve and to "see how things work." He noted that Mabelvale Elementary had implemented a merit pay program this year, and that he had not noticed any difference in the attitude of the teachers based on this implementation. He expressed doubts about the effectiveness of merit pay, and interest in seeing the results at his school. He questioned the reasons for not including secondary schools in merit pay programs. Kevin Kim, student ex officio from Parkview Magnet School, thanked the board for giving him the opportunity to serve, stating that it was an honor to add the student voice to the agenda. He encouraged the board to listen to the students, and announced that he would be leaving the meeting early to participate in a presentation on racial equity at a conference at the Peabody Hotel scheduled for later in the evening. Kevin asked the board to ensure that new school construction takes environmental concerns into consideration. He provided information and reports on environmental techniques for construction and energy efficient design. Dr. Mitchell invited Kevin to remain active and to participate in the committee working on the west Little Rock School. Dr. Mitchell thanked board members and district staff who attended the Salute to Greatness awards ceremony sponsored by the King Commission. She congratulated the national board certified teachers, expressing understanding for the difficult and rigorous process that was required to achieve this designation. She encouraged the CT A to continue to support the teachers who are participating in this process and she thanked Lou Ethel Nauden for her assistance to the teachers. Regarding the comments made earlier in the agenda by Dr. Daugherty, she noted that she had served on the board for eighteen years because she loves working for the children of the district. She stated that it was her commitment, passion and compassion to provide a quality education for all students. She acknowledged that it would take courage, strength, wisdom and prayer and that the board would need to respect each other and to be honest, open and truthful during the difficult times. She encouraged the board to continue to cooperate to and to work together to accomplish what is best for the children. Dr. Mitchell closed by commending Murphy Oil Company for their commitment to the students in El Dorado and she challenged other foundations to make the same kind of commitment to students in the state. B. Budget Update There was no formal budget report, but Mr. Milhollen was present and available to respond to questions. C. Student Assignment Report Dr. Brooks announced that this had been "Check Us Out"week in all district schools, where members of the community were invited to drop in to tour the district's schools. He also reminded the board that open enrollment for the 2007-2008 school year would begin on Monday, January 29th and end on February 9th . Dr. Watson was present to respond to questions. Board Meeting January 25, 2007 Page 6 D. Internal Auditors Report Mr. Becker's monthly report was included in the agenda. There were no questions or comments. E. University of Arkansas Evaluation Report Dr. Gary Ritter from the University of Arkansas had attended the January agenda meeting to provide a preliminary report on the evaluation of the Achievement Challenge Pilot Project in the LRSD. The full report was provided on January 16th to the Arkansas State Legislature. A copy of the full evaluation report was attached to the board's agenda, and Dr. Ritter was present as requested by the board to provide an overview and to respond to questions. F. Construction Report - Bond Projects The monthly construction report was provided in the agenda and Mr. Goodman was present. G. West Little Rock School Update Mr. Hugh Hattabaugh provided a brief summary report regarding the study of the 75-acres on Rahling Road which had been proposed as the site of the new west Little Rock school. Mr. Hattabaugh reviewed an architect's rendering of the property and announced that the property owners had been properly notified of a community meeting at the Thompson Library, 38 Rahling Circle, at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2007. This meeting is required as a preliminary step to presenting the district's proposal to the city Planning Commission for rezoning, a conditional use permit, and approval of the site plan. Representatives from the Mehlberger Firm and from Wittenberg, Delany & Davidson were present. Mr. Berkley asked that the timeline of the proposed west Little Rock School project be posted at the district's website so that the public can have access to the process. Brad Chilcote, representing the Mehlberger Firm, responded to questions regarding the size of the facility, approximately 200,000 square feet, and the anticipated capacity of 1,300 students in grades Pre-K through eighth grade. Dr. Daugherty exited the meeting at 7:50 p.m. V. APPROVAL OF ROUTINE MATTERS: A. Minutes Minutes from the regular board meeting held on December 14, 2006, and from special meetings held on December 12, 2006, December 21 , 2006, January 8, 2007, January 12, 2007 and January 17, 2007 were presented for review and approval. Mr. Armstrong moved to accept the minutes as written
Ms. Curry seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved. Board Meeting January 25, 2007 Page 7 VI. BOARD POLICY AND REGULATIONS REVIEW: A. Second Reading - Wellness Policy The district's Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Committee proposed operational guidelines and a Wellness Policy to meet federal mandates in compliance with the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 2004. The policy was approved on first reading at the December board meeting, and was presented at this time for approval on second reading. Mr. Kurrus moved to approve the policy on second reading. Mr. Berkley seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Dr. Daugherty returned at 8:00 p.m. VII. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES A. Elementary Science Textbook Adoption The district's elementary textbook committee prepared a recommendation for science textbook adoptions, which will become effective with the 2007-2008 school year. Ms. Suzi Davis and members of the textbook adoption committee were present, and Mr. Glasgow was available to respond to questions. Examples of the materials were displayed for the board and the audience to review. Mr. Kurrus moved to approve the recommended textbooks for adoption. Ms. Curry seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. The board took a brief recess at 8:02 p.m. and returned at 8:15 p.m. VIII. HUMAN RESOURCES A. Personnel Changes Routine personnel matters were listed in the board's agenda and the superintendent requested approval. Mr. Kurrus moved to approve the recommendations
Mr. Berkley seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0-1, with Dr. Daugherty abstaining. Dr. Mitchell requested information from Mr. Mittiga regarding the evaluation of the reorganization. Mr. Mittiga reported that an outline of the planned study had been forwarded to board members which included a timeline on the completion of the study. There was a question as to whether the board members had received the outline and timeline, and Mr. Mittiga offered to resend the information for the board's review and direction. VIII. FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES A. Donations of Property The Board was asked to accept recent donations to the District. Dr. Daugherty read the listed donations. Ms. Curry made a motion to accept the donations as listed
Ms. Fox seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Donations are listed in the following chart: Board Meeting January 25, 2007 Page 8 IX. DONATIONS SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT ITEM DONOR Bale Elementary School Physical Fitness equipment, valued at UALR / Children's International $6,000 for the school wellness project Booker Arts Magnet Elementary Baldwin Model "M" 5'2" Baby Grand Dr. George and Mrs. Kathleen School piano, valued at $12,000 Paddock Henderson Health Science Magnet $200.00 cash for the athletic program Twin City Bank / Chenal Branch School Romine Elementary School Toys and books valued at American Association of approximately $130.00 and $107.00 University Women cash to assist students during the holiday season B. Monthly Financial Reports The monthly financial reports were provided in the agenda. Mr. Milhollen was present, but no additional information was requested. CLOSING REMARKS Dr. Mitchell announced the upcoming Parent Institute, scheduled for Saturday, February 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 :30 p.m. at McClellan High School. She encouraged parents to attend. Dr. Brooks reminded board members that the hearing in Judge Wilson's court would resume al 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 27. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the board, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a APPRO~::,n: M~ :~
:nded by DJ'~ Katherine P. Mitchell, President ~Melanie Fox,~ Secretary <-:. LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS February 8, 2007 5:00 p.m. The Board of Directors of the Little Rock School District held a special meeting immediately following the regular agenda meeting on Thursday, February 8, 2007, in the Boardroom of the Administration Building , 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. President Katherine Mitchell presided. MEMBERS PRESENT: Katherine Mitchell Charles Armstrong Melanie Fox Larry Berkley Dianne Curry Robert M. Daugherty Baker Kurrus MEMBERS ABSENT: None - ALSO PRESENT: Roy G. Brooks, Superintendent of Schools Beverly Griffin, Recorder of Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL RECEIVED FEB 2 6 2007 OFFICE OF DESEGREGATION MONITORING Dr. Mitchell called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. All members of the Board were present at roll call. The ex officio student representative for the month of February was also present: Stacy Barker, student from Central High School. The teacher representative did not attend. II. PURPOSE OF THE MEETING The meeting was called for the purpose of hearing a report from the School Services Department and for taking action on a proposal to purchase land near Forest Park Elementary School. Ill. ACTION AGENDA A. Update: Scholastic Audit Reports & Schools on Year 4 & 5 of School Improvement Dr. Sadie Mitchell provided an overview of the Scholastic Audit reports which were provided for the board as an attachment to the agenda. She noted one item that draws concern and attention - - that of the high rate of teacher absenteeism. Special Board Meeting February 8, 2007 Page 2 Katherine Mitchell expressed concern regarding the allocation of needed resources to the schools and asked if the school staffs had been involved in determining the resources provided. Dr. Sadie Mitchell reported that the principals work with their staffs to prioritize the strategies they want to use in their schools and then notify the administration regarding their needs. B. Properties Adjacent to Forest Park Elementary School The administration presented a recommendation to purchase properties across the street from Forest Park Elementary School which would allow the district to meet the current needs for additional space at Forest Park, and provide land for future growth and development. Hugh Hattabaugh provided a brief summary of the proposal and responded to questions from the board members. Mr. Kurrus moved to approve the purchase of property near Forest Park Elementary School
Mr. Berkley seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the board, Dr. Daugherty moved to adjourn at 6:45 p.m. Mr. Berkley seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. APPROVED: cl, -~-0) ,s!~ Katherine P. Mitchell, President ~~ Melanie Fox, Secretary LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT RECEIVED January 31 , 2007 FEB 2 - 2007 OFACEOF DESEGREGATION MONITORING Office of Desegregation Monitoring One Union National Plaza 124 West Capitol, Suite 1895 Little Rock, AR 72201 Dear ODM Staff: I am enclosing minutes of the LRSD Board of Directors meetings held on December 12, 14 and 21 , 2006
January 8, 12 and 17, 2007. Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can provide additional information. Enclosure Sincerely, C4Y~ Charlotte Marks Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent From: $Return ~ Keep or Toss O [ Post-lr 7668 C!M 1993 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501) 447-1002 V,,1
-tU J LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT ~ OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT RECEIVED February 23, 2007 FEB 2 6 2007 omcEOF DESEGREGATION MONITORING Office of Desegregation Monitoring One Union National Plaza 124 West Capitol, Suite 1895 Little Rock, AR 72201 Dear ODM Staff: I am enclosing minutes of the LRSD Board of Directors meetings held on January 25th and February 8, 2007. Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can provide additional information. Enclosure Sincerely, Charlotte Marks Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent 810 West Markham Street . Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501) 447-1002
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>