Thank you for joining us during this live blog of the June Board of Education Meeting for the Atlanta Public Schools. Refresh your browser often for updates.
3:30pm – The BOE appears to still be in a budget meeting. Updates soon.
5:15pm Board members have entered the room. Meeting is now beginning.
All members are in attendance.
Chair, Reuben McDaniel: We have had many comments recently surrounding the Drew Charter School expansion/charter. There are still a number of questions surrounding this issue. McDaniel recommends tabling this issue to give the BOE and school more time to work through this item. H-Kinnane brings the motion to table until July. Mr. Johnson seconds the motion. Ms. Muhammad expresses concern over holding for another 30 days in light of acknowledging that the administration wanted additional time because “I thought the administration had firmed up their position and I thought it was left now to the board to make this decision. I don’t know about everybody else on the board but I have been overwhelmed with information from different people…”
McDaniel interrupts – says that Roberts Rules of Order says that a motion to table has no debate. Counsel agrees. Vote taken. Passes. Muhammad and Meister vote yes, others no.
Note: Now that the item for Drew Charter has been pulled, comments will not be taken during this meeting. Comments can however be taken during the community meeting on this item.
Senator Vincent Fort speaking on item number 1112-1025: I am here to speak to the issue regarding Communities and Schools. I understand, that I’ve gotten a message that no final decisions have been made about that program and cuts to it. I am very familiar with CIS and they have some facilities in my district, and one thing I want to say is that I know what the impact will be of cutting that program. I’ve spoken with several students and with some staff and the students depend on that program to see their way thru the challenges that they face. If this program is not there for them to hold onto, not there for them and their families to partner with, those young people will want/find things in the street to cling to. They will also be warehoused in the alternative school. But not only those currently in the program will be affected but also those coming after them. What CIS does for students who are at risk, combatting so many challenges, is a worthy cause.
That concludes comments for this meeting.
Chuck Burbridge now bringing the Budget Report. This report will be posted online as soon as it is available to the blog.
Superintendent now reading the agenda. View tonight’s agenda here: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/Public
14 policies up now for final read.
Butler-Burks: How will we communicate these items to our employees? I want us to think thru how we can effectively communicate this item.
Davis: We will put an added focus on that communication.
Superintendent now reading the following items:
2.01 Report No. 11/12-1757 Authorization to Revise Policy DJEA Purchasing Authority (Final Approval)
2.02 Report No. 11/12-1758 Authorization to Create Policy JAA Equal Educational Opportunities (Final Approval)
2.03 Report No. 11/12-1759 Authorization to Revise Policy EGAA Workers’ Compensation (Final Approval)
2.04 Report No. 11/12-1760 Authorization to Revise Policy GBRA Professional Personnel Health Examinations and Recode to Policy GARA Employee Health Examinations (Final Approval)
2.05 Report No. 11/12-1761 Authorization to Create Policy GARH Leaves and Absences (Final Approval)
2.06 Report No. 11/12-1762 Authorization to Rescind Policy EGAC Health Insurance (Final Approval)
2.07 Report No. 11/12-1763 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBR Professional Personnel Working Conditions (Final Approval)
2.08 Report No. 11/12-1764 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBRC Professional Personnel Work Loads (Final Approval)
2.09 Report No. 11/12-1765 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBRH Professional Personnel Leaves and Absences (Final Approval)
2.10 Report No. 11/12-1766 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBRI Professional Personnel Personal Leaves and Absences (Final Approval)
2.11 Report No. 11/12-1767 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBRIA Professional Personnel Emergency and Legal Leaves (Final Approval)
2.12 Report No. 11/12-1768 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBRIB Professional Personnel Sick Leave (Final Approval)
2.13 Report No. 11/12-1769 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBRID Professional Personnel Military Leave (Final Approval)
2.14 Report No. 11/12-1770 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBRIF Professional Personnel Bereavement Leave (Final Approval)
2.15 Report No. 11/12-1771 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBRIG Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (Final Approval)
2.16 Report No. 11/12-1772 Authorization to Rescind Policy GBRK Professional Personnel Vacations (Final Approval)
2.17 Report No. 11/12-1773 Authorization to Revise Policy ED Student Transportation Management (Final Approval)
2.18 Report No. 11/12-1774 Authorization to Revise Policy DCC Budget Preparation Procedures and Recode to Policy DC Annual Operating Budget (Final Approval)
2.19 Report No. 11/12-1775 Authorization to Revise Policy BBF Advisory Committees (Final Approval)
2.20 Report No. 11/12-1776 Authorization to Revise Policy BH Board Code of Ethics (Final Approval)
2.21 Report No. 11/12-1777 Authorization to Rescind Policy BHA Board Member Conflict of Interest (Final Approval)
2.22 Report No. 11/12-1778 Authorization to Revise Policy JBD Absences and Excuses (Final Approval)
2.23 Report No. 11/12-1779 Authorization to Revise Policy JGCD Medications (Final Approval)
2.24 Report No. 11/12-1780 Authorization to Revise Policy JGI Child Abuse or Neglect (Final Approval)
2.25 Report No. 11/12-1781 Authorization to Revise Policy JBC(2) Home Study (Final Approval)
2.26 Report No. 11/12-1782 Authorization to Revise Policy JGCB Student Inoculations (Final Approval)
2.27 Report No. 11/12-1783 Authorization to Revise Policy JR Student Records (Final Approval)
2.28 Report No. 11/12-1784 Authorization to Revise Policy JBC School Admissions (Final Approval)
Q: Representative H-Kinnane: I can see this is a good practice for teachers bringing their children into the schools and employees bringing their children into the system, we do have a good number who do this, I am wondering if in these tight times we have considered tuition options.
A: Davis: I will bring back to you at the next board meeting how many students we have in the system solely based on their parents being employees and how much they would need to pay if we were to charge tuition. I will get you a sense of what that is.
Q: H-Kinnane: This one doesn’t make it clear in terms of if teachers who have their children at the schools where they teach.
A: Davis: Yes, we have a policy that allows teachers to have their children at their schools, but that does not mean they can place their children at any school in the district irregardless of enrollment.
Q: H-Kinnane: Are we now saying that the requirement of age does not have to be met?
A: Davis: It does give us the option to admit students who have started a grade in another country.
Q: H-Kinnane: But it also does apply to other states and are we restricted from making further changes to this?
A: Davis: If you are asking if we can apply this to students coming from out of state as well as coming from a foreign country, then I will need to get more clarity and bring that back to you.
Vote taken to accept the previous 7 items. Carries.
2.29 Report No. 11/12-1785 Authorization to Rescind Policy JBB Entrance Age (Final Approval)
2.30 Report No. 11/12-1786 Authorization to Rescind Policy JBCA Resident Students (Final Approval)
2.31 Report No. 11/12-1787 Authorization to Rescind Policy JBCBA Tuition (Final Approval)
No discussion on the above items.
Superintendent: I am asking to waive the 3 items above.
Board votes to waive 1st read on these items. Carries.
2.32 Report No. 11/12-1788 Authorization to Create Policy JGF(2) Seclusion or Restraint of Students (Final Approval)
Board votes to waive 1st read on above item.
2.33 Report No. 11/12-1789 Authorization to Rescind Policy DJCA Pay Day Schedules (First Reading)
Q: Mr. Johnson: What exactly is changing?
A: Davis: We are changing the pay dates to more traditional dates. What is happening now is that we are moving the pay dates slowly, a day a month, until we get to the 15th and last day of the month.
Q: Ms. Johnson: Some of the information suggests that there is some vulnerability – can you speak to that?
A: Davis: When we get to months end and we want to close and pay on the 5th it gets tight on us. We want to move to the last day of the month and 15th so that we don’t run a risk of anything happening with payroll.
2.34 Report No. 11/12-1790 Authorization to Revise Policy BD Policy Development (First Reading)
2.35 Report No. 11/12-1791 Authorization to Revise the Traditional and Year Round Calendars for the 2012-13 School Year
(no changes proposed for the student calendar)
2.36 Report No. 11/12 – 5128 Authorization to Implement a Reduction in Force Plan
VIEW THE AMENDED REDUCTION IN FORCE PLAN HERE: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/files/8UUSNK738123/$file/Reduction%20In%20Force%20(RIF)-June2012-Final%20Plan.pdf
2.37 Report No. 11/12 – 5129 Authorization to Abolish Positions within the Office of Internal Compliance Department, Create Positions and Execute a Transition Plan
2.38 Report No. 11/12-5130 Authorization to Amend Report No. 11/12-5123 to Abolish Positions within the Curriculum and Instruction Division, Create Positions and Execute a Transition Plan
Q: Butler Burks: Do we know the actual number we are cutting?
A: Davis: 188
Q: Butler Burks: One of the positions is funded by the Army (ROTC), have we had any discussions with them about the elimination of this position?
A: Karen Waldon: The position is partially funded by the Army and we have spoken with the personnel in the office of high schools about this position. We have not spoken to the Army about this position.
A: Davis: I do not know if the people in the office of high schools have had that conversation but we will check.
Q: Butler Burks: We are aboloshing 2 and creating 1, so who is paying for the 1
A: Waldon: The Army is partially funding this position.
Q: Butler Burks: This document mentions 20 positions for Graduation Coaches
A: Waldon: It should reflect 21
Q: Butler Burks: Can we revise the document so we are voting on the correct number? The personnel gains and losses does not reflect the positions we are creating in this p&l document. My final question is around timing. If we are creating all of these positions, when will they come to us to be created so that we can approve them to be advertised. (Burks is questioning the process).
Q: Muhammad: Do we need to do this now or can we come back to this?
Q: Butler Burks: What we approve in 2.38 does not show up in 2.39.
A: HR Representative: The job descriptions are ready to post as soon as this plan is approved. The candidates will come to the July board meeting. Once you approve the job descriptions they include the grades and the steps. What we are proposing is for the entire plan to go to the board for approval and once it is approved we can tell you the grade for the position.
Q: Butler Burks: But can you give us the grade range?
A: HR: Yes, we have that information and can provide it to you.
Q: H-Kinnane: I’m still having a hard time with the lining up of what the abolishment was and the newly created position.
A: HR: Inaudible response
Q: H-Kinnane: So it’s not a sum game of 46? They are not listed here, but they are listed there in terms of the abolishment but not here in the terms of the recreation.
Davis: We have shown the positions wo which you are referring over a 3 month period. I’m trying to be responsive to what you what and I’m not sure I understand what you want. What is it that you want.
H-Kinnae: I feel like its a little misleading in terms of the number we are reporting in abolishments and creations.
Davis: I hear what you are saying. If the question is are we still going to get substantial savings, the answer is yes, in the multiple millions.
Mr. Johnson: If the positions are not created, how are you going to hire them? You can’t hire them if they haven’t been created.
McDaniel: The question is can we approve and post these positions that have not been created. Will the positions need to be moved to the gains and losses after you’ve officially created them.
Pitts: Yes, for the legislative meeting, we can bring those positions over for final approval.
McDaniel: The personnel gains and losses will be pulled and placed on the legislative agenda so that they can be approved before posting.
–break until 7pm–
7:15 Community Meeting now in session
Speaker: Truly, the BOE has already set a change in motion (at Drew). You can envision what can happen if this next step is allowed to happen.
Drew Parent: I have found Drew to be a true partner in the community, serving not only Drew children but other APS children as well. Every child is equipped with the tools to put them on equal footing with their counterparts around the world. It is the number one school in the state for educating low income and minority children. We must offer a choice. Drew offers a different learning model, a model that might not benefit every child. If you deny the high school, you are denying the children of East Atlanta a proven opportunity. Your vote will resonate across the nation.
Drew Parent: It takes a village to mold and shape our children’s lives. It was the best fit for our family. Our experience began as a part of the early curriculum and we hope to end this experience in the senior academy in 2025. I’ve witnessed the emphasis on STEAM – my children are excited about science. I’ve realized that Drew has exceptional teachers.
Drew Supporter: We’ve been talking to the staff at APS since last August and we are disappointed by the delay until July, but we understand that you need more time to review the information given to you today. The S.E. Atlanta neighborhood groups support Drew and its expansion. Drew, by serving as a neighborhood school instead of a city wide charter, we preserve our ability to do what Drew does best. We serve the children in our neighborhood who need it most. Our committment is to the families of the Villages and their neighbors.
Toomer Parent/Kirkwood Resident: If Jackson is a good school, and I’m sure it will be, we will actually need Drew (due to large enrollment). APS demographers showed that Toomer and Burgess Peterson have some of the largest baby booms coming up. There are plenty of folks not attending any public school in this area. We want to see them drawn back into the mix. There are folks coming into Toomer because they didn’t like the private or charter schools their children were attending. They found a home at Toomer and they are staying. There will always be a flow in and out and that folks are always flocking to charters. There are a lot of Villages folks at East Lake, a lot of them have decided to give Drew a chance and we are happy about that. What Drew offers is appealing to some and not to others, which is why I don’t panic about this. When APS offers choice, they are building trust. The lack of trust between the public and APS is toxic. It can be rebuilt. I believe in APS’ commitment to Coan. I believe in APS’ commitment to Jackson. The energy behind Jackson is incredible. Jackson will be so incredible that we will need the Drew seats. For many students a smaller Drew high school might be a better option. I would really like to see that option for students for whom a giant Jackson may not work. Growing the number of great school options in SE Atl will only make our community stronger. Lets believe in each other. We are not threatened by the existence of Drew High School…we are excited about it.
Drew Parent: My oldest niece came from a challenging background after not meeting 3 or the 5 areas of the CRCT. After her first semester at Drew she was begging to go to school, asking for books as gifts and she met all areas of the CRCT this year – very close to exceeding. Drew took this child who had been labeled as special needs and gave her the confidence and tools to be a successful student. This type of care a nurturing should be considered from cradle to college.
7:40pm
Drew Parent: My children come home every afternoon excited about what they are learning. I want them to come home this excited at the high school level. Drew HS will be an extension of a proven success model. We cannot turn down a model HS that will work right now. Education is about choices. No one school is meant for every type of student. I’ve heard that now is not the right time to have a great HS like Drew…I ask, when is the right time? There might not be another time we are offered a $50M state of the art HS at no cost to APS. I ask that you be on the right side of history.
Drew Parent: My oldest has finished Drew and is now at North Atlanta High School. We are a family that lives in the Villages. I am asking that you approve our amendment. You will be the leaders in creating a national model of public sector and private sector collaboration. It is only with your support and the support of our superintendent that we will be able to do this. We need you to vote yes.
Drew Graduate: Most of the middle schools in our community were not conducive to learning at all in 2000. My brother was a year older than me, so Drew was not an option for him. After I finished middle school, I ran into problems finding a high school conducive to my learning. My older brother went to private school, but this was extremely expensive for our family. There are many kids who are ill prepared for a high school environment. I had Tech High available to me, but it had limited capacity. Personally I don’t know how I would have graduated without the help of Drew. I had access to scholarships that have helped me graduate from Georgia Tech.
Drew Parent: (Parent explains the dangerous conditions of the East Lake area before Drew). Atlanta’s leadership tore the buildings down and a new type of school. Tradition will say that you have to go to Woodward or Westminster to get a good education but vision will say that Drew HS is just as good. Please let these students at Drew fly to their highest potential. Vote for cradle to college. Vote for Drew Senior Academy.
Wesley International Parent: We need space and Cook Elementary has the space we need. If Cook Elementary is not an option for us, please find a recommendation for us within the Jackson cluster.
Wesley International Parent: Last week 25 people from the community surrounding Cook showed up, thinking that we would have an opportunity to be heard. Other schools had an opportunity to discuss their neighborhood schools (but we did not). Last month, the Summerhill put all of its resources for Wesley to Cook. The reason Summerhill is supporting Wesley to Cook is because of what Wesley does to create equal education opportunities.
Gideons Elementary Student: (Student speaks in support of Community in Schools – CIS). CIS helps kids like me!
Gideons Parent: CIS staff members are the children’s heroes. I stand here as Vice President of NPU V. As you all know, my daughter was the victim of a vacant property. At the time I was just a member of the community. There wasn’t a day that went by that Mr. McArthur didn’t help children like mine. Decisions are made everyday but they are not in regards to our children on the southwest side. We are not getting these same programs in our schools. I want to know who is in ya’lls pocket. You are taking away everything we work hard for. I have not seen anybody care about these children that go to Gideon or Parks. I’m hearing about all of this success at the charter schools – and I’m proud of that – but my children deserve the same opportunities. No one has talked to our kids about anything. No counseling. When are you going to come talk to the parents or these beautiful children. My child ain’t no different than yours. I respect ya’ll, but I feel like I’m feeling bullied and harassed.
Wesley Parent: I grew up on the North side of town. I have lived on the SE side of town for 9 years and I am thrilled that my kids will be able to receive a K-12 IB education like that in the Northern cluster. I am so grateful for APS bringing IB to Jackson. We are thrilled that Jackson hosted our 8th grade graduation. We strongly believe our school can fit into and serve the Jackson cluster. Because we support Jackson, we know that the Jackson community will support our desire to move to Cook. This is about using and APS school for APS students.
Wesley Parent: We have been thrilled with our child’s progress at Wesley. She is reading above grade level and learning Mandarin. She has learned to love to go to school because of Wesley. We feel that Wesley is an educational pillar in the SE area. Currently we pay over $900,000 to a Virginia company for our lease and that is $900,000 that can go back towards the students. Wesley is the center of a grassroots community effort. The Cook community has stated they support Wesley to move to Cook. APS has put a lot of money into renovating Jackson. Half of Wesley’s students live in the Jackson cluster. Wesley provides Jackson’s foundation for the IB program.
Wesley Parent: It’s an awesome experience to hear my children speak and converse in Chinese. Sometimes the most passionate plea is not associated with facts or numbers. Sometimes its simply a request. Wesley to Cook continues to ensure that the community benefits with a higher level of education. Please, Wesley to Cook.
Community Partner: Please do not cut CIS. CIS is vital to the community. CIS is vital to students like Frederick Dukes recently featured in the AJC. Please do not take away a vital organ that will help us prevent drop out prevention.
Parks Middle School Students: We don’t have a lot of role models in school. I call Mr. Randolph every day, just to check up on him. If you take CIS out, what will be the positive things left in Atlanta? I don’t have a father, he lives in Detroit, but Mr. Randolph talks to be every day about what I need to know about my education. I’ve seen great scholars who go to Duke and GA Tech because of Mr. Randolph. He’s the most important thing in my life right now. CIS is so important, why would you take that out? I have someone to look up to, he’s a role model. If the superintendent truly cares about our community he will keep CIS in our schools.
Wesley Parent: I think you should remember that a school is an important part of the economic success of an area. I ask that you make the process of what is happening with Cook more transparent. (Asks that the BOE give better instructions as to what is the appropriate forum for addressing this issue).
Hutchinson Parent: I am here to ask that the current principal is kept in place. No one is listening to us as parents. I’m here just to ask you to reconsider for the children that are remaining at Hutchinson.
Community Member: Have you heard of a thing called communication? (Complains about a child who missed the summer school bus due to not knowing the route. Note: Summer school routes are posted here). I say maybe we replace you with Drew and Wesley. Those people have made a plan and communicate with passion. I believe they will get what they want because they have a track record. Look at your track record. CRCT scandal, you do not apologize, you do not work with the people. If you want to be successful, deal with CIS. If you have a problem reaching parents who don’t have internet, keep CIS in place because they have a process in place. A community close to my heart is Vine City area. You are not communicating with us. All we want is a fair shake. Something that tells us that you do care. The perception is that you do not. Those young people came up here hurt…with hope that you all will do the right thing by them. The schools in that community have not been up to par. The role models are few and far between. If you put some serious resources into those public schools – they would be basically charter.
Wesley Parent: Our charter was just renewed and we spend over $900,000 in rent. We feel strongly that Wesley is an amazing school and it needs to stay within the community that has nurtured it for 5 years (Jackson cluster). Consider having community input for Wesley to Cook.
Community Member: Over the last few weeks as we’ve sat through the grueling budget meetings. Board members have been insulting and not insightful. It is clear that we need some changes. Drew and Wesley have made some valid points. I personally know the hardships that come with being in APS. We want our children to have the same opportunities have at Drew, Wesley and North Atlanta. I can’t even get 2 languages in my school. I want to continue to support my south of downtown schools, but it is very difficult to come year after year and have these same conversations. I ask that you all allow the process to go on. We have to talk to our parents, set the framework and that we’re not being told whats going on but that we really have some input. You must improve our school system and you must do it now.
8:48pm
Dixie Hills Community Member: I was informed that many of you may not be aware what is going on with University Community Academy. In looking at the community over the past decade, APS has taken out 4 public schools out of that community (speaker names Anderson, Turner and White). UCA has had some challenges along the way, much like this board has. I understand that UCA hasn’t had the opportunity to correct itself.
University Community Academy Parent: We as a family and staff at UCA are there for our students. We want to continue to educate children in the Anderson and Dixie Hills area.
University Community Academy Graduate: (Speaker is now a Georgia State student) The family oriented environment at UCA is amazing. After attending UCA I went to North Atlanta and now I’m at Georgia State. Please don’t take UCA away.
University Community Academy Graduate: If a student needed something, a teacher would provide it no questions asked. This past year they started tutorial sessions with the kids and the kids were so excited. If you take UCA away you are making a big mistake with the Anderson Park and Dixie Hills communities.
West End Academy Parent: My son just graduated from West End and Jackson High. West End and Communities in Schools changed his life. He was affiliated in gang activity and he is no longer involved with any of that and is a high school graduate.
APS Graduate: I would really appreciate it if you didn’t cut Communities in Schools. They really changed my life.
Hutchinson ES Parent: I stand before you on behalf of over 200 parent signatures. Some of you should be aware of who I am. I want to thank Mr. Amos and Ms. Butler Burks for returning my emails. The principal there has done a great job and boosted morale. She’s done so many great things for our school in just one term.
Hutchinson ES Parent: You all gave us an interim principal one year ago. We entrusted that you gave us a competent and qualified person to run the school – and guess what, you did. My son has been at Hutchinson since Kinder. When he entered he was in the gifted program and 2 years later he was out of the program. In one year, his energy has picked up and he is back on track and I believe that is because of the principal. I’ve gone from seeing teachers drag in to running in to teach. Your decision has been to remove and not consider the interim principal for the position. I submit to you today that the students and parents are not happy. We are grieving over the decision you have made without us.
University Community Academy Supporter: We are asking for reconsideration. In the month of October, UCA came to the BOE meeting with an expectation of being heard and represented. We had people sitting in this room supporting UCA and action had already been taken. We want the due process of being heard.
University Community Academy Founding Member: UCA was born out of the dedication and acknowledgement that all children are a gift and should be provided with opportunity. The academic component of UCA is inclusive of project based learning, developmentally appropriate activities, investigative learning….. The curriculum is implemented by dedicated teachers and staff and there are numerous academic accomplishments. UCA earned AYP for 7 consecutive years. UCA was designated as a Distinguished School for several years. UCA is a gift to the community. Please reconsider the reopening and remaining of UCA.
9:16pm Public comment has now ended.
9:17pm BOE in Executive Session
10:42pm It looks like the Board may be on their way back into the room.
10:49pm Committee of the Whole meeting has been adjourned.
10:50pm Legislative Meeting is now beginning
The BOE has voted to remove item 5.01 from the agenda. ->> Report No 11/12/1014 – Approval of Hearing Tribunal Members – Tribunal Members conduct employee disciplinary hearings for certificated employees on behalf of the Atlanta Board of Education. Georgia law requires that tribunal members possess academic expertise and that they submit their findings and recommendations to the local board for its decision. The Office of the General Counsel recommends the following individuals for approval to serve as tribunal members. RECOMMENDATION: That the Atlanta Board of Education approves: Albert Louis Evans, Sylvia Williams McGee
Reminder: This portion of the meeting is filmed and available beginning tomorrow on cable channel 22.
The superintendent congratulates our recent graduates, but adds “We are still failing one out of every 2 of our students. We have to demonstrate of excellence in everything that we do. From the way we spend tax payers dollars to our hiring.”
Karen Waldon has taken the podium and will recommend the following new principals:
Shawn Bender, Perkerson Elementary
Paul Brown, King Middle
Betsy Bockman, Coan Middle
Wanda Harmon, Gideons Elementary
Eldrick Horton, Douglass High
Cynthia Jewell, Thomasville Elementary
Barbara Lashley, Hope Hill Elementary
Toni Pickett, Connally Elementary
Matthew Rogers, E. Rivers Elementary
Shaunta Broadway, Hutchinson Elementary
Phyllis Earls, F. L. Stanton Elementary
Jami Pettway, Bethune Elementary
Tonya Steele, Peyton Forest Elementary
Tommy Usher, Garden Hills Elementary (Interim)
Mario Watkins, Bunche Middle (Interim)
Hajj Womack, BEST Middle (Interim)
(UPDATED) Reginald Richardson, North Atlanta High
View all recommended gains and losses here: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/files/8UXRPQ6EF8ED/$file/June%202012%20Gains%20and%20Losses_%20FFFinal%20GL2.pdf
Davis announces that the revised budget does not impact our custodial staff in the way that it was proposed to during the May meeting.
New budget has no cuts to arts or athletics.
Superintendent currently reading all items on the consent agenda. View the agenda here: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/board.nsf
Mr. Johnson gives short Audit Commission report.
Butler Burks gives Budget Committee report, especially item 12-1160. For every board meeting we had 8 or more board members to attend meetings – thanks BOE members.
Butler Burks: There are 3 things as a part of the budget that may look a little different moving forward. One is that all high schools will offer at least 2 world languages, all of our middle schools will offer 2 world languages and we will have more strategy meetings on elementary schools. The superintendent will go back and review the family support component that has been given over the years by one of our vendors.
Dr. Grant is reporting that moving forward, the allotted time for speakers at community meetings will be 2 minutes instead of 3 minutes. A regional community meeting has been proposed, 1 per quarter in each quadrant. Community will be able to address the board on any issue.
H-Kinnane: Another speaker can deed time for a total of 4 minutes correct?
Grant: Yes
Muhammad: In regards to the committee of the whole meeting, we are limiting comments to 30 minutes?
Grant: Yes.
Muhammad: So we are only talking about 10 people. In this case we are giving them 3 minutes, no more than 10 people being allowed to sign up. I do have a problem with a limit on the public having an opportunity to speak to the board. I do have a concern about that.
Grant: I respect your opinion, that’s what we put in the quarterly meetings and community meetings. There is no limit to the number of community meeting speakers. Based on best practices, having a time constraint is best for the business of the board.
McDaniel: I think we’re really trying hard to give as many opportunities as possible, giving people good time to communicate with the board. My recommendation would be to approve this for 1st read, get public comment back and review as we get to the final approval in July.
Motion in favor carries.
Item 6.02 C&I creation of positions and execution of a transition plan and Item # 6.03 Personnel gains, losses, promotions, appointments, creations, reclassifications and abolishments – motion carries.
Amos gives community meeting report.
No old business. No new business.
11:45pm – Meeting adjourned
~Thank you for following our live blog. ~
8 comments