Franklin County
September 08, 2015 6:00 PM
Franklin County Public Schools Regular Meeting
I. Call to Order
Rationale

The mission of the Franklin County Public Schools is to prepare students for College and Career Readiness and to become contributing citizens.


Please silence all cell phones.

II. Recognitions and Presentations
Rationale

2015-2016 Student Board Representatives - 

Anne Holden, Western Hills High School

Jacob Bruce, Franklin County High School

 

Jennifer Patrick, Central Office, District Assessment Coordinator / ESL

Holli Blevins, Central Office, ARC Chairperson / RTI Facilitator

III. Public Comments
Rationale

The Franklin County Board of Education has provided time in its agenda for individuals to make comments. Comments to the Board will be allowed up to a maximum of three (3) minutes. The Board does not allow comments on any matter dealing with personnel issues. Kentucky law states specifically that personnel matters are the responsibility of the Superintendent. On all personnel matters, you should contact the Superintendent of Schools. No questions, comments, or decisions/action related to public comments will be made by Board members at this time, unless the specific topic is on the agenda; however, the Board will listen to the comments and/or suggestions which may lead to a discussion of same at a future meeting. If an individual wishes for the Board to discuss and/or take action on a particular issue, they must follow the procedures outlined in Franklin County Board of Education Policy 10.2. The Superintendent or the designee will be able to assist in this request.

IV. New Business
IV.A. Approve Tax Rate for 2015
Rationale

As required by KRS 160.470 (7), advertising and hearing requirements must be met in order to levy a tax rate that exceeds the compensating tax rate. 

Advertisements were placed in The State Journal local newspaper on August 25 and September 1 for the public hearing on September 8 at 5:00 p.m. at the Franklin County Board of Education.

The purpose of the hearing was to entertain public comments related to a proposed tax levy of 67.6 cents on real property and 67.6 cents on personal property.

In 2014, a real property and personal property tax rate of 65.3 was levied by the Franklin County Board of Education.  For 2015, a tax rate of 67.6 is proposed for both real estate and tangible personal property. 

The Board is also required to set the tax rate for 2015 for all motor vehicles.  The proposed rate of 51.0 cents is the same rate that has been levied since 1983.

Recommended Motion

Approval to keep tax rate at 65.3

Actions Taken

Order #153 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the tax levy of 65.3 cents for both real estate and tangible personal property, and 51.0 cents for all motor vehicles for 2015 passed with a motion by Mr. Doug Crowe and a second by Mr. William Cofield.

IV.B. Increase Salaries by 1.5%
Rationale

Franklin County Public Schools continues to lose teachers to surrounding districts.  One of the reasons often cited by the departing staff member is the difference in pay.  Attached is information comparing the certified salaries of Franklin County certified staff to competitive districts.  Although we have provided staff with a 1.5%-2.0% pay increase in 2014-2015, the district continues to lag behind districts in our area of similar size.  

If the Board passes the recommended tax increase, I am recommending to increase all salaries by 1.5% for the 2015-2016 school year.  This would be an approximate cost of $421,000.00.

Recommended Motion

Approve increasing certified and classified staff salaries by 1.5%

Actions Taken

Order #154 - Motion Passed:  Approve increasing certified and classified staff salaries by 1.5% passed with a motion by Mr. William Cofield and a second by Ms. Michelle New.

IV.C. Approval of Minutes
Rationale

The August 17, 2015 board meeting minutes are attached for your approval. Ms. Michelle New was absent from this meeting and must abstain from voting.

Recommended Motion

approve August 17, 2015 meeting minutes

Actions Taken

Order #155 - Motion Passed:  Approval of August 17, 2015 meeting minutes passed with a motion by Mr. William Cofield and a second by Mr. Doug Crowe.

IV.D. Increase Sheriff's Commission for Tax Collections
Rationale

State law requires school districts to compensate the sheriff from 1.5% to 4.0% for collection of school taxes.  Currently, Franklin County Public Schools compensates the sheriff's office 1.5%, the minimum.  Recent tax collection rates are greater than 99%, which has generated additional funds for the district.  I am recommending the district increase the compensating rate to 2.0%, an increase of 0.5% and is more aligned with neighboring districts.

Recommended Motion

Approve increasing the sheriff department's compensation rate for tax collection to 2.0%

Actions Taken

Order #156 - Motion Passed:  Approve increasing the sheriff department's compensation rate for tax collection to 2.0% passed with a motion by Mr. William Cofield and a second by Ms. Michelle New.

IV.E. Gifted & Talented Procedure Handbook Changes
Rationale

The Franklin County Board of Education reviewed the Policy Handbook in 2009.  We have updated the following items and request review and approval:

  • Included the most recent Gifted and Talented Education Frequently Asked Questions from Kentucky Department of Education. (Page 44-46)
  • General Intellectual Ability- changed from 4 pieces of evidence to 3 pieces to align with the law.  (Page 48)
  • Updated Bullet 2-listed specific tests we currently use (Page 50)
  • Updated Bullet 1- listed specific tests we currently use (Page 52)
  • Visual Arts- 6 pieces as opposed to 4-6 pieces art pieces in portfolio.  3 pieces have to be produced at school, 3 pieces can be produced at home.  Per art teachers’ request. (Page 54) 
  • Visual/Performing Arts- Portfolio/Audition is the initial requirement.  Two supporting pieces will be collected once minimum score is met.  (Page 54)

 In addition, please review and approve 2015-2016 Gifted and Talented Procedure Handbook.  To our knowledge, this handbook has served as a guide, but hasn’t been reviewed/approved in recent years.  We have updated with current information.

Recommended Motion

Approve the Gifted and Talented Procedure Handbook

Actions Taken

Order #157 - Motion Passed:  Approve the Gifted and Talented Procedure Handbook passed with a motion by Mr. William Cofield and a second by Ms. Michelle New.

IV.F. Chorus T-shirt Fee
Rationale

Per board policy 09.15, all school fees must be approved by the Board.  Westridge Elementary chorus requests the Board approve a fee of $12 for their uniform which consists of a t-shirt.

Recommended Motion

approve Westridge Elementary Chorus t-shirt fee

Actions Taken

Order #158 - Motion Passed:  Approve the $12 Chorus t-shirt fee for Westridge Elementary passed with a motion by Ms. Michelle New and a second by Mr. William Cofield.

IV.G. First Reading - O3.2232
Rationale

The minutes will reflect a first reading of policy change 03.2232.

V. Reports to the Board
V.A. Gifted & Talented Update
Rationale

The Gifted and Talented team would like to update the Board on the recent evaluation results from the Kentucky Department of Education and share next steps for improvement.

V.B. Approve Monthly Financial Report
Rationale

The Monthly Financial Report is presented for your review and approval.

Recommended Motion

Approval of the July 2015 Monthly Financial Report

Actions Taken

Order #159 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the July 2015 Monthly Financial Report passed with a motion by Mr. William Cofield and a second by Mr. Doug Crowe.

V.C. Superintendent's Activities
Rationale

Ms. Jones' activities for the month of August are presented for your information.

1  - 

2  - 

3  - New Teacher Training;  Board Meeting

4  - Community members meeting

5  - Meeting with Gill Finley; Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment meeting

6  - Principal meeting; Meeting with transportation director

7  - Meeting with Five Oaks Communication

8  - 

9  - 

10 - Directors' meeting; Meeting with media specialist

11 - Finalized plans for opening school

12 - School visits

13 - School visits; Meeting with Jen Patrick

14 - School visits; CIA meeting

15 -

16 -

17 - Directors' meeting; meeting with DOSE, principal; Board meeting

18 - Meeting with Armando Arrastia; School Report Card

19 - Interviews; Superintendents' webinar

20 - Administrative staff meeting; Meeting with Jen Patrick, Key Communicators

21 - Interviews, CIA meeting

24 - Directors' meeting, ARC chairperson training

25 - Chamber meeting; State-Journal meeting; Westridge SBDM meeting

26 - P-16 Council; OVEC Board of Directors, Meeting with Jim Masters

27 - Meeting with Dr. Grisham-Brown; meeting with teacher; United Way meeting

28 - Meeting with principal, Kyle Sexton, & Charley Preston; CIA meeting, Meeting with Bob Wagoner and Ed Breckel

29 - 

30 - 

31 - Directors' meeting; Meeting with coach; Meeting with community member; Meeting with Eric Carlsen-Landy; Meeting with student representatives for BOE; Special-called Board meeting

 

V.D. Superintendent's Correspondence
Rationale

Correspondence with Ms. Jones is presented for your information.

V.E. Superintendent's Personnel Actions
Rationale

Personnel Actions taken since the last meeting of the Board are presented for your information.

V.F. Reports from School Councils
Rationale

Reports from the following schools' SBDM Councils are presented for your review:

Bridgeport Elementary

Collins Lane Elementary

Elkhorn Elementary

Early Learning Village

Hearn Elementary

Peaks Mill Elementary

Westridge Elementary

Bondurant Middle

Elkhorn Middle

Franklin County High School

Western Hills High School

V.G. Summer Boost Program
Rationale

Carmen Amato, Robin Emery, and Greg Roush will update the Board on the success of the summer boost program.  

VI. Consent Agenda
Rationale

The Consent Agenda is presented for your approval.

Recommended Motion

Approval of the Consent Agenda as presented

Actions Taken

Order #160 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the Consent Agenda as presented passed with a motion by Ms. Michelle New and a second by Mr. William Cofield.

VI.A. Approve Minutes
Rationale

The August 3, 2015 board meeting minutes are attached for your approval.

VI.B. Approve Payment of Bills
Rationale

Orders of the Treasurer

Date:   09/08/15

Warrant #: 091415        Fund: General Fund/Federal Programs

Warrant #: M083115      Fund: General Fund/Federal Programs

At the regular monthly meeting of the Franklin County School Board on the indicated date above, the following claims and bills were submitted to the Board for approval. The Treasurer was ordered to pay the amounts as indicated.

VI.C. Approve Leaves of Absence
Rationale

James Bowens – EMS - Paternity Leave – 8/17 to 8/28

April Cirillo – CLE – Maternity Leave – 9/8/15 to 10/12/15

Janet Walters – WHHS – Medical Leave – 6 weeks beginning 8/26/15

VI.D. Approve Contracts
VI.D.1. Contract for Thomas Tours for FCHS Choir Dec. 2-6, 2015
Rationale

At the May 4, 2015 Board meeting, FCHS Choir was approved to travel to Orlando, Florida on December 2-6, 2015.  Attached is a contract/letter of intent from Thomas Tours for approval.

VI.D.2. Approval of MOA with AmeriCorps and FRYSC
Rationale

Franklin County Schools have received approval to utilize two AmeriCorps indivdiuals to work with the Family Resource Centers at Elkhorn Elementary/Peaks Mill and the other to work with Bondurant Middle/Western Hills High School for the 2015-2016 school year.

VI.D.3. WRE Beauty and Beast Contract
Rationale

Westridge Elementary requests approval to enter into a contract with Disney to license the Beauty and the Beast script for $75.

VI.D.4. Assembly: Billy Goats Gruff
Rationale

The Early Learning Village is requesting approval for Billy Goats Gruff performance on September 16, 2015. Please see contract attached.  Funds for the performance will be paid from the school's student activity account.

VI.D.5. FCHS 2016Spring Musical Contract Approval Request
Rationale

Contract Approval Request for Music Theatre International for FCHS 2016 Musical The Little Mermaid

 Raye Hurley, Spring Musical Director for FCHS 2016

Total Royalty Cost for four performances is $2625, deposit amount is $400 due to Musical Theatre International

 

 

VI.D.6. FCHS: Band Camp Instructors Summer 2015
Rationale

The Franklin County High School Band Boosters request payment to the following Individuals that worked with students at Band Camp August, 2015:

Funds from the Band Boosters will be utilized to pay $4,450 to FCPS for the total cost.

Flute, Jana Flygstad = $300

Clarinet, Austin Alexander = $600

Saxophone, Charles Weitkamp = $800

Trumpet, David Goins = $300

Trombone, Tara Bright = $600

Tuba, Connor Moore = $250

Percussion, Quinn Blandford = $1,100

Majorette, Adrianna Brown $500

VI.D.7. FCHS: Pay for Summer Band Instructors, 2015
Rationale

Please see attached list of individual band instructors that worked with FCHS Band Students Summer 2015.

We ask that FCPS pay each of these individuals, in the amounts listed.

The FCHS Band Boosters will pay FCPS in the amount of $4,230 to cover the cost of these expenses.

VI.D.8. Field Experience/Clinical Practice Education Agreement - Georgetown College
Rationale

Attached is the Field Experience/Clinical Practice Agreement between Georgetown College and FCPS for your approval.

VI.D.9. Morehead State MOA
Rationale

Attached is the MOA between Morehead State University and FCPS for your approval.

VI.D.10. CLEAR Public Service Contract
Rationale

CLEAR provides real-time addresses and phone numbers via national coverage of public records.  As a school system, we have students that move or stop coming to school that we can not locate.  With basic information, CLEAR will provide the most updated address that is connected to bills, DMV, and phone services.  Unless a student is accounted for correctly, we must code them as a drop out.  Additionally, individuals providing incorrect addresses would allow us the correctly identify their address.  

VI.D.11. Academy - Use of Thornhill Learning Center Gym
Rationale

The Academy does not have a gym facility in order to provide students a PE class.  We are requesting to contract with Thornhill Learning Center to use their gym for PE. 

VI.D.12. EasyCBM contract
Rationale

Request entering into a contract with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the EasyCBM.  The EasyCBM is a progress monitoring tool used with district Tier 2 and 3 students for RTI purposes. The district would contract for 900 student licenses.  Funds for the monitoring tools will be paid from general fund. 

VI.E. Create/Modify Positions
VI.E.1. Creation of Part Time STEM Teacher
Rationale

Hearn Elementary would like to request the creation of a part time (120 days/7 hours per day) certified STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)  position to be paid from Title I.  

An emphasis will be placed on mathematics while integrating science, technology, and engineering concepts.  This position will be paid through Hearn’s Title I allocation for the 2015-2016 school year.

VI.E.2. Creation of 5 Part-Time Certified Interventionists - HES
Rationale

Hearn Elementary would like to request the creation of 5 part time (120 days/3.5 hrs. per day) certified interventionist for the 2015-16 school year.  Three of these positions will be paid from Hearn’s Title I allocation and 2 of these positions will be paid with ASP funds.

 

VI.E.3. Increase Contract Days
Rationale

Increase contract days for Speech Therapist

VI.E.4. BMS Supplementary Duty Assignments
Rationale

Bondurant Middle School is requesting approval for the following supplemental positions for the 2015-2016 school year to be paid out of Section 6.

6th Grade Team Leader - $500
7th Grade Team Leader - $500
8th Grade Team Leader - $500
Exploratory Team Leader - $500
Sp. Ed. Team Leader - $500
Exploratory Department Chair - $300
Math Department Chair - $300
Language Arts Department Chair - $300
Science Department Chair - $300
Social Studies Department Chair - $300
Yearbook Advisor - $800
BETA Advisor - $300
Friday School Teacher - Salary Schedule
STLP - $500
Math Olympiads Coach - $300
Student Council Advisor - $300
Newspaper Advisor - $300
Academic Team Assistant Coach - $300
 

VI.E.5. Increase Math Interventionist Position - ELV
Rationale

The Early Learning Village requests an increase the number of days for the Math Interventionist Position from 100 to 140 days to be paid from Title I and ESS.

VI.E.6. Abolish Central Office Positions
Rationale

Request that the following positions be abolished:

-Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction

-Director of Elementary/Middle Curriculum & Instruction

-Director of High School Curriculum & Instruction

 

 

VI.E.7. Abolish Positions - FCHS
Rationale

Student enrollment at FCHS has been lower than anticipated for the 2015-16 school year.  They are currently 52 students lower than their projected enrollment.  Since they began the year with a vacant Instructional Coach position (1.1), it is my recommendation that this position be abolished, as well as an unallocated (.8) certified position, for a total of 1.9 certified positions.

I would propose that their certified allocation for 2014-15 be reduced from 50 to 48.1.

 

 

VI.E.8. Abolish/Create PT Spec Ed Position
Rationale

We previously requested and the board created two 50-day LBD positions so that we could try to come up with a solution to the desperate situation we find ourselves in since we are short two School Psychologists this school year.  We were able to fill one of the positions that was created, but had only one applicant apply for the other position.

In an attempt to widen our pool of applicants, we are requesting that the board abolish one 50-day LBD position, and create one 90-day position certified in FMD and/or LBD.  We can then post this position to see if it will attract a better pool of applicants.

 

Abolish one 50-day LBD position

Create one 90-day position certified as FMD and/or LBD

VI.E.9. Modify Custodial Hours
Rationale

Collins Lane Elementary School is requesting approval to change a 7 hour/day custodial position to an 8 hour/day position for the remainder of the 2015-2016 school year.  Funds for the additional hour will be paid from the school's ASP funds.

VI.E.10. Modify Positions
Rationale

Based on enrollment numbers after the first 10 days, Bridgeport's enrollment numbers were lower than projected.  With Bridgeport's lower than anticipated enrollment, and an increase of enrollment at Collins Lane Elementary and Westridge Elementary, the superintendent proposed to move 1.5 teachers from Bridgeport. After conferring with Bridgeport's SBDM council, the recommendation was made to fund the positions utilizing Title I and ASP funds.  Bridgeport has requested the positions be funded as followed.

1 full position will be paid from Title I

.5 position will be paid from our ASP funds

VI.F. Approve Fundraisers
VI.F.1. Art to Remember Fundraiser - Hearn
Rationale

The fundraiser will run from October 1-14. The proceeds will go to buy art supplies and to bring in artists  to the classrooms of Hearn Elementary.

VI.F.2. Hearn PTA Fundraiser
Rationale

Hearn Elementary PTA would like to request a school wide fundraiser with Kroger.  Parents wishing to participate will link their Kroger card with the school's ID.  A percentage of sales will go to the PTA and be used to benefit all students school wide through various means (see attachment).

VI.F.3. WRE STLP fundraiser
Rationale

Westridge STLP requests permission to conduct a school-wide PJ day and hat day on Sept. 10, 18 and 25th to raise money for 43 STLP shirts at $10 a piece. 

VI.F.4. Sale of Car Pro tags-Bridgeport Elementary
Rationale

Bridgeport Elementary requests Board approval to sell additional Car Pro tags if a family needs 2 for $5 each with cost to school of $2.50 and $2.50 profit.  Profits will go towards playground equipment.

VI.F.5. BPE Music Department Fundraiser
Rationale

Bridgeport Elementary Music teacher requests Board approval to hold a "penny war" fundraiser.  Students will be asked to bring in pennies which will be placed in the class choice of jar.  Silver and dollars will take away from total so that it will be a total penny collection.  Winning class will get a chance to dump bucket of slime on Ms. Moore.  Money raised will go towards risers for Music Dept.

VI.G. Approve Overnight/Out-of-State Trips
VI.G.1. FCCTC HOSA Overnight Competition Trip
Rationale

Franklin Co. Career & Tech HOSA group request approval to attend an overnight competition on October 4-5, 2015.  There will be a total of nine students and two advisors going to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Louisville Airport.  They will utilize FCPS transportation.  HOSA school activity funds will be utilized to pay for student expenses and Perkins will be paying for advisors' expenses.  HOSA is a co-curricular organization and is a required CTSO for the Health Science Program.

VI.G.2. FCHS: Cross Country Overnight Trip Request Oct, 9 & 10, 2015/Miller Contract
Rationale

FCHS:  Cross Country Overnight Trip Request

Coaches/Chaperones:  Robin Lawhorn and David Lawhorn

To: Yellow Creek Park in Owensboro, Kentucky

Date:  October 9 & 10, 2015

Purpose: Fast Cats Classic Cross Country Meet hosted by Daviess Co. High School/Ky Wesleyan College

Transportation:  Miller Transportation, bus will depart from FCHS October 9th at noon and will return October 10th at 9pm

Accommodations:  Fairfield Inn Owensboro

Trip funded by FCHS Cross Country Booster Club

18 FCHS Athletes will be competing

VI.G.3. Western Hills High School HOSA Leadership Student Conference
Rationale

The HOSA leadership conference for officers of the 2015-16 school year will be October 4th and 5th, 2015. Western Hills High School is requesting approval for four students to attend with one HOSA sponsor, Jeremy Miller. The overnight conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza, Louisville, KY.  Students will be transported by FCPS transportation.  Funds for the trip will be paid by individual students and Perkins funding.

Recommended Motion

Approve overnight field trip for HOSA officers.

VI.G.4. 5th Grade Trip - Hearn Elementary
Rationale

Hearn Elementary School 5th Grade team and Mr. Lee would like to request approval for an overnight field trip on October 29th and 30th (see attachment for details).  The camp would be held at the 4-H Camp in Carlisle, KY and students will be transported to and from the camp by FCPS transportation.  Funding will be provided for qualifying students.

VI.H. Kentucky State University Request for FCPS Bus Use
Rationale

Kentucky State University is requesting to use FCPS buses for:

Open House - September 12, 2015

Use of 4 buses

 

Upward Bound Program for the following dates; 

November 7, 2015

November 21, 2015

December 19, 2015

January 18, 2016

February 6, 2016

March 2, 2016

April 30, 2016

VI.I. Western Hills High School - Shorten School Day Requests
Rationale

Western Hills High School request a shorten school day 09.1221 AP.21 to be approved by the Board for two students.  Both students are 5th year seniors that only need 1 to 2 credits to complete their requirements for a diploma.  The students will be utilizing Compass Learning to complete their credits.

Recommended Motion

approve shortened school day

VII. Enter into Closed Session
Rationale

KRS 61.810(1)(k) Meetings which federal or state law specifically require to be conducted in privacy.

KRS 156.577(4)(d) Any preliminary discussions relating to the evaluation of the superintendent by the board or between the board and the superintendent prior to the summative evaluation shall be conducted in closed session.

Recommended Motion

That the Board enter into Closed Session as stated

Actions Taken

Order #161 - Motion Passed:  Table closed session due to the absence of Ms. Belinda Henson passed with a motion by Mr. William Cofield and a second by Ms. Michelle New.

VII.A. Preliminary Discussion Relating to the Evaluation of the Superintendent
VIII. Exit Closed Session
IX. Superintendent's Summative Evaluation
Rationale

The Superintendent shall be evaluated annually in writing by the Board. With the implementation of the new Superintendent's Professional Growth and Evaluation System (SPGES), the superintendent will share evidence related to the eight professional standards as defined by the SPGES.   Board members will then score each standard and share their agreed upon ratings with the superintendent.

Recommended Motion

Adoption of the Superintendent's summative evaluation as presented

Actions Taken

Order #162 - Motion Passed:  Table the Adoption of the Superintendent's summative evaluation passed with a motion by Mr. William Cofield and a second by Ms. Michelle New.

X. Adjournment
Rationale

The next meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education will be 6:00 pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Bondurant Middle School.

Recommended Motion

That the meeting be adjourned at 7:03pm

Actions Taken

Order #163 - Motion Passed:  That the meeting be adjourned at 7:03pm passed with a motion by Mr. William Cofield and a second by Ms. Michelle New.