Jefferson County
May 10, 2010 7:00 PM
Regular Meeting
I. Moment of Silence
Rationale

Welcome to the May 10, 2010, meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Education.

Please join us for our traditional moment of silence.

II. Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

III. Approval of Minutes
Rationale

The minutes of the April 26, 2010, regular meeting and the May 6, 2010, special meeting are presented for your review and approval.

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the April 26, 2010, regular meeting and May 6, 2010, special meeting.

Actions Taken

Order #78 - Motion Passed:  Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the April 26, 2010, regular meeting and May 6, 2010, special meeting. The recommendation passed with a motion by Mrs. Carol Ann Haddad and a second by Mr. Larry Hujo.

IV. Recognitions and Resolutions
Rationale

Recognition of Kaitlin O'Bryan


Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education recognize Kaitlin O'Bryan, a student at Atherton High School, for winning the Polar Bears International's (PBI's) Project Polar Bear contest.

Kaitlin, a Louisville Zoo volunteer and team member, is one of four national team finalists who competed in the PBI’s Project Polar Bear contest. Each team was required to create and carry out a project to reduce carbon emissions in the community. Kaitlin, along with team members Emily Goldstein and Sam Leist, created a free Energy Use Evaluation Kit for local businesses and organizations that evaluates energy use and offers easy, energy-saving alternatives to put into practice. The team members also presented their project to employees of the businesses to educate them about the importance of reserving energy. The Louisville team created a Web site that people and businesses could visit to make a pledge and commit to reducing carbon emissions and to obtain information on climate change and polar bears.

As a grand-prize winner of the national Project Polar Bear contest, Kaitlin and her teammates will receive a trip to Churchill in Manitoba, Canada—the polar bear capital of the world. In April, the team also won an all-expenses-paid trip to the San Diego Zoo to see the Polar Bear Plunge exhibit and to visit SeaWorld. The team was also recognized at a special awards ceremony held at the zoo.

Recognition of Meyzeek Middle School Students

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education recognize Bryan Zhu, Hellary Zhang, Yue Zhang, and Mahati Vavilala, students at Meyzeek Middle School, for winning the state 2010 MATHCOUNTS competition.

The Meyzeek Middle School MATHCOUNTS Team won the 2010 MATHCOUNTS competition, which was held in Louisville on March 19 and 20 at the Galt House. The team competed against approximately 150 students from 49 schools from across Kentucky to win the state competition. This is the school’s second consecutive win for this competition.

Bryan won third place in the individual MATHCOUNTS competition and received a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to attend the University of Louisville or the University of Kentucky, and he will travel to Orlando, Florida, this month to represent Kentucky in the national competition.

All eight Meyzeek students who competed in the state competition finished in the top 20. 

MATHCOUNTS is one of the nation’s largest and most successful educational partnership programs that promote middle school mathematics achievement. The program was established by the National Society of Professional Engineers, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and CNA Foundation.

Recognition of duPont Manual High School Students

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education recognize Joseph Kim and Tianjian Lai, students at duPont Manual High School, for winning national distinguished Spanish scholarship awards.

Joseph won the Bertie Green Travel Scholarship, which is presented by the National Honor Society (Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica [SHH]). As a scholarship recipient, he will receive a trip to Mexico this summer.

The SHH was established in 1953 to recognize high school students who have high academic achievement in the Spanish and Portuguese languages and to promote a continuing interest in Hispanic and Portuguese studies.

Tianjian won the National Spanish Exam Global Citizen Scholarship Award, which is given by the National Spanish Examination (NSE), a division of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). In honor of her accomplishment, she will attend a free, two-week Spanish immersion program through Concordia Language Villages in Minnesota. The program is considered to be the best immersion camp in the country.

The NSE is committed to recognizing high-achieving students and promoting language proficiency in the study of the Spanish language.

Submitted by: Stephanie Bateman

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the May 10, 2010, resolutions of recognitions of Kaitlin O'Bryan, Meyzeek Middle School students, and duPont Manual High School students.

Actions Taken

Order #79 - Motion Passed:  Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the May 10, 2010, resolutions of recognitions of Kaitlin O'Bryan, Meyzeek Middle School students, and duPont Manual High School students. The recommendation passed with a motion by Mr. Joseph Hardesty and a second by Mrs. Linda Duncan.

V. Consent Calendar and Superintendent's Report
Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the Consent Calendar (Items V.A. through V.S.) as presented.

Actions Taken

Order #80 - Motion Passed:  Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the Consent Calendar (Items V.A. through V.S.) as presented. The recommendation passed with a motion by Mrs. Carol Ann Haddad and a second by Mr. Joseph Hardesty.

V.A. Personnel Actions
Rationale

Pursuant to KRS 160.380, it is my responsibility to report to the Board of Education routine personnel actions that I have taken that affect certified and classified employment.

These actions have been executed in compliance with all Board of Education policies and state and federal laws.  All positions are Board of Education approved positions.

Submitted by: Bill Eckels

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education receive the attached report of the personnel actions that he has taken per KRS 160.380.

V.B. Approval of Certified Leaves of Absence
Rationale

Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes, leaves of absence must be recommended by the superintendent and approved by the Board of Education.  The following personnel actions are in compliance with federal and state laws and Board policy regarding equal employment opportunities.

Submitted by: Bill Eckels

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the request for leaves of absence included in the attachment.

V.C. Approval of Job Descriptions
Rationale

The job descriptions for Administrative Intern, Deduction Clerk, Senior Payroll Clerk, Senior ROTC Instructor, and Junior ROTC Instructor are modified to better reflect the duties and responsibilities of the position and make corrections required by the respective programs. The Food Service Billing Clerk job description will no longer be used and is recommended for deletion. 

Submitted by: Bill Eckels

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve job descriptions for Administrative Intern, Deduction Clerk, Senior ROTC Instructor, Junior ROTC Instructor, Senior Payroll Clerk, and Food Service Billing Clerk.

V.D. Approval of Organizational Charts
Rationale

The Literacy organizational chart includes changes in job title from Teacher to Resource Teacher to provide consistency and comply with the performance responsibilities.

In 2010-11, 15 JCPS high schools will initiate our Professional Career Theme model as prescribed by the Superintendent's Community Task Force and the Jefferson County Board of Education. To successfully implement college access strategies enabling every student to pursue a personal pathway toward a credentialed diploma and postsecondary options, we are establishing a Specialist II to help schools structure Schools of Study, establish Advisories, and strengthen Freshman Academies. In addition, we will use a Resource Teacher to help middle and high schools monitor the implementation of the state's required Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for each student and keep them aligned with the professional career themes. Replacing the two deleted Career Counselor positions with the Resource Teacher and Specialist II will result in a cost savings. While the Career Counselors were housed in schools, services were provided districtwide. This change, if approved, will be effective July 1, 2010. 

The School-to-Career department will be re-named Career and Technical Education and the designators included on the organizational chart are updated as well. This change, if approved, will be effective July 1, 2010.

A Food Service Billing Clerk is replaced with a Deduction Clerk on the Payroll and Cash Management organizational chart to better reflect the responsibilities of the position.

The Human Resources organizational chart is included to upgrade the secretary for Security and Investigations to ensure internal equity based on job responsibilities.

The Communications and Publications organizational chart is included to upgrade the secretary position that reports to the Director V (Communications) to ensure internal equity based on job responsibilities.

Submitted by: Bill Eckels

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the attached organizational charts for Literacy, High School Districtwide Instructional Services, Career and Technical Education, Payroll and Cash Management, Human Resources, and Communications and Publications.

V.E. Reemployment of Classified Staff for Fiscal Year 2010-11
Rationale

The attachment includes the names of all classified personnel who will be reemployed by Jefferson County Public Schools for fiscal year 2010-11. 

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education receive this report regarding the reemployment of classified staff as listed.

V.F. Approval of Field Trip Requests
Rationale

This is a report of field trip requests submitted to the Board of Education for approval on May 10, 2010. Administrative Regulation 702 KAR 5:060 requires that the use of common-carrier field trips be approved and cited in Board of Education minutes. Also included are other field trips approved by the superintendent per JCPS Policy IICA.
 
Submitted by: Mike Mulheirn

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the attached requests for field trips and receive a report of other field trips approved by the superintendent.

V.G. Approval of Project/BG-1 Form and Assignment of Architect/Engineer for Asbestos Abatement Maintenance Contract at Various Schools
Rationale

This project is a contract for the removal of incidental asbestos as it relates to found conditions in minor construction projects.

Pursuant to the requirements of KRS 322.010 and 323.010, et al., and the policies and procedures of the Jefferson County Public School District, a certified and licensed architect or engineer is assigned to all projects that modify, renovate, or construct additions to existing buildings.

The architect or engineer is responsible for the proper preparation of all plans, specifications, estimates, and direct supervision during the execution of the construction contract. The architect or engineer will supervise the bid process, as required by the district’s Model Procurement Code, and provide an appropriate written recommendation to the district.

The Kentucky Department of Education requires approval of the attached resolutions in order to enter into contracts with the design firms of these projects.  Plans and specifications will be prepared with this approval. [KRS 160.290]

Submitted by: Mike Mulheirn

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the project, the assignment of Environmental Concerns as the architect/engineer, and the BG-1 form for the Asbestos Abatement Maintenance Contract at Various Schools, for an estimated project cost of $190,000.00.

V.H. Approval of Project Completion and BG-4 Form for Renovation Phase 1 at Crosby Middle School (Project #119-9002)
Rationale

On July 14, 2008, the Board of Education approved assigning CMTA, Inc. to prepare plans and specifications for this project.

On March 9, 2009, the Board approved awarding a contract to Schardein Mechanical Contractors as the low bidder.

CMTA, Inc. has now advised the staff that this contract is complete and final payment is due the contractor.

Submitted by: Michael A. Mulheirn

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the project completion, BG-4 form, and final payment to Schardein Mechanical Contractors for Renovation Phase 1 at Crosby Middle School, for a total cost of $4,159,127.88.

V.I. Approval of Project Completion and BG-4 Form for Renovation Phase 1 (Bid Package A) Switchgear Replacement at Rutherford Elementary School (Project #560-9004)
Rationale

On September 22, 2008, the Board of Education approved assigning C.L. Anderson Architecture, LLC to prepare plans and specifications for this project.

On March 23, 2009, the Board approved awarding a contract to Badgett Constructors, LLC as the low bidder.

C.L. Anderson Architecture, LLC has now advised the staff that this contract is complete and final payment is due the contractor.

Submitted by: Michael A. Mulheirn

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the project completion, BG-4 form, and final payment to Badgett Constructors, LLC for Renovation Phase 1 (Bid Package A) Switchgear Replacement at Rutherford Elementary School, for a total cost of $321,581.06.

V.J. Approval of Project Completion and BG-4 Form for Renovation, Media Center, and Addition of Four New Classrooms at Shacklette Elementary School (Project #097-8004)
Rationale

On August 13, 2007, the Board of Education approved assigning Sherman Carter Barnhart, PSC to prepare plans and specifications for this project.

On December 8, 2008, the Board approved awarding a contract to E.H. Construction, LLC as the low bidder.

Sherman Carter Barnhart, PSC has now advised the staff that this contract is complete and final payment is due the contractor.

Submitted by: Michael A. Mulheirn

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the project completion, BG-4 form, and final payment to E.H. Construction, LLC for Renovation, Media Center, and Classroom Addition at Shacklette Elementary School, for a total cost of $3,418,030.43.

V.K. Approval of Construction Change Orders
Rationale

The Kentucky Department of Education requires that all change orders shall be approved by local board action (702 KAR 4:160). Change order descriptions are included in the attachment.

Submitted by: Michael A. Mulheirn

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends the Board of Education approve the construction change orders included in the attachment.

V.L. Approval of Bids (Submitted by Purchasing Department)
Rationale

These items represent the lowest and/or best bid for each respective item and/or group of items.  (KRS 45A.345-45A.460)
 
The proposals are public record and are on file for inspection in the Purchasing Department.
 
Submitted by: Cordelia Hardin

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the bid tabulations for Athletic Supplies, Equipment and Uniforms (Percentage); Musical Instrument Repairs; Soft Drink/Beverage Vending; Automotive Antifreeze, Fluids and Lubricants; Real Estate Auctioneer (Percentage); Field Trip Bus Service; Printing: Pre-Slugging Scan Forms; K-9 Service (For Explosives and Drugs); Calculators and Accessories; Commercial Hot Water Storage Tanks; Amendment on Plumbing Supplies and Equipment; and Amendment on Automotive Antifreeze, Fluids and Lubricants.

V.M. Acceptance of Purchase Order Report
Rationale

This report is designed to inform the Board of Education of the purchase orders issued during the period of March 6, 2010, through April 16, 2010.

Submitted by: Cordelia Hardin

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept the attached report of purchase orders issued during the period of March 6, 2010, through April 16, 2010.

V.N. Acceptance of Voucher Report
Rationale

This report is designed to inform the Board of Education of the vouchers paid during the period of March 6, 2010, through April 16, 2010.

Submitted by: Cordelia Hardin

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept the attached report of vouchers paid for the period of March 6, 2010, through April 16, 2010.

V.O. Approval of the Financial Report for the Period Ended March 31, 2010
Rationale

This report includes the following funds: General, Special Revenue, Capital Outlay, Building, Construction, Debt Service, Food Service, Day Care Operations, Adult Education, Tuition Preschool, and Trust and Agency.
 
This report fairly represents the financial activity of the Jefferson County Public School District through March 31, 2010, and is being submitted to the Board of Education pursuant to KRS 160.560 and JCPS Policy DI: Fiscal Accounting and Reporting.

Submitted by: Cordelia Hardin

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the financial report for the period ended March 31, 2010.

V.P. Approval of the Quarterly Report of Investment Performance
Rationale

This report is being provided to the Board of Education for its information per JCPS Policy DFA: Investment Policy.

Submitted by: Cordelia Hardin

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education receive the attached Quarterly Report of Investment Performance for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

V.Q. Acceptance of Donations
Rationale

Atherton High School received $500 from Betty A. Jones. The funds will be used for repairs to the baseball field.
 
Central High School Magnet Career Academy received $1,000 from George E. Bell. The funds will be used for educational assistance for an African-American female student to attend a college or university of her choice.
 
DuPont Manual High School received $2,941.98 from the Community Foundation of Louisville. The funds will be used for registration fees, lodging, and allowed mileage for the Academic Team to attend the National Quiz Bowl competitions.
 
Exceptional Child Education (ECE) received $1,500 from Paducah and Louisville Railway. The funds will be used to purchase software and hardware for use in ECE classrooms throughout the district.
 
Luhr Elementary School received $5,000 from Amgen. The funds will be used to purchase Science Math and the Right Technology (SMART) document cameras for the classrooms.
 
Stonestreet Elementary School received $500 from Kathy Osborne. The funds will be used for field trip expenses to Kentucky Down Under.
 
Stopher Elementary School received $615 from Old Henry Family Practice. The funds will be used to purchase t-shirts for the school walk-a-thon.
 
Youth Connection Services Center serving Fern Creek Traditional High School and Carrithers Middle School received $1,500 from Fern Creek Traditional High School Alumni Association. The funds will be used to pay personnel for necessary support services for the Youth Services Center.

Submitted by:  DeVone Holt

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept donations totaling $13,556.98.

V.R. Acceptance of Grants and Funding
Rationale

  • V.R.1. Acceptance of Grant from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for Family Resource and Youth Services Centers
  • V.R.2. Acceptance of Grant from Very Special Arts of Kentucky for Kenwood Elementary School
  • V.R.3. Acceptance of U.S.Department of Education SMART Project Grant for Westport and South Park Teenage Parent Programs
  • V.R.4. Acceptance of Fund for the Arts Grant for Kenwood Elementary School
  • V.R.5. Acceptance of Funding from the Siemens Foundation for duPont Manual High School
  • V.R.6. Acceptance of Grant from United Parcel Service for the School-to-Career Program
  • V.R.7. Acceptance of Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation
  • V.R.8. Acceptance of Grant from the Kentucky Department of Education for the Future Educators Association State Conference
  • V.R.9. Acceptance of Carl D. Perkins Grant for Career Technical Education

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommmends that the Board of Education accept grants and funding as presented in Agenda Items V.R.1. through V.R.9.

V.R.1. Acceptance of Grant from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for Family Resource and Youth Services Centers
Rationale

The Kentucky Education Reform Act provides for the establishment of Family Resource and Youth Services Centers in those schools where at least 20 percent of the student body is eligible to receive free school meals. The centers are intended to promote and coordinate the flow of community resources and support to families and youths. The district currently operates 95 centers serving 131 schools. Due to revenue shortfall for 2009-10, a 3 percent reduction was required by all Family Resource and Youth Service Centers statewide.

Submitted by: Dr. Bernard Minnis

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept the revised 2009-10 grant from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for Family Resource and Youth Services Centers and authorize the superintendent to sign the attached agreement.

V.R.2. Acceptance of Grant from Very Special Arts of Kentucky for Kenwood Elementary School
Rationale

Very Special Arts of Kentucky has awarded $1,200 to Kenwood Elementary School. The funds will be used to purchase art supplies and host an artist-in-residence for fourth-grade students.

Submitted by:  DeVone Holt

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept a $1,200 grant from Very Special Arts of Kentucky for Kenwood Elementary School.

V.R.3. Acceptance of U.S. Department of Education SMART Project Grant for Westport and South Park Teenage Parent Programs
Rationale

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Women's Educational Equity Act SMART Project, has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Westport and South Park Teenage Parent Programs. The funds will be used for field trips; to purchase math, science, and technology supplies; and to pay certified and classified substitute salaries.  

Submitted by:  DeVone Holt

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, through the Women's Educational Equity Act, Science Math and the Right Technology (SMART) Project, for the Westport and South Park Teenage Parent Programs.

V.R.4. Acceptance of Fund for the Arts Grant for Kenwood Elementary School
Rationale

The Fund for the Arts has awarded $821.50 to Kenwood Elementary School. The funds will be used to purchase tickets for fourth-grade students to attend a Stage One production at the Kentucky Center for the Arts.

Submitted by:  DeVone Holt

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept a $821.50 grant from Fund for the Arts for Kenwood Elementary School.

V.R.5. Acceptance of Funding from the Siemens Foundation for DuPont Manual High School
Rationale

The Siemens Foundation has awarded $1,000 to duPont Manual High School in recognition of Kathy Fries, teacher and winner of the Kentucky 2009 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement. The funds will be used to purchase supplies for math and science education.

Submitted by:  DeVone Holt

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept a $1,000 award from the Siemens Foundation for duPont Manual High School in recognition of Kathy Fries, teacher and winner of the Kentucky 2009 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement.

V.R.6. Acceptance of Grant from United Parcel Service for the School-to-Career Program
Rationale

The Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District and UPS have partnered since 1991 to provide a quality cooperative learning program for JCPS high school seniors. The program provides the following benefits for JCPS students:

  • Co-op work experience that pays $8.50 per hour plus health, dental, and vision benefits;
  • Up to six co-op hours of high school credit;
  • Up to six hours of transferable college credit;
  • Daily support of a workplace mentor assigned by UPS; and
  • Preferred placement in the post-graduation UPS Earn and Learn Program, which provides up to $3,000 per year for educational assistance.
This grant pays half of the salary and benefits of the School-to-Career resource teacher, who serves as the teacher of record for the students participating in the program, and helps coordinate student records and participation issues with the local schools. The attached agreement describes the total responsibilities of this resource teacher.

Submitted by: Joe Burks

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept a $30,000 grant from United Parcel Service (UPS) to fund a School-to-Career resource teacher position for the UPS School-to-Career Program and authorize the superintendent to sign the attached agreement.

V.R.7. Acceptance of Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Rationale

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded $5,000 to Kenwood Elementary School. The funds will be used to purchase 12 sets of books and provide snacks and materials for an after-school book club program.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded $3,000 to Jeffersontown Elementary School. The funds will be used to purchase sets of science and social studies textbooks for struggling readers.

Submitted by:  DeVone Holt

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept two grants totaling $8,000 from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for Kenwood and Jeffersontown elementary schools.

V.R.8. Acceptance of Grant from the Kentucky Department of Education for the Future Educators Association State Conference
Rationale

The Kentucky Department of Education has awarded the district a $5,000 grant to be used to plan, develop, and purchase materials for the Future Educators Association (FEA) State Conference.

Submitted by:  DeVone Holt

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept a $5,000 grant from the Kentucky Department of Education for the planning and development of the Future Educators Association State Conference.

V.R.9. Acceptance of Carl D. Perkins Grant for Career Technical Education
Rationale

The purpose of the Carl D. Perkins Act of 2006 is to provide individuals with the academic and technical skills needed to succeed in a knowledge-skills-based economy. Perkins grants support Career Technical Education (CTE), which prepares students for both post-secondary education and the careers of their choice. The grant will be used to ensure that CTE programs are academically rigorous and up-to-date with the needs of business and industry, support innovation and expand access to quality programs, and support the CTE infrastructure with some personnel and operating expenses.

Submitted by: Joe Burks

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education accept a Carl D. Perkins grant in the amount of $1,287,668 for Career Technical Education.

V.S. Approval of Proposal to Kentucky School Boards Association for School Energy Managers Project
Rationale

The KSBA School Energy Managers project could partially fund up to three energy managers from July 1, 2010, to April 1, 2012.

Jefferson County Public Schools is already engaged in energy and environmental education and has an energy auditor and two environmental educational resource teachers. We have a viable and sustainable system also in place.

Therefore, we are requesting funding to ramp up our current efforts, which include professional development for our energy auditor, software upgrades to track and archive information, funding for an incentive program for best performing and most improved schools, and a part-time data clerk.

Submitted by: Mike Mulheirn

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve a current application to the Kentucky School Boards Association for funding in the amount of $73,673 for the School Energy Managers Project.

VI. Action Items
VI.A. Approval of the Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11
Rationale

The Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11 is being adopted in accordance with KRS 160.470 and JCPS Policy DBH: Budget Adoption Procedures, and is being submitted in the MUNIS format as required by the Kentucky Department of Education.

The Tentative Budget includes the following funds: General, Special Revenue, Capital Outlay, Building, Debt Service, Food Service, Daycare Operations, Adult Education and Tuition Programs.

Submitted by: Cordelia Hardin

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the attached Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11.

Actions Taken

Order #81 - Motion Passed:  Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the attached Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11. The recommendation passed with a motion by Mr. Joseph Hardesty and a second by Mrs. Carol Ann Haddad.

VI.B. Approval of Intervention Models for Six Persistently Low-Achieving Schools
Rationale

Under KDE regulations, when a school has been identified as a persistently low-achieving school, the Department of Education appoints an Assessment Team to review the functioning of the school council and the leadership capacity of the principal.  The Assessment Team performs an instructional audit to determine the school council’s and principal’s ability to lead an intervention that will result in improved student achievement.  

The regulations limit the interventions at these schools to four alternatives. They are as follows:

1)   Re-staffing Option shall:

(a) Replace the principal with a certified principal who has specific training in turning around low-achieving schools and grant the new leader sufficient operational flexibility, including staffing, calendars, time, and budgeting, to fully implement a comprehensive approach in order to substantially improve student achievement outcomes and, if a high school, increase high school graduation rates.  The current principal shall be eligible to remain if the school leadership assessment recommends and the commissioner determines the principal has the capacity to lead the recovery.

(b) Replace the school council with individuals appointed by the commissioner.  The current school council shall be eligible to remain if the school leadership assessment recommends and the commissioner determines the school council has the capacity to lead the recovery.

(c) Use standards adopted locally by the board of education to measure the effectiveness of staff who can work within the turnaround environment to meet the needs of students;

(d) Select new staff to replace those transferred or dismissed;

(e) Implement strategies designed to increase opportunities for career growth, including more flexible working conditions that are designed to recruit, place, and retain staff with the skills necessary to meet the needs of the students in the turnaround school;

(f) Provide staff with ongoing, high-quality, job-embedded professional development that is aligned with the school’s comprehensive instructional program and designed with school staff to ensure that they are equipped to facilitate effective teaching and learning and have the capacity to successfully implement school reform strategies;

(g) Adopt a new governance structure which shall include requiring the school to provide quarterly progress reports to the local board of education and the Kentucky Department of Education;

(h) Use data to identify and implement an instructional program that is research-based and vertically aligned from one grade to the next as well as aligned with the required core academic standards established in 704 KAR 3:303;

(i) Promote the continuous use of student data from formative, interim, and summative assessments to inform and differentiate instruction in order to meet the academic needs of individual students;

(j) Establish schedules and implement strategies that provide increased learning time; and

(k) Provide appropriate social, emotional, and community-oriented services and supports for students.

2)   External Management Option shall:     

(a) Choose an education management organization (EMO) from a list of approved EMO’s established by the Kentucky Board of Education pursuant to Section 76 of this administrative regulation;

(b) Contract with the EMO to provide day to day management of the school; and

(c) Provide quarterly progress reports to the local board of education and the Kentucky Department of Education.

3)   Transformation Option shall:

(a) Replace the principal who led the school prior to commencement of the transformation model with a certified principal who has specific training in turning around low-achieving schools.  The current principal shall be eligible to remain if the school leadership assessment recommends and the commissioner determines the principal has the capacity to lead the recovery and has specific training in turning around low-achieving schools;

(b) Replace the school council with individuals appointed by the commissioner.  The current school council shall be eligible to remain if the school leadership assessment recommends and the commissioner determines the school council has the capacity to lead the recovery.

(c)  Use rigorous, transparent, and equitable evaluation systems for teachers and principals that:

1. Take into account data on student growth as a significant factor as well as other factors such as multiple observation–based assessments of performance and ongoing collections of professional practice reflective of student achievement and increased high-school graduation rates; and

2. Are designed and developed with teacher and the principal’s involvement;

(d) Identify and provide additional leadership and compensation opportunities to school leaders, teachers, and other staff who have increased student achievement and high-school graduation rates, if applicable, and identify and remove those who, after ample opportunities have been provided for them to improve their professional practice, have not done so;

(e) Provide staff with ongoing, high-quality, job-embedded professional development that is aligned with the school’s comprehensive instructional program and designed with school staff to ensure they are equipped to facilitate effective teaching and learning and have the capacity to successfully implement school reform strategies which shall include:

1. Subject-specific pedagogy;

2. Instruction that reflects a deeper understanding of the community served by the school; and

3. Differentiated instruction;

(f) Implement strategies designed to increase opportunities for career growth which shall include more flexible working conditions designed to recruit, place, and retain staff with the skills necessary to meet the needs of the students in a transformation school;

(g) Use data to identify and implement an instructional program that is research-based and vertically aligned from one grade to the next as well as aligned with state academic standards;

(h) Promote the continuous use of student data from formative, interim, and summative assessments to inform and differentiate instruction in order to meet the academic needs of individual students;

(i) Increase learning time and create community-oriented schools that:

1. Establish schedules and implement strategies that provide increased learning time; and

2. Provide ongoing mechanisms for family and community engagement; and

(j) Provide operational flexibility and sustained support that:

1. Gives the school sufficient operational flexibility, including staffing, calendar, time, and budgeting to fully implement a comprehensive approach to substantially improve student achievement outcomes and increase high school graduation rates; and

2. Ensures that the school participates in ongoing, intensive technical assistance and related support from the local district and the state.

(k) Provide quarterly progress reports to the local board of education and the Kentucky Department of Education.

4)   School Closure Option shall include:

(a) A process for the transfer of students to higher performing schools in the district;

(b) A determination by the local board of education regarding staff assignments and the use of the existing facility and other assets;

(c) A method of monitoring the progress of students in their new school environment; and

(d) A quarterly progress report to the local board of education and the Kentucky Department of Education.           

The Assessment team found that the district has the capability and capacity to manage the intervention at the six persistently low-achieving schools, which are Fern Creek High School, Valley Traditional High School, Western MST Magnet High School, The Academy @ Shawnee, Frost Middle School, and Western Middle School. The School Leadership Assessment Teams recommended the following:

  • That the SBDM Councils at each of the schools be dissolved, with the council at The Academy @ Shawnee remaining in an advisory capacity. (Note: Western Middle School’s council was dissolved in 2008.) The councils’ authority would be transferred to the Superintendent.

  • That the principals at Frost Middle School, Western Middle School, Fern Creek Traditional High School, and Valley High School be removed. The Superintendent has the authority to hire the principal at these four schools. The principals at Western MST Magnet High School and The Academy @ Shawnee can continue as principal but are given one year to show improvement.

  • That the Re-staffing Option be utilized at each of the schools other than Western Middle, where they recommended the Transformation Option be adopted.

The final decision as to which intervention option the schools adopt rests with the Board of Education. If the Board adopts the recommended Re-staffing Option, JCTA and the administration have agreed to a process for re-staffing the involved schools. Over the last few years, the principals at these schools have hired significant numbers of new staff and would only need to replace the following percentage of teachers to meet the 50 percent re-staffing standard:

  • Frost Middle School—15 percent

  • Western Middle School—20 percent

  • The Academy @ Shawnee—38 percent

  • Fern Creek Traditional High School—20 percent

  • Valley Traditional High School—13 percent

  • Western MST Magnet High School—14 percent

The Re-staffing process will include:

1. Extending the deadline for voluntary transfer and voluntary/involuntary overstaffing to May 24 for all middle and high school teachers.

2. The schools using the Re-staffing Option will overstaff their certified instructional staff and go through a screening and selection process for hiring those teachers currently in the building who want to remain. When the selection committee has determined which teachers will remain in the school, those not selected will have the opportunity to request transfer to selected schools. The Re-staffing option intervention system for persistently low-achieving schools requires that standards adopted locally by the board of education be used to measure the effectiveness of staff who can work within the turnaround environment to meet the needs of students. Adoption by the Board of Education of the attached Kentucky Teacher Standards will fulfill this requirement.

3. The selection committee will be made up of two JCTA representatives and two administration representatives.

4. The regular transfer process (interview the three most senior applicants) will take place from May 25 to June 25, 2010.

5. The placement, by seniority and certification, of any remaining transfer/overstaffed teachers will be done after June 25.

SHB:WSE:PT:RJR:DD

Attachment

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Berman recommends that the Board of Education: (1) Approve the Re-staffing Option for Fern Creek Traditional High School, Valley Traditional High School, Western MST Magnet High School, The Academy @ Shawnee, Frost Middle School, and Western Middle School as described in 703 KAR 5:180, subject to a successful appeal taken by a school council; and (2) Approve the use of the attached Kentucky Teacher Standards to be used under the Re-staffing Option to measure the effectiveness of staff working at Fern Creek Traditional High School, Valley Traditional High School, Western MST Magnet High School, The Academy @ Shawnee, Frost Middle School, and Western Middle School; and (3) Authorize an appeal to the Kentucky Board of Education on behalf of the principals at Fern Creek and Valley Traditional High Schools.

Actions Taken

Order #82 - Motion Passed:  Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education: (1) Approve the Re-staffing Option for Fern Creek Traditional High School, Valley Traditional High School, Western MST Magnet High School, The Academy @ Shawnee, Frost Middle School, and Western Middle School as described in 703 KAR 5:180, subject to a successful appeal taken by a school council; and (2) Approve the use of the attached Kentucky Teacher Standards to be used under the Re-staffing Option to measure the effectiveness of staff working at Fern Creek Traditional High School, Valley Traditional High School, Western MST Magnet High School, The Academy @ Shawnee, Frost Middle School, and Western Middle School; and (3) Authorize an appeal to the Kentucky Board of Education on behalf of the principals at Fern Creek and Valley Traditional High Schools. The recommendations passed with a motion by Mr. Stephen Imhoff and a second by Mrs. Carol Ann Haddad.

VII. Discussion Items
VII.A. 2009–10 Board of Education Discussion Agenda Planning Calendar
Rationale

A year-long list of selected Board of Education discussion agenda items has been compiled for use by the board and administrative staff. The list includes activities for discussion during this fiscal year.

It is anticipated that staff will use this list to avoid scheduling conflicts, to improve coordination and support of activities, to enhance planning, and to increase awareness of upcoming board agenda activities. 

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education receive for information a planning calendar outlining discussion agenda items to occur during the 2009–10 fiscal year.

Actions Taken

Order #83 - Motion Passed:  Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education receive for information a planning calendar outlining discussion agenda items to occur during the 2009–10 fiscal year. The recommendation passed with a motion by Mrs. Carol Ann Haddad and a second by Mr. Larry Hujo.

VIII. Board Reports/Requests
IX. Persons Requesting to Address the Board on Non-Agenda Items
Rationale

Each speaker is allowed three minutes to address the Board. At the end of 2-1/2 minutes, a bell will sound once. You will then have 30 seconds to finish your statement.  At the end of three minutes, the bell will sound twice, indicating that your time is up.

  • Mrs. Wanda Reed requests to address the Board on the topic of school policies.

X. Executive Session (If Needed)
XI. Adjournment
Recommended Motion

A motion to adjourn the May 10, 2010, meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Education at xxx p.m.

Actions Taken

Order #84 - Motion Passed:  A motion to adjourn the May 10, 2010, meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Education at 9:39 p.m. passed with a motion by Mrs. Carol Ann Haddad and a second by Mr. Larry Hujo.