May 17th, 2010

Board of Trustees Meeting

May 17, 2010

Minutes

Those members present:  Paige Turner, Robin Gibson, Terrye Howell, Joyce Otte, Pat Cain, Laurncille Anderson, Chairman David Ullman and Superintendent Jesse Jackson.

1. I.                CALL TO ORDER

Chairman David Ullman called the May 17, 2010 Board of Trustees Meeting to order at the Lake Wales Charter Schools Central Office.

1. II.                PLEDGE OF ALEGIANCE

Jordan Boyd, Rebecca Blackwelder, Kaleigh Floyd and Catherine Ullman, students from Bok Academy, lead the pledge of allegiance.

1. III.             APPROVAL OF MINUTES (April 19,  2010)

Chairman Ullman called for any additions or corrections to the April 19, 2010 Board of Trustees minutes.  There being none he called for a motion to approve.  Pat Cain made the motion to approve with a second by Joyce Otte.  Motion passed unanimously.

1. IV.             SCHEDULED PERSON’S ADDRESSING THE BOARD (none)        

1. V.                RECOGNITIONS                                                   

Chairman Ullman and Superintendent Jackson came forward for presentations.  Principals were requested to join them down front for presentation to their individual schools.

1. A.                Octavious Freeman

Principal Clark Berry recognized Ms. Octavious Freeman and noted that she was no stranger to the Board of Trustees.  Ms. Freeman had been recognized numerous times for her great track accomplishments.  Ms. Freeman broke the state record for the 100 yard dash at the State track meet in Orlando and will once again compete on the National level.  The female record holder was on hand for the competition and to present the medal to Ms. Freeman.  Mr. Berry stated that LWHS and the Lake Wales community were very proud of the accomplishments this 10^th grader had made and looked forward to many more record breaking runs. Chairman Ullman and Superintendent Jackson handed Ms. Freeman her many medals as Principal Berry read her recent list of accomplishments. Superintendent Jackson noted that Ms. Freeman was one of LWHS “Young Leaders.”

1. B.                 Jamie Barrow                                                                     

During the Florida High School Rodeo State Finals on May 2^nd, Ms. Barrow won the State High School Rodeo Title in Barrel Racing and 3^rd place for the State All Around Cowgirl.  Last year Ms. Barrow won this title.  Ms. Barrow will be traveling to Gillette, Wyoming in July to compete in the National High School Rodeo Finals for a week.  She qualified for the National High School Rodeo finals all four years of her high school career. During the Nationals last year Coach Greg Rhodes from Western Texas College began heavily recruiting Ms. Barrow for his college rodeo team.  Because of her accomplishments, both in the rodeo field and academically, Ms. Barrow will be attending Western Texas College in the fall on a full rodeo scholarship and will be competing in the college rodeo circuit.  Mr. Berry stated that LWHS and the Lake Wales community were very proud of Ms. Barrow’s successes and feel very fortunate to have her as part of the student body of Lake Wales High School.   She is a great student, a great young woman, and obviously a great female rodeo contender.

1. Perfect Attendance – Lake Wales High School               

Principal Berry recognized Mr. Devin Austin for his perfect attendance throughout his educational career.  This is a great accomplishment stated Mr. Berry.  Mr. Austin could not attend.

1. D.                Tropicana Speech Contest Winner        

Ken Henson, Principal of Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary recognized  Ryland  Marbut a 5^th grader for winning the Polk County Tropicana Speech Contest.

1. E.                 District Science II Winners                       

Principals, Chairman Ullman and Superintendent Jackson recognized the District Science II Winners from each school.  Those winners were:

1. 1.                  Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary

Ann Marie Tyler  – 4^th Grade – 1^st /School; Superior/County

Samuel Jackson – 4^th Grade – 2^nd/School; Excellent/County

Sadie Marston – 4^th Grade – 3^rd/School; Excellent/County

Isabel Wadsworth – 5^th Grade – 1^st/School; Superior/County

Fisher Cain – 5^th Grade – 2^nd/School; Excellent/County

Jordan Cain – 5^th Grade – 3^rd/School

Seraldo Dedier – 5^th Grade – Excellent/County

1. 2.                  Hillcrest Elementary

Ellison Winfree – 4^th Grade – Superior/County

Hallie Roe – 4^th Grade – Excellent/County

Noah  Wilson – 4^th Grade – Superior/County

Anna Daly – 5^th Grade – Excellent/County

Cade Borders – 5^th Grade – Excellent/County

Tristy Folk – 5^th Grade – Excellent/County

Board Meeting                                               Agenda                                               May 17, 2010

1. 3.                  Janie Howard Wilson Elementary

Carlesha Thompson – 4^th Grade – 1^st/School; Excellent/County

Tino Hernandez – 4^th Grade – 2^nd/School; Superior/County

Vanessa Alcantara – 4^th Grade – 3^rd/School; Superior/County

Matthew Brooks – 5^th Grade – 1^st/School; Superior/County

Faith Moss – 5^th Grade – 2^nd/School; Excellent/County

Garrett Teitloff – 5^th Grade – 3^rd/School; Excellent/County

1. 4.                  Polk Avenue Elementary

Kyle Asbury – 5^th Grade – Superior/County

Tommy Lora – 5^th Grade – Superior/County

1. F.                 Volunteers-of –the-Year

Principals, Chairman Ullman and Superintendent Jackson recognized the Lake Wales Charter Schools “Volunteers-of-the-Year” from each school.  These individuals provide hundreds of volunteer hours for their schools.  Those winners were:  

1. Dale R. Fair Babson Park – Jackie Jones
2. Hillcrest Elementary – Debbie Waters
3. Janie Howard Wilson Elem. – Rita Neth
4. Polk Avenue Elem. – Stephanie Wright
5. Edward W. Bok Academy – June Ullman
6. Lake Wales High School – Joseph Carani

1. G.                Non-Instructional Personnel-of-the-Year  

Principals, Chairman Ullman, and Superintendent Jackson recognized the Lake Wales Charter Schools Non-Instructional Personnel-of-the-Year from each school.  Those winners were:  

1. Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elem. – Denise Moss

Ms.  Moss was also the winner of the Polk County Charter Schools Association’s Non-Instructional Personnel-of-the-Year for 2009-2010

1. Hillcrest Elementary – Althea Moody
2. Janie Howard Wilson Elem. – Sierra Gibbs

Ms. Gibbs was the 2^nd Runner-Up for the Polk County Charter Schools Association’s Non-Instructional Personnel-of-the-Year for 2009-2010.

1. Polk Avenue Elementary – Delores Peters
2. Edward W. Bok Academy – Karen Blackwelder
3. Lake Wales High School – Sonia Barnes

1. H.                Teachers-of-the-Year

Principals, Chairman Ullman, and Superintendent Jackson recognized the Lake Wales Charter Schools Teachers-of-the-Year from each school.  Those winners were:

1. Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elem. – Michele Black
2. Hillcrest Elementary – Romell Mincey
3. Janie Howard Wilson Elem. – Tina Stegman
4. Polk Avenue Elementary – Shelley Batson
5. Edward W. Bok Academy – Arianne Seidl
6. Lake Wales High School – Candice Stepp

1. FINANCIAL REPORT

Mr. Brian Fisher asked if there were any further discussions regarding the financials as they were presented at the May 17, 2010 Board of Trustees’ Work Session.  There were none.

VII.     SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT                                                            

1. UNDERSTANDING OF SERVICES – BKHM, PA

Superintendent Jackson recommended approval to enter into an Understanding of Services between BKHM, PA and the Lake Wales Charter Schools for auditing services for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2011 and 2012.  This was presented at the May 17, 2010 Board of Trustees Work Session for review and discussion. Motion to approval made by Pat Cain with second by Robin Gibson.  Motion passed unanimously.

1. B.                 BOK ACADEMY ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING

Superintendent Jackson recommended to move forward with the Architectural Engineering for Bok Academy’s Cafeteria, Kitchen and Multi-Purpose Room as presented and discussed at the May 17, 2010 Board of Trustees Work Session.

Mr. Fisher stated that Mark Parlier had informed him the time frame for the permitting would take through springtime of next year.  Motion to approve for the permitting stage and drawings made by Terrye Howell with a second by Robin Gibson. Motion passed unanimously.

1. C.                EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK 2010-2011

Superintendent Jackson recommended approval to approve the changes in the Employee Handbook for 2010-2011 as distributed and discussed at the May 17, 2010 Board of Trustees Work Session.  Changes included addition of two more personal days chargeable to sick, nepotism, and social networking policies.

Motion to approve made by Robin Gibson with a second by Terrye Howell.  Motion passed unanimously.

1. D.                2010-2011 BOARD WORK SESSION AND MEETING DATES

Superintendent Jackson recommended approval of the 2010-2011 Board of Trustees Work Session and Board Meeting dates as presented at the May 17, 2010 Board of Trustees Work Session.  Motion to approve by Paige Turner with a second by Terrye Howell.  Motion passed unanimously.

1. E.                 NEW POSITIONS

The Superintendent noted he would be recommending approval to add two new positions for LWCS.  Positions to be entitled Director of Academic Enhancement/Bridge Program and Director of Academic Enhancement/Academy.  Positions approved for hire contingent upon the approval of secured funds and will be paid on the Assistant Principal pay scale. 

Superintendent Jackson stated that before moving forward for a vote he wanted to speak to this recommendation and these positions to better outline their responsibilities as he sees them.

The two positions he is requesting will be to work with “at risk” students.  These students would be those who are over age for their classes and not being successful.  Mr. Jackson stated this community owes it to the students to find something that will help all of them be successful. Students would come from the middle schools, and elementary schools.  At present there is nothing in place to meet the needs of these students.  The positions are placed at a couple of schools to help defray the costs at present.  The position at the high school would be to help move those 9^th graders along that are already overage.  If we aren’t going to do this then the superintendent requested suggestions to help in this situation.  This will be for one year and then the goal is to write a charter and get approval to open “The Academy.” The Superintendent has already received a list from the middle schools of about 60 students that will need this service to start with, plus a list from the elementary schools.

Terrye Howell stated thatshe felt the initiative was a great idea.  As a LWCS Board Member and city official she feels this is a much needed strategy.  She asked about the discipline of the students and how this position would function.  She wanted it understood that she agrees with the concept and the need, her problem/concern was with the amount of money these two positions were going to make and the pay classes being recommended. 

Mr. Gibson articulated his thoughts on “The Academy.”  He said he had a chance to meet with the two individuals in question and felt they would bring a much needed service to our system. The high school definitely needs this service.  These individuals are prepared to go into the homes of the students to help move them forward.  This, he thinks, is a very innovative program that the community needs.  He believes it will only help things at the high school and the students. 

Ms. Howell stated once again that she has no issue with the concept or proposed program, her concern is for the amount of money this position will be making.  Especially if they were going to be in-line with Assistant Principals.

Paige Turner stated she would prefer to see a job description which has not been developed yet.  She said it would have been more productive for them to have something to look at to decide upon. 

Joyce Otte asked if the students will be in separate classrooms or just a contact on certain days.  Mr. Jackson noted that at the high school it will be very deep and wide with student contacts. 

Mr. Jackson noted all this would be addressed as the plan moved forward.  His conversation today was about the two-positions and what they could bring to the table. 

Pat Cain asked if this could be tabled until the Superintendent could bring a job description and plan together.  Chairman Ullman noted this could certainly be done.  Motion to table and request the Superintendent to bring a job description and plan with  scope of work to the Board for approval before moving forward was made by Mr. Cain with a second by Joyce Otte. Motion passed unanimously.

1. F.                 PERSONNEL CHANGES

Superintendent Jackson recommended approval of the Personnel Changes as distributed and discussed at the May 17, 2010 Board of Trustees Work Session.   Motion to approve by Trustee Otte with a second by Trustee Howell.  Motion passed unanimously.   

1. G.                NEXT BOARD WORK SESSION AND MEETING

The June Board of Trustee Work Session and Board Meeting will be on Monday, June 21, 2010 at Bok Tower Gardens. The Work Session will begin at 3:30 PM and the Board Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM or immediately following Work Session.

1. H.                PRINCIPALS’ REPORTS

Hillcrest Elementary Hawks will have a spaghetti dinner on Thursday with a show beginning at 6 pm stated Principal Moses.  Saturday will be the first Lake Wales Dance extravegansa, with troupes represented from Bok Academy, Rochelle School of the Arts, Hillcrest Elementary and McLaughlin Middle schools.  Hillcrest’s Encore show choir received first place at the Music USA Festival at Disney World.  Hillcrest has developed several partnerships for school beautification projects. 

Elizabeth Tyler, Assistant Principal from Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary thanked everyone for the help with the fund raising events to help one of their students.

Principal Clark Berry distributed the Lake Wales High School newsletter to the Board.  Wednesday is the annual “Night of Stars” at Webber International  and Thursday is the LWHS Awards night.    Graduation on Saturday, June 5, 2010 will be at Bok Tower Gardens.  Gates at Bok Tower will be open for VIPs at 7:00 AM.  This year Mr. Gibson will be the guest speaker and a reception in his honor begins at 7:30 AM.  In the past Mr. Gibson has been instrumental in securing the best speakers for their graduation and this year Mr. Berry felt it was important to have the best of Lake Wales as the speaker.  Especially since Mr. Gibson has been so instrumental in leading the Charter system forward and it is his final year as a LWCS Board of Trustee member.

Principal Beverly Lynne noted that Janie Howard Wilson Elementary is involved with the STEMS project sponsored by the local AAUW ladies. The Project was held at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary last week with girls from all the Lake Wales elementary schools participating.  The AAUW ladies were most appreciative for all the support.  There were volunteers there from Polk State College and young people from the University of South Florida who spoke about their careers.  CEMEX was represented as well.  Superintendent Jackson came to the school for a meeting with James Cobb with Polk County School Board and Marshall Whidden, the landscaping architect, to discuss the landscaping renovation project going forward at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary.  Gary Fulton and Stephen Whitaker discovered a “running” program in Clermont and took 3rd, 4th, & 5^th grade runners there to participate in the competition.  To earn this privilege the students have to behave and have good grades to stay on the track team.  Out of 34 events, Janie Howard Wilson Elementary won 1^st place in 27 of those events.  Ms. Lynne noted that this is just another way in which Assistant Principal Steven Whitaker and their staff are looking at to reach their students.

Principal Gail Quam noted last Wednesday Polk Avenue Elementary hosted  Loretta Clayborn a Special Olympics and world winner.  She did an amazing job and provided great motivation for the students.  They are getting ready for their “End-of-the-Year” celebration and working hard academically.

Bok Academy is hosting the “Kayak Regatta” this Saturday beginning at 1:30 PM.  They will have steel drums, various music groups,  music and art.  Bok Academy students and families are being provided free event tickets.

Gary Loar stated they were in the process of cleaning up the data being used for meeting AYP and school grades.  He had been spending a lot of time at Hillcrest Elementary recently for grant writing and preparing for the up-coming presentation at the National Charter Schools’ Conference in Chicago at the end of June.  Mr. Loar spoke about the importance of the students and our relationship with them. 

1. VIII.       CHAIRMAN’S REPORT                                                                           David Ullman

Chairman Ullman reminded the Trustees to attend the end-of-year activities at each of their designated schools.  

1. A.    SUPERINTENDENT’S EVALUATION

Chairman Ullman noted the Superintendent’s evaluation document would be coming to them via email soon.  They were to complete the evaluation form and returned it to Sue Medders, Corporate Secretary.  These will be compiled and Mr.  Ullman will be hold the assessment meeting with Superintendent Jackson prior to the June 21, 2010 Board meeting.

1. B.     CONTRACT FOR COUNSEL

Chairman Ullman noted that Robin Gibson would be going off the Board with the June 21, 2010 Board Meeting.  He stated that the LWCS and Board of Trustees are forever grateful for his involvement.  He has spoke to Mr. Gibson  and Mr. Gibson has agreed to act as “General Counsel” for the LWCS for a fee of $1000 a month  to cover his involvement at Work Sessions, Board Meetings and the annual retreat.  Fees would be charged based on the scope of work requests. Mr. Ullman requested a motion to approve.  Motion to approve by Pat Cain with a second by Terrye Howell.  Motion passed unanimously.

1. C.    RETREAT

Mr. Ullman reminded Trustees, Principals and staff that the annual Board/Superintendent’s Retreat was scheduled for Monday, June 21, 2010 beginning at 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Bok Tower Gardens.  The Board Work Session and Board Meeting will begin promptly following the retreat.

1. IX.             TRUSTEES REPORTS

Paige Turner noted that lots of happy parents had contacted her and are thrilled to be going to Bok Academy.  Mr. Jackson and Donna will be meeting with the parents that did not get in to work on strategies. 

1. X.                OTHER BUSINESS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

1. A.                TRUSTEE SELECTION

The Trustee Selection Committee presented the following recommendations for open seats:

Seat 1:  Teacher Representative – 2010-2011 Mr. Colby Pike from Bok Academy

Seat 6: Recommendation by the Schools/SAC – Unanimous recommendation to retain Mr. Pat Cain for his first full three-year term.

Seat 7: Recommendation by the Trustee Selection Committee:  Presents the name of Mr. Keith Wadsworth for recommendation.

Chairman Ullman called for a motion to approve as presented.  Terrye Howell moved to approve the slate as recommended with a second by Joyce Otte. Motion passed unanimously.

With their being no further business for the good of the order the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by:

Sue Medders, Corporate Secretary

Board Approved:  June 21, 2010