LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2002

7:00 P. M.

The Lee County School Board of Directors held its regular board meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2002. The meeting was called to order by President Wayne Corkran at 7:00 P. M. Board members present: Corkran, Waldrip, Johnson, Ballard, Keasler, Stanley and Miller. Board members absent: none. A quorum was present.

There was a moment of silence due to the death of former board member Rick Hall.

A motion was made by Keasler and seconded by Stanley, to accept the Nov. 19, 2002 minutes with additions and corrections. The motion passed unanimously.

Sharon Sanders presented the financial report.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve the financial report as given.

A motion was made by Waldrip and seconded by Stanley, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Doris Lewellen presented the food service report.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve the food service report as given.

A motion was made by Miller and seconded by Keasler, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Karen Kilgore presented School Improvement Grant.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve the School Improvement Reform Grant.

A motion was made by Keasler and seconded by Waldrip, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Dianne Cofer presented Accelerated Reading Program Workshop.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve the Accelerated Reader Workshop.

A motion was made by Stanley and seconded by Ballard, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. Those for: Keasler, Waldrip, Corkran, Stanley and Ballard. Those opposed: Johnson. Those abstained: Miller.

Asst. Supt. McGruder presented Student Handbook Smoking Policy.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve the first reading of policy proposal 9.1C, no action was needed.

Sharon Sanders presented building rental fee and security officer’s salary increase.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve the building rental fee and security officer’s fee increase.

A motion was made by Stanley and seconded by Waldrip, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Sharon Sanders presented district copier update. She stated that Klein & Associates Company was the cheaper of the bids given.

Roger Pamplin presented transportation fuel tanks.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve of the purchase of two 2,000-gallon tanks.

A motion was made by Miller and seconded by Johnson, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Cassandra Turner presented Upward Bound Project.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve the district’s participation in the Upward Bound Project as presented.

A motion was made by Miller and seconded by Keasler, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Asst. Supt. McGruder presented the proposed homeschool policy.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve the second reading of the homeschool policy as given.

A motion was made by Miller and seconded by Stanley, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Asst. Supt. McGruder reported on Sp. Ed. Teachers extended day.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve the three teachers extended day teaching.

A motion was made by Miller and seconded by Stanley, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. Those for: Corkran, Keasler, Waldrip, Stanley, Miller and Ballard. Those opposed: Johnson.

Dr. Martha Rhea presented a Sp. Ed. Contract.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve Sp. Ed. Contract for a part time Speech Therapist.

A motion was made by Stanley and seconded by Johnson, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Supt. Thompson presented and recommended that the board approve Lee County Facilities Assistance.

A motion was made by Stanley and seconded by Miller, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. L. C. Mitchell requested permission to do dental screening in the schools.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve of Dr. Mitchell doing dental screening in LCSD.

A motion was made by Stanley and seconded by Johnson, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Claude Hall presented purchase over $5,000.00.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve of the purchasing of welding machines in the amount of $6,867.85.

A motion was made by Miller and seconded by Johnson, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

A motion was made by Waldrip and seconded by Keasler, to limit each side for fifteen minutes, for each side to present their closing remarks regarding Mrs. Cobbs’ grievance continuation. Those for: Corkran, Keasler, Waldrip, Miller and Ballard. Those opposed: Johnson and Stanley.

President Corkran asked Mrs. Cobbs and her representative to present their information.

Stanley stated that she thought that all they were going to do was hear both sides’ final information and vote.

President Corkran stated that he hoped that was what was going to happen, but he wanted to make sure he didn’t leave Mrs. Cobbs out.

Asst. Supt. McGruder presented administration information.

Stanley asked for copies for the board to view this form.

Mrs. Barnes: stated that the form was the ABC information form that was done in August. It is information concerning the center, and the secretary typed it and it was sent to ASU.

After a lengthy discussion, Supt. Thompson: I recommend that this grievance be denied because Mrs. Cobbs has been paid accordingly to what she was recommended for and what her contract states.

A motion was made by Waldrip and seconded by Keasler, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. Those for: Corkran, Keasler and Waldrip. Those opposed: Stanley, Johnson, Miller and Ballard.

Stanley stated that she recommended one of the two, that Paul Blume be contacted or place Mrs. Cobbs on the CDA salary schedule.

Supt. Thompson strongly recommended that the board get a legal opinion.

Mrs. Cobbs asked for copies of opinion to be sent to her representative.

A motion was made by Stanley and seconded by Miller, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. Those for: Johnson, Stanley, Waldrip, Miller and Ballard. Those opposed: Keasler and Corkan.

Stanley asked Supt. Thompson to share Mr. Blumes’ response with the board.

Supt. Thompson said he would.

John Hoy presented ERJ Associates.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board approve ERJ Associates.

A motion was made by Miller and seconded by Johnson, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Asst. Supt. McGruder reported the following resignations: Joyce Westbrook-Sp. Ed. Secretary/Testing Secretary, Margo McCoy-Sp. Ed. Aide, Michelle Caporale-2^nd Grade Teacher, and Richard Scott-Bus Driver.

Supt. Thompson recommended that the board hire the following classified personnel. Jennifer M. Sims-Sp. Ed. Secretary/Testing Secretary, and Phyllis Robinson-Sp. Ed. Aide at SMS.

A motion was made by Johnson and seconded by Keasler, to accept Supt. Thompson’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.

Supt. Thompson reported on renovation project.

Supt. Thompson reported on financial reduction for 2002-2003. He stated that we had lost 111 students this year and 137 last year. There is going to be about a $500,000 reduction in personnel, but we are waiting to see what the legislature is going to do.

Roger Pamplin reported on new bus plan.

Asst. Supt. McGruder reported on Ark. Reading First Grant.

The board agreed to meet at 6:30 P. M. to compile Supt. Thompson’s evaluation. Board members Stanley, Keasler and President Corkran will compile the evaluation on Jan 21, 2003 before the regular meeting start.

Stanley asked Supt. Thompson about the lawsuit with Mrs. Lewis.

Supt. Thompson said that it was in the hands of the judge to finalize it.

Stanley asked if he would notify the board.

Supt. Thompson said yes.

A motion was made by Waldrip and seconded by Johnson, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:46 P. M.