Orange County Schools

Board of Education

Meeting Highlights

for

  December 3, 2007

Regular Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Public Comment:

Ø One person addressed the Board of Education –

· The speaker asked the Board to reconsider the elimination of the position of nutritionist from the Child Nutrition Department. 

Consent Agenda:

Ø Was unanimously approved with a vote of 7-0 and included:

· Personnel (New teachers and staff hired)

Reports to the Board of Education:

Ø Central Elementary School-Hillsborough Elementary School Task Force Report:

¨ Dr. Denise Morton, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reviewed her initial report to the Board of Education.

¨ The Board of Education reviewed the steps they have taken to date.

¨ Mr. Dennis Whitling reiterated his original plan. Mr. Whitling provided additional suggestions to address the socio-economic differential between Central Elementary and Hillsborough Elementary.

¨ Mr. Ted Triebel, Chairman, presented three additional plans to the Board for their consideration. 

¨ After extensive discussion, Chairman Ted Triebel scheduled a meeting on December 15, 2007, to discuss the various proposals.

Ø 2008-2009 School Calendar Report:

· Ms. Ann Wilkerson, Director of School-Community Relations, presented the proposed 2008-2009 Calendars for Traditional and Year-Round Schools and proposed inclement weather make-up days.  Calendars and make-up days were approved by the Board as presented. 

Ø District Technology Budget:

· Ms. Angie Veitch, Director of Technology, reviewed presented a proposed five year Technology Budget to the Board:

¨ The Board approved the proposed budget and agreed to allocate funding for the purchase of new machines to facilitate the conversion to NC Wise.

Ø 2007 Audit Report and 2008-2009 Preliminary Operating Budget:

· Ms. Pat Harris, Director of Finance, presented the 2007 Audit Report and 2008-2009 Preliminary Operating Budget:

¨ Mr. Bob Nelson, auditor from Dixon-Hughes, presented the annual audit and the current status of the finances of Orange County Schools.

¨ Ms. Harris presented the Preliminary Budget for the next school year, focusing primarily on the increases in mandated expenses. 

Ø Support Services Policy Updates, Second Reading:

· Dr. George McFarley, Associate Superintendent for Support Services, presented Policy Updates for second reading approval:

¨ The Board reviewed the policies and passed them unanimously.

Ø Board of Education/Superintendent’s Goal Setting, First Draft:

· Mr. Patrick Rhodes, Superintendent, presented the first draft of the Board of Education/Superintendent’s Goals for for review.

The Board moved to go into closed session at 10:24 p.m.