February SB Meeting Update

Chairman Bill Kidd called the meeting to order and made a point to thank everyone involved in taking care and educating our students.

Public Hearing on the FY 2015 Budget: No one spoke

Awards and Recognitions:

• Dr. Brannon recognized and thanked the SB members in honor of SB Appreciation Month.
• Chairman Kidd recognized the School Board Clerk and thanked her for her 61 years of service in honor of SB Clerk Appreciation Week
• Other recognitions: School Counselors Week, Black History Month, and FCCLA Week.

Public Comment (Please note: WCEA representatives didn't speak during public comment since we were on the Informational Agenda to speak/present.)

• Mr. Pugh (FCHS Band Director) spoke about the research behind the 4x4 block schedule. He spoke about research that points to a dip in test scores after a few years on the 4x4 block, the decreases in participation in the band programs in school systems that have implemented the 4x4 schedule, and about the number of school systems that are moving away from the 4x4 block to a hybrid block schedule.
• Mr. Boenke (concerned parent) spoke about his concerns with the 4x4 schedule. He is specifically concerned with continuity of course selection, affects on band/choir programs, and 90 minute classes.

Informational Agenda

• Mr. Ryan Walker (WCEA co-President) presented the results of the 2013-14 Employee Survey. See the presentation here.
• Mr. Ricky Skeens (principal @ GWHS)  updated the SB on the Woodford Golf Fund.
• Ms. Marcy Olinger discussed an update to the Pre-K application process. The new application would likely qualify more students for the Pre-K program. 
• Dr. Becki James spoke about 4x4 versus Hybrid block schedule. She presented results of the survey given to the high school teachers. Many SB members asked questions and gave their opinions - spoke about planning concerns, 90 minute classes, want more pros/cons of current schedule, and concerns with affects on band/choir/art. Dr. James will continue to research and present more at the next meeting.
• Dr. James also presented on the E-Learning Backpack Program. Students at FCHS will be issued a tablet to use similar to a textbook beginning in 2014-15 for next four years. VADoE is funding 80% of cost while an application for a grant from the Wythe Bland Foundation for the other 20% is pending. 
• Dr. Wes Poole updated the SB on the progress of Capital Improvement to Sheffey and RRMS. Progress is being affected by the weather. Phase II classrooms at both locations are close to being ready. Phase III classrooms will begin soon. The lower entrance at RRMS will be ready for use within the week. 
• Dr. Brannon presented on the FY2015 Budget. Bottom line projections at this point has a $700,000 shortfall. (This is up from $400K projected at the last meeting.) He went over the line items in the proposed budget. Changes include: decrease in travel, reduction in textbooks, and increase in dual credit, increase for audit, increase in instructional supplies, and others. He discussed an increase in cafeteria prices (+$0.10 to all meals). Proposed salary scale stays the same as current scale (average 1.78% raise for step; top of scale would get $500 increase). Dr. Brannon mentioned Phase II of capital improvements originally slated to be at Spiller, Speedwell, Scott, and FCMS - more will be discussed about this at the Feb 25 meeting. See his complete presentation here.

Action Agenda

• Approved SB meeting for February 25 at 10:30am. This meeting will focus on a budget work session. 
• Approved a nomination for the Foundation of Excellence. 
• Approved a resolution for the e-Learning Backpack Initiative (described above).

Other Updates:

• Dr. Brannon distributed a copy of the draft calendar for 2014-15. He said this would be discussed in more detail at the next meeting.