1. Dr. Brannon's retirement letter was accepted effective June 30, 2015.
2. Public Comment
a. Mitch Anders (community member, parent) spoke in favor of basketball officiating organization that is attempting to compete with the current officiating organization. He cited better officiating as a benefit to the new group.
b. Betty Billingsley (Spiller, WCEA member) spoke requesting the board to reconsider the policy to ban refrigerators. She cited that many teachers used their refrigerators for student snacks not personal items.
c. Stephanie James (Spiller, WCEA Secretary) spoke about her disappointment with only having three night time School Board meetings which decreases the SB's opportunity to communicate with their employees and the community. She also spoke about the excessive heat at our non-air conditioned buildings.
3. Billie Murray from the American Lung Association spoke about potentially becoming a 100% tobacco free school zones including students, employees, parents, and community organizations. SB members questioned enforcement issues. Dr. Brannon will discuss with principals and report back to the SB.
4. Dr. James reported on the SOL results from last year. All schools who were Accredited with Warning achieved 70% pass rates in math. Significant improvement in math scores across grade levels were noted. Reading and writing scores dropped at many grade levels. She noted the increased rigor on these tests. History & Science basically maintained their pass rates. She noted the PD focus will remain on vocabulary strategies. She also noted that a focus is being placed on middle school reading with more PD on remediating students and participation in the PALS testing expansion.
5. Dr. Robinett gave a Special Education update. Many of the schools met the 12% AMO increase goal that was set for identified students in reading and math. She noted the new P.A.E.S. lab at the WCTC. She also spoke of the School and Community Services Fair that was held recently to provide information for parents about these services.
6. Dr. Poole asked for questions on the capital improvements at Sheffey and RRMS. It was noted that the Sheffey project is further delayed than RRMS. The SB went on a tour earlier in the day of both locations. There's a planned ribbon cutting ceremony for RRMS on Oct. 2nd @ 1:30 and for Sheffey on Oct. 10th @ 1:30.
7. A resolution was passed allowing bid competition for officiating services. This was in reference to Mitch Anders comments and organization mentioned earlier.
