SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in special session Monday, March 1, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Putnam City Administration, 5401 NW 40th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice was posted on Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 4:30 a.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
ITEM #1 – CALL TO ORDER AND RECORDING OF MEMBERS PRESENT AND
ABSENT.
Julie Jenison called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Becky Haliburton, vice president; members, Mark Bledsoe, Tammy West, and Gail LoPresto; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbra Baldwin, clerk; and others.
ITEM #2 –CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS 009501128 THROUGH 010782710 FOR FEBRUARY 9-24, 2010 INCLUSIVE FOR THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR.
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve purchase order numbers 009501128 through 010782710 for February 9-24, 2010 inclusive for the 2009-2010 school year. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #3 – CONDUCT WORK SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE RESTRUCTURING AND/OR BUDGET CUTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR.
Superintendent Hurst told the board that cost-saving measures are necessary because of shortfalls that have affected school district budgets this year and because districts have been told to prepare for as much as a 10% cut in state aid for next fiscal year.
Dr. Melani Mouse, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, and Dr. Joe Pierce, Executive Director of Curriculum, presented to the board the advantages and challenges of changing the high school schedule from a block schedule to a 7-period day and keeping athletics inside the school day. Dr. Mouse told board members that in a 7-period day, students would have seven classes that are each 53 minutes in length. Changing to a 7-period day would mean high school students could earn seven credits a year instead of the eight credits they can now earn, and the number of credits required for graduation would drop to 25 instead of the current 29.
Board members asked questions and discussed issues relating to a schedule change.
ITEM #4 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
Aslan Maleki, a junior at Putnam City North High School, addressed the board in opposition to a 7-period day.
ITEM #5 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 7:55 to adjourn. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
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REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, March 8, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Becky Haliburton, vice-president; Gail LoPresto, Mark Bledsoe, and Tammy West, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others.
Putnam City West Strings students, Tom Vannarath, Justin Thrash, Ben Frantz and Daniel Sharp, directed by Anne Guevara performed before the Board Meeting began.
ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – BARBARA GABEL.
Barbara Gabel, Fine Arts Curriculum Specialist, led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Carolyn Behrens, Drama teacher at Hefner and students Kaylin Cline, Erin Durant, Abby Hammons, Audrey Wallace and Michael Wood performed a skit entitled “16 Habits of Highly Creative People.”
ITEM #2 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH YOUTH ARTS MONTH IN PUTNAM CITY SCHOOLS.
The proclamation was presented to the board for consideration by Barbara Gable in conjunction with three district fine arts teachers who are also leaders of statewide arts organizations. Cristi Miller, a vocal music teacher at Ralph Downs Elementary, is president of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association. Anne Guevara, an orchestra teacher at Putnam City West High School and director of The Silver Strings of Putnam City, is chair of the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education. Glenda Ross, who is President of the Oklahoma Art Association, read the proclamation.
Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the proclamation. declaring March Youth Arts Month in Putnam City Schools. Becky seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
Barbara Gabel introduced Ralph Downs Elementary 5th grade student, Aaron Corona, who donated a piece of his art for permanent display in the district. The color marker and pencil drawing, titled “Creative Problem Solvers,” is of school board members.
ITEM #3 – PRESENTATION BY KIRKLAND STUDENTS.
Fourth grade students in Sarah Geary’s class at Kirkland Elementary read a letter they received from President Obama. Students wrote a letter to President Obama and sent a paper doll of “Flat Stanley” from the book Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown on an adventure to The White House.
ITEM #4 – CHILD NUTRITION PRESENTATION.
Jennifer Strong, Child Nutrition Director, gave a report on the child nutrition program. She said the focus on healthy, well-balanced meals is serving students well. Putnam City Schools are 100% compliant with guidelines of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for all snacks and beverages sold by Child Nutrition.
ITEM #5 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
Deanna Hibler, student at Putnam City West, asked the Board to consider moving class back 30 minutes so students could get to activities or jobs that are after school.
Vicki Vaughan, Cooper Middle School teacher, requested that snow days not be added at the end of the school year.
Aslan Maleki, Putnam City North student, spoke to the Board against changing to the 7-period day schedule.
Robin Funk, student at Putnam City West, spoke in favor of the 7-period day and asked the Board not to change sports to after school.
Cabot Eudaley, Putnam City West parent, spoke in favor of the proposed 7-period day schedule.
Dominique Taplin, senior at Putnam City West, spoke in favor of the proposed 7-period day.
ITEM #6 - CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
Mr. Hurst made a correction to #2 on resignations. Julie May should be listed as a Pre-K teacher, not 1st grade. Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the consent as presented. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
a. Minutes for regular board meeting February 16, 2010.
b. Minutes for special board meeting March 1, 2010.
c. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 009527130
through 011197708 for the time period February 24 through March 2, 2010
with the exception of purchase order number 11096133 for Triangle A & E
for the 2009-2010 school year.
d. School Activity Fund Subaccount Request Lists.
e. School Activity Fund Transfer Lists including Northridge Elementary, Tulakes
Elementary, Western Oaks Elementary, Windsor Hills Elementary, Hefner Middle
School, Putnam City High School, Putnam City North High School, and Putnam City
West High School.
f. Declaration of obsolete and/or surplus items.
g. Secondary Contracts.
h. Elementary Fundraisers.
ELEMENTARY FUND-RAISERS
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
March 8, 2010
APOLLO
Activity/Subaccount Spring Pictures/Picture $800.00
Date: April (Teaching resources, field trips, supplies)
ARBOR GROVE
Activity/Subaccount Spring Book Fair/Media $400.00
Date: April (Books for classrooms)
DENNIS
Activity/Subaccount Yearbook sales/Yearbook $500.00
Date: April-May (Curriculum, student awards and incentives,
School Improvement, teacher/office supplies,
furniture and equipment)
DOWNS
Activity/Subaccount Sell Sno-cones at Youth Arts Month $300.00
Date: March Night /PE Activity (Buy PE equipment
and supplies)
Activity/Subaccount Sell Sno-cones/4 Way Split-Counselor, $800.00
Date: April PE, Art & Music (Equipment and supplies
for Special Team)
i. Overnight Travel Requests.
j. Out of state trips:
1. Cooper Middle School Gifted and Talented students to Asheville,
North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina May 11-15, 2010.
k. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.
ITEM #7 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the recommendation of employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #8 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER 11096133 FOR TRIANGLE A & E.
Tammy West made a motion to approve purchase order number 11096133 for Triangle A & E. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, abstain; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #9 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH ST. JOHN’S CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER FOR A FOUR-YEAR-OLD PROGRAM FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR.
Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve contract with St. John’s Child Development Center for a Four-Year-Old Program for the 2010-2011 school year. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM # 10 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH FIRST CLASS LEARNING FOR A FOUR-YEAR-OLD PROGRAM FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve contract with First Class Learning for a Four-Year-Old Program for the 2010-2011 school year. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE OIL AND GAS LEASE WITH BARON EXPLORATION LAND, L.L.C. AT PUTNAM CITY STRIVE.
Tammy West made a motion to approve Oil and Gas Lease with Baron Exploration Land, L.L.C. at Putnam City Strive. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE OIL AND GAS LEASE WITH BARON EXPLORATION LAND, L.L.C. AT WESTERN OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve Oil and Gas Lease with Baron Exploration Land., L.L.C. at Western Oaks Middle School. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE CHANGE FROM A 4 X 4 BLOCK SCHEDULE TO A 7-PERIOD DAY SCHEDULE.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve the High School Schedule Change from a 4 x 4 block schedule to a 7-period day schedule. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, nay; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CHANGES TO CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve changes to Credit Requirements for Graduation. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CHANGES TO THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL CALENDAR.
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve changes to the 2009-2010 School Calendar. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
Two additional days of school are added on to the calendar for the last day of school to be Thursday, May 27, 2010.
ITEM #16 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
• While most are aware of this, I do want to announce again that teachers at Tulakes Elementary School will each receive a bonus check from the State of Oklahoma as a result of a program that rewards teachers who work in schools that make the biggest gains in student achievement during a school year. The bonus program, the Academic Achievement Award Program, is based on improvements in schools’ Academic Performance Index or API. Tulakes Elementary raised its score to 1295 for the 2008-2009 school year from the previous year’s score of 912. Again, congratulations to Mr. Roland and the instructional team at Tulakes Elementary School.
• Dr. Randy Baker of Putnam City North High School is being honored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence as one of the state’s top educators. Dr. Baker will receive the foundation’s Medal for Excellence in Secondary Teaching at the 24th annual Academic Awards Banquet on May 22 in Tulsa. Dr. Baker and the five other medal winners will receive a cash award and a glass “Roots and Wings” sculpture created by Oklahoma artist Ron Roberts. Congratulations to Dr. Baker. As you know, this is the second year in a row that a Putnam City educator has been honored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence as Barbara Gabel, fine arts specialist, received a Medal of Excellence last year.
• Dr. Jean Laine, coordinator of the district’s English as a Second Language program and World Languages program, was named Oklahoma’s Multicultural Citizen of the Year by the University of Central Oklahoma’s Multicultural Institute. Criteria of the citizen of the year award include demonstrated excellence in multicultural education and diversity and being a positive role model who exhibits an image that promotes multicultural and diversity concepts.
• Stephanie Treadway, principal at Wiley Post Elementary School, has been named one of three finalists by the National Distinguished Principal Screening Committee of the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals. We wish Ms. Treadway good luck and also wish to recognize her fine leadership.
• Congratulations to Mayfield Middle School for having been awarded a $1000 grant by Wal-Mart. The successful application was prepared by administrative intern Jennifer Robertson.
• Hefner Middle School has teamed up with the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing to implement a national nutrition and fitness program. In this pilot program called “Fuel Up to Play 60”, OU senior nursing students have committed to seven weeks with Hefner’s sixth grade students teaching healthy and fitness behaviors by joining the students participating in the new intramural sports program offered after school.
• Congratulations to the Putnam City West wrestling team for having been named Academic State Champions for the 2009-2010 season. We appreciate their hard work both in the classroom and on the mat.
• Miles Yeung, a senior at Putnam City High School, recently won first place in the solo division at the “Hall of Fame Dance Challenge” as well as first place in the senior duet. Miles was also named to their All Star team and has received a $24,000 dance scholarship to attend Point Part University in Pittsburg.
• Ms. Hayley Parker, a student at Putnam City North High School, was recently crowned Miss Sooner Outstanding Teen. The Outstanding Teen program is a component of the Miss America system. Congratulations to Ms. Parker.
• A Mayfield Middle School student, Rodre Jackson, was honored by the school and the Oklahoma City Fire Department this morning for fast thinking and fast action last week. When Rodre observed a classmate choking and unable to breathe, he performed the Heimlich maneuver on the other student clearing the obstruction and allowing the classmate to breathe.
• I wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to all involved in the Putnam City United Against Cancer Soccer Classic. We certainly appreciate the efforts to raise funds for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation as well as an evening of excellent soccer competition. It was a most meaningful activity.
• I also want to thank all of those who played a role in our elementary basketball program this school year. The boys concluded their season last week with Thursday’s All-Star game and the team tournament conducted on Saturday. Participation by our boys and girls was most significant. I want to thank all of the coaches, sponsors, student coaches, and families who were involved in these activities.
• Tyler Westover, a senior at Putnam City High School, recently received an appointment at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. To our knowledge, Tyler is the only Oklahoman to receive an appointment this year. What a great opportunity for this student and certainly an honor for his school and this district.
• Congratulations are in order for three of Hefner Middle School’s quiz bowl teams for their performance at the Cougar Challenge Invitational Quiz Bowl Tournament. The seventh grade teams captured the third and fourth place awards. The eighth grade team won the second place trophy competing against 28 other teams at Highland East Junior High in Moore. Hefner’s 8th grade Traveling Quiz Bowl Team also placed second at the recent regional competition and has qualified for the state tournament to be conducted at the University of Oklahoma on April 17. Congratulations again to all the students, coaches, and sponsors.
• Students from all three district high schools won awards in competition at the 65th Annual DECA Career Development Conference conducted in late February in Tulsa. The district had three first place winners, five students who placed second, and seven third place award winners. Over twenty other students received various awards at the conference.
ITEM #17 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.
Mark Bledsoe thanked the Putnam City West Strings students for their performance. He also thanked the Hefner Drama students for their skit. Mr. Bledsoe thanked Aaron Corona for his art donation. He thanked Barbara Gabel for the hard work she does for Putnam City Schools. Mr. Bledsoe said he appreciated all those mentioned by Mr. Hurst in the Superintendent’s Report.
Gail LoPresto thanked Barbara Gable, art teachers and students for their performances and art presentations.
Tammy West thanked Barbara Gabel for the presentation and performances. She also thanked Jennifer Strong for making decisions that benefit student health and nutrition. She expressed her appreciation to Putnam City West officials for doing an amazing job of caring for hurting students and adults following the death of a student. Mrs. West also said she is gratified by public participation in district decisions and said it is wonderful to see how much people care about doing what is right for students.
Becky Haliburton thanked Barbara Gabel for her dedication to Putnam City students. She said the Putnam City West musical Cinderella was impressive. Mrs. Haliburton expressed confidence that students will succeed in a 7-period day just as they have in a block schedule, and called upon educators, parents and students to get behind the change. She thanked the Putnam City community for input on the issue. Mrs. Haliburton thanked Downs student, Aaron Corona for donating his art to the district. She also asked for some information from administrators for possible changes in high school start times, and information on costs of summer school.
Julie Jenison also thanked Barbara Gabel for the presentation and performances. She said she expects great things from students in the 7-period day. Mrs. Jenison indicated that more difficult decisions remain to be made. She congratulated Stephanie Treadway for the honor of being named one of three finalists by the National Distinguished Principal Screening Committee of the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals.
ITEM #18 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING THE RENEWAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATORS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT C FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).
Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 7:36 p.m. to enter into executive session. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #19 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 10:20 p.m. to return to open session and to request the Board Clerk to record the minutes of the executive session. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board President Julie Jenison; Vice President Becky Haliburton; members Gail LoPresto, Mark Bledsoe and Tammy West; Assistant Superintendent, Sue Kuntze; Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melani Mouse; Executive Director of Human Resources Dr. April Grace; Attorney Laura Holmes; and Superintendent Paul Hurst met in executive session for the purpose of discussing the renewal of employment for certified administrators as listed on Attachment C for the 2010-2011 school year pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).
ITEM #20 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION FOR RENEWAL OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATORS AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT C FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve renewal of employment for certified administrators as listed on Attachment C for the 2010-2011 school year. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #21 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.
There was no new business.
ITEM #22 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 10:21 p.m. to adjourn. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
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SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in special session Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Putnam City Administration, 5401 NW 40th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice was posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
ITEM #1 – CALL TO ORDER AND RECORDING OF MEMBERS PRESENT AND
ABSENT.
Julie Jenison called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Becky Haliburton, vice president; members, Mark Bledsoe and Gail LoPresto; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbra Baldwin, clerk; and others. Tammy West was absent.
ITEM #2 – CONDUCT HEARING ON MANDATORY FURLOUGHS.
Laura Holmes, Putnam City School District Attorney, presented the administration’s recommendation.
1. During the current fiscal year, the District has experienced and is anticipated to continue to experience increased costs coupled with decreased state aid revenue.
2. It is anticipated that the District’s state aid revenues for FY 11 will be further reduced as a result of declining state revenue. The District has no way of increasing its general fund revenues to offset the decline in state aid revenue.
3. The District’s expenses for FY 11 with respect to teacher’s retirement and flexible benefit allowances are anticipated to increase.
4. Without some reductions in expenses during FY 10, the District will not have sufficient carry over funds to be able to absorb the increases in costs and reductions in funds for
FY 11.
5. Therefore, a mandatory furlough is necessary to reduce expenses for FY 10.
6. Salaries and personnel costs comprise the largest portion of the District’s budget; therefore, reducing personnel costs is necessary.
Conclusions:
1. It is in the best interests of the District that each administrative employee be required to take a mandatory furlough of 2 or 3 days depending on the employee’s salary. Employees whose salary is $50,000 or less are subject to 2 days of furlough. Employees whose salary is above $50,000 are subject to 3 days of furlough. Each affected employee’s contract salary will be reduced by the corresponding number of days and the employee will not be required to work those days such that the employee’s contract days will be reduced correspondingly.
2. John Crafton and David Proctor are administrative personnel subject to the mandatory furlough.
3. John Crafton’s annual salary is $59,414.00. He is subject to 3 days of furlough. His salary shall be reduced $682.92 to be spread over the remaining pay periods for the 2010 fiscal year.
4. David Proctor’s annual salary is $40,480.00. He is subject to 2 days of furlough. His salary shall be reduced by $343.05 to be spread over the remaining pay periods for the 2010 fiscal year.
David Proctor gave his reasons for the hearing request. He said he is not a director, assistant director, or administrator. He stressed that he is only Interim Assistant Director of Transportation. In this position, his responsibilities include special needs routing and payroll. Mr. Proctor said he works overtime often and does not get paid for it and hasn’t since October 2008 when he was appointed Interim Director.
John Crafton gave his reasons for requesting the hearing. He said he is requesting his furlough days be reduced to two. He said he is young, has a young daughter and is one of the lowest paid administrators. Mr. Crafton talked about the money he has saved the district as Director of Transportation including eliminating nearly 200 bus stops.
ITEM #3 –CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS MANDATORY FURLOUGHS FOR JOHN CRAFTON AND DAVID PROCTOR PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).
Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 6:50 p.m. to enter into executive session. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #4 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Becky Haliburton made a motion at 7:15 p.m. to return to open session. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board Members Mark Bledsoe, Gail LoPresto, Julie Jenison, and Becky Haliburton met in executive session for the purpose of discussing mandatory furloughs for John Crafton and David Proctor pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1).
ITEM #5 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS REGARDING MANDATORY FURLOUGHS FOR JOHN CRAFTON AND DAVID PROCTOR.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to uphold the administration’s findings of fact and conclusions regarding mandatory furloughs for John Crafton and David Proctor. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion.
Julie Jenison read the findings of fact and conclusions.
Findings of Fact:
1. During the current fiscal year, the District has experienced and is anticipated to continue to
experience increased costs coupled with decreased state aid revenue.
2. It is anticipated that the District’s state aid revenues for FY 11 will be further reduced as a
result of declining state revenue. The District has no way of increasing its general fund
revenues to offset the decline in state aid revenue.
3. The District’s expenses for FY 11 with respect to teacher’s retirement and flexible benefit
allowances are anticipated to increase.
4. Without some reductions in expenses during FY 10, the District will not have sufficient
carry over funds to be able to absorb the increases in costs and reductions in funds for
FY 11.
5. Therefore, a mandatory furlough is necessary to reduce expenses for FY 10.
6. Salaries and personnel costs comprise the largest portion of the District’s budget; therefore,
reducing personnel costs is necessary.
Conclusions:
1. It is in the best interests of the District that each administrative employee be required to take a mandatory furlough of 2 or 3 days depending on the employee’s salary. Employees whose salary is $50,000 or less are subject to 2 days of furlough. Employees whose salary is above $50,000 are subject to 3 days of furlough. Each affected employee’s contract salary will be reduced by the corresponding number of days and the employee will not be required to work those days such that the employee’s contract days will be reduced correspondingly.
2. John Crafton and David Proctor are administrative personnel subject to the mandatory furlough.
3. John Crafton’s annual salary is $59,414.00. He is subject to 3 days of furlough. His salary shall be reduced $682.92 to be spread over the remaining pay periods for the 2010 fiscal year.
4. David Proctor’s annual salary is $40,480.00. He is subject to 2 days of furlough. His salary shall be reduced by $343.05 to be spread over the remaining pay periods for the 2010 fiscal year.
Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison.
ITEM #6 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Gail LoPresto made a motion at 7:20 p.m. to adjourn. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
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SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in special session Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Putnam City Administration, 5401 NW 40th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice was posted on Friday, March 26, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
ITEM #1 – CALL TO ORDER AND RECORDING OF MEMBERS PRESENT AND
ABSENT.
Julie Jenison called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Becky Haliburton, vice president; members, Tammy West, Mark Bledsoe and Gail LoPresto; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbra Baldwin, clerk; and others.
ITEM #2 – CONDUCT A WORK SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE RESTRUCTURING AND/OR BUDGET CUTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR.
Superintendent Paul Hurst said cost-saving measures are necessary not only because of budget cuts this year, but because state school districts have been told to prepare for as much as a 10% cut in state aid for next fiscal year. A 10% cut in the district budget amounts to be about $5.3 million.
Executive Director of Finance Shannon Meeks gave an overview of the district’s finances. Next year, with cost-saving measures in place and with the expected 10% cut in state funding, the fund balance on June 30, 2011, may be about $2.7 million. In fiscal year 2012, if state funding stays at the same level and no further cost-saving measures are taken in the district, the fund balance would drop significantly. The numbers paint a picture of the situation as it is now known, and will change as state finances change.
Mr. Hurst and Executive Director Jim Hooper provided Transportation cost saving proposals. One proposed change for next year includes a one-mile walk boundary for elementary and middle school students. Currently, the walk boundary for Putnam City is ¾ of a mile for elementary and middle school students and 1 ½ miles for high school students. Another proposed change is to reduce the number of bus stops adding .10 of a mile to walk distances to bus stops. The district is also developing a request for proposals in order to investigate potential cost savings that could come from outsourcing school bus transportation.
Other cost saving proposals include reducing the number of library media specialists, library media assistants, and counselors. Putnam City has more of these positions filled than are required by accreditation standards. Staffing schools for larger classes is being considered as well as reducing the number of interns and assistant principals. Reducing contract days for all employees except teachers is another consideration.
Mr. Hurst said the district is looking beyond cost-saving measures at three possibilities for increasing the district general funds available for general instructional purposes and operations. State legislators are considering the possibility of creating a two-year window in which Oklahoma school districts could use textbook funds for general instructional purposes and operations. Each year, Putnam City receives in excess of $900,000 from the state for new textbooks. A portion of textbook funds, along with bond funds dedicated to textbook purchase, could take care of essential textbook needs next year, leaving as much as $650,000 in textbook funds for general district operations.
The district has the option of reducing the use of general fund money to pay utility bills. School districts in Oklahoma have “building funds” that are funded through property taxes. State law specifies seven ways in which building funds may be used. The most common use of building funds is to maintain and repair school buildings. The law also allows districts to use the fund to pay energy and utility costs. The district already uses about $500,000 of its building funds to pay energy and utility costs, but pays most of its $2.4 million annual bill for utilities and energy with general fund dollars. Paying utility bills through general fund keeps the building fund high enough to insure that district buildings can be maintained and repaired as needed. By pulling about $1 million more of the building fund for each of the next two years to help pay the district’s annual bill for utilities and energy, the general fund would retain $2 million that could be used for general instructional purposes and operations.
The district is planning to put on the market the building at 7908 NW 23rd that now houses the Strive program. An upcoming appraisal will help determine how much the property might bring.
Board members asked many questions about transportation costs and other cost saving proposals.
ITEM #3 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Becky Haliburton made a motion at 8:10 p.m. to adjourn. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.