BOE approves budget, reduction in force plans

7:55 p.m. – The board enters into an executive session to discuss personnel, and the meeting room clears.

7:53 p.m. –The  Reduction in Force Plan is the last item on the agenda. Cuts include 55 certified positions and 70.1 classified positions. This amount includes teachers, vocational positions, part-time health and music teachers, and positions that were staffed with ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funds that had a two-year limit.

• Layoffs in the district and billing department were approved, however board member Ovita Thornton opposed the layoffs.
• Administrative reductions were approved, with Thornton and David Nunnally opposing.
• Cuts to the Office of Early Learning were approved with Payne opposing.
• Title 1 and Title V1B layoffs – affecting those hired from ARRA funds - were approved unanimously.

7:52 p.m. - The budget was approved unanimously. Public hearings on the budget are scheduled for May 17, 24 and 26.

7:48 p.m. – FY2012 tentative budget was approved with little discussion. Projected revenue is set at $113,602,014, with expenses the tune of $121,436,291. The final fund balance hits at $9,836,086.

 Lanoue touched back on a few questions board members asked at the work session meeting last week. In particular, the cuts to positions at the high school level with regard to core curriculum.

“The math positions and the social studies positions – those we’re really streamlining,” Lanoue said. “It’s tighter scheduling (and) more efficient scheduling.”

In addition, the board is also getting rid of two positions in the language arts department at Cedar Shoals.

“We also have an impact when we reduce faculty – but we’re in a position where we can still offer robust programs," Lanoue said.

7:46 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2012’s tentative millage rate was approved for 20 mils.

7:36 p.m. - The Pathway to Success summer school program is discussed. Parents whose children will need to attend summer school will be receiving notices in the mail in the coming weeks. The issue also arose that two summer school teachers are on tap to be principals at the new schools next year, and Worthy wondered if they’d have enough turn-around time to switch mindsets from teacher to principal. He was then told it shouldn’t be an issue, as the summer school program is only four hours, so the principals-to-be may prepare for their new roles in the afternoon.

7:35 p.m. – The consent agenda is approved with no discussion.

7:33 p.m. – As the only item of old business, Letty Fitch Media Center will be the new name of the media center at W.R. Coile Middle School.

7:27 p.m. – Worthy talked to the board about Mimio – a new technology that appears to be superior to Smartboards. He mentioned that the money spent on Smartboards is in no way a waste, but Mimio might be something that can be looked at for the two new schools opening next year.

“I think that will be something that we can take a look at for both of those new schools,” Worthy said.

7:23 p.m. – Payne briefs the board on some legislation that will be voted on shortly. They are reauthorization of elementary and secondary education – formerly known as No Child Left Behind – and the Individuals with Disabilities Act. 

“This is the first time in eight years we can do something about No Child LeftBehind,” he said.

7:10 p.m. – Haley Jackson, president of the Special Olympics at the University of Georgia, speaks on some events the group will be involved with in the near future and reached out to the board for more community support.

7:01 p.m. – The board room clears out, as Superintendent Philip Lanoue gives his superintendent’s report.

6:57 p.m. – President Charles Worthy addresses the crowd to present an award to long-time board member Vernon Payne.

6:32 p.m. – Recognitions were honored from Clarke Middle School, Barrow Elementary School, Hillsman Middle School, Clarke Central High School and Cedar Shoals High School.

As a “treat” for the board, the CMS Step Team also performs.

6:30 p.m. – The meeting is called to order. The summer school program was moved off the agenda with no explanation given.

6:20 p.m. – With 10 minutes until the Athens-Clarke County Board of Education meeting is called to order, the board room is already standing room only. There’s a mix of families, students and school employees waiting for the start of the meeting. All the board members are in their seats and accounted for waiting for roll call.