February 21, 2006

MINUTES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

ANDERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE

Anderson, South Carolina

February 21, 2006

6:00 P.M.

The Board of Trustees of Anderson County School District Number Five met at Concord Elementary School this date with the following members present: Mr. David Alewine, Mr. Charles Lee Anderson, Dr. William Mack Burriss, Mr. John William Caldwell, Sr., Mrs. Ann W. Huitt, Mr. Walter A. Mayfield, Jr., Mr. Al Norris, Jr., and Dr. Paul A. Talmadge. Absent was Mr. Harold R. Kay, II.

NOTICE TO MEDIA

In accordance with the S. C. Code of Laws, 1976, Section 30-4-80(d), as amended, the following have been notified of the time, date, place and agenda of this meeting: The Anderson Independent-Mail, Greenville News, WGGS, WLOS-TV, WYFF, WSPA, WSPA (Paul Brown), WAIM, WFBC, WRIX, FOX 21, and Charter Communications.

CALL TO ORDER & INVOCATION

Dr. Burriss called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and Mr. Norris gave the invocation.

Dr. Burriss welcomed the visitors and thanked the principal and staff of Concord Elementary School for hosting the February Board Meeting.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mr. Alewine made a motion the Board approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Norris seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Anderson made a motion the Board approve the minutes of the January 17 Board Meeting as amended and the February 13 Special Board Meeting as submitted. Mr. Norris seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD

Mr. Doug Marett, on behalf of the American Legion Post #14, presented copies of the Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty elected by the American Legion of South Carolina to be placed in all of the state’s middle and high schools. The Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty is testaments and photographs of our country’s military heroes and is published in collaboration with the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.

Dr. Burriss, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, thanked Mr. Marett and accepted these books to be placed in our middle and high schools.

RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE

Mrs. Bagley recognized Language Arts Coordinator Cindy Martin, who presented two of our students who were recently name district winners of the Lt. Governor's Writing Award. The students are David Usury, a fifth grader at New Prospect Elementary School and Larissa Brdar, an eighth grader at McCants Middle School. The Lt. Governor’s Writing Awards Program is an annual program that has been used by the state and schools since 1979 to encourage fifth and eighth grade students to improve writing and communication skills.

Next, Mrs. Bagley recognized eight of our schools that are among 310 statewide to win Palmetto Gold and Palmetto Silver awards, which recognizes the state’s schools with the highest levels of student academic achievement and the fastest rates of improvement. T. L. Hanna High School, Centerville, Concord and Midway Elementary Schools earned gold awards. Calhoun Academy of the Arts, New Prospect, Varennes and Whitehall Elementary Schools earned silver awards. The eight schools will collectively receive a total of $74,735 for their accomplishments.

FINANCIAL SERVICES REPORT

Financial Report – Mr. Brooks presented the monthly Financial Statement as information.

Construction Updates - Mr. Colman distributed an updated project schedule for the T. L. Hanna, Westside, and Calhoun construction projects. At T. L. Hanna, the steel on approximately ½ of the roof is in place, the decking on the roof is being installed, and the structural steel on the outside of the band room exterior wall is going up. At Westside, the major electrical tie-ins are complete, the exterior block is going up, the exterior utilities on the second floor are being installed, and the interior utilities on the first floor are making progress. At Calhoun, the slab on grade was 1½ weeks late causing a delay on the start of the masonry walls and partitions. The masonry walls are now going up and all of the medal doors have been delivered.

Mr. Colman then recognized Millie Thomason of McMillan Smith & Partners who presented the color schemes for Calhoun Academy of the Arts Phase II.

Education Foundation & Pupil Activity Audits – Mr. Kevin Madden from the auditing firm of Greene, Finney & Horton briefly explained the auditing process for these funds, which is done in conjunction with the financial statements. He stated that Anderson School District Five has a very strong financial department.

Dr. Burriss stated that these audit reports are received as information and require no action from the Board.

BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT

Mrs. Huitt reported that the Building Committee met on February 15th and 21st for the purpose of discussing future 8% debt construction projects. She stated that the Committee would present a report on the balances of the 2004 and 2005 bond issues and a recommendation for the West Market project and future construction projects. Mrs. Huitt then asked Mr. Brooks to continue with the report.

Mr. Brooks reported that the District issued bonds in April 2005 for the Calhoun Phase II, T. L. Hanna, and Westside construction projects. He stated that at the time the District undertook these construction projects, we knew that it would require a small allocation from the 2006 Bond Issue to complete the projects. Mr. Brooks reported that the remaining balance from the 2004 Bond Issue and the 2005 Bond Issue is approximately $7.3 million. The cost to complete the above-mentioned projects (including miscellaneous contingencies, furnishings, technology, driver’s education simulators for T. L. Hanna and Westside, etc.) leaves a balance of approximately $2.1 million not covered with the bonds on hand.

Next, Mr. Brooks presented for Board consideration a 2006 Bond Issue of approximately $7.2 million to cover the remaining costs of the three current construction projects and to support a completely new facility for the West Market project. He stated that the District had previously approved a major renovation at West Market. Part of the construction timeline, leading up to bidding the project, included a final cost estimate. When the estimate was received, there was an increase of 36.64% ($1.4 million) over the cost estimate from the prior year. After talking with the architect about the substantial increase for renovating West Market, the Building Committee requested a cost estimate for a completely new facility with approximately the same square footage (40,000 square feet). The cost estimate received was approximately $800,000 more for a new facility. Mr. Brooks stated that with the renovation of a 50-year old building the likelihood of running into significant change orders was possible. The bond issue projection includes demolition of the existing building, construction of a new facility, and allowances for furnishings, fees, technology and contingencies. After discussing all of the different options, the Building Committee feels that we should proceed with a new facility for West Market. If the Board approves the proposed West Market project, this leaves an uncovered balance of approximately $2 million.

Next, Mr. Brooks presented a proposed three-year construction plan to be funded using 8% debt. This plan includes a new West Market, 12 additional classrooms at Midway, 14 additional classrooms at T. L. Hanna, and a 750-seat capacity performing arts auditorium at Calhoun with contingencies, furnishings, fees, and technology included.

Mr. Brooks then presented a three-year Proposed Funding and Project Timeline Summary as listed:

Fiscal

Year

Project

Anticipated

Occupancy Date

Total

Cost

Bond Issue

Size

2005-2006

West Market

(new facility)

January 2008

$7,093,896

$7,200,000

2006-2007

T. L. Hanna Addition

Midway Addition

August 2008

$3,486,450

$3,388,800

$7,600,000

2007-2008

Calhoun Addition

August 2009

$4,844,405

$6,200,000

Finally, Mr. Brooks presented the Constitutional Debt Projected Payment Schedule & Bonding Capacity assuming three bond issues and a three-year payback schedule, which the District has used in the past.

Mrs. Huitt, on behalf of the Building Committee, made a motion the Board approve the proposed three-year construction plan issuing bonds under the District’s 8% constitutional debt limit as outlined in the above Project Timeline Summary.

Mr. Norris then asked for further clarification on the recommendation of a new facility for West Market and expressed concerns about the District receiving estimates from only one estimator.

In response to a question from Mr. Anderson on how the District would decide which students would attend West Market and which students would attend South Fant, Mrs. Bagley stated that the original plan was that South Fant would serve children in the T. L. Hanna zone and West Market would serve children in the Westside zone.

Mr. Anderson asked why the Building Committee was recommending an addition at Midway if a new elementary school is being proposed through the approval of a referendum, to which Mrs. Bagley responded that Midway is serving 880 students (80 over proposed capacity) and the proposed new elementary school is for growth throughout this District (i.e. Centerville, Whitehall, Concord, Midway and Nevitt Forest). Mrs. Bagley further stated that with the proposed possibility of a referendum a new middle school would be first priority and this would delay the start of a new elementary school for approximately three years.

Mr. Alewine also expressed concerns about the large increase in the cost estimate to renovate West Market and agreed with Mr. Norris that the District should verify cost estimates from more than one source.

Dr. Burriss stated that the Board makes many decisions without complete answers to some questions. We are dealing with variables which we can’t always predict, so we use the information that we have available at that time. He encouraged the Board to ask questions if they have concerns and try to be well informed when voting on a recommendation. Dr. Burriss further stated that the Board’s first priority is the students. We have schools to build and deadlines to meet, and we must make decisions that would be in the best interest of the students.

Since there were still some concerns among the Board about the cost of the West Market project, the addition to Midway, and the District’s use of one estimator, Mrs. Huitt withdrew her original motion.

Mrs. Huitt, on behalf of the Building Committee, made a motion the Board approve building a new facility for West Market issuing bonds under the District’s 8% constitutional debt limit for $7.3 million. Mr. Caldwell seconded the motion, which carried with seven in favor and one opposition (Anderson).

BOND RESOLUTION

Mr. Dan McLeod from the McNair Law Firm presented for Board approval a Bond Resolution authorizing issuance of $7.3 million in general obligation bonds under the 8% constitutional debt limit. Mr. McLeod briefly discussed the calculation of the assessed value of all taxable property in the school district, the payment schedule, the estimated interest rate for the repayment, and the purposes for the Resolution (i.e. completion of the T. L. Hanna, Westside, and Calhoun construction projects; demolition of the existing West Market; construction of a new West Market).

Mrs. Huitt made a motion the Board approve the Bond Resolution of $7.3 million in general obligation bonds under the District’s 8% constitutional debt limit required to complete the T. L. Hanna, Westside, and Calhoun construction projects; the demolition of the existing West Market; and the construction of a new West Market. Mr. Mayfield seconded the motion, which carried with 7 in favor and one opposition (Anderson).

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Mayfield reported that at the January Board Meeting approval was given for additional security at the middle schools through the month of February. At which time the Finance Committee was instructed to explore the need for additional security in the middle and high schools, the cost of hiring the additional police officers, and the financial impact this would have on the general fund. Mr. Mayfield reported that the Committee met with the middle and high school principals, and they stated that the full time Resource Officers have other duties that require them to be off campus (i.e. appearing in court, transporting students, etc.). These additional officers are a good presence in the schools and add to the safety of the schools during the absence of the Resource Officers. The approximate cost for the additional security at the middle schools for the remainder of the school year is $35,000. The cost for additional security at the middle and high school for next school year will be presented during the budget process.

Mr. Mayfield, on behalf of the Finance Committee, made a motion the Board approve the continued use of part time police officers in the two high schools with a maximum of six hours per day and the employment of part time police officers in the middle schools with a maximum of five hours per day. No second was required, and the motion carried unanimously.

PERSONNEL SERVICES REPORT

Administrative Employment Recommendations - Mr. Mahaffey presented for Board approval the list of Administrative Personnel being recommended for the 2006-2007 school year.

Mr. Anderson made a motion the Board approve the list of Administrative Personnel as presented. Dr. Talmadge seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

Employment Recommendations - Mr. Mahaffey presented for Board approval the list of personnel being recommended for the 2006-2007 school year.

Mr. Alewine made a motion the Board approve the list of Personnel as presented. Mr. Caldwell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

PROGRESS REPORT ON SOUTHWOOD MOVING TO THE MODIFIED CALENDER SCHEDULE

Dr. Wilson reported that morning, afternoon, and evening meetings have been held with parents at the school where the Southwood staff presented the modified calendar schedule. The first letter has been sent home to the parents. The school administration will send multiple letters by the students and through the mail, and home visits and telephone calls will be made to ensure that every parent has had an opportunity to hear about the modified calendar schedule. On March 3rd the total number of responses will be calculated. Approximately 76% of the responses must be returned with a 51% majority vote to approve the modified calendar schedule.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Mrs. Bagley stated that at the February 13, 2006 Special Board Meeting a proposed building program plan totaling approximately $193 million was presented. Assuming the approval of a referendum, the plan was divided into three phases. In her opinion, these are the most critical needs for Anderson School District Five: (1) a new middle school to help with the overcrowding at McCants, (2) a new elementary school to help with overcrowding throughout the District, (3) a second middle school to replace Southwood and help with the overcrowding at Lakeside, and (4) renovations of existing elementary schools. The law states that if a referendum is passed, the District must have bond sales within a five-year period. With this in mind, Mrs. Bagley asked Mr. Brooks to present the revised proposed building program plan.

Mr. Brooks stated that the proposed plan is Phase I of the original plan presented at the February 13 meeting. Mr. Brooks then presented the following building program plan.

Project(s) Time Line Estimated Cost

1 New Middle School December 2006-June 2009 $32,949,807

Elementary Renovations

1 New Elementary School February 2008-June 2010 $23,987,673

1 New Middle School October 2009-April 2012 $23,481,440

Mr. Brooks further stated that the plan assumes (1) one referendum for $81 million ($80,418,920 total project cost) covering the four projects; (2) selection of architectural/engineering firm for entire building program; (3) only 1/3 ($10,539,098) of total planned elementary renovations; (4) project cost inflation; and (5) allowances for fees, furnishings, contingencies, and technology equipment.

As presented before, the District would have to complete the following preliminary steps in an effort to pass a referendum in the November 2006 General Election.

RFP for Real Estate Acquisition Services September—October 2006
RFP for Architectural/Engineering Services September—October 2006
Bond Referendum November 2006
Award Real Estate Acquisition Services Contract November 2006
Award Architectural Services Contract November 2006

Mr. Brooks further reviewed the three bond issues and payment schedules. He stated that the total millage for the proposed bonds, assuming a 3% projected growth on the assessed value, would be approximately 28 mills. This would be an increase of approximately $112.00 on a $100,000 home, assuming the home is the taxpayer’s primary residence and the taxpayer is entitled to no other exemptions.

Mrs. Bagley then distributed, as information, handouts on Developing a Referendum Campaign and on School Bond Referendum that was presented by Dr. Billy Floyd of the SCSBA at the September 8, 2005 Special Board Meeting.

After receiving the revised building program plan, Dr. Burriss asked for consensus from the Board to begin planning for a referendum. It was the consensus of the Board to start with a Board Work Session on March 2, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the above proposed building program plan.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Due to the lateness in time, the Superintendent’s Report was omitted until the March Board Meeting.

REQUEST FOR NAMING GYMNASIUM AT T. L. HANNA

Dr. Burriss reported that a letter was received from Preston Jones requesting that the Board name the T. L. Hanna gymnasium in honor of his father, Coach Wayne Jones. Dr. Burriss stated that according to Board Policy FF and Administrative Rule FF-R – Naming Facilities – “when requests are received for a building or facility to be named, the chairman of the Board will appoint a committee to investigate, study and make a recommendation to the board”. Dr. Burriss then appointed the Building Committee to investigate and study this request and make a recommendation to the Board.

OTHER COMMENTS

Mrs. Huitt reported that she and other Board Members attended a session at the SCSBA Annual Convention in Hilton Head where Mrs. Bagley, Cindy Martin, Patti Lynch and Dianne Mizzell presented “Using Data and a Standardized Curriculum to Increase Student Achievement”. She stated the presentation was to the point and well received. Mrs. Huitt applauded Mrs. Bagley and her staff for a job well done.

RECESS

Dr. Talmadge made a motion to recess for ten minutes and then reconvene in Executive Session to discuss a Student Matter and an Extended Leave Request. Mr. Caldwell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

(8:25 p.m.)

OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION

Dr. Talmadge made a motion to go into Open Session. Mr. Alewine seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

Dr. Burriss reported that the Board did not take any action in Executive Session; however, the Board would rule separately on the incident with the chair and the incident with the gun.

Dr. Burris stated that the Board supports the decision of the school and the review by the superintendent as to the incident with the chair. As to the incident with the gun, the Board does not agree that sufficient weight was given considering the Board’s policy on weapons. The Board further instructs the Superintendent to be sure that all elementary schools are briefed and understand Board Policy JICI—Weapons in School.

RECESS

Mr. Anderson made a motion to reconvene back in Executive Session to continue the discussion for an Extended Leave Request. Mr. Norris seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

(9:48 p.m.)

OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Mayfield made a motion to return to Open Session. Mr. Alewine seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

Dr. Burriss reported that the Board did not take any action in Executive Session; however, there is the matter of the Extended Leave Request.

Mrs. Huitt made a motion the Board approve the Administration’s recommendation on the Extended Leave Request. Mr. Anderson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mr. Alewine made a motion the Board adjourn. Mr. Norris seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

(9:53 P.M.)

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

DATE DATE

Recording Secretary

As Approved By Superintendent