Bamberg School District One
Minutes of Regular Meeting of Board of Trustees
Richard Carroll Elementary School – Campus A Library
April 4, 2005
7:30 P. M.
Members present: Chairman Dale Padgett, Vice-chairman John Bamberg, Secretary Mrs. Sheri
Seigler, Mr. Donald Mallory, and Mr. Gregory Bamberg.
Absent: None
1. Call meeting to order: Chairman Dale Padgett called the meeting to order and asked the
audience to repeat the Lord’s Prayer.
2. Notice to Media: In accordance with the S. C. Code of Laws, Section 30-4-80
(e), as amended, the following have been notified of the time, date, place and agenda of this meeting:
The Times and Democrat
The Advertizer-Herald
3. Approval of Minutes
There were no additions or corrections to the minutes of February 28, 2005.
4. Student/Staff Recognition
Superintendent Schwarting stated the following:
· B-E Wrestler Freeman Cooler won his weight division in the state wrestling championship for the second year. Daniel Lain placed third in his division.
· Derek Ayers, 2005-06 Learning Disabled teacher/Wrestling Coach from Saint George, South Carolina, was introduced to the board. He was recommended for employment by Principal Randy Maxwell and Dr. Tasha Nance, Director of Student Services.
· Ehrhardt Elementary School kindergarten class raised the most money for Penny for Patients for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They raised $251.50 and the school raised $797.72 in pennies.
· Seven 7th grade students took the SAT test as part of the search for Duke University Talent Identification Search. Kyle Smith qualified for state recognition as a Duke Scholar. Kyle has already scored a 1,000 on the SAT. Teresa Carter, John Hammett, Joseph Linder, Jr., Justin Mallouk, Anona Miller, Robin Munoz, and Kyle Smith qualified for state recognition. Karen Herndon is the coordinator for the Gifted and Talented program.
· The Red Raider Baseball Team won the Mingo Championship at the Hawaiian Tropic Baseball Tournament in Myrtle Beach during the spring break.
· The Softball Team finished strong at the Azalea Tournament in Summerville during spring break.
· Belinda Hiers and Brenda Hiers received scholarships from the Most Worshipful Williams Grand Lodge and Chapter Eastern Stars and Masons of South Carolina.
· Rachel Carroll, Michael Gordon and Jamar Glover were recipients of Achievement Awards at the B-E High School After School Program.
· B-E High School is offering a SAT/ACT Prep Course April 5-May 5, 2005.
· Marianne Wise and Lauren Halter are presently eligible to receive the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.
· Jamie Hightower attended the Lieutenant Governor’s Writing Award ceremony on March 21, in Walterboro. Jamie represented Bamberg-Ehrhardt Middle School as the 8th grade Writing Award Winner.
· Bamberg-Ehrhardt Middle School held its annual Academic Banquet on March 21. Fifty-five students were recognized as having met the “Presidential Academic Excellence Award Criteria”. Mr. Charles Austin, City Administrator from Columbia, was the guest speaker. The top student awards were: #2 – Gerhard Varn and #1 – Dustin Callahan.
5. Second Reading – Board Policies:
(Board Packet Enclosures)
JBCC – School Choice
JBC – School Admissions
JI – Student Rights and Responsibilities
JB – Equal Educational Opportunity/Nondiscrimination
ACA – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity
GAAA – Equal Opportunity Employment/Affirmative Action Policy
JAA – Equal Educational Opportunities
JCE – Student Concerns, Complaints and Grievances
Dr. Rick Starr, Assistant Superintendent, presented Policies JFCC – School Choice, JBC – School Admissions, JI – Student Rights and Responsibilities, JB – Equal Educational Opportunity/Nondiscrimination, ACA – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity, GAAA – Equal Opportunity Employment/Affirmative Action Policy, JAA – Equal Educational Opportunities and JCE – Student Concerns, Complaints and Grievances for second reading. He stated that these polices were written to reflect immigrant status or English speaking status that should be added to meet the guidelines on non-discrimination.
Mr. Donald Mallory made a motion and Vice-chairman John Bamberg seconded to have the policies presented again for a third reading due to changes that may occur. The motion passed 5-0.
6. Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rick Starr stated that he had no report because the district has run out of money and most of the things have been taken care of that were planned. Dr. Starr reminded the board that the facilities in the district are old.
7. Presentation: Athletic Facility –
Mr. Randy Maxwell, Principal
Mr. Dan Reynolds, Athletic Director
Mr. Ron Duncan, Head Football Coach
Principal Randy Maxwell stated that the district is in need of a field house at the football stadium. The current building was built 27 years ago and a lot of money has been spent on it. Existing problems are moisture and roofing.
Mr. Ron Duncan, Head Football Coach, presented pictures of the existing field house. He stated that the district has outgrown the present facility. Lockers will not accommodate the students and many cannot be used. The building leaks which brings in moisture and damage to the equipment. There are lights that do not work because of water damages and the insulation is coming from the walls. The building was not designed to accommodate football dressing room. There are health concerns with mold and mildew, rat droppings, fire risk, no place to rehabilitate athletes, a dangerous whirlpool, and a badly constructed training table. The district has a trainer that renders free service but is not being utilized because of inadequate space. The construction of a multi-purpose facility in the district would accommodate soccer, boys’ track, softball, girls’ track, wrestling, weights, and a meeting room/office space that could be used as driver’s education and P.E class. A general contractor has volunteered to donate his time in contracting the work and there are 3 or 4 plans that are being studied.
Board Member Donald Mallory stated that he is in agreement with the administration that a facility of this type is needed but the whole aspect is about money. It’s good to receive help but he suggests that the state review the work. He does not wish to see too many organizations or too many persons involved because once the building is built and something doesn’t work correctly then there will be problems.
Vice-chairman John Bamberg wanted to know the approximate cost of the facility. Mr. Duncan responded by stating the cost would be approximately $250,000.
Superintendent Schwarting stated that the administration was asking the board for support to investigate having a building built. A company would be located to finance the work over a ten-year period. Once facts, figures and plans have been obtained, board discussion will ensue to determine the feasibility of such a facility.
Dr. Rick Starr, assistant superintendent, stated that the district has spent approximately $100,000 on the current facility within the last 8 or 10 years. The roof that goes around the columns that support the stadium is where the leaks exist. Four roofing companies have looked at it – two tried to fix it and two wouldn’t touch it. There is no floor in the room where the whirlpool and washer are located. There is cement on the top and a leak underneath. This is a very unsafe environment.
Chairman Padgett stated that the board will do every thing possible to help. He stated that once the budget has been reviewed, and if there is any money available, the board will help with the project. He would, however, like to see some public restrooms incorporated since the facility will be near the football field. Mr. Duncan responded by stating that restrooms would be included.
8. Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Schwarting reported the following:
o Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School has been approved to receive the ROTC program for the 2005-2006 school year. Applications have come in for the non-commission officer’s position but none for the officer’s position. The current wrestling room will be renovated for this class.
Mr. Donald Mallory wanted to know if the administration was still recruiting executive personnel – Major and Sergeant. Principal Randy Maxwell responded by stating yes. The program was approved in January and the jobs were placed on the ROTC Web Site. Approximately 30 resumes have been received. The army will put $100,000 a year into the program. Mr. Mallory wanted to know from Dr. Starr if multi-culture personnel would still be considered. Dr. Starr responded by stating yes.
o Budget proceedings will begin with the principals and different department heads starting Tuesday, April 5, 2005, for the 2005-2006 school year. Allocations from the House have arrived but nothing from the Senate. The current student base cost is $2,290.00.
o The board was asked and agreed to allow the Salkehatchie Summer program to use the district’s showering facilities at the high school again this summer and at no cost since Trinity United Methodist Church allowed the district to use their facility for two days to work on the District’s Strategic Plan. The Salkehatchie Summer program repairs homes for needy people in the area and the district is paid approximately $200 for the use of their facilities by Trinity U. M. Church.
o Through the Rural Utilities Grant, the district has been allowed to have another Distance Education Class through the Consortium. Courses will come into the high school and courses will be broadcast to other high schools. Consideration is presently being given to Verbal SAT/Math SAT, Latin etc.
o Board Member Gregory Bamberg was presented a Certificate of Achievement from the South Carolina School Boards Association for reaching Level 4 in the
Board Membership Institute Training program from Superintendent Schwarting.
9. 2005-2006 District Calendar Consideration
Superintendent Schwarting reviewed a 2005-2006 Calendar that matches Orangeburg School District Four and Cope Career Center where students from this district attend
school. The calendar indicates that school would start a little later. New teachers’ orientation will be August 8th and 10th; staff development for continuing teachers the 11th
and 12; the 15th and 16th would be workdays for teachers; and students would return to school on August 17th. Graduation will be on June 2. The calendar does not allow students to complete the first semester prior to Christmas. Three other calendars are available in the event the Legislature becomes involved in the starting date of school. The board was asked to review this calendar and vote on it at the next board meeting.
10. Monthly Financial Report
Board Packet Enclosures: Financial Report – February 2005
Ms. Devon Blume, Finance Director, reported that Sub Salaries and Periodicals Accounts were overspent due to employees being out on maternity leave and the recent purchasing of periodicals. The Library Grant will pay for all books; therefore, funds will be moved later to cover the periodicals.
Mr. Donald Mallory requested that next month’s financial report on Item #333 (gasoline for vehicles) be separated to show how much money is being spent for gas on the yellow buses (school).
11. Visitors’ Comments
None
Mr. Gregory Bamberg wanted to know the results of the Focus Monitoring Audit that was done through the Student Services Department. Superintendent Schwarting stated that the auditors were very complimentary and the results will be compiled and the findings will be sent back in 30 days. The district will then have 45 days to respond to those findings and the findings will be reviewed with the board.
Mr. Donald Mallory shared some information regarding school bus fatalities and the winners of the School Bus Rodeo. The district did not have any participants in the recent School Bus Rodeo. The association (NAPT) is having a fundraiser for a young lady who lost her life in a bus accident. Bus Driver Safety Week is coming soon and he was sharing information with hopes of lowering violence on school buses. His plans are to meet with the bus drivers some Thursdays. He displayed t-shirts that are sold for $12. Mr. Mallory also shared his recent travels such as a Multi-Hazards Class, Multi-Hazards Clinic for Schools and the 17th Annual Southern Region Training Conference for School Resource Officers. He obtained a lot of good information that will be helpful to the district.
12. Executive Session
Chairman Dale Padgett called for a motion to enter Executive Session. Mrs. Sheri Seigler moved and Vice-chairman John Bamberg seconded the motion to enter Executive Session. The motion carried (5-0). The purpose for entering executive session was to discuss:
a. Employment
b. Employment Resignation
c. Principals’ Teacher Recommendations for 2005-2006
Open session: Chairman Dale Padgett declared the board out of Executive Session.
A. Employment
Mrs. Sheri Seigler made a motion and Mr. Donald Mallory seconded to accept the employment of Derek Ayers as a Learning Disabled teacher at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School for the 2005-2006 school year. The motion passed 4-0 (Chairman Padgett had left the meeting during this election).
B. Employment Resignations
Mrs. Sheri Seigler made a motion and Mr. Donald Mallory seconded to accept the resignation of Mrs. Annie S. Williams, teacher from Richard Carroll Elementary School – Campus A, effective February 23, 2005, due to recent personal circumstances. The motion passed 4-0 (Chairman Padgett had left the meeting during this election).
Mrs. Sheri Seigler made a motion and Mr. Gregory Bamberg seconded to accept the resignation of Mr. Alex Campbell, custodian from Richard Carroll Elementary School – Campus A, effective April 1, 2005, due to an offer on another job that pays more money. The motion passed 4-0 (Chairman Padgett had left the meeting during this election).
C. Principals Teacher Recommendations for 2005-2006
Mrs. Sheri Seigler made a motion and Mr. Gregory Bamberg seconded to accept the principals’ recommendations for the teachers in their schools for 2005-2006 school year. The motion passed 4-0 (Chairman Padgett had left the meeting during this election).
With no other business before the board, the chairman adjourned the meeting.
Minutes approved:
_____________________________
Dale Padgett, Chairman
_____________________________
Sheri Seigler, Secretary