Onslow Connection
January/February 2017
Keeping you informed
Workshop January 27, 2017
To ease overcrowding at Queens Creek Elementary School, Onslow County Schools Board of Education received a realignment proposal presentation by Steve Myers, chief of Operations.
The proposal would even out the student population at two schools, by moving approximately 101 students currently attending Queens Creek Elementary to nearby Sand Ridge Elementary School, which is currently under capacity. It was noted that the realignment could be more convenient for many of these families because they actually live closer to Sand Ridge Elementary.
However, before making a final decision in March, Onslow County Schools will receive input from parents and families affected. A town hall meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 13, at Sand Ridge Elementary School.
Workshop Cont.
Randy Baker, with Pinnacle Architecture, provided an update on the progress of the new Richlands Elementary School. Land clearing and initial site work began in November, all on schedule. A few limestone voids were discovered on the property. While he said it is not an overwhelming concern, soil engineers have been brought in to do some boring on the property, which will help them establish if there are any issues and determine best solutions.
Members of the board received information on the North Carolina Superintendent Evaluation Process so they can familiarize themselves with the various steps involved in the process, the standards, and rubric for evaluation. Superintendent Stout turned in his specific goals. Board members will do their evaluations in March, turn them in to the board attorney who will compile them. The board will come together to review and share with Superintendent Stout.
Board members shared information from various conferences they attended.
Upon review, Chief Technology Officer Jeff Pittman suggested slight technical changes be made to three policies to bring them up to date on current programs in use. These included Policy 3220: Technology in the Education Program; Policy 3225/7320: Technology Responsible Use; and Policy 3230/7330: Copyright Compliance. The board unanimously approved the changes.
Jonathan Merritt proposed board policy amendments pertaining to board of education meetings.
In an effort to be more transparent, as part of Policy 2300: Board Meetings, Merritt made a motion that all board meetings be videorecorded, except closed sessions, and to have them live-streamed and available to view on the internet. After a discussion, he agreed to withdraw the motion to give time to consult with staff regarding equipment and streaming capabilities and have staff look into availability of additional programming on G-10. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Beth Folger said she would provide a report prior to the February 7, regular board meeting.
As part of Policy 2310: Public Participation at Board Meetings, Merritt made a motion to increase the time allotted to speak during the first public participation period from three minutes to five minutes. This is the time the public can speak to matters pertaining to the agenda. Following a discussion, the board unanimously agreed to the time change.
Merritt made another motion to allow for board member comments at the end of every meeting. Following a discussion, the board, by majority vote, voted against the measure. Merritt and Bob Williams voted in favor of the measure.
Merritt’s third request concerned Policy 2335: Advance Delivery of Meeting Materials. He made a motion that all information contained in board member packets be released to the public prior to board meetings, with the exception of materials in violation of public records law. Following a discussion, he agreed to withdraw the motion to give time to receive council from the school board attorney. It was agreed it would be revisited at the Feb. 7, board meeting.
Board of Education Meeting February 7, 2017
Chairwoman Pam Thomas asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Board member Jonathan Merritt asked to remove an agenda item under Board of Education Policy Consideration — Board of Education Policy 2300: Board Meetings. At the Workshop Jan. 27, he had requested all board meetings be videoed, except closed sessions, and they be live-streamed and available to view on the internet. After a discussion, he agreed to withdraw the motion to give time to consult with staff regarding equipment and streaming capabilities and have staff look into availability of additional programming on G-10. After having discussions with the Superintendent and other staff members, he was willing to remove the item from the agenda to give more time for staff to prepare a feasibility report for the board. All board members approved the agenda change.
Board members Earl Taylor and Joel Churchwell shared the “National School Boards Association Priorities for the 115 Congress” with other board members and the audience. The full report is available at https://www.nsba.org/advocacy/federal-legislative-priorities/legislative-priorities-114th-congress-second-session.
In keeping with the Board’s previous actions to establish the tuition rate for out-of county students, Jeff Hollamon, the director of Finance, provided calculations and proposed an increase to the tuition rate for 2017-18 school year to $1,985. Using the same formula, the tuition rate for 2016-17 was established at $1,900. By unanimous vote, the board approved the tuition rate as proposed.
On Dec. 6, 2016, the board unanimously approved the selection of Pinnacle Architects for the new regional skills center and authorized staff to begin contract negotiations. A contract proposal was developed for board consideration. The amount of the contract as presented is 6.5 percent of the construction bid price for the design/engineering, formal bidding, and construction administration of the new regional skills center. Timelines and minimum service requirements had been established with the expectation that the new school be operational no later than August 2018. Board attorney Alex Erwin reviewed and approved the contract and NCDPI reported that the fee is within a reasonable range for the project. Funding for payment of the architectural services would be financed with funds provided by the state for the construction of the regional skills center. The board voted unanimously to award the contract as presented for professional services to Pinnacle Architecture.
The North Carolina State Board of Education designated Onslow County Schools as a Global-Ready Model District, making the district a leader in North Carolina for our focus on global education. OCS is the only district in the state to meet the “Model” level requirements. Dr. Lesley Eason, Associate Superintendent of Instructional Services and Continuous Improvement, and Susanne Long, Director of Curriculum, Research, and Global Development Services, provided a PowerPoint presentation to show the board and audience what it all means, the measures used and our continued global education plans.
Board of Education Policy 2335: Advance Delivery of Meeting Materials as proposed by board member Jonathan Merritt was revisited. Merritt made a motion that public meeting materials will be posted online at least four days prior to any regular meeting of the board for viewing or download from the district website. More discussions followed, including consideration of a timeline for providing materials when special meetings and workshops are called. There was also discussion on appropriate verbiage with regard to these items; Merritt withdrew the motion until a new policy can be written considering those items, and until the school board attorney can review them.
Chairwoman's Message
Facebook recently has postings from individuals who are listing the schools and colleges they attended. The majority attended public schools and public universities. I mention this because public education seems to be losing its recognition for the great things that occur on its campuses. The many opportunities you provide for our students, along with your quality teaching and guiding are certainly producing leaders and work-ready citizens. You are doing great things!
I’m proud to be a product of public schools and I assure you I and others on the board will continue to be advocates for our public schools.
Thank you so much for making our schools wonderful places for students to grow and succeed.
Superintendent’s Message
I cannot begin to express how proud I am of the OCS staff, Dr. Eason, Susanne Long and our principals and teachers for all their hard work and dedication over the past two years that earned us the NC State Board of Education designation as the only Global-Ready Model District in the state.
We know we have been a leader in North Carolina on global education, but through their efforts, we now have another designation as evidence. I am well aware it was no easy task.
I believe designations such as these will open even more doors as we expand our global partnerships, and look for more connections and opportunities for students.
We must not forget how important all our community partners are to our continued success. Our BASES model has been recognized across the state for its excellence. Everyday across the district our local businesses, organizations, and community partners join with us to provide for our schools and our students. This too defines us as the best of the best. Acknowledging their contributions during our annual breakfast is not nearly enough so whenever you get the chance, I ask that you thank them and let them know how invaluable their contributions are to our achievements.
Onslow County Schools
Email: suzie.ulbrich@onslow.k12.nc.us
Website: http://www.onslow.k12.nc.us/
Location: 200 Broadhurst Road, Jacksonville, NC, United States
Phone: 910-455-2211
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OCSNC
Twitter: @OnslowSchools