By Bethany Hall Stephens
The Board of Education met Monday for their monthly session where they began by hearing a financial summary for both June and July from Sharon Penny, Finance Director. Penny explained that the budget was 98% finalized, and though there is an increase in the fund balance this year (which on the surface would appear to be a good thing), the increase was due to having several substitute teachers in lieu of certified teachers (who don’t make as much money but are also un-certified teachers).
Valerie Newton, Public Information Officer, briefly gave the board an overview outlining instances during the last month where Bladen County Schools were mentioned in the news.
The board approved to reappoint Albert Beatty to serve again as the Bladen Community College Trustee Board Member. Special Custom Policy Updates were tabled until next month’s meeting.
Dr. Robert Taylor, Superintendent, discussed consolidation concerns that are contingent on the County Commissioners’ funding and approval. The Board of Education recently presented a plan that would involve building a new K-8 school to house Plainview and Tar Heel. Though this plan is the only consolidation plan supported by the communities, the Commissioners did not approve it. Because of this, the Board of Education agreed to present three options to the Commissioners – one like their previous proposal, another to build two new K-8 buildings (one to house Plain View, Tar Heel, and Dublin and one to house East Arcadia, Booker T. Washington, and Clarkton School of Discovery), or a third plan that is open to the commissioners’ suggestions. The Board of Education can reassign and consolidate within their current facilities as they see fit, but they can only build new facilities with the commissioners’ approval. They hope that their previous plan will be supported since it is the only one that has community support.
Jason Atkinson, Technology Director, recommended that the board approve purchasing 700 Chrome books to extend the 1:1 Laptop Initiative for 7th and 8th graders. The initiative is already being implemented in the high schools and would be funded mostly by Title 1 Funds and was approved by the board.
The board approved various fundraiser requests and proceeded to go into closed session to discuss personnel, legal issues, and student transfers.
Upon reconvening into open session, the board approved Personnel Adendum Action Items as recommended by Antonia Beatty, Personnel Director. The board also heard various notes of interest from Robert Taylor, Superintendent. Taylor reminded the board of New Teacher Orientation that is taking place on August 15th at 8:15. He also gave an overview what was discussed at the recent board retreat. At the retreat, Board members discussed why they ran to be on the board, what their priorities as board members were, various questions they had, the logistics behind committee assignments and communication issues, why there is the current emphasis on technology based learning, as well as logistical concerns surrounding implementation of an Early College at Bladen Community College. Following the above comments, the board proceeded to adjourn for the evening.
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