Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
During an organizational meeting before the regular meeting of the Madison County District School Board on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the Board voted to change the days on which the Board meets. It was suggested to have one workshop meeting and one voting meeting per month and change the day on which the School Board meets to Monday. The reason for this change was to better accommodate those members who need to attend the State School Board meetings, which are held in various locations around the state, always on a Wednesday. School Board member VeEtta Hagan expressed opposition to changing the meeting days, citing the idea that many people in the community are used to the School Board meeting on Tuesdays. Hagan made a motion to keep the meeting schedule as it has been. The motion failed on a 3-2 vote, with Hagan and Reggie Daniels voting in favor of Hagan's motion. The Board then voted on a motion to hold meetings on Mondays with one meeting per month being a workshop meeting in which no votes will be taken and one meeting per month being a voting meeting during which votes would be taken. This motion passed on a 3-2 vote with Hagan and Daniels voting against the motion. With the new schedule, the Board will hold workshop meetings on the first Monday of the month (with some exceptions due to holidays). These workshop meetings will be to discuss and consider matters to be acted upon by the Board during its regular meetings. Regular meeting will be held on the third Monday of the month (with some exceptions due to holidays). The regular meetings will be to consider, act upon and transact the business of the Board. District 1 representative Susie Williamson was elected the new Chair of the School Board, District 2 representative Carol Gibson was elected Board Vice-Chair. The Board then adjourned to the regular meeting.
During the public comments portion of the meeting, Annie Barfield questioned the number of office referrals written by teachers. She stated that one teacher, in particular, had written 31 office referrals so far this school year.
The Board passed the consent agenda. The consent agenda consisted of minutes from previous meetings, the purchase of computers for Jtouch interactive screens, an addendum to the fresh fruit and vegetable program, the Madison Creative Arts Academy public charter school grant – Amendment Three, permission to advertise revisions to NEOLA/MCSB Policies Vol. 16 v.2, a contract with Kara Washington for science professional development, a contract with Beth Mims, Professional Development Consultant, GED requests, North Florida Career Pathways contract with Suwannee County School District, North Florida Career Pathways contract with Jefferson Somerset, fundraisers, school improvement plans, and categorically and grant-funded staff trips.
The Board passed general fund staff trips and out-of-county student field trips.
Walter Copeland presented a financial report to the Board. Copeland stated that the District's fund balance was 4.86 percent. The District's cash position is good, and the cash projection is healthy.
The Board approved the Florida Safe Schools Assessment Report. Twelve screened school volunteers were approved. Personnel changes were approved. Permission to advertise a half-time custodial position for Greenville Elementary School and a secretary position at Pinetta Elementary School was granted.
The next regular meeting of the Madison County District School Board will take place on Monday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be in the Board meeting room located at 210 NE Duval Ave., in Madison.