OFFICIAL MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF THE
The Board of Trustees for the Arkansas School for the Blind met for their monthly meeting on January 19, 2010.
Present: Beth Gray, Chairperson; Andrew Tolbert, Secretary; Dr. Doug Watson, Board Member; Dr. Henrietta Williams, Board Member; Khayyam Eddings, Board Member; Jim Hill, A.S.B. Superintendent; A.S.D. Mike Phillips, Interim Superintendent; Janice Vaughn, A.S.D. Parent Representative; Jeanne Tribett, A.S.B. Parent Representative; Katie Becker, Zania Musteen, Interpreters; Christopher Hart, Office of the Attorney General; Members of the Deaf Community; Members of the Blind Community
10-B-001 Motion to Approve Consent Items
Dr. Williams made a motion to approve the Consent Items and Mr. Tolbert seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Action Items
None
Discussion Items
None
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Hill reported that the administrative staff and the
educational staff met and has proposed ways for cutting the budget. Dr. Williams said that eventually reduction in
staff may need to be looked at because historically the school has been top
heavy in the administrative positions. Mr. Hill said that is a possibility but
he is trying to avoid that step. He said
three vacant positions have not been filled which will save on the budget. Mr.
Tolbert asked if any of the heating systems were controlled automatically and
Mr. Hill said the new systems will have that feature. He also said that
maintenance will be turning down the heat on the weekend. Ken Fowler gave the board a report on ideas
and suggestions to cut costs and the savings from these reductions. Dr.
Williams said she doesn’t see any big items cut. Mr. Tolbert asked if the high
dollar items are in salaries and transportation and Mr. Hill said they were.
Dr. Williams stated that is what the school needs to look at. Mr. Hill said he
thinks the board should realize that the School for the Blind has worked hard
not to sacrifice the education of the students.
Board of Trustees Meeting
Arkansas School for the Blind
January 19, 2010
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In answer to Dr. Watson’s question about having enough help in maintenance with the retirement of Fred Spears, Mr. Hill said maintenance from the School for the Deaf is helping and not filling Fred’s position will help with the budget.
There being no further business for the Arkansas School for the Blind, the board went into executive session at 6:15 p.m. Dr. Williams recused herself from the meeting regarding the hearing.
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Beth Gray, Chairperson
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Dr. Douglas Watson, Secretary
Board of Trustees Meeting
Arkansas School for the Blind
January 19, 2010
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