OFFICIAL MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF THE

ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

The Board of Trustees for the Arkansas School for the Deaf and the Arkansas School for the Blind met for their monthly meeting on August 18, 2009.

Present: Beth Gray, Chairperson; Andrew Tolbert, Secretary; Dr. Doug Watson, Board Member; Dr. Henrietta Williams, Board Member; Khayyam Eddings, Board Member; Janice Vaughn, A.S.D. Parent Representative; Jim Hill, A.S.B. Superintendent; Sandy Lunestad, A.S.D. Interim Superintendent; Katie Becker, Zania Musteen, Interpreters; Erika Gee, Office of the Attorney General; Members of the Deaf Community; Members of the Blind Community

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 4:01 p.m. The next board meeting was scheduled for September 15, 2009. Ms. Gray welcomed Khayyam Eddings as a new board member.

09-J-031 Motion to Approve Consent Items

Ms. Gray asked for a motion to approve the Minutes from the July board meeting. Dr. Williams made the motion and Mr. Tolbert seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Action Items

09-J-032 Motion to Approve Superintendent’s Evaluation Tool

Mr. Hill gave background information on the evaluation of the superintendents. The evaluation is based on the evaluation from the Arkansas School Boards Association and has been adapted to a State School. Mr. Hill will provide insight to the Board for the evaluation. Ms. Gray asked if staff members should be asked for comments for the evaluation of the superintendent, and the Board members did not think that would be a good idea, but agreed that the superintendents should provide a report on what he/she is working on and projects and issues he/she has achieved. Mr. Hill said he is knowledgeable of the finance and administration of the school and that Stan implements that department. It was suggested that the superintendents provide backup documents, such as invoices for the Board’s review. Stan Bryant commented that the Financial Statement is the back up for the schools’ finances. However, the Board said backup documents would clarify what the actual expenses were for the schools. Mr. Hill said that ASB had recently been audited and received a good report. Dr. Williams said she has spoken with Erika Gee, from the Office of Attorney General, and the audits are yearly but are not in depth. Ms. Lunestad suggested that a brief report being given at the monthly meetings.

Board of Trustees Meeting

Arkansas School for the Deaf

Arkansas School for the Blind

August 18, 2009

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In reference to the superintendent’s evaluation, Mr. Tolbert mentioned that the category Personal Qualities was not on the evaluation. Mr. Hill said he will add that section to the evaluation tool and resubmit it to the board. Dr. Williams suggested that the evaluation tool be approved with the changes. The evaluation of the superintendent will be done in executive session at the Board Meeting on September 15. Ms. Gray asked for a motion to approve the Superintendent Evaluation Tool. Mr. Eddings made the motion and Mr. Tolbert seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

Board Policies

Mr. Eddings asked if the Board would continue to develop the Board Policies which they had been working on earlier in the year. Mr. Eddings said he feels this is needed particularly after talking with the ASD staff about their recent concerns. After discussion, the Board agreed with Mr. Eddings and Sections 1.11, 1.12, 1.13 will be discussed at the September Board meeting.

Public Comments at Board Meetings

The Board discussed establishing a policy for public comments at Board Meetings. Mr. Tolbert will send the policy that is used at his school’s board meetings for the ASB/ASD Board to review. Everyone agreed that guidelines should be set for parties interested in making comments at the meetings and public comments should be allowed at the board meetings.

Janice Vaughn – A.S.D. Parent Representative

Mrs. Vaughn reported that AAD presented a gift certificate to Ms. Lunestad for her willingness to take the position of interim superintendent at A.S.D.

There being no further business of a Joint nature, the meeting moved to the Agenda for the Arkansas School for the Blind.

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Beth Gray, Chairperson

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Andrew Tolbert, Secretary

Board of Trustees Meeting

Arkansas School for the Blind

Arkansas School for the Deaf

August 18, 2009

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