OFFICIAL MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF THE

ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

 

The Board of Trustees for the Arkansas School for the Blind met for their monthly meeting on July 25, 2007.

 

Present: Dr. Douglas Watson, Chairperson, Henrietta Williams, Vice-Chairperson; *Brenda Gullett, Secretary; Andrew Tolbert, Board Member; Beth Gray, Board Member; Johnny McGehee, ASB Parent Representative; Jim Hill, ASB Superintendent; Dr. Marcella Dalla Rosa, ASD Superintendent; Katie Becker, Zania Musteen, Interpreters

 

*Brenda Gullett was present via teleconference.

 

Absent: Brett Ketchum

 

07-B-012 Motion to Approve Consent Items

 

Dr. Watson asked for a motion to approve the Consent Items. Ms. Gray made the motion to approve and Ms. Williams seconded the motion.

 

Action Items

07-B-013 Motion to Adopt A.S.B. Handbook Revisions

 

Mr. Hill said quite a bit of time was put into revising the handbook and the changes are noted in red ink. He said the handbook meets the requirements and also meets the school’s special needs. Mr. Tolbert said he thinks an excellent job was done on the handbook and said it is very important that the parents receive the handbook with the changes. Mr. Hill said the handbooks will be available for all parents and staff and is also available for students. Mr. Tolbert made a motion to adopt the handbook as revised and Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

07-B-014 Motion to Accept

Lease Offer from David H. Arrington Oil and Gas Lease Company

 

Mr. Hill said the school has land in Conway County and the mineral lease has not been sold to anyone. The school has received an inquiry from David Arrington Oil and Gas who want to buy the mineral rights from the school for 5 years. Mr. Hill said he has checked on the company and it is a reputable company. He said he showed the letter to Amy Ford and she said it was standard. Mrs. Williams asked what the school is receiving from other land that is being leased for mineral rights. Mr. Hill said the school is averaging about $600 per month and the money is deposited into the activity fund. Dr. Watson asked how the land will be left after it is returned to the school and if trees are cut down

 

Board of Trustees Meeting

Arkansas School for the Blind

July 25, 2007

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and if the land is left a mess. Mr. Hill said he would research this issue. Ms. Williams asked about the revenue from other property, and Mr. Hill said the amount varies from month to month, but on the average the amount is $600-650 a month. The amount that will be received from the land being discussed at this meeting will be $550 times 40, which is the right to receive the minerals from the land. Once drilling is begun, the school will begin to receive revenue from the land. Mr. Hill explained that agreement gives them the right to drill and everyone in the section of the land has to agree to sell their rights. This money will be deposited into the activity fund. Ms. Williams made a motion to accept the lease offer from David Arrington Oil and Gas Company and Ms. Gray seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Dr. Watson signed the letter to the company stating that the board of trustees authorized Jim Hill to sign the lease agreement.

 

07-B-015 Motion to Accept A.S.B. Drug Policy

Mr. Tolbert made a motion to accept the Drug Policy for A.S.B. as amended and Ms. Gray seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Staff In-Service Dates

Mr. Hill referred to the handout covering this issue. He said the plan provides all of the required in-service 60 hours of training, plus 30 extra hours. Although this issue was listed under Action Items, no action needed to be taken, and it was presented to board just for their information.

 

Discussion Items

The items for discussion, Superintendent’s Evaluation and In-Service Plan, were discussed earlier in the meeting.

 

Superintendent’s Report

School included in Estate

 

Mr. Hill said he has been notified that the school has been included in the estate of someone in Mexico. He contacted Amy Ford regarding the information and was told the school could receive from $8000 to $30,000. Ms. Williams asked where the money will be deposited and Mr. Hill said it will be put into the Cash fund. The interest earned in the Cash fund is used for special needs and special projects.

 

Easter Seals

Mr. Hill reported that Easter Seals has been doing work on the building it is leasing. This has raised a lot of questions on the part of city officials and state representatives. Mr. Hill said he checked on this issue at the requests of the city officials and a state representative and he asked Ms. Jochums for a letter stating what was taking place. She did reply and said that the services offered by the doctors are being expanded and this is not a new lease and no new activities are taking place. However, the Hillcrest neighbors still

 

Board of Trustees Meeting

Arkansas School for the Blind

July 25, 2007

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want to have a face-to-face meeting which will include a city representative, a state representative, and a representative from the community. Mr. Hill said he thinks it will be to the advantage of Easter Seals to clear the air. In answer to Dr. Watson’s question, Mr. Hill said they have enlarged the building to about twice the size.

 

Pay Plan

Mr. Hill said several months ago the state developed a new pay plan which was an attempt on the part of the state to change the whole system of paying state employees.  The state said they tried to develop a plan that would help state agencies to pay a market salary compared to the open market. The plan was put back because there was not enough time to complete it before the legislative session but they have brought it back again. Mr. Hill discussed his concerns about the plan and further discussion took place.

 

Summer School

About 64 students attended summer school. Mr. Hill said he feels a lot of growth took place for the students in social adjustment and social development.

 

Department of Education

The state department recently used the school’s facilities to conduct sessions on test bias. Harcourt Brace and ACTAAP evaluated tests for the next school year. Mr. Hill said he feels the school is a step closer on test bias.

 

Calendar

The board received a copy of the school calendar.

 

Renovation

Mr. Hill said renovations are being made on the inside of the Vocational Building, as well as some of the front entrances and carpet is being replaced.

 

Brenda Gullett said she, Dr. Dalla Rosa and Mr. Hill met with Amy Ford on the issue of bias as it concerns the state department. Mrs. Gullett felt it was a good meeting. She said Amy Ford felt the schools do have some issues that need to be addressed and Mrs. Gullett hopes to send out a letter  by the August board meeting to outline the procedures the schools will begin to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Trustees Meeting

Arkansas School for the Blind

July 25, 2007

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07-B-016 Motion to Adjourn

 

There being no further business for the Arkansas School for the Blind, Mr. Tolbert made a motion to adjourn and Ms. Gray seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        ___________________________________

                                                                        Dr. Douglas Watson, Chairperson

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        ___________________________________

                                                                        Brenda Gullett, Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Trustees Meeting

Arkansas School for the Blind

July 25, 2007

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