STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING-REPORT MARCH 2011
By: Deborah White | March 14, 2011, 2:26 pm
The typical two-day State Board of Education meeting was consolidated into one day, Wednesday, March 9, 2011. This change was to permit time for a board planning retreat scheduled for Wednesday evening and Thursday.
Committee meetings began at 8:00 rather than 8:30 in order to complete business and attend the swearing in ceremony at 11:00 in the Governor’s office of the six recently named board members. The six new members are: Helen Odom Rice, 3rd Congressional District; Daniel Israel, 4th District; Kenneth Mason, 5th District; Barbara Hampton, 6th District; Mike Royal, 7th District; and J. Grant Lewis, 11th. These members replace James Bostic, Al Hodge, Jose Perez, Buzz Law, and Joey Loudermilk who had completed their terms and Brad Bryant who resign to serve as interim State School Superintendent.
Brief bios for new State Board of Education Members
Following the committee meetings and the swearing in ceremony, Chair Wanda Barrs called the meeting to order and the Board met in Executive Session.
At 1:05 the Board came out of Executive Session and the public hearing was held on Rule State Rule 160-4-2-.20 State Funded K-8 Subjects And 9-12 Courses For Students Entering Ninth Grade In 2008 And Subsequent Years. Over 40 people signed-in to speak and the allotted time for each speaker was reduced from 3 minutes to 2 minutes. In the allotted one hour, approximately 25 people had an opportunity to address the Board. Individuals who were not able to speak in the allotted time were encouraged to send their commits to policy@doe.k12.ga.us. This is the preferred method of receiving input and speakers were asked to submit their comments s as well for future reference. There will be a Called State Board Meeting on Monday, March 14th for action on the Rule. The vast majority of the speakers were from local school districts and RESAs advocating for flexibility or to remain with the current 9-12 integrated Mathematics.
Following the hearing the two recipients of the 2010 National Milken award, Kelly Stopp, and Rachel Willis, gave the inspiration and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Superintendent Barge recognized the accomplishments and presented awards to Ms. Stopp and Ms. Willis.
The following items discussed in the morning committee meetings were moved to the Consent Agenda:
From the Budget Committee
A contract with Gwinnett County Schools at a cost not to exceed $440,070. in Federal funds to implement the Gwinnett Quality Plus Leader Academy Q+ in four other RT3 local school districts—Hall County, Muscogee County, Gainesville City, and White County.
A grant for $63,138.00 in federal funds to DeKalb County Schools for Stephenson High School, a Title I Needs Improvement school, for school improvement services.
To implement Project EXPRESS in Mathematics for a maximum of 3125 students in 40 high school sites. It includes entering into contracts with Mathematics teachers, costs for assessment and technology support, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with school districts for facilities, and funds to purchase curriculum and instructional materials not to exceed $800,000. in State funds.
To accept an additional $150,000. from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant to support the implementation of the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics for a total grant award of $1,509,962.00. The amendment will allow the DOE to contract with a consultant to provide expertise and assistance in the development of a strategic, integrated assessment plan that aligns the multiple assessment initiatives currently in development as part of Georgia’s implementation of the Common Core Georgia Performance.
To award a grant for $5,820,111. to selected school systems, RESAs and colleges for the Title II-B, Mathematics and Science Partnership program.
To award a $32,499,391. grant to twenty-six (26) Race to the Top LEAs. Funds must be used to support the four (4) reform areas specified in the RT3.
From the Charter Committee
To grant a charter for Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, a K-8 start-up charter school approved by Atlanta Public Schools.
To grant a charter for KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, a grade 9-12 start-up charter school approved by Atlanta Public Schools. This would be the fifth KIPP school but the first KIPP high school; Atlanta Collegiate will be geared toward college acceptance of all students, regardless of skill level.
From the Rules Committee
To initiate rulemaking procedures to amend State Board of Education Rule 160-5-3-.02 Contracted Transportation Services. In May 24, 2010, the Governor signed into law SB 392. This bill revised portions of O.C.G.A. §20-1-10. The law now prohibits educational institutions receiving state funds from entering into an agreement with a motor carrier or contract carrier for the purpose of transporting students without first verifying that such carrier is certified by the Public Service Commission.
To initiate rulemaking procedures to amend State Board of Education Rule 160-5-3-.11 Standard Cost Development. On June 4, 2010, the Governor signed into law HB 936. This bill revised portions of 20-2-552 now allowing school bus replacement funds to be used to refurbish existing school buses.
To initiate rulemaking procedures to amend State Board of Education Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs - Student Assessment. This Rule is being amended in order to phase out the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) and increase the role of the End of Course Tests (EOCT). Additionally the amendment will address the new alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards.
To initiate rulemaking procedures to amend State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.13 Statewide Passing Score. It is proposed that the weight that the End of Course Tests (EOCT) contributes to a student’s course grade increase from 15% to 20% for students entering grade nine for the first time in the fall of 2011.
To approve for the 2009-2010 school year, the Screven County School System’s hardship waiver.
To approve for the 2011-2012 school year, the Murray County School System’s waiver of SBOE
Also moved to the Consent Agenda were other business items and the minutes including:
To conditionally approve Lincoln County's Five Year Local Facilities Plan
To approve a resolution authorizing a .04 acre driveway easement for the Jack Hughes Estate and Cave Spring Masonic Lodge
To authorize new private schools to participate in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program for the 2011- 2012 school year
To approve the February 2011 State Board Minutes
To approve the February 18, 2011 Called State Board Meeting Minutes
The Consent Agenda was unanimously approved.
The Board approved to repeal State Board of Education Rule 160-5-2-.04 State Salaries And Supplements And Rule 160-5-2-.05 Experience For Salary Purposes. The GaDOE is proposing a new SBOE Rule 160-5-2-.05 Experience For Salary Purposes that combines the relevant requirements of the two current SBOE rules into one rule providing definitions and requirements aligned with changes in the Georgia Professional Standards Commission rules and enabling clarifications of ambiguous language.
The Board approved to Adopt State Board of Education Rule 160-5-2-.05 Experience For Salary Purposes
During the 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 455 and House Bill 923 related to certified staff possessing leadership degrees and House Bill 280 related to salaries and supplements for math and science teachers. The proposed SBOE Rule 160-5-2-.05 Experience For Salary Purposes combines the relevant requirements of the two current SBOE rules which are recommended for repeal into one rule providing definitions and requirements aligned with changes in the Georgia Professional Standards Commission rules and enabling clarifications of ambiguous language, and aligns to changes in the law.
Following action on items discussed in Executive Session the meeting was adjourned. This report is for information only and is not the official actions of the State Board of Education.