A summary of the September 17, 2012 Board of Education meeting follows.

Superintendent’s Spotlight: Bright Star and Dorsett Shoals Elementary Schools were spotlighted at the September 17 Board meeting. Ms. Dale McGill was recognized as the principal of Bright Star Elementary and Ms. Lisa Golden was recognized as the assistant principal. The following students and staff members were recognized based upon the recommendation of the principal. The Star Guides Program assists new and transfer students in becoming familiar with Bright Star’s school building and procedures. Students from each class in grades 2^nd – 5^th are selected for this program. The following students were recognized as Star Guides: Noell Golden, 4^th grade; Nyla Keough, 5^th grade; Destinee Lamb, 4^th grade; Jasmyn Lee, 5^th grade; Rylie Moody, 4^th grade; Bailey Nguyen, 5^th grade; Lauren Wingo, 5^th grade; and Rebekah Woodall, 4^th grade. Mrs. Beth Ruff, school counselor, was recognized as the sponsor for the Star Guides. Ricardo Melara, 3^rd grade, and Morgan Nguyen, 2^nd grade, were recognized for their outstanding character and for being the first two “Super Stars” through the Principal’s 100 Club for the 2012-2013 school year. Ms. Julie LeFils, second grade teacher, was recognized as Bright Star’s Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Kacia Thompson was recognized as the principal of Dorsett Shoals Elementary and Ms. Sharon Mucha was recognized as the assistant principal. The following volunteers, students and staff members were recognized based upon the recommendation of the principal. PTA officers were recognized as follows: Candice Eckelberry, President; Tracey Scaglione, Vice President; Holli Davenport, Secretary; Deshana Polk, Treasurer and Ashleigh Brown, Room Mom Coordinator. The following third grade students were recognized for their outstanding artistic ability: Micah Annis, Ivory Daniels, Travis Dobrinski, Brennan Furness, Ellie Foust, Maria Grishkovets, Reagan Hughes, and Jayden Stegall. Mrs. Tammy Morris was recognized as their art teacher. Ms. Katherine Russ, 4^th grade teacher, was recognized as Dorsett Shoals’ Teacher of the Year.

Unfinished Business: There was a period of discussion regarding House Resolution 1162 that would change the State Constitution to allow state approval of charter schools without the approval of local Boards of Education.  

Consent Agenda: Certified and classified personnel were approved. The TCP Coordinator Position for the College and Career Institute for 2012-2013 was approved ($20,000 to be paid by Perkins Grant for the TCP Coordinator and $15,000 to be paid from the BRIDGES Grant for the middle school consultant). Approval was granted to enter into separate “Construction Manager At Risk” agreements with Torrance Construction for the Renovation of Arbor Station and Dorsett Shoals Elementary Schools. 

Discussion Agenda: The following items were presented for discussion only: Student Achievement and Leadership: 1) Update on Student Achievement was provided by Pam Nail, Associate Superintendent of Student Achievement and Leadership. Operations: Easement and Quitclaim Deed for Factory Shoals Elementary School WSA Lift Station. Policies: Policy BCBK: Executive Sessions.

Action Agenda: Student Achievement and Leadership: The agreement for Consultative Services for Special Education Students was approved. Finance: The May, June and July Capital Projects Reports were approved. The July 2012 SPLOST Report was approved. The Local School Activity Report for July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012 was approved.

Information Only: The following item was presented for information only: A) Administrative Regulation JBD-R(2) Absences and Excuses - Guidelines; B) Exhibit: Student Attendance Notification JBD - E(1); C) Exhibit: Student Attendance JBD - E(4); and D) Over Night/Out of State Field Trips.  

Present were Board Members Janet Kelley, District III, Chair; Jeff Morris, District V, Vice Chair; Michael Miller, District I, D.T. Jackson, District II and Dr. Sam Haskell, District IV. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Gordon Pritz; Associate Superintendent of Student Achievement and Leadership Ms. Pam Nail; Chief Operating Officer Dudley Spruill; Executive Director of Personnel and Policy Dr. Michelle Ruble; Community Relations Director Karen Stroud; and Secretary to the Superintendent Melanie Nicholson.

2012 Voting Sessions of the Douglas County Board of Education:
Regular Board Meeting on October 1, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
Regular Board Meeting on October 15, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

All board meetings of each month will be a regular voting session. Board meetings are called to order at 6:00 p.m., then move immediately into executive session. At 7:00 p.m., the public meeting is reconvened.