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Draft Charlotte, North Carolina
August 27, 2002
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education held a Regular Board Meeting on August 27,
2002 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Education Center. CMS TV Channel 3 televised the
meeting.
Present: Arthur Griffin, Jr., Chairperson;
Wilhelmenia Rembert, Vice Chairperson.
John W. Lassiter, Member At Large;
Larry Gauvreau (District 1); Vilma D. Leake (District 2);
George Dunlap (District 3); Louise Woods (District 4);
Molly Griffin (District 5); and B. Lee Kindberg (District 6).
Absent: There were no absences.
Also present at the request of the Board were James L. Pughsley, Superintendent; Frances
Haithcock, Associate Superintendent for Education Services; Greg Clemmer, Associate
Superintendent for Operations; other members of the Executive and Senior Staffs; Maurice
Green, General Counsel to the Board; and Susan Hanks, Clerk to the Board.
Call to Order
Chairperson Griffin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Griffin introduced two students
from Smith Language Academy, Tyler Jimenez, a fourth grader, and Ambria Hardy, a third
grader. Following a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in German, Tyler and Ambria led the
Board and members of the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance in English. Mr. Griffin
recognized Tyler’s mother, Ms. Susan Jimenez, and Ambria’s mother, Ms. Ann Hardy. Also
recognized was Ms. Ynez Olshausen, principal at Smith Language Academy. Ambria and Tyler
shared a thought for the day, “Every school should be a global school.”
Recognition/Information
Recognition of Mildred Wright as recipient of the Morehouse College Alumni Association’s
Lifetime Achievement Award
Mr. Griffin called on Dr. Rembert who recognized Ms. Mildred Wright, principal at Thomasboro
Elementary School, as recipient of the Morehouse College Alumni Association’s Lifetime
Achievement Award. The award was presented to Ms. Wright at the Charlotte Chapter of the
Morehouse College Alumni Association’s Third Annual Beacon of Light Scholarship and Award
Banquet on July 20, 2002. The Charlotte Chapter has long been a strong supporter of the
Charlotte community. The award recognizes outstanding community servants. Ms. Wright was
employed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in 1956. She has served in several schools as a
teacher. Ms. Wright retired in 1998 as Director of the Magnet Schools Program after thirty-nine
years of service with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Ms. Wright served as principal at Amay
James and Irwin Avenue elementary schools, and Coulwood Middle School. In 1992, she was
promoted to Executive Director of Instruction for the central office. She returned to CMS in
1999 as principal of Thomasboro Elementary School. Since she assumed the principalship for
Thomasboro Elementary School, test scores and parental involvement have risen dramatically,
and she has provided outstanding leadership to both students and staff at the school. Ms. Wright
also received the CMS Acceleration Award and was recognized as a Master Teacher by Pride
Magazine. Ms. Wright thanked Dr. Pughsley and Board members for the recognition. Although
she had no immediate family in the audience, she thanked many CMS staff members who have
provided support to her over the years. Ms. Wright stated she had worked in the field of
education for approximately forty-five years. Dr. Rembert stated she was honored to recognize
Ms. Wright for her many accomplishments and her dedication to Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools.
Action Items
Approval of Administrative Personnel
There were no administrative appointments.
Approval of resolution for November 2002 Bond Referendum
A discussion followed a motion by Ms. Woods, and seconded by Dr. Kindberg, to approve
a resolution for the November 2002 Bond Referendum. Mr. Gauvreau stated he would not
support the November 2002 Bond Referendum. When asked by Mr. Gauvreau whether there
would be an opportunity to change the priorities for the bonds in view of the 2002-03 Choice
Plan before the resolution is delivered to the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, Mr.
Griffin said he was unaware of any changes to the resolution at this time. Mr. Gauvreau stated
he is concerned because the bonds are based on data collected before the lottery. He stated there
were now many schools in the northern and southern areas of the county that are overcrowded.
Dr. Leake commented the funds are needed to educate all children in Mecklenburg County. She
said she hoped Mr. Gauvreau would support the bonds that provide support for all children
across the district. Dr. Leake expressed disappointment that Mr. Gauvreau opposed the 2002
Bond Referendum. Ms. Woods said it is extremely important for the needs of all children to be
met. Mr. Gauvreau said he realized there was no support for changing the priorities for the
November 2002 Bond Referendum. He repeated his belief the 2002 Bond Referendum had not
been properly prioritized. Mr. Dunlap called the question. The Board voted 8 to 1 to approve
the resolution. Mr. Gauvreau voted against the motion. The resolution is as follows:
Resolution Requesting County To Issue General Obligation Bonds
Whereas, The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education is of the opinion that existing
school facilities in the County of Mecklenburg are not adequate for the maintenance of public
schools in the County for the term prescribed by law;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education as
follows:
Section 1. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education has ascertained and hereby
determines that it is necessary to provide additional school facilities and improvements in the
County of Mecklenburg, including the acquisition and construction of new school facilities, the
improvement and expansion of existing school facilities, the acquisition and installation of
furnishings and equipment, and the acquisition of interest in real property required therefore, and
that it will be necessary to expend for such purpose, from proceeds of general obligation bonds
and apart from other moneys which may be available therefore, not less than $224,000,000.
Section 2. The Board of Commissioners of the County is hereby requested to provide the
funds required for the improvements hereinbefore set forth and to issue bonds of the County to
raise the required funds and to submit the question of issuing bonds to accomplish such financing
to the voters of Mecklenburg County.
Section 3. The Secretary of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education is hereby
directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Board of Commissioners of the County of
Mecklenburg.
Approval of Policy JFABB: Admission of Nonimmigrant Students
Mr. Griffin reported that Policy JFABB: Admission of Nonimmigrant Students was before the
Board of Education for adoption. Upon motion by Ms. Woods, and seconded by Dr.
Kindberg, the Board voted unanimously to approve Policy JFABB: Admission of
Nonimmigrant Students.
Approval of Policy IKAB: Report Cards/Progress Reports/Transcripts
Mr. Griffin reported that Policy IKAB: Report Cards/Progress Reports/Transcripts was before
the Board of Education for adoption. Upon motion by Ms. Woods and seconded by Dr.
Kindberg, the Board voted unanimously to approve Policy IKAB: Report Cards/Progress
Reports/Transcripts.
Approval of nomination of Board member to the Board of Directors of the North Carolina
School Boards Association
Mr. Griffin stated there was a possible vacancy in this region for a position on the Board of
Directors of the North Carolina School Boards Association. Mr. Griffin opened the floor for
nominations for the possible vacancy. A discussion followed a motion by Dr. Rembert, and
seconded by Dr. Leake, to nominate Ms. Woods to serve on the Board of Directors of the
North Carolina School Boards Association. Mr. Lassiter reported there were two Board
members who had expressed an interest in serving on the Board of Directors. He said that in
view of the size of Mecklenburg County, it would be appropriate to nominate more than one
Board member to serve on the Board. A brief discussion followed a substitute motion by Mr.
Lassiter, and seconded by Dr. Kindberg, to nominate Ms. Woods and Ms. Griffin to the
Board of Directors of the North Carolina School Boards Association. Mr. Dunlap stated his
belief that it would be wise to nominate only one representative to the Board because he was
uncertain how many seats were available on the Board of Directors. Mr. Griffin reported he had
talked to an administrative clerk at the North Carolina School Boards Association who reported
the standard practice was that each school district could nominate one person to the Board of
Directors. The Board voted 4 to 5 against the substitute motion. Mr. Griffin, Dr. Rembert,
Dr. Leake, Mr. Dunlap, and Ms. Woods voted against the motion. Mr. Griffin requested a
vote on the original motion to nominate Ms. Woods to the North Carolina School Boards
Association. The original motion passed by a vote of 6 to 3. Mr. Lassiter, Ms. Griffin, and
Mr. Gauvreau voted against the motion.
Approval of agreement with Mecklenburg County regarding Metro School
Dr. Pughsley stated there is the intent to rebuild the existing Metro School at an estimated cost of
$21,000,000. Dr. Pughsley called on Mr. Kevin Bringewatt, attorney for Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools, who reported the intent of the agreement is to allow for an additional $3 million dollars,
if needed, for the construction of the new Metro School. He called attention to a change in the
wording of the first sentence of Section 4 from a previous draft of the agreement. The revised
sentence is as follows: “When redeveloping the remaining property, the parties shall work in
good faith to dispose of the property in accordance with state law.” Mr. Griffin stated Exhibit B
had been added to minimize debate regarding the construction for the new Metro School. Dr.
Leake asked whether the proposed agreement is related to the concept of the Second Ward
Master Plan as it relates to the historical Brooklyn Neighborhood. Mr. Bringewatt stated the
plans for the construction of the new Metro School are indirectly related to the Second Ward
Master Plan. When asked if this agreement would reduce the size of the new Metro School, Mr.
Bringewatt reported the new school would be constructed on less land. When asked by Dr. Leake
why the Board of Education would relinquish land for the project, Mr. Chamberlain stated the
original plan for construction for the new Metro School consisted of 4.3 acres. He said he met
with parents at Metro School who supported the scope of the project; however, they were
concerned the Board of Education might be limiting themselves to the proposed 4.3 acres. The
current agreement expands the total land amount to 5.5 acres. The existing school is
approximately 110,000 square feet and the plans for the new Metro School include
approximately 115,000 square feet. The proposed building design is more economical and
consolidates the existing space. When asked by Dr. Leake how the remainder of the land would
be used, Mr. Chamberlain reported, in concept, the remaining land would be used in the Second
Ward Neighborhood Plan. Dr. Leake stated that affordable housing is needed in the Second
Ward area. Upon motion by Dr. Leake, and seconded by Dr. Kindberg, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the agreement between the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of
Education and Mecklenburg County regarding Metro School as follows:
Initial Cooperation Agreement Regarding 2010 Vision Plan and Metro School Between the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education and Mecklenburg County
This Agreement (“Agreement”) dated as of August 27, 2002, is entered into by and between The
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (“CMBE”) and Mecklenburg County (the
“County”).
Background:
1. In May 2000, the City of Charlotte (the “City”) and the County adopted the “Center City
2010 Vision Plan,” a vision plan for the entire Center City.
2. Among other components, the 2010 Plan proposed redeveloping the Second Ward area of the
Center City.
3. CMBE owns, or has a reverter interest in, several properties in Second Ward, including
approximately 14.5 acres known as Metro School and the Aquatic Center.
4. In November 2000, the voters of Mecklenburg County approved bonds for school
construction. One of the 2000 bond projects planned by CMS was a major renovation of
Metro School. The budget for this proposed renovation project is $21,000,000.
5. To help facilitate the City and the County’s vision for Second Ward, the City and the County
requested that CMBE consider constructing a new school on as small a portion of the
property currently owned by CMBE as possible rather than renovating the existing school
(the “new Metro School”). CMBE estimates that an approximately 5.5 acre tract, as shown
on Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, will be needed. (Note: it
may be that the new Metro School can be constructed on slightly less than 5.5 acres but this
will have to be investigated further as design progresses).
6. The City and the County have made this request for CMBE because such a new Metro
School on a smaller site will make it more likely that the remaining property can eventually
be sold and redeveloped consistent with the 2010 Plan. Moreover, a new Metro School will
be a substantial public investment in the area that the City and the County believe could be a
catalyst for development on the adjacent land.
7. Consistent with CMBE’s usual practice of cooperating with joint initiatives with other
governmental entities to the extent such initiatives do not negatively impact the delivery of
educational services to students, CMBE has investigated the feasibility of the City and
County’s proposal.
8. CMBE has determined that the City and County proposal is feasible but estimates that a new
school will likely cost an additional $3,000,000 over and above the existing $21,000,000
budget for Metro School (for a total of estimated cost of $24,000,000). It is acknowledged by
both parties that the exact amount of additional money needed, if any, cannot be determined
with certainty at this time and a revised estimate will be prepared once the new Metro School
is designed.
9. The County is agreeable to providing the additional $3,000,000 either by certificates of
participation secured by the 5.5 or so acres on which the new Metro School will be
constructed, or some other financing mechanism as determined by the County, provided, that
this additional $3,000,000 will not be redirected from other school bond money without the
consent of CMBE. The County and CMBE acknowledge that CMBE has agreed to permit the
City/County Planning Department to have input in the exterior architecture of the new
school, with the understanding that both parties are award that there are likely to be increased
construction costs associated with design proposals by the City/County Planning Department.
These reviews shall be in accordance with the procedures already agreed to by City, County
and CMBE for review of school projects in that certain Intergovernmental Review and
Cooperation Agreement Concerning School Sites (the “Cooperation Agreement”). A copy of
the relevant provisions is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
10. The County and CMBE acknowledge that the County, the City and CMBE still have to
jointly decide under what conditions they desire to sell the remaining approximately 10 acres
of the existing Metro School/Aquatic Center site. As part of this decision, the County and
CMBE acknowledge that the County still has to decide whether it desires to demolish the
existing Aquatic Center (and if so, when).
11. Nonetheless, CMBE and the County agree that an appropriate first step in implementing the
2010 Plan in Second Ward is the construction of a new Metro School on the approximately
5.5 acres (or less) portion of the existing site. CMBE and the County have determined that
this first step is in the public interest and in the parties’ individual and mutual best interests.
12. In order to take this first step, the County needs to assure CMBE that the additional
$3,000,000 will be available, if needed, and CMBE can then proceed with designing the new
Metro School project.
Accordingly, CMBE and the County agree as follows:
1. Supplemental Funding: County agrees to provide up to an additional three million
dollars ($3,000,000) in supplemental funding for the new Metro School. The exact
amount of supplemental funding that is needed (“Supplemental Funding”) will be
determined after bids are received for construction of the new Metro School.
Supplemental Funding will be provided either by certificates of participation or some
other financing mechanism as determined by the County, provided, that the
Supplemental Funding will not be redirected from existing school bond money
without the consent of CMBE. CMBE and the County agree to cooperate in good
faith as to the exact timing that Supplemental Funding is obtained, which shall be no
later than the date CMBE needs to make contractual commitments in excess of
$21,000,000 for the new Metro School. It is estimated that such date will be no
sooner than July 1, 2002 but likely no later than December 31, 2003.
2. Design: CMBE has selected an architectural firm to design the new Metro School.
The County, through the City/County Planning Department, shall participate in
review of plans for the school as to external architecture and urban design issues of
the new Metro School in accordance with the Cooperation Agreement.
3. Construction: Upon completion of the final design by CMBE, CMBE will advertise
for and receive bids for construction of the new Metro School in accordance with
applicable laws, regulations, codes and ordinances. If, based on bids received, it
appears that the new Metro School cannot be constructed and equipped for an amount
less than $24,000,000 then CMBE will consider reducing the scope of the project so it
can be completed for less than $24,000,000. Construction costs for Davidson Street
and Alexander Street extensions are not included in this estimated $24,000,000
budget.
4. Future Agreements: When redeveloping the remaining property, the parties shall
work in good faith to dispose of the property in accordance with state law. The parties
agree that this will likely involve an agreement with the City as well. Upon any sale
of the remaining approximately 9 acres of the existing Metro School/Aquatic Center
site, or portions thereof, CMBE will reimburse the County for the exact amount of the
Supplemental Funding Provided by the County, if any, up to $3,000,000.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
By:___________________________
Harry Jones
Its: Manager
Approved as to form:
______________________________
County Attorney
THE CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG BOARD OF EDUCATION
By:____________________________
James L. Pughsley
Its: Superintendent
Approved as to Form:
______________________________
Board Attorney
Exhibit B
(Excerpt from Cooperation Agreement)
Scope of Reviews: CMS, City and County agree that as to all school projects (except for those
relating to legally required transportation/site access improvements or other legal requirements):
A. All reviews and comments will be advisory and non-binding.
B. All reviews and comments will not delay the timetable for the project being
reviewed; and
C. All reviews and comments will not increase the cost of any project being
reviewed; provided, however, if any department suggests changes to projects that
cost additional money and then obtains any additional funding (from the County,
City or other source other than CMS) in a timely manner, then CMS staff will in
good faith consider adding the additional work to the project that is funded if such
additional work can be done in a manner consistent with the educational
objectives of the proposed project.
Action Steps to be taken by CMS in Light of Review Comments: Comments from governmental
departments (again except for those relating to legally required transportation/site access
improvements or other legal requirement) will fall into one of three categories:
A. Comments that CMS staff agrees improve the project and can be done within the
budget;
B. Comments that CMS staff agrees would improve the project but require additional
money; or
C. Comments that CMS staff does not agree will improve the project.
To the extent comments fall into the first category, CMS will endeavor to incorporate
such comments into the project. To the extent comments fall into the second category, the
department making the request shall take the lead in requesting additional money from
the County or the City if it desires such items to be addressed. If funding is obtained,
CMS will endeavor to incorporate such comments into the project. Comments that fall
into the third category shall not be incorporated into the project.
Consent Agenda
Upon motion by Mr. Dunlap, and seconded by Ms. Woods, the Board voted unanimously to
approve the following consent agenda.
Approval of Minutes
August 15, 2002 Closed Session
July 30, 2002 Closed Session
July 24, 2002 Closed Session
July 23, 2002 Closed Session
July 15, 2002 Closed Session
July 10, 2002 Closed Session
June 26, 2002 Closed Session
Approval of Construction Items
The following construction item was approved:
Approval of ratification of HVAC renovation on modular classroom buildings for
Devonshire Elementary School. Contractor shall replace roof top units on both modular
classroom building. This was awarded by the Superintendent and Chairman of the Board
before the August 13, 2002 Board of Education meeting. The total use of funds is
$76,000 and the source of funds is 2002-2003 Capital Replacement.
Approval of the adoption of the following Resolution authorizing the Director of Supply
Services to dispose of surplus school property at a public action on September 21, 2002
The Board of Education approved the following Resolution authorizing the Director of Supply
Services to dispose of surplus school property at a public auction on September 21, 2002:
Resolution
Authorization for the Director of Supply Services to Dispose of Surplus School Property
Resolved, that the Board of Education authorize the Director of Supply Services, according to
N.C.G.S. 160A-270 and 115C-518, to dispose of surplus school property at a public auction, as
shown in exhibit A.
Resolved, further, that the public auction be conducted by the Mecklenburg County Business
Support Services/Surplus Property Division, at 3301 North I-85 Service Road between Graham
Street and Statesville Avenue, at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 21, 2002.
Resolved further, that the Director of Supply Services may delegate the authority to transfer titles
for the vehicles to an appropriate agent of Mecklenburg County.
Approval of supplementary funding request from NC Division of Forest Resources for The North
Carolina Urban and Community Forestry Grant for Steele Creek Elementary School
The Board of Education approved a supplementary funding request from NC Division of Forest
Resources for The North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry Grant for Steele Creek
Elementary School. Funding requested from North Carolina Division of Forest Resources in
cooperation with USDA Forest Service, Southern Region is $6,310.
Approval of supplementary funding request for Voluntary Public School Choice Program
The Board of Education approved the following supplementary funding request from the U.S.
Department of Education for the Voluntary Public School Choice Program:
2002-03: $4,750,000
2003-04: $4,838,037
2004-05: $4,974,234
2005-06: $4,736,143
2006007: $4,745,317
Approval of easement to Duke Power at new South High School site
The Board of Education approved an easement to Duke Power at the new South High School
site. The Board of Education previously approved land acquisition for a new South High School.
A portion of the site has been acquired. The closing for the remaining land is scheduled for later
this month. There is an existing Duke Power electricity line that crosses the new school site and
the adjoining property that Pulte Homes plans to develop. Both CMS and Pulte Homes will want
to relocate the existing Duke Power line along the perimeter of the properties. Pulte Homes plans
to develop its site before CMS builds the school and plans, at its cost, to relocate the existing
Duke Power line along the perimeter of both the CMS and Pulte properties. To do so, Duke
Power needs a new easement along the perimeter of the CMS property.
Reports/Information Items
Mr. Griffin expressed his appreciation to all staff members throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools who assisted with the successful opening of schools for the 2002-03 school year. Mr.
Griffin introduced a news clip that highlighted the many unsung heroes in the CMS family who
helped prepare for the opening of schools.
Report on Light Rail Transportation Station at Sterling Elementary School
Dr. Pughsley called on Mr. Chamberlain who provided a report on the proposed Light Rail
Transportation Station at Sterling Elementary School. Mr. Chamberlain introduced Mr. Ron
Tober, Chief Executive Officer for the Charlotte Area Transit System, who provided information
regarding the proposal for the location of the South Corridor Light Rail Project that will run from
Uptown Charlotte to Interstate 485 near Pineville, North Carolina. An underground parking
garage is proposed to be located on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education property that is
currently undeveloped behind Sterling Elementary School. This plan will provide the school
campus with nearly five acres of additional playfield. All traffic will enter and exit the garage at
South Boulevard near the Carolina Pavilion. Mr. Tober explained there are many benefits for
participation in the proposed project by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools including the additional
physical education space; the use of mass transit to the school for faculty and staff; and the
demonstrated support for the transit corridor concept. Mr. Tober presented additional
information regarding characteristics for the South Corridor Light Rail Project. Mr. David Laird,
Project Manager, reported that approximately 1200 parking spaces would be provided in the
parking deck with room to expand to 1500 parking spaces. The parking deck would feature a
grassy playfield on the top level of the parking deck. Mr. Laird stated the Sterling community is
supportive of the site. There is no cost to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for the project. The
Light Rail Station would improve access and mobility for the neighborhood and surrounding
areas. Mr. Tober stated the purpose of the presentation was to seek approval by the Board of
Education to proceed with the joint-use project for the Light Rail Station at Sterling Elementary
School. Mr. Lassiter expressed excitement for the plan that allows the county and the school
district to work together cooperatively. He suggested the Mecklenburg County Parks and
Recreation Department might have a desire to be a part of the joint-use agreement to provide a
recreation program for students. When asked by Mr. Dunlap about the noise level for the transit
system, Mr. Tober replied the system is electric with little noise or vibration. Mr. Tober reported
the buffer system would provide trees to further reduce noise. Dr. Pughsley reported that he and
Mr. Greg Clemmer, Associate Superintendent for Operations, had been involved in talks with the
County regarding other joint-use projects. Mr. Gauvreau said the Board of Education should not
use their time to be involved in discussions regarding the Light Rail Transit System. He
suggested the Board should use their time to address education issues and the ongoing
transportation issues resulting from the implementation of the 2002-03 Choice Plan. Mr.
Gauvreau stated he would not support the proposal. Ms. Woods expressed her belief the
proposed project would benefit Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as well as other governmental
entities. When asked by Ms. Woods whether the Joint Use Task Force had preliminary
discussions with the Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation Department, Mr. Chamberlain stated
there are discussions planned in the near future. When asked by Dr. Kindberg whether it would
be appropriate for the Board of Education to take action regarding the proposal, Mr. Griffin
replied staff would likely provide additional information before action would be taken. Mr.
Lassiter commented the amenities offered by the Charlotte Area Transit System are impressive.
He said he looked forward to additional joint-use projects. Mr. Griffin asked Mr. Tober to
consider additional dialogue regarding quality childcare for this project. Mr. Tober reported there
was a strong possibility that daycare facilities near the stations could be incorporated in the
plans.
Report on Academic Excellence Charter for All Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Elementary
Students
Dr. Pughsley reported he would keep the Board well informed regarding meeting the academic
needs for all CMS students. He stated the Academic Excellence Charter is a work plan. Dr.
Pughsley reported the Board could expect additional reports in the near future regarding charters
for both middle and high school levels. Dr. Pughsley recognized Dr. Frances Haithcock,
Associate Superintendent for Education Services, to provide a report on the Academic
Excellence Charter for all Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ elementary students that is aligned to
the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ 2005 District Goals. Dr. Haithcock recognized Ms. Muffet
Garber, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, who presented
information regarding the organization of the project. Dr. Haithcock serves as the project sponsor
and she has ultimate authority and responsibility for the project and the desired results and
specific outcomes. Ms. Garber and Ms. Beverly Moore, Regional Superintendent for Elementary
Schools – West, will serve as project manager and she assisted in the development of the
Charter. They will execute project reviews, dispose of issues, and change requests. Ms. Katy
Dula, Literacy Specialist, will serve as the process manager. Ms. Dula is responsible for the
development and maintenance of the Project Charter and the technical quality of solution. The
project team is responsible for the execution of project tasks to achieve desired results and
specific outcomes. Service Integration Team members include Dr. Elva Cooper, Regional
Superintendent for Elementary Schools – East; Dr. James Hammond, Regional Superintendent
for Elementary Schools – North; Ms. Trish Underhill, Instructional Accountability; Ms. Frances
Bessellieu, Director of Reading; Ms. Pan Allen, Curriculum and Instruction; Ms. Barbara Bissell,
Curriculum and Instruction; Ms. Mary Clark, Curriculum and Instruction; Ms. Julie Casin,
Curriculum and Instruction; Ms. Julie Babb, Pre-K; Ms. Gina Smith, Exceptional Children; Ms.
Valerie Todd, Exceptional Children; Ms. Iris Rouleau, Exceptional Children; Mr. Cline Perkins,
Extended-Year; Ms. Brenda LaBorde, Instructional Technology; Ms. Lynn Sachak, Instructional
Technology; Mr. Jerry Shephardson, Instructional Technology; Ms. Julie Stafford, After-School
Enrichment Program; Cathy Hammond, principal; Ms. Daphne Graaves-Smith, principal; Ms.
Carol Owens, principal; Rich Purcell, Title I; Ms. Jennifer Parker, Community Services; Ms.
Carolyn Gaither, Prevention and Intervention; Ms. Gail Daves, A+ Program; and Regina Boyd,
English as a Second Language. Ms. Garber stated the heart of the Charter becomes the execution
of the work plan and the day-to-day services to impact the customers who are the students. Ms.
Dula presented a brief overview of the Charter. She said the Balanced Scorecard, a method of
measuring an organizations performance, helps drive the district’s strategic plan forward.
Scorecard objectives have detailed action plans and measures that impact the ability to reach the
CMS 2005 District Goals that pertain to student achievement, equity, efficient and effective
support operations, safe and orderly school environment, and community collaboration. The
Project Charter is the action plan or department work plan that provides support for schools that
enables CMS to reach previously set goals. The Project Charter is a systemic project planning
process for the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard project. It has defined work scope and
results in tangible products. There are currently eighteen active Charters that identify major
initiatives and implement a process to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of each initiative.
The deliverables are the specific products that are produced by the products. Examples of
products are training, documents and software products. Ms. Dula presented information
regarding the organization of the project. The components of the Elementary Charter are directly
correlated to the A+ Program. After the students have mastered the foundation skills in reading,
writing, and math and they are ready for acceleration. A true deliverable for the Elementary
Charter was the creation and establishment of a comprehensive reading plan. Another initiative
was the support of the A+ Model that is imbedded in the Charter. The focus for this year will be
the Balanced Scorecard objectives and the goals for reading, math and writing. Ms. Beverly
Moore reported that Dr. Pughsley aligned the organization to enable her and other members of
the elementary team, Dr. James Hammond, Dr. Elva Cooper and Ms. Muffet Garber, to work
together as one team. This organization places the team in a better position to meet the needs of
all elementary school students. The team will provide support to ninety plus preschool and
elementary school students. Based on data, these schools are the schools that need the greatest
support. Ms. Cathy Hammond, principal at Paw Creek Elementary School, reported she
represents all CMS elementary school principals. She said it is a privilege to be one of three
principals who meet with the Service Integration Team on a monthly basis. Implementation
begins with the school principal. Ms. Garber asked the most important customers, the students,
to stand and be recognized. She also asked the members of the Service Integration Team to stand
and be recognized. Dr. Pughsley commended the team for their hard work to develop the work
plan. Dr. Kindberg stated she was delighted with the Academic Excellence Charter for
elementary school students. She said the material was evidence of a thorough and professionally
written strategy for implementation. Dr. Kindberg said the team had done a spectacular job. She
asked Dr. Pughsley to find a way to share the deliverables with the community. Ms. Woods
stated the report clearly depicts what staff is doing for all elementary school students. She said
she looks forward to future updates regarding progress. Mr. Griffin thanked the presenters for the
wonderful management plan.
Mr. Griffin called on Ms. Griffin who had asked to make a comment earlier in the meeting. She
requested a formal procedure to add items to the agenda for Board meetings. Mr. Griffin asked
Ms. Woods, Chairperson for the Personnel and Policy Committee, to look at the existing policy,
and to incorporate comments from all Board members at the next Personnel and Policy
Committee Meeting. He asked Ms. Woods to make this review a priority because Mr. Gauvreau
had also expressed an interest in a process for adding an item to the agenda.
Reports from Board Members
Mr. Gauvreau said he was angry that the Personnel and Policy Committee members would be
asked to review a policy regarding adding items to an agenda when there is already a policy such
as the policy regarding the 2002-03 Choice Plan that can never work in Mecklenburg County. He
said the Board should discuss the transportation issues and take action. He said CMS has 30,000
more bus miles to travel per day than in the past. Mr. Gauvreau said, “Everybody in
Mecklenburg County knows what’s going on.” He said he was personally embarrassed that the
Superintendent and the staff is required to put up with the policies that this Board has imposed
on them. Mr. Gauvreau suggested a work committee should be set-up to quickly react to the
transportation issues. Mr. Griffin thanked Mr. Gauvreau for his comments. Mr. Griffin said he
preferred to address issues through discussions rather than by email. Mr. Griffin said he fully
understands that Mr. Gauvreau is not in favor of certain aspects of the Choice Plan. Mr. Griffin
stated he believes the Board of Education has gone through one Civil War with respect to pupil
assignment or busing. Mr. Griffin stated the Board of Education could continue to have
additional discussions about whether or not to throw out the Choice Plan or try to address some
of the issues about the cost of transportation or scheduling of bus pick-ups. Mr. Griffin expressed
disappointment in the manner Mr. Gauvreau had shared his ideas about the Choice Plan. Mr.
Griffin said the Board of Education could discuss some of the fundamental issues raised by Mr.
Gauvreau. Mr. Griffin stated, “If the Board members want to throw out the Choice Plan, and that
is something that the staff cannot do, can’t implement or can’t afford to, this is certainly the role
of the Board of Education. I serve as the Chairman and will respond to the wishes of the Board
of Education. Certainly I want to make it work for all the citizens and kids of Mecklenburg
County as best we can. Every year, when we open up schools, this creates some challenges for
us. We will try to work through those challenges. I was going to suggest to the Superintendent
tonight that we look very closely at two particular areas. If there are vacant seats at magnet
schools and there are waiting lists, we may try to get the kids who want to be in those schools
enrolled. With respect to kids who want to go back to their home schools, and there is room to do
that, we might be able to make it happen. That is simply a system of trying to take action to make
what we have work better. This is not simply a series of actions to do something entirely
different to throw out the Family Choice Plan. If the Board wants to do that, this is a democracy,
and we certainly could take steps to do that. I just don’t get an indication from Board members
that they want to recreate the Civil War about busing. They seem to want to move forward.” Mr.
Gauvreau stated he would like to return to the discussion regarding the Choice Plan before the
end of the meeting.
Mr. Dunlap said, “First, I would hope that we would maintain our sense of protocol. What you
asked for were Board reports. You did not ask for another item to be added to the agenda for
discussion. I would hope that we wouldn’t do that because I can recall in the past when Board
members tried to add an item, it was like an act of Congress. By happenstance, someone gets an
item on the agenda and we have this full-blown discussion. I have tried very hard tonight to
maintain my composure and to not feel the need to respond to every negative comment that has
been made; however, it appears that one of my colleagues does not understand the fact that it
takes at least five members of this Board of Education for anything to take place. Because a
person has their own individual beliefs that they are entitled to does not mean that the belief
supercedes the belief of eight other Board members. Until such time that a majority of this Board
feels the need to go through and debate the issue of the Choice Plan, I think we are simply
spinning our wheels. I certainly am not going to advocate my vote and my responsibility to allow
one person to make choices for me. The Choice Plan is a community plan and it is not one
individual’s plan. Until such time there is a majority of the Board, I think we are wasting our
time to simply appease one individual so they can have their say. Nobody questions their right to
say what they want to say, but they are certainly not going to put that on the other members of
the Board of Education.”
Mr. Lassiter thanked Mr. Griffin for submitting a request for Dr. Pughsley to look into the areas
of availability of seats for students at magnet schools and their homes schools. Mr. Lassiter
reported Dr. Rembert is in the process of planning a Board Retreat. Mr. Lassiter stated it is
appropriate that one of the items we consider for inclusion for the Board Retreat is an assessment
about how well the Choice Plan is operating. Mr. Lassiter said periodic opportunities to have
work sessions to review various subjects are needed. Mr. Lassiter stated that an assessment of
the Choice Plan at this point would be premature because staff continues to work on a number of
the issues. Staff will have more information when they have the 20-day count. Mr. Lassiter
stated he was not making a suggestion to change the Choice Plan; however, he encouraged
discussions about issues that have been raised.
Ms. Woods said, “ I agree that looking at this in a systematic fashion is the best way to respond
to the concerns that some people have raised. There have been some issues, as there always are,
at the beginning of every year, but at the same time there are many, many families, students and
staff who are excited. Tonight, it is really important to say that there are many, many schools
throughout the district and parents, teachers, custodians and everyone who have worked together
with a wonderful attitude of camaraderie to help school begin. In some cases, where people just
moved into new schools, the attitude of everyone has been just wonderful. I think right now it is
a very important thing for us to focus on these good things happening because we do have so
many people out in the schools trying to make things work. We have had a very good beginning
of school. At the same time, every one of us knows there are some issues. As Mr. Gauvreau
stated, we need to look at this more closely after the twentieth day as we have more facts and
figures.” Ms. Woods agreed that work is needed on several issues related to transportation. Ms.
Woods reported she had seen a great deal of teamwork in the schools. She said people had
worked hard from staff in the central office to the schools to ensure a successful school opening.
She said she had attended an event to celebrate the old Billingville Elementary School. Ms.
Woods asked everyone to go to see the pictures and community center to remember the historical
significance of the school.
Dr. Kindberg thanked staff members who assisted with the transition to the 2002-03 Choice Plan.
She thanked staff from Student Placement Services, Planning Department, and Building Services
who had experienced a challenging summer.
Superintendent’s Report
On behalf of the administration, Dr. Pughsley reported implementation of the 2002-03 Choice
Plan and the opening of schools had been extremely successful. He thanked everyone for their
efforts to ensure a smooth opening of schools. Dr. Pughsley said, “Let me say this, if and until
the administration is directed to move in a different direction, we need your support. You send a
powerful message when you sit here and speak to the television audience as well as to this staff.
We want your support. We deserve your support and nothing less. Nothing less. With that, Mr.
Chairman, let me get into my report.” A news clip was shown regarding back-to-school
information, first day of school activities, a grant sponsored by IBM, the Harris Teeter Link Your
Vic Card Program, and information about the 2002 CMS football season. Dr. Pughsley reported
more than 1200 teachers were hired. There are approximately 7200 instructional positions
throughout the district. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools opened this year with only thirty-two
vacancies. Dr. Pughsley said this is a tremendous success story and he stated CMS intends to
surpass this record for the coming year. Dr. Pughsley stated that there are many efforts underway
to ensure the teachers are highly qualified. He shared information regarding the 2002 SAT
results for graduating seniors. SAT scores remained steady although ten percent more students
took the SAT. The SAT total score for 2002 is 996; for 2001, it was 997. In all, seventy-three
percent of all CMS graduating seniors took the SAT in 2002. The top ten percent of CMS
graduating seniors outscored the top 10 percent of students in the state and in the nation. The
average score for CMS was 1208; North Carolina was 1182; and the nation was 1192. African-
American scores are up eighteen points, and sixteen percent more African-American students
took the SAT. The average score at North Mecklenburg High School increased twenty-three
points and the average score at Providence High School increased twenty points. Four CMS high
schools achieved higher average scores than the nation and they are East Mecklenburg, Myers
Park, North Mecklenburg and Providence high schools. Dr. Pughsley said it is time to shift gears
and focus on student achievement. Dr. Pughsley stated CMS would perform even better in the
future.
Mr. Gauvreau requested an opportunity to continue the previous discussion regarding the Choice
Plan. Mr. Griffin asked Mr. Gauvreau if the request to speak was on a subject other than pupil
assignment or busing. Mr. Gauvreau said the question was about student achievement. Mr.
Griffin stated it was time for the Board to move on.
Adjournment
Upon motion by Mr. Dunlap, and seconded by Dr. Kindberg, the Board voted unanimously
of those present to adjourn the meeting.
The Regular School Board Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
___________________________
Chairman
___________________________
Clerk to the Board
Approved by The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education
Regular Board Meeting – October 22, 2002
