State Board Meeting Report—May, 2008
By Deborah White
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Committee of the Whole
The State Board of Education Committee of the Whole met in sub-committees, held a public hearing, discussed items for action, and developed a consent agenda for action on Thursday.
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee reviewed and discussed 22 contracts and grants proposed for action by State Department of Education staff and 21 items for information. The Committee recommended items for action to be placed on the consent agenda.
Charter Committee
The Charter Committee received financial reports; discussed charters being reviewed by staff; heard reports on staff activities during the last month; and discussed actions of the 2008 General Assembly related to charter schools. The committee reviewed and discussed five requests for Charter Renewals and one request for a New Charter. The Committee recommended items for action to be placed on the consent agenda.
The Committee received recommendations from the Charter Advisory Committee for system charter status for: Decatur City; Chattahoochee County; Gainesville City; Marietta City; and Warren County. Criteria used by the advisory committee were: (1) intent to be innovative; (2) intent to maximize school governance. The DOE staff is not recommending approval of the petition of Chattahoochee County. The Charter Committee will meet via conference call at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 19th to discuss the petitions for new charter systems and a Called State Board Meeting will be held via conference call at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19th for action on the recommendations.
Rules Committee
The Rules Committee reviewed and discussed rules to be considered for action by the full board including: 160-7-1-.04-Accountability System Awards and Consequences; 160-8-1-.01-Georgia Virtual School Amendment; class size waivers; Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program; 8th Grade Mathematics Waivers for systems allowing Algebra and Geometry credit in 8th grade; 8th Grade Mathematics Waivers for systems allowing Algebra and Geometry credit in 8th grade and continuing in QCC courses and Supplemental Educational Services Providers List. The Committee recommended schools maintain written documentation parents were notified and aware students receiving an 8th Grade Mathematics Waiver and continuing in QCC courses would be required to meet state assessment requirements based on the GPS not the QCC. The Committee received a federal legislative update from GaDOE staff. The proposed federal regulations would require states to adopt an uniform graduation rate formula by 2012-2013 and to disaggregate graduation data to meet AYP.
Operations Committee
The Operations Committee heard recommendations on agenda items from each committee.
A Public Hearing was held for Rule 160-8-1-.01 Georgia Virtual School. There was no public participation.
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Cox recommended the 2008 State Learning Resources Advisory Committee; the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives for Title II, LEP students; and local facilities plans. Superintendent Cox and SIA staff explained that schools receiving the 8th grade mathematics waivers were aware of the state assessment requirements and all schools are implementing the Georgia Performance Standards. Schools requesting the waiver had or were being contacted concerning parent notification; most of the school personnel contacted reported that the documentation was already on file.
Superintendent Cox and the Board discussed Goal 2 of the State Board of Education Strategic Plan -Teacher Quality, Recruitment, Retention. Information was shared on the retention rates and courses taught by highly qualified teachers in schools meeting AYP and schools not meeting AYP. The support and guidance received from building level administrators were key factors in teacher retention. Both Cox and the Board review teacher quality, recruitment, and retention as a critical area needing the support of all agencies.
The Board recognized students for Excellence in art education. Students presented their art to the Board and briefly described the pieces of work. The artwork is or will be on display at the Georgia Department of Education for all to enjoy and appreciate
Thursday, May 8, 2008
State Board of Education Meeting
The Board met in executive session from 8:00 until 9:30 and from 10:15 until 11:15 to consider personnel and legal issues, requests for waivers and variances, and appeals of local board decisions.
All members were present. The Twelfth Congressional District Representative is vacant.
Board member, Buzz Law, Representative for the Sixth Congressional District, recognized Superintendent Cox and staff for their work and willingness to think "outside of the box". He introduced Frank Lutton who gave the inspiration-Change through Creative Problem Solving. Mr. Law led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Following a brief break, the Board met in executive session. (see above)
Action items
The board approved the following items:
Minutes of the April 3, 2008 State Board Meeting and minutes of the April 4, 2008 called meeting.
To waive provision (2)(a) of 160-5-4-.18 Bidding Requirements For State-Funded School Capital Outlay Projects for the Pierce County Middle School building additions and modifications project so as to authorize the department to release capital outlay funds to Pierce County.
To award a grant to 27 Residential Treatment Facilities at a cost not to exceed $3,571,627.00 in State funds for FY 2008.
To accept the $99,725.00 in donations to be used for banquet, rewards, printing and other related expenses from various donors for Schools of Excellence and Georgia Teacher of the Year.
To enter into a contract with The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and The Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education at a cost not to exceed $74,672.00 in State funds for the establishment of a Director of Implementation for the Alliance of Education Agency Heads, subject to signature of the FY 09 budget by the Governor.
To renew a contract with Pioneer RESA (PRESA) at a cost not to exceed $2,800,000.00 in State funds and $200,000.00 in other funds for the continuation of services for the Georgia Virtual School Program in the 2008-2009.
To renew a contract with Georgia Virtual School Desire2Learn at a cost not to exceed $275,000.00 in State funds for the continuation of services in the 2008-2009 school year
To enter into a contract with Northwest Georgia RESA at a cost not to exceed $100,000.00 in State funds for continued implementation of a system whereby Georgia's 16 RESAs may share Professional Standards Commission (PSC) approved certification endorsement programs.
To award a grant to Muscogee County at a cost not to exceed $68,841.23 in federal funds for school improvement grants.
To reduce Terrell County School district's Title I, Part A; Title II, Part A; and Title IV, Part B grants by a total amount not to exceed $29,536 in federal funds for FY08. The school district did not meet maintenance of fiscal effort.
To enter into a contract with Clear Channel/Georgia News Network at a cost not to exceed $64,288.00 in federal funds for parent outreach radio public service announcements
To approve a grant for Mathematics & Science Partnership (MSP) Program - Title II-B
To enter into a contract with Edvantia, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $55,204.00 in Federal funds for 3,000 licenses and hosting of Reading First online reading modules
To enter into a contract with The Classic Center Authority at a cost not to exceed $311,600.00 in Federal funds for conference meeting space for Reading First Conferences.
To enter into a contract with Dr. Sharon Walpole at a cost not to exceed $219,000.00 in Federal funds for the professional learning architect for Reading First.
To enter into a contract with mediators at a cost not to exceed $90,000.00 in Federal funds for the mediation of special education disputes.
To enter into a contract with parents of students with disabilities at a cost not to exceed $75,000.00 in Federal funds for participation in Focused Monitoring in FY 09.
To award a grant to Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS) programs at a cost not to exceed $1,481,581.00 in State funds for FY 08 salary increases for services to students with emotional and behavioral disorders.
To enter into a contract with local school systems at a cost not to exceed $700,000.00 (pending Governor's approval of FY 09 budget) in State funds for services of teachers on special assignment with the Division of Academic Standards.
To receive a donation of $25,000 from the Johanna Bureau for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for the Georgia Instructional Materials Center for the purpose of purchasing accessible instructional materials for students who are blind or other print disabled.
To enter into a contract with Cognos at a cost not to exceed $88,698.00 in State funds for the Cognos Enterprise Planning Application.
To enter into a contract with The Reddy Law Firm, P.C. at a cost not to exceed $35,000.00 in State funds for State Board of Education Hearing Officer services
To enter into a contract with L. O. Buckland, P.C. at a cost not to exceed $50,000.00 in State funds for State Board of Education Hearing Officer services.
Charter Schools
The board approved the following items:
To renew charter status for DeKalb Academy of Technology & Environment, a K-8 start-up charter school located in DeKalb County, for a three-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
To renew charter status for Addison Elementary, a K-5 conversion charter school located in Cobb County, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
To renew charter status for Gateway to College Academy, a 10-12 start-up charter school located in the DeKalb County school system, for a three-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
To renew charter status for Oglethorpe Charter School, a 6-8 start-up charter school located in the Savannah-Chatham County school system, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
To renew charter status for KIPP West Atlanta Young Scholars Academy, a 5-8 start-up charter school located in Atlanta Public Schools, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
To approve charter status for Habersham Career Academy, a 9-12 LEA start-up charter school to be located in Habersham County, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
Rules
The board
Adopted amendment to Rule 160-8-1-.01 Georgia Virtual School The definition of "blended learning" was deleted from the rule and replaced with a definition for "local teacher-led virtual courses". "A type of virtual course in which the local school provides the highly qualified teacher and course materials, and Georgia Virtual School provides the standards-based curriculum, enrollment of students and locally provided teacher in Georgia Virtual School courses, training and full-use of virtual classroom tools, technical support to locally provided teachers and students, and instructional support to locally provided teachers." This change clarifies the parameters for using GAVS course content in a local teacher-led classroom. It amends the Rule to limit participation of a student to a maximum of one unit per semester during the regular school year for FTE credit for students who are hospital/homebound students, alternative education students, GNETS students, state schools students, and residential students.
Adopted amendment to Rule 160-7-1-.04: Accountability System Awards and Consequences Audit procedures were amended.
Approved for the 2007-2008 school year the requests to waive SBOE rule 160-5-1-.08 CLASS SIZE, part (1) (b) to increase the maximum class size requirement as detailed below.
Coweta
Forsyth
Glynn
Houston
Social Circle
Whitfield
Approved 30 private schools for the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship program for the 2008-2009 school year. 77 schools have applied to participate for 2008-2009; the remaining applications are in process.
Approved 8th Grade Mathematics Waivers-Systems allowing Algebra and Geometry credit in 8th grade only. Six systems received a onetime instructional waiver of 160-4-2-.48 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENROLLING IN THE NINTH GRADE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS parts (2)(b), (3)4.(i), (3)5.(i), (3)5.(ii), and (3)5.(ii)(II) allowing students to receive credit toward graduation.
Approved 8th Grade Mathematics Waivers-Systems allowing Algebra and Geometry credit in 8th grade and continuing in QCC courses. 15 systems received a onetime instructional waiver of 160-4-2-.48 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENROLLING IN THE NINTH GRADE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS parts (2)(b), (3)4.(i), (3)5.(i), (3)5.(ii), and (3)5.(ii)(II) allowing students to receive credit toward graduation and continue in the QCC course sequence
Approved a list of seven recommended new SES Providers for the 2008-2009 school year. The total number of approved providers is 146.
Other Business Items
The board
Approve the 2008 Learning Resources Advisory Committee.
Approve the Title III Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives for Progress towards Proficiency in English and Attainment of Proficiency in English.
Approved the Local Facilities Plans for the following school systems:
Baldwin County
Bulloch County
Dade County
Dooly County
Elbert County
Morgan County
Murray County
Oconee County
Oglethorpe County
Savannah-Chatham County
Towns County
Warren County
Wilkinson County
Jefferson City
Marietta City
Rome City
Superintendent Cox stated that Secretary Spellings had proposed new federal regulations on graduation rate and supplemental education services. She encouraged everyone to review the regulations and submit comments to the USDOE.
Stuart Bennett gave a brief update on two Bills passed by the Georgia General Assembly. HB 1209, the bill reflects recommendations from IE2 and has been signed by the Governor. Changes will be needed to Rule 160-7-1-.04 to meet the requirements on HB 1209. HB 881, the bill establishes a Georgia Charter School Commission to work with the DOE and under the supervision of the SBOE. HB 881 has not been signed by the Governor.
Adjournment
Items for Information
The following items or reports were presented to the Board for information and future consideration/action.
Upcoming contract with 13 regional Educational Technology Training Centers (ETTCs) at a cost not to exceed $24,440.00 in State funds for ETTC Reimbursement for offering the GACE Computer Skills Competency (CSC) Assessment.
Upcoming contract with The Internet Safety Group, Incorporated at a cost not to exceed $50,000.00 in State funds for developing a program that Georgia may use as a model in support of children using the Internet safety.
Upcoming contract with Teksystems, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $1,304,000.00 in State funds for the Division of Technology Services Help Desk.
Upcoming contract with Covendis Technologies at a cost not to exceed $0.00 in State/Federal funds for IT Staff Augmentation.
Upcoming contract with BearingPoint, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $0.00 in State funds for the operations and maintenance of the Georgia Statewide Student Information System (GSSIS).
Upcoming contract with the University of Wisconsin at a cost not to exceed TBD in Federal funds for the completion of the contract terms for the printing, distribution, administration, scoring and reporting of the ACCESS for ELLs, the state-adopted English proficiency measure.
Upcoming contract with CTB McGraw Hill at a cost not to exceed $12,500,000.00 in State/Federal funds for the completion of the contract terms for the development, administration, printing and scoring/reporting services of the CRCT.
Upcoming contract with NCS Pearson at a cost not to exceed $5,840,193.00 in State/Federal funds for the completion of the contract terms for the development, administration, printing and scoring/reporting services of the EOCT.
Upcoming contract with Questar Assessment, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $1,243,980.00 in State/Federal funds for services for the development, printing, distribution, scoring, and reporting of the GAA for the 2008-2009 school year.
Upcoming contract with NCS Pearson at a cost not to exceed $3,383,157.00 in State/Federal funds for services for the development, administration, printing/distribution, and scoring/reporting services of the GHSGT and BST for the 2008-2009 school year.
Upcoming contract with Riverside Publishing Company at a cost not the exceed $1,308,881.00 in State funds for software, delivery, hosting, and support for Georgia's Online Assessment System.
Upcoming contract with The College Board at a cost not to exceed $1,100,000.00 in State funds for administration, scoring, and reporting services for the Preliminary/SAT (PSAT/NMSQT) for the 2008-2009 school year.
Upcoming contract with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, at a cost not the exceed $1,642,864.00 in State funds for services to support administration, printing, distribution, scoring, reporting and technical validation of the Georgia Writing Assessment Program and the Basic Skills Test-Writing (BST-W) for the 2008 - 2009 school year.
Upcoming contract with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia at a cost not to exceed $257,862.00 in State funds for services to support development, state-wide training, administration, printing, distribution, scoring, reporting, and technical validation of the Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS) for the 2008-2009 school year.
Upcoming contract with The College Board at a cost not to exceed $1,000,000.00 in State funds for fourth year renewal of the SAT Online Prep Course for all students in grades nine through twelve (9-12).
Upcoming contract with two part-time teachers to serve as teachers on special assignment at a cost not to exceed $90,000.00 in Federal funds for 2008-2009 school year.
A grant to the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) at a cost not to exceed $250,000.00 in State/Federal funds for due process hearings for special education.
Upcoming contract with The Construction Education Foundation of Georgia at a cost not to exceed $140,000.00 in State/Federal funds for services necessary for the recognition, support, and accreditation of secondary Architecture, Construction and related pathways.
Upcoming contract for the school year starting July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009 (SY 09) with U.S. Foodservice to receive, store, and deliver commodities valued at approximately $40,000,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to eligible Georgia recipient agencies located in Region 1 (see attached region map under Critical Terms) for use in their meals program. Since U. S. Foodservice already serves Region 2, they will extend the same SY 09 delivery prices to Region 1 that will be charged to Region 2.
Chapter petitions expected for action:
Riverwood International Charter School, a 9-12 conversion charter school to be located in the Fulton County school system, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
Morgan County Charter High School, a 9-12 conversion charter school to be located in the Morgan County school system, for a ten-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2018.
World Language Academy at Chestnut Mountain, a K-5 conversion charter school located in the Hall County school system, for a ten-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2018.
Charter system status for Warren County School System, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013; City Schools of Decatur, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
Charter system status for City Schools of Decatur, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
Charter system status for Gainesville City School System, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
Deny charter system status for the Chattahoochee County School System.
Charter system status Marietta City Schools, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
Renew charter status for DeKalb PATH Academy, a 5-8 start-up charter school located in DeKalb County, for a two-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010.
Renew charter status for George Walton Comprehensive High School, a 9-12 conversion charter school located in the Cobb County school system, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013;
Deny renewal of charter status for Talbot County Charter Alternative Academy.
Renew charter status for International Studies Elementary Charter School, a K-5 conversion charter school located in the Dougherty County school system, for a five-year term, from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2013.
Upcoming grant funds for Charter System Grants in an amount not to exceed $625,000 to selected schools subject to the availability of funds.
Class size Waiver Data
Membership on the State Advisory Panel for Special Education.
Contract renewal with AT&T for Statewide K12 Network.
This report is for information only and is not intended as an official record of actions of the State Board of Education. |