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MINUTES OF THE SHENANDOAH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
January 14, 2016
The Shenandoah County School Board met on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at
5:15 p.m. in the Board Room of the Shenandoah County Government Center. Karen
Whetzel called the meeting to order. Other board members present were, Katheryn
Freakley, Richard Koontz, Cynthia Walsh, Rev. Sonya Williams-Giersch and Irving
Getz. Also present were: Dr. Jeremy J. Raley, Superintendent; Evelyn D. K. Linaburg,
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Administration; Cynthia F.
Page, Director of Finance; Chadwick Hensley, Director of Elementary Education; Dr.
David Hinegardner, Director of Middle and Secondary Education; Gina M. Stetter,
Director of Special Education; Linda C. Hodges, Supervisor of Human Resources;
Robin B. Heishman, Clerk of the Board; Tracy L. Landes, Deputy Clerk of the Board:
news media and various guests.
Mrs. Whetzel asked that Dr. Raley provide information on the 2016 – 2017
budget development. Dr. Raley presented information to the school board members
for their thought, conversation and consideration. He noted that many months of
gathering data, conversations, learning about needs and priorities had already taken
place. Dr. Raley reviewed the division’s belief statements and the school division goals
for 2015 – 2016. He illustrated that we are in a continuous state of improvement and
have the opportunity to continue to improve with our budget process. Dr. Raley noted
that the goal continues to be to present a needs based budget that protects the best
interest of our students. Our students represent a varied and diverse group of
individuals. We must be able to provide the services and education that they require to
grow, learn and improve. Dr. Raley looked to the past showing a classroom of 1954
compared to a classroom today. It is evident that we need to move to the future, to
grow as a school division, and close gaps in learning. We will need sufficient finances
and resources to provide our budget based on needs. Dr. Raley provided slides of
information for instructional resources, instructional programming, instructional
technology, professional development, as well as system efficiencies that were not
adequately met in prior budget development. He listed the following items as additional
needs for the 2016-2017 budget: Competitive salary and benefits for staff; Year 2 costs
for the Biomedical program; CTE travel and operating funds; Athletic department travel
and operating funds; Increase the Guidance Counselor staff; Increase the number of
paraprofessionals for the Pre-School program; Funds for GATE testing; Purchase
science probe ware; Support Mentor Teachers; Custodial needs for the buildings: Time
and attendance solutions; Increase recruiting funding; Personnel needs related to
boundary adjustments; and other needs related to boundary adjustments. The school
board members discussed the information. Dr. Raley inquired whether the board
members needed more detail or wanted to ask any questions at this time. A work
session will be held on January 21st and the information will be presented in smaller
sections. A total of three work sessions, the budget presentation, and a public hearing
are planning before the school board members vote in March on the 2016 – 2017
budget. This portion of the meeting was completed at 5:50 p.m. and the school board
members took a short break.
Mrs. Whetzel led the school board members into a public comment section at
6:00 p.m. She asked that participants approach the podium, state their name and
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adhere to a three minute time limit for their comments. There was no one present who
wished to offer comments. Mrs. Whetzel closed the public comment section of the
meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Dr. Raley recommended that the Shenandoah County School Board convene a
closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act in order to discuss and
consider personnel matters involving the assignment, appointment, promotion,
performance, demotion, salary, disciplining or resignation of several employees of the
Shenandoah County Public Schools, under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 (A)(1).
Mrs. Freakley moved that the Shenandoah County School Board enter into a
closed session pursuant to the provisions of Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 (A)(1) for the
purposes of discussing and considering personnel matters involving the assignment,
appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salary, discipline or resignation of
employees of the Shenandoah County Public Schools. Mr. Koontz seconded the
motion. The viva voce vote was six ayes.
Dr. Raley recommended that the School Board of Shenandoah County convene
a closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act for the purposes of
discussing and considering several student matters involving the admission, discipline
or the disclosure of information contained in a scholastic record of students in the
Shenandoah County Public Schools, under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 (A)(2).
Mrs. Freakley moved that the Shenandoah County School Board enter into
closed session pursuant to the provisions of Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 (A)(2) for the
purposes of discussing and considering student matters involving the admission,
discipline or the disclosure of information contained in a scholastic record of students in
the Shenandoah County Public Schools. Mr. Koontz seconded the motion. The viva
voce vote was six ayes.
A motion was made by Mr. Koontz seconded by Rev. Williams-Giersch to
reconvene in open session. The viva voce vote was unanimous.
The chair read the following statement: The Shenandoah County School Board
hereby certifies, by roll call vote, that to the best of each member’s knowledge, (i) only
public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia
Law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies,
and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the
closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Shenandoah County
School Board. The chair called for a roll call vote. The roll call vote was six ayes.
Mrs. Whetzel welcomed everyone to the regular meeting. She gave the
invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The students from the Peter Muhlenberg Middle School Quartet, under the
direction of Jennifer Perry, performed three selections. Mrs. Whetzel thanked the group
for sharing their talents and the wonderful performance.
Mr. Koontz made a motion seconded by Mrs. Walsh to approve the agenda as
presented. The viva voce vote was unanimous.
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Mrs. Whetzel turned the meeting over to Dr. Raley for the recognition portion of
the meeting. Morgan Saeler, Principal of Strasburg High School, recognized students
from SHS for accomplishments in the FFA Program. He was accompanied by Abbi
Copp and Brian Fisher. The State Soils Team placed first in the state competition in
November. Tiffany Heishman received a Gold Star Rating and 7th place at the National
Convention in Agriscience Fair. Austin Weaver received a top 16th place in the
Extemporaneous Public Speaking at the National Convention.
Mrs. Whetzel opened the floor for public and staff comments on agenda items.
She asked that speakers provide their name, and adhere to a three minute time limit on
their topic. There were no speakers. Mrs. Whetzel moved into the next section of the
meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Koontz and seconded by Rev. Williams-Giersch to
approve the following consent agenda items. The roll call vote was six ayes.
1. The Superintendent recommended acceptance of the minutes from the
December 10, 2015, regular meeting and the December 22, 2015, closed
session meeting. The minutes were reviewed by the board members. The
approved minutes will be posted on the school division website.
2. Donations
ALES – donation of $1200.00 from Carol Stein. This donation is to purchase
new books for ALES library.
CHS – donation of $ 1,000.00 from Woodstock Presbyterian Church. This
donation is to purchase lunches for students in need.
CHS – donation value of $15,000.00 from an anonymous donor to purchase
Jostens ring with Blue Ribbon Logo for each member of the faculty
and staff at Central High School.
SHES – donation value of $381.74 from DonorsChoose.org. Amanda Ebenal
received classroom funding from DonorsChoose.org for a classroom
project called “Reading Improvement.” Ms. Ebenal requested two
11.6” Chrome books and two Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Wireless Mice.
SHES – donation value of $737.91 from DonorsChoose.org. Jordan Vachon
received classroom funding from DonorsChoose.org for a classroom
project called “Ready, Set, Read!” Ms. Vachon received six connect
and store book bins in various colors; one read along listening center;
Early Literacy Single Student Read-Along – Library 1; two little bean
bag seats; and one indoor-outdoor big pillow.
SHS – donation of $750.00 from SHS Decade Reunion. This donation was
for the orchestra yearly expenses.
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SKMS – donation of $180.00 from Anthony’s Pizza. This donation was given
from the amount brought in during the Anthony’s Pizza FFA Spirit
Night. Funds will be used toward FFA student, chapter, and
community development programs.
WWR – donation of $1,000.00 from the Woodstock Ministers Fellowship to be
used for the lunch program.
WWR – donation of $100.00 from Phyllis James to be used for the meals
account.
WWR – donation of $150.00 from Mary Sue Wenger for the library.
NFMS – donation of $481.00 from Valley Sports Connection to be used for
the PTO fund.
TT -
donation value of $350.00 from NECA/IBEW Local 26 JATC. This
donation of plywood, lumber and nails will be used for District X
SkillsUSA competitions held at TT in late January.
TT -
Donation value of $1,440.00 from the Front Royal Elks Lodge. This
was a purchase of safety glasses to be used during hands-on student
instruction and is required in most departments.
3. The Superintendent provided a list of bills processed for the period ending
December 31, 2015, approved by the appointed agents of the Shenandoah
County School Board.
4. In accordance with school board policy DN, the Superintendent
recommended that the school board declare an equipment list as surplus
property and authorize the school division to sell or dispose of these items.
The items have been identified as no longer useful and have no trade in
value. The school administration seeks school board approval to dispose of
the listed items in the most advantageous manner either by auction, private
sale, sale for scrap, or through advertised sale. The list is attached in the
official minutes.
5. The Superintendent recommended approval of the following overnight field
trip requests:
MRGS – 12th grade environmental science and ecology trip to Chesapeake
Bay, Wallops Island, April 6 – 9, 2016
Dr. Raley introduced the instructional agenda reports. Steve Povlish, Principal of
Ashby Lee Elementary School, provided information on STEM instruction at the school.
He was accompanied by, Robin Orndorff, ITRC/STEM Coordinator, and two students.
They provided an overview on how students are utilizing STEM. Mrs. Whetzel thanked
them for sharing the information.
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The final instructional agenda report was presented by Chad Hensley, Director of
Elementary Education. Mr. Hensley provided information regarding the Shenandoah
County Public Schools Fine Arts Programs. While art, drama and music are
considered the Fine Arts Programs, he concentrated the information on the music
programs. He relayed details on the music personnel’s minimum responsibility
requirements. He also noted that over the years the music offerings and number of
students participating has grown significantly. He outlined some of the many expenses
of the program and noted that the programs are currently underfunded. He noted that
the Summer Fine Arts Academy could not accept all of the students who were
interested because of a lack of funding. Mrs. Whetzel thanked Mr. Hensley for
providing the information. She noted the importance of continuing the summer program
and making sure all students and schools have the same opportunities.
The first item on the informational items agenda concerned the Virginia School
Board Association Code of Conduct. Each year the Shenandoah County School Board
reviews the VSBA Code of Conduct and chooses if they as individual School Board
members agree with and support the items listed on the Code of Conduct. This item
appeared for action later in the meeting.
Dr. Raley invited Linda Hodges, Supervisor of Human Resources to provide
information on a substitute custodian proposal. Ms. Hodges stated that she and Mr.
Eugene Dykes, Director of Maintenance, worked on the proposal. Due to the severe
shortage of substitute custodians they drafted a proposal to allow students age 16 and
older to work as substitute custodians after school hours up to 25 hours per week. She
reviewed the scope of the work and noted that the student substitute custodians would
not be allowed to mix chemicals, use power tools, or operate SCPS vehicles. They
would go through an application process, provide letters of consent from parents,
provide letters of recommendation from their principal and guidance counselor and
receive training and supervision.
Mrs. Whetzel provided information on a resolution concerning Charter Schools.
The resolution was sent to school divisions throughout the Commonwealth by the
Virginia School Boards Association pertaining to legislation on charter schools. The
school board members could consider signing the resolution which supported control of
charter schools staying with the locality. The resolution appeared for action later in the
meeting.
The final information agenda item concerned designee of Superintendent. Mrs.
Whetzel noted that at the organizational meeting held on January 7, 2016, a designee
was not appointed to serve in the Superintendent’s absence or inability to attend a
school board meeting. Dr. Raley recommended that Evelyn Linaburg serve as a
designee. This item appeared for action later in the meeting.
Action items followed. The Superintendent recommended that the personnel
actions outlined be approved. The Superintendent also submitted recommendations for
several personnel actions in accordance with Section G of the policy manual. Mrs.
Freakley made a motion, seconded by Rev. Williams-Giersch to accept the
recommendation. Roll call vote was six ayes.
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Appointments:
Collins, Wendy L.
Food Service Worker
(Floater)
Paraprofessional
(Pre-K)
SHS
01-04-16
ALES
12-21-15
Teacher at SJHS to
Teacher part time to
full time
NFMS
01-04-16
SJHS
01-04-16
Teacher at NFMS
To Paraprofessional
(1:1 aide) at
SJHS
01-04-16
Smedley, Charlene F.
Nurse Aide Instructor
TT
06-30-16
Supinger, Pamela P.
Food Service Worker
SHS
12-15-15
Wilkins, Roger L.
Teacher
TT
06-30-16
Wakeman, Wayne P.
Custodian
PMMS
04-01-16
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
CHS
SHES
SHES
ALES
01-04-16
01-04-16
02-06-16
02-01-16
Assistant Baseball
Coach
SJHS
02-01-16
Teacher
Teacher
CHS
PMMS
01-19-16
01-27-16
Fultz, Valerie K.
Transfers:
Horowitz, Jennifer M.
Olson, Marie
Caron, Verity K.
Resignations:
Retirements:
Long-Term Substitutes:
Cappello, Kevin W.
Hammond, Claire
Long, Shelley P.
Weaver, Jamie C.
Coaching Appointments:
Knight, Jeremy S.
Appointments:
Cappello, Kevin W.
Fairman, Daniel H.
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Resignations:
Lantz, Heather R.
Speech Pathologist
(part-time)
WWR
01-07-16
Squire, Carla M.
Food Service Worker
SHES
01-05-16
School Counselor
SJHS
06-30-16
Retirement:
Schuckman, Susan L.
The Course of Studies document for the 2016-17 school year was presented for
board review at a previous meeting. The document had been compiled and edits made
to reflect the desire of students and staff, and the Virginia Department of Education
(VOE) requirements in an effort to offer the most diverse and meaningful curriculum
possible for students. Mr. Koontz made a motion, seconded by Rev. Williams-Giersch
to accept the recommendation. Roll call vote was six ayes.
The Virginia School Board Association Code of Conduct appeared earlier in the
meeting as an information item. Mr. Koontz made a motion, seconded by Mrs.
Freakley to accept the Code of Conduct as recommended. Roll call vote was six ayes.
Mrs. Whetzel provided information on a resolution concerning Charter Schools
during the informational agenda. Mr. Koontz made a motion, seconded by Rev.
Williams-Giersch to accept the recommendation as presented. Roll call vote was six
ayes.
The last action item concerned the designee of Superintendent. Dr. Raley
recommended that Evelyn Linaburg serve as a designee. Rev. Williams-Giersch made
a motion, seconded by Mr. Koontz to accept the recommendation as presented. Roll
call vote was six ayes.
Dr. Raley summarized the monthly reports: Nutrition Report, Fundraising
Activities, Attendance Report, Budget Status Report, and Transportation Report
(November). In addition to the Nutrition Report, Ms. Beverly Polk, School Food Services
Supervisor, provided information on several new items in the school nutrition program.
These included a “grab and go” parfait breakfast of yogurt, fruit and granola; and kiosks
for the “grab and go” service obtained by a grant from the dairy counsel. She also
noted that an evening meal program for the southern campus had been approved and
the projected date to begin is April 4, 2016. This program would be offered for free
three days a week for students age five to eighteen. Parents would be able to eat the
evening meal at a minimal cost. Ms. Polk also explained that she is applying for funds
to expand the summer feeding program to the southern campus for the summer of
2016. Dr. Raley thanked Ms. Polk for the great work that she provides in the food
nutrition programs. Mr. Koontz noted that many fund raising activities were being held.
Gina Stetter, Director of Special Education, provided information concerning the
December 1 Special Education Child Count. On December 1st of each school year, a
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census is taken of all children eligible for and receiving special education services. This
count contributes to the funding formula used to determine State and Federal funds to
support our special education programs as well as information reported on the State
Performance Report. This census also provides the division with an opportunity to
review evolving demographics among the different disability categories. Ms. Stetter
noted that 733 students or 12% of the student body in Shenandoah County Public
Schools is receiving special education related services. She also said that 12% is close
to the state average. She revealed other details of the report. Mrs. Whetzel thanked
her for providing the information and Dr. Raley reiterated that resources are needed to
continue to serve our students.
Katie Rice, Supervisor of CTE/STEM, provided information on the guidance
program needs within the school division. School counselors have a wide gamut of
responsibility to students in a school division. According to the state school counseling
standards, counselors are responsible for the academic, personal/social, and career
counseling of every student in the school division. Shenandoah County Public Schools
has 15.5 school counselors to serve the 5947 students enrolled. A school counselor is
required to have a Master’s degree in School Counseling. The American School
Counseling Association recommends a 250:1 student to counselor ratio as the best
practice to enable counselors to best serve the needs of students in the buildings. The
focus of the school counselor is the well-being of the whole child to best ensure that
their ability to focus and learn to the maximum potential is reached. Five of our 15.5
school counselors also serve as School Testing Coordinators. This responsibility
requires a significant focus and attention to detail which detracts from their direct
service to students. A significant support for our high school counselors are Career
Coaches. Shenandoah County Public Schools currently has two career coaches who
are part-time employees of LFCC that provide support to our counselors and students.
There is one career coach at Strasburg and one career coach is split between
Strasburg and Central. With increased requirements on all of our school counselors
and especially the middle school counselors with the state-mandated Academic and
Career Plans for every student and the weight of being the testing coordinator, our
school counselors need all the supports possible to maximize their ability to effectively
work with our students. The need for students and parents to easily access their
Academic and Career Plans throughout their education and have access to important
career development experiences is a necessary for all of our students to teach the
important skills of goal setting and problem solving. Additionally, career coaches help to
support the career development and ability of our students to earn important credentials
like the Governor’s Scholars certificates and Associates degrees. They also provide
important career exploration opportunities and experiences for our students. Career
coaches are not trained school counselors and serve a very specific role. The
collaboration and cost-sharing with LFCC has enabled us to provide greater service to
our students through the career coaches. Following the presentation and power point,
Ms. Rice stated that National School Counselors Week will be observed February 1 – 5,
2016. Mrs. Whetzel thanked her for providing the information and noted that this topic
will be discussed further during the budget development.
Linda Hodges, Supervisor of Human Resources, provided information on the
Pulse Survey Data. She provided results to the school board members regarding the
Shenandoah County Public Schools Pulse Survey conducted by James Madison
University College of Business in January and February 2015. She noted that overall it
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was a good report and while the school division celebrates, continued support to our
employees is very important.
Gina Stetter, Director of Special Education, provided information on the SHAPES
Program and Therapeutic Day Treatment Programs. Shenandoah County Public
Schools has a partnership with National Counseling Group to provide behavioral and
therapeutic support services to students in our buildings. Therapeutic Day Treatment
(TDT) programs are in all nine of our schools. SHAPES (Supporting Healthy Attitudes
by Providing Emotional Supports) is a pilot program in two of our buildings. These are
two programs which our families, students, and staff have found essential to helping our
students be emotionally ready to learn. They are provided at no costs to our families or
schools. Dr. Raley noted that work by representatives from the court system,
Northwestern Community Service, law enforcement, and Deb Litten, has made these
programs successful in our schools and provided a good community partnership. The
lack of space in our buildings is making expansion of the programs prohibitive.
Cynthia Page, Director of Finance, and Linda Hodges, Supervisor of Human
Resources, developed information about staffing ratios. Ms. Page provided information
by power point about the ratios. With the division wide redistricting planned for next fall
it is critical that staffing be allocated to provide equity across the school division and
best meet student needs.
The last Superintendent report concerned an update on action plans. Dr. Raley
stated that the division provides the school board with regular updates on the work of
the Action Planning Teams. The action plans are categorized into four different areas
based on the Comprehensive Plan: Teaching and Learning, System Efficiencies, Staff
Excellence, and Leadership. A summary of the work that has taken place within these
four areas to support the actions plans since the board’s last update in July 2015 was
provided. The information is attached to the official minute book.
Mrs. Whetzel invited board members to share other business or reports. Mr.
Koontz stated that he, Dr. Raley, representatives from the Strasburg Express and
Strasburg High School had met to review the MOU. He stated that the item would be
presented on the upcoming agenda for consideration. Dr. Raley noted that the board
would review the topic, have discussion and then the opportunity to vote.
Mrs. Whetzel opened the floor for public and staff comments on non-agenda
items. There were no speakers.
Hearing no additional business, Mrs. Whetzel adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
________________________________
Chairman
___________________
________________________________
Date
Clerk