SCHOOL BOARD

Members of the school board present were: Dr. Kirk T. Houston, Sr., Chair, Dr. Stephen Tonelson, Suzan M. Kaufman, Dr. Brad Robinson and Dr. Warren Stewart. Dr. Linda Horsey and Dr. Linda B. McCluney were absent. Mayor Fraim welcomed the School Board members and called upon Dr. Houston,School Board Chair, to begin the joint meeting.

Dr. Houston briefly outlined the four topics that will be covered during today's meeting:

Academic update, Construction update, Budget update and Superintendent search update.

He then turned the meeting over to Acting Superintendent Mike Spencer. Mr. Spencer stressed that they had not lost focus during the leadership transition and that staff, teachers and principals have not relaxed their efforts and remain focused on teaching and learning. Mr. Spencer outlined the three achievable results:

(1) Norfolk Public Schools will implement, annually monitor, and refine the comprehensive plan for improving on‐time graduation for all students;

(2) Norfolk Public Schools will implement, annually monitor, and refine a system of support so that all schools are fully accredited as defined by the Virginia Department of Education;

(3) Norfolk Public Schools will improve the climate of support for the achievement of all students through staff, family and community engagement. In addition, in the last two months they have focused on the following thoughtful actions:

(1) Review of all programs focusing on Prevention‐Intervention‐Recovery.

(2) Retrained district administrators and teachers on best practices for data teams, math and reading instruction.

(3) Hired and trained additional staff to support on‐time graduation such as Graduation Coaches and GED teachers at every high school.

(4) Increased communication about education to parents and the community, i.e., drop‐out prevention letters and web‐based attendance meter.

(5) Conducted instructional audit in all K‐3 classes and used the data to improve reading instruction.

(6) Expansion of data system to locate drop‐out students.

(7) Piloted positive behavior program and to improve school climate.

(8) Additional support for leaders at schools not making accreditation from the district and state.

(9) Created CTE and governor's STEM High School Task Force for options and opportunities.

Mr. Spencer stated that they are continuing their review of programs, but in light of the budget some programs will have to be removed. However, they want to ensure that they remove the right ones so that the remaining programs will allow the students to still be successful. They will review offerings that increase academic rigor such as training with college boards for some AP teachers, to ensure the rigors in the classroom. They are also exploring free and reduced costs of dual enrollment opportunities, where students in a high‐school setting are earning college credit. They are increasing their community engagement and have an event scheduled on February 7 with the Panasonic Foundation.

Dr. Houston reported on the Campostella and Richard Bowling construction projects. Campostella will move forward as a K‐8 Model. While the new building is being built, K‐1 students will attend Berkley Elementary School and K‐2 through K‐5 will attend Dreamkeepers Academy. Dreamkeepers will be utilized only during the school construction period.

Currently they are in discussions with the NRHA about a property partnership. They are ready to take the next steps for simultaneous or consecutive projects as the budget will allow. A new or renovated school is being considered for Ocean View and Larchmont Elementary Schools. Dr. Tonelson stated that to move forward with all projects will cost an estimated $28 million. Mr. Spencer also noted that Crossroads should be open in the fall of 2012.

Dr. Houston reported on the schools budget for the upcoming year. They have agreed upon four goals that would drive budget planning for the next year. They are as follows:

(1) Protect core instruction, which is the primary mission.

(2) Attract and retain highly qualified staff to promote the best and the brightest.

(3) Look for efficiencies to create capacity.

(4) Improve the quality of education in an equitable manner.

Dr. Houston stated that currently they are looking at a $20 million deficit in funding. Mr. Spencer added that over the last few years the operating budget really has been reduced by almost $50 million. They have tried very hard to preserve the core instructional programs and particularly specialty programs, cultural programs and athletic activities. Over the last two years they have eliminated 548 positions, most of which they've tried to do through attrition.

Ms. Kaufman reported that the School Board continues to work with Ray & Associates in their superintendent search. Ray & Associates provided the School Board with a survey to distribute to staff and the public about qualities desired in a new superintendent. The deadline to complete the survey is February 8. Public hearings will also be held about the superintendent search at Booker T. Washington and Granby High Schools on February 7th at 7 p.m.

City Council commented as follows:

Councilman Smigiel suggested monitoring tax credit legislation proposed by Senators Webb and Warner with regard to renovating historical schools.

Vice Mayor Burfoot suggested that any new school should accommodate the community as a whole and should be set up for the community to be able to use the facilities and especially when schools are not in session in the summer.

Councilman Protogyrou added that consolidating services such as those of recreation centers and senior centers should be a consideration.

Mayor Fraim relayed that community input is very important regarding Ocean View Elementary and Larchmont, and it could take a great deal of time. He referenced Taylor Elementary School and he noted that discussions literally could take months and that the process should begin early.

Councilman Smigiel stressed the importance of not deviating from the data of the study when considering which schools to renovate or rebuild. He added that when school properties are sold that the monies from the sales should be rededicated to funding for schools.

Councilwoman Williams asked what we can do marketing‐wise to ensure that our citizens know about all the positive things happening in our schools. Council asked the School Board to provide additional information about construction costs and timelines for all facilities.

General Registrar Elisa Long reported that consolidation and polling place relocation recommendations were originally presented to Council on December 13. The supplemental information provided today is in response to questions that came up during that December 13th session. Since they are banned by Virginia law from purchasing additional voting equipment, their main incentive for consolidation is to reallocate their current inventory of voting equipment in advance of the 2012 presidential election. This is in order to improve the ratio of voting equipment to registered voters and to provide electronic voting equipment for the in person absentee voting for the presidential election. They also feel that they have a responsibility to move from private to public facilities whenever it is possible to do so.

ADA compliance standards for facilities that serve as polling places are extremely stringent. Since churches and other privately‐owned buildings are not required to meet these rigid standards unless they serve as polling places, the city has traditionally incurred the costs to meet and maintain ADA compliance.

They are looking at a timeline for the consolidation plan which is needed for the 2012 presidential election. If passed by the end of February, this could receive DOJ approval and the implementation could be in time for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives primary election which right now is scheduled for June 12th. Virginia law requires that each voter whose precinct, polling place or district have changed, is to be officially notified by mail of those changes. A map is included with the new voter card for changes to precincts and polling places. Additionally, the Office of Elections uses the media to increase voter awareness of these changes. They are currently in the notification process for voters in the new Pretlow precinct as well as voters who are affected by changes in the Ocean View Center and Barron Black precincts.

In making their recommendations they considered the following criteria: Number of registered voters; matching districts in wards and super wards; travel distance; private to public facilities, and reallocation of voting equipment. The eight precincts submitted for Council's consideration are all compatible matches that would help them meet the incentives for consolidation. Council approved six of the consolidations.

Two proposed consolidations not approved:

• Huntington YMCA with Young Park

Essay contest entrants will write a 1,000‐word essay on one of three topics:

• THE ROLE OF USS CONSTITUTION AND THE U.S. NAVY IN THE WAR OF 1812

• WHAT THE STAR‐SPANGLED BANNER MEANS TO ME

• WHAT THE STAR‐SPANGLED BANNER MEANS TO ME

• A MARITIME SCENE FROM THE WAR OF 1812

The goals of OpSail and the 1812 commemoration events are planned to promote goodwill among nations, inspire patriotism  and foster interest in American maritime history and heritage, while creating unique educational opportunities for young and old alike and bringing economic and social benefit to our communities. Through this commemoration of the War of 1812, the important mission of the US Navy will be advanced as we celebrate and honor the contributions the Navy has made in the building of our country while educating our communities on the important battles and historic events that took place on our very waterfronts to defend our nation.

For Americans, the War of 1812 played an important part in our nation's development. Often referred to as a second war for independence, the conflict began over maritime disputes between the United States and Great Britain. Emerging from the war, Americans had a new sense of national pride. Naval heroes like Stephen Decatur, Isaac Hull, James Lawrence, William Bainbridge and Oliver Hazard Perry were national icons on par with today's biggest movie stars. The US Navy emerged from the war with a clear mission ‐ to deter aggression and maintain freedom of the seas for America's growing merchant marine.  In 2012, America will commemorate our Navy's history, honor the men and women serving us today, and celebrate with the world our maritime heritage.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Winter Outreach Survival Kits Winter Weather is here. The Office to End Homelessness coordinates outreach activities to encourage persons who are stll homeless to seek shelter on cold or wet nights. In this outreach we also provide outreach kits. These kits are put together through DONATIONS from the community! Please help us provide outreach kits by collecting and donating and items in the below chart (ONLY NEW ITEMS):

Warmth:

• Gloves

• Hats

• Scarves

Staying Dry:

• White Cotton Socks

• Rain covers (disposable)

Hygiene (travel size)

• Soap / Tooth Paste

• Shampoo

• Tooth Brush

• Deodorant Cloth Balm

• Wash cloth

• Lotion & Lip balm

Bags:

• Back Packs

• Messenger Bag

• Totes

Transportation:

• Bus Passes (one‐day pass)

If you would like to support this worthy mission with a donation of any of the items listed please call the Office to End Homelessness 664‐4488 OR Items can be dropped off:

City of Norfolk Office to End Homelessness

City Hall Building, Suite 401

810 Union Street

http://www.norfolk.gov/Planning/Documents_Library.asp

The H.O.P.E.S. Clinic is staffed by EVMS students, residents and physicians. It is located in the first‐floor of the Norfolk Public Health Building at 830 Southampton Avenue and held on Thursday evening from 6 ‐ 9 p.m. HOPES Clinic offers physical exams and follow‐up care for chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and heart disease at NO COST. At this time, we do not offer: stitches, gynecological/obstetric services, urine drug screens, pediatric services, mental health services, dental services, or prescriptions for narcotic medications. Medical visits are by appointment ONLY. For an appointment, call 757.446.0333.

The Commonwealth’s Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), CSX, Norfolk Southern and the City of Norfolk have been working speedily to make the necessary upgrades for the service. The round‐trip train will bring intercity passenger rail service to Norfolk for the first time since 1977, and will link Norfolk with a single‐seat ride to Richmond, Washington, D.C. and cities as far north as Boston.

The updated timeline comes from today’s Commonwealth Transportation Board meeting where they passed a resolution outlining the new goals and start date. “There is high demand for passenger rail service in Virginia as demonstrated by considerable ridership growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Amtrak Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications Joe McHugh. “We have a strong partnership with the Commonwealth and look forward to operating this expanded service to Norfolk in 2012, providing passengers the option of convenient one‐seat service to Washington and Northeast Corridor destinations.”

“This service is a win‐win for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. The economies of these two regions are intertwined and getting this service operating will strengthen them both,” said Thelma Drake, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.