Minutes - Nash-Rocky Mount Schools

MINUTES
OF
NASH-ROCKY MOUNT BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2004
The Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education met in regular session, Monday, November 1, 2004 at 7:00 p.m., at the
School Administrative Center, Nashville, North Carolina. Board Chair Ernie Murray called the meeting to order
with the following present:
BOARD MEMBERS
Ernie Murray, Board Chair
Evelyn Bulluck, Board Vice Chair
Warren Boone
Rev. Robert Bynum
Doneva Chavis
Joe Edge
Mary Kay Heling
Rick Horner
Bob Jenkins
Jim Lilley
McLain Wallace
OTHERS
Dr. George Norris, Superintendent
Leorita Hankerson, Assistant Superintendent
Tommy Finch, Assistant Superintendent
Susan Little, Finance Officer
Susan Blackwell, Deputy Finance Officer
Mark Strickland, Special Assistant for Auxiliary Services
Sandy Drum, Executive Director
Sylvia Matthews, Executive Director
Beezie Whitaker, Executive Director
Dr. Michael Perry, Executive Director
Wardlaw Lamar, Board Attorney
Melba Lamm, Administrative Assistant
1.0 Chairman Murray called the meeting to order. Chairman Murray introduced Pamela Bodiford, National Board
Certified Teacher from Nashville Elementary School. Ms. Bodiford began her inspirational reflection by
sharing that she had been a teacher for 25 years. She has set up the 10 most valuable points to invest in the
future of our children and they are as follows:
(10) Be visible—be informed.
(9) Support small class size.
(8) Continue to make the necessary improvements in technology.
(7) Continue to make the necessary improvements in our facilities.
(6) Give teachers a voice.
(5) Support the mentor-training program.
(4) Find ways to honor and praise your teachers and your administrators.
(3) Continue Quality Staff Development.
(2) Continue to support continuing education (advanced degree) efforts.
(1) Continue to support National Board certification.
Ms. Bodiford concluded her inspiration with a poem entitled “I’m A Teacher”. A very fitting closing.
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 1

1.1 The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was led by Megan Bailey, 7 th grader from Southern
Nash Middle School. She participates in the Accelerated Math Program and an active Girl Scout.
Chairman Murray presented her a flag pin on behalf of the board as she shook each board member’s
hand.
1.2 Adoption of Agenda. Chairman Murray asked for a motion to approve the board agenda as presented.
Dr. Norris shared that Mr. Lamar had asked for a closed session to discuss Awalt et al vs. Nash-
Rocky Mount Board of Education and this session will be inserted before 3.0 Business Items on the
proposed agenda and item No. 7.0 should be added to approve prior closed session minutes. Motion
was made by Bob Jenkins, seconded by Evelyn Bulluck to approve the agenda with the
amendment to have the two closed sessions. Motion carried.
1.3 Chairman Murray asked Sandy Drum to come forward and present the recognitions. Chairman Murray
and Superintendent George Norris presented the certificates to the honorees.
1.3.1 NC Migrant Education Conference Awards
1.3.1.1 NC Outstanding Student Award—Guadalupe Beccera, Southern Nash High School
student was recognized as North Carolina’s outstanding migrant student. She is a
junior and on the ‘A’ Honor Roll, AIM Club president, Family and Consumer
Science Club member and a member of the BETA Club.
1.3.1.2 Outstanding Agribusiness Partner—Dale Bone, Nash Produce—Mr. Bone’s vision
is to see his workers perform successfully, understand cultural differences and
meet the challenges of the language barrier. He established a partnership with our
system and the Nash Community College to offer ‘ESL in the Workplace’ for
Nash Produce employees. He provides a stipend, transportation, instructional
materials and childcare.
1.3.2 Eagle Scout Project Presentation—Read to Succeed Donation—William Coleman, a junior
at Rocky Mount High School and member of Boy Scout Troop 40, elected to partner with
“Read to Succeed” program to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He raised $4,215 to
purchase 4,215 books helping over 400 pre-K students. William had book companies to
join his cause and donate additional books. William thanks Barbara Batts, former preschool
teacher, for her help in making this a success.
1.3.3 Outstanding Corporate Partner—Russ Gall, Plant Manager, Hospira Corporation—Hospira
(formerly Abbott Laboratories) has been a model corporate partner with our system.
Contributions include over 300 computers, monitors, printers, office supplies and
equipment as well as hundreds of the 3-ring binders. Hospira has been an active partner in
our Youth Apprenticeship program, Summer Institute for educators linking the world of
education to the world of work, mentors for Junior Achievement, guest speakers and
chairmen of education partnerships such as Youth Leadership Rocky Mount and The
Children’s Education Foundation through the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce.
Employees served on the –N-RMS Long-Range Planning Task Force and as mentors to
high school students through Futures for Kids.
1.3.4 Achiever Awards
1.3.4.1 Becky Crusenberry, Hubbard Elementary School – Becky has worked for 29 years
and is a loyal and dedicated employee. Becky was nominated by her principal and
staff.
1.3.4.2 Christine Hendricks, Central Office Secretary in the Workforce Development
Program has high moral principle and character, intelligent and talented, a great
sense of humor and undoubtedly the “best dressed”. She was nominated by her
boss, Jane Brooks, Director of the program.
1.4 Approval of October 4, 2004 Board Minutes – The minutes were distributed with the work session
agenda for prior reading. Motion was made by Evelyn Bulluck, seconded by Warren Boone to
approve as presented. Motion carried.
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 2

1.5 Approval of October 25, 2004 Work Session Minutes – The minutes were distributed with the board
agenda for prior reading. Motion was made by Bob Jenkins, seconded by Warren Boone to
approve as presented. Motion carried.
1.6 Public Input – Chairman Murray read the policy guidelines on public input. He announced that 8
individuals had signed up to speak. They were as follows:
1.6.1 Howard Conover, P. O. Box 2195, Sharpsburg, NC, 27878 – “Good evening. A problem
has arisen again amongst the bus drivers especially at Nash Central High School. I don’t
know about the other schools but what is going on is that us drivers are driving additional
routes and covering for other drivers when they are not at school. It was brought to our
attention that we are not getting paid for it as yet. I know personally for the past several
months I have been driving extra routes and some of the other drivers here have been
driving extra routes and shuttle runs but we are not getting paid for it. What was told to us,
was that you have one or two that they might shouldn’t suppose to do, but my question and
on behalf of the other drivers, why are we as a whole being penalized for it when there
might be only one or two that is doing something they are not supposed to do. We find
this, of course not fair, because we are working and we are providing a service and doing
what we are supposed to do, but we are not getting paid for and we are not being
compensated for it in any way shape or form. We wanted to bring this to the board’s
attention so you can give us exactly some type of feedback and let us know exactly what is
going on cause no one in here wants to work and not be paid. No one wants to be here and
not be compensated for it. We are all here to do a job, support the school system and make
sure the children are taken care of but at the same time we are here to do a job. That is
what I have to say tonight.”
1.6.2 Katrina Pringle, 1637 Deerwalk Drive, Rocky Mount, NC – Ms. Pringle spoke on parent
accountability and responsibility. She referenced a case and quoted Justice O’Conner in
the June 2000 case. Ms. Pringle further quoted several verses of scripture to support the
parental responsibility. She again repeated that she was not supportive of middle school
uniforms. Further stating that she wanted to be allowed to take care of her children by
being a parent using accountability and responsibility.
1.6.3 Lewis Turner, 158 South Washington Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27801 – Mr. Turner
began by stating: “It pains me to have to complain all the time. I would like to come just
one time and commend you. I am complaining tonight yet again. I can recall the Open
Door Policy—I was excited about the Open Door Policy that was announced—I found that
it was a joke. No retaliation—I know personally students that were retaliated against
because their parents were outspoken. I find that inexcusable for an adult. If the parent did
something, deal with that parent; don’t take it out on that child. A few months ago, I came
to the Central Office and make a request for the School Improvement Plan—it wasn’t
available, so I left my name and address and two months later, I haven’t heard anything
from any body. I thought out of courtesy, I should come and ask again before I asked DPI
to provide me a copy of the School Improvement Plan. The accountability of elected
officials—those people you supposedly represent, our constituents, have a right to have
you to respect them and respond to them about questions. You don’t have to do what they
say do. At least, you owe them the courtesy of listening and try to explain why it can’t be
done that way. To say that many of the constituents in the community are displeased with
this board is an understatement…I would hope that this board would be more sensitive and
responsive to the people they represent.”
1.6.4 Shamon Daughtry, 3225 Ridgecrest Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 – Ms. Daughtry
asked the board to support the new dress code policy that had been furnished by the
October 28 Awalt letter to the board members. Ms. Daughtry has spoken several times
about the middle school dress code and expressed her dissatisfaction on the currently
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 3

proposed policy. She shared that she was looking over her daughter’s agenda and saw the
mission statement. She quoted as follows: “The mission of Nash-Rocky Mount Schools,
united with families and communities, is to: Nurture and educate every child, respect and
value diversity, and maximize learning potential in a safe and orderly environment.” Ms.
Daughtry continued with the following comments: “At this point and time, I am not
feeling the cohesion. I am not feeling the family and community effort that is being
expected in this measure to make sure these things take place. It seems to be solely the
mission of N-RM without the inclusion of families and the communities.” She read the
following petition: “We, the undersigned, do respectfully petition the N-RMS Board to
respect our parental right and ability to rear our children according to our religious belief.
We, the undersigned, have set standards for solid academic achievement, appropriate dress
and reasonable and respectable behavior for our children. Further, we have taught our
children to respect themselves, thereby instilling in them a respect for others. We do not
sanction, condone or permit participation in gangs, disrespect for teachers, administrators,
destruction of the educational environment, poor academic performance or violence. With
that said, we believe that appropriate dress should reflect a basic standard of decency while
still affording parents the rights to choose either to purchase new items or to use prior used
clothing still in good repair. We request to be allowed to wear denim and other such
fabrics due to their durability and the ease with which they can be acquired, either new or
used from thrift stores and from older friends and siblings. While we realize that tucked in
shirts are desired by many, we request to make that choice on a day-to-day basis. Certain
shirts and sweaters are not designed to be worn in such a manner.”
1.6.5 Sonne’ Barnes, 3501 Greystone Road, Rocky Mount, NC – Ms. Barnes spoke harshly to
the board. She began by stating: “There is no greater threat to democracy than the abuse
of power and if anyone needs an example of that you need not look any further than the
Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education. Some of you are the epitome of all that is wrong
in our society. Over the past few months and probably even years you have waged your
campaign, derived and driven by your own self-serving interest. You have skillfully
created and fostered an atmosphere whereby you have deceived your public and scare
tactics have dictated policy, while cloaking all under the umbrella of school safety.
Intimidation seems to be commonplace here and to that I say, no thank you, to your
mentality. I find it even difficult that I have to stand here and make these statements
tonight but I shouldn’t expect more from those of you who expect so little of us but more
importantly, our children. To those of you who sit on this board, who are supposed to be a
voice of those in your community who for so long did not have one, your participation in
this forest has made your role in this even more despicable. One needs to only look at the
board’s latest policy, a testimony of bruised egos and a wear at-all-cost state of mind. As
parents we are charged with the moral, ethical and religious training of our children. The
only good thing that has come out of this is that you have shown us who you are and what
you are. If I can quote from one of your board’s most seasoned members, Mr. Richard
Horner, as you said to us on June 28, we have a bunch of board members who don’t know
how to admit or cannot admit when they are wrong. The policy that you derived this
uniform policy from 115C-16 wasn’t best...had you allowed him to adopt the language on
the June 28 meeting, we wouldn’t have been having that conversation that night because
the policy would have been adopted that night. When I asked him why we were not given
the same 30 days to appeal the board’s decision on June 7, he said ‘because we don’t have
too’ and that is the sentiment of most of you on this board. To those of you that are
running unopposed, you don’t have a reason to answer to your constituents, and to those of
you who are incumbents you have become complacent and feel that your will here is all
that matters. You remind me of the current regimen, just because you say it doesn’t make
it so. Our resolve here is we are determined to see this to the bitter end and don’t mistake
those that are not here tonight. We are dealing with almost 500 parents. Many of them
look like you, doctors, lawyers and teachers, and we are not going to go away. When this
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 4

issue is resolved, we are going to be here at every board meeting so that you are not in the
position that you can dictate policy like this and run them out to the people of the
community…”
1.6.6 Dawn Pittman, 720 Briarwood Court, Nashville, NC – Ms. Pittman stated that she had two
children that attend Nash Central Middle School. She shared she believed this would be a
waste of her time and the board’s. She would have to rehash everything the board has
heard in the past. She further stated: “You, the board, was incorrect in the way you
handled putting forth the uniform policy. In that, once you implemented policy, it is being
interpreted by the principals, assistant principals, assistant superintendents and the
superintendent to mean anything they wish. We as parents have to argue what is right and
wrong with each of these staff members and remind them what policy you have put in
place. My children and others were harassed by their teachers and principals for not being
in uniforms for the first six weeks. Now after being in uniforms for the nine or ten weeks
they are being told weekly what they are wearing or can wear is incorrect and it’s changing
constantly. Children were rewarded for wearing uniforms with parties and those who
didn’t were punished by not being able to attend. Those children didn’t do anything
wrong. Their parents, including me, did not buy them their uniforms they should wear. I
was told that it was the same as being rewarded for good grades. You are wrong. My
children all get their good grades on their own and so does all other children too, but their
clothes I supply and so does all other parents unless you wish to buy them for them and I
don’t think you do. We all believe you as board members were misled as to why the
uniforms should have been implemented in our schools. We, as parents, wanted you to
give to us the reason and the backup for this information so we too could see why you
chose to be an elected official and when you were asked to make your decisions we asked
that nothing was ever presented which lead us all to believe you had another agenda…you
were too secretive…If you were told tomorrow that you had to wear black pants and a
white button downed shirt because your elected officials had dictated it and I mean dictated
it—not mandated it—and they tell you it will unite us all, it will erase every racism out
there, any ..ism you want to add out there, poverty, hatred, etc…would you without
question or would you fight???? Thank you.”
1.6.7 Troy Jenkins, P. O. Box 1813, Sharpsburg, NC 27878 – Mr. Jenkins shared that he was
“sorely disappointed with the way this board has handled itself with regard to the school
dress code and uniform policy. Anytime that elected officials are going to implement any
policy that is going to affect so many people, they should get the support of the majority of
the people it will affect. From the people I have spoken to the majority is not there.
Elected officials are to represent the ideas and opinions of people who have put them in
office and make decisions based on the majority of their constituents of what their
constituents want. To this extent, unless you are going to provide uniforms or dress so
clothes, I do not see how you have the authority to dictate to private citizens how they
spend their money on any purchase. As long as my children are dressed in appropriate
decent clothes, I do not understand how their appearance is going to have any bearing on
their performance or behavior in their school. Furthermore, if I am spending my money to
buy clothes or anything else the board will not dictate to me what I have to buy when you
are not contributing to my finances. In closing, I hope this board will consider this address
when voting on the school board dress policy and I do not stand alone on this issue.”
1.6.8 Joy Awalt, 639 Long Branch Drive, Nashville, NC 27856 – Ms. Awalt has been
addressing the board for several months about her disagreement with the middle school
dress uniform. She shared that the board had been presented a study from the University of
Notre Dame, which had negative results on the use of middle school uniforms. She further
commented that she was advocating the policy that she had presented to the board prior to
the meeting. She commented that she was still waiting for Dr. Perry to furnish his proof.
She again stated, “I understand that there are those who think it takes a village to raise a
child, but I am here to say, that it takes only a parental figure, armed with love without fear
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 5

or discipline to be successful. I’ve said before, my child is an awesome child, worthy of
being praised not sanctioned because of her desire to be a free thinking unique individual.
My God values liberty, diversity, and the role of the parent in rearing the child and I am
doing right by my God in the way that I parent and I refuse to change for anyone, most
especially a board which contains a member that is such a colossal failure as a parent--that
I have received numerous complaints from a variety of sources stating that she consistently
fails to properly dress her daughter for school. I sympathize with the struggle that parents
face but do you really expect me to take the advice from one such as her. This policy
tonight is a joke. Of course, you must approve it, because you have already implemented
and enforced it without board approval at each and every middle school. Parents have
already jumped through hoops and been denied religious exemptions only to have them
given to them later by Dr. Perry. Some parents had conditions on their exemptions—the
ones in the lawsuit, of course. Others not known to be affiliated with the lawsuit had no
such conditions. Yet, you are not about prejudice or retaliation, of course. Then after the
ACLU begins to inquire the conditions were removed. But now we face the latest
retaliatory move on the part of this board, a new dress code geared specifically to exempted
students which is only a uniform of many colors and is still in violation of my religion as I
believe and practice it. I assure you, I will not comply. We face new litigation if you
proceed with this measure or at the very least you will incur the cost of providing my
daughter and others like her an alternative education. We have privileged you tonight with
an acceptable dress code. One that we will comply with and one that you should be able to
live with. The words of Moses, I beg you to let my people go. Let us get about the
business of educating the children. Would you not let my people go and step down off
your high horse of superiority, discrimination, and retaliation? I promise you that we will
visit upon you a plague of lawsuits until there is not a court…” Ms. Awalt’s supporters
became disruptive.
Chairman Murray called for a 5-minute recess at 7:50 p.m.
Chairman Murray called the board back into session at 8:00 p.m.
2.0 Consent Agenda – Chairman Murray went over the consent agenda items as follows:
2.1 Update on Schools Hosting Both Year-Round and Traditional Calendars
2.2 Academy of Reading Update
2.3 Futures for Kids Update
2.4 Novel STARS Credit Recovery Update
2.5 TASC (Teachers and Scientist Collaborating) Update
2.6 Quarterly Financial Update
2.7 Budget Amendment for Current Expense
2.8 Lease Purchase with Buses
2.9 Edgecombe County Bond Referendum-Facility Plans
2.10 Sale of Surplus Property
2.11 Field Trips
2.11.1 Nash Central High School – Athletics – Cross-Country State Championship – Winston-Salem,
NC – November 4-5, 2004, 10 students and one teacher
2.11.2 Southern Nash High School – Vocational – Nashville, TN – November 11-13, 2004, 4 students,
one teacher and one additional adult
2.11.3 Northern Nash High School – Vocational – FACS – Washington, DC – November 11-14, 2004,
15 students and 6 teachers
2.11.4 Rocky Mount High School – SCA-Student Council – China Grove, NC – November 13-15,
2004, 6 students and 1 teacher
2.11.5 Nash Central High School – Vocational – FACS – Nashville, TN – November 18-21, 2004, 3
students and one teacher
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 6

2.11.6 Southern Nash High School – Vocational – FACS – Nashville, TN – November 18-21, 2004, 2
students, one teacher and one additional adult
2.11.7 Northern Nash High School – ARJROTC – Biloxi, MS – November 20-23, 2004, 45-50 students,
2 teachers and 2-4 additional adults
2.11.8 Rocky Mount High School – Athletics-wrestling – Cary, NC – December 22-23, 2004, 40
students, 2 adults and one additional adult
2.11.9 Nash Central High School – State Leadership FCCLA Meeting – Greensboro, NC – April 25-27,
2004, 30 students and 6 teachers
2.12 Accept Donations
2.12.1 Southern Nash High School – Athletics – 78 pairs of football cleats donated by Julius Peppers,
valued at $6,090.00
2.12.2 Southern Nash High School – Athletics – Southern Nash Athletic Booster Club donated $14,600
for the athletic program
2.12.3 GlaxoSmithKline – 32 PCs, 30 monitors, and 10 laptops to Middlesex Elementary. The PCs are
valued at $6,400 and the laptops at $4,750 for a total donation of $11,150
2.12.4 Rocky Mount High School – Athletics – N.C. Wesleyan Department of Athletics donated goal
posts for the football stadium valued at $2,100
2.12.5 Rocky Mount High School – Athletics – $500.00 donated to the athletic program from the Short
Stop Football Jamboree
Chairman Murray read the consent agenda and requested a motion. Motion was made by
Evelyn Bulluck, seconded by Warren Boone to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion carried. Mr. Horner thanked those who gave donations, shared that it was very
thoughtful and appreciated.
Chairman Murray called for a motion to go into closed session. Motion was made by McLain Wallace for the
board to go into closed session to discuss with the board’s attorney the following: Awalt et al vs. Nash-Rocky
Mount Board of Education, seconded by Bob Jenkins. Motion carried with Warren Boone voting against.
The Board went into closed session at 8:05 p.m.
Chairman Murray asked for the board to return to regular session at 8:40 p.m.
3.0 Business Items
3.1 Curriculum Update
3.1.1 Staggered Graduations – Sylvia Matthews shared that Dr. Norris had received a request
from a board member pertaining to staggered graduation ceremonies and since we do
appreciate and value suggestions from the board as well as input from our parents and
public, she met with the principals and it was felt that they could better insure security,
safety and dignity if they continued to hold their graduation ceremonies at the same time.
This was shared for information only.
3.1.2 Alternative Schools Local Options - Ms. Matthews shared that the Department of Public
Instruction had requested the approval of the local options. The alternative principals will
present their options. Fay Agar of Nash-Rocky Mount Middle College High School shared
the local options requested for the middle college. (Copy attached.) Danny Braxton of
W.L. Greene Alternative School shared the local options his school would like to work
toward that had been prepared by the School Leadership Team. (Copy attached.) Motion
was made by Bob Jenkins, seconded by Evelyn Bulluck to approve as presented.
Motion carried.
3.2 Policy Update
3.2.1 Mandated Standard Dress – Dr. Michael Perry updated the board of additional changes that
were made to the policy that the board received in their packet. They are as follows:
(a) The first line of the policy will be reinstated;
(b) The first line as reinstated will be removed to the bottom of the policy;
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 7

(c) In the paragraph beginning with “Guidelines”—the word guidelines will be struck out
and replaced with “Procedures and Rules”;
(d) At the beginning of the second sentence in the same section, the word “The guidelines”
should be marked out and replaced with the word “They”.
(e) In Section III, Exemptions Procedures the word “five” shall be replaced with the word
“ten”;
(f) In the same section the word “sincerely held” will be placed in front of the word
“religious”;
(g) In same section the word “grounds” shall be marked out and “beliefs” shall become
“belief”;
(h) In Section VI, Dress for Exempted Students, that entire section shall be deleted.
Motion was made by Evelyn Bulluck, seconded by Bob Jenkins to approve Policy JCDBB with
the changes proposed by Dr. Perry. Warren Boone questioned if it was procedurally correct to
approve the policy with all these changes. He further stated that if you vote for this policy as a board
member you are “saying to the face of the public, we don’t care about you”. Chairman Murray stated
the changes appeared to be minor. Mr. Boone disagreed. Mary Kay Heling questioned Section V.
Compliance Measures – she stated she had talked with Dr. Norris about suspending students from
school and strongly feels students can’t learn if they are not in school. She strongly suggested an
Alternative Education Environment and would like to know how the administration would handle this.
Dr. Perry responded that the Alternative Education Environment that will be used is the one that was
approved by the Department of Public Instruction and shared previously with the board. Funding is
now available and teachers are being hired to run the alternative education placement. Dr. Norris
responded that it was felt that those students who would be suspended from school would be those who
intentionally violated the dress code and that is why it was left in. Chairman Murray commented that
the “Fourth Infraction should read Alternative Education Environment/Suspension From School.”
Mr. McLain Wallace shared that he was supportive of the policy and the rules and procedures
including Section VI. He will be voting against it but not due to Mr. Boone’s comments and reasons.
Rev. Bynum shared that he felt an air of arrogance which bothered him and he asked the board to not
air personal feelings on what has transpired and that the board be objective in their approach. If
fundamental changes were made to the policy then he felt the board needed to do what was required.
Chairman Murray shared that the chair has ruled that these are not fundamental changes requiring to
lay open for 30 days. With any ruling by the chair, any member of the board can ask for it to go to the
full board. Motion was made by Warren Boone seconded by Mary Kay Heling to sustain the
ruling of the chair. Motion carried with Warren Boone and Rev. Robert Bynum voting against.
Board Chair Ernie Murray sensed some confusion with the board in the understanding of the
vote. He stated the motion is an appeal of the chair’s rule. You can sustain the chair’s ruling or
you can overrule. The Chair’s ruling is that there are no fundamental changes and no need for
an additional 30 days. If the policy is approved tonight it will be the final adoption. The Chair
called for a vote for sustaining the Chair’s ruling. There were 6 votes for sustaining and 5 votes
against. Those voting against were Warren Boone, Doneva Chavis, Rev. Robert Bynum, Joe
Edge and Mary Kay Heling. This is the final adoption of this policy. Mary Kay Heling questioned
the Board Chair about the change she had suggested about Alternative Education Environment.
Chairman Murray said an amendment could be made making that change. Boone questioned, “I
thought the policy was not substantially changed.” Chairman Murray questioned, “do you wish to
make a friendly amendment changing Section V. Fourth Infraction to flip-flop to read as follows:
Alternative Education Environment/Suspension from School.” Mary Kay Heling made the
motion, seconded by Bob Jenkins to make the change. The motion is to approve the policy and
at the same time approve the administrative procedures and rules that currently accompany the
policy with the changes in wording and the deletion of Item 6 in the Procedures and Rules.
Motion was made by McLain Wallace, seconded by Doneva Chavis to vote separately on the
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 8

Policy and the Procedures and Rules. Chairman Murray called for a vote on the policy only.
Motion carried with 4 voting against. They were Rev. Robert Bynum, Joe Edge, Mary Kay
Heling and Doneva Chavis. Chairman Murray called for a vote on the Administrative
Procedures and Rules. Motion carried with Rev. Robert Bynum, McLain Wallace, Warren
Boone and Mary Kay Heling voting against. Mary Kay Heling further commented that she was
supportive of the policy but just wanted the 30 days.
4.0 Personnel Recommendations and Reports – Tommy Finch, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel made the
presentation for personnel recommendations. A copy of the personnel agenda is attached.
4.1 Licensed Employee Recommendations
4.1.1 Teacher Recommendations
Motion was made by Bob Jenkins seconded by Warren Boone to approve as
presented. Motion carried.
4.1.2 Resignations
4.1.3 Leaves of Absence
4.1.4 Transfer
4.1.5 Retirements
These items were reported for information only.
4.2 Classified Employee Recommendations
4.2.1 Classified Positions (Various)
4.2.2 Child Nutrition Assistant
Motion was made by Evelyn Bulluck, seconded by Warren Boone to approve as
presented. Motion carried.
4.2.3 Resignations
4.2.4 Transfers
4.2.5 Leaves of Absence
These items were reported for information only.
4.2.6 Bus Driver Recommendations
4.2.7 Substitute Recommendations
4.2.7.1 Bus Drivers
4.2.7.2 Teachers
4.2.7.3 Child Nutrition
Motion was made by Bob Jenkins, seconded by Warren Boone to approve as
presented Items 4.2.6 and 4.2.7, inclusive. Motion carried.
4.3 Mr. Finch reported that there are 2 elementary teaching positions vacant; 5 middle school
alternative program teacher vacancies; 3 high school teaching vacancies and 4 secondary support
positions; as well as 7 systemwide vacancies for central office and in the maintenance areas.
5.0 Superintendent’s Reports – Dr. Norris asked the board to approve the following:
5.1 Field Trip Requests
5.1.1 Rocky Mount High School – Student Services – New York, NY – March 31-April 2, 2004,
40 students, 2 adults and one additional adult
Motion was made by Evelyn Bulluck, seconded by Joe Edge to approve the field trip.
Mr. Boone questioned if additional information was going to be shared? It was his feeling
that it would be furnished. He further stated that as he stated in the work session, this trip
looks as though it appears to appeal to certain groups of students and some groups could be
overlooked. Mr. Horner stated that at the work session Dr. Norris commented that he did
not have any additional information to share and there would be no further information
provided. Jim Lilley commented that the field trip policy and/or what qualifies a trip as a
field trip needs to be revisited and talked about at a later time. Mr. Boone agreed with Mr.
Lilley and appreciated the feeling of Mr. Lilley. Ms. Bulluck questioned what is the
difference in these students going to New York and a French class going to France? She
further commented that this trip looks like an educational trip for students to go to New
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 9

York—all students cannot go to France. Rev. Bynum restated that all children cannot
afford to go and he did not know when this was the case. He further stated that people ask
their question on their point of interest or concern. Motion carried.
5.2 Student Transfer Applications – Ms. Hankerson reported that there were 23 requests for student
transfers, 12 approved, 6 denied and 5 were releases to other school districts. All action based
upon board policy.
6.0 Schedule of Upcoming Meetings – Chairman Murray asked the board to calendar the following dates:
6.1 Work Session Committee Meeting – Monday, November 22, 2004 at 6:00 p.m.
6.2 Regular Board Meeting – Monday, December 6, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. This will be the final board
meeting.
7.0 Board Chairman Ernie Murray asked for a motion to go into closed session. Motion was made by Jim Lilley,
seconded by Bob Jenkins for the board to go into closed session to prevent the disclosure of information
privileged pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(1). Motion carried.
8.0 Board went back into regular session and adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.
George E. Norris, Ed.D., Superintendent
Minutes of the November 1, 2004 board meeting 10