Background material for each agenda item is available online under the Board Meeting Materials link

Recognitions

GCS Employee of the Month for March 2008
The board recognized Nancy Abel, adapted physical education teacher for several schools across the district, as the district’s March Employee of the Month

GCS Volunteer of the Month for March 2008
The board recognized Kristi Bryson, a volunteer at Rankin Elementary, as the district’s March Volunteer of the Month. 

Winter Sports State Championship
The board recognized high school students who have earned the state champion designation as either an individual competitor or team member. Students from Western High, Southern High and Northwest High were recognized for indoor track, students from Grimsley High were recognized for swimming and students from Andrews High, Ragsdale High and Southwest High were recognized for wrestling.

Smith High School Gospel Choir
The board recognized the Smith High School Gospel Choir for awards received at the national Gospel Choir Olympics.

Consent Agenda
The board approved the following items on the consent agenda:

• Meeting Minutes
• Personnel Action Reports

Staff Reports

Approval of the 2008-09 Magnet and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Opt-Out Schools
The board approved the proposed NCLB opt-out schools for the 2008-09 school year, with the exception of the following opt-out options:

• Alamance Elementary as an opt-out option for Foust Elementary and Hunter Elementary
• Allen Middle as an opt-out option for Jackson Middle

The board asked staff to research alternative opt-out options for Foust, Hunter and Jackson.

The board approved the proposed magnet opt-out schools for the 2008-09 school year, with the exception of Triangle Lake Montessori, which has been tabled until the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

Expansion of Mandarin Chinese Program
The board approved to expand the Mandarin Chinese Program at Northwood Elementary, Northwest High and Page High for the 2008-09 school year, as presented by Dr. Beth Folger, chief curriculum and professional development officer.

Superintendent’s Goals for 2008-09
The board voted to table discussion of this item until the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

Dr. Eric Becoats, chief of staff, and Sharon Ozment, chief financial officer (co-interim superintendents as of March 15, 2008), presented to the board the revised 2007-08 organizational chart and the breakdown of responsibilities between Becoats and Ozment.

First Reading of Policy DE, Student Meals Charge
The board approved the first reading of Policy DE, Student Meals Charge, as presented by Sharon Ozment, chief financial officer.

Board Discussion

School Climate Task Force
Chairman Duncan called on Sharon Ozment, chief financial officer, who led the board in a discussion regarding the budgetary impact of the recommendations presented by the School Climate Tack Force. Ozment was asked to provide the board with more detailed cost implications at a future board meeting.

Search Process for New Superintendent
Chairman Duncan led the board in continued discussion regarding the search process for a new superintendent. The board voted for Attorney Jill Wilson to enter into negotiations with two search firms, Ray and Associates, Inc. and Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, Ltd.

Guilford County Board of Education meetings are broadcast live on GCSTV 2 (cable channel 2) and re-air the day after the meeting at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Saturday following the meeting at 1 p.m.