JAMES ISLAND CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL

Governing Board

Board of Directors Meeting May 2021 - Monday May 17th, 2021 @5:30 PM

Meeting Minutes

Attendance Summary

Name Status Arrival Time Departure Time
Robert Woodall present member On Time At Adjournment
Greg Hays present member On Time At Adjournment
Tom Hatley present member On Time At Adjournment
Kathleen Beebe present secretary On Time At Adjournment
Timothy Thorn present ex-officio On Time At Adjournment
Melanie Millar present member 10 Minutes Late At Adjournment
Carson Stewart not present member
Maggie Bennett present member On Time At Adjournment

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Welcome and Call to Order

The meeting will be called to the order, beginning with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence.

Approval of Agenda

So that there is agreement between board members on the agenda, and the amount of time spent on the meeting, the board shall vote to approve an agenda for the meeting. To the best of its ability, it will follow that agenda, and allow for the chair to move the board through the agenda as specified.

Approve the agenda as submitted

By: Greg Hays Seconded by: Tom Hatley

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Approval of Minutes from Apr 19, 2021

Approve the minutes as submitted

By: Kathleen Beebe Seconded by: Tom Hatley

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Public Comment

Our Public Comment period is for members of the public to address the board. Each member of the public may sign up to comment at the meeting and will be allotted two minutes. The board will listen, but may not directly respond to any comments. Our meetings are open to the public and public records. As such, if your comment is about a private matter, please contact the board via email, or speak to the board chair privately.



Chris Mann-

How is the compacted class schedule being received by students, teachers, and parents alike? It seems that the students would be better served especially in the foreign language and mathematics arena with year-long classes on the block schedule. This would tighten up the schedule and provide more continuity from year to year and also provide more stability for student success.


The staff member explained to me that the reason classes are offered semester only like Algebra One etc is to offer students who don't pass to retake and recalibrate their schedule more quickly. My kids have struggled with the speed at which new concepts are served up in these classes and maybe that would help the students who are failing too.


I am in favor of tightening up the schedule and smooth out the semester loads for all. I see the only way to accomplish this is to offer year-long block schedule classes... Thanks for your consideration.

Prestige

Presenting JICHS monthly Financial Statement.


The 135-day count was 1572 ADM. The EFA budget has been adjusted accordingly, resulting in a $46,782.32 increase for a total of $18,312,324.40 to that revenue line.


Salary increase and fringe came in from CCSD.


Page 8- The tennis court project was finished & the 1.5 million for the Capital project was sent to CCSD.

434K in the black.

2.21 million in the black. There is a lag for some expenses such as bussing that will come out by the end of June.


First Reading of 21-22 budget

Davis King went over the 1st reading of the budget for the 21-22 school year.

Revenue 9,011 ( in the past we have usually only dor 2% to be conservative) The per-pupil allocation has been consistent so the finance committee felt safe with a 3.8 increase.

5.5% salary increase. legally we must pay the same or more than CCSD.

Kept the added $500 bonus for staff at the board's discretion.

Added for prestige to do payroll services.

$50k for safety and security supplies.


The finance committee will go over the 2nd reading if the board has any questions and or changes.

Approve the 1st reading on the 21-22 budget.

By: Greg Hays Seconded by: Robert Woodall

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

To table vote till after the discussion of the added positions on the agenda.

By: Melanie Millar Seconded by: Greg Hays

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

ESSER II & III Review

the funds can be used for the next 2 school year and the estimate is about 5 million dollars.

Parent Advocate Position

(School and Community Resources Counselor)- position will be covered by ESSER funds for the next 2-3 years. The position will meet with at-risk student parents and community members working with admin and teachers. Beebee suggests data track so future boards can see the need for the position. This supportsthe charter goals ad will be a 210 day posotio

To approve Parent Advocate position

By: Kathleen Beebe Seconded by: Greg Hays

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

PE Position/Strength Coach and Stipend

year-round employee w/ a 15K stipend for the strength and condition for all sports.

Approve the PE Position/Strength Coach and Stipend

By: Tom Hatley Seconded by: Robert Woodall

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

English Teacher position

Additional English position. If it's not needed then it will not be filled. It will help with the gap that will need to be made up because of the pandemic. It will help with appropriate class sizes.

Approve the English Teacher position

By: Kathleen Beebe Seconded by: Tom Hatley

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Math teacher position

Additional Math position. If it's not needed then it will not be filled. It will help with the gap that will need to be made up because of the pandemic. It will help with appropriate class sizes. It will have a $10 K signing bonus.


Beebee-

Add this bonus for the Spanish position.

Approve the Math teacher position w/ 10K signing bonus

By: Greg Hays Seconded by: Tom Hatley

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Personnel Policies 4000-4200 Revisions-

The policy has been changed so it lines w/ the charter since Presiege will process Payroll /Hr services 21-22 school year and moving forward.


Approve Personnel Policies 4000-4200 Revisions

By: Greg Hays Seconded by: Maggie Bennett

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Big and Beyond Program

Big Brother & Big Sisters (1 to 1 mentoring from the access and equity comitee) that will meet with students bi-monthly mentor meeting this program is pending CCSD approval of the research project.

Ms. Johnson will be working with big brother 7 Big sister. Monthy conversion with the students & parents.

Approve Big & Beyond pending CCSD approval

By: Kathleen Beebe Seconded by: Greg Hays

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Review Covid Data

Maintenance Report

Presented by Mr. Thorn

May 17th, 2021                                     


  1. A requested ADA sidewalk ramp has been installed in the sidewalk, in front of TMD trailer #7.     

                         

2.Two bad HVAC compressors that serve both sides of Trailer #1 - We Care have been replaced. The HVAC units are now operating properly. 

                  

3.JICHS Facilities Maint. has received and processed 80 work orders from April 19th, to the present. 


Leadership Report

Presented by Leadership Chair Sheli Ballard.


LEADERSHIP TEAM: 

  • The leadership team has approved a CREW period moving forward beginning the 2021-22 school year with limited implementation for next year that will expand beginning the 2022-23 school year. The CREW will address student learning in SEL, academic success, leadership & citizenship, service-learning, and the research process.  JICHS will also establish a faculty CREW to support teachers in their own professional learning and practice.


SOCIAL STUDIES:

  • IB ANTHRO: We finished the year reading Swamplife, by Laura Ogden who discussed the often ignored connections between human beings and the environment. In her book, Ogden argues that Everglades history, and environmental history in general, has been written purposely excluding people from the narrative. Thus, in her ethnography, she seeks to show the human history of the Everglades in order to show deep connections and provide more well rounded and in depth understandings of the Everglades. On 5/11, IB Anthro students went on a virtual field trip to the Everglades to learn more about the people, plants and animals that call the Everglades home. IB Parents were invited to login and join us on our last day in class, as we explored the Everglades. Please CLICK HERE to view a portion of our field trip. 


SCIENCE

  • (Lyles) IB Biology HL Year 2 students participated in the 42nd Annual Clemson Biology Merit Exam on April 30.  Clemson normally hosts this event on campus each year.  This year the exam was administered virtually to students from high schools around the state.  This exam tests students knowledge of all aspects of biology.  It is a very difficult test that is written each year by a retired Clemson biology professor.  These students participated in Division III which is the most difficult division because the students have completed numerous semesters of science in high school.  There were 87 students from around the state in Division III.  Matthew Grenier placed 2nd in this division.  Andrew Farrell received an honorable mention.  Katelyn Wyandt and Mary Clare Kreutner both received 2nd Honorable Mention.
  • (Craword, Lyles, Reeves, Epps) Students from several science classes participated in the construction of a Carolina Fence Garden on campus to celebrate Earth Day.  The purpose of this garden is to highlight natural elements that are representative of our state.  Students dug a lot of holes for both setting fence posts and planting native plants  Students also set the fence posts, poured concrete, watered all the plants and mulched. Goldenrod, the state wildflower, was planted today.  We also planted native honeysuckle, bee balm, fringe trees and a red bud.  All of these plants attract pollinators, including our state butterfly the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.  A blue granite boulder (the state rock) was also included.  Future projects in this garden include the addition of wren boxes (for our state bird, the Carolina Wren) and indian grass (the state grass).

 

   

  • (Evans) Honors biology students planted seeds for loblolly pines on Earth Day as part of the PowerPlantSC initiative.

  • (Epps) Earth Science students also planted seeds for loblolly pines on Earth Day as part of the PowerPlantSC initiative.

  • (Lyles) Biology 2 students spent approximately 20 minutes in class researching threats to shark populations.  Examples of their designs to display what they learned are here: Shark Trouble 1 Shark Trouble 2  Shark Trouble 3   Shark Trouble 4
  • (Evans) Marine science students went seining with Pete Meier from the College of Charleston to see what's living in the Charleston harbor. The students found many types of crabs, shrimp, small fish and even an american eel!

  • (Barrett) H Biology - Being virtual didn’t stop these students from extracting DNA from strawberries and various other fruits and veggies. This activity was used as an introduction to our DNA unit and the students were able to tie this visual representation to what is being learned in class and to biotechnology! 

  • (Barrett) H Chemistry - From the combustion of butane to burning Magnesium, our virtual students were able to predict and describe different types of reactions! 

  • (Lyles) Biology 2 students performed multiple dissections as part of our INVERTEBRATE unit.  These dissections included squid, earthworms, blue crabs, grasshoppers and sea stars. Dissections are useful in helping students learn about characteristics unique to different groups 

        

Also, thank you to Mrs. Evans for allowing Biology 2 students to take a ‘field trip’ to her room to observe a live starfish, hold live sea anemones and observe live blue crabs, a stone crab, a horseshoe crab, spider crab, and a hermit crab!

  • (Epps, Reeves) Earth Science students enjoyed a virtual visit from Kristin Threat of Old Santee Canal Park as they discussed the history of indigo in South Carolina. The students also had the opportunity to use the indigo to dye various articles of clothing.

  • (Epps) Integrated Science students are getting ready to meet Scott Reintgen, the author of Nyxia which they’ve been reading, on May 18th for a discussion about being a writer, the science-fiction world he’s created, and other topics.

  • (Reeves) Environmental Science students just wrapped up a unit about energy. Students were able to collaborate and model renewable energy sources by constructing a wind turbine and solar updraft tower.

  • (Lyles) IB Biology Year 1 students are in their final unit for year one on Human Anatomy.  This lab simulated protein digestion in the small intestine.

       

  • (Reeves) Environmental Science students observed different air pollutants this week and were surprised by the results. Students created their own Schoenbein strips to detect levels of Ozone around campus. They also compared the amount of air particulates in different locations of the school.

  • (Epps, Reeves) Earth Science students got their hands dirty and took soil samples right outside of JICHS. Students filled jars with soil and were then able to determine the soil texture as well as visualize its components. No one was too surprised to find out that our soil is mainly composed of sand!

  • (Lyles) Biology 2 students continued their survey of animal kingdoms by studying VERTEBRATE anatomy!  Dissections are a good way to allow students to see, draw and compare structures between animal groups. Disssections were performed of a perch, frog, snake and bird.

   

  • (Evans) Marine science students collected gametes from sea urchins and fertilized them and watched their embryonic development. They also participated in a fish dissection with DNR biologist Joe Evans.












  • (Lyles) IB Biology Year 1 students continued with the unit on anatomy by conducting a sheep pluck dissection.  Students were able to observe the features of the trachea, lungs, heart and liver. They were also able to inflate sections of the lung and then performed testing to determine the effect of oxygen on the lung tissue.

  Lung Inflation Video



LIBRARY:


  • Presented JI Reads at CRMS and JICHS, distributing books to our students
  • Finalized inventory
  • Displays: Blackout Poetry/ Free verse novels


Mr. Hamilton’s class creates poetry.                          Students start the Poetry Slam.


  • Updated access to JSTOR database for our upper level students.



CTE:

  • On Tuesday, two of our Health Science CTE Completers,  Andrew Levy and Hudson Graham, passed the National Health Science Assessment Certification exam.
  • This past week, engineering student Gabriel Wohlfarth was awarded a CCSD Summer Internship. This is a paid internship and one where Gabriel will earn a CTE elective credit.


Athletic Report

Presented by Athletic Director Jeremy Holland.


Athletics Report May 17


Individual Sports Reports:


--Boys Soccer -  State Champions


-Girls Soccer- State Champions


-Track - Girls Team finished first in Lower State Qualifier; Only the Boys 4X8 qualified for State


-Baseball - Won first Playoff Game will be playing today in second game of district


-Softball- Made playoffs; Lost first game in playoffs; Play May River tonight


-Boys Tennis - Lost first Round playoffs.  Neo James competing in State Singles Tournament


Positive Student News














Concerns:

  • Baseball Field (Getting quotes to fix the irrigation and infield)
  • Football field (Getting quotes to fix numbers area nearest home stands that won't grow)
  • Strength Coach Interviews next week. We have some really good candidates
  • Practice fields behind the stadium need to be re irrigated, laser leveled, and resodded (hopefully the district will do this)
  • Looks like we will have to disband the Booster Club for lack of interest by parents


School Leader Report

Presented by Mr. Thorn

Academics/School Update of Events


Gov. McMaster’s Mask Resolution


5.11.21- This evening Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2021-23, that has language pertaining to the use of face coverings in South Carolina public schools. Due to the lateness of the Order, the legal ambiguities, and the absence of a DHEC opt-out form, the state face-covering guidelines will remain in effect until such time as the agency has the opportunity to confer with legal counsel and provide further guidance.


As noted in the Order, face-covering requirements as they relate to students and staff on school buses have not changed as a result of President’s Executive Order No. 13998 (Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel) (Jan. 21, 2021); CDC Order Under Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. § 264) and 42 C.F.R. §§ 70.2, 71.31(b), 71.32(b) (Requirement for Persons to Wear Masks While on Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs) (Jan. 29, 2021).


CCSD Statement

Statement from CCSD Board: As a Board of Trustees, we must comply with the executive order to allow for facemask waivers, but we use this opportunity to earnestly appeal to all parents to allow the successful protocols put in place for this most unusual year to remain in place for this school year. Teachers and staff have respected students and families all year long by serving children five days per week.  We are strongly urging all families to respect teachers by having your child wear a face mask for the remainder of the school year.

Beginning tomorrow Thursday, May 13, 2021, parents/legal guardians may submit an official DHEC waiver form to the school that allows their students to opt-out of the requirement to wear a facemask at school. The official DHEC waiver form is the only acceptable document to opt-out of the mandate. A separate form must be completed for each child and presented to the school before the waiver taking effect. The form can be accessed from the CCSD website homepage.

CCSD Policy ADD remains in effect for employees and students (except students whose parents have completed and submitted the DHEC waiver form). Additionally, ALL students are still required to wear a face mask on school buses.

Note: This policy applies at JICHS starting tomorrow. 

Waivers are being collected in most offices. The waiver is then put into PowerSchool for each student. Students are issued an orange pass, which indicates that submitted a waiver.  


Textbooks

The State Department of Education is expected to fund several new textbooks for the 21-22SY. We are partnering with CCSD to host a public review for World History, Algebra 3, Precalculus, and Probability and Statistics instructional materials. A display will be set up in the front atrium between May 17th and May 26th for stakeholders to review and provide feedback for the Textbook Selection Committee to consider.  


Promenade

Prom was a tremendous success. Unfortunately, we only had approximately 80 students attend. It was held at a parent private residence, which was on the water with a view of the marsh and Folly Beach. Those that did attend really appeared to enjoy themselves. A special thanks to Mrs. Quinn, Mrs. Barksdale, and Mrs. Holland for making Prom happen.   


Senior Picnic

The Senior Picnic is scheduled for May 28, 2021, from 11:35 am through the end of the school day. We are grilling hamburgers and hotdogs. There will be music and games for students.    


Mental Health Walk- Reminder (Michelle Johnson’s email)


JI #BreaktheStigma 5/21/21!

The Equity and Access Committee, UBASA, FBLA, Project Lit, JROTC, AVID, Keep It Kind,  Athletics Department, and SGA want you to accept the "Mile for Mental Health" challenge!  These JI organizations challenge your faculty and staff to complete one mile at home, in the gym, or at school next Friday!


After your walk, hang out with us at our JI Mental Health Awareness Cookout from 11 to 2 in the stadium. Grab a plate, and enjoy the goodies and games organized to help everyone "woooosaaah" for the end year.


Can you walk before 11? Absolutely! Record your time for that morning, present your time and selfie to the student managing that station, and get your hand stamped. 


Student Vaccinations

CCSD and JICHS partnered with Fetter Health Care to create an opportunity for students ages 16 and older to receive the COVID vaccine at school with consent from parents.  Students will be receiving the Pfizer vaccine which requires two doses. The first shot was administered on May 13 (dose 1), and the second shot will be administered on June 3, 2021. Parents were asked to complete the attached survey to help us prepare for staffing needs and available vaccine doses.

109 students and three staff members were vaccinated on May 13th.    


CREW

 On May 5, 2021, the Leadership Team approved the motion below.

JICHS will establish a CREW course for all students, which will meet Wednesdays for 45 minutes beginning in August 2021 following the timeline in the CREW Proposal document with full implementation of three 45-minute periods/week beginning in August 2022.


Crew Description

Objective: Structuring an Advisory (CREW) course to be held three times each week (45 mins) with an integrated curriculum that includes team building, academic check-ins, goal setting, SEL, service-learning projects, school spirit, and supports all three of our Charter Goals.


Purpose of CREW:  To promote a cohesive school environment while cultivating personal relationships between learners and educators that will support Social and Emotional Learning, cultural responsiveness, and serve as a tier-one intervention to keep students engaged.


“We are Crew, Not Passengers.” This metaphor refers to a group in a boat on a long voyage, where everyone is needed to pull at an oar and no one sits by watching. In adhering to this motto, “Crew” can be used to reference both individual classrooms and the entire school community. We strive to instill a sense of responsibility, participation, and cooperation among individuals, the student body, the school community, and the greater community. This motto represents our commitment to inclusion and action in the service of self and others. 


(Through the use of Jostens Renaissance, Capturing Kids Hearts, Restorative Practices, and JI Created Activities) 


HR and Payroll Update

We are working with Prestige with CCSD and PEBA on our payroll and HR transition, which includes our PEBA benefits. We have a new group number through PEBA for insurance. CCSD is allowing us to use their email domain (@charleston.k12.sc.us), which allows us to keep our email addresses and Google Drive accounts.  


EIR Grant

Ms. Scuggs, Mrs. Johnson, and I will be working with the EIR Grant Team from CCSD this July.  EIR Grant gives teachers up to $1,500 for PD on Cultural Competency in the classroom.    


Graduation

Graduation is June 18, 2021, at 9:00 am in the Backyard. CCSD is limiting 4 attendees for each graduate. The stadium is currently arranged in 4-person (8 ft) sections that are 6-ft apart. The total capacity of home and visiting grandstands is 1102. We expect to have 347 graduates that x 4 attendees = 1,388. We will be able to seat the remaining 286 on the track. 

Technology Update

Technology is in the midst of preparing for End-Of-Course exams and working with CCSD to provide access to AP exam Apps through our Chromebook logins to comply with testing security and requirements.    

Technology is working with Encore to get plans in place to begin the big Network project. We've identified the first wave of hardware pieces that need to be on campus so that the project will move forward as planned. 

Technology is evaluating software and curricular components presented by individual departments for courses to be offered next year. Media Specialists and Mr. Drake are working out the finer details of our 1-to-1 program at this time. 


Security Update


On 4/28 Mr. Edwards received information of a bomb threat against the school. The threat was very specific and included method, location, date, and time. The administration had approximately 10 minutes to react before the threatened act was supposed to take place and with the assistance of law enforcement, the building was evacuated. Multiple law enforcement agencies including Charleston Police, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and SLED responded to the school and conducted a search of the building, and determined it was safe to reenter. The law enforcement investigation is ongoing. 


On 5/11 a delegation from the Charleston Police Department including Chief Reynolds, Deputy Chief Thompson, Captain Bruder, and Lieutenant Harrison, came to the school to officially thank the student who notified the school of the bomb threat on 4/28 and present her with a challenge coin as a small token of their appreciation.


Construction Update:

CTE and Gym

No updates at this time. 


Outdoor Classroom

We met on Monday, May 10, to review the plans for the Outdoor Science Classroom. Construction is beginning in the next couple of weeks. We still do not have OSF (Office of School Facilities) approval yet. The project will hopefully be completed by early August. 




Executive Session

  • Contracts- school repairs and improvement quote
  • Personnel- 
  • Legal- 
  • Student Privacy-  

To go into executive session

By: Kathleen Beebe Seconded by: Robert Woodall

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

To move out of executive session

By: Greg Hays Seconded by: Maggie Bennett

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motions From Executive Session

~

To approve the school repair improvement quote

By: Robert Woodall Seconded by: Tom Hatley

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:22 pm

Motion to adjourn

By: Greg Hays Seconded by: Melanie Millar

There was no notable discussion on the motion.