Three items were on the agenda
The first regarded whether to continue to allow cameras, camcorders, and other photographic equipment in the meetings.
The discussion was about whether the presence of the equipment was a disruption to the meeting and the type of coverage the media gives to meetings. Board member Anne Henning Rowan expressed her concerns on several occasions telling the other committee members she is concerned that not enough good news is reported, and that the media seems to focus on the negative and not the positive things that happen in meetings. Committee members stated they did like the JEA coverage because it showed the entire meeting whereas other media just took the bad news.
After discussion about what to do or whether to do anything board secretary Linda Cearly suggested wording from TSBA which states:
"
If someone should bring a camera, camcorder, or other photographic equipment to the board meeting the board reserves the right to ask the person to leave if they disrupt the meeting."
Carol Carter Estes asked the secretary to “work up the language and get it to her”. The committee took no action but said it would revisit the issue.
In other action
The committee discussed language regarding the sick policy:
Sick Leave Bank for Education Support Personnel
The discussion centered on wording in the policy relating to the difference between elective and necessary. Policy wording only allows for leave to be drawn from the sick bank when the need is necessary, however there are times the procedure may be elective (you will live) but necessary if you are to perform your duties. Carol Carter Estes said "we need to find a way to help our dedicated employees" Anne Henning Rowan and Becky Gordan were in agreement.
The committee sent the policy back to the HR Director Greg Bethel for revision
The Substitute Teacher Policy was changed to read "Retired teachers may substitute 120 days a year without loss of retirement benefits" this is a change from 100 days
Being no other business the meeting adjourned
