SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA

REGULAR MEETING August 21, 2001

The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 21, 2001, at 5:17 P.M. in the Conference Hall of the Administration Building, 301 4th Street SW, Largo, Florida. Present: Mr. Thomas C. Todd, Chairman; Mrs. Nancy N. Bostock, Vice Chairman; Mr. Lee Benjamin, Mrs. Carol J. Cook, Mrs. E. Jane Gallucci, Dr. Max R. Gessner and Mrs. Linda S. Lerner, Members; Dr. J. Howard Hinesley, Superintendent; Dr. John Stewart, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Lanse Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.

The Invocation was given by the Reverend Anthony McDaniel, Abundant Life Ministries, Largo, FL. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and video presentation of “God Bless America” by the students of Largo High.

Introduction of the following representatives of professional and community organizations was given by Mrs. Janet O’Harrow, Information Specialist: Rob McMahon, PCTA; Karen Gardner, PCCPTA; Pat Scarberry, DMAC; Lewis Williams, Operations Team; Lynn Porter, The Tampa Tribune; and, Kelly Ryan, The St. Petersburg Times.

It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Dr. Gessner to adopt the agenda.

DELETE: D,E, Consent #11,#27

PULL: Consent #4,#5

Dr. Hinesley informed the Board that an administrative hearing has been requested by Susan M. Huber, Consent Item #7. Dr. Hinesley stated that his recommendation will be Alternative #1.

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried with a 7-0 vote.

A. Dr. Hinesley introduced the Following Newly Appointed Administrators:

Mr. Douglas Cowley, Interim Principal

Skyview Elementary School

Ms. Sandra C. O’Bryant, Interim Principal

Bear Creek Elementary School

Mr. Cowley and Mr. O’Bryant were greeted and congratulated by the Board Members.

B. Dr. Ron Stone, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources & Public Affairs, introduced to the Board Ms. Jessica Curtis, graduate of the Scholarship Program provided jointly by the Florida State University College of Education Alumni Association and the School Board of Pinellas County.

Jessica addressed the Board to thank them for the opportunity to complete her education through this scholarship program and for the opportunity to begin her teaching career in Pinellas County.

C. Ms. Jeanne Reynolds, Supervisor Pre K-12 Music, presented to the Board Kevin Rivard as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Kevin, a PCCA student, is the first Pinellas County student to be honored as a presidential scholar.

Kevin was greeted and congratulated by the Board Members.

D. Darryl E. Rouson, Esquire, was not present.

1. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended.

1a. To approve the minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting of    July 31, 2001, and the First Public Hearing on the 2001-2002 District Budget and Millage Rates of July 31, 2001, as submitted.

1b. To approve the Pinellas Alternative Certification Education Program 2001--PACE and Submission to Florida Department of Education.

1c. To approve the Supplementary Schedule Changes and Other Salary Items Not Previously Approved by the Board.

1d. Mrs. Cook, having pulled this item, read aloud the Resolution Endorsing the “Silence Hurts” Campaign.

It was moved by Mrs. Cook, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Resolution Endorsing the “Silence Hurts” Statewide Campaign. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1e. Mrs. Bostock, having pulled this item, read aloud the Resolution honoring Mrs. Garnelle Jenkins. It was moved by Mrs. Bostock, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Resolution Honoring Mrs. Garnelle Jenkins. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1f. To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1g. To suspend Ms. Susan M. Huber, Teacher, Paul B. Stephens Exceptional Student Education Center, without pay effective August 22, 2001, pending the outcome of the administrative hearing.

1h. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Mr. Michael Harless, Bus Driver, Transportation Department. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1i. To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

hSchool-wide Change for Improved Student Performance Project (HOSTS Program): $120,000

hAgreement with Florida Center for Interactive Media: $113,500

hRenewal of Agreement with Independent Child Care Contractors (4): $816,564

hRenewal of Agreement with Boys and Girls Club: $63,710

1j. To approve the Rental Agreement With Ruth Eckerd Hall (PACT, Inc.) for the 2001-2002 PRIDE Award Ceremony on April 17, 2002. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1k. To approve the Renewal of an Agreement With the Florida Holocaust Museum for the 2001-02 School Year. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1L. To approve the Renewal Agreements for Dropout Prevention Programs at Department of Juvenile Justice and Community Agency Facilities. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1m. To approve the Renewal of the Joint-Use-of-Facilities Agreement With YMCA of the Suncoast. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1n. To approve the Renewal of the Joint-Use-of-Facilities Agreement With the City of Largo. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1o. To approve the Renewal of the Agreement With Cross Bayou Little League, Inc. Permitting the Use of School Board Facilities. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1p. To approve the Agreement With the City of St. Petersburg for the Development and Maintenance of a Joint-Use Recreation Area on the Sawgrass Lake Elementary School site. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1q. To approve the Grant of Distribution Easement to Florida Power Corporation, Authorizing the Easement on the Paul B. Stephens ESE School Site.

1r. To approve the Phase III Construction Document Submittal for the new Construction, Remodeling, and Renovations at Maximo Elementary School for an Estimated Total Cost of $8,694,645.

1s. To approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Harvard, Jolly, Clees, Toppe Architects, Inc., for Additional Services for Meadowlawn Middle School at a cost of $140,750. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1t. To approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Hoffman Architects, P.A., for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With new Construction at Elementary School “D” at 11th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, in the Amount of $13,588. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1u. To approve Amendment No. 5 to Agreement With The Morganti Group, Inc., for the Addition of $2,604,744 Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $5,625,708, in Connection With HVAC Remodeling and Renovations at Eisenhower Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1v. To approve Change Order No. 2 for Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Tarpon Springs High School. This Change Order will decrease the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $615,153 with no time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1w. To approve the Acceptance of Partial Substantial Completion for Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Dunedin High School as of December 8, 2000 (Building “A”); February 9, 2001 (Building 5); February 20, 2001 (Interior of Building “B”); April 16, 2001 (Interior of Building 8); April 27, 2001 (Interior of Building 14); May 8, 2001 (Interior of Building 13); May 29, 2001 (Interior of Building 12). (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1x. To approve the Acceptance of Final Substantial Completion for Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Northeast High School as of March 26, 2001. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

1y. To approve the Bids to Vendors at Prices in Bid Documents in Accordance with Bid Policies and Statutes. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

2. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the request to Set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the New Policy 8.62 Teacher Professional Expectations.

Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first reading for this proposed new policy.

2a. The motion to approve the request to Set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the New Policy 8.62 Teacher Professional Expectations was carried with a 7-0 vote.

3. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Benjamin to approve the request to Set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the New Policy 7.101 Outside Support Organizations and Amendment to Policy 7.10 School Internal Funds – Principles.

Dr. Hinesley stated that this was brought to the Board before but that the Board requested that staff go back and revisit it in closer collaboration with the PCCPTA. Dr. Hinesley stated that one of the concerns was that an employee who is also a member of PTA should be able to co-sign checks on behalf of PTA. Dr. Hinesley stated that Mr. Bowen has worked through that with PCCPTA and the auditors. Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first reading and recommended approval. Dr. Hinesley also stated that it has become an increasing problem with people using school names to raise money but do not necessarily represent the school. Dr. Hinesley stated that Mr. Bowen has addressed this concern in this policy also.

Deborah Woodard, PCCPTA – Addressed the Board, on behalf of the County Council, to thank them for this policy on outside support organizations. Ms. Woodard commended Mr. Bowen and Ms. Pat Riggs (Director, Auditing and Property Records) for writing this policy and for being receptive to suggestions.

Mrs. Gallucci stated that in reading the policy she thought it could be written in a more customer-friendly way. Mr. Bowen has agreed to do so and to include the suggested wording submitted by Mrs. Bostock before the second reading.

Mrs. Cook thanked Mr. Bowen and Ms. Riggs. Referencing page 236, line 23-25, Mrs. Cook requested that wording be added to state that the principal must also notify the insurance company if the principal revokes the privilege of using the school name, logo, mascot or trademark.

Dr. Gessner requested that the changes be relayed to PCCPTA before the second reading.

3a. The motion to approve the request to Set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the New Policy 7.101 Outside Support Organizations and Amendment to Policy 7.10 School Internal Funds – Principles carried with a 7-0 vote.

4. There were no presentations from the audience.

5. Dr. Hinesley’s report included the following:

· Stated that he had sent to the Board a proposed workshop schedule and had a concern from Mrs. Gallucci on the September 4 date. The Board agreed that they would go forward with this proposed date of September 4 and would confirm remaining dates at a future time. The September 4 workshop will begin at 9:30 a.m.

· Stated that the St. Petersburg Times has picked up on something that he has been working on. Dr. Hinesley stated that the Board received a charter application from a group out of Miami called “Chancellor,” which was later withdrawn. He stated that this group came and met with him expressing their desire to meet a need in Pinellas County and to share a concept that has been successful elsewhere in the state called “Four Corners,” a partnership between Lake and Osceola counties that now also includes students from Polk and Orange counties. Dr. Hinesley stated that he and Dr. Long, Pasco County superintendent, have since met with representatives from Chancellor. Dr. Hinesley stated that this group would be able to access dollars for construction that the district cannot. Dr. Hinesley stated that as we project growth in north Pinellas and see the possible need of an elementary and a middle school there, staff will be pursuing a possible partnership-type charter. Dr. Hinesley encouraged the Board Members to talk to their colleagues from the counties already involved in this charter partnership and possibly visit the site.

· Stated that he met today with the principal and faculty at High Point Elementary to explain to them that he has been in the process of looking for an alternative site for the alternative high school. Dr. Hinesley stated that he would update the Board at the next workshop site pertaining to the possible use of the High Point property for the alternative high school. Dr. Hinesley stated that staff will also look at a better process for sharing information with the community should the Board decide to use that site.

· Reminded the Board that the transportation routes are being displayed on the district’s television channel. Dr. Hinesley stated that The St. Petersburg Times ran the announcements several times as to where parents could find the route information.

6. Mr. Bowen’s report included the following:

h Stated that on July 30, the Circuit Court issued a decision in the case where a company had sued the School Board for demanding access to a selection committee meeting for a construction manager and to videotape that meeting. Mr. Bowen described the details of that lawsuit. Mr. Bowen stated that the court has ruled in favor of Suncam and requested permission from the Board to appeal that ruling. Discussion followed by Board Members and Mr. Bowen. Mrs. Lerner stated that she is not in favor of appealing this case and that it is an issue related to the Sunshine Law. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mr. Benjamin, and carried with a 6-1 vote, Mrs. Lerner voting against, to authorize Mr. Bowen to appeal the Final Judgment entered in Suncam, Inc. v. School Board.

7. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members

Carwise Middle; Tarpon Springs Middle; Safety Harbor Elementary; NEHS Student Reunion; Meeting New Teachers; PCTA – Minority Teacher Luncheon; Urban League Meeting; Teachers Recognition (Safety Harbor Spa); AAVREC Meeting (Carol Cook – Speaker); Beach Camp 2001; Teacher Appreciation Breakfast – Safety Harbor; Teacher Appreciation Luncheon – Tarpon Springs Chamber; Construction Interview Committee Meetings; Dixie Hollins High; Palm Harbor Chamber Teacher Appreciation Breakfast; PCTA/District Minority Employee Luncheon; St. Pete Chamber Tribute to Tourism; PACTE Annual Meeting; Pinellas Marine Institute Board Meeting

Concerns Expressed, Written, or Oral

Mrs. Lerner – Welcomed everyone back to a new school year and commended the district’s great educators and employees for what they have done and will be doing considering the cuts in budgets.

Mr. Benjamin – Stated that he would like the Board to proceed in scheduling an informal discussion with the members of DMAC pertaining to the role of DMAC and the operations of the Board. Board Members agreed to do so once DMAC membership changes November 1. Congratulated Dr. Hinesley for his presentation to the teachers at the beginning of this school year. Wished all teachers and staff the best for this school year.

Dr. Gessner – Welcomed all teachers, support staff and students back and stated that he’s looking forward to a successful school year. Thanked Mr. Johansen for being an outstanding business officer. Dr. Gessner stated that Mr. Johansen had prepared a superb memorandum that went to the “powers-that-be” explaining the impact of some of the legislation and some of the financial changes that took place during the legislative session this year.

Mrs. Cook – Stated that each of the Board Members have met with Vyrle Davis and his group and suggested that the Board schedule time on a workshop to discuss the information received at those meetings to determine if there are any “next steps” needed. Board Members agreed to do so. Expressed her appreciation to the teachers and staff who will be greeting the students on their first day of school tomorrow. Mrs. Cook thanked these people for what they will be doing for students throughout this coming school year.

Mrs. Gallucci – Stated that Tom Greer, Legislative Chair for FSBA this year, is from Osceola County and suggested that Board Members contact him if they have questions on the charter school mentioned by Dr. Hinesley during his report. Expressed her appreciation to Jan Rouse, Pam Harshbarger and John Bowen for the McKay Scholarship letters that went out to parents that clearly explains their rights when sending their child to a private school. Expressed her appreciation to the local chambers that sponsored the teacher appreciation events on Monday and Tuesday of this week, as well as the extra help given to the teachers by these groups.

Mrs. Bostock – Requested that the Board allot a few minutes at either the August 28 or the September 4 workshop to look at an issue she brought forward at the June workshop – the issue of when the area attendance zone lines dissect an area previously zoned to a school and how that will affect the siblings of those students attending that “zoned” school. Mrs. Bostock requested that the Board discuss whether or not to extend the “sibling preference” to families in that situation. Board Members agreed to discuss this topic at a workshop. Dr. Hinesley stated that some preliminary information from the trial run on choice selection would be ready for the Board by the September 4 future workshop.

Mr. Todd – Reminded the audience that the Legislature will meet earlier this year and that last year was not a good year for education. Mr. Todd emphasized that Pinellas has a good delegation but that is not true statewide. Mr. Todd stated that Florida has a constitutional prohibition against mandates without funds and that he does not believe that the Legislature has abided by this prohibition since education has received many mandates without funds and cuts in our resources. Mr. Todd requested that our legislative program work towards correcting this issue and encouraged Board Members to submit their input for both the FSBA platform and the district’s legislative platform. Stated that Florida also has a provision for collective bargaining that has worked well in Pinellas County. Mr. Todd stated that he hopes that opportunity will continue as it has proven to work well for the employees and the students.

8. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

______________________ _____________________

Chairman Secretary

/db(01Aug 21)