SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA

REGULAR MEETING February 27, 2001

The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, at 5:00 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 and Ex-officio Secretary to the Board; Dr. John Stewart, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Lanse Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.

The Invocation was given by Father James Rousakis, Holy Trinity Church Greek Orthodox, Clearwater, FL. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Introduction of the following representatives of professional and community organizations was given by Mrs. Janet O’Harrow, Information Specialist: Carolyn Smith, PESPA; Pat Scarberry, PCCPTA; Vic Rowley, Pinellas County SAC; Paula Lamb, Operations Team; Lynn Porter, The Tampa Tribune; Kelly Ryan, The St. Petersburg Times; and, Denise Moore, Bay News 9.

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

PULL: Consent #23

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

  1. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the Combined Schematic Design Phase I, Preliminary Design Phase II, and Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for Elementary School "C" on the St. Petersburg Challenge Site for an estimated total cost of $10,035,490.

    2. Mr. Ed Hoffman Jr., of Hoffman Architects, AIA, P.A., presented the Schematic Design and the Construction Documents to the Board for their approval.

    The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Combined Schematic Design Phase I, Preliminary Design Phase II, and Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for Elementary School "C" on the St. Petersburg Challenge Site for an estimated total cost of $10,035,490.

     

     

     

     

  2. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the Combined Schematic Design Phase I, Preliminary Design Phase II, and Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for Elementary School "D", to be located south of the PTEC South on 11th Avenue, for an estimated total cost of $10,053,490.

Mr. Ed Hoffman Jr., of Hoffman Architects, AIA, P.A., presented the Combined Schematic Design, Preliminary Design and the Construction Documents to the Board for their approval.

The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Combined Schematic Design Phase I, Preliminary Design Phase II, and Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for Elementary School "D", to be located south of the PTEC South on 11th Avenue, for an estimated total cost of $10,053,490.
  1. 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 Adoption of Amendment to Policy 6.11 Entertainment and Fund Drives, 7.04 Gifts to the School District, 7.10 School Internal Funds — Principles, 7.11 School Internal Funds — General Practices and 7.12 School Internal Funds — Standards, Practices and Procedures.

    2. Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the second reading for these amendments and recommended approval.

    Cindy Ehrenzeller, PCCPTA, addressed the Board to voice her concern with the language in lines 7-8, page 14 of the agenda book. Ms. Ehrenzeller stated that this language will not permit organization members, i.e., PTA, SAC, etc., to sign checks if they are also on-staff of that same school. Ms. Ehrenzeller urged the Board to change this language to allow people who have been elected as officers in school organizations to fulfill this responsibility, regardless whether they are also employed by the district at that school.

    Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley, Dr. Jerry Runkle (Assistant Superintendent for Finance & MIS), Ms. Pat Riggs (Director of Auditing and Property Records) and School Board Members.

    The Board Members agreed that aggressive efforts need to be made to change the rule in the Financial and Program Cost Accounting and Reporting for Florida Schools (redbook) that will eliminate the need for this direction. Information on the language contained in the "redbook," as well as information from other counties, will be brought back to the Board.

    1a. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to remove the last sentence in (b), lines 7-8, and table this statement for further clarification and discussion.

    1b. The original motion, as amended, to approve the request to set a Public Hearing and authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Amendment to Policy 6.11 Entertainment and Fund Drives, 7.04 Gifts to the School District, 7.10 School Internal Funds — Principles, 7.11 School Internal Funds — General Practices and 7.12 School Internal Funds — Standards, Practices and Procedures, was carried with a 7-0 vote.

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

2a. To approve the minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting of February 13, 2001 as submitted.

2b. To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2c. To approve the acceptance of the Stipulation to Suspend Mr. Peter J. Bevilacqua, Carpenter, Maintenance Department, for Ten (10) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2d. To Approve the Dismissal of Ms. Tomeka Junious, Teacher Assistant ESE 1, Tyrone Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2e. To Approve the Acceptance of the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Michelle Kanne, Teacher, Azalea Middle School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2f. To Approve the Interagency Agreement Between the Office of the State Attorney for the Sixth Circuit of Florida and the School Board of Pinellas County. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2g. To Approve the Following Special Projects: (Copies/copy may be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2h. To Approve the Investment Portfolio Financial Statements for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2000.

2i. To Approve the Acceptance of a Donation to Meadowlawn Middle School and Dixie Hollins High School.

2j. To Approve the Agreement with the "YMCA's" to Provide Before- and After-School Child Care Programs. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2k. To Approve the Agreement with the "R’ Club" to Provide Before and After School Child Care Programs. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2l. To Approve the French & Spanish Summer Immersion Camp Program for 2001.

2m. To Approve the Grant to Pinellas County of a Perpetual Roadway Easement for 119th Street Over the West 25-Foot Frontage of the Ridgecrest Elementary School Site and Grant the Temporary Right-of-Way Entry During Construction.

2n. To Approve the Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for Fairmount Park Elementary School for an Estimated Total Cost of $10,310,150. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2o. To Approve the Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for Richard L. Sanders School for an Estimated Total Cost of $10,784,135. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2p. To Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Charles S. Canerday for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With new Construction at Bay Point Elementary and Middle Schools in the Amount of $214,180. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2q. To Approve Amendment No. 7 to Agreement With Criswell, Blizzard, and Blouin Architects, Inc. for Forensic Investigation and Correction of Deficiencies to the HVAC System in Connection With the Construction of Major Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Dixie Hollins High School in the Amount of $136,906. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2r. To Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Williamson Dacar Associates, Inc. for Architectural and Construction With HVAC Remodeling and Renovations at Starkey Elementary School in the Amount of $6,012. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2s. To Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Biltmore Construction Company, Inc. for the Addition of $7,238,094, Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $9,728,094, in Connection With new Construction and Remodeling at Richard L. Sanders School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2t. To Approve Change Order No. 8 for Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Northeast High School. This Change Order will decrease the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $2,762,055 with no time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2u. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Bids to Vendors at Prices in Bid Documents in Accordance with Bid Policies and Statutes.

Dr. Hinesley stated that Attorney Ed Armstrong, representing Cascade Water, was present to address the Board to voice his client’s opposition to the recommendation for the bid in the Water Treatment bid, #01-962-547-RFP. Dr. Hinesley stated that he recommended approval by the Board of the recommended bid.

Mr. Armstrong addressed the Board to state that his client inadvertently omitted their signature on an item contained in the RFP. Mr. Armstrong suggested that the Board reject all bids and let all interested parties re-bid.

John Troyer, Nalco Chemical Company, Inc., addressed the Board to request that they approve the recommended bid as presented by staff.

Discussion followed by Board Members, Mark Lindemann (Director, Purchasing), Mr. Bowen, Dr. Hinesley and Mr. Armstrong.

The motion to approve the Bids to Vendors at Prices in Bid Documents in Accordance with Bid Policies and Statutes was carried with a 5-2 vote, Mr. Todd and Mrs. Gallucci voting against. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)
  1. Kelly Stoddard and Sara Rondolino, Students Rights & Responsibilities Committee representatives, Boca Ciega High School, addressed the Board to share information on activities and accomplishments at their school.

4. The meeting recessed at 7:15 p.m. and reconvened at 7:25 p.m.

5. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Pupil Assignment Plan for 2001-2002 and the Guidelines for Implementing the Special Attendance Permit Process.

Dr. Hinesley reviewed the changes made to the Plan following the first presentation. He stated that the rezoning for Skycrest Elementary has been removed; that the ESOL students residing in the Skycrest zone are being removed from Belcher and rezoned for Skycrest; that he is withdrawing the zoning for Sawgrass Elementary to High Point Elementary; and, that the grid line for an area was moved to the ditch area behind a home, rather than the street in front of the home. Dr. Hinesley stated that, per the Board’s request, staff reviewed the proposal for Walsingham to Campbell Park to identify any potential alternatives. Dr. Hinesley stated that staff found no other alternatives for this proposal and, therefore, his recommendation remains.

Mr. Bowen stated that some Board Members had questioned whether the issue of students being required to participate in this zoning cycle in order to receive the grandfather options could be renegotiated with the Legal Defense Fund. Mr. Bowen informed the Board that Mr. Escarraz stated that he was not willing to renegotiate this issue, that he was not interested in any changes and that any attempt to change it would re-open the complete stipulation.

The following individuals addressed the Board pertaining to the proposed Pupil Assignment Plan for 2001-02:

Tri Hguyen — Addressed the Board to voice opposition of the zoning from Bardmoor Elementary to Lakewood Elementary.

Lauren Timpone and Ginger Brengle — Thanked the Board and staff for changing the recommendation for zoning their area from Sawgrass Elementary to High Point Elementary.

Robin Harfst — Addressed the Board to voice opposition of the zoning from Sexton Elementary to Lynch Elementary. Ms. Harfst stated that her son is dong very well with the Read 180 program and requirement for uniforms at Sexton.

Lori Giddey and Paige Flynn — Addressed the Board to voice opposition of the zoning from Seminole Elementary to Fairmount Park Elementary.

Janet Carnevali, Vicki Milliron, Vicky Howard, Sandra Bray, Jay Polglaze — Thanked Dr. Hinesley and the Board for working with the parents at Skycrest Elementary and not rezoning them. They requested that the district ensure that adequate staffing and facilities be ready to accommodate the additional ESOL students coming into Skycrest Elementary at the beginning of the school year. Mrs. Gallucci requested that the Board receive an update next year regarding the types of assistance given to Skycrest with this influx of students.

Laura Arbuckle, Mike Johns, Vickie Nelson, Carol Robinette, Donna Lytyn; Carol Holland, Anta Bale, Matt Bale, Donna Henry, Dianne Walters, Susan Johnson and Catherine Geis — Addressed the Board to voice their opposition of the zoning of their area, Somerset Lakes, from Walsingham Elementary to Campbell Park Elementary.

Nancy McClelland, teacher, Campbell Park Elementary — Thanked Mrs. Lerner for visiting their school and presented many positive comments regarding the staff and children at Campbell Park Elementary.

Dr. Hinesley responded to questions presented by the speakers.

Discussion followed by Board Members, Marlene Mueller (Director, Pupil Assignment) and Mr. Bowen.

5a. The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Pupil Assignment Plan for 2001-2002 and the Guidelines for Implementing the Special Attendance Permit Process.

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

7. Mr. Bowen stated he had no report.

8. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members

Oak Grove Middle School; Leadership Pinellas Youth Workshop; Baldrige Conference; Teacher of the Year Luncheon; Doorways Ceremony at Stavros Institute; Clearwater Chamber of Commerce event honoring the Philadelphia Phillies; Selection Committee meeting; Pinellas Planning Council meeting; Tyrone Elementary School; Bay Point Middle School; Coachman Fundamental Middle School; Sawgrass Lake Elementary; High Point Elementary; Starkey Elementary; Campbell Park Elementary; Starkey Elementary Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon; Family Service Centers Board Meeting; Suncoast Center for Community Mental Health Board Meeting; Head Start Board Meeting; Florida Center for Survivors of Torture Advisory Board Meeting; Disadvantaged Adults Summit Meeting at PTEC-St. Petersburg.

Concerns Expressed, Written or Oral

Dr. Gessner — Stated that one of the most effective programs has been that with our business partnerships. Dr. Gessner stated that a good example of this is the recent Teacher of the Year recognition with partners such as the Pinellas County Teachers Credit Union and others sponsoring that recognition. Dr. Gessner stated that he was very excited to see Autoway presenting a car to the teacher of the year and that he hopes their effort will serve as a motivator for other businesses. Dr. Gessner suggested that the Chairman send a letter, on behalf of the Board, to express their appreciation to this company. Dr. Gessner also questioned whether there is any way the district can assist this teacher with the taxes that will be due on this gift. Dr. Hinesley stated that he plans to bring a recommendation for the district to pay the taxes at the next board meeting.

Mr. Benjamin — Stated that zoning meetings like the one tonight are the most difficult for the Board. Mr. Benjamin complemented the Board on the way they worked through the issues.

Mrs. Lerner — Stated that she had forwarded to the Board the minutes of the Strategic Communication Committee and requested that they specifically read the "purpose/objective." Mrs. Lerner stated that the Board needs to be proactive and do a better job of educating our customers regarding some of the complicated issues in our district. Mrs. Gallucci stated that she mentioned to Dr. Stone that this plan, when completed, should be able to communicate to the customers the needs of the district. Stated that she has some strong feelings about the awarding of a $22,000 car to the teacher of the year. Mrs. Lerner stated that the district should look at better ways to recognize individuals. She stated that she is not one who commended Dr. Hinesley for finding a way to get this done.

Mr. Todd — Commended those teachers who were recognized during the recent Teacher of the Year event.

9. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

 

______________________ _____________________

Chairman Secretary

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