SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA

REGULAR MEETING January 16, 2001

The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 16, 2001, at 9:30 A.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 Dr. Ron Stone, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources and Public Affairs. 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: Pat Scarberry, PCCPTA; Richard Cash, Pinellas County Arts for a Complete Education Coalition; Lewis Williams, Operations Team; Lynn Porter, The Tampa Tribune; Kelly Ryan, The St. Petersburg Times; and, Doug Tobin, Bay News 9.

 

  1. Dr. Hinesley stated that the Board had been informed at the last meeting that the scope of the project for Gibbs High School had been changed. Dr. Hinesley stated that the plans for the new construction will be presented to the Board at the next meeting. He also stated that the new construction will be accomplished while students remain on campus in existing buildings.

    2. Mr. Paul Renker, of Renker Eich Parks Architects, presented for Board approval, the proposed plan to for new construction at Gibbs High School.

    A1. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Benjamin to approve the recommendation for the new design for construction at Gibbs High School.

    Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley and Mr. Renker.

    Dr. Hinesley will include in his next presentation a full explanation of fiscal position utilized in determining that new construction would be more appropriate than renovations on this campus.

    A2. The motion to approve the recommended new design for construction at Gibbs High School was carried with a 7-0 vote.

  2. Dr. Hinesley and School Board Members acknowledged the gift presented to the Board by Russ Sloan, St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. This was a book depicting the area of St. Petersburg, its businesses, community groups and schools.

1. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mr. Benjamin and carried with a 7-0 vote to adopt the Agenda.
  1. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Adoption of amendments to Policies 4.29 Fundamental School District Appeals Committees, 5.071 Elementary School Magnet Programs, 5.09 Regular Program/Promotion/Retention/ Acceleration--Middle School, 5.091 Middle School Magnet Programs, 5.13 Graduation Requirements: High School, and 5.14 High School Magnet Programs.

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

    Discussion followed by Mr. Benjamin and Ms. Chris Lowry, Supervisor for Magnet/Fundamental School Programs.

    2a. The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Adoption of amendments to Policies 4.29 Fundamental School District Appeals Committees, 5.071 Elementary School Magnet Programs, 5.09 Regular Program/Promotion/Retention/ Acceleration--Middle School, 5.091 Middle School Magnet Programs, 5.13 Graduation Requirements: High School, and 5.14 High School Magnet Programs.

  2. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Adoption of Amendments to Policies 5.10 Reporting Student Progress--Middle School, 5.15 Reporting Student Progress and Class Ranking High School.

    3. Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the second reading and recommended approval of the proposed amendments.

    Mrs. Gallucci, referring to an article written by Steve Haggerty, stated that the district needs to reinforce the message that our entire teaching staff is expected to follow the law and calculate grades according to this law.

    Mrs. Lerner stated that she agrees that we need to follow the law but should also make appropriate effort to change this law. Mrs. Lerner also stated that the district should not stand in the way of teachers allowing and using extra credit assignments.

    3a. The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Adoption of Amendments to Policies 5.10 Reporting Student Progress--Middle School, 5.15 Reporting Student Progress and Class Ranking High School.

  3. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Adoption of Amendment to Policy 8.07 Political Activities.

Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the second reading and recommended approval.

Mrs. Gallucci stated that she will need to recuse herself from voting on this item. A memo stating that will be prepared by Mr. Bowen, signed by Mrs. Gallucci and included in this record.

Mrs. Lerner, referencing the two-year rule for employee leaves, requested that the staff and Board consider allowing more flexibility as the Board looks at the retention issue for teachers.

4a. The motion to approve the Adoption of Amendment to Policy 8.07 Political Activities was carried with a 6-0 vote, Mrs. Gallucci having recused herself.

5. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Consent Agenda, as submitted.

5a. To approve the Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting of December 12, 2000, and the workshops of November 21, 2000; October 17, 2000; October 4, 2000; October 3, 2000; September 19, 2000; and, August 29, 2000, as submitted.

5b. To approve the naming of the Theater Building at Perkins Elementary School the "Al Downing Theater".

5c. To approve the request to Amend the Corvel Contract to Provide a Workers’ Compensation Managed Care Arrangement (MCA) Through June 30, 2002, with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent Years. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5d. To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5e. To approve the Dismissal of Mr. Joe McCowan, Bus Driver, Transportation Department. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5f. To approve the Dismissal of Ms. Sandra L. McCowan, Bus Driver, Transportation Department. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

 

5g. To approve the Dismissal of Mr. Jose M. Santiago, Plant Operator, Lakewood Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5h. To approve the acceptance of the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Kathleen Smith, Food Service Manager II, Maximo Elementary School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5i. To approve the Dismissal of Ms. Suzanne C. Webber, Bus Driver,

Transportation Department. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5j. To approve the Dismissal of Mr. Antonio M. Young, Group Assistant Child Care Provider, Dropout Prevention. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5k. To approve the following Special Projects: (Copy/Copies to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5L. To approve Budget Amendment No. 3 (November 2000) to the District’s 2000/2001 Budget.

5m. To approve the Financial Statements for Month Ending November 30, 2000 for Fiscal Year 2000-2001.

5n. To approve the Amendment for Bay Village Center for Education Charter. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5o. To approve the Middle School Uniform Course Descriptions, 2001-2002.

5p. To approve the Health Agreement with Dr. Elizabeth Linder, D.D.S., P.A. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5q. To approve the Revised Cooperative Education Program Guidelines.

5r. To approve the Agreement Between Pinellas Technical Education Centers and Gulfcoast North Area Health Education Center, Inc. (GNAHEC). (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5s. To approve the Amendment No. 4 to Agreement With Edward C. Hoffman, Jr., Architects, A.I.A., P.A. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Construction at Perkins Elementary School in the Amount of $44,990. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5t. To approve the Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Walbridge Aldinger for a Partial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in Connection With new Construction at Bayside High School in the Amount of $7,371,600. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5u. To approve the Acceptance of Partial Substantial Completion for Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Northeast High School as of April 10, 2000 (New Chiller and Cooling Tower #1); and August 8, 2000 (AHU #3, including controls). (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5v. To approve the Agreement With Robert P. Resch III Architect for Design and Construction Contract Administration Services for Cabinet Replacement in the Classrooms of Belcher and Skycrest Elementary Schools in the Amount of $16,000 for Belcher Elementary and $19,300 for Skycrest Elementary for a total of $35,300. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5w. To approve the Agreement With Larry LaDelfa to Provide Design and Construction Contract Administration for the Windows, Fixed Glass Sections, Exterior Doors and Blinds Replacement of Buildings 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at Blanton Elementary School in the Amount of $37,000. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5x. To approve the Agreement With ASR Engineering, Inc. for Mechanical Design and Construction Contract Administration Services for the HVAC Renovation Project at Osceola Middle School in the Amount of $33,500. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93)

5y. 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 #93)

6. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the request to set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 4.06 Field Trips and Activities.

Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first reading and recommended approval.

Dr. Gessner stated that this is a good policy and that it sends the right message as to the Board’s expectations for conduct at sporting events. Dr. Gessner, referring to page 163 of the agenda book, suggested that the word "opponent" be replaced with the word "participant" so that the expectation would refer to all who participate in an event. The Board, through consensus, agreed to replace the word "opponent" with the word "participant."

Mrs. Gallucci stated that she had spoken to Dr. Hinesley suggesting that a separate policy be written to address the actions of spectators. Through consensus, the Board agreed to have Dr. Hinesley review this issue.

Mrs. Lerner cautioned the Board not to get into a situation where a policy could not actually be enforced due to lack of personnel, etc.

Dr. Hinesley suggested that the spectators be given an expectation for their behavior over the speaker system as the "no smoking" policy is conveyed during athletic events.

Mr. Benjamin suggested that the issue for spectators go back through the feedback loop with schools.

6a. The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the approve the request to set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 4.06 Field Trips and Activities, with noted change removing the word, "opponent."
  1. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the request to set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policies 8.26 Employee Benefits and 8.27 Insurance, Safety and Loss Prevention.

Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first reading for the proposed amendments and recommended approval.

Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley and Mr. Ted Pafundi, Director of Risk Management and Insurance.

7a. The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the request to set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policies 8.26 Employee Benefits and 8.27 Insurance, Safety and Loss Prevention.

8. The following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations From The Audience:

Lauren Timpone — Addressed the Board to oppose the rezoning of her neighborhood, an area north of Ulmerton Road, to High Point Elementary. Ms. Timpone stated that High Point Elementary is overcrowded and that this was not the request previously presented by Nancy Calder. Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley, School Board Members and Marlene Mueller (Director, Pupil Assignment).

Nancy Calder — Thanked Dr. Hinesley for clarifying this issue and stated that enough has not been done to explain the "grandfathering" issue as it relates to her area.

Jade Moore, PCTA — Requested that the Board reconsider their vote taken earlier in this meeting on the amendments to policy for fundamental/ magnet programs. Mr. Moore voiced his opposition to the dress code for faculty members as stated in the manual included in the policy. Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley. It was moved by Mrs. Lerner and, for discussion purposes, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to reconsider the vote on the manual included in the policy and table to a later meeting. Discussion followed. The motion to reconsider failed with a 3-4 vote, Mr. Benjamin, Mrs. Bostock, Dr. Gessner and Mr. Todd voting against.

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

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

11. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members

Hamilton Disston School; Legislative Breakfast and meeting with Legislators; Partners in Crisis Meeting; Headstart Facilities Committee; Lakewood High School; Skycrest Elementary School; Dunedin Middle School; San Jose Elementary School; South Ward Elementary School; Northeast High School; High Point Elementary School; MLK Breakfast; Safety Harbor Elementary School; Clearwater High School; Gibbs High School; Campbell Park Elementary School; Fairmount Park Elementary School; South Ward Elementary School; Zoning Press Conference; A+ School Recognition; Westgate Elementary School; Lakewood Elementary School; Forest Lakes Elementary School; Oldsmar Community School; Bay Village Charter building; Weedon Island Education Committee meeting; DMAC meeting.

Concerns Expressed, Written or Oral

Mrs. Lerner — Encouraged the Board Members to make an effort to attend at least portions of the Baldridge Educational Conference. Mrs. Lerner also stated that it is important for the School Board to write their own improvement plan.

Dr. Gessner — Stated that he voted against reconsidering the policy manual that addresses the dress code for faculty because he doesn’t like doing business like that; however, he would be interested in looking at the dress code issue for all faculty. Stated that when staff brings capital outlay to the Board he would like to discuss how it could impact older schools.

Mrs. Gallucci — Thanked the Board Members for working with her schedule and changing the beginning time for the January 23 workshop to an earlier start. Stated that she would like the Board to give consideration to scheduling a retreat. Reiterated the comments made by Mrs. Lerner regarding the importance of the upcoming quality conference. Stated that it is that time of year to begin planning for the Board’s participation in the Quality Expo.

Mrs. Cook — Stated that she has visited many schools over the past few weeks and thanked the many principals and staff for their cooperation during these visits. Mrs. Cook encouraged parents to take time to visit their children’s schools.

Mr. Todd — Stated that he is a big proponent of subcommittees and that he plans to announce some issues that may need the appointment of a board member to them. Mrs. Lerner and Mrs. Gallucci requested that this way-of-work be discussed by the whole board at a workshop.

 

12. Mr. Bowen introduced Mr. Tom Wittmer, the new Assistant School Board Attorney. Mr. Bowen stated that Mr. Wittmer comes with a wide range of experience and stated that the district is very fortunate to have him on our staff.

13. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

 

 

______________________ _____________________

Chairman Secretary

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