SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING July 31, 2001
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, July 31, 2001, at 1:00 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; Dr. John Stewart, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Lanse Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.
The Invocation was given by Reverend
Jack Carter, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Largo, 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: Rob McMahon, PCTA; Mary White and
Carolyn Bluett, PCCPTA; Pat Scarberry, DMAC; Richard Cash, Pinellas Arts for a
Complete Education Coalition; Cathy Athanson, Operations Team; Lynn Porter, The
Tampa Tribune;
Kelly Ryan, The St. Petersburg Times; and, Will Young, The Pinellas News.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and
seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to adopt the agenda.
PULL: Consent
#22-C, 41
Dr.
Hinesley informed the Board that the employee in item #14, Reginald Reese, has requested an administrative
hearing; therefore, the recommendation will be to approve Alternative #1.
Dr.
Hinesley stated that the beginning date for the Agreement in item #41, page
233, should read August 28, 2001 with an ending date of August 27, 2006. Dr. Hinesley stated that the dates in
the contract itself are correct.
The motion to adopt the agenda, as
amended, was carried with a 7-0 vote.
A. Dr. Hinesley introduced the Following Newly Appointed Administrator:
Mr. William M. Bailey, Principal
San Jose Elementary School
Mr. Bailey was greeted and congratulated by the Board Members.
B. Ms. Janet L. Kucerik, Supervisor, World Languages introduced to the Board the following Pinellas County teachers who have been selected to spend the 2001-2002 school year in Nagano, Japan as exchange teachers:
Ms. Stacie Little, Art Teacher, Oakhurst Elementary
Ms. Glenda Berman, Gifted Education, Fuguitt Elementary
Ms. Little and Ms. Berman were greeted and congratulated by the Board Members.
C. Sean O’Flannery , teacher and coach at Northeast High School, addressed the Board to request that the Board grant a waiver to their policy to allow a school team to use their school’s facility at no charge to hold a fund raiser for that team. Mr. O’Flannery explained that the Board’s policy presently requires the operators of such an event to pay a usage fee, even though the money would be deposited in the school’s account. Sean requested permission to begin this operation sometime during the summer of 2002.
Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley, School Board Members, Steve Fairchild (Real Property/Facilities Specialist), and Mr. O’Flannery. Board Members commended Mr. O’Flannery for his enthusiasm and interest in students. Board Members requested that Dr. Hinesley and his staff review this matter further with Mr. O’Flannery and update the Board with his progress at a future workshop. Dr. Hinesley stated that he should have the necessary information in approximately three months.
D. Darryl E. Rouson, Esquire, President, NAACP St. Petersburg Branch, addressed the Board to state his support of their education co-chairs, Mary Schoonover and Roger Plata, Esq. Mr. Rouson stated that the NAACP is an advocacy, civil rights organization whose mission is to right social injustice and to correct wrongs in education. He stated that they are concerned with the lack of achievement by African-American students; that education is a priority item with the St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP; that they are concerned with the reporting that black students make up only 19% of the school population but represent 55% of the suspension rate; that they are concerned that 2/3 of the black students never graduate but receive a certificate or drop out; and, that this must not remain status quo. Mr. Rouson stated that DMAC’s role is to assess and advise the Board on goals and offer recommendations concerning issues of equity, diversity, and student achievement; to comment on or initiate recommendations concerning other specific areas covered by the agreement; and to receive substantial information disaggregated by race, as appropriate, concerning the operation of the school system. He stated that they seek a more cooperative and collaborative working relationship. Mr. Rouson thanked Mr. Bowen for a recent meeting in Mr. Bowen’s office in an effort to reach an agreement for a way of work. He stated that the NAACP wants close adherence to the principles set forth in the court order; new schools to be community-oriented; new elementary schools to have pre-k programs to help close the achievement gap; and, the Code of Student Conduct to be rewritten at a sixth-grade level to be more understandable for students and parents. Mr. Rouson stated that they want black students to have their culture validated and be taught the richness of African-American contributions as critical thinkers and builders of this country. Mr. Rouson stated that the NAACP is also concerned with the hiring of superintendents, faculty, and teachers, clarifying that black students need excellent role models in these positions. Mr. Rouson distributed written materials to clarify this position.
Discussion followed by Board Members.
Dr. Hinesley stated that he will present an update to the Board at their August 28 workshop on the use of the PTEC St. Petersburg facility by various agencies. Mrs. Lerner requested that Mr. Rouson receive the same information. Dr. Hinesley will ask that our pre-k department contact Mr. Rouson with information on pre-k program guidelines and locations.
Discussion continued.
E. The meeting
recessed at 2:25 p.m. and reconvened at 2:35 p.m.
1. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the Adoption of Amendments to Policy 2.13 Audience Participation and Conduct at Board Meetings.
Dr. Hinesley presented a brief overview of the proposed amendment and recommended approval.
1a. The motion to approve the Adoption of Amendments to Policy 2.13 Audience Participation and Conduct at Board Meetings was carried with a 7-0 vote.
2. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the Adoption of Amendments to Policies 4.01 Code of Student Conduct and 4.02 Code of Student Conduct Postsecondary/Workforce Development.
Dr. Hinesley commended Nancy Zambito, Bill Grey, and the Student Rights & Responsibilities Committee for their efforts and input. Dr. Hinesley presented a brief overview of the proposed amendment and recommended approval.
Mrs. Gallucci extended her appreciation to Ms. Zambito but stated that she still philosophically does not agree with the penalty on graduation that results from the zero tolerance portion of this policy.
Mrs. Bostock, referring to line 3 on page 16, stated that to be consistent the “30 days” should be moved up to “45 days.” Discussion followed and it was agreed that this change will be considered for the 2002-2003 school year.
Mrs. Lerner requested that the Board divide the question, separating out the portion dealing with the impact that zero tolerance has on graduating seniors.
2a. It was moved by Mrs. Lerner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to divide out section #9, “Disciplinary Reassignment to an Alternative Program.” Discussion followed. This motion was carried with a 4-3 vote, Mr. Benjamin, Dr. Gessner and Mr. Todd voting against.
2b. The original motion was
carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Adoption of Amendments to Policies 4.01
Code of Student Conduct and 4.02 Code of Student Conduct
Postsecondary/Workforce Development, dividing out section #9 for a
separate motion and vote.
2c. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Bostock and carried with a 5-2 vote, Mrs. Gallucci and Mrs. Lerner voting against, to approve section #9, “Disciplinary Reassignment to an Alternative Program.”
3. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Amendments to Policy 4.06 Field Trips and Activities.
Dr. Hinesley presented a brief overview of the proposed amendments and recommended approval.
3a. The motion to approve the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Amendments to Policy 4.06 Field Trips and Activities was carried with a 7-0 vote.
4. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Amendments to Policies 5.08 Reporting Student Progress--Elementary, 5.10 Reporting Student Progress--Middle School, and 5.15 Reporting Student Progress and Class Ranking--High School.
Dr. Hinesley presented a brief overview of the proposed amendments and recommended approval.
4a. The motion to approve the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Amendments to Policies 5.08 Reporting Student Progress--Elementary, 5.10 Reporting Student Progress--Middle School, and 5.15 Reporting Student Progress and Class Ranking--High School was carried with a 7-0 vote.
5. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Amendments to Policy 5.13 Graduation Requirements: High School.
Dr. Hinesley presented a brief overview of the proposed amendments and recommended approval.
5a. The motion to approve the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Amendments to Policy 5.13 Graduation Requirements: High School was carried with a 7-0 vote.
6. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Amendments to Policy 5.17 Exceptional Student Education.
Dr. Hinesley presented a brief overview of the proposed amendments and recommended approval.
6a. The motion to approve the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Amendments to Policy 5.17 Exceptional Student Education was carried with a 7-0 vote.
7. The
following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations From the
Audience:
Betty
Massell –
Addressed the School Board to request that the Board agree with her that her
children were permitted to continue their attendance at Safety Harbor
Elementary following the zoning hearings for McMullen Booth Elementary under a
special “grandfathering” option, rather than allowed to attend
through the special attendance permit process. Dr. Hinesley stated that there
seems to be a different understanding of what transpired at those hearings;
that he had allowed those students to continue their attendance at Safety
Harbor through an SAP; that the minutes and the transcript of those meetings do
not reflect any discussion beyond the regular SAP; and, that it is his opinion
that he does not have the authority to grant exceptions to the SAP process
considering the negotiated agreement with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley
School Board Members and Mr. Bowen.
Mrs. Lerner stated that she carefully read the transcription done by Ms.
Mueller and that it was truly an SAP, not dual zoning. Discussion continued by Board Members:
No action was taken by the Board.
Theresa
Gray –
Addressed the Board to request that her son be permitted to continue in the
IMASS program at Seminole Middle School on a special attendance permit so that
he may attend the same school as her son entering the MEGASS program in sixth
grade at Seminole. Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley, School Board Members,
Dr. Stewart and Kathy Walker (Director, Pupil Assignment). Ms. Walker stated that it has been
communicated to the mother by staff that both sons may attend the same school
in their respective programs but that Seminole Middle is overcrowded and,
therefore, cannot be considered for this request. This issue was referred back to the Superintendent’s
staff for follow up.
8. It was moved by
Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve
the Consent Agenda, as amended.
8b. To
approve to Retain Kurt Spitzer & Associates as Consultant for Redistricting
School Board Member Residence Areas.
8c. To
approve the Stipulation of Agreement to Allow Ms. Patricia Sciarappa to Serve
as an Executive Intern with the Florida Sterling Council 2001-02. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #94.)
8d. To
approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #94.)
8e. To
approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Sadie Frost, Teacher
Assistant-ESE II, Pinellas Park High School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #94.)
8f. To
approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Mr. Christopher
Harker, Transportation Coordinator, Transportation Department, for Three (3)
Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8g. To
approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Sharyn
Jacob, Teacher, Lakewood High School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to
be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8h. To
approve the Recommendation to suspend Reginald Reese, Teacher, Riviera Middle
School, without pay effective August 1, 2001, pending the outcome of the
administrative hearing.
8i. To
approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Joanne M.
Reinhart, Teacher, Oakhurst Elementary School, for Five (5) Days Without Pay.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8j. To
approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Mr. Stephen
Roewe, Truck Driver I, Warehousing Department, Walter Pownall Service Center for Three (3) Days
Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8k. To
approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Judith N. SanAngelo, Plant Operator,
Osceola High School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8L. To
approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend
Mr. Michael Sirico, Roofer,
Maintenance Department, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8m. To
approve to File Suit Against Redlands Insurance Company To Recover Settlement
in Curtsinger v. Pinellas County School Board Action.
8n. To
approve To Retain Thomas M. Gonzales of the Firm of Thompson, Sizemore, &
Gonzalez to Represent the School Board in the Case of Lambeth v. Pinellas
County School Board, Circuit Civil No. 01-4999-CI-11.
8o. To
approve the Field Trip List for Pinellas County Schools for 2001-02 through
2003-04. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8p. To
approve the Following Special Projects (Copy/copies, as appropriate, to be
found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.):
- Renewal
of Florida’s Families as Educators Project: $50,000
- Community
Technology Centers Project:
$202,117
- Love
of Learning Charter School Start-up Grant: $70,000
- Chuck
Yeager Award Project: $5,000
- Agreement
with Workforce Out-of School Youth Program: $299,450
-
Boys
and Girls Club Mentoring Services Project: $63,710
Mrs. Lerner, having pulled the
“Learning for Life Project,” clarified that the state has mandated
that if you accept the $100,000, it must be for the Learning for Life
curriculum. Mrs. Lerner added that
when it comes to character education it should be a local decision. Mrs. Lerner stated that her reason for
voting against this purposed project is that Learning for Life, though it does
not discriminate, it is a subsidiary of The Boy Scouts of America which is an
organization with a written policy discriminating against gay scouts and gay
leaders and, therefore, should not be teaching character education in our
schools. It was moved by Dr.
Gessner, seconded by Mrs. Bostock and carried with a 6-1 vote, Mrs. Lerner
voting against, to approve the Learning for Life Project: $100,000, as
proposed.
8q. To
approve Budget Amendment No. 9 (May 2001) to the District’s 2000/2001
Budget.
8r. To
approve Request Approval of the Financial Statements for Month Ending May 31,
2001 for Fiscal Year 2000-2001.
8s. To
approve the Food Service Petty Cash and Change Funds.
8t. To
approve the Petty Cash Funds for 2001-2002.
8u. To
approve to Increase Workforce Development Postsecondary and Adult Fees
2001-2002.
8v. To
approve the Agreement Between School Board of Pinellas County and Florida
Center for Interactive Media, Tallahassee Community College. (Copy to be found
in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8w. To
approve the Agreement for FDLRS Preschool Screenings With Dunedin Public
Library, St. Paul United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg Main Library,
Seminole United Methodist Church, Tarpon Springs First United Methodist Church,
Temple Beth-El and Union Academy. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#94.)
8x. To
approve the Health Agreement With Kindred Hospital Bay Area
St. Petersburg. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8y. To
approve the Health Agreement With Randy Shuck, D.O. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8z. To
approve the Health Agreement With Gentiva Health Services. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #94.)
8aa. To
approve the Renewal of the Interagency Agreement With the Southwest Florida
Water Management District. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8bb. To
approve the Grant of Distribution
Easement to Florida Power Corporation, Authorizing the Easement on the James
Sanderlin Elementary School Site.
8cc. To
approve the Grant of a Communication Easement to Verizon Florida Inc.,
Authorizing the Easement on the Nina Harris Exceptional Student Education
Center Site.
8dd. To
approve the Renewal of the Agreement With the Performing Arts Center and
Theater, Inc. for the Lease of Ruth Eckerd Hall for the Countywide High School
Graduation Ceremony. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8ee. To
approve the Renewal of the Agreements With Six (6) Referee Associations Permitting
the use of Board Facilities for Organizational Meetings. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8ff. To
approve the Renewal of the Agreement With the Pinellas Community Center, Inc.
d/b/a Long Center for Recreation and Education, 1501 N. Belcher Road,
Clearwater, to Permit the use of the Center’s Pool by the Countryside
High School Swim Team for Practices and Meets. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8gg. To
approve the Renewal of the Lease With Meadowlawn Little League for the use of
Playfields at Lynch Elementary School for Little League Baseball and Softball.
8hh. To
approve the Report to the School Board of Facility Leases, Joint-Use
Activities, and Other Community Uses Processed by the Real Property Management
Department During the Second Quarter 2001.
8ii. It
was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Agreement
With the Boy Scouts of America, Inc., to Permit the use of School Board
Facilities for Boy Scout Meetings.
Dr.
Hinesley stated that agreement is not unique and commended Mr. Bowen for being
ahead of the curve. Dr. Hinesley
stated that everyone now pays the same amount for using the district’s
facilities and that this recommendation is for a five-year agreement to
decrease some paperwork and that the cost is pro-rated.
The
following individuals addressed the Board:
Eileen
O’Sullivan, member of PFLAG – Stated that she considers this
imprudent to sign a five-year agreement with anyone; that renewable annual
contracts would make more sense; and, that the national leadership of Boy
Scouts has created a problem by deciding to spend a great deal of money to win
a court ruling that allows them to discriminate against sexual minority and non
religious people. Ms.
O’Sullivan urged the School Board to write to the West Central Council of
Boy Scout organizations to urge this discrimination policy to be a local issue
and then allow it to become non existent.
Francis
X. O’Sullivan – Expressed his concern with the proposed agreement
with the Boy Scouts and urged the Board to not approve it as presented. Mr. O’Sullivan requested
that the Board approve an annual, renewable agreement with the Boy Scouts and
that the Board contact the local Boy Scouts to urge them to request local control
regarding the discrimination policy.
Discussion
followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, Mr. Bowen, and Steve Fairchild.
Mrs.
Lerner stated that she feels that the issue is whether the Board will be
following their policy against discrimination if they allow the Boy Scouts to
advertise their meetings.
It
was moved by Mrs. Lerner to amend the original motion to read that before any
lease is signed the district notify the Boy Scouts that they will not be
allowed to advertise their meetings in our schools in order for the Board to
comply with their policy 6.125.
This motion to amend failed for the lack of a second.
Discussion
continued.
The
original motion was carried with a 6-1 vote, Mrs. Lerner voting against, to
approve the Agreement With the Boy Scouts of America, Inc., to Permit the use
of School Board Facilities for Boy Scout Meetings, as proposed. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8jj. To
approve the Agreement for Purchase
Between Ira and Beverly Mitlin, Seller, and the School Board of Pinellas
County, Florida, Buyer, for the Purchase of the Property Located at 614 26th
Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida, Parcel No. 14 31 16 15192 008 0060 for
the Purchase Price of $95,700, Attorney Fees $500 and $1,000 in Moving Expense. This property will be used for
expansion of the
St. Petersburg High School Site. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #94.)
8kk. To
approve the Agreement With Harvard, Jolly, Clees, Toppe Architects for
Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection
With HVAC Replacement, Remodeling and Renovations at Largo Middle School Site
for Fees of $606,850. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8LL. To
approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Renker Eich Parks Architects, Inc.
and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Additions,
Remodeling and Renovations at Gibbs High School in the Amount of $968,300.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
8mm. To
approve Bids to Vendors at Prices
in Bid Documents in Accordance with Bid Policies and Statutes. (Copy to be
found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
9. The
meeting recessed at 4:40 p.m. and reconvened at 4:52 p.m.
10. It
was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the
Amendments to the Charter School Application of the Athenian Academy Charter
School, Inc.
Discussion
followed by Dr. Hinesley, School Board Members and Dr. Melanie Fernandez
(Academie DaVinci Charter School).
10a. The
motion to approve the Amendments to the Charter School Application of the
Athenian Academy Charter School, Inc. was carried with a 7-0 vote.
11. It
was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Charter
Contract with the Love of Learning Charter School, Inc.
Discussion
followed by Dr. Hinesley, Mr. Bowen, Dr. Ron Lipton (Principal, Love of
Learning Charter School), Steve Swartzel (Director of Governmental Services),
and Terry Schlesinger (Love of Learning Charter School).
11a. The
motion to approve the Charter Contract with the Love of Learning Charter
School, Inc. was carried with a 5-2 vote, Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Gallucci voting
against.
12. Dr.
Hinesley’s report included the following:
·
Stated
that he has received a letter denying the district’s request for a waiver
pertaining to the relocatables.
Dr. Hinesley stated that the Board will see in tonight’s
presentation on the budget dollars to bring the relocatables into compliance. Dr. Hinesley stated that staff will
continue to work on other options.
·
Informed
the Board that the St. Petersburg Times has notified the district that they
will no longer publish the bus routes because it is not economically feasible
for them. Dr. Hinesley stated that
the cost to the district would be approximately $80-90,000. He stated that efforts will be made to
have them reconsider this issue but that the information will be mailed out to
parents and placed on the district’s website.
13. Mr.
Bowen’s report included the following:
·
Stated
that efforts have been made to remove the Crowley case from state to federal
court and to file an injunction since it involved the same class that was
involved in the Bradley case, only couched in state law terms. Mr. Bowen stated that Judge Merryday
denied the request to enjoin the action but made it clear in his order that he
was letting this be decided by the state court judge but he could not imagine
any remedy that he could fashion that would not conflict with his court order. Mr. Bowen clarified that this puts the
district back in state court and that he will proceed with motions to try to
dispose with that litigation. Mr. Bowen will continue to update the Board.
14. Reports
from School Board Members were as follows:
Schools Visited or Functions
Attended by Board Members
DMAC meeting; Dunedin High School;
Love of Learning Charter School Site; Athenian Academy; R’Club Board
Meeting; Northeast High School; Clearwater Chamber of Commerce (Mrs. Cook
– speaker); Florida PTA Leadership Conference; Selection Committee
Meeting; Value Adjustment Board Meeting; Meeting with African-American Voter
Research and Education Committee – Urban League Building, St. Petersburg.
Concerns Expressed, Written or
Oral
Dr. Gessner – Stated that the Board recently received a
copy of the article on “bullying” from The Washington Post that was both encouraging and
discouraging. Dr. Gessner stated
that the school was proactive in using a program called
“Blueprints” and encouraged district staff to research this program
via the website noted in the article.
Dr. Gessner stated that the program made the staff very aware and
accountable in dealing with this issue.
Stated
that the Board received a letter from Commissioner Bob Stewart and the
Metropolitan Planning Organization pertaining to October 29, 2001, as
Pedestrian Safety Awareness Day.
Dr. Gessner stated that the letter requested that the district
participate by distributing the brochure that list safety practices for
pedestrians and motorists. Dr.
Gessner stated that the brochures will be furnished to the district if the
Board agrees to do so: Board
Members agreed.
Mrs. Lerner – Referred to the letter received by the Board
from Mrs. Anderson expressing concern with art teachers who are still going
from room-to-room with music carts and requested that the Board receive an
update on this issue at their August 28 workshop. Requested that the Board give consideration to the request presented
by Mr. & Mrs. O’Sullivan earlier in this meeting.
Mrs. Cook – Stated that there has been discussion on
eliminating the annual legislative breakfast and that she had recently
discussed this issue with Mary White, PCCPTA member, and Steve Swartzel
regarding possible other options, i.e., inviting the legislators to participate
in a town-hall-type meeting with parents.
Mrs. Cook stated that PCCPTA is asking that the School Board partner
with them on this initiative and that PCCPTA has offered to schedule these
events. Discussion followed. Board Members agreed to participate
with PCCPTA on this initiative.
Mr. Swartzel and Mrs. Gallucci will update the Board on possible issues
that need to be addressed during this year’s legislative session, both by
PCCPTA and the Board Members.
Mrs. Gallucci – Stated that Dollars to the Classroom needs
to be fixed, i.e., art teachers, music teachers, guidance counselors, AND media
specialists should all be counted as “dollars to the
classroom.” Dr. Hinesley
stated that he will send a memo written by Lanse Johansen pertaining to the
interpretation of that law and how it negatively impacts districts. Stated that the districts have been given
the authority to hire teachers but have not been given the necessary dollars to
hire those teachers who have retired to Florida with 20+ years of
experience. Referred to the legislative position paper
from ESEA and stated that they are looking at grading schools from a federal
level with ratings of proficient, need of improvement or failing. Mrs. Gallucci stated that NSBA and AASA
are asking districts to voice their positions on grading schools to their
congressmen. Requested that Board Members contact their
legislators to urge them to spend the surplus of dollars from items vetoed by
the Governor on education. Stated that she received information from
NSBA and CUBE that Harvard University is doing a study on urban boards that
have been successful in implementing new processes and systems, and that
Pinellas has been selected as one of those counties.
Mr. Todd – Stated that he recently viewed the movie,
The Final Days, and suggested that the Board discuss at a future workshop what
is being done and what more could be done by the district to support the
Holocaust Museum and to ensure that all students visit this site. Noted the recent passing of Garnelle
Jenkins, a strong leader in promoting better education for underprivileged
children, and requested that the Board consider preparing a resolution
acknowledging Ms. Jenkins’ contributions and presenting the resolution to
her family at a future board meeting.
15. Dr.
Stewart Offered the following summary of directives given to the Superintendent
for follow up:
·
Staff
will schedule a meeting with the activity coordinators regarding the team fund
raisers issue presented in this meeting and report back to the Board within
three months.
·
Kathy
Walker will meet with Mr. Rouson regarding the PTEC space and acquire his
input.
·
Kathy
Walker and Art Dimter will meet with Theresa Gray regarding her issue presented
during this meeting and check the
website pertaining to the information on magnet programs found there.
·
Staff
will check on the program “Blueprints” mentioned in The
Washington Post
article.
·
Staff
will follow up on the Metropolitan Planning Organization information on
pedestrian safety to be dispersed to the schools.
·
Staff
will compile the information on the number of art and music teachers still on
carts.
·
Staff
will compile information on what is being done by the district to support the
Holocaust Museum and that area of education for students.
·
Staff
will prepare a resolution acknowledging the contributions made by Ms. Garnelle
Jenkins during her life.
16. There
being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting
adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
______________________
_____________________
Chairman Secretary
/db(01Jul31)