SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING June 12, 2001
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at 1:23 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 the Rev. C.L. Alligood, Sylvan
Abbey United Methodist Church, 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; Jade Moore and Rob McMahon, PCTA; Pat Scarberry,
PCCPTA; Mayme Hodges, North Pinellas Retired Educators Association; Vic Rowley,
Pinellas County SAC; Richard Cash, Pinellas County Arts for a Complete
Education Coalition; Cathy Athanson, Operations Team; and, Kelly Ryan, The
St. Petersburg Times.
It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Dr. Gessner
to adopt the agenda.
PULL: Consent
#8 and #34
DELETE: Presenters or Special Order - Item E
Consent #10
Dr. Hinesley informed the Board that the SEIU portion of
the contracts in Item #44 had not been ratified since their ballots had not
gone out to all of their members.
Dr. Hinesley stated that all other contracts were ratified and that he
will be asking the Board to approve all contracts, with the exception of the
SEIU contract.
The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried
with a
7-0 vote.
A. Dr. Hinesley introduced the Following Newly Appointed Administrators:
Ms. Rory
Morris-Richardson, Principal
Sunset Hills Elementary
School
Mr.
Terrance J. Palmer, Director
Transportation
Department
Mr. Clayton L. Snare, Principal
East Lake High School
B. Ms. Phyllis Mannino, Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent, introduced to the Board Ms. Jan Rouse, Assistant Superintendent, Middle School and Exceptional Student Education, as the Pinellas Association of Educational Office Professionals’ Boss of the Year. Mr. Richard Duncan, Principal of Seminole High School, introduced to the Board Mrs. Barbara Metz, School Bookkeeper II at Seminole High School, as PAEOP’s Member of the Year.
Both Ms. Rouse and Mrs. Metz were greeted and congratulated by the Board Members.
C. Ms. Susan S. Froemming, Supervisor, PreK-12 Art, recognized the following students who will receive national awards at The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards ceremony to be held June 16 in Washington, D.C.:
Sarah
Johnson from Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School will
receive a silver award for her untitled painting. David Bewley is her teacher.
Michael
Vasquez from Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School will
receive the American Vision award for his drawing titled, “Homage to Red
Grooms”. Joyce Ely-Walker is
his teacher.
Chase
Finch from Bay Point Middle School will receive a silver award for his writing
in science fiction/fantasy titled, “Apocalypse”. His teacher is Renee O’Brien.
Drew
Harwell from Bay Point Middle School will receive a silver award for his short
story titled, “Me and Myself”. His teacher is Renee O’Brien.
Danielle
Sipple from East Lake High School will receive a silver award for her poem
titled, “Gorgeous”.
Her teacher is Jann Rowe.
The
following award-winning students were unable to attend this meeting:
Allison
Schnur from Bay Point Middle School will receive a gold award for her short
story titled, “Sea of Betrayal”. Her teacher is Renee O’Brien.
Kelly
O’Neil from East Lake High School will receive a silver award for her
writing in humor titled, “Mud Pies”. Her teacher is Jann Rowe.
Lindsay
Palmer from East Lake High School will receive the American Voices award for
her short story titled, “Avalon Pier”. Her teacher is Jann Rowe.
Jillian
DiBiose from Tarpon Springs Middle School will receive a silver award for her
poem titled, “The Radiant Sky”. Her teacher is Chrisy Mathews.
Alice Miano from Tarpon Springs Middle School will receive a silver award for her personal essay/memoir titled, “A Memorable Struggle”. Her teacher is Chrisy Mathews.
The Board greeted and congratulated the students and presented them with medallions.
D. Ms. Freddie Robinson, Principal, Kennedy Middle School, introduced Ms. Judy King, Teacher at Kennedy Middle School, who introduced students Tommy Oreste and Adam Counts. Ms. King and the students gave a presentation on their recent trip to Alaska at the invitation of Special Olympics. A video tape was also shown to relay the events of this trip.
1. It was moved by
Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Dr. Gessner, 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
May 22, 2001, as submitted.
1b. To
approve the Readoption of the Current Educational Plant Survey to Allow for an
Extension to End in June 2003.
1c. To approve the Supplemental
Survey for Gibbs Senior High School (0040).
1d. To approve the Classified
Advertising Agreement with the St. Petersburg Times. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1e. To approve the Resolution to
Grant Temporary Duty Elsewhere (TDE) to Robert A. McMahon, President, PCTA, for
the 2001-02 School Year. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1f. To approve to Grant
Temporary Duty Elsewhere to Michael Rossignol, President, SEIU, for School Year
2001-02.
1g. To approve the Temporary Duty
Elsewhere Assignment for Ms. Carolyn E. Smith to Serve as President of the
Pinellas Educational Support Personnel Association.
1h. Mrs. Cook, having pulled
this item, stated that she will abstain from voting on the Personnel Actions
since her “Request for Leave of Absence” appears on page 36 of the
agenda book.
It
was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Bostock and carried with a 6-0
vote, Mrs. Cook abstaining, to approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by
the Superintendent.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1i. To
approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Tameka L. Butler, Plant Operator,
Largo High School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1j. To
approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Michelle E. Lerbs, Teacher Assistant
DEES II, Belleair Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #94.)
1k. To
approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Ruthie Thomas, Plant Operator, Azalea
Middle School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1l. To approve the Request
for a Five Year Payback Loan to Osceola High School for the Purchase of
Replacement Band Uniforms for $35,000.
1m. To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
- Renewal of Title VI Innovative
Education Program Strategies, $721,821
- Renewal of Federal Class Size
Reduction Project, $3,104,149
- Renewal of FDLRS Gulfcoast Project,
$1,228,254
- Renewal of Eisenhower Professional
Development Project, $671,635
- Renewal of Title I Part A Basic Project,
$18,860,146
- Renewal of Title I Part D
Delinquent Project, $421,537
- Renewal of Contract with
Educational Computing Technologies, $62,000
- Renewal of Contract with Eckerd
Youth Alternatives, $209,550
- Renewal of Adult Section 225
Corrections Education Project, $50,000
- Renewal of Comprehensive Family
Literacy Project, $50,000
- Renewal of Adult Education Section
231 Geographic Project, $667,661
- Renewal of Dixie Hollins Adult
Corrections Project, $50,000
- Transition to Teaching Project,
$1,125,000
- Dixie Hollins Adult Re-Enter with
Success Project, $75,000
- Florida’s Families as
Educators Project, $75,000
-
Contract
with Palo Verde Associates, $9,600
1n. To approve Budget Amendment
No. 8 (April 2001) to the District’s 2000/2001 Budget.
1o. To approve the Financial
Statements for Month Ending April 30, 2001 for Fiscal Year 2000-2001.
1p. To approve the Investment
Portfolio Financial Statements for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2001.
1q. To approve the Health
Agreement with CVS Pharmacy. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#94.)
1r. To approve the Revised
Agreement with Coordinated Child Care of Pinellas, Inc. and the Pinellas County
School Board for 2001-2002. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1s. To approve the Waiver of
School Board Policy 5.13 (2) to Add Successful Completion of a Senior Project
to the Tarpon Springs High School Graduation Requirements.
1t. To approve the Renewal
of the Agreement With the Science Center of Pinellas County, Inc. (Copy to be
found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1u. To approve the Renewal of the
Lease of Jordan Park Elementary and Forest Hills Elementary Schools to Head
Start Child Development and Family Services, Inc.
1v. To approve the Agreement with
VFW Post #9272, Located at 10997 72nd Avenue N., Seminole, for the
Reciprocal Use of VFW Facilities and Seminole Elementary School Facilities.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1w. To approve the Educational
Specifications for new Construction, Remodeling, and Renovations at Cypress
Woods Elementary School for an Estimated Total Project Cost of $4,009,300.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1x. To approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Harvard Jolly Clees Toppe, Architects for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Constructing a new Middle School “BB” on the Childs Park School Site in the Amount of $234,670. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1z. To
approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Criswell, Blizzard & Blouin Architects,
Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in
Connection With Constructing a New Paul B Stephens ESECenter for an Increase of
Additional Services Fees by $12,000. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #94.)
1aa. To
approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Metric Constructors for a Partial
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in Connection With new Construction, Remodeling,
and Renovations at Maximo Elementary School in the Amount of $6,028,101. (Copy
to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1bb. To
approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Ajax Building Corporation in the
Amount of $8,449,074 Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of
$14,142,300 for Construction of a new ESE Center at the Nina Harris ESE Center
Site. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1cc. To
approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Ajax Building Corporation in the
Amount of $7,953,679 Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of
$13,304,020 for Construction of a new ESE Center at the Paul B. Stephens ESE
Center Site. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)1dd. To approve the Agreement With C. B.
Goldsmith and Associates to Provide Design and Construction Contract
Administration for the Total HVAC Renovation at Bay Vista Elementary School in
the Amount of $184,156. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
1gg. Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, expressed her concern
with the purchase prices for various instruments listed on pages 222-223 of the
agenda book.
Discussion
followed by Mark Lindemann (Director, Purchasing), Jeanne Reynolds (Supervisor,
Pre K-12 Music), and School Board Members.
It
was moved by Mrs. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Benjamin and carried with a 7-0 vote
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 #94.)
1hh. To
approve to Extend the Aetna Health Plan Contract to Provide Health Insurance
Through December 31, 2002, with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent
Years Thereafter.
1ii. To
approve to Extend the CIGNA Health Plan Contract to Provide Health Insurance
Through December 31, 2002, with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent
Years Thereafter.
1jj. To
approve to Extend the Humana Health Plan Contract to Provide Health Insurance
Through December 31, 2002, with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent
Years Thereafter.
1kk. To approve to Extend the Cole
Managed Vision Contract to Provide Vision Care Insurance Through December
31,2002, with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent Years.
1ll. To approve to Extend
the American Dental Plan Contract Through December 31, 2002, to Provide Dental
Insurance with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent Years Thereafter.
1mm. To
approve to Extend the Metropolitan Life Insurance Contract Through December 31,
2002, to Provide Dental Insurance with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for
Subsequent Years Thereafter.
1nn. To approve the CIGNA Behavioral Health
Contract to Provide and Employee Assistance Plan Through December 31, 2002,
with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent Years Thereafter.
1oo. To approve to Extend the Conseco Contract
to Provide an Income Protection Plan Through December 31, 2002, with an Option
to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent Years Thereafter.
1pp. To approve to Extend the Prudential Life
Insurance Contract to Provide Board Paid Basic Life, Dependent Life, Voluntary
Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance Through
December 31, 2002, with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent Years
Thereafter.
2.
It was
moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Benjamin to approve the Ratification
of Amendments to Agreements and Salary Adjustments for All Employee Groups for
2001-02.
Dr. Hinesley stated that Dr. Stone
(Associate Superintendent for Human Resources and Public Affairs) has suggested
that the Board approve all the proposed contracts, including that of SEIU, with
the understanding that should SEIU not ratify their contract, this single
contract could be brought back to the Board. However, if SEIU ratifies this proposed contract, this
approval by the Board will allow for the increases to be implemented
immediately and to be retroactive.
Dr. Hinesley, changing his recommendation, requested that the Board
approve all contracts, understanding that SEIU has not yet ratified their
contract and will probably not do so until August when bus drivers return. Dr. Hinesley briefly explained the
recommendation and commended the various members of the Collaborative
Bargaining Team for their efforts in this process.
Discussion followed by Board Members
regarding their upset with the inadequate educational funding provided by the
state and the impact that lack of funding has on the district.
The following individuals addressed
the Board:
Jade Moore and Rob McMahon, PCTA – Addressed the Board to
state their concern with the inadequate funding for education and to state that
their organization is interested in any sort of collaborative effort with the
Board and Administration to meet with the Governor and Legislative leaders to
seek adequate funding for public schools starting now.
2a. The motion to approve the
Ratification of Amendments to Agreements and Salary Adjustments for All
Employee Groups for 2001-02 was carried with a 7-0 vote.
3. Dr.
Hinesley’s report included the following:
·
Stated
that when Dr. John Stewart joined the district last year, he commented that the
current Board should not delay documenting these last very important 12-14
years. Dr. Hinesley stated that
the author of the 75th Anniversary Book has offered to author this
project and that part of Julie Janssen’s dissertation relating to the
court proceedings for unitary will be used in this project.
·
Stated
that he gave the Board Office copies of two letters, a May 9, 2001, letter from
the co-chairmen of Palm Harbor University High School to him regarding program
capacity and needed construction to accommodate for Unitary and a copy of Dr.
Hinesley’s response. Dr.
Hinesley stated that they are both on the same page. He stated that eventually he will be recommending additional
student stations at that school.
·
Updated
the Board on the simulation survey for Choice, stating that the second mailing
has gone out and that the third mailing will go out to those who do not respond
following the second mailing.
·
Stated
that the Board Members at their recent retreat requested that he draft a policy
that made consistent the amount of time speakers are given to address issues at
school board meetings. Dr.
Hinesley stated that this item will appear on the agenda for the next school
board meeting.
4.
Mr.
Bowen stated that he had no report.
5. Reports
from School Board Members were as follows:
Schools Visited or Functions
Attended by Board Members
Education Foundation Gala; Seminole
Chamber of Commerce Teachers’ Breakfast; Seminole High Baseball Champions
Recognition; Athletic Conference Luncheon; Marlene Mueller’s Retirement;
Bessie Kirnes’ Retirement; St. Petersburg NAACP Dinner; President
Bush’s Speech in Tampa; Azalea Middle; Gibbs High; PAEOP Meeting (Mrs.
Bostock – Speaker); Nina Harris’ Graduation Ceremony; Gibbs High
and Clearwater High Graduation Ceremonies; Southern Oak Elementary; Tarpon
Springs High; Battle of the Books – Elementary and Middle School; Palm
Harbor University High Senior Celebration for Medical Magnet; Largo High Play,
“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown;” Tarpon Springs High to
Judge Senior Projects (Mrs. Cook); Citizens Alliance for Progress Student Award
Night; Dunedin High and Osceola High Graduations; St. Petersburg High; Oakhurst
Elementary; Tarpon Springs High; PESPA/PCTA Retirement Reception; St.
Petersburg High School Commemorative Ceremony (Dr. Gessner – Speaker);
District Retirement Banquet; St. Petersburg High IB Annual Banquet; Coaches
Appreciation Luncheon; Learning for Life School Recognitions; Pinellas Marine
Institute’s Graduation; Largo High, Seminole High, Pinellas Park High and
PTEC Graduations.
Concerns Expressed, Written or
Oral
Dr. Gessner – Requested appropriate training for students
regarding what constitutes harassment and how to file a complaint.
Mrs. Gallucci – Reported that proposals for presentations at
the next NSBA conference have been submitted on behalf of the School Board and
the district. Reminded the Board Members that the FSBA
conference begins tomorrow, June 13.
Mrs. Bostock – Updated the Board Members on the
subcommittee’s work regarding the Attorney’s contract. Mrs. Bostock stated the committee is in
the process of gathering information from around the state pertaining to the
structure of board attorney contracts.
Mrs. Bostock stated that there should be a final report for the July meeting.
Mr. Benjamin -- Requested that the workshop on June 19 begin
at 8:30 a.m., rather than 9:30 a.m.
Board Members agreed to this change.
Mrs. Lerner – Requested data related to Norwood Alternative
School, i.e., the number of students who were reassigned to this school not
because they were discipline challenges for the schools but got caught into the
“zero tolerance” policy.
Mrs. Lerner stated that she would like to look at a form of discipline
other than a reassignment to the alternative schools. Mrs. Lerner requested an update on the proposal that the
Challenge School would be used as another alternative setting. Dr. Hinesley stated that there is not
funding at this time but that Administration still plans to do that in the
future. Dr. Hinesley stated that
the data requested by Mrs. Lerner will be collected and presented to the
Board. Questioned what type of education took place
following the implementation of the Board’s harassment policy. Mrs. Lerner, referencing a student
discipline case, requested information as to what are the expectations of
Administration that this policy be discussed in the classroom and what is
happening at our schools regarding the instruction of this policy. Commended the schools for their graduations
and the messages presented by students.
Thanked
Mr. Swartzel for his fine job during this last Legislative Session. Mrs. Lerner complimented Governor Bush
on a bill that looks at meeting some of the teacher shortages, the
certification and employment of adjunct teachers. Mrs. Lerner requested that the Board look at pages 79,
Certification of Adjunct Teachers, and consider discussing this process at the
next meeting.
Mr. Benjamin – Stated that many Board Members attended
numerous graduations and expressed his appreciation to the senior advisors and
principals for their part in these ceremonies.
Mr. Todd – Expressed his concern with the continuing
delay in the construction of Bayside High School. Dr. Hinesley stated that the
district is not standing still on this project but is having some of our own
property tested for possible use. Suggested that a committee be identified to
work with the Superintendent on his upcoming contract renewal. Dr. Hinesley stated that there is an
ample amount of time to begin this discussion. Dr. Gessner, Mrs. Bostock and Mr. Todd will serve on this
subcommittee.
6. Dr.
Stewart offered the following summary of directives given to the Superintendent
for follow up:
Staff
will change the workshop schedule for June 19, 2001, to begin at 8:30 a.m.,
rather than 9:30 a.m.
Staff
will collect the data for the Norwood Alternative School, identifying which
students are there due to the “zero tolerance” policy and those who
are reassigned to Norwood because they are chronic discipline problems.
Staff
will report back to the Board as to what schools are doing to relay the
harassment policy and what is being done to those students who bully others.
7. There
being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting
adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
______________________
_____________________
Chairman
Secretary
/db(01Jun12)