SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING June 26, 2001
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 26, 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. John Stewart, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Lanse Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.
The Invocation was given by Father
Michael O'Brien, St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, Seminole, 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: Richard Cash, Arts for a Complete Education Coalition; Cathy
Athanson, Operations Team; Lynn Porter, The Tampa Tribune; and, Kelly Ryan, The St.
Petersburg Times.
It was moved by Dr. Gessner and
seconded by Mr. Benjamin to adopt the agenda.
ADD: Consent #33 – Request Approval
to Retain Thomas M. Gonzalez, Esq., of the firm of Thompson, Sizemore &
Gonzalez to Represent the School Board in the case of Rowland v. Pinellas
County School Board, Circuit Civil No. 01-4226-CI-13
Consent
#10 – Add the “Establishment of New Job Classification for an
Existing Administrative Job Classification – Supervisor, School Bus
Routing” to Personnel Recommendations
The motion to adopt the agenda,
as amended, was carried with a 7-0 vote.
A. Dr. Stewart
introduced Dr. Martha O’Howell, Assistant Superintendent for Human
Resources, who presented the following Newly Appointed Administrators:
Mr.
Terry A. Boehm, President
Pinellas County Education Foundation
Mr.
Robert W. Poth, Jr., Principal
Ridgecrest Elementary School
Ms.
Kathleen R. Walker, Director
Pupil
Assignment
Mr.
Boehm, Mr. Poth, and Ms. Walker were greeted and congratulated by the Board
Members.
1. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the adoption of the Amendments to Policy 2.22 District Monitoring and Advisory Committee Bylaws.
Dr. Stewart and Dr. Allen Mortimer (Director, Planning &
Policy) presented a brief summary of the proposed amendments. This was the second reading for these
amendments.
1a. The
motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the adoption of the Amendments to
Policy 2.22 District Monitoring and Advisory Committee Bylaws.
Mrs. Lerner stated that she did not have to reiterate why a
school should be named after Doug Jamerson and that she understands the purpose
of the policy. Mrs. Lerner
suggested that the Board approve the proposed names for Elementary School
“C” and Middle School “BB” and wait to name Elementary
School “D” until the first anniversary of the death of Doug
Jamerson, in order to name the remaining school after Mr. Jamerson.
2a. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the naming of Elementary School “C” and Middle School “BB” and delay the naming of Elementary School “D” until the Board has time to reconsider the existing school naming policy, possibly making a decision in August or September.
2b. Mr. Benjamin withdrew his original motion (#2.) and Dr. Gessner withdrew his second of that motion.
Discussion continued with Board Members, Dr. Stewart, and Tony Rivas (Director, Facilities).
2c. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the naming of Elementary School “C” the James Sanderlin Elementary School, the naming of Middle School “BB” the Thurgood Marshall Middle School, and to table the naming of Elementary School “D” until the first meeting following the next School Board workshop.
Discussion continued.
2d. Mr. Benjamin withdrew his motion (#2a) and Mrs. Gallucci withdrew her second to that motion.
2e. The motion proposed by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the naming of Elementary School “C” the James Sanderlin Elementary School, the naming of Middle School “BB” the Thurgood Marshall Middle School, and to table the naming of Elementary School “D” until the first meeting following the next School Board workshop was carried with a 6-1 vote, Mr. Todd voting against.
3. It
was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Mr. Benjamin to approve the recommendation
to dismiss Mr. Joseph C. Thompson, Bus Driver, Transportation Department.
Dr.
Stewart recommended that the Board support this dismissal.
3a. The motion
was carried with a 7-0 vote to dismiss Mr. Joseph C. Thompson, Bus Driver.
4. It
was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Dr. Gessner, and carried with a 7-0 vote
to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended.
4c. To
approve the Extension of the Current Lease Agreement with Sprint (Bay Area),
Formerly Videotron (Bay area) Inc., for an Additional Six Months. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #94.)
4d. To
approve the Risk Management Insurance Program for 2001/02 with an Option to
Negotiate Renewal upon Expiration of Insurance Contracts.
4e. To
approve to Extend the Life Insurance Company of North America Contract to
Provide Catastrophic Interscholastic Athletic Insurance and Disability Cash
Benefit Insurance Through June 30, 2002, with an Option to Negotiate Renewals
for Subsequent Years.
4f. To
approve to Extend the RSKCo Contract to Provide Third Party Administrator (TPA)
Services Through June 30, 2002, with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for
Subsequent Years Thereafter.
4g. To
approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent, with the
additional request to establish a New Job Classification for an Existing
Administrative Job Classification. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #94.)
4h. To
approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Allison
Blanchet, Teacher, Seminole Elementary, for Ten (10) Days Without Pay. (Copy to
be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4i. To
approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Aretha Bullard, Part-Time Plant
Operator, Bay Vista Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #94.)
4j. To
approve to Dismiss Mr. Lester Saylor, Bus Driver, Transportation Department.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4k. To
approve the Annual SREF Inspections.
4L. To
approve Amendment Number Four, of Agreement with the Department of
Environmental Protection and the School Board of Pinellas County –
Madeira Beach Middle School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#94.)
4m. To
approve the Following Special Projects:
(Copy/copies, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
a) Renewal of IDEA Part B Entitlement Project, $15,393,788
b) Renewal of IDEA Part B Discretionary Supplement Project,
$746,014
c) Renewal of IDEA Part B Preschool Project, $742,723
d) Renewal of SED Network Project, $136,319
e) Renewal of Perkins Vocational and Technical Education
Project, 1,513,704
f) Renewal of Pre-kindergarten Early
Intervention Project, $4,054,616
g) Renewal of Florida First Start Project, $183,246
h) Renewal of Adults with Disabilities Project, $791,193
i) Renewal of Agreement with Carlton
Palms Educational Center, Inc., $44,437
j) Renewal of Agreements (6) with Independent Child Care
Contractors, $180,000
k) Reading Counts Project, $2500
l) Amendment to Title II Eisenhower
Professional Development Project, $24,823
m) Creative Teaching Grant,
$100
n) Agreement with READ Pinellas, $30,000
4n. To Authorize the Payment of Current Bills
and Salaries (Approval of Continuation Budget).
4o. To
approve the request for Authorization to Advertise the Preliminary Budgets,
Millage Rates, and Public Hearing Dates for the District’s 2001-02 Budget
4p. To
approve the Recommendations Regarding the Paper Flow Committee’s Report
(June 2001).
4q. To
approve the Agreement With the Pinellas County Arts Council to Provide Cultural
Programming Through the School Curriculum. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #94.)
4r. To
approve the Health Agreement with Palm Harbor Fire Department. (Copy to be
found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4s. To
approve the Agreement With American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA) Certified
Universities to Provide Field Work Experience for Speech Language Pathology
Students. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4t. To
approve the Agreement to Accept a Free Discovery Station in the High Schools.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4u. To
approve the Grant of Distribution Easement to Florida Power Corporation,
Authorizing the Easement on the Azalea Middle School Site. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4v. To
approve the Renewal of the Agreement Providing Facilities to Community Pride
Child Care Center of Clearwater, Inc. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #94.)
4w. To
approve the Educational Specifications for new Construction, Remodeling, and
Renovations at Lake St. George Elementary School for an Estimated Total Project
Cost of $5,774,665.
4x. To
approve the Agreement With Architect Larry LaDelfa for Architectural and
Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With new
Construction, HVAC Remodeling and Renovations, and Ceiling and Lighting
Replacement at Lake St. George Elementary School in the Amount of $443,650.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4y. To
approve the Agreement With Ajax Building Corporation for Construction
Management Services in Connection With new Construction at Gibbs High School in
the Amount of $3,609,700. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4z. To
approve Amendment No. 10 to Agreement With Renker Eich Parks Architects, Inc.
for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in
Connection With Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Clearwater High
School in the Amount of $15,150. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#94.)
4aa. To
approve Amendment No. 4 to Agreement With The Morganti Group, Inc. for an
Additional Partial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in Connection With HVAC
Remodeling and Renovations at Eisenhower Elementary School in the Amount of
$2,000,000. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4bb. To
approve the Renewal of Vehicle Use Agreements. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4cc. 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.)
4dd. To
approve the Request to Retain Thomas M. Gonzalez, Esq., of the firm of
Thompson, Sizemore & Gonzalez to represent the School Board in the case of
Rowland v. Pinellas County School Board, Circuit Civil No. 01-4226-CI-13
5. It
was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the request
to set of a Public Hearing and authorize the Advertisement of the Public
Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 2.13 Audience Participation and
Conduct at Board Meetings.
Dr.
Stewart stated that Dr. Mortimer was available to answer any questions.
5a. The
motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the request to set of a Public
Hearing and authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the
Amendment to Policy 2.13 Audience Participation and Conduct at Board Meetings.
6. 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 Amendment to Policies 4.01 Code of Student Conduct and 4.02 Code
of Student Conduct Postsecondary/Workforce Development.
A
summary of the proposed amendments was presented by Dr. Allen Mortimer and Ms.
Nancy Zambito (Director of Operations, Area I).
Mrs.
Cook suggested that wording be placed in the Code of Student Conduct to define
what “zero tolerance” is and what is considered “unacceptable
behavior.” Ms. Zambito and
Dr. Stewart agreed that this would be appropriate and easy to do.
Discussion
followed by Board Members and Ms. Zambito.
Mrs.
Gallucci requested that the district be more proactive than what is suggested
in this policy, working with students before they reach the “reassignment
mode.” Mrs. Gallucci also
stated that the Board received a
letter from Barbara Pafundi asking that a committee be formed and that she was
asked to bring this forward at this meeting to see if there was any
interest. Mrs. Lerner read the
portion of Ms. Pafundi’s letter that requested that a committee be established
to modify the Student Code of Conduct to ensure that student rights are
protected.
Mrs.
Lerner expressed concern that there is not a continuum of help for students
with many stresses in their lives and need help to turn around, but are being
placed in very limited alternative settings. Mrs. Lerner suggested that the Board consider asking Dr.
Hinesley to convene a committee comprised of the Directors of Operations,
appropriate C&I staff, etc., to focus on addressing this issue. Dr. Stewart agreed that the issue
of dealing with continually disruptive students is an important issue. Dr. Stewart stated that he would pass
this suggestion onto the Superintendent.
6a. Dr.
Gessner called for the question: This was passed with a 6-1 vote, Mrs. Lerner
voting against.
6b. The
motion to approve the request to set a Public Hearing and authorize the
Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policies 4.01
Code of Student Conduct and 4.02 Code of Student Conduct
Postsecondary/Workforce Development was carried with a 6-1 vote, Mrs. Gallucci
voting against.
7. It
was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and 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 Policy 4.06 Field Trips and
Activities.
A
brief presentation was made by Dr. Stewart and Dr. Mortimer.
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 Policy 4.06 Field Trips and Activities.
8. 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 Amendment 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.
Stewart stated that this amendment is bringing the district’s grading
system and our class ranking in alignment with the new state law signed by the
Governor that changes the grade scale.
Mrs.
Gallucci asked if there is anyway that the district can incorporate grade point
average for middle school students because of the magnet programs. The Board agreed to discuss this
further, with any associated impacts, at a future workshop.
Mrs.
Cook, referring to page 245 line 13, stated that she questions the fact that
teachers will use their discretion as to whether a 3.5, 2.5, 1.5, or .5 will be
rounded to the higher or to the lower grade. Mrs. Cook stated that should one teacher round up and
another round down, it would be two different rankings. Dr. Stewart that this will be a gray
area unless the Board specifies it in the policy. Dr. Mortimer stated that C&I is reviewing all the
policies in Chapter 5 and that this concern could be added. Dr. Stewart stated that this will be
done before the second reading on this amendment.
8a. 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 5.08 Reporting Student Progress--Elementary, 5.10
Reporting Student Progress--Middle School, and 5.15 Reporting Student Progress
and Class Ranking--High School.
9. 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 Amendment of Policy 5.13 Graduation Requirements: High School.
A
brief presentation was made by Dr. Stewart and Dr. Mortimer.
9a. 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 of Policy 5.13 Graduation Requirements: High School.
10. It
was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the request to
set a Public Hearing and authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to
Consider the Amendments to Policy 5.17 Exceptional Student Education.
Discussion
followed by Dr. Mortimer, Jan Rouse, and School Board Members.
10a. 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
Amendments to Policy 5.17 Exceptional Student Education.
11. The
following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations From the
Audience:
Kim
A. Marston, Jr., student – Addressed the Board to request their assistance in identifying
financial assistance for him to attend the National Young Leaders
Conference. Dr. Stewart offered to
meet with Kim following this meeting to connect him with the Pinellas County
Education Foundation for possible assistance.
Rob
McMahon, PCTA
– Addressed the Board to invite them to participate with PCTA/PESPA in
efforts over this coming year to raise their members’ awareness of the
impact that this last Legislative session had on education and the general
treatment of employees and their students by the leaders of our state. Mr. McMahon stated that
information will provide Board Members with a schedule of events and the facts
that should be shared during those events. Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Stewart. Mr. Todd requested that Dr. Stewart
inform Dr. Hinesley, upon his return, of PCTA’s plan and ensure that a
copy of PCTA’s schedule be forwarded to the Board.
12. Dr.
Stewart stated that he had no report for the Superintendent.
13. Mr.
Bowen’s report included the following:
Stated
that he sent to the Board Members this past week the computations compiled by
Marlene Mueller under the stipulation for the number of seats for charter
schools. Mr. Bowen stated that the
report indicates that there are plenty of seats available for charter schools,
including the Bay Village school that was approved at 750 seats. He stated that the new calculations
indicate that Bay Village could open with 750 with plenty of charter school
seats left over in south county.
Mr. Bowen stated, however, that the Board has been notified by Bay
Village that they will not be able to open this fall and will be seeking an
amendment to the approved charter, which will require them to go back through
the process. Mr. Bowen stated that
the Superintendent will review this matter and update the Board as to why Bay
Village is unable to open as provided in the charter.
14. Reports
from School Board Members were as follows:
Schools Visited or Functions
Attended by Board Members
Pinellas Marine Institute Board
workshop; African-American Voters Research and Education Committee (Mrs.
Bostock, speaker); FSBA Spring Conference, Tampa; Pinellas Planning Council;
Lincoln Day Dinner
Concerns Expressed, Written or
Oral
Mrs.
Lerner – Stated that the Board had a very good retreat in May and has now received the
summary of that workshop. Mrs.
Lerner recommended that time be allocated at the August workshop to review the
summary as the Board plans future workshops. Board Members, through consensus, agreed to do this. Stated that she had received a call from a very experienced
mathematics teacher/administrator that did not have a Florida certificate but
wanted to teach. Mrs. Lerner
stated that there is legislation that allows school boards to look at adjunct
part-time teachers and requested that staff consider this as a possible way to
address shortages in critical need areas.
Dr. Stewart stated that Dr. Martha O’Howell is working on this and
Mr. Steve Swartzel (Director of Governmental Services) will include this issue
in his legislative review. Stated that the Board conducted a 2.5-hour
discussion on the Student Code of Conduct and stated her concern that there may
still be confusion concerning the appeal process. Mrs. Lerner questioned whether this language allows the
Director of School Operations to look at the facts of the case or is the
Director of School Operations held only to reviewing the due process. Mrs. Lerner stated that her preference
would be that the Director would be allowed to review the whole process, but
whatever is determined should be specifically stated in the Code. Mr. Bowen clarified that this only
refers to the due process and that they do not reinvestigate the matter. Mr. Bowen stated that this is done
before a disciplinary reassignment takes place. Mrs. Lerner stated that the Code needs to be rewritten so
that it is more understandable. Stated that Mrs. Gallucci and she have
expressed their desire that students be allowed to walk with their own
graduating class. Mrs. Lerner
stated that she voted to support the revisions in the Code (earlier in this
meeting) and that this is a step in the right direction for students who are
not caught under the code for drugs and alcohol.
Dr.
Gessner – Suggested that the Board forward a letter to our representatives in
Washington to urge their support of the bill requiring full-funding for
IDEA. Dr. Gessner also urged the
Pinellas County PTA and SAC to contact their federal legislators requesting
full funding for IDEA. Board
Members, through consensus, agreed to forward a letter to convey this message.
Mrs. Cook indicated her support of Dr. Gessner’s suggestion to urge
PCCPTA to write their legislators and offered to present this request to
them. Dr. Gessner suggested that
PCTA/PESPA forward a similar request to the legislators. Stated that it was announced at the FSBA
conference that the legislative input forms will be distributed soon and,
therefore, the Board should schedule this topic on a workshop soon.
Mrs.
Cook – Expressed her support of asking staff to work
towards a more understandable Student Code of Conduct.
Mrs.
Gallucci – Stated that a presentation was made during the recent FSBA conference on the
“Silence Hurts” campaign.
Mrs. Gallucci stated that FSBA has asked that all school boards pass a
resolution to support this campaign.
Mrs. Gallucci will get the information needed to form the resolution to
district staff so that the campaign could start before the beginning of the
school year.
Mrs.
Bostock – Referenced page 121 of the agenda book and stated that the Board
approved an agreement for one student to attend another institution, thus
demonstrating that Pinellas County does have a voucher under very
specifics. Mrs. Gallucci stated
that this only happens when our district cannot provide the necessary services.
Mr.
Todd – Stated that the Board has delayed the naming of a school and encouraged Jade
Moore to continue his involvement on the school naming committee. Mr. Todd stated that he would also like
the committee to consider re-naming the Bayside High School in honor of Doug
Jamerson.
15. There
being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting
adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
______________________
_____________________
Chairman Secretary
/db(01Jun26)