A. Tarsila Reybitz and Sheena Lofton, Students Rights & Responsibilities Committee from Clearwater High School, addressed the Board to share information on achievements and activities taking place at their school.

Dr. Gessner thanked Dr. Peniel for his presentation and requested that Dr. Hinesley review the dissertation for any portions that may be incorporated into our district’s curriculum.

D. Mr. Ray Smenner, Assistant Director, Pinellas County Arts Council, addressed the Board to present the Art Council’s annual report and to present an original print done by Rebecca Ingram. Mr. Smenner introduced Rebecca, her parents and her grandmother.

Rebecca addressed the Board to state that she is in her senior year at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts and that her major is visual arts. Rebecca stated that her plans are to attend SPJC for one year and then transfer to Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota. Rebecca then explained how her print was made.

Mr. Smenner and Rebecca were greeted by the School Board Members.

E. Mr. Dennis Hunting addressed the Board to state that his daughter failed _ credit in English and that she has made up the course in summer school but is still classified as a sophomore, rather than a junior. Mr. Hunting requested that the Board change their policy that prohibits students from being reclassified mid year.

Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley, Ms. Cathy Fleeger and School Board Members. Dr. Hinesley cautioned the Board against changing this policy mid year but agreed that this issue could be discussed during a workshop.

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

John Smith — Stated that he is a citizen concerned with the amount of school violence that is occurring and suggested that corporal punishment be reinstated. Mr. Smith requested that the Board contact both state and federal legislators to have this form of punishment reinstated.

Todd Hoover — Addressed the Board to state that he is a graduate of Largo High School and has written a series of sport stories for fifth- through seventh-grade students that he hopes will return the morals of students back to those held by their grandparents. Mr. Hoover stated that the Media Department has committed to purchasing a set for our schools and requested that the School Board support a program where by which Mr. Hoover would visit each school and present his stories. Dr. Hinesley stated that this is not the arena to sell his books nor his program and suggested that Mr. Hoover follow the process.

Pat Scarberry, as Chair of DMAC — Addressed the Board to express her concern that DMAC has been left out of an important part of the decision-making process. Ms. Scarberry stated that she learned of the proposal to appoint attractors to new south county schools at the last school board meeting. Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley and Mr. Bowen. Mr. Bowen clarified for Ms. Scarberry that DMAC’s role is only to receive a report on such items.

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

2a. To approve the minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting of February 27, 2001, as submitted.

2b. To approve to Move the Pinellas County Educational Plant Survey to the 2002-03 School Year.

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

2d. To approve the Dismissal of Mr. Marvin B. Baker, Teacher Assistant ESE I, PTEC/St Petersburg. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2e. Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, stated that this item is about a plant operator who had his first DUI charge in 1995 and has now received a letter of reprimand for his third offense. Mrs. Lerner expressed her concern that this is the third DUI with only a recommendation for a three-day suspension and four sessions of counseling. Mrs. Lerner stated that an employee caught smoking a marijuana cigarette is fired. Mrs. Lerner requested that the Board look at how it is treating different offenses. Mrs. Lerner stated that four sessions of counseling in one year does not seem to be appropriate for this employee.

It was moved by Mrs. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Benjamin and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the acceptance of the Stipulation to Suspend Mr. Patrick B. Curry, Night Foreman, Melrose Elementary School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2f. To approve the acceptance of the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Juanita Gray, Teacher Assistant ESE I, Bear Creek Elementary School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2h. To approve the acceptance of the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Kimberly Thomas, Part-Time Cafeteria Attendant and Part-Time Teacher Assistant DEES I, Bear Creek Elementary School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2i. To approve Authorization for the Superintendent to Retain Outside Counsel to Represent the Board’s Interest in Obtaining an Employment-Based Immigrant Visas in Critical Shortage Areas and Agreeing to Waive Confidentiality with all Costs Being Paid by the Employee.

2j. To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as appropriate, may be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2k. To approve Budget Amendment No. 5 (January 2001) to the District’s 2000/2001 Budget.

2l. To approve Financial Statements for Month Ending January 31, 2001 for Fiscal Year 2000-200.

2m. To approve the Draft Audit Report of Financial Statements for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2000 Prepared by Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.

2n. To approve the Adoption of Resolution Requesting the Issuance of $83,646,728 in State Board of Education Lottery Revenue Bonds (Classrooms First). (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #93.)

2o. To approve the Agreement with the Palladium Theater to Provide Performing Space to Music and Theater Groups. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2p. To approve the Health Agreement with Loren Miller, D.P.M. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2q. To approve the Grant to Pinellas County of a Quitclaim Deed to Correct an Error in the Palm Harbor University High School Plat.

2r. To approve the Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for Bay Point Middle School for an Estimated Total Cost of $20,139,767.

2s. To approve Amendment No. 3 to Agreement With Criswell, Blizzard & Blouin Architects, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Constructing a new Azalea Middle School in the Amount of $140,077. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2t. To approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Kimbrough Associates Architects for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection and Remodeling at Eisenhower Elementary School in the Amount of $37,584. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2u. To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement With Ajax Building Corporation for a Partial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in Connection With Constructing a new ESE Center at the Nina Harris ESE Center Site in the Amount of $5,693,226. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2v. To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement With Ajax Building Corporation for a Partial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in Connection With Constructing a new ESE Center at the Paul B. Stephens ESE Center Site in the Amount of $5,350,341. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2w. To approve Change Order No. 1 for the new Construction of Azalea Middle School. This Change Order will increase the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $186,786 with a time extension of twenty-one (21) calendar days. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2x. To approve Change Order No. 14 for Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School. This Change Order will decrease the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $888,851.57 with a time extension of thirty (30) calendar days. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 93.)

2y. To approve Reimbursement of Isolated Transportation for M.A.B. for the 2000/2001 School Year.

2z. To approve Reimbursement of Isolated Transportation for M.J.H. for the 2000/2001 School Year.

2aa. 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 # 93.)

3. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Cook to approve Transportation for Fundamental School Students.

Dr. Hinesley stated that he researched the issue of transportation for fundamental school students and found that the fundamental program was set up without transportation only to ensure that the new program would not result in any additional cost. Dr. Hinesley stated that this just became, through time, a part of the program. Dr. Hinesley stated that there have been discussions on the different types of transportation that could be made available to fundamental schools and, subsequent to that, the Choice Plan was developed. Dr. Hinesley stated that in that discussion, it was suggested that he bring to the Board an agenda item that included a recommendation for to either include or not include transportation for fundamental schools. He stated that an arterial form of transportation is already there as a part of the 1999 stipulation. Dr. Hinesley stated that he has always supported the inclusion of transportation for this group in 2003. He explained his recommendation as follows: Recommending that the Board provide transportation consistent with the Court Order and that it be arterial (2) recommending that it be made a part of the fundamental school contract that the parents of students who stray from the rules and are required to do detentions will have to make arrangements to have their student to be picked up or they will be in violation of their contract, and (3) recommending that it be a part of the contract that those fundamental students who ride public transportation will be removed from the program if they cannot adhere to the rules of good behavior while on the bus.

The following individuals addressed the Board:

Willie Felton, Jr., Linda Borgia, Pat Scarberry — Spoke in support of the transportation as presented by Dr. Hinesley.

Joyce Kepto, Liz Schroeder, Mike Riordon, Amy Jo Lake — Spoke in opposition of the transportation proposal.

Carolyn Scondras, Lenore Sinibaldi — Requested that if the Board approves the transportation proposal that they not diminish the discipline guidelines and requirements existing in the fundamental school programs.

Sherra Jones — Stated that her concern was regarding the cost effectiveness of this added transportation, that these dollars could better be spent repairing their school and that her school has no area for buses to pick up and drop off students.

Discussion followed by School Board Members.

3a. The motion to approve transportation for Fundamental School Students was carried with a 7-0 vote.

5. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Cook to approve the request to set a Public Hearing and authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendments to Policy 4.32 Fundamental Schools and Magnet Programs.

Dr. Hinesley stated that this is not a single Board Member issue, but that he was directed by the Board to develop a survey pertaining to the dress code for fundamental school students, specifically the shorts issue. Dr. Hinesley stated that all fundamental school students were surveyed and explained the process developed by Steve Iachini.

The following individuals addressed the Board:

Rob McMahon, PCTA — Stated that he was concerned that the fundamental school teachers were not surveyed and requested that the Board, while they are considering a change in the dress code for students, also consider changing the fundamental school guidelines that tie teachers’ dress code to the students’ dress code.

Susan Haggitt, representing five speakers — Spoke in opposition to the proposed change in the dress code and stated that parents did not have enough information to make an informed decision.

Margo Roche, teacher at Coachman Fundamental Middle School —Spoke against the change in the dress code that would allow shorts for the middle school students. Ms. Roche stated that the data collected from the Coachman Fundamental parents do not support a change.

JoAnn Drysdale, Dr. Deborah French, Mike Riordan — Spoke against the change in the dress code for fundamental middle school students.

Carolyn Scondras — Stated that Ann Hogan had to leave before she could speak but ask that her comments be conveyed to the Board that she does not support the change in the code, but if it should be approved, please include the word "uniform short" in the code. Ms. Scondras requested that the Board only allow uniform shorts to be worn by the fundamental school students.

Linda Borgia — Stated that she was completely surprised when this issue was brought up and that she feels it is the initiative of a few parents and one or two board members. Ms. Borgia stated that all stakeholders were not surveyed and requested that the middle and elementary guidelines be voted on separately.

Lenore Sinibaldi — Requested that the Board deny this proposal and let it go back for additional input.

Skip Payne — Requested that the Board not change anything at this point but rely on SACs to determine the necessary changes.

Dr. Hinesley stated that he had no problem with the Board indicating their support of the survey and then leaving the final decision up to the individual SACs.

5a. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to divide the question, dealing with the fundamental elementary schools and the middle schools separately.

Discussion followed by Board Members.

5b. It was moved by Mrs. Bostock, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 5-2 vote, Mrs. Lerner and Mr. Todd voting against, to direct the Superintendent to revise the wording so that it will allow elementary students to wear a uniform short, as defined by the school, and purchased from an designated vendor.

5c. The original motion, as amended, was carried with a 5-2 vote, Mrs. Lerner and Mr. Todd voting against.

5d. The motion remaining on the floor to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation for the fundamental middle schools failed with a 0-7 vote, all Board Members voting against.

Dr. Hinesley complimented the food management staff and stated that the district has accomplished many things in the food services program without increasing the price of lunches over a period of several years. He stated that with an approximate 95% increase in food since 1989, the district staff has found it necessary to request an increase in school lunches. Dr. Hinesley recommended board approval of the School Meal Price Increase, beginning with the 2001-2002 school year.

Discussion followed by Dr. Gessner and Linda Gray Miller, Director of Food Services.

7a. The motion was carried with a 6-0 vote to approve the School Meal Price Increase, beginning with the 2001-2002 school year.

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

9. Mr. Bowen stated he had no report.

10. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

Azalea Middle School; Boca Ciega High Academic Award; Northeast High School; Criminal Justice Art Poster Contest Awards; Advisory Meeting — Families Tortured in Other Countries; Countywide Academic Awards Dinner; Phillies game — elected officials invited; College Fund of Pinellas County (Mr. Benjamin, speaker on Choice); Joint Meeting with SPJC Board of Trustees; Palm Harbor University High; Palm Harbor Elementary; Coachman Fundamental Middle; Plumb Elementary; Clearwater High; Pinellas Park High; and, Safety Harbor Elementary.

Mr. Benjamin — Questioned what the Athenian Academy will do to resolve their financial problems. Dr. Hinesley stated that the charter school personnel will make an effort to solicit donations. Mrs. Lerner questioned what will happen to them if they do not become financially stable. Dr. Hinesley stated that a recommendation will then be brought to the Board to close this charter, but that he would not want to do that until there are no other options.

Dr. Gessner — Stated that after reviewing the minutes of the last meeting, he wanted to add his appreciation to the Education Foundation and CIGNA for their support of the Teacher of the Year recognition program. Extended his appreciation to the Pinellas County Teachers Credit Union and to KONsico for their sponsorship of the Support Employee Recognition Program.

Mrs. Cook — Stated that considering the recent incident at Santana High School in California, people begin to question the safety of their students. Mrs. Cook stated that she is comforted by what goes on to ensure the safety of our students after riding with one of the Campus Police officers to several schools and witnessing the things they are doing to protect our students and staff.

Mr. Todd — Stated that the Board will not meet again until after the Board Members return from their travel to Tallahassee for FSBA Day in the Legislature. Mr. Todd stated that the financial outlook for this session is not good and that it does not have to be so. He requested that those attending this meeting remember that teacher salaries are still $5000 below the national average, and that they should convey to our Legislators the need for sufficient dollars to correct this in order to acquire the qualified teachers necessary to operate our schools. Mrs. Lerner stated that legislation is passing through the House and the Senate to approve vouchers for overcrowded schools which is absurd and misguided. Mrs. Lerner stated that we have a plan in place, Choice, to work towards capacity. Mrs. Lerner requested that the Board Members also inform the Legislators that we expect them to defeat this plan.

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

______________________ _____________________

Chairman Secretary

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