SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING May 22, 2001
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, May 22, 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 and Ex-officio Secretary to the Board; Mr. Lanse Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.
The Invocation was given by Pastor Curt Snare, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Tarpon Springs, 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; Rob McMahon, PCTA; Pat Scarberry, PCCPTA; Vic Rowley, Pinellas County SAC; Richard Cash, Pinellas County Arts for a Complete Education Coalition; Kelly Ryan, The St. Petersburg Times; Steve Nichols, Fox 13; and, Gene Yagel, Channel 10.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Dr. Gessner to adopt the agenda.
Pull: Consent #10 and 17
Add: Recognition of Seminole High School Boys Baseball Team — Presenters Or Special Order — C
Presentation by Ms. Elizabeth Adams — Presenters Or Special Order - J
Dr. Hinesley stated that the following changes should be made in the Personnel Recommendations and read into record, as follows:
Page 62, Administrative Supervisory Personnel -- James R. Underhill, should be listed in set "E" as a recommendation for appointment to a one-year term June 29, 2001 — June 28, 2002, to supercede and replace all earlier contracts covering any portion of this period for the following employee.
Page 69, Assistant Principals -- Ian R. Stevenson should be listed in Set "E" Recommendation of Superintendent for Appointment to Personnel for one year term, June 29, 2001 — June 28, 2002, to supercede and replace all earlier contracts covering any portion of this period for the following employee.
Page 74, Assistant Principals -- Lori M. Potenza should be listed in Set "D" Recommendation of Superintendent for Appointment to Personnel for a three-year term, June 29, 2001 — June 28, 2004, to supercede and replace all earlier contracts covering any portion of this period for the following employee.
The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried with a
7-0 vote.
A. There were no students present from the Students Rights & Responsibilities Committee.
B. Dr. Hinesley presented the following Newly Appointed Administrators:
Ms. Doretha S. Jackson, Supervisor, Community Involvement
Ms. Cindy N. Medici, Supervisor, ESE
Ms. Andrea L. Zahn, Coordinator, Communication and Marketing for the Choice Plan
The newly appointed administrators were greeted and congratulated by the School Board Members.
C. Mr. Robert L. Hosack, Director of Extracurricular Student Activities, presented the following students for recognition as State Champion Athletes:
Individual
Jessica Schrock
East Lake High School, Class 2A
State Champion: Swimming, 200 yard Freestyle
Stephanie Margalis
Clearwater High School, Class 2A
State Champion: Swimming, 500 yard Freestyle
Heather Skaggs
Northeast High School, Class 2A
State Champion: Swimming 100 yard Butterfly
Jordan Raynovich
Northeast High School, Class 2A
State Champion: Swimming, 200 yard Individual Medley
Chris Lang
Seminole High School, Class 2A
State Champion: Swimming, 100 yard Backstroke
Dermillo Wise
Lakewood High School, Class 3A
State Champion: Long Jump
Russell Tyson
Northeast High School, Class 3A
State Champion: Shot Put
Team, Volleyball, Clearwater High School, Class 4A
Daryl Baby Jessica Daugherty
Kelsey Baby Sunita Goel
Kathryn Barber Mariah Green
Pamela Berndt Melissa Johnson
Kara Betourne Tracy Loope
Heather Brunette Emily McDaniel
Keri Cerrato Rose Nichols
Deanna Coles Corey Shapiro
Melanie Custer Allison Stanley
Coach: Lynn Hallmark
Boys Soccer, Clearwater High School, Class 3A
Carl Badgett Bryan Maholm
William Callaghan Joseph Martino
Ian Cruea Peter Merkle
Larry Ferrol Brian Roe
Travis Gero John Schraeder
Thomas Gluski John Schultz
Stephen Goodrow Nicolay Solovyev
Ryan Gregg Bradley Sommerville
Brian Hahn Brandon Taylor
Jameson Heise Burton Wiand
Christopher Humes
Coach: Bruce Toscani
Track, Lakewood High School, Class 3A — 4x400 Relay
Sharneka Brown
Nadia Covington
Shaquita Gibbs
Hope Wells
Coach: Eileen Givens
Girls Tennis, Countryside High School, Class 3A
Jennifer Dent
Heather Frank
Veronica Massey
Lee Ann Molinaro
Sarah Neiner
Elyse Roberts
Anatasiya Sokolova
Evangelina Soriano
Marisa Steckler
Jennifer Watts
Coach: John Williams
State of Florida 2001 5A Championship Baseball Team, Seminole High School
Phillip Stillwell Casey Kotchman
Carlos Nunez Bobby Wilson
Donyelle Williams Cody Reed
John Rigglelman Mike Abrahamson
Brian Campbell Chad Martin
Paul Buhrow Bobby Sanchez
Damon Lister Terry J. Large
John Killalea Jon Skorupski
Errol Blumer Kevin Foco
Ryan Dixon Richard Nolan
A. J. Gibbs, Student Coach/Manager
Coach: Scott Miller
The students were greeted and congratulated by the School Board Members. Each student was presented with a medallion in recognition of their accomplishment. The members of the Seminole Baseball Team were each presented with a video tape of the game that brought the team this recognition, a gift to them by Time Warner.
D. Mrs. Pamela Sue Fisher, C&I Liaison, introduced Colonel Michael P. Davis, Senior Marine Instructor at Clearwater High School, who presented the following State Winners in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (JROTC) for recognition by the Board:
Competition Student Instructors
Male Exhibition Drill 1st Place Team Mat Orth Col. Michael Davis and
Female Standard Drill 1st Place Team Jennifer Baxter GYSGT David Miller
Male Standard Drill 3rd Place Team Robert Robichaux
Physical Fitness 3rd Place Team Brittany Link
Students were greeted and congratulated by the School Board Members. Each student was presented with a medallion in recognition of their accomplishment.
E. Ms. Jan Rouse, Assistant Superintendent, Middle School and Exceptional Student Education, presented Ms. Karen Voytecki, recipient of the Council for Exceptional Children's 2001 Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Voytecki was greeted and congratulated by the School Board Members.
F. Elaine Cutler, Director, Elementary Education, introduced Author Winn Schwartau to the Board. Mr. Schwartau stated that he is presenting 1000 Copies of his book, Internet & Computer Ethics for Kids, to the schools. Mr. Schwartau also presented each Board Member and staff member at the table with a copy of his book.
G. Diane Gramigna, Supervisor, Elementary Reading and Language Arts, recognized the following colleges for their involvement in the America Reads College Partnerships:
St. Petersburg Junior College
Mr. Ray Pranske, Director of Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance
Clearwater Christian College
Ms. Ruth Strumm, Director of Financial Aid
University of South Florida
Ms. Jennifer Clarke, Coordinator of Financial Aid/Veterans Services
Eckerd College
Mr. Brian MacHarg, Director of Service Ministry
Tampa Technical Institute
Ms. Betty Reed, Director of Career Services
Schiller International University
Ms. Elaine Davis representing Teri Reeves,Director of Financial Aid
These individuals were greeted by the Board Members and presented with a Certificates of Appreciation.
H. Suzie Davis, Supervisor, Secondary Mathematics, presented a new program, "Tackle Math With the Buccaneers" funded by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Raymond James Financial. The following individuals were present to endorse this new partnership:
Stephanie Waller, Community Relations Director, Buccanneers
Stephanie Maza, Community Relations Coordinator, Buccanneers
Sam Rubenzer, Marketing Manager, Buccanneers
George Woods, Director of Marketing, Buccanneers
Larry Silver, Marketing Vice President, Raymond James Financial
These individuals were greeted by the Board and thanked for their partnership with our district.
I. Mr. Fred Cutting addressed the Board regarding the new school being constructed on the Paul B. Stephens property. Mr. Cutting discussed the issue of the need for proper drainage plans necessary for this construction area and thanked the district for the efforts made thus far to protect the properties surrounding this construction. Discussion followed by School Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, Mr. Walter Miller and Mr. Jim Miller.
J. Ms. Elizabeth Adams addressed the Board to object to the zero tolerance policy. Ms. Adams stated that her son will be impacted by the penalty associated with this policy and be unable to participate in the graduation ceremony with his class. Ms. Adams stated that her son attends Seminole Vocational Education Center and requested that the Board consider that the 4x4 scheduling at SVEC equates to more than a semester, as called for in the expulsion. Ms. Adams requested that the Board reconsider their policy and allow her son to walk with his classmates during graduation. Discussion followed by Board Members, Mr. Bowen and Dr. Hinesley. Dr. Hinesley reminded the Board that this issue is scheduled for the June 19, 2001, workshop. No action was taken by the Board.
The meeting recessed 3:00 p.m. and reconvened at 3:15 p.m.
1. The following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations From the Audience:
Ted Pafundi, Brian Pafundi and Chris Pachick -- Addressed the Board to request that the Board grant a variance to their policy and permit both Brian Pafundi and Chris Pachick to walk with their classmates during the graduation ceremony for Palm Harbor University High School.
Betty Massell — Addressed the Board to state that the action taken by the Board during the zoning process in the spring of 1997 indicated that certain students were given the opportunity to continue their attendance at Safety Harbor Elementary as their zoned school, rather than continue at Safety Harbor on a special attendance permit. Dr. Hinesley stated that Marlene Mueller has reviewed this matter and confirms the action of the Board at that time was to permit students the opportunity to continue at Safety Harbor but through the typical SAP process. Dr. Hinesley stated that if he were to approve this, it would result in the need to approve others who are attending a school on an SAP. Dr. Hinesley will listen to the tapes of the February 25, 1997, school board meeting, as it relates to pupil assignment for Safety Harbor Elementary.
Walter Hall, Principal, Lakewood High School; Barbara Thornton, Principal, Largo High School; and, Denise Hart, Principal, Pinellas Park High School — Addressed the Board to thank the Board for their approval of their three-year contract for principals and to thank the Board for supporting policies and following the process related to review of those policies.
Rhonda Sheared, Family Service Centers — Addressed the Board to thank the School Board for their decision to reconsider the Superintendent’s recommendation to remove their agency from the PTEC South Community Outreach Center. Dr. Hinesley stated that the question is does the district let these agencies remain at that site, causing the district to pay rent for their Family Information Center, or have them relocate and the district use their own site for the Center. Dr. Hinesley will provide the Board in the near future a report of options related to this situation.
2. Dr. Hinesley presented for Board approval the request for Adoption of Amendment to Policy 5.05 Instructional Materials, Including Textbooks. Dr. Hinesley recommended approval.
Mrs. Lerner, referencing line 31 on page 14, questioned who serves on the committees to evaluate materials for county adoption. Mrs. Lerner, referencing line 37 on page 14, stated that she has concern with including the phrase, "and community standards."
Discussion followed by School Board Members and Catherine Fleeger.
2a. It was moved by Mrs. Lerner, seconded by Mrs. Bostock and carried with a 5-2 vote, Mr. Todd and Dr. Gessner voting against, to divide out the added wording, "and community standards."
Discussion followed.
2b. The vote to include the phrase, "and community standards," failed with a 3-4 vote, Mr. Benjamin, Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Gallucci and Mrs. Lerner voting against.
2c. The vote to approve the Adoption of the proposed Amendment to Policy 5.05 Instructional Materials, Including Textbooks, excluding the phrase "and community standards," was carried with a 7-0 vote.
3. Dr. Hinesley presented for the second reading the request to adopt the New Policy 6.125 Advertisement or Announcement of Non-School Event. Dr. Hinesley requested that the Board approve this policy as submitted with the additional wording suggested by Mr. Bowen.
Mr. Bowen discussed the proposed policy.
The following individuals addressed the Board regarding this proposed policy:
Arthur O’Hara, R’Club Child Care, Inc.; Mike Chapman, Boy Scouts; Ted Schofner, Esq.; James N. Powell, Boy Scouts; and Angelo Cappelli, Boy Scouts — Addressed the Board urging them to adopt this policy
Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley and Mr. Bowen.
3a. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 6-1 vote, Mrs. Lerner voting against, to amend the policy to include the wording suggested by Mr. Bowen on lines 4-5, "consistent with the fundamental values of the school district (i.e., the district’s vision, mission, strategic directions and core values).
Discussion followed.
3b. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to add the following wording, "any advertisement should be in the following format," and include a sample of the format as presented by Mr. Bowen. Discussion followed, and it was the consensus of the Board to leave this wording out, leaving the approval of the format of the advertisement to the discretion of the Superintendent and his staff. Dr. Gessner withdrew his motion and Mrs. Gallucci withdrew her second.
3c. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 6-1 vote, Mrs. Lerner voting against, to adopt the New Policy 6.125 Advertisement or Announcement of Non-School Event, as amended.
4. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended.
4a. To approve the minutes of the Regular School Board Meeing of May 8, 2001, as submitted.
4b. To approve a Proclamation Declaring the Month of May as "Civility Month." (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4c. To approve Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4d. To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Mr. James Berrill, Teacher, Seminole High School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4e. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Mr. Wade Ragland, Bus Driver, Transportation Department. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4f. To approve the Recommendation to Accept Stipulation to Suspend Mr. John Welch, Teacher, Seminole High School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4g. To approve Agreement with Morton Plant, St. Anthony's and Mease Hospitals. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4h. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, in order to place this item on the table, and seconded by Mrs. Cook, to approve the naming of Elementary School "C" Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, to Name Elementary School "D" George Washington Carver Elementary School, and to Name Middle School "BB" Childs Park Middle School.
Mr. Jade Moore, PCTA, addressed the Board to ask that they postpone the naming and send this issue back to the committee. Mr. Moore stated that, due to the Legislative Session, he was unable to fully participate on this committee as he normally does and would like that opportunity now. Mr. Moore stated that these names are "tad bland" and suggested possible alternatives.
Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.
It was moved by Mrs. Bostock, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to table this item and send it back to the committee for further consideration.
4i. To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4j. To approve the Internal Audit Reports for Post-Secondary (Pinellas Technical Education Centers, Vocational Schools and Workforce Development Department — formerly CTAE) and High Schools for Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 1999 and June 30, 2000.
4k. To approve the Principals’ Quarterly Financial Report for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2001.
4L. To approve the Largo Cultural Center Summer Theatre Course.
4m. To approve the Renewal of Pinellas County Schools' Affiliation Agreement with The Florida On-line High School for 2001-2002.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4n. To approve the Continuation of Waivers of School Board Policy Granted During the 1998-99 through the 2001-2002 School Years.
4o. Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, stated that she did not have enough time to sufficiently review the School Improvement Plans and questioned whether the timeline would be impacted if this item were delayed.
Discussion followed by School Board Members and Judith Westfall.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the 2001-02 School Improvement Plans.
4p. To approve Waiver of School Board Policy 4.01, Section 3, Dress Code, for Eisenhower Elementary School's School Improvement Plan.
4q. To approve Waiver of School Board Policy 4.01, Section 3, Dress Code, for Rio Vista Elementary School's School Improvement Plan.
4r. To approve Waiver of School Board Policy 5.09, Section 1, Regular Program Requirements, for Joseph L. Carwise Middle School's School Improvement Plan.
4s. To approve the Renewal Lease of the Northeast High School Pool to the St. Petersburg Family Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and Their Sublease to St. Petersburg Aquatics (SPA).
4t. To approve the Renewal of the Joint-Use-of-Facilities Agreement With the City of St. Petersburg. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4u. To approve Agreement With Williamson Dacar Associates, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With new Construction, HVAC Remodeling and Renovations, and Ceiling and Lighting Replacement at Cypress Woods Elementary School in the Amount of $280,200. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4v. To approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Criswell, Blizzard & Blouin Architects, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract
Administration Services in Connection With Constructing a new Facility at Nina Harris ESE Center for an Increase of $164,233.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4w. To approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Criswell, Blizzard & Blouin Architects, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Constructing a new Facility at Paul B. Stephens ESE Center for an Increase of $58,130. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4x. To approve Change Order No. 1 for Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Tarpon Springs High School. This Change Order will increase the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $288,521 with no time extension.
4y. To approve Renewal of Vehicle Use Agreements. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #94.)
4z. 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.)
5. Dr. Hinesley presented for the first reading the request to set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 2.22 District Monitoring and Advisory Committee Bylaws.
5a. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to set a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 2.22 District Monitoring and Advisory Committee Bylaws.
6. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Benjamin to approve the Proposed Opening/Closing Times for the 2001-2002 School Year.
Discussion followed by Board Members regarding the importance of transmitting the information on the early start for the 2002-2003 school year efficiently to the public.
6a. The motion to approve the Proposed Opening/Closing Times for the 2001-2002 School Year was carried with a 7-0 vote.
7. Dr. Hinesley’s report included the following:
8. Mr. Bowen stated that he had no report.
9. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:
Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members
Madeira Beach Middle; Boca Ciega High; Gulf Beaches Elementary; Clearwater High; Countryside High; Leila Davis Elementary; Tyrone Elementary; Oakhurst Elementary; St. Petersburg High School; San Jose Elementary Volunteer Breakfast; Educators in Industry; Seminole High Basketball game; School Board Retreat; Pride Awards Ceremony; Healthy Start Dinner; Meet the Agencies Meeting sponsored by Driggers Engineering Services, Inc.; Kiwanis Club of Seminole (L. Benjamin — speaker); Weedon Island Education Committee Meeting; PARC Annual meeting; Council for Exceptional Children Awards Banquet.
Concerns Expressed, Written or Oral
Mrs. Lerner — Commended the excellent editorial in the St. Petersburg Times on the budget issues. Mrs. Gallucci expressed her appreciation to the St. Petersburg Times for assisting the district in getting the message out regarding the insufficient funding from the state for education. Mrs. Gallucci questioned whether the Board would like to send a letter under the chairman’s signature commending the Times for their support. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded Mrs. Gallucci to write a letter from the Board to the Times Editorial Board commending them for the editorial. Dr. Gessner and Mrs. Lerner spoke against making this a practice, emphasizing that the Board does not always agree with the editorials. The motion and the second were withdrawn.
Mrs. Gallucci — Pointed out the recent article in the New York Times on the scoring of the FCAT and stated that Commissioner of Education Charlie Crist has stated that he will be pulling the contract from the scoring company.
10. Mr. Johansen offered the following summary of directives given to the Superintendent for follow up:
11. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
______________________ _____________________
Chairman Secretary
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