SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING May 8, 2001
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, May 8, 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; Dr. John Stewart, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Lanse Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.
The Invocation was given by Father Chris Thompson, St. Thomas Episcopal, St. Petersburg, 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; Richard Cash, Pinellas County Arts for a Complete Education Coalition; and, Deborah O’Neal, The St. Petersburg Times.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Dr. Gessner to adopt the agenda.
PULL: Consent #18, 21
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.
It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the the Combined Schematic Design Phase I, Preliminary Design Phase II, and Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for Constructing a new Middle School on the Meadowlawn Middle School Site for an Estimated Total Cost of $19,484,285.
C. Dr. Hinesley introduced Ms. Sheila Keller who introduced Mr. LaShante Keys, substituting for Dr. Roy Kaplan, Director, The Tampa Bay Chapter of The National Conference for Community and Justice.
Mr. Keys presented the following First Place awardees of The 2000-2001 Brotherhood/Sisterhood Poster Contest sponsored by The Tampa Bay Chapter of The National Conference for Community and Justice and The Principals' Multicultural Advisory Committees of Pinellas County Schools:
Elementary — Grades K-2
Timothy Green, Brooker Creek Elementary
Elementary — Grades 3-5
Jami Hoolihan, Skyview Elementary
Middle
Jeff Walker, Coachman Fundamental Middle (not present)
Timothy and Jami were greeted and congratulated by the Board Members and presented with a medallion.
D. Mr. Rob McMahon, President of the Pinellas County Teachers Association addressed the Board to present for recognition two community partners in the St. Pete Reads Project. Mr. McMahon presented the following:
Mr. Norman Smith
Lakeview Presbyterian Church - represented by Kathy Walker
Mr. McMahon stated that our district relies heavily on volunteers and expressed PCTA’s sincere appreciation to these two for their support and involvement.
Mr. Smith and Ms. Walker, who represented the Lakeview Presbyterian Church, were greeted by the Board Members.
E. Ms. Sheila M. Harris addressed the Board to express her concern for the safety of her children who attend Azalea Middle School and to present her input on an incident that occurred at that school.
Dr. Hinesley explained that this is a rebuttal to a presentation made at the previous school board meeting and that staff is monitoring this situation.
F. Ms. Betty Massell addressed the Board to state that her children attend Safety Harbor Elementary School as a result of the consideration given to her area during the opening of McMullen Booth Elementary School. Ms. Massell expressed concern that her children, according to the guidelines contained in the proposed Choice Plan, may not receive extended grandfathering since their attendance at Safety Harbor Elementary is considered to be a result of a Special Attendance Permit.
Dr. Hinesley requested that the Board and Ms. Massell give staff an opportunity to review this issue.
1. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci 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 April 17, 2001, as submitted.
1b. To approve the School Board Meeting Dates and Times for the 2001-02 School Year.
1c. To approve the District Monitoring and Advisory Committee Recommendation on Resources.
1d. To approve Supplemental Survey for Largo Middle School (0141).
1e. To approve Payment for the Fifth Annual Baldrige in Education International Conference - February 12-16, 2001.
1f. To approve Continued Temporary Duty Elsewhere Status for Ms. Susan Spaulding-Viale to Participate in the Florida Council on Economic Education Entrepreneurship Program for 2001-02. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 94.)
1g. To approve Temporary Duty Elsewhere Status for Ms. Judy Barrett to Participate in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program for
2001-02. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 94.)
1h. To approve Personnel Actions as recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
# 94.)
1i. To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Cynthia Reed, Bus Driver, Transportation Department, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 94.)
1j. To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Mr. Louis Zulli, Teacher, Lakewood High School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 94.)
1k. To approve a Donation to PTEC St. Petersburg from Margaret Bonie.
1L. To approve Agreement Between the Pinellas County School Board and Junior Achievement, Inc. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 94.)
1m. To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as appropriate, may be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 94.)
1n. To Approve Budget Amendment No. 7 (March 2001) to the District’s 2000/2001 Budget.
1o. To approve the Financial Statements for Month Ending March 31, 2001 for Fiscal Year 2000-2001.
1p. To approve School Food Service Petty Cash and Change Funds for Summer School 2001.
1q. To approve Petty Cash Fund for Institutional Services.
1r. Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, stated that she wants to clarify the process and questioned what background information does the district acquire on any agency before asking that the Board approve an agreement with them, i.e., the Gift of Life, Inc. Mrs. Lerner expressed concern that there is no screening process for agencies that wish to do business with the district.
Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley and Oscar Robinson (Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education and Student Services.
It was moved by Mrs. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Benjamin and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Mental Health Agreement with Gift of Life, Inc. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #92.)
1s. To approve an Agreement With the Public Works Academy, Inc. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 94.)
1t. To approve renewal of the Joint-Use-of-Facilities Agreement With the City of Madeira Beach. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 94.)
1u. Mrs. Lerner, referring to Lease #2643, stated that she has two concerns relating to this lease, how are employees to be recognized in the future and that these dollars for this lease could have been better utilized by going through the district budget.
It was moved by Mrs. Lerner to divide this question, pulling out Lease #2643 for a separate discussion and vote. This motion failed for the lack of a second.
Mr. Bowen clarified that this is only a report of leases to be accepted, not approved, by the Board Members.
Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.
It was moved by Mrs. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Benjamin and carried with a 7-0 vote to accept 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 First Quarter 2001.
1v. To approve the Educational Specifications for Constructing a new Middle School on the Meadowlawn Middle School Site for an Estimated Total Cost of $19,484,285.
1w. To approve the Quarterly Submittal of Change Order Summary for Compliance With Board Policy 9.06.
1x. To approve the Renewal of the Summer Food Service Program for Children Agreement With Pinellas County and the Pinellas County School Board. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book # 94.)
1y. 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.)
2. The following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations From the Audience:
Norman N. Gross, Ph.D. — Addressed the Board to express his concern with the proposed policy for distribution of materials on non-school related events.
Robert Glenn, PhD. — Marriage & Family Center, Mary Jo Monohan — Family Service Centers, Rhonda Miller Sheared — Family Service Center, Elaine Taylor — Family Service Center, Lisa Jensen — Family Service Center, Sarah Ellis — AARP/SCSEP, Larry Hyman — Community Law Program, John White — Suncoast Center for County Mental Health, Carolyn Chance — Eckerd Youth Alternatives Hi-Five Pinellas, Jeanine Evoli — Marriage & Family Center — Addressed the Board to express their concern with the proposed closing of the PTEC Community Outreach Center which will result in the elimination of their services to that community as they are now provided. Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley. Dr. Hinesley will consider possible options for continuing a partnership with these service providers to serve the targeted area of south St. Petersburg, including contacting the new Mayor of St. Petersburg to identify any alternative sites for these organizations. Dr. Hinesley will also provide a clarification of the guidelines for the use of the monies when they were originally given to this district to establish the Outreach Center. Dr. Hinesley stated that he will provide the Board with a comprehensive report including feedback from the City of St. Petersburg, input from Dr. Cassity (Director, PTEC) and the criteria requested by Mrs. Gallucci.
Tammie Laockwood — Addressed the Board to express her concern with the recent discipline administered to her daughter.
The meeting recessed at 3:27 p.m. and reconvened at 3:45 p.m.
Dennis Roper, Jade Moore, Elliot Satinoff, Phillip Seplowe, Tina Gordon, Sally Pachik, Barbara Pafundi, Jason Pafundi, Kim Patterson, Barbara Wolfe, Valerie Pilson, Tom Porter, Judith Moroff, Ted Pafundi, Tim Falk, Scott Clifford, Gilbert Jeremy Ryckman — Addressed the Board to voice their opposition to the discipline recently applied to Brian Pafundi and Chris Pachik as a result of a Palm Harbor University High School baseball team trip. Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley and Mr. Bowen. It was moved by Mr. Todd and, for the sake of discussion, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to sustain every bit of the action taken against these students except that they be allowed to walk across the stage during the graduation ceremony, considering this an emergency for the welfare of the students. Discussion continued. A substitute motion was offered by Mrs. Lerner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci that the Board under the APA 120.54 (4), recognize that the Board is dealing with a policy because of that rule, by emergency matter proposing to change that policy at the next meeting to give time for public input, the emergency being it will be too late for students who have completed all requirements and assignments to walk in their graduation ceremony. The meeting recessed at 6:02 p.m. and reconvened at 6:15 p.m. to allow Board Members the time to receive and review this APA rule. Discussion continued. Mrs. Cook called for the question. The substitute motion failed with a 3-4 vote, Mr. Benjamin, Mrs. Bostock, Mrs. Cook and Dr. Gessner voting against.
3. Dr. Hinesley presented for Board approval the request for Certification of the Condition of Pinellas County Relocatable Classrooms. Dr. Hinesley stated that he wanted to amend his recommendation to give administration the opportunity to explore and seek any possible relief from this requirement, i.e., waivers.
3a. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Superintendent’s amended recommendation for the certification of condition of Pinellas County Relocatable Classrooms, providing an opportunity for staff to explore and seek any possible relief from this requirement.
4. Dr. Hinesley’s report included the following:
5. Mr. Bowen’s report included the following:
6. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:
Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members
Mildred Helms Elementary, Derby Lanes Scholarship Luncheon, Pinellas Women’s Prayer Breakfast, PCCPTA Annual Dinner, North County Minority Scholarships Brunch, Turn Around Awards Breakfast, Bosses Night, Principals Appreciation Lunch, Community Focus Group, Volunteer Recognition, START Program at Stavros Institute, Helen Ellis Memorial Scholarship Luncheon, R’Club Board of Directors meeting, DMAC, Pinellas Council of Teachers of English Annual Spring Banquet, Madeira Beach Middle, Southern Oak Elementary, Palm Harbor Elementary, Morgan Fitzgerald OCIP, SAVE Breakfast, meeting with Scott Groyer of YMCA, Music Education Annual Banquet, Volunteer of the Year Awards Program, Doorways Coordinators Reception, Families on the Go magazine writers’ awards program, meeting with PCTA/PESPA representatives, Budget Steering Committee, Academic Challenge State Competition in Orlando, 500 Role Model Conference, Boca Ciega Accreditation Dinner.
Concerns Expressed, Written or Oral
Mrs. Lerner — Assured Mr. Richard Cash that the Board is in favor of having rooms specified in schools for art and music. Stated that she attended the "Color Me Human 5th Creative Writing Collection Celebration" at Hopkins Middle and commended the event and the district. Stated she attended the recent presentation by Campus Police, Preventing Violence in School and Workplace, and commended Chief Feraca and his staff for this very informative and helpful presentation.
Mr. Benjamin — Stated that for the first time in Pinellas County, Seminole High baseball team has been ranked #1 in the nation. Mr. Benjamin commended that team and stated that he hoped the Board could schedule an opportunity to recognize that group. Dr. Hinesley stated that Countryside High team is also competing at this level.
Mrs. Gallucci — Stated that FSBA has a conference scheduled in June and that school safety will be discussed. Mrs. Gallucci encouraged Board Members to attend this conference. Requested that staff be sure to follow up on the growth management issue relating to Forest Lakes Elementary.
Mrs. Cook — Stated that Board Members are invited to a plethora of events, some on the same date and time. Mrs. Cook stated that she wanted to make a statement publicly that just because a board member does not attend an event, this does not diminish the importance of an event. Mrs. Cook stated that it is just that their calendars are very overbooked during this time of year.
7. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
______________________ _____________________
Chairman Secretary
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