SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2001
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Monday, October 22, 2001, at 9:05 A.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; Dr. John Stewart, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Lanse Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.
The Invocation was given by The Reverend Fred Ball, First United Methodist Church of Clearwater, Clearwater, FL. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and video presentation of “God Bless America” by the students of Largo High School.
Introduction of the following representatives of professional and community organizations was given by Dr. Ron Stone, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources: Carolyn Smith, PESPA; Carolyn Bluett, PCCPTA; and, Oscar Robinson, Operations Team.
It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Benjamin to adopt the agenda. The motion to adopt the agenda, as submitted, was carried with a 7-0 vote.
A. There were no students present from the Students Rights and Responsibilities Committee.
B. Ms. Doretha S. Jackson, Supervisor, Community Involvement, presented representatives from the following schools that received the Five Star School designation from the Florida Department of Education:
Bauder Elementary M. K. Rawlings Elementary
Brooker Creek Elementary Northwest Elementary
Clearwater High Northeast High
Cross Bayou Elementary Oldsmar Elementary
Curlew Creek Elementary Ozona Elementary
Curtis Fundamental Elementary Palm Harbor Elementary
Cypress Woods Elementary Seminole Middle
Dixie Hollins High Sutherland Elementary
East Lake High Skycrest Elementary
Forest Lakes Elementary Southward Morton Plant Mease
Garrison Jones Elementary Partnership Elementary
Lake St. George Elementary Starkey Elementary
Leila G. Davis Elementary Tarpon Springs Fundamental
McMullen-Booth Elementary Elementary
Tarpon Springs Middle
The representatives from these schools were greeted and congratulated by the Board Members.
C. Ms. Claudia V. Johnson, President, Sunstate Opera Society, Inc., addressed the Board to introduce the Sunstate Opera and to explain their proposed partnership with the district in a mentoring program for students.
Discussion followed by Board Members. The consensus of the Board was that Dr. Hinesley would have the appropriate staff meet with Ms. Johnson to discuss their proposal further.
1. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Dr. Gessner, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Consent Agenda, as submitted.
1a. To approve the Cancellation of Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting of October 23, 2001..
1b. To approve the minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting of October 9, 2001, as submitted.
1c. To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1d. To approve to Dismiss Ms. Amalia L. Cyr, Teacher Assistant-ESE I, Tyrone Middle School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1e. To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Vivian Samuel, Teacher Assistant, South Ward Elementary School, for Three (3) days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1f. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Mr. Eugene Teall, Plant Operator, Sutherland Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1g. To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as appropriate to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
- Agreement with St. Petersburg College: $66,546
- Agreement with Microsociety, Inc.: $148,000
- Federal Impact Aid Project: TBA
- Water-Conserving Gardens and Landscapes Grant: $950
- Allegany Franciscan Foundation Classroom Supplies Grant: $1000
- Florida Farm Bureau Mini-Grant: $250
- Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Project (CSRD), Title I Schools: $1,450,000
- Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Project (CSRD), Non-Title I Schools: $290,000
- English Literacy and Civics Education Project (new): $45,019
- English Literacy and Civics Education Project (continuation): $25,004
- Tech Prep Project: $50,000
- Renewal of Even Start Family Literacy Project: $158,941
- Public Charter School Dissemination Grant: $99,674
1h. To approve the Renewal of Agreement With the Florida Orchestra to Provide Cultural Programming Through the School Curriculum. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1i. To approve the Health Agreement With Westcoast Ear, Nose & Throat Associates. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1j. To approve the Renewal of the Joint-Use-Agreement With Little League Baseball, Inc., for the Shared Use of Facilities of the Little League and Boca Ciega High School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1k. To approve the Educational Specifications for HVAC Renovations and Remodeling at Largo Middle School Site for an Estimated Total Project Cost of $8,274,370. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1l. To approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Law Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Reroofing at St. Petersburg High School in the Amount of $10,069. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1m. To approve the Agreement and Final GMP With Davis Construction Enterprises, Inc. for Construction Management Services in Connection With the Construction of Covered Physical Education Play Areas at Various Elementary School Facilities Countywide in the Amount of $900,000. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1n. To approve the Agreement With Peter Brown Construction, Inc. for Construction Management Services in Connection With HVAC Renovation, Remodeling and Renovations at Largo Middle School in the Amount of $882,200. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1o. To approve Change Order No. 8 for Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Dunedin High School. This Change Order will decrease the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $1,288,537 with no time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1p. To approve the Acceptance of Substantial Completion for HVAC Additions and Renovations at Walsingham Elementary School as of April 30, 2001. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1q. To approve the Quarterly Submittal of Change Order Summary for Compliance With Board Policy 9.06.
1r. To approve the Agreement With C B Goldsmith and Associates to Provide Design and Construction Contract Administration for the HVAC Renovation, Re-roof and Window Replacement Project at Kings Highway Elementary School in the Amount of $192,000. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1s. To approve Construction Change Directive No. 1 in the Amount of $177,000 for Re-roofing and Exterior Renovation Project at Palm Harbor Middle School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1t. To approve Change Order Number Two (2) for the Renovation of the Track and Football Field at Dunedin High School. This Change Order will increase contract amount by $44,600 with a twenty-two (22) day time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1u. To approve Change Order Number Three (3) for the Renovation of the Track and Football Field at Dunedin High School. This Change Order will increase contract amount by $21,975 with a seven (7) day time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1v. To approve Request Approval of Change Order Number Four (4) for the Renovation of the Track and Football Field at Dunedin High School. This Change Order will increase contract amount by $49,026 with a fourteen (14) day time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1w. To approve the Acquisition of the Paul Barco Property for Expansion of the Melrose Elementary School site to Facilitate Construction of the New Parent Pick-Up Lane and Staff/Parent Parking Lot Through Purchase or by Condemnation. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)
1x. 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 #95.)
2. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Benjamin to approve to authorize the advertisement of the Amendment to Policy 7.30 Network Internet Acceptable Use Agreement.
Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first reading and recommended approval.
Dr. Gessner, referring to page 152 of the agenda book, paragraph (3) Additional Internet Safety Measures, questioned if the district currently has a filtering system in place. Dr. Hinesley responded in the affirmative and stated that it puts the district in compliance with the related federal act. Dr. Hinesley encouraged the Board Members to visit the MIS Department to view the technology. Dr. Gessner, referring to (3) (a), questioned whether there is anything that filters “oral depictions that are obscene.” Dr. Gessner also questioned who in the district determines what written or pictorial information is “obscene.”
Mrs. Lerner, referring to page 153, stated that district staff cannot possibly monitor everything that a student is reaching on-line and questioned if the district has a system by which schools or teachers can give input regarding something that came through the filtering system.
Mr. Todd questioned whether there is a “filtering system” for library books, referencing a concern that has been brought to the Board regarding the reading assignment of “The Chocolate War.”
Mrs. Bostock stated that there does not seem to be an alignment in the district’s standards relating to internet, classroom materials, etc. Mrs. Bostock suggested that the district consider an age-appropriateness, internet filtering system.
Dr. Gessner stated that the Board needs to discuss “appropriateness” as it relates to such policies, the difference between what is made available to students and what is required of them to read.
Dr. Gessner and Mrs. Gallucci agreed with Mrs. Bostock that there seems to be a double standard with the district’s policies related to written material and that viewed over the internet.
2a. The motion to approve to authorize the advertisement of the Amendment to Policy 7.30 Network Internet Acceptable Use Agreement was carried with a 7-0 vote.
3. It was moved by Mrs. Cook and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve to authorize the advertisement of the Amendment to Policy 2.03 Membership of the School Board.
Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first reading and recommended approval, stating that this issue will be brought to the Board at their October 30, 2001, workshop for further discussion.
3a. The motion to approve to authorize the advertisement of the Amendment to Policy 2.03 Membership of the School Board was carried with a 7-0 vote.
4. The following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations From the Audience:
Mark P. Klutho – Addressed the Board stating that he has taken photos of the plants and shrubs surrounding the Administration Building and that they are being “butchered.” Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, Mr. Tony Rivas, and Mr. Walter Miller. Dr. Hinesley stated that someone on staff will meet with Mr. Klutho to discuss this matter further.
5. Dr. Hinesley’s report included the following:
¨ Distributed “talking points” prepared by Steve Swartzel for Board Members to use when contacting Legislators during this Special Session of the Legislature. Dr. Hinesley warned the Board that the budget shortfall is a two-year problem and that districts need to be prepared. Discussion followed by Board Members.
¨ Expressed his appreciation to the hundreds of employees who took time to meet with the team from Baldrige. Dr. Hinesley stated that he believes Pinellas will receive some good recommendations. Discussion followed by Board Members.
6. Mr. Bowen stated he had no report.
7. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:
Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members
Dunedin High – Facility Dedication; Bardmoor Elementary; Teacher Appreciation – Holocaust Museum; Technology Conference (Harborview); St. Petersburg College of Education (Clearwater Campus) – Mr. Benjamin (Speaker); DMAC Meeting; Presidents as Principals; Legislative Visit w/Frank Farkas; Pinellas County Commissioners Event – Meet the Candidates for County Administrator; Pinellas County Schools Community Volunteer Program/Celebration; Ebony Scholars Awards; Greater Pinellas Point Civic Association (Mrs. Bostock – Speaker); Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee Meeting – (Mrs. Bostock – Speaker); Plumb Elementary Spaghetti Dinner; Council of Urban Boards of Education
Concerns Expressed, Written, or Oral
Mrs. Bostock – Stated that she would like to be kept up-to-date on how the budget cuts are affecting the classroom. Mrs. Bostock stated that a concern was expressed to her regarding teacher vacancies and how they will be filled. Mrs. Bostock requested that a list of who will be available to fill those vacancies be prepared for the Board. Dr. Gessner requested that a list of the positions at the district level that have been left vacant also be forwarded to Board Members. Dr. Hinesley responded that a list should be ready for the Board’s October 30 workshop.
Mr. Benjamin – Thanked Dr. Hinesley for getting out the message to those who answer district phones to please add, “How may I help you?” Mr. Benjamin requested that reminders continue.
Mrs. Lerner – Expressed concern that only six schools have signed up for the Student Awareness Day at the Holocaust Museum. Mrs. Lerner requested that Dr. Hinesley remind schools of this event. Stated that she would like to discuss at a future workshop during leadership discussion, the area on board agendas titled, “Propriety of Speaker’s/Presenter’s Remarks.” Mrs. Lerner questioned the phrase, “Inappropriate or irrelevant comments…” Stated that Mr. Benjamin complimented Timothy Falls for the many well-written student-initiated letters received by the Board. Mrs. Lerner expressed her concern that Mr. Falls was asked to explain the curriculum that he used to initiate these letters and stated that she wants all students and teachers to feel free to write to the Board without it being attached to a specific curriculum. Stated that she arrived at 7:00 a.m. this morning to attend a recognition program for Campus Police officers. Mrs. Lerner suggested that the Board hold a reception later so that Board Members have the opportunity to speak with these officers.
Mrs. Cook – Stated that Mr. Benjamin had asked that those answering district phones add the phrase, “How may I help you?” Mrs. Cook stated that upon visiting other districts, she has seen signs at the entrance stating, “We value our visitors and parents, and for the safety of our children, please come into the office and sign in.” Mrs. Cook suggested that schools consider using this wording to request that visitors sign in before entering our schools.
Mr. Todd – Stated that the Special Session of the Legislature would be in its third day when citizens are viewing this meeting and encouraged everyone to make their feelings known immediately to their Legislators.
8. Dr. Stewart offered the following summary of directives given to the Superintendent for follow up:
¨ The issue of subcommittees for Board Members will be placed on the next workshop agenda under leadership discussion.
¨ Superintendent will inform the Board how the budget cuts will impact the classroom, providing the Board with a list of the classroom vacancies and who will fill them. This report on vacancies and reassignments will be provided to the Board periodically.
¨ Superintendent will remind schools about the Student Awareness Day at the Holocaust Museum.
¨ Superintendent will encourage schools to redo their signs welcoming visitors to their building, “We value our parents and visitors and their presence. Please stop by the office …..”
¨ Superintendent will repeat reminders to district to answer their phones with, “How may I help you?”
9. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 10:46 a.m.
______________________ _____________________
Chairman Secretary
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