9 October 2001 School Board Minutes - Pinellas County (FL) Schools

SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA

REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2001

The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, October 9, 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 Rob McLaren, Clearwater/Largo Free Methodist Church, Largo, the, 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 Mrs. Janet O’Harrow, Information Specialist: Carolyn Bluett, PCCPTA; Julia Stenzel, Adi Hecht, and Lindsey Walker, Student Rights and Responsibilities Committee, Seminole High School; Pat Scarberry, DMAC; Vic Rowley, PCSA; and, Oscar Robinson, Operations Team.

It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to adopt the agenda.

DELETE: PRESENTER “D”

UNFINISHED #2

CONSENT #8

PULL: CONSENT #14

Dr. Hinesley informed the Board that Ms. Cheryl Sherman, Item #9, has requested an administrative hearing; therefore, the recommendation is to approve alternative #1.

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried with a 7-0 vote.

A. Julia Stenzel, Adi Hecht, and Lindsey Walker, Students Rights and Responsibilities Committee representatives from Seminole High School, addressed the Board to share information on the activities and achievements of their school.

B. Ms. Rebecca Stone, Recycling Coordinator, Pinellas County Utilities and Chairperson, Pinellas County Recycling Committee, addressed the Board to recognize the contributions to recycling made by Wayne Hefty. Ms. Stone presented Mr. Hefty with a plaque in appreciation of his technical assistance and his efforts as an advisor to the staff at Walter Pownall Service Center.

Mr. Hefty expressed his appreciation Mr. Tom Lynd, Marvin Jefferson (HPO, Northeast High School) and Jill Rowe for their efforts.

Ms. Stone presented Board Members with a packet of materials used in our school recycling programs.

Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.

C. Mr. Kenneth E. Ward, PTSA President, Lealman Intermediate School, addressed the Board stating that over the last couple of months, with the discussions on the possible relocation of Lealman, there are many misconceptions being presented regarding the Lealman student population. Mr. Ward stated that Lealman is an “application” school for students who are struggling academically, and that this program provides the needed assistance and environment to hopefully help these students to succeed. Mr. Ward stated that the school population is made up of both fifth- and sixth-grade students.

Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.

Dr. Hinesley stated that Lealman Intermediate School needs and upgraded facility, and that Mr. Ward has offered to work with the district on achieving that.

1. Dr. Hinesley, Mr. Jim Miller (Director of Real Property) and a representative from Edward C. Hoffman, Jr., AIA presented for the Board the proposal for the expansion of the Campbell Park Elementary School site. Dr. Hinesley requested that the Board approve the staff report that the property is consistent with the locational criteria for Siting Public Educational Facilities; enter a final order that the property is consistent with the locational criteria; and, authorize the Superintendent, designee, or School Board Attorney to transmit minutes of the meetings and the final order to the City of St. Petersburg.

Discussion followed by Board Members and Mr. Miller.

1a. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mrs. Bostock and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the staff report that the property is consistent with the locational criteria for Siting Public Educational Facilities; enter a final order that the property is consistent with the locational criteria; and, authorize the Superintendent, designee, or School Board Attorney to transmit minutes of the meetings and the final order to the City of St. Petersburg

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 September 25, 2001, as submitted.

2b. To approve the Master Inservice Plan for 2001-02.

2c. To approve New Components to Be Added to the Master Plan for Inservice Education for 2001-02.

2d. To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

2e. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Marilyn Adams, Food Service Assistant, Sexton Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

2f. To approve the Suspension of Ms. Cheryl Sherman, Blanton Elementary School, without pay effective October 10, 2001, pending the outcome of an administrative hearing. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

2g. To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as appropriate to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

- Renewal of Pinellas County Arts Council Teacher Incentive Grants: $15,000

- Water-Conserving Gardens and Landscapes Grant: $1,000

- Allegany Franciscan Foundation Classroom Supplies Grant: $5,000

- Jordan Fundamentals Grant, “Reading is Alive”: $2,500

- Agreement with Z W Associates, Inc.: $10,000

2h. To approve the Financial Statements for Month Ending August 31, 2001 for Fiscal Year 2001-2002.

2i. To approve the 2001-2002 School Improvement Plans.

2j. To approve a Waiver of School Board Policy 5.15, Section 4, Reporting Student Progress and Class Ranking – High School, for Largo High School’s School Improvement Plan, Goals A and B.

2k. It was moved by Mrs. Lerner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the Acquisition of Twelve Additional Properties at Campbell Park Elementary School to Facilitate Construction of the new Replacement School as Ordered by the Federal Court Through Purchase or by Condemnation, if Necessary.

Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, complimented both Mr. Bowen and Mr. Jim Miller (Director, Real Property) for meeting the goal of purchasing these homes, rather than acquiring them through a condemnation procedure. Mrs. Lerner expressed concern that the homeowners, according to the information she received from Mr. Miller, have only a few months to purchase a new home and vacate their property. Mrs. Lerner questioned if the district is doing everything possible to assist these homeowners in their transition. Mr. Miller answered in the affirmative and stated that he is very sensitive to the homeowners’ concerns. Discussion followed by Board Members and Mr. Miller.

The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Acquisition of Twelve Additional Properties at Campbell Park Elementary School to Facilitate Construction of the new Replacement School as Ordered by the Federal Court Through Purchase or by Condemnation, if necessary.

2l. To approve the Educational Specifications for Construction of the new Middle School Thurgood Marshall for an Estimated Total Project Cost of $16,769,123.

2m. To approve the Agreement With FleishmanGarcia Architects for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Renovations and new Construction at Shore Acres Elementary School in the Amount of $742,770. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

2n. To approve Reimbursement of Isolated Transportation for M. J. H. for the 2001/2002 School Year.

2o. 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 #95.)

3. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Dr. Gessner to authorize the advertisement of the proposed amendment to Policies 7.05 Petty Cash Funds and 7.17 Travel.

Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first hearing for these amendments.

Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Jerry Runkle (Assistant Superintendent for Finance & MIS).

3a. The motion to authorize the advertisement of the proposed Amendment to Policies 7.05 Petty Cash Funds and 7.17 Travel was carried with a 7-0 vote.

4. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Mr. Benjamin to authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 7.10 School Internal Funds—Principles.

Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first reading for this amendment.

4a. The motion to authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 7.10 School Internal Funds—Principles was carried with a 7-0 vote.

5. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the Rezoning Grid 4502 (Baywatch Apartment Complex).

Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first public hearing on this rezoning item and that it will be brought back to the Board for a second hearing.

5a. The motion to approve the Rezoning Grid 4502 (Baywatch Apartment Complex) was carried with a 7-0 vote.

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

Mark Klutho – Addressed the Board to state that school districts are building their schools incorrectly and that schools should be built to adapt to the principles of sustainable or “green” design and to be healthier environments for both students and teachers. Dr. Hinesley requested that Mr. Klutho meet and discuss his concerns with Mr. Tony Rivas (Director or Facilities).

Ron McMahon, PCTA – Addressed the Board to invite the Board Members to join PCTA with their participation at the following local events – October 18-21, Clearwater Jazz Holiday; October 30, presentation on “School Funding” held at Trinity Presbyterian Church; and, November, Rib Fest at Vanoy Park. Mr. McMahon stated that their newly printed informational fliers will be distributed at all events. Mr. McMahon will forward to the School Board Office a supply of these fliers to be distributed by the Board Members as they speak to the public.

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

¨ Stated that he has been in communication with one of the organizers from the High Point community; that one meeting was held to share information on the alternative high school program; and, that a meeting will be scheduled to discuss the master design on a date that will permit the attendance of the Sheriff, State Attorney and the architect for this plan. Dr. Hinesley stated the architect has been asked to site the school close to PTEC. Dr. Hinesley stated that staff has requested that the architect consider in his design that a new elementary school will front 150^th, and that the park area should be preserved for future use by the elementary students.

¨ Stated that he met last Friday with fourteen other superintendents from around the state and a Legislator to discuss the forecast for the budget; that the indications are that it will be worse than originally projected; and, that districts should look at this as a two-year problem, not just a one-year problem. Dr. Hinesley stated that there will be a Revenue Estimating Conference on October 15 with a Special Session soon after. Dr. Hinesley stated that Pinellas was wise in implementing their budget strategies, and that the district needs to continue to be proactive in looking for a long-term solution.

8. Mr. Bowen’s report included the following:

¨ Stated that the Board at their last meeting appointed Mary Lou Krentzman as their replacement for Jim Barrens as their representative to DMAC, beginning her term at the end of Mr. Barrens’ term. Mr. Bowen stated that Mr. Barrens has resigned and suggested that the Board take action to allow Ms. Krentzman to replace Mr. Barrens now, rather than at the end of Mr. Barrens term. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 7-0 vote to have Ms. Krentzman complete Mr. Barrens present term on DMAC.

¨ Stated that he has forwarded to the Board Members a copy of the proposed district lines as prepared by Mr. Spitzer. It was decided that the new proposal for the School Board Member district lines will be brought to the Board at their October 23, 2001, Board meeting and that the Board Members will have the opportunity to discuss any changes at their October 30, 2001, workshop, with a second public hearing scheduled for the December School Board meeting. Mr. Todd requested that Mr. Spitzer be available for the presentation.

9. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members

Concerns Expressed, Written, or Oral

Mrs. Lerner – Stated that Florida has an unstable, irresponsible tax base commended Senator McKay for his leadership regarding a services tax. Mrs. Lerner urged the Legislators to join that leadership to look for a long-term solution. Stated that she has always complimented Dr. Hinesley and Mr. Johansen for the financial management of this district. Mrs. Lerner, referring to the budget freeze efforts, stated that the freeze is somewhat simplistic and stated that she hopes there will be some processes to look at the impact each vacancy will have on their individual program. Mrs. Lerner stated that she believes it is the Board needs a further discussion of their strategic role to re-evaluate an alignment of priorities as related to the district’s strategic directions, i.e., Read 180 which has many dollars going towards a few students. Discussion followed and emphasis was placed on the need for local control. Stated that the Board feels strongly about the vision of the district to unite with the community to provide success for all students, the word community also including the social service agencies that are providing services for families and children. Mrs. Lerner stated that PTEC is changing the portion of their campus that now holds offices for social services to become one of the district’s Family Information Centers. Mrs. Lerner expressed concern that the non profit agencies proposed for relocation in PTEC will be required to pay the $40,000 cost of renovating a space they will not be using. Discussion followed by Mr. Jim Miller, Dr. Hinesley and School Board Members.

Mr. Benjamin – Stated that the Board Members received letters from students at Palm Harbor University High School requesting that high school campuses become “open” campuses so that students may leave for lunch and return. Mr. Benjamin commended the students for their fine letters and requested that the Superintendent discuss this issue with the principals to receive their input on this directive. Mr. Todd stated that a letter went to the class from the Board to reflect this request.

Dr. Gessner – Stated that he had a concern brought to him from a parent of a fundamental middle school student regarding the lack of a full physical education program at that school. Dr. Gessner stated that he has learned that both Southside and Coachman have a “modified” physical education program. Dr. Gessner stated that physical education is important and expressed concern that we may not being doing enough in that area. Dr. Gessner requested more information on the district’s program, the modified program and the exact physical education requirements.

Mrs. Gallucci – Stated that the Lt. Governor’s Office called FSBA and requested input from board members from across the state as to their suggestions for areas to be cut, if cuts become necessary in education. Mrs. Gallucci stated that Dr. Hinesley’s comment on the need for flexibility is the consensus across the state, both in good times and bad times; that it is necessary to have collaboration in both good times and bad times, everyone at the tables discussing what Florida school children need; that Legislators need to understand how long it takes rebuild programs and needed support when funds are cut; that all school systems should not be treated the same; that all school boards will hold the classrooms and related arts harmless as long as possible, taking into consideration that there is a state law that requires money be in the bank to employ someone; and, that all boards agreed that there needs to be a presence in Tallahassee to remind the Legislators of their promise to fund education appropriately in Florida.

Mrs. Cook – Stated that some of the things that have come up with the recent meetings with PCCPTA and the Legislators is the issue of bringing portables into compliance with the ramping and awnings - $15 million dollars that could help education if the flexibility were there. Updated and clarified the meetings that are being held in the schools by PCCPTA and the Legislators, stating that this is not an election year and, therefore, PTA’s are not required to have candidates from both parties. Mrs. Cook also informed the Board Members of the following two changes in the meeting schedule: Rep. Carrassas on October 17 is changed to November 1 and Senator Latvala at November 14 is changed to November 12.

Mr. Todd – Shared a few comments contained in a letter from a Palm Harbor University High School student regarding “purple elephants” and commended the student for his creativity. Stated his agreement with the directives on travel issued to district personnel by the Superintendent and suggested that the School Board Members follow these same guideline with the exception of travel already scheduled or travel necessary to meet with Legislators on pertinent issues. Discussion followed by Board Members and agreement was voiced. It was determined that Mrs. Gallucci will represent the Board at the NSBA conference. Requested that everyone continue to remember in their prayers those who are leading our country and especially those who will be putting their lives on the line during this war.

10. Dr. Stewart offered the following summary of directives given to the Superintendent for follow up:

Superintendent will discuss the issue of “open campus” with high school principals and report back to the Board with that feedback.

Superintendent and staff will prepare a report on the district’s physical education program and present that information in Friday Update.

11. Mr. Todd announced that the Board will hold their Organization Meeting on November 20, 2001, at 11:00 a.m.

12. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.

______________________ _____________________

Chairman Secretary

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