SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA

REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2001

The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, September 25, 2001, at 5:00 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; 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 Bruce Humphrey, First Christian Church, 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 Mrs. Janet O’Harrow, Information Specialist: Rob McMahon, PCTA; Carolyn Blutte, PCCPTA; Pat Scarberry, DMAC; Richard Cash, Pinellas County Arts for a Complete Education; Lewis Williams, Operations Team; and, Kelly Ryan, The St. Petersburg Times.

It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Dr. Gessner to adopt the agenda.

DELETE: Consent #6 – Teacher has resigned.

PULL: Consent #8

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

A. Dr. Hinesley introduced the Following Newly Appointed Administrators:

Mr. Oscar L. Robinson

Area Superintendent, Area IV

Ms. Elaine F. Cutler

Assistant Superintendent

Elementary Education and Student Services

Ms. Cheryl DiCicco

Interim Principal

Norwood Secondary School

Mr. Robinson, Ms. Cutler, and Ms. DiCicco were greeted and congratulated by the Board Members.

B. Ms. Janet Goree, Help A Child, Inc., addressed the Board to request that she be permitted to incorporate her 30-60 minute presentation on Shaken Baby Syndrome into the high school curriculum. Ms. Goree requested that this information be presented to specifically male students before they become fathers. Ms. Goree stated that she has a seven-minute video that can be copied and distributed to each school.

Discussion followed. Dr. Hinesley requested that Ms. Goree meet with Ms. Peggy Johns, Pre K – 12 Health Education Supervisor, to discuss the appropriate course in which to include this curriculum. Dr. Hinesley will update the Board Members regarding the progress of this request.

C. Ms. Erica Sparks, Tyrone Middle School PTA President; Ms. Joi Davies, School Advisory Council President; Bert Williams, parent; and, Linda Clark, band/chorus teacher at Tyrone Middle, addressed the Board regarding the possibility that Tyrone Middle may be closed as a middle school. They each voiced their opposition to the proposal and that those students would be assigned to three different middle schools in order that Lealman Discovery be moved to that location. A petition was presented to the Board to express disagreement with the proposal to close Tyrone Middle School.

Dr. Hinesley discussed the rationale considered for this possible change.

Mrs. Bostock stated that the speakers who had signed up to speak during “Presentations From the Audience” were going to be speaking to this issue and suggested that the Board allow them to speak at this time. Board Members agreed.

Presentations From the Audience

Bobbi Matthews, Robert Thompson, Phillip Quandt, Valerie Sher, Pat Perkins, Lisa Linkous, and Sherry Vickers – Addressed the Board to voice their opposition to the possible relocation of Tyrone Middle School students and the placement of Lealman Discovery at the present Tyrone Middle campus.

Discussion followed by School Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.

1. Dr. Hinesley presented for the second reading the request for Adoption of New Policy 7.101 Outside Support Organizations and Amendment to Policy 7.10 School Internal Funds—Principles. Dr. Hinesley stated that the change in wording in 9 (f) requested by the Board during the first hearing has been incorporated.

1a. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the Adoption of New Policy 7.101 Outside Support Organizations and Amendment to Policy 7.10 School Internal Funds—Principles, with proposed change in wording.

Mrs. Gallucci and Mrs. Cook thanked Mr. Bowen for working with PCCPTA and for wording this in a kinder, customer-friendly manner.

1b. The motion to approve the Adoption of New Policy 7.101 Outside Support Organizations and Amendment to Policy 7.10 School Internal Funds—Principles, with change in wording, was carried with a 7-0 vote.

2. Dr. Hinesley presented for the second reading the request to approve the Adoption of New Policy 8.62 Teacher Professional Expectations.

Mrs. Gallucci requested that the Board Members consider incorporating into this policy an expectation for professional dress by teachers.

Discussion continued.

2a. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to amend the motion by adding the following: That the expectation be added that “teachers are to follow School Board policy” and that materials being used be age- or grade-level appropriate.”

Mrs. Lerner expressed her concern that this is the second reading for this policy and stated that the Board does not usually amend the language of a proposed policy at the second public hearing.

Discussion followed.

Dr. Hinesley stated that no one should have a problem with the first part of Dr. Gessner’s motion and that the second request presented in that motion was discussed with Curriculum & Instruction to which no objection was voiced. Dr. Hinesley stated that the request presented by Mrs. Gallucci would be a “bargaining” issue.

Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.

Rob McMahon, PCTA, was invited to give his input. Mr. McMahon stated that he had no problem with the first part of Dr. Gessner’s motion and suggested that the expectation that “teachers follow School Board policy” be added to 3.3, since those seven expectations are based on the seven Baldrige criteria and adding an eighth would be confusing.

Dr. Hinesley will run the expectation for “professional dress” back through the feedback loop and bring that input back to the Board with a recommendation for further discussion.

2b. The motion to amend the main motion was carried with a 7-0 vote. Changes are as follows: Added to the end of 3.3, "Teachers are to follow School Board policy" and incorporated into 1.7, "Engages every student in relevant age- or grade-level appropriate learning experiences that promote his/her performance."

2c. The motion to approve the Adoption of New Policy 8.62 Teacher Professional Expectations, as amended, was carried with a 7-0 vote.

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

3a. To approve the minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting of September 11, 2001, and the Second Public Hearing on the 2001-2002 District Budget and Millage Rates of September 11, 2001, as submitted.

3b. To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3c. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Marie Brown, Plant Operator, Pinellas Park Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3d. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Renee A. Hewett, Part-Time Cafeteria Attendant, Northward Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3e. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Mr. Benjamin to approve the recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Jody Zarnick, Teacher, Seminole Elementary School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay.

Mrs. Gallucci, having pulled this item, stated that she has great concern with a teacher having received this number of DUIs and being allowed to return to the classroom with only a three-day suspension. Mrs. Gallucci stated that she understands this is an issue of “progressive discipline.”

Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley and School Board Members.

The motion to approve the recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Jody Zarnick, Teacher, Seminole Elementary School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay was carried with a 7-0 vote. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3f. To approve a Service Provider Agreement Between Pinellas Technical Education Centers (PTEC) and AchieveGlobal, Inc. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3g. To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as appropriate to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

- Governor’s Mentoring Initiative: Military Mentoring Project:

$9,803

- Governor’s Mentoring Initiative: Workplace Mentoring Project: $19,676

- Grassroots Charity Grant: $1,000

- Florida Inclusion Network Project: $250,000

- Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grant: $350

- Allegany Franciscan Foundation Classroom Supplies Grant: $2,000

- Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP): $60,379

- Amendment to Prekindergarten Early Intervention Project: $3,993,758

- Amendment to Florida First Start Project: $2,183

- Agreement with St. Petersburg College: $232,949

- Continuation Grant for Athenian Academy Charter School: $90,000

3h. To approve the Financial Statements for Month Ending July 31, 2001 for Fiscal Year 2001-2002.

3i. To approve a Mental Health Agreement with Pinellas Pregnancy Center, Inc. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3j. To approve the Agreement for Purchase Between Simindokht and Sepideh Eskandari, Seller, and the School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, Buyer, for the Purchase of the Property Located at 2708 6^th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida, Parcel No. 14 31 16 15192 006 0170 for the Purchase Price of $72,000 Plus Appraisal Fee $550, Attorney Fees $1,200. This property will be used for expansion of the St. Petersburg High School Site. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3k. To approve an Agreement Between Pinellas County and the School Board of Pinellas County for Emergency Shelter Space. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3l. To approve Amendment No. 11 to Agreement With Renker Eich Parks Architects, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at Clearwater High School in the Amount of $10,350. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3m. To approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Lincoln Construction, Inc. for a Partial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in Connection With new Construction, HVAC Remodeling and Renovations at Cypress Woods Elementary School in the Amount of $2,600,000. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3n. To approve the Partial Substantial Completion for New Construction of Bay Point Elementary School as of May 22, 2001 (Building 2, Rooms 135, 135A, 137 and concrete courtyard); June 7, 2001 (Interiors of Buildings 3 and 4); and June 8, 2001 (Interior of Building 1, Rooms 134-135B, 138-138C, 145-153 in Building 2). (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3o. To approve the Acceptance of Substantial Completion for Remodeling and Renovations at Melrose Elementary School as of July 16, 2001 (Entire Project, With the Exception of Rooms 103-112); and July 26, 2001 (Rooms 103 – 112). (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3p. To approve Change Orders for the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System Repairs at Lealman Avenue Elementary School. The Change Orders will increase contract amounts by $19,312.50 with no time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #95.)

3q. 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.)

4. Dr. Hinesley presented the returning Proposed Amendment to Policy 2.22 District Monitoring and Advisory Committee Bylaws to DMAC for Revision to Provide That Only DMAC Members May Serve on Subcommittees of DMAC. Dr. Hinesley stated that he received a memorandum yesterday from Jim Madden stating that DMAC voted at their September 20 meeting to withdraw the proposed bylaw amendment as currently written and to engage with the Board further on this matter. Dr. Hinesley stated that the concern for DMAC is that they wish to appoint someone other than a member of DMAC to a subcommittee and that the person become a voting member of DMAC. Dr. Hinesley stated that he has no problem with appointing people to subcommittees and receiving input but that his concern is the thought of expanding the “voting” membership of DMAC. Dr. Hinesley stated that information he has now received may not indicate that.

Mr. Bowen stated that after speaking with Ms. Scarberry she has indicated that it was not their intent to have nonmembers of DMAC serve as voting members of a subcommittee. Mr. Bowen stated that if that is the case, there was misunderstanding as to what DMAC is proposing and requested that Ms. Scarberry clarify that.

Pat Scarberry, DMAC, addressed to state that it is the understanding of DMAC that they have the right to withdraw this recommendation and address the issue at another time. Ms. Scarberry stated that they were looking for an opportunity to get more input from the community in order to work more efficiently. Ms. Scarberry stated that they only wanted a way to receive assistance in assimilating all the information that comes to them, not expand the voting membership. Ms. Scarberry later stated that DMAC has the right to appoint members to subcommittees as they deem appropriate.

Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, Mr. Bowen and Ms. Scarberry.

4a. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve Returning Proposed Amendment to Policy 2.22 District Monitoring and Advisory Committee Bylaws to DMAC for Revision to Provide That Only DMAC Members May Serve on Subcommittees of DMAC was carried with a 7-0 vote.

4b. It was moved by Mrs. Cook, seconded by Mrs. Lerner and carried with a 7-0 vote to table this item until the Board has the opportunity to meet in a workshop setting with DMAC.

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

¨ Stated that he is required to send to the Board, within 30 days, any recommendation received from DMAC. Dr. Hinesley stated that today he received from Mr. Madden results of an action taken by DMAC at their September 20 meeting requesting a delay in the zoning recommendation for the new apartment complex at US 19 and Belleair Road. Dr. Hinesley stated that Mr. Bowen and Kathy Walker presented this recommendation at the September 20 DMAC meeting for this complex to be rezoned into Belcher Elementary School, and that Mr. Bowen, prior to approaching DMAC, received approval from Mr. Escarraz. Dr. Hinesley stated that he postponed placing this zoning issue on this school board agenda to give DMAC the opportunity for input and that DMAC does not want this issue considered by the Board until November. Dr. Hinesley stated that the developer, however, needs to be able to communicate to the perspective renters which school their children will attend. Dr. Hinesley will communicate to DMAC that if they want input they will need to call a special meeting and communicate their input before the October 9 Board meeting so that those leasing these apartments will receive the correct zoning information in a timely manner. Dr. Hinesley stated that he has communicated to the developer, through Mr. Bowen, that if there are children moving into apartments before October 9, those students will be administratively placed into Belcher Elementary School. Discussion followed by Board Members and Pat Scarberry. Mr. Bowen stated that this issue is an example of those matters that does not have to go before DMAC prior to the Board’s decision; however, under the APA, DMAC can have information about this if they wish and give input in the normal course of input. Mr. Bowen stated that will be providing a complete and detailed analysis of when items need to go to DMAC with the associated timeframe. Board Members will discuss their way-of-work with DMAC at their workshop with that organization following the DMAC retreat. Mrs. Lerner suggested that this workshop be scheduled in the evening to give consideration to their individual calendars: Board Members agreed.

¨ Requested that the Board move the beginning time for their October 9, 2001, School Board meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., with expulsions beginning at 8:15 a.m. so that he can attend a special event occurring at one of our schools beginning at 1:00 p.m. Mrs. Lerner expressed concern that the Board meetings times have been published in many brochures and communicated various other ways. Mrs. Lerner stated that the Board should have some guidelines for making such changes and stated that she will not support this change. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mr. Benjamin and carried with a 6-1 vote, Mrs. Lerner voting against, to move the starting time of the October 9, 2001, School Board meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., with expulsions beginning at 8:15 a.m.

6. Mr. Bowen stated that he had no report.

7. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members

DMAC Meeting (Mr. Benjamin – Observer); PTA Meeting; Finance Park (Stavros Center); Community Alliance Meeting (D.C.F.); Paula Lamb’s Retirement; Luncheon at Paul B. Stephens; Meeting with Terry Boehm and Debbie Woodard (PCCPTA); Clearwater Kiwanis Club (Mrs. Cook – Speaker); PCCPTA Fall Workshop (Mrs. Cook – Presenter)

Concerns Expressed, Written, or Oral

Mrs. Cook – Stated that two weeks ago we came to a board meeting after learning that several people were trapped in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Today she had the opportunity to participate in something that Pinellas County did, Pinellas County Honors America, which took place at the Court House. Mrs. Cook stated that she looked out at hundreds of people while wreaths were presented in honor of the firefighters and law enforcement officers and survivors and victims. Mrs. Cook stated that this was a wonderful experience watching the people of Pinellas County rally together and that she is proud to be a citizen of this county and of the United States. Updated the Board Members on the schedule for Legislators visiting schools and asked that Board members look at their schedules in an attempt to cover the meetings scheduled for Sawgrass Elementary on October 4 with Rep. Farkas and Southside Fundamental, to include John Hopkins Middle, on October 1 with Rep. Peterman. Mrs. Cook thanked Steve Swartzel for his assistance in planning these meetings and the Legislators for their participation.

Mrs. Gallucci – Stated that the Board Members had agreed to look at revising the Attorney’s evaluation. Mrs. Gallucci requested that Mrs. Beaty schedule a meeting between the subcommittee identified for this task and Mr. Bowen, in order to begin this process.

Dr. Gessner – Stated that we are in the midst of Jewish high holidays and that some concerns were expressed to him that there were teachers giving tests on Rosh Hashanah. Dr. Gessner requested that the Board revisit the policy to ensure that we do our best to accommodate people of the Jewish community and to ensure that the policy does not penalize students who observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Dr. Hinesley cautioned the Board saying that there are several days observed by various religious groups and questioned how far the Board would want to expand that policy. Mr. Benjamin stated that students experience difficulty choosing between observing a religious day or taking a test that accounts for 25% of their grade. Dr. Hinesley will discuss this issue further with Mr. Bowen.

Mr. Benjamin – Stated that an overwhelming majority of those answering phones in the district are doing a great job in speaking with the public and representing this district. Mr. Benjamin, however, suggested that one phrase be added to the greeting, “How may I help you?” Dr. Hinesley stated that he will pass this on to principals and directors. Mr. Benjamin stated that the School Board Office staff, Mrs. Beaty and Mrs. Capps, do a wonderful job greeting the public and that in eleven years, he has never received one complaint. Mrs. Lerner voiced her agreement. Dr. Gessner stated that he doesn’t know of too many folks who can work for seven different bosses and keep everyone happy like they do.

Mrs. Lerner – Stated that she attended an event at Largo Middle School yesterday and commended staff both at that school and throughout the district for helping our students through these very tragic times. Mrs. Lerner stated that she is very hopeful and prays that we will all understand that “unity” is really important to defend our democracy.

Mr. Todd – Commended the choral group from Largo High School for the video tape presentation of God Bless America played at the beginning of the meeting. Mr. Todd stated that this was done before the terrorists attack on America. Mr. Todd encouraged all schools to take advantage of this tape.

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

¨ Peggy Johns will work with Ms. Janet Goree, Help A Child, Inc., regarding the incorporation of the Shaken Baby Syndrome curriculum into our schools. Dr. Hinesley will update the Board through Friday Update.

¨ Superintendent will send the request to include the expectation of “professional dress for teachers” back through the feedback loop. A memorandum will be forwarded to the Board when completed.

¨ Superintendent will review the seriousness of tests given on the Jewish high holidays with a report back to the Board by mid October.

¨ Superintendent will convey to departments and schools the request that those answering the phones include the phrase, “How may I help you?”

9. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

______________________ _____________________

Chairman Secretary

/db(Sept25)