SCHOOL
BOARD OF
REGULAR MEETING
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on
The Invocation was given by, Dr.
Ron Stone, Associate Superintendent, Human Resources and Public Affairs. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
and a video presentation of “God Bless
Introduction
of the following representatives of professional and community organizations
was given by Dr. Ronald Stone: Carolyn
Smith, PESPA; Carolyn Bluett, PCCPTA; Mayme Hodges, Pinellas Retired Educators
Association; Richard Cash, Pinellas County Arts for a Complete Education; Oscar
Robinson, Operations Team; Kelly Ryan Gilmer, The St. Petersburg Times;
and, Lynn Porter, The Tampa Tribune.
Mr.
Benjamin requested that Mr. Richard Cash, Pinellas County Arts for a Complete
Education, stand to be recognized. Mr.
Benjamin stated that Mr. Cash has resigned from his position on the Arts
Council and commended Mr. Cash for the many years of his support of the arts.
It was
moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Todd to adopt the agenda.
PULL: CONSENT #4 & 19
Dr. Hinesley stated that the personnel in CONSENT items 9, 10, 15, and
18 have requested an administrative hearing; therefore, the Board’s action
should be to approve Alternative #1 in all four items.
Dr. Hinesley stated that a correction should be made on page 247, Grade
7, as follows: BUDGET ANALYST to
BUDGET SPECIALIST.
The motion
to adopt the agenda was carried with a 7-0 vote.
1. Mr. Larry LaDelfa,
Architect, presented to the Board the Combined Schematic Design Phase I,
Preliminary Design Phase II and Construction Document Design Phase III
Submittal for Lake St. George Elementary School for an Estimated Total Cost of
$6,632,502.
1a. It was moved by Mr.
Todd and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the Combined Schematic Design Phase
I, Preliminary Design Phase II and Construction Document Design Phase III
Submittal for Lake St. George Elementary School for an Estimated Total Cost of
$6,632,502.
Dr. Gessner reiterated his concern
that safety is a critical issue to be considered when designing new schools and
questioned whether the district is taking every opportunity to limit access to
the campuses. Mr. LaDelfa responded.
1b. The motion to approve the Schematic Design
and Construction Document was carried with a 7-0 vote. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#96.)
2. Mr. Steve Heiser, Harvard
Jolly Clees Toppe Architects, presented to the Board the Combined Schematic
Design Phase I, Preliminary Design Phase II, and Construction Documents Phase
III Submittal for Constructing a new Middle School on the Thurgood Marshall
Middle School Site for an Estimated Total Cost of $19,217,301.
2a. It was moved by Mr. Todd and
seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the Combined Schematic Design Phase I,
Preliminary Design Phase II, and Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for
Constructing a new Middle School on the Thurgood Marshall Middle School Site
for an Estimated Total Cost of $19,217,301.
Dr. Gessner restated his
concern that all efforts be made to limit access to campuses.
Dr. Hinesley stated that
during a meeting with Mayor Baker (City of St. Petersburg) a request was issued
to the district that we adhere to the City’s “green ordinances.”
Discussion followed by
Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, and Tony Rivas (Director of Facilities).
2b. The motion to approve the
proposal was carried with a 7-0 vote. (Copy to
be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
3. Mr. John Cutler Kelly,
FleishmanGarcia Architects, presented to the Board the Schematic Design Phase I
Submittal for the new Construction, Remodeling, and Renovations at Shore Acres
Elementary School for an Estimated Total Cost of $11,032,033.
Mr. Benjamin stated that
the school has had a history of flooding problems and asked what will be done
to eliminate this concern. Mr. Kelly
responded to Mr. Benjamin.
3a. It was moved by Dr. Gessner,
seconded by Mrs. Cook and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Schematic
Design Phase I Submittal for the new Construction, Remodeling, and Renovations
at Shore Acres Elementary School for an Estimated Total Cost of
$11,032,03. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
4. Nicole Bagley, Student Rights and
Responsibilities Committee representative, Gibbs High School, addressed the
Board to share information on activities and achievements at her school.
5. Dr. Hinesley commended Mr. Brian Abe
(Operations Manager) and his staff for the talent they bring to the district’s
television productions program.
Dr. Ron Stone
presented the following State, National, and International Award Winners to the
Board:
Crystal Award of Excellence
Mike
Wall, Audiovisual Technician II – “AV Repair Commercial”
Patricia
Hicks, Graphic Artist – “Harassment”
Award of Distinction
Robert
Anthony, Media Production Specialist – “Read to Win”
Honorable Mention
“2001
Outstanding Educator of the Year Program”
“WPDS-TV
Station Identification”
6. Mr. Randolph Lightfoot,
Coordinator of Parental Advocacy Program, presented a Plaque from the Pinellas
County African American History Museum, Inc. to the Pinellas County School
Board for its support and participation in the Florida African American
Heritage Celebration Held February 23, 2002.
7. Dr. Roy Kaplan, Director, The National
Conference for Community and Justice, and Ms. Sheila Keller, Director,
Community Services and Human Relations, presented the following students who
were awarded First Place in the 2001-2002 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
Kyle Kosach
Sunset
Hills
ELEMENTARY
- Grades 3-5
Alexa Arata
Palm
Harbor
MIDDLE
Janie Hoffman
Coachman
Fundamental
HIGH
Craig Coghlan
Norwood
Secondary
The students were greeted
and congratulated by the School Board Members.
8. Ms. Judi Westfall, Associate
Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction, presented the following individuals
for recognition as the content developers and major contributors of the
Classroom Learning System (CLS) CD Rom:
Developers
Judy Ambler, C&I, Instructional Technology
Sue Bailey, C&I, High School Education
Barbara Clare, C&I, Workforce Development
Jana Ham, Area IV Achievement Specialist
Vicki Meredith, Pinellas Academy for Leadership
Development
Roberta Pawlowski, Pinellas Academy for Leadership Development
Laura Sargent, C&I, Workforce Development
Developers and Contributors
Keith Bylander, PTEC, Clearwater
Julie Chamberlin, Teacher, Carwise Middle School
Debbie Krogh, C&I, Teaching and Learning
Kim Leitold, Professional Development Improvement Network
Carlisa Mills, C&I, Teaching and Learning
Contributors
Julie Adrian, Teacher, Eisenhower Elementary
Chris Ateek, Teacher, Lealman Avenue Elementary
Evelyn Bennett, Teacher, Osceola High School
Don Comeau, Assistant Principal, Palm Harbor Middle
School
Sandra Hopkins, Teacher, Osceola High School
Colleen Howard-Wahls, Teacher, Northwest Elementary
Ward Kennedy, Assistant Principal, Seminole Middle
Chris Ateek, Lealman
Avenue Elementary, addressed the Board to share on his experience as a teacher utilizing
CLS in the classroom environment.
The School Board Members
greeted those present at this meeting.
9. Cindy Benkirk, Director of Programs for Suncoast Earth Force, addressed the Board to present five members of Earth Force who are students at Seminole Middle School. The students presented a brief dissertation on the critical issues facing our lakes and bays. Ms. Benkirk invited the Board Members to attend their next youth summit at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor on May 2.
10. Ms. Carrie Markley and Ms.
Christine Tsotsos, Teachers United for the Future, addressed the Board to
discuss “teacher empowerment,” stating that teachers are an integral part of
the district’s organization but quite often are left out of the equation when
decisions are made. Ms. Markley and Ms.
Tsotsos stated that there are several areas that should be changed in order to
ensure that the system is not driven by fear but by support, i.e., training and
planning days, curriculum initiatives, classroom budgets, district-wide discipline
policy, evaluations designed with Deming method, communication, etc. Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr.
Hinesley.
11. Ms. Carolyn Underwood,
Pinellas County Teachers Association, addressed the Board on the ESE
(Exceptional Student Education) paperwork issue. Ms. Underwood distributed materials to the
Board Members that included some suggestions for addressing this problem. She also asked that an ESE Assistant position
be put in place. Discussion followed by
Board Members, Jan Rouse (Assistant Superintendent for Middle School and ESE),
Ms. Underwood, Pam Harshbarger (Director, Exceptional Student Education), and
Dr. Hinesley.
12. Presentations From the
Audience – 7:15 p.m.
Richard
Cash, Pinellas Arts for a Complete Education – Recalled an article from a recent Parade
magazine that stated that listening to classical music is healing for adult
patients. Mr. Cash stated that this will
be the last meeting he will be able to attend due to health issues, but will
remain interested in educational issues.
He thanked the Board for the opportunity to be present and participate
in the Board meetings over the past five and a half years. Mr. Cash commended the Board for their work
and stated that he will be watching the Board meetings on television.
Carolyn
Bluett, PCCPTA – Requested the cooperation of the Board to increase voter registration
by making appropriate information and forms available in schools and district
offices. Ms. Bluett stated that PCCPTA
would be happy to ensure that schools and offices receive the information. Ms. Bluett suggested that kindergarten
registration might be a good opportunity to distribute the voter registration
information. She thanked the Board for
their consideration of this request. Dr.
Hinesley stated that he saw no problem with this request and stated that the
Family Information Centers might be another avenue for distribution of these
materials. Discussion followed by Board
Members. A process will be reviewed by
staff.
Mark
Klutho – Stated that the district is still building
“stupid buildings” and cutting trees into shrubs.
John
Peacha – Addressed the Board to express concern that a staff member at Largo
High School suggested that it would be better for Mr. Peacha to withdraw his
son from school. Mr. Peacha explained
that he wanted to enroll his son who just turned 16 on January 28. He was told that if his son were to attend
night school they might allow him to enroll in August of next school year. Dr. Hinesley requested that Mr. Williams, Area
Superintendent, speak with the parent on this matter.
13. Eileen and Jim Bedinghaus
addressed the Board regarding the withdrawal of their daughter from Southside
Fundamental Middle School with only eight weeks remaining in the school
year. Ms. Bedinghaus stated that they
believe the actions taken by Dr. Jones (Principal, Southside Fundamental Middle
School) was an intentional violation of policy and an intent that was punitive
to their daughter and themselves. Ms.
Bedinghaus requested that the Board do the following: Direct Dr. Hinesley to
investigate these procedural violations and take any and all disciplinary steps
against Nancy Zambito, Dr. Thomas Jones, Ms. Tempest Booth, and Coach Branch
for their roles; Direct Dr. Hinesley to reassess the existing fundamental
school policies and procedures and reform them to be equitable to the students
and parents, as well as to the administration; Create an independent,
authoritative position capable of interpreting and ensuring compliance of
district policies by school faculty and administration; and, Conduct an
internal investigation of all of the fundamental schools IACs to evaluate the
extent of similar violations, taking appropriate disciplinary actions and
measures.
Discussion
followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.
Mr.
Benjamin stated that some of the problems appear to be in the unclear timelines
and asked that staff review that. Dr. Hinesley stated it is good to look at the
process and have designated timelines.
Dr. Gessner
encouraged Dr. Hinesley to review the whole process.
Mrs.
Bostock asked that as Dr. Hinesley takes a look at the procedures, that he
makes sure that parents are on committees, review how the parents are selected
to serve on these committees, and ensure that the parents are independent
voices.
Mrs.
Gallucci requested that this review reach to all fundamental schools.
Mrs.
Lerner stated that it seems like the most important person, the student, has
been forgotten in these procedures.
Mr. Todd
cautioned the Board Members not to draw conclusions from just this
presentation.
14. Dr. Hinesley presented for
adoption the Amendments to Policy 7.24 Investment of School District
Funds. He stated that this is the second
reading and recommended approval.
Mr. Johansen stated that
the following changes should be made:
Page 20, line 28
– Add “S” to OBJECTIVE
Page 20, line 32
– Add “major” in front of “performance”
14a. It was moved by Mr. Todd,
seconded by Dr. Gessner, and carried with a 7-0 vote to adopt the Amendments to
Policy 7.24 Investment of School District Funds.
15. The meeting recessed at 8:03 p.m. and reconvened at 8:14 p.m.
16. It was moved by Mr. Todd,
seconded by Mrs. Bostock, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Consent Agenda,
as amended.
16a. To approve the minutes of the Regular School
Board Meeting of March 12, 2002, be approved as submitted.
16b. To approve the Targeted Selection Assessment Modification
for Out of District Administrators Seeking a Position in Pinellas County
Schools.
16c. Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item,
stated that this item should not go by without recognizing the efforts put
forth by the late Doug Jamerson. Mrs.
Lerner stated that she is looking forward to the naming of this school coming
to fruition.
It was moved by Mrs. Lerner, seconded
by Dr. Gessner, and carried with 7-0 vote to approve the naming of Elementary
School “D” Doug Jamerson Elementary School.
16d. To approve to Extend
Stipulation of Agreement to Allow Ms. Patricia Sciarappa to Continue as an
Executive Intern with the Florida Sterling Council for 2002-03. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #96.)
16e. To approve the Personnel
Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16f. To approve the
Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Waleska Betancourt, pending Placement Employee,
Support Service Personnel Department, effective April 17, 2002. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16g. To approve the
Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Naomi D. Brown, Pending Placement Employee,
Support Service Personnel Department, effective April 17, 2002. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16h. To approve to suspend Ms.
Nancy Creus, Teacher Assistant ESE II, Tyrone Elementary School, without pay
effective April 17, 2002, pending the outcome of the administrative hearing. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16i. To approve to suspend Mr.
Michael Grayer, Teacher, Tarpon Springs High School, without pay effective
April 17, 2002, pending the outcome of the administrative hearing. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16j. To approve the
Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Sonya L. Harris, Pending Placement Employee,
Support Service Personnel Department, effective April 17, 2002. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16k. To approve the
Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Teresena L. Jackson, Teacher Assistant ESE I,
Tyrone Middle School, effective April 17, 2002.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16l. To approve the
Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Ms. Cassandra Jones,
Teacher, Seminole High School , for ten days without pay effective April 17,
18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, and 30, 2002.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16m. To approve the
Recommendation to Dismiss Ms. Helen Kling, Bus Driver, Transportation
Department, effective April 17, 2002. (Copy
to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16n. To approve to suspend Mr.
Natale F. Malfa, Plant Operator, Cypress Woods Elementary, without pay
effective April 17, 2002, until the outcome of the administrative hearing. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16o. To approve the
Recommendation to Suspend Mr. Vincent Morle, Bus Driver, Transportation
Department, for Three (3) Days Without Pay, effective April 17, 18, and 19,
2002, Pursuant to the Safe Driver Plan. (Copy
to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16p. Request Approval of the
Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend Mr. Casius Randolph, Plant
Operator, Gibbs High School, for Three (3) Days Without Pay, effective April
17, 18, and 19, 2002. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16q. To approve to suspend Mr.
Emmett Wade, Bus Driver Transportation Department, without pay effective April
17, 2002, pending the outcome of the administrative hearing. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16r. Mrs. Gallucci, having
pulled this item, stated that she has trouble with the last statement under
“Background,” page 93 – “has continued to have a failure rate in excess of 40%
for his students.” Mrs. Gallucci expressed
her concern that this is an extremely high failure rate and that this teacher
is not meeting the needs of his students.
Discussion followed by
Dr. Hinesley, School Board Members, Michael Bessette (Professional Standards
Administrator), and Mr. Bowen, with
Board Members indicating their agreement with Mrs. Gallucci’s concern.
Dr. Hinesley stated
that this is part of the progressive discipline process.
It was moved by Mrs.
Gallucci, seconded by Mrs. Cook, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the
suspension of Mr. John Waring, Teacher, Lakewood High School, for five (5) days
without pay, effective April 17, 18, 19, 22, and 23, 2002. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16s. To approve the First Amendment
to Charter Contract With the Love of Learning Charter School, Inc.
16t. To approve the Following
Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as
appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
- Unsung Heroes Award (Top Notch Bird
Watch): $2,000
- Arts for a Complete Education Grant: $846
- Allegany Regional Charity Grant: $1,000
- Renewal of Reading is Fundamental
Project: $22,275
- National Storytelling Network
Project: $1,000
16u. To approve Budget Amendment No. 6 (February 2002) to the
District’s 2001/2002 Budget.
16v. To approve the Financial Statements for
Month Ending February 28, 2002 for Fiscal Year 2001-2002.
16w. To approve the Acceptance
of Audit Report of Financial Statements for Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
2001 Prepared by Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.
16x. To approve the Adoption of
the Bank of America Banking Services Resolution for Selected Schools. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #96.)
16y. To approve to Retire
Certain Tagged Fixed Assets Purchased Through State Projects.
16z. To approve the Contract
for World Languages Summer Immersion Programs for 2002. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16aa. To approve the Health
Agreement With Mark Sokolov, D.D.S. & David Piper, D.M.D. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #96.)
16bb. To approve the Agreement to
Participate in the Florida Adult Education Consortium (FAEC). (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #96.)
16cc. To approve the Renewal
Health Agreement With All Children’s Hospital, Inc. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16dd. To approve the Agreement
With the Performing Arts Center and Theater, Inc. (PACT, INC.) for the Lease of
Ruth Eckerd Hall for Largo High School Senior Celebration. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #96.)
16ee. To approve the Grant of a
Minor Easement to the City of St. Petersburg for a Reclaimed Water Connection
at the Elementary “D” Site. (Copy to be
found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16ff. To approve the Authorization
to Grant Title for the North 15 Feet of Lot 6, Block 1, Rose Court Subdivision
to John Powell and Eleanor Brumer, his Wife.
16gg. To approve Amendment #1 to
Agreement With Architect Larry LaDelfa for Architectural and Construction
Contract Administration Services in Connection With new Construction, HVAC
Remodeling and Renovations at Lake St. George Elementary School in the
Amount of $69,666. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16hh. To approve Amendment No. 1 to
Agreement With R. J. Bunbury Company, Inc. for a Partial Guaranteed Maximum
Price (GMP) in Connection With new Construction at Shore Acres Elementary
School in the Amount of $8,327,400.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16ii. To approve Change Order
No. 2 for the New Covered Physical Education Play Areas at Various Elementary
School Facilities Countywide. This
change order will increase the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $540,000 with
no time extension. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16jj. To approve the Partial
Substantial Completion for new Construction of Azalea Middle School as of
December 21, 2001 (Phase 1).
16kk. To approve the Partial
Substantial Completion for new Construction of Richard L. Sanders School as of
January 21, 2002 (Phase 1).
16ll. To approve Construction
Order No. 6 in the Amount of $165,845 for the Re-roofing and Exterior
Renovation Project at Palm Harbor Middle School. This Change Order will increase the contract
amount by $165,845 with 111 days time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16mm. To approve
Change Order No. 9 for the Re-roofing and Exterior Renovations at Tarpon
Springs Middle School. This Change Order
will increase the contract amount by $132,450 with 44 days time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #96.)
16nn. To approve the summer Food
Vending Services Agreement With Pinellas County and the Pinellas County School
Board. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #96.)
16oo. To approve Authorization for
the Superintendent, Designee, or School Board Attorney to Negotiate Terms and
Conditions of the Development Agreement with the City of Gulfport to Expedite
Construction of the New Gulfport Elementary School.
16pp. 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 #96.)
17. It was moved by Mrs.
Gallucci and seconded by Mrs. Cook to set a public hearing and authorize the
advertisement of the public hearing to consider the proposed amendments to
Policies 2.13 Audience Participation and Conduct at Board Meetings, and 2.14
Board Proceedings for Suspension or Dismissal of Personnel.
Dr. Hinesley stated
that this is the first reading and recommended approval.
17a. The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to
set a public hearing and authorize the advertisement of the public hearing to
consider the proposed amendments to Policies 2.13 Audience Participation and
Conduct at Board Meetings, and 2.14 Board Proceedings for Suspension or
Dismissal of Personnel.
18. It was moved by Mrs.
Gallucci and seconded by Dr. Gessner to set a public hearing and authorize the
advertisement of the public hearing to consider the Amendment to Policy 7.22
Disposal of Surplus Property.
Dr.
Hinesley stated that this is the first reading and recommended approval.
18a. The motion was 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 7.22 Disposal of Surplus Property.
19. It was moved by Mr. Todd
and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the Salary Alignment Study Salary
Schedules and Job Classification Pay Level/Grade Placement.
Dr.
Hinesley called the Board Members’ attention to the listing of the subcommittee
members and stated that this recommendation is the result of a lengthy
process. Dr. Hinesley restated the
change that needed to be made on page 247, changing Budget Analyst to Budget
Specialist. Dr. Hinesley stated that if
the Board approves this item at tonight’s meeting, the intent is to begin the
programming of the calculations for implementation in January 2003. He stated that those whose salary ranges went
down will be “red lined” until the salary range catches up with their present
hourly wage.
Mrs.
Cook stated that she plans to support the implementation of this study but in
talking with some people found there seems to be some inconsistencies
still. Mrs. Cook suggested that the
Board move forward with this but, as the such instances are found, the results
should be “fine-tuned,” then those positions should be fixed. Mrs. Cook stated that this should be a
“living document” and if there are adjustments to be made, each should be
brought back to the Board as a group.
Dr.
Gessner stated that he has the same concern and that some positions have
already been brought to his attention.
Dr. Gessner expressed concern about the process and that placement on
the salary range depended on how good the employee was at writing down their
responsibilities.
Dr. Hinesley suggested that such concerns go back through the committee
for review.
Mrs.
Lerner stressed the need for clear communication to every employee. She thanked the committee and the Board for
working together to move forward on this item.
19a. The
motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to approve Salary Alignment Study
Salary Schedules and Job Classification Pay Level/Grade Placement.
20. Dr.
Hinesley’s report included the following:
¨
Stated that the Board
workshop scheduled for April 23 will begin at 9:30 a.m. and that the Area A
Choice Simulation will not be presented at that workshop. Dr. Hinesley stated that staff will meet with
Attorney Rick Escarraz first to let him know how the district plans to do this.
¨
Stated that he sent through
Friday Update information on the request made to him by the superintendent from
Hillsborough County asking that Pinellas and other large districts contribute
$1000 to partner to employ a consulting firm to do a review of the actuarials dealing with the Florida Retirement System to
see exactly where we stand. Dr. Hinesley
stated that the study indicates that the Florida Retirement System is very
healthy, that this study has been communicated to Governor Bush, and that the
study will be forwarded to the Board Members.
21. Mr.
Bowen’s report included the following:
¨ Stated that he has provided Board Members with documentation necessary to
complete his evaluation that is due May 1, pursuant to the contract. Mr. Bowen stated that he has also supplied
the Board with the required notice for extension of his contract for an
additional year. Mr. Bowen stated that
if there is no objection, he will bring his contract as an agenda item for the
first meeting in June. Board Members agreed to use the present evaluation form
for this year and review and update the evaluation form before next year. Mrs. Lerner, referring to “customer focus,”
stated that by not using the criteria to mark effectiveness, it is sort of
meaningless.
¨ Updated the Board on the effort to determine whether FCAT results are a
part of student records and, therefore, open for a parent’s review. Mr. Bowen stated that this issue has been
referred to the state and that it is the legal staff’s opinion that it is and
that parents have a right to view those results. Mr. Bowen stated that the parents have filed
a lawsuit because the state refused to provide copies to the parent who submitted
the request; that the state filed a motion to dismiss, raising the parents’
defenses; that the judge, this week, ruled on the motion to dismiss, ruling
against the state; and, that a final hearing will be scheduled.
22. Reports
from School Board Members were as follows:
Schools
Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members
Bay Point Elementary Dedication; SAVE Program; Honors
Chorus –Countryside High School; “Yes I Can” Breakfast; Volunteer Breakfast;
National Merit Breakfast; Tiger Bay Club; Teen Summit (Palladium); Northeast
High Reunion 1959; South County Retired Teachers’ Luncheon; African American
Voter Research & Education Committee (Mrs. Bostock-Speaker); Lakewood
Neighborhood Association (Mrs. Bostock-Speaker); Bosses’ Night; Parents
Meeting at St. Petersburg High; Outstanding Volunteer Recognition; Merit Award
Winners Breakfast; NAACP Midtown Technical Center Dedication; All County
Chorus; Topping Off Elementary “D”; PARC Board Meeting; DMAC Meeting; Rotary
Club St. Petersburg (Dr. Gessner-Speaker); AAVREC Meeting; Walsingham
Elementary; Tyrone Elementary; Osceola Middle; YWCA Tampa Bay Breakfast; Public
Access Television Advisory Committee Meeting; Asian FACE Center Board Meeting;
YWCA Board of Trustees Meeting; Gulfport Elementary Montessori Advisory
Committee Meeting; JWB Sexual Minority Youth Committee Meeting, Family Service
Centers Board Development Committee Meeting.
Concerns Expressed, Written, or
Oral
Mrs.
Cook – Requested that Dr. Hinesley give a brief update on the ESE unit report. Dr. Hinesley responded that the rationale for
the proposed changes in ESE for Choice was poorly communicated and that the
process has been stopped. He stated that
the number of ESE students leaving the elementary level to go to the middle
school level will still cause some changes.
Stated that Mrs. Gallucci and she serve on the Metropolitan Planning
Organization and that the Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway
Administration have created a compact disc, “Safer Journey,” for pedestrian
awareness. Mrs. Cook stated that a disc
is available for all schools. Dr.
Hinesley asked that they be given to him, and he will distribute them to the
schools. Mrs. Cook has suggested that a
disc also be given to new teachers during the new teacher training
sessions. Requested that staff, in
reaction to Mr. Cash’s comments earlier, consider placing a park bench half way
up the front walk. Dr. Hinesley stated
that there have been benches there but were stolen and that it would be an
eyesore to chain the benches. Board
Members agreed that benches should be placed in that location.
Mr.
Todd – Requested an update on the new television equipment. Dr. Hinesley stated that staff
has hired an engineering firm and that dollars are available to complete this
project. Questioned whether the
district is still testing about eighteen days per year. Dr. Hinesley stated that he could not give
the exact number of test days but that the CTBS has been eliminated.
Dr.
Gessner – Stated that he serves on the Pinellas Planning Council and that a report
compiled by the Pinellas Planning Council and the Pinellas County Economic
Development Department will be placed in the Board Office should Board Member
wish to review the report. Stated that Board
Members have received many questions on Choice grandfathering and sibling
preferences. Dr. Gessner asked if these
issues would be discussed at the workshop.
Mr. Bowen stated that he is preparing a memo to discuss options and
associated ramifications. Stated that concerns
were brought to him regarding the cheerleading camps, associated costs, and the
selection following the camp. Dr.
Hinesley responded. Requested an update on the
attempt by Dr. Hinesley and staff to identify other counties that have been successful
in narrowing the achievement gap between black and non-black students. Dr. Hinesley stated that Dr. John Stewart
(Deputy Superintendent) has found one in Wake County, North Carolina. Dr. Gessner clarified that Dr. Stewart is
then the Board’s point man should they hear of any other counties to be
reviewed. Stated that though he
was concerned with the adjustments the district has had to make with summer
school, and the implementation of Extended Learning in lieu of the traditional
summer school with the exception of ESE, he was pleased to find out that the
district will be offering driver education at four locations throughout the
county for both private and public school students at a cost of $175.
Mrs.
Bostock – Stated that the Board, at an earlier Board meeting, responded to a parent
concerned that her child was not accepted into a high school magnet program
during the recent lottery process. Mrs.
Bostock stated that the Board has agreed to workshop the sibling policy for
magnets and fundamentals; and, asked that the Board consider changing the scope
of that workshop topic to the selection process for high school magnets only,
not elementary and middle magnets.
Board Members reaffirmed that this is their intent.
Mrs.
Lerner – Stated that the Board had received a letter of concern regarding the fees that
have to be paid for the band program.
Mrs. Lerner will discuss this further at the next workshop.
Mrs.
Gallucci – Requested that the Board consider a date for their
retreat. This will be discussed at the
April 23 workshop. Stated that she attended
the NSBA conference and stated the speakers and the entertainment, a student
steel drum band, was wonderful.
Mr.
Benjamin – Stated that the Board had received a letter from
Ruth Barrens, organizer of the Suncoast AfterSchool Alliance, who is trying to
get funding for the 21st Century Learning Center after-school
program similar to Hopkins Middle School.
Mr. Benjamin stated that he will be writing a letter of support for
their effort and that Dr. Hinesley is trying to assist this group in receiving
an appointment with Congressman Young. Stated that several of
the Board Members attended a teen summit and that there was quite a discussion
regarding the students’ concerns, much of which was miscommunication. Mr. Benjamin stated that this was a wonderful
summit and that most of the high schools were represented.
23. Dr. Stewart offered the following summary of directives given
to the Superintendent for follow up:
¨ Staff will work
with the PCCPTA request for assistance in distributing voter registration
information to parents. An update will
be given to the Board through Friday Update.
¨
Staff will investigate the
concern brought to the Board by a parent earlier in this meeting that a call was
received withdrawing their student from school.
The Board will be updated via a memorandum.
¨
Staff will look into the
Bedinghaus request and Board will be updated via a memorandum once the
investigation is complete.
¨
Staff will proceed with the
request made by Mr. Richard Cash, and re-emphasized by Mrs. Cook, to have a
park bench placed in the front walkway.
Board will be updated in Friday Update.
¨
Mrs. Bostock requested that
the sibling policy for elementary and middle school be taken off the table. Principals will be notified of this change
a.s.a.p.
24. There
being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting
adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
______________________ _____________________
Chairman Secretary
/db(02Apr16)