SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 20, 2002

 

        The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 20, 2002, at 5:00 P.M. in the Conference Hall of the Administration Building, 301 4th Street SW, Largo, Florida.  Present: Mr. Lee Benjamin, Chairman; Mrs. Nancy N. Bostock, Vice Chairman; Mrs. Carol J. Cook, Mrs. E. Jane Gallucci, Dr. Max R. Gessner, Mrs. Linda S. Lerner, and Ms. Janice Starling, Members; Dr. J. Howard Hinesley, Superintendent and Ex-officio Secretary to the Board; Dr. John Stewart, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Lanse Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.

 

        The Invocation was given by the Reverend John Denmark, Seminole United Methodist Church, 5400 Seminole Boulevard, Seminole, FL.  This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a video presentation of “God Bless America” by the students of Perkins Elementary School.

 

        Introduction of the following representatives of professional and community organizations was given by Dr. Stone:  Carolyn Bluett, PCCPTA; Pat Scarberry, DMAC; Vic Rowley, Pinellas County SACs; Murray Mintz, Pinellas Arts for a Complete Education; Bill Williamson, Operations Team; Monique Fields, The St. Petersburg Times.

 

        It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Dr. Gessner to adopt the agenda.  

 

           DELETE:        G – PRESENTERS OR SPECIAL ORDER

 

           ADD:               Add St. Petersburg High School to the list of schools in Item #16, page 151       

 

           PULL:             CONSENT #16     

 

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

 

A.      Mr. Jim Madden, Director, Unitary Status Implementation, presented the Choice Update.  Concerns were expressed by the Board Members regarding the date of the first Community Information Meeting conflicting with Election Day, September 10; and, the appearance and content of the Letter of Intent. Staff will look for an alternative meeting date and the Board Members will have an opportunity to give their input on the Letter of Intent.  A workshop was conducted immediately following this meeting for this purpose.

         

B.      The item to be presented by Mr. Bill Criswell was delayed to later in this meeting. (Item #7)

 

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

 

                             Ms. Dorothy Bailey, Site Administrator

                             PTEC, St. Petersburg

 

                             Mr. Franklin G. Frail

                             Educational Specification Specialist

 

                             Mr. Robert Vicari, Principal

                             Osceola Middle School        

 

          Ms. Bailey, Mr. Frail, and Mr. Vicari were greeted and congratulated by the School Board.

 

D.               Mr. Terry Boehm, President, Pinellas County Education Foundation, stated that the Foundation and Pinellas County Schools have created an advanced phase of the successful Teach for Excellence Mini-Grant program named the Incubator Grant.  Mr. Boehm stated that the Foundation has created sponsorship support made possible through Bank of America.  He introduced Ms. Katie Pemble, President, Bank of America, who introduced the following ten Finalists and who presented the finalists with checks for $500 each:

 

Sara Dubbeld, Gibbs High

Lisa Foushee, Gibbs High

Beth Griffin, Bay Point Elementary

Regina Johnson, Bay Point Elementary

Mary Katica, Dunedin Highland Middle

Rose Mack, Lakewood High

Nora Maddox, North Ward Elementary

Leslie Pohley, Largo Middle

Cheryl Sinks, Frontier Elementary

Casey Turner, Clearview Avenue Elementary

 

Ms. Pemble introduced the following as the Incubator Grant recipients who will receive grants up to $10,000 each and $1000 honorariums each during the 2002-2003 school year:

                  

 

Beth Griffin, Bay Point Elementary

                   Cheryl Sinks, Frontier Elementary

                   Leslie Pohley, Largo Middle

                   Sara Dubbeld, Gibbs High

 

          All teachers were greeted and congratulated by the Board Members.

         

E.      Ms. Peggy Johns, Supervisor, Pre K-12 Health Education, stated that during the 2001-02 school year, the American Heart Association generously supported the Pinellas County Schools CPR education program.  Ms. Johns introduced to the Board Ms. Kathy Fenelon, Vice President of Program. Ms. Fenelon was greeted by the Board Members and presented with a plaque in recognition of the partnership the district has with the American Heart Association and their efforts to enhance students’ CPR instruction.

 

F.      Ms. Peggy Johns, Supervisor, Pre K-12 Health Education, presented for Board recognition the MORE HEALTH Sponsors as follows:

 

Allegany Franciscan Foundation, Tampa Bay, Inc.

  Joanne Olvera Lighter, President & CEO

  Nancy Robbins Lackey

 

  Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation

  Holly Duncan, President & CEO

  Tom Nash, Board Member/Chairman Community Impact Committee

 

  The Frank E. Duckwall Foundation, Inc.

Frank J. Rief, III

 

Nestle

 

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Everett S. Rice

Captain Frank Holloway

 

St. Petersburg Police Department

Chief Charles E. Harmon

Major Ron Hartz

                               

          Each sponsor was presented with a plaque in recognition of their partnership.  Morton Plant representatives were presented with a special recognition, a framed original architectural rendering of Morton Plant Hospital.

 

          Ms. Nancy Crane, Health Education, presented the School Board with a plaque in recognition of their great vision and service to Pinellas County schools.

 

1.      It was moved by Mrs. Cook, seconded by Mrs. Bostock, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the consent agenda, as amended.

 

1a.    To approve the minutes of the Regular School Board meeting of July 30, 2002, and the First Public Hearing on the 2002/03 Millage Rates and District Budget of July 30, 2002, as submitted.       

 

1b.    To approve the Supplementary Schedule Changes and Other Salary Items Not Previously Approved by the Board.        

 

1c.    To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent.          (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1d.    To approve the Interagency Agreement Between Family Resources, Inc. and the School Board of Pinellas County to Establish On-Campus Intervention Programs at Boca Ciega, St. Petersburg, Countryside and Dixie Hollins high schools. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1e.    To approve the Osceola High School Yearbook Bid Selection of Taylor Publishing Company for School Years 2002-2003, 2003-2004, and 2004-2005.         

 

1f.     To approve the Following Special Projects:  (Copy/copies, as appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)       

                   -        Renewal of Even Start Project:  $184,213

                   -        Renewal of Agreement with Coordinated Child Care,                  Inc.:  $60,000

                   -        Agreement with Tallahassee Community College,                       Florida Center for Interactive Media:  $75,000

                   -        Voluntary Public School Choice Project:  $24,993,360

                   -        Amendment to Agreement with Tom Massey, Program               Evaluator:  $4,500       

 

1g.    To approve the Investment Portfolio Financial Statements for the Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2002   .

 

1h.    To approve the Principals’ Quarterly Financial Report for the Quarter Ending June 30, 2002.

 

1i.      To approve the Health Education Agreement with Pinellas Pregnancy Center, Inc.          (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1j.      To approve the Agreement with the University of Puget Sound to Provide Field Work Experience for Occupational Therapy Students. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

         

1k.     To approve the Agreement for Purchase Between Joseph F. Kirby, Seller, and the School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, Buyer, for the Purchase of the Property Parcel No. 21-31-16-28926-009-0100, Located at 5178 6th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida, for the Purchase Price of $53,200 Plus $1,000 Moving Expense.  This property will be used for expansion of the 49th Street Bus Compound site.  (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1l.      To approve the Agreement With Somerset Unit 5, Phase 5-B Homeowners Association, Inc., a Homeowners Association of Townhomes of Gates Landing, Permitting Somerset HOA to Install and Maintain a Wood Privacy Fence on the Western Edge of the Board’s Belcher Road Site. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1m.   To approve the Renewal of the Agreement With Clearview Baptist Church for the Reciprocal Use of Church Facilities and Clearview Avenue Elementary School Facilities. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1n.    To approve the Renewal of the Agreement With the Pinellas Community Center, Inc. d/b/a Long Center for Recreation and Education, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, to Permit the use of the Center’s Pool by the Countryside High School Swim Team for Practices and Meets. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1o.    To approve the Renewal of the Agreement With Pinellas Youth Symphony Permitting the Use of Board Facilities. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1p.    Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, referred to the second to the last paragraph on page 153 of the Agenda Book beginning with “Neither party…”   Mrs. Lerner stated that the district’s non discrimination policy includes the words “sexual orientation” and expressed her concern that this portion of this agreement with St. Petersburg College does not include this same wording.  Mrs. Lerner requested that the Board agree to send this back to SPC with a request that the wording be changed to include “sexual orientation.”

 

Dr. Hinesley stated that he had a conversation with Dr. Kuttler, President of SPC, who stated that they use the federal interpretation for discrimination and that Dr. Kuttler, himself, does not have the authority to change wording approved by his Board of Directors. 

 

Mrs. Lerner, stating that she would rather remove the wording altogether then, made a motion to amend the original motion by removing the paragraph on page 153 beginning with “Neither party…” and ending with “… constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex.”  This motion was seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 4-3 vote, Mrs. Bostock, Dr. Gessner, and Ms. Starling voting against.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Lerner, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote, to approve the Renewal of the Joint-Use-of-Facilities Agreement With St. Petersburg College, as amended. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1q.    To approve the Renewal of the Joint-Use-of-Facilities Agreement With YMCA of the Suncoast. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1r.     To approve Amendment No. 3 to Agreement With Criswell, Blizzard & Blouin Architects, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Construction of a new Paul B. Stephens ESE Center for an Increase of Additional Services Fees by $39,895    . (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1s.    To approve the Agreement With Ajax Building Corporation for Design/Build Services in Connection With Remodeling and Renovations at 49th Street and Tarpon Springs Transportation Compounds in the Amount of $876,313. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1t.     To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement With Ajax Building Corporation for Partial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in Connection With Remodeling and Renovations at 49th Street and Tarpon Spring Transportation Compounds in the Amount of $2,400,000 . (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1u.    To approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With HCBeck, Ltd., for the Addition of $3,119,084 Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $11,204,084 in Connection With the Construction of Campbell Park Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1v.     To approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With HCBeck, Ltd., for the Addition of $3,323,204 Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $11,223,204 in Connection with the Construction of Gulfport Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1w.    To approve Amendment No.2 to the Agreement With Beers Skanska in the Amount of $8,651,133, Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price  (GMP) of $18,199,804 in Connection With Constructing a new Thurgood Marshall Middle School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1x.     To approve Change Order No. 1 for the renovations and Additions at Fairmount Park Elementary School. This Change Order will decrease the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $54,000 with no time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1y.     To approve the Acceptance of Partial Substantial Completion of Construction of Bay Point Middle School as of June 10, 2002 (Interiors of Buildings 1 and 3, Excluding Food Service Equipment, Fire Alarm, and Division 17), and July 1, 2002 (Interior of Building 2). (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1z.     To approve the Agreement With Professional Communications Systems (PCS) for Design/Build Services in Connection With Upgrades to the Administration Building Conference Hall Audio Video System in the Amount of $95,955. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1aa.  To approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Bandes Construction Company, Inc. for the Addition of $586,857 Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $2,279,997 in Connection With Construction, Remodeling and Renovations at L-argo Central Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)

 

1bb.  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 #97.)

 

2.      It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve the setting of a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 4.06 Field Trips and Activities.    

 

          Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first reading and recommended approval.

 

          Mrs. Bostock stated that she had requested that staff rework the wording on page 239 of the Agenda Book, 23-4 – “Shall insure cheerleaders at every home and away contests…”

 

2a.    The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote the setting of a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 4.06 Field Trips and Activities.

 

3.      It was moved by Mrs. Bostock and seconded by Ms. Starling to approve the setting of a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 5.05 Instructional Materials, Including Textbooks, 5.06 Library Information Selection and 8.45 Academic Freedom.

 

          Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the first reading.

 

          Chuck Fonshell – Addressed the Board to state that he had hoped that this policy would have been changed to be more “parent-friendly” and that most of the community found this to be biased.  He stressed the need for an alternative assignment plan and adequate instructional time with a teacher for students who opt out of a reading assignment.

 

          Mrs. Gallucci, referring to page 242 line 29, stated that she would like to add that the notification to parents must be returned signed by the parent/guardian and that specific examples of the material in question be given to the parents.  Board Members indicated their agreement. 

 

Mrs. Gallucci, referring to lines 33-34, stated that students should also be entitled to adequate time with the instructor, not just sent to the library with an alternate assignment.  

 

Dr. Gessner stressed the need for equal and equitable instruction.

 

Mrs. Lerner suggested that the Board may need a workshop before finalizing this policy.

 

3a.    It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, seconded by Mrs. Cook and carried with a 7-0 vote to table this item and place it on a future workshop agenda.

 

4.      It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, seconded by Mrs. Bostock and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the setting a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policies 6.17 Photographs of Students and 6.18 Purchase of Commemorative Items.  

 

5.      Dr. Hinesley presented to the Board for their approval the Resolution Supporting Pinellas County’s Efforts to Obtain Approval from the Department of Labor for a Pinellas County Job Corps Program.  Dr. Hinesley stated that the Board has had the opportunity to receive information on the positive impact that Job Corps will have on this community; that there have been a number of efforts to communicate this to the larger community by representatives of the Job Corps Task Force in St. Petersburg; that the feedback has been positive; and, that the next step is to put together a proposal to say that we want the St. Petersburg area to be considered as a Job Corps site with PTEC being the primary location.   Dr. Hinesley stated that the district, if selected by the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., would receive a site visit and, if the district meets the site specifications, the district would then be invited to submit a proposal.   He stated that there is a requirement of a dormitory and the exact location would have to be determined.  Dr. Hinesley stated that he has been invited to appear before the Times Editorial Board to discuss this issue.  He stated that this issue will be scheduled on the September 17, 2002, workshop for discussion by the Board, Bob Stewart, Goliath Davis, Sally Parks, etc.   If everything moves forward, an interlocal agreement would be brought to the Board containing all the details, part of which would indicate they may be purchasing part of our site, but definitely using part of the PTEC site.

 

5a.    It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, seconded by Dr. Gessner, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Resolution Supporting Pinellas County’s Efforts to Obtain Approval from the Department of Labor for a Pinellas County Job Corps Program.  

 

6.      Dr. Hinesley presented the Five-Year Capital Outlay Plan and Adoption of the (Tentative) Five-Year Facilities Work Program for 2002/03 through 2006/07.  Dr. Hinesley stated that DMAC has reviewed this and given positive feedback on the Plan.  Dr. Hinesley updated that Board on the Alternative High School and stated that there are dollars in the plan to purchase the Zero site should that be the final decision.   He stated that he spoke with County Administrator Spratt earlier today; that the all appraisals are back and are substantially different; that the next step is to review these appraisals to determine why the difference; and, that it may result in the need for a third appraisal or having someone evaluate these two bringing them closer together. Dr. Hinesley stated that Mr. Spratt assured him that he could report to this Board that, based on their discussion with FAA, they would consider a sale to the School Board provided they approve what the district pays for the property, fair market value, and that there will be no long-range aviation need for this property.  Dr. Hinesley stated that the language for a referendum must be into the Supervisor of Elections soon for a lease/purchase.

 

          Mr. Bowen stated that the deadline to get the language over to the Supervisor of Elections is September 6; that if this language goes on the ballot and the Board decides to go for the purchase of the property, this issue cannot be removed from the ballot and will go forward for the public vote.

 

          Mrs. Gallucci expressed concern with cost of the Alternative High School as this project continues to be delayed.  She stated that this school should be placed on the High Point property next to the vocational school.

 

          Mrs. Bostock stated that she would favor rescinding the motion to have the language for the “lease/purchase” placed on the November ballot and that the straight purchase option is far more superior.  Mrs. Bostock stated that the district has missed two school openings that we could have had the school opened; asked that Mr. Rivas give the Board a timeframe working backwards from school opening 2004 to when the Board needs to make their final decisions in order not to miss that 2004 opening.  Mrs. Bostock stated that building on the Zero site would be first choice, but if this means missing the 2004 school opening, then move forward to build it on the High Point property.

 

          Mrs. Lerner stated that she favors purchasing the site outright and questioned whether Mr. Bowen has identified the latest date possible for pulling the referendum from the ballot.   Mr. Bowen will research this.

 

          Dr. Gessner stated that this Board has made every effort to purchase the Zero site for the Alternative High School, if at all possible.  He stated that the Board should continue their efforts to resolve the disparity in appraisals and move forward with preparing a referendum but purchase the property outright if that ends up to the be the best resolve.

 

          Discussion followed.

 

6a.    It was moved by Ms. Starling, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Five-Year Capital Outlay Plan and Adoption of the (Tentative) Five-Year Facilities Work Program for 2002/03 through 2006/07.

 

7.      Mr. Bill Criswell of Criswell, Blizzard and Blouin, Architects, presented for approval the Construction Documents Design Phase III Submittal for Constructing a new Middle School on the Dunedin Highland Middle School Site for an Estimated Total Cost of $19,827,935.

 

          Discussion followed.

 

7a.    It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Submittal for Dunedin Highland Middle School.   

 

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

 

          Kenny Krauss – Addressed the Board to state that community involvement assistants are an asset to the district and emphasized the need for every school to have one when funds are available.  Mr. Krauss thanked both Dr. Gessner and Mrs. Lerner for their participation in the candidates’ forum recently conducted at the Stavros Institute.  Dr. Gessner questioned how these positions are funded and why some schools do not have them.  Dr. Hinesley responded.

 

          Michael Sobel – Stated that there has been a lack of accurate communication being sent to parents and students regarding the quality points for high school honor courses. 

 

          Charles Fonshell – Stated that his son, a senior at Dunedin High, has taken all advance placement (AP) courses before this school year and found out today that since he is not taking an advance placement science this year he will not receive credit for any AP science taken in previous years.  Dr. Hinesley stated that this is a different issue from the quality point issue and requested that Mr. Fonshell meet with Ms. Westfall.

 

          Shanna Groom – Stated that she is a junior at East Lake High School and currently the valedictorian for her class.  Shanna expressed concern that the application of the quality points could affect her class ranking.

 

          Matthew Alderman, Denise Prior, Gail Johnson (with packet of information), Lauren Pantuja, Britney Bowen, Tara Brandenburger, Troy Irwin, Claire Walker, Natassha Irizarry, John Fong  – Requested that if quality points are awarded to honor courses, that they be awarded to the same courses retroactively.

 

          Doree Zaborske – Stated that her son’s class ranking will be affected if quality points are implanted with this school year.  Ms. Zaborske urged the Board to stage them in as Pasco County has done.

 

          Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley regarding quality points.  Dr. Hinesley stated that this discussion resulted from a communication error.  Mr. Benjamin summarized the direction given to Dr. Hinesley as he is to look at this issue carefully, seek input from stakeholders, and bring back a recommendation based on that input to the Board.  Dr. Hinesley stated that administration does not have the authority to make the points retroactive and, therefore, his recommendation will come back in the form of a policy.

 

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

 

          Discussed the workshop schedule.  Mr. Benjamin suggested that the workshops run from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Dr. Hinesley stated that according the agenda for the September 17 workshop the Board should consider starting earlier in the day, 10:30 or 9:00 a.m.  Mrs. Gallucci stated that she would like the Board to consider conducting at least some of their workshops in the morning.

 

          Stated that there will be several activities at schools on September 11; that there will be a program in the Administration Building that morning; and, that there is a video tape being played on that day.

 

          Suggested that Board Members individually meet with Mr. Johansen so that he may share the impact that the McKay Scholarships, etc., have had on the district’s budget.  Dr. Hinesley stated that assured the Board that the commitment is to stay with the salary adjustment study implementation scheduled for March 1, 2003.

 

          Informed the Board that staff is looking at the possibility of performing the travel services in-house and will be looking at all options.

 

          Stated that the capital outlay and maintenance committee needs some direction from the Board.  Dr. Hinesley stated that the district has historically only provided amenities when softball and baseball fields are installed; that a number of booster clubs have installed lights for baseball fields; that this has brought about an inequity which the district has corrected with Dr. Stewart’s leadership; that the district has never spent any money on baseball lights; that the district now has a community-sponsored set of lights needs to be replaced and they are very costly.   Dr. Hinesley stated that one option is to replace them with district money at approximately $150,000 -$200,000 for baseball field and $75,000 - $85,000 for softball fields or take the lights out and have the games played during the day.  Dr. Hinesley requested direction from the Board. Mr. Benjamin stated that the pool at Northeast High was put in by the community but eventually the school district kept it maintained.  Mr. Benjamin stated that when a community puts that effort forth the district has a responsibility.  Dr. Gessner stated he would like to know the number of community projects that are out there and the potential impact this decision could have.  Dr. Hinesley will bring this information back to the Board with a recommendation.

 

          Stated that Brad Johnson, Tampa Bay Bucs quarterback and a partner with the district’s reading initiatives, purchased tickets for the faculty of Blanton Elementary to attend the first Bucs game.  Dr. Hinesley stated that Brad is also purchasing 20 tickets per game for students and four teacher chaperones to be awarded to champion readers.

 

          Stated that today is the ten-day count and those numbers will be forwarded to the Board a.s.a.p.  Dr. Hinesley stated that the official count for ratios comes 7-8 days later.

 

          Updated the Board on the activity bus issue.  Dr. Hinesley stated that there was no budget for activity buses and no control mechanism in place for associated expenses.  He stated that Dr. Stewart and Mr. Palmer (Director of Transportation) formed a committee to review this matter.  Dr. Hinesley stated that they took the budget we had and allocated to the schools listed in the Court Order and it was suggested that the other schools take the necessary funds from their vending machine funds.  Dr. Stewart listed the membership of this committee and stated that they agreed to assign the money budgeted to the five high schools listed in the original Court Order and the nine middle schools.  Dr. Stewart stated that Lakewood High was inadvertently left off but has since been added to the list of schools receiving these funds. Mrs. Cook suggested that schools look at sharing activity buses.

                   

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

 

11.    Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

 

          Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members

 

          Education Foundation Business Leaders Luncheon; Safety Harbor Chamber Teacher Appreciation Breakfast; PTEC Kickoff Luncheon; Countywide Graduation; Workshop with DMAC; Center for Victims of Torture meeting; Gateway Chamber of Commerce (Dr. Gessner – speaker); Choice Training Session; Big Brother/Big Sister Fundraiser (Dr. Gessner co-hosted); Pinellas Planning Council; Pinellas Marine Institute Board meeting; Value Adjustment Board meeting.

 

          Concerns Expressed, Written, or Oral

 

          Mrs. Gallucci – Presented the proposal to be forwarded to FSBA for their Legislative Platform. Mrs. Bostock expressed her concern with the one related to the McKay Scholarships and suggested that this item be deleted and have it be rolled into the final one, broadening the scope of the A+ commission asking that they study the impact and suggest changes.  With this change, all Board Members indicated their support of the proposal to be sent to FSBA for their Legislative Platform.

 

          Mrs. Lerner – Stated that the Azalea Library has been a model program for the district and then, without any notification to the district, a notice is published by the City of St. Petersburg that they intend to remove themselves from this partnership.  Mrs. Lerner expressed concern with this and suggested that the Board state their concern with their process and lack of communication regarding this issue when the Board and the City Council meet in September.   Dr. Hinesley stated that he and the Mayor met to discuss several issues and Dr. Hinesley was asked at that time if the district would have any problem if the City, needing more space for the library, moved it to a different site.  Dr. Hinesley spoke with the principal who stated that she could use the space now occupied up by the library.  Dr. Hinesley stated that he attended the public hearing and that the district really has no position on this issue.

 

          Mrs. Bostock – Reminded the Board and the public that the Board will be conducting a workshop immediately following this meeting to review the format of the Letter of Intent.

 

12.    Dr. Stewart’s summary included the following items:

 

          Staff will schedule Item #30, Amendment to Policy 5.05 Instructional Materials, Including Textbooks, 5.06 Library Information Selection and 8.45 Academic Freedom, for the September 17 workshop.

 

          Superintendent will study the issue of weighting the classes for GPA should the classes  a) be made retroactive, b) phased in beginning with class-certain or c) beginning by letting students who take the courses receive the credit as they are taking them.  Feedback will be received from SAC’s and schools.  Board will be updated.

 

          Staff will acquire the Pasco County policy concerning how they select honor graduates – copies will be forwarded to the School Board Office.

 

13.    Mr. Benjamin complimented Dr. Hinesley, Dr. Stewart, staff, and teachers for a great school opening.

 

14.    There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

 

 

 

 

                   ______________________       _____________________

                        Chairman                                     Secretary

 

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