REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2002

The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, February 26, 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. Carol J. Cook, Mrs. E. Jane Gallucci, Dr. Max R. Gessner, Mrs. Linda S. Lerner, and Mr. Thomas C. Todd, Members; Dr. J. Howard Hinesley, Superintendent and Ex-officio Secretary; Dr. John Stewart, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Lanse Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.

Mrs. Nancy N. Bostock was not present.  Therefore, all votes will reflect a total of six voting members.

The Invocation was given by Rev. David Miller, Faith Presbyterian Church, 11501 Walker Ave. N., Seminole, This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a video of the Pinellas County student orchestra from Perkins Elementary presenting a patriotic tribute.

Introduction of the following representatives of professional and community organizations was given by Dr. Ronald Stone, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources & Public Affairs: Carolyn Smith, PESPA; Rob McMahon, PCTA; Carolyn Bluett, PCCPTA; Robyn Stambaugh and Britney Scott, Student Rights and Responsibilities Committee, Boca Ciega High; Vic Rowley, PCSAA; Richard Cash, Pinellas County for a Complete Arts Education Coalition; Lewis Williams, Operations Team; Lyn Porter, The Tampa Tribune,  Kelly Ryan Gilmer, The St. Petersburg Times,  Channel 28 Cameraman, and Michelle Jordan, Channel 10.

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

PULL:  Items #16, #21         

The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried with a  6- 0 vote.                           

A.     Robyn Stambaugh and Britney Scott, Students Rights and Responsibilities Committee, Boca Ciega High, addressed the Board to share events and new programs at their school.  The Board Members thanked the students for attending the Board meeting.

B.      Ms. Amy Epstein and Ms. Eileen Weiss, Florida Holocaust Museum, addressed the Board to share information regarding the establishment of the Florida Holocaust Museum’s Anne Frank Humanitarian Award for juniors within Pinellas County public high schools.  Ms. Epstein stated that this award is for young people who have taken the time to make a difference in the lives of other human beings; that high schools can nominate up to three candidates and one candidate will be chosen from each high school to receive this award; that one candidate will be chosen from the potential three to attend an awards night at each of the high schools; that each recipient will receive a plaque, $100 savings bond, and a membership to the Florida Holocaust Museum; that each candidate selected will be honored at a dessert reception at the Florida Holocaust Museum on July 11, 2002; and, that each honoree will have their photograph taken with information about the award that will be made available to the local media.   Ms. Eileen Weiss shared information about the museum’s summer institute for teachers.  The Board Members thanked the representatives of the museum for the partnership the district has with the Florida Holocaust Museum.

C.      Ms. Christine Tsotsos and Ms. Carrie Markley, TUFF (Teachers United for the Future), addressed the Board regarding several concerns that teachers have in the district.  Ms. Markley stated that teachers needed to be treated professionally;  that salaries should be increased by a minimum of 20%; and, that TUFF will work with the district to find ways to provide fair wages.  Ms. Tsotsos expressed her concern that teachers and students should be first in the district; that the district is facing a financial crisis; that there is wasteful spending; that there are some non-essential programs that can be identified and should be reviewed and cut with the potential to be refunded and reinstated at a future date; that some teacher training is repetitive; and, that she would be happy to meet with Board Members to discuss ways to identify the non-essentials. Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.

D.      Ms. Dianna Runyons addressed the Board and stated that she is the parent of an only child – an eighth grader at Palm Harbor Middle; that sibling priority, as it relates to priority placement for magnet programs, is unfair and prejudice; that there are just a few slots for magnet programs, and after siblings take their share of the openings, there are not many slots left; that this process should be reviewed and changed to allow merit to be the criteria for placement and not sibling priority; and, that fortune of birth should not take away the opportunity of an only child.  Ms. Runyons distributed a copy of a petition signed by parents objecting to sibling priority and placement for magnet programs.  Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.   It was the consensus of the Board to discuss the priority placement issue at an upcoming workshop.

E.      Mr. Rob McMahon, PCTA, stated that Ms. Carolyn Underwood, representative of the  Paperwork Monitoring Task Force Committee, was unable to attend the meeting tonight due to recent surgery, and that he would present this item.  Mr. McMahon stated that a second customer satisfaction survey was distributed to members and non-members of PCTA and PESPA and the results show that after low pay and funding, paperwork concerns rank as the second most important issue to teachers; that the second survey showed a dramatic concern in the increase of the kind and amount of paperwork required in their jobs; that PCTA and PESPA are continuing to collect data on required ESE paperwork; and, that the results from the data will be presented at the April 16 Board meeting.  Mr. McMahon stated that he doesn’t know where Pinellas County is with a common database system, and the overwhelming paperwork situation has not improved.  Dr. Hinesley stated that he realized paperwork is still a major concern but that much of the paperwork is required to generate money and provide documentation. Dr. Hinesley also stated that there was some concern regarding the centralized database.  Mrs. Gallucci stated that NSBA is asking for input on how much money the districts are losing by IDEA not being fully funded because of required paperwork, and that a national study is being compiled to present to Congress. She also stated that IDEA is being reauthorized, and she will collect any data given to her to be made part of this study to be presented to Congress. Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.

F.      Mr. Frank Wootton, PTSA President, Riviera Middle School, addressed the Board regarding long-standing health and safety concerns at Riviera Middle School.  Mr. Wootton  expressed concern over rodent problems, plumbing problems, air conditioning and heating problems, and mole and mildew problems at the school.  He stated  the school has been given 200 computers, but that the school needed electrical modifications in order to use the computers.  Mr. Wootton requested that someone to be held accountable for cleaning up the school.  Mr. Lewis Williams, Area Superintendent, commented on the issues presented by Mr. Wootton and how the problems were being addressed.  Discussion followed by Board Members, Mr. Tom Ladun, Pinellas County Schools Industrial Hygienist, Mr. Tony Rivas, Director of Facilities, and Dr. Hinesley.  Dr. Hinesley stated Dr. Stewart will be at Riviera Middle tomorrow to access the situation and everything necessary will be done to address all the safety and health concerns expressed by Mr. Wootton.  He also stated he will inform the Board the amount it will cost for upgrading the electrical system to accommodate the donated computers.  Discussion followed by Board Members.

G.      Ms. Glenda Datsko, representing the High Point area, addressed the Board regarding the use of the ZERO site for the alternative high school.  Ms. Datsko referenced correspondence and information from HAS Engineers & Scientists, University of Florida Center for Environmental & Human Toxicology, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that all concur that the ZERO site does not pose a health risk for the proposed alternative high school.  She stated that according to the DEP, correspondence already referenced gives the School Board permission to use the ZERO site as a cleanup site as long as the students and teachers have no contact with the southwestern area (the most contaminated portion of the site). She asked that the Board not delay construction on this site.  Dr. Hinesley stated that the district was not copied on the letters referenced by Mrs. Datsko but she supplied a copy at the last Board workshop; and, that Mr. Tom Ladun called the DEP and they said as long as the district stays away from the southwest corner, the district can build the school.  Dr. Hinesley further stated that he had sent a letter to the county administrator regarding three issues to be resolved with the county lease: Who will assume the liability in the lease on any claims,  What will the lease amount be, and Will the lease/cost be waived or will the amount be given back to the district to operate the school; that the Board has already approved building the alternative high school at the 49^th Street site; and, that if the cost comes back to be higher than expected, he will bring it to the Board for a decision.  Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley. Mr. Benjamin requested that Commissioner Barbara Sheen Todd, Chairman, Pinellas County Commission, who was in the audience, address the Board on the county’s position in regard to the ZERO site. She shared with the Board that it was the Pinellas County Commission’s intent to cooperate in the fullest with the School Board; that the Commission has asked staff to explore amending the interlocal agreement so that the district could receive the full appropriation; and, that the Commission has asked their administrator to explore options of cooperating with the School Board for acquisition of that site with the FAA or reviewing some type of land swap.  She stated it was the Commission’s request that all options be made available to the School Board.   Mr. Benjamin thanked Commissioner Todd for the information she shared with the Board and the cooperation of the Commission.   Discussion followed by Board Members.

1.      The following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations from the Audience:

Terri Nicas; Vallry Warren Hendry; Corey Garlow; Ray Garlow; Nancy A. Garlow; Mary Vallee; Mark Vallee; Cara Lina; Dawn Raynolds; Jessica Clarke; Robert Crabtree; and, Kathleen Prince – Addressed the Board regarding safety and health concerns at Riviera Middle School.

Carolyn E. Smith – Addressed the Board to express her concerns regarding the support professionals who are being transferred or redeployed during implementation of the Choice Plan and movement of the ESE units.  Ms. Smith stated employee seniority should move with them as they are moved to another school. Dr. Hinesley stated the district does not “bump” employees and that Dr. O’Howell  and Ms. Rouse, Assistant Superintendent, Middle School and ESE,  will meet with Ms. Smith. 

Charlene Douglas – Addressed the Board to encourage participation in Read Across America.

Dolores Stabile – Addressed the Board regarding budget cuts to gifted classes and stated that she will be losing her job due to unit cuts.  Dr. Hinesley requested Ms. Rouse meet with Ms. Stabile.

John Whitmer –          Addressed the Board and distributed a copy of the proposed lease for the alternative high school.  Mr. Whitmer thanked Board Members for being available for hearing concerns from the High Point residents.  He confirmed with Dr. Hinesley that the site selection of the alternative high school will be taken off the agenda for the March 12 School Board meeting, provided the lease can be worked out, and requested to be kept up to date on the lease negotiations. 

Jim Lee; Stacey Solar; Martha Nichols; Ruth Irwin; Cindy Schultz; Darlene Nichols; and, Dr. Sondee – Addressed the Board regarding concerns over the ESE program and unit relocation at Walsingham Elementary and the lack of communication to parents regarding this information. Mrs. Rouse stated there is a large exceptional education program at Walsingham Elementary, and the unit relocation is to allow equitable distribution of services in each attendance zone.  She reviewed the steps being taken to inform parents of ESE programs and services.   Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, and Ms. Rouse. 

Susan Turner – Addressed the Board regarding her dissatisfaction with the redistribution of the gifted unit at Leila Davis Elementary.  Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.  Ms. Rouse stated she would make a commitment to meet with parents at Leila Davis and create an opportunity to meet with parents from Walsingham Elementary to address their concerns.

2.      It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Mr. Todd  to Adopt the Proposed Amendments to Policy 2.20 Communications and Public Relations.

Dr. Hinesley stated this is the second reading of this policy that was developed by the Communications Advisory Committee.

2a.    The motion to approve          to Adopt the Proposed Amendments to Policy 2.20 Communications and Public Relations was carried with a 6-0 vote.

3.      It was moved by Mr. Todd and seconded by Dr. Gessner to Adopt the Proposed Amendments to Policy 8.16 Leaves (General).

Dr. Hinesley stated this is the second reading of this policy to bring the policy in line with changes in statutes.

3a.    The motion to approve to Adopt the Proposed Amendments to Policy 8.16 Leaves (General) was carried with a 6-0 vote.

4.      It was moved by Mr. Todd and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to Adopt the Proposed Amendments to Policy 8.29 Requirements and Procedures for Initial Appointment.

Dr. Hinesley stated this is the second reading of this policy to eliminate a portion of the Board policy dealing with the pre-employment test for teachers since there is something already in place as part of the certification process.

4a.    The motion to approve to Adopt the Proposed Amendments to Policy 8.29 Requirements and Procedures for Initial Appointment was carried with a 6-0 vote.

5.      It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci, and carried with a 6-0 vote to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended.

5a.    To approve the minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting of February 12, 2002, be approved as submitted. 

5b.    To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent.      (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5c.    To approve Dismiss Mr. Thomas R. Heaton, Plant Operator, Azalea Middle School.          (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5d.    To approve the Following Special Projects:  (Copy/copies, as appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

   -     Smaller Learning Communities Project:  $2,499,994

  -      Agreement with HOSTS (Helping One Student To Succeed):  $53,600      

5e.    To approve the Investment Portfolio Financial Statements for the Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2001.

5f.     To approve the Principals’ Quarterly Financial Report for the Quarter Ending December 31, 2001.  

5g.    To approve the French & Spanish Summer Immersion Camp Program for 2002. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5h.    To approve the Agreement With Conrod Associates Communications to Hire an Environmental Distance Learning (EDL) Resource Educator. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5i.      To approve the Joint-Use-of-Facilities Agreement With the City of Seminole. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5j.      To approve the Agreement Between the School Board and Stuart S. Golding Co., Managing Agent for Park Plaza Shopping Center, for Cooperative Improvements in an Area Between the Mall and the Richard L. Sanders School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5k.     To approve the School Board of Facility Leases, Joint-Use Activities, and Other Community Uses Processed by the Real Property Management Department During the Fourth Quarter 2001        .

5l.      To approve the Agreement with Hoffman Architects, P.A., for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection with new Construction of a Replacement Facility at Sunset Hills Elementary School in the Amount of $401,130. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5m.   Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, stated that she believed this request for appropriation of $21,387 for additional services to review the alternative Bayside High School at the High Point site is now not required.   Dr. Hinesley clarified that this is for work already completed.  It was moved by Mrs. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Todd, and carried with a 6-0 vote to approve the Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With Williamson Dacar Architects, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection with new Construction at Bayside High School in the Amount of $21,387. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5n.    To approve the Amendment #3 to Agreement With Hoffman Architects, P.A., for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection with new Construction at Elementary School “D” at 11^th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, in the Amount of $36,813. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5o.    To approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Hoffman Architects, P.A., for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection with new Construction, Remodeling and Renovations at Fairmount Park Elementary School in the Amount of $46,454. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5p.    To approve Amendment #1 to Agreement With Hoffman Architects, P.A., for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection with new Construction at Sanderlin Elementary School in the Amount of $65,478. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5q.    To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement With Beers Skanska for a Partial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in Connection with Constructing a new Thurgood Marshall Middle School.  The cost of this partial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) is $9,734,671.  (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

5r.     Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, stated she fully supports employee recognition programs but believes the district is going into broad advertising and a Board policy is necessary.   Dr. Hinesley stated there is an advertising policy for schools that states advertising must be approved by the superintendent or his designee, and he does not believe an additional policy is needed.  Mr. Dan Smith, Director, Maintenance Department, addressed the Board to review how the money from advertising is used to recognize employees. He stated there will be 103 trucks identified to carry the advertisements, with a maximum of three, small signs on each truck.   Discussion followed by Board Members.  Dr. Gessner made the motion to approve the Request of the Maintenance Department to Fully Implement the Program of Truck Advertising and use of Employee Enterprise Funds for Employee Recognition Program consistent with the principles outlined in School Board Policy 6.125.  This motion was seconded by Mr. Todd and carried with a 5-1 vote, Mrs. Lerner voting against.

5s.    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.)

6.      It was moved by Mr. Todd  and seconded by Dr. Gessner   to approve the setting of a public hearing and authorize the advertisement of the public hearing to consider the proposed amendment to Policy 7.24 Investment of School District Funds.    

Dr. Hinesley stated this is first reading of this policy with changes being made to correct small inconsistencies between policy and district practice observed by Spense, Marston auditors and to bring district policy in line with recent changes in Florida Statutes regarding the investment policy.

6a.    The motion to approve setting of a public hearing and authorize the advertisement of the public hearing to consider the proposed amendment to Policy 7.24 Investment of School District Funds carried with a 6-0 vote.

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

h  Stated that Mrs. Constrini, Language Arts Teacher at Pinellas Park High School, is completing the latest history book of Pinellas County Schools.  A former student, Christopher Still, a well known artist who is responsible for the mural that is on display in the legislature, has given the district permission to use a copy of the mural as the cover for our history book.   Dr. Hinesley stated Mr. Still will be recognized at a future Board meeting.  It was the consensus of the Board that a letter of appreciation from the Board be sent to Mr. Still.    

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

·   Stated that Board Members will be receiving an employee discipline record in the pony mail; that this is an unusual procedural case; and, that he will provide the Board with a written explanation of what the Board should be considering under the Administrative Procedures Act.

·   Stated the Board will be receiving a copy of the third issue of Legally Speaking  in the pony mail.

9.      Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members

Students Academic Awards Dinner; Weedon Island Education Center Dedication; Meetings With Legislators; State School Boards Meetings/Board of Directors Meeting; Pinellas Community Foundation/Luncheon;  Leadership Pinellas Youth Yearly Visit and Education Day; Outstanding Educator Celebration; St. Petersburg High Hall of Fame Inductions; Budget Steering Committee; Metropolitan Planning Organization; Citizens Alliance For Progress – Awards; PCCPTA

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

·   A presentation and discussion will be scheduled at a future workshop to follow up on the presentation tonight regarding the sibling policy assignment to district magnet schools.

·   Dr. O’Howell will look at the district plan to redeploy ESE support staff who are being moved and review the entire process.

h  Dr. Hinesley will meet with area superintendents and Ms. Rouse regarding ESE concerns and bring back feedback on the entire ESE unit issue.

h  The Board will be provided with feedback on how the district is addressing the concerns regarding Riviera Middle School that were expressed tonight.

11.    There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at  9:38 p.m.

______________________       _____________________

    Chairman                                      Secretary

/mgc(26Feb02)