SCHOOL
BOARD OF
REGULAR MEETING
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on
The Invocation was given by Dr.
Ronald Stone, Associate Superintendent, Human Resources. 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.
Stone: Jade Moore, PCTA; Carolyn Bluett,
PCCPTA; Vic Rowley, Pinellas County SACs; Oscar Robinson, Operations Team; Lynn
Porter, The Tampa Tribune; and, Monique
Fields, The St. Petersburg Times.
It was moved by Dr. Gessner and
seconded by Mr. Todd to adopt the agenda.
DELETE: CONSENT #26
Dr.
Hinesley stated that some items in the Personnel recommendations are duplicated
on pages 38 and 39.
The motion
to adopt the agenda was carried with a 7-0 vote.
A. Mr. Jim Madden, Director, Unitary Status Implementation, presented to the Board the Choice Update. Discussion followed by Board Members. A request was made by the Board to have the phone numbers for the Parent Information Centers displayed on the television monitors during future updates.
B. Dr. Hinesley presented the
following newly appointed administrators:
Dr. Hinesley took this time to also recognize principals and
staff representatives in the audience from Blanton and
School-Related Employee of the Year
Karen Cox, LPN
Paul B. Stephens Exceptional
Outstanding Educator of
the Year
Jane Charland, Teacher
Ms. Cox and Ms. Douglas were greeted
and congratulated by the Board Members.
D. Ms. Betty Douglas, Supervisor, Secondary
Social Studies, presented to the Board Mr. Alan Kay as the winner of the
Florida D.A.R. Outstanding Teacher of American History Award.
Mr. Kay was greeted and congratulated
by the Board Members.
Presidential Award for Excellence in Secondary
Mathematics for
Mary Lou Beasley,
Radio Shack National Teacher Award for Outstanding
Mathematics Teaching
Becky Bride,
Ms. Beasley and Ms. Bride were greeted and congratulated by
the Board Members.
F. Ms.
Bonnie McClelland addressed the Board to state that her son recently committed
suicide and that, as a result, she has started a chapter of the Yellow Ribbon
Suicide Prevention Program (YRSPP) in memory of her son. Ms. McClelland distributed brochures and
cards to the Board and requested that these items be included in student
handbooks, that this information be posted throughout each school, that
survivors be permitted to visit each school to speak to students on this
program, and that Yellow Ribbon Clubs be organized at each school.
Discussion
followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, and Ms. McClelland. Dr. Hinesley will have Ms. Linda Jones, Supervisor
of Safe and Drug Free Schools, meet with Ms. McClelland to share what is being
done in this district to address this critical issue.
Board
Members and Dr. Hinesley extended their appreciation to Ms. McClelland for
attending this meeting.
Ms.
McClelland introduced a group of young people who were friends of her son and
who are supporting her efforts with the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program
initiative.
1. Dr.
Hinesley stated that he is recommending that the Board authorize the initiation
of a referendum to be placed on a ballot asking the public for authority to do
a lease/purchase agreement with the county for the Zero site. He clarified that a referendum is necessary
if the district uses ad valorem tax dollars for construction. Dr. Hinesley stated that Mr. Jim Miller
(Director, Real Property) and the County have both ordered appraisals of this
property to meet a requirement of FAA; that the purchase price will have to be
at fair-market value based on two MIA appraisals. He stated that following Mr. Bowen’s meeting
with the County, it has become apparent that this item can not be placed on the
September 10 ballot due to the number of issues.
Mr.
Bowen stated that he met at
Discussion
followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, and Mr. Bowen.
Mr. Todd expressed his concern that
each time the Board thinks they’re ready to move forward on this school,
something else pops up, “similar to a jack-in-the-box”; and, that he has become
very frustrated with not being able to just move forward in building a school
that is very necessary.
Dr. Hinesley clarified that the
action requested by staff at today’s meeting is only to approve the
recommendation by staff to place a referendum on the November ballot and that a
final agreement regarding the specific land will be brought back to the Board
with all the terms if the public approves the referendum.
1a. It
was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Lerner to approve the
recommendation of a referendum to initiate a lease purchase agreement for the
Zero property to build the alternative high school and authorize the School
Board Attorney to work with the Supervisor of Elections to develop the language
for the referendum so that it can be scheduled for the November 5, 2002, ballot.
Mrs.
Gallucci stated for the record that the Board was not aware of all the issues
when they voted on the
Mr.
Todd stated that he does not understand why the district has to go through the
process of requesting the public to vote on a referendum. Mr. Todd stated that the district should buy
a site and build the school.
1b. The
motion was carried with a 5-2 vote, Mrs. Gallucci and Mr. Todd voting against,
to approve the recommendation of a referendum to initiate a lease purchase
agreement for the Zero property to build the alternative high school and
authorize the School Board Attorney to work with the Supervisor of Elections to
develop the language for the referendum so that it can be scheduled for the
November 5, 2002, ballot.
2. It
was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, seconded by Mrs. Cook, and carried with a 7-0 vote
to approve the consent agenda, as amended.
2a. To approve the
minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting of
2b. To Accept and
Approve the Department of Education (DOE) Safety & Security Assessment
Corrective Actions.
2c. To Approve the
Resolution to Grant Temporary Duty Elsewhere (TDE) to
Robert A. McMahon, President, PCTA, for the 2002-03 School Year. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2d. To approve the Temporary Duty
Elsewhere Assignment for Ms. Carolyn E. Smith to Serve as President of the
Pinellas Educational Support Personnel Association. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2e. To approve the Classified Advertising Agreement with the
2f. To approve the Amended Cafeteria (Flex) Plan
for Employees Effective
2g. To approve the Mega Life & Health
Insurance Policy to Provide Catastrophic Interscholastic Athletic Insurance
through June 30, 2003, with an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent
Years.
2h. To approve to Extend the Conseco Contract to
Provide an Income Protection Plan through
2i. To approve the Risk Management Property and
Casualty Insurance Program for 2002/2003 With an Option to Negotiate Renewal
Upon Expiration of Insurance Contracts.
2j. To approve the Personnel Actions as
Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #97.)
2k. To approve the Recommendation to Accept the
Stipulation to Suspend Mr. A. Scott Cleere, Plant Operator, Lealman
Intermediate School for Ten (10) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #97.)
2L. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms.
Jean Mason, Paraprofessional,
2m. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms.
Pamela O’Connell, Teacher Assistant,
2n. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms.
Joni L. Staggs, Teacher Assistant ESE II,
2o. To approve the Recommendation to Suspend Mr.
Darryl Vinson, Plant Operator,
2p. To approve the Annual
SREF Inspections.
2q. To
approve the Following Special Projects:
(Copies/copies, as appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#97.)
- Renewal of Title V Innovative Education
Program Strategies: $729,521
- Title II Project: $5,096,196
- Renewal of SED Network Project: $133,660
- Renewal of FDLRS Gulfcoast Project: $1,228,254
- Renewal of Workforce Investment Act
Out-of-School Program: $199,633
- Renewal of agreement with Independent Child
Care Contractors: $1,116,558
- Renewal of IDEA Part B Entitlement
Project: $18,792,374
- Agreement with Lightspan, Inc.: $10,000
- Partnership for School Safety and Security
Project: $10,000
- Federal Technology Project: $3,587,000
- Carol M. White Physical Education
Program: $322,698
-
- Renewal of IDEA Part B Preschool
Project: $739,533
- Renewal of IDEA Part B Discretionary
Supplement Project: $555,307
2r. To
approve the Renewal Charter Contract with Whole Child at UPARC, Inc.
2s. To
approve the Authorization for Payment of Current Bills and Salaries (Approval
of Continuation Budget).
2t. To
approve to Advertise the Preliminary Budgets, Millage Rates, and Public Hearing
Dates for the District's 2002-03 Budget.
2u. To
approve the Food Service Petty Cash and Change Funds.
2v. To
approve the Recommendation Regarding the Paper Flow Committee’s Report (June
2002).
2w. To
approve the Adoption of the Corporate Resolution and Certificate of Incumbency
for the District’s Workman’s Compensation Demand Account. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2x. To
approve the Renewal of a Training Services Agreement Between Pinellas County
Schools/Pinellas Technical Education Centers and WorkNet Pinellas for the
2002-2003 School Year. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2y. To approve to Renew
an Agreement With Conrod Associates Communications to Hire an Environmental
Distance Learning (EDL) Resource Educator for 2002-2003. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2z. To approve to
Renew Pinellas County Schools Affiliation Agreement With the Florida Virtual
School for 2002-2003. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2aa. To
approve the Agreement With Project Lead The Way. (Copy to be
found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2bb. To
approve the USF Technology Training Contract.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2cc. To
approve the Renewal of the Agreement With the Science Center of Pinellas
County, Inc. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2dd. To
approve the Authorization for the
Superintendent or Designee to Negotiate and Enter Into an Interlocal Agreement
With the City of St. Petersburg for the Coordination of School
Construction and Site Improvements. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #97.)
2ee. To approve Amendment
#1 to Agreement With Williamson Dacar Associates, Inc. for Architectural and
Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With new
Construction, HVAC Remodeling and Renovations at Cypress Woods Elementary
School in the Amount of $100,806. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#97.)
2ff. To approve the Amendment #1 to the Agreement
With Walbridge Aldinger for Partial Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in
Connection With Constructing a new Middle School at the Dunedin Highland Middle
School Site in the Amount of $10,472,000. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #97.)
2gg. To approve the Amendment #1 to Agreement With
Williamson Dacar Associates, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract
Administration Services in Connection With new Construction and Remodeling at
Starkey Elementary School in the Amount of $298,600. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2hh. To approve the Agreement With Creative
Contractors, Inc. for Construction Management Services in Connection With new
Construction at Sunset Hills Elementary School in the Amount of $1,114,533. (Copy
to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2ii. To approve the Acceptance of Final
Substantial Completion for new Construction of Azalea Middle School as of
2jj. To
approve the Acceptance of Partial Substantial Completion for new Construction
of Bay Point Middle School as of May 13, 2002 (Interiors of Buildings 4 and 5,
Excluding Food Service Equipment, Fire Alarm, and Division 17).
2kk. To
approve the Acceptance of Partial Substantial Completion of Sanderlin
Elementary School as of
2LL. To
approve Change Order No. 9 for Additions, Remodeling, and Renovations at
2mm. To
approve Amendment No. 3 to Agreement With R. J. Bunbury Company, Inc. for the
Addition of $418,544 Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price In
Connection With Shared Parking, Bus, and Parent Drive Improvements at Sanderlin
and Lakeview Fundamental Elementary Schools for a Final GMP of $10,762,800.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2nn. To
approve the Agreement Between the School Board of Pinellas County and the City
of Dunedin, Florida to Facilitate Construction of a New Replacement School for
the Current Dunedin Highland Middle School.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
2oo. 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 #97.)
3. It
was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Mr. Todd to approve setting a Public
Hearing and authorize the advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the
Amendment to Policy 6.12 Advertising & 6.125 Advertisement or Announcement
of Non-School Events.
Dr.
Hinesley stated that this is the first reading.
3a. The
motion to approve the setting of a public hearing and authorize the
advertisement of the public hearing to consider the proposed amendments to Policies
6.12 and 6.125 was carried with a 7-0 vote.
4. It
was moved by Mrs. Cook and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve setting a Public
Hearing and authorize the advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the
New Policy 7.33 Use of Electronic Resources.
Dr.
Hinesley stated that this is the first reading and that this proposal was
reviewed by the Curriculum and Instruction Department, as well as the Attorneys
Office.
Mrs.
Gallucci, referring to page 262, lines 23-24, suggested that someone at the
district office, rather than the site administrator, be identified to answer
questions regarding “acceptable” use of a computer in order to provide
consistency.
Ms. Judy Ambler, stated that the
site administrator was put in this policy to provide a more expedient response
to questions. Ms. Ambler suggested that
guidelines or responses to frequently asked questions be developed to provide
consistency. These guidelines will be made
available for the Board for the second reading on this policy.
Mrs.
Lerner, referring to page 261, line 36, stated that she had expressed her
concern that this line will eliminate the right for employees to express their
personal views. Ms. Ambler clarified
that this refers to “mass mailings” and that the committee will revisit this
language prior to the final reading.
Dr.
Gessner requested clarification to the word “mass,” and questioned whether a
mailing to 80-90% would be acceptable.
Mr. Bowen commended Assistant Board Attorney Tom Wittmer for
his involvement in the development of this policy. Mr. Bowen stated that the purpose of this
policy is to prohibit the use of school system resources, i.e., computers and
faxes, for personal purposes or non-school related matters. Mr. Bowen stated that district staff should
not be using district time and resources for personal, political, or religious
purposes and that this is the intent of the policy.
Mrs.
Lerner stated her approval of the political and religious part of the policy
but expressed her concern with the inclusion of “personal” in this item. Mrs. Lerner stated that Ms. Ambler clarified
that this policy prohibits personal views being sent in “mass mailings” only.
Dr.
Hinesley will bring clarification of this policy to the Board prior to the
final reading.
4a. The
motion to approve the setting of a public hearing and authorize the
advertisement of the public hearing to consider the proposed new Policy 7.33
was carried with a 7-0 vote.
5. Dr.
Hinesley stated that Florida Statutes requires that the School Board approve
and deliver to Tallahassee as a part of their salary schedule prior to July 1 a
pay-for-performance plan which includes some very specific criteria. He stated that districts that do not do this
are subject to losing their lottery allocations; that superintendents have been
noticed by the state that this has to be done; and, that this has to be
bargained. Dr. Hinesley stated that this
issue has been discussed with PCTA and that the plans coming to the Board have
agreement with PCTA and PAA, Dr. Stone, and Dr. Stewart. Dr. Hinesley stated that the district must
set aside equal to 5% of those who will be eligible that are added to the
person’s salary and that part of the law requires that districts have a student
performance component tied to the FCAT.
5a. It
was moved by Mrs. Bostock and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the District Pay
for Performance Plan for Instructional and School-based Administrative Staff.
Jade Moore, PCTA – Addressed the Board to
state that he has worked on this plan and found the need to use student test
score data very unfortunate. Mr. Moore
stated that the district’s committee built in all the things that are absent
from the state’s measurement of schools, i.e., socio economic factors, actual
student gains. He encouraged the Board
to endorse this product.
Discussion
followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.
5b. The
motion to approve the District Pay for Performance Plan for Instructional and
School-based Administrative Staff was carried with a 6-0 vote, Mr. Todd not
present during this vote. Mr. Todd, upon
returning to the table, indicated his support for this proposal.
6. Dr.
Hinesley stated that district staff will receive a 2.3% increase and commended
Mr. Johansen and his staff for their good planning which permitted this
increase during tight budget times.
6a. It
was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Cook to approve the Ratification
of Amendments to Agreements and Salary Adjustments for All Employee Groups for
2002-03.
Jade Moore, PCTA, and Boyd McCamish, SEIU
– Addressed the Board to thank the district and the Board for their efforts in achieving
this increase for district personnel.
Mr. Benjamin, on behalf of the Board, thanked Mr. Johansen,
his staff, and Mr. Moore for their efforts.
6b. The
motion to approve the Ratification of Amendments to Agreements and Salary
Adjustments for All Employee Groups for 2002-03 was carried with a 7-0 vote.
7. The
following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations From the
Audience:
Jan Owen, ESOL, Walsingham Elementary
School – Addressed the Board to state that Bay News 9 followed one of her
students who went from not being able to speak English to making all A’s. Ms. Owen stated that we must design systems
to help all students rather than make excuses.
She stated that curriculum is not aligned with the Sunshine State
Standards. Ms. Owen encouraged staff to
visit Innwood schools to see how they are doing things.
Mary Russell – Congratulated the Board
on ratifying employee contracts and stated that she does not see how the
district will be able to reach their goal of raising teacher salaries to a
national level. Ms. Russell stated that
Dr. Hinesley signed a contract which ties his increase to that received by the
teachers and suggested that, for the sake of teacher morale, he forego his
raise this year.
Cindy Gaines – Stated that her son is
an EH student who has been moved from Fuguitt to Largo Central to Mildred Helms
and back to Fuguitt. Ms. Gaines
expressed concern with these students being moved from one school to another
and asked what type of guarantee could be made by the district that this will
no longer happen. Ms. Jan Rouse,
Assistant Superintendent for Middle School and Exceptional Student Education,
stated that Ms. Gaines makes a very good point and that the model has been
changed. Ms. Rouse stated that the
changes are a result of enrollment and this particular issue is presently being
addressed by staff and working towards a resolve with the parent.
8. Dr.
Hinesley’s report included the following:
Ø Reported to the Board that the
district had received good news from
9. Mr. Bowen’s
report included the following:
Ø Stated that his contract provides
that within thirty days following the workshop on his evaluation he is to
provide the Board with a draft of his improvement plan. Mr. Bowen stated that
he and his department are working on this and that this forthcoming plan will be a very
different. He requested that the Board
allow him until September to bring a draft to them for approval. Board Members agreed to this request.
Ø Stated that he will be on vacation
for the next week.
10. Reports from
School Board Members were as follows:
Schools
Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members
Northeast, Clearwater, Largo, Boca
Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Lakewood and Tarpon Springs High School Graduations;
Citizens for Fair Campaign Practices; FSBA/Tampa; Walsingham Elementary; Annual
Retirement Dinner; St. Petersburg IB Senior Celebration; Southern Oak Volunteer
Appreciation; Board Retreat; MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization); Flag Day
– Veterans of Foreign Wars (Dr. Gessner – speaker); Kiwanis Club – Choice
Presentation.
Concerns
Expressed, Written, or Oral
Dr. Gessner – Stated that
the Board has received several pieces of correspondence regarding the student
walk path taking them across the entrance of the Largo Post Office. Dr. Gessner stated that he did not understand
why the walk path could not be changed prior to the start of the school year to
the other side of
Mrs. Cook – Questioned
whether there are any plans to inform the public on the referendum coming to
them regarding class size and the cost associated with this referendum for
facilities, teachers, etc. Dr. Hinesley
stated that the cost will be on the ballot; that the Board has never gotten
involved in constitutional amendments; and, that communicating this particular
one is very critical. Mrs. Gallucci stated that the Board should be
making an effort to educate the public on the costs. Mrs. Cook suggested that the information be
presented specifically for
Mrs. Lerner – Requested
that the Board agree to getting some achievement data for students who have
been in a school for at least two years, specifically those schools identified
by the state in a negative way. Dr. Stewart
stated that this information can be accumulated. Stated her concern with the state
grading system, especially when grades include students who may have only been
in that school for a few months.
Mrs. Gallucci –
11. Dr. Stewart’s summary included the following items:
Ø
Dr. Hinesley will remind Ms. Linda Jones and Dr.
Ralph Bailey to meet with Ms. Bonnie
McClelland who addressed the Board regarding the Yellow Ribbon Suicide
Prevention Program.
Ø
Staff will
compose a letter to the City of
Ø
Staff will
form a brief report to be shared with the public regarding the costs associated
to lowering the class size.
Ø
Staff will
provide the Board with a report on the tenure of students and how they impact
the school performance.
12. Mr.
Benjamin thanked the Board for their cooperation throughout the many meetings
held today.
13. There
being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned
at
______________________ _____________________
Chairman Secretary
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