SCHOOL
BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR
MEETING MARCH 12, 2002
The School Board of Pinellas County,
Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, March 12, 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 Mr. Thomas C. Todd, Members; Dr. J. Howard Hinesley,
Superintendent and Ex-officio Secretary; Mr. Lanse
Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.
The Invocation was given by Dr.
James Hilton, Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1200 Keene Rd. S.
Clearwater. This was followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic tribute video.
Introduction of the following
representatives of professional and community organizations was given by Dr.
Ronald Stone, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources & Public
Affairs: Rob McMahon, PCTA; Carolyn Bluett, PCCPTA; Pat Scarberry, DMAC; Vic Rowley, PCSAA; Bill Williamson, Operations Team; Kelly Ryan Gilmer,
The St. Petersburg Times.
It was moved by
Mr. Todd and seconded by Dr. Gessner to adopt the agenda.
PULL: Consent
Item #3
Consent Item #4,
Personnel Actions With a Time Certain of 4:00 p.m.
DELETE: Presenters or Special Order, Item D
Consent Item #4,
Personnel Actions, pgs. 26 & 27
Consent Item #6
The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried with
a 7-0 vote.
A. Jamie Tippins
and David Harmel, Students Rights and Responsibilities Committee, Northeast High, addressed
the Board to share events and new programs at their school. Ms. Tippins
congratulated Mr. Benjamin for being the first coach inducted into the Northeast
Hall of Fame. The Board Members thanked
the students for attending the Board meeting.
B.
Ms. Doretha
S. Jackson, Supervisor, Community Involvement, introduced the following 13
Outstanding School Volunteers for 2002 who were selected for their unique contributions
and dedication to quality education:
Area I:
*Youth - Ashley Tantillo, East Lake High School (Clyton
Snare, Principal)
Adult - Gigi
Rahman, McMullen Booth Elementary School (Pamela T.
Moore, Principal)
Senior - Margaret Bock, Paul B.
Stephen School (Virginia Wirt, Principal)
Area II
Youth - Kimberle
Noorbakhsh,Largo High School (Barbara Thornton,
Principal)
Adult - Melinda Techler, South Ward Elementary School (Randall Rozelle, Principal)
Senior - Roger Harrell, Morgan
Fitzgerald Middle School (Linda Tucker, Principal)
Area
III:
*Youth - Leigha
Wolsey, Bauder Elementary
School (Janet Johnston, Principal)
Adult - Martha Bouknecht, Cross Bayou Elementary School (Marcia Stone,
Principal)
Senior - Sandy Bumgarner, Gulf Beaches Elementary School (Marsha Jordan,
Principal)
Area IV:
Youth - Daniel Miller, Pinellas
Central Elementary School (Lon Jensen, Principal)
Adult - Duane Barto, KingsHighway Elementary
School (Kenneth O’Bryant, Principal)
*Senior - Robert Blakley, Blanton Elementary School (Deborah Turner,
Principal)
Workforce
Development:
John Bromell, Clearwater High Adult Education
Ctr. (Nickolas Grasso,
Principal)
* Not Present at the Meeting.
The Board Members congratulated
and greeted the volunteers.
C. Mr. Ray Smenner,
Assistant Director, Pinellas County Arts Council, addressed the Board and
thanked them for supporting the arts in the schools program. He distributed copies of ArtsNews
and referenced articles of interest.
Mr. Smenner presented the Board with an
original print entitled, “Mindless Nature,” by Tray Galowany. Mr. Smenner
introduced Tray, a student at the
Pinellas County Center for the Arts and Tray’s father. The Board Members thanked Mr. Smenner and Tray, for the artwork and their attendance at
the meeting.
1.
Dr. Hinesley requested that
the Board approve to accept the Recommended Order of the Administrative Law
Judge to dismiss Mr. Reginald K. Reese, Teacher, Riviera Middle School. Dr.Hinesley briefly discussed the case.
Mr. Benjamin stated the Board will serve in a judicial role for this
case. He reviewed the procedures for
both attorneys and stated the Board will discuss the case after hearing from
both attorneys.
Mr. Mark Herdman, attorney for Mr. Reese,
addressed the Board regarding the exceptions to the Administrative Law Judge’s
Recommended Order that he filed on behalf of Mr. Reese and stated the reasons
why Mr. Reese should not be dismissed.
Mr. Herdman questioned if School Board Policy
8.25, violates Mr. Reese’s due process.
Mrs. Jackie Spoto-Bircher addressed the Board
and reviewed the exceptions to certain conclusions of law in the Recommended
Order that were filed by the Superintendent and the reasons why Mr. Reese
should be dismissed. She stated Mr.
Reese violated School Board Policy 8.25, and these violations constitute just
cause for his dismissal as a teacher in the Pinellas County School
District.
Mrs. Lerner stated that Mr. Reese was an exemplary teacher and believed
he should be disciplined but not dismissed.
She questioned if School Board Policy 8.25, affords employees due
process.
Discussion followed by Board Members and Mr. Bowen.
1a. It was moved by Mr. Todd and
seconded by Mrs. Bostock to accept the exceptions to
the Recommended Order of the Administrative Law Judge filed by Attorney Bircher
and to reject the exceptions filed on behalf of Mr. Reese by Mr. Herdman. Discussion
followed by Board Members and Mr. Bowen.
Mrs. Gallucci stated that Mr.
Reese has been working for two years since the incident and does not agree that
dismissal is appropriate.
Mrs. Cook stated that she questioned the need for the last part of
Mr. Todd’s motion, “to reject the exceptions filed on behalf of Mr. Reese
by Mr. Herdman.”
Dr. Gessner called for the question.
1b. The motion to accept the exceptions
to the Recommended Order of the Administrative Law Judge filed by Attorney
Bircher and to reject the exceptions filed on behalf of Mr. Reese by Mr. Herdman and adopt the Final Order was carried with a 4-3
vote, Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Gallucci, and Mrs. Lerner voting against.
The Board recessed at 3:20 p.m. and reconvened
at 3:30 p.m.
2.
Mr. Benjamin stated there were over thirty speakers
from the audience to speak about ESE unit relocation concerns and asked Dr.
Hinesley to explain the process to be put in place to obtain input from the
parents and staff.
Dr.
Hinesley stated that Ms. Jan Rouse, Assistant Superintendent for Middle School
and Exceptional Education, is contacting principals to set up meetings in each
school to gather input regarding the proposed relocation of ESE units.
Mr. Benjamin stated no firm decision has been
made and these meetings will give parents a chance to give their input. The
following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations from the
Audience:
Rob
McMahon – Distributed a Resolution passed by the Faculty
Representative Council of the PCTA against the
Florida Legislature creating a voucher program that allows private companies to
give money for vouchers as a credit against their Florida corporate profits
tax. He stated the Resolution also
designates Monday, April 1, as “We’re Not Fooling, Florida Power” day that
encourages all school employees to conserve energy and encourages parents to
minimize all electrical use for that day.
Mr. McMahon also distributed a written statement from Carolyn Smith, PESPA, requesting that no teacher or support professional
lose their job and that there will be no
new-hires until all of the employees involved are redeployed. Mrs. Gallucci clarified that teachers or
support staff may be transferred but no one would lose their position. Mrs. Lerner requested the Board discuss this
Resolution at the workshop next week.
Mark Klutho – Addressed the Board regarding his concerns with
Mildred Helms becoming a Title I school.
Mr. Kluthro also shared his displeasure
regarding the wiring and lighting being put in schools and district
buildings. Discussion followed by Dr.
Hinesley and Board Members.
Vyrle Davis –
Addressed the Board as chairman of AAVREC and
expressed his concern over student achievement information requested by this
organization and the reimbursement cost associated with this request. Ms. Adelle Jamison
also addressed the Board regarding this same request for information. Dr. Hinesley stated information is available
but not in the form AAVREC has requested which would
require additional programming. He
stated MIS is under time constraints with Choice and the manpower hours are not
available to retrieve this information.
Mr. Bowen stated that if the Board waives the charge for one group,
every group will follow with requests for the district to do the research and
extract information in the format they request.
Discussion followed by the Board and Dr. Hinesley. It was the consensus of the Board to bring
this request to the next workshop.
Kimberly Pidgeon; Jan Williams; Dayna
Nichols; Laurie Norris; Susan Turer; Cindy Schultz;
Stacey Solar; Kim Kuruzovich; Linnea
Paolillo; Terri Lee; Debra Gladfelter;
Joyce Thacher; Donna McMann;
Tara Jordan; Ruth Irwin; Jann Gullick;
Brenda Lownsbury; Sue Niblick;
Laurie Jackson; Michele Korhanid; Linda L. Rouisse; Jan Moak; Barbara Teetor; Carol A. Polk; Pam Bessey;
Brenda Parsons – Addressed the Board regarding their objections to
relocating ESE units in order to prepare for Choice. Discussion followed by
Board Members and Dr. Hinesley. Mr.
Benjamin stated that Dr. Hinesley has agreed to delay any relocation of ESE
students until all information is obtained from parents, teachers, and
educators. He stated meetings are being
held at each school for parent input.
Mrs. Lerner requested that implementation be delayed until 2003-2004 at
the same time the rest of the schools will be implementing Choice. Dr. Hinesley stated this could be
considered. Discussion followed by Board
Members and Dr. Hinesley.
3. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by
Mrs. Gallucci, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Consent Agenda, as
amended.
3a. To approve the minutes of the Regular School
Board Meeting of February
26, 2002, as submitted.
3b. Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item,
stated this is an excellent recommendation and requested that the Board put
this on an agenda for workshop discussion.
There was consensus of the Board to discuss this at future
workshop. It was moved by Mrs. Lerner,
seconded by Mr. Todd, and carried with a 7- 0 vote to approve the DMAC Recommendation in the Area of Resources.
3c. Dr. Hinesley, having pulled the item
under Personnel Actions, pg. 11, to transfer Mr. John H. Nicely from Principal,
Tarpon Springs High, to Supervisor, Workforce Development, read prepared
comments regarding Mr. John Nicely’s distinguished
career with Pinellas County Schools and outlined his decision-making process
and the rationale for his recommendation to transfer Mr. Nicely.
Mr. Bowen
stated Dr. Hinesley had asked him if this recommendation would have any impact
on pending litigation, and he advised him that there is a case pending
involving Countryside High and a transcript being sent to a college in order to
benefit a student and that case is still pending. Mr. Bowen stated that Attorney Tom Gonzalez
was in the audience and is representing the Lambeth
case in federal court; that Mr. Gonzalez reviewed all the facts in this case;
and, that Mr. Bowen has asked Mr. Gonzalez to attend the meeting today to
advise the Board of his opinion. Mr.
Gonzalez stated he didn’t believe there would be any choice in this matter
other than to take the action recommended by the Superintendent.
Discussion
followed by Board Members and Mr. Bowen.
The
following individuals addressed the Board in support of Mr. Nicely remaining at
Tarpon Springs High School: Barry Banther; Kelly Havens; Don Elliott; Monica Carr; Kathy
Bell; Maggie McDonald; Brittney Hamilton; Joe Merryman; Travis Visser; Martha
Scoggins; Marilyn Hourdas; Patricia Linzie; Matt Jurgens; Don Davis;
Jed Lehrer; Marjorie Piernick;
Dr. Gloria Hope; Joan Mullins; Liz Smith; Claudia Birmingham; Suzanne Fuller;
Ramona Bethke; Bill Berry; Rose Napoli;
Leigh Parks; Jennifer Kon; Tom Tomedo;
Wayne Armenta; Willie Matheney;
Kyle Trager; Jared Cobb; Jacklyn
Buck; Julia Babcock; Steve Musha; Marta Mulawa; Elaine Frederich; John Vinson; Taurean Mathis; Priscilla
Adams; Joyce Adams; James Pratt; Barb Wenzel; Elaine Vinson;
and, Kevin Ford.
Dr. Hinesley stated that Tarpon Spring
High School has a unique and individualized discipline plan, and up to the
point of changing the transcript of this student back and having two different
records, the decision was o.k.; that the grades should not have been changed
back; that in a letter to the Superintendent and the Board, Mr. Nicely accepted
responsibility; and, that the debate is the degree of what happened and the
consequences. Dr. Hinesley thanked those
in the audience for being here and said he will revisit his
recommendation.
Discussion
followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.
Board
Members thanked those who addressed the Board on Mr. Nicely’s behalf and
supported Dr. Hinesley’s decision to revisit his
recommendation. Mr. Benjamin complimented
Dr. Hinesley on his willingness to reconsider his recommendation and stated
that it appeared all Board Members encouraged the return of Mr. Nicely to
Tarpon Springs High School. Mr.
Benjamin stated he did see a difference in this case and the case that was
referenced earlier.
Dr. Hinesley stated he heard the Board but was
influenced more by those who spoke on Mr. Nicely’s
behalf. He stated once a decision is
made, he will make the Board aware of the possible implications. Dr. Hinesley withdrew his recommendation from
the Personnel Actions, p. 11, to transfer Mr. John H. Nicely, Principal, Tarpon
Springs High School, to Supervisor, Workforce Development.
It was
moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mr. Todd, and carried with a 7-0 vote to
approve the remainder of the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the
Superintendent. (Pages 26 and 27 of the
Personnel Actions were deleted at the beginning of the meeting.) (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #97.)
The Board
recessed at 8:55 p.m. and reconvened at
9:05 p.m.
3d. To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Ms.
Jennifer R. Ashenfelter, Pending Placement Employee,
Support Service Personnel Department. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #97.)
3e. Recommend Acceptance of Donation to PTEC, St. Petersburg, a 1997 Saturn, 1997 Pontiac Grand Am,
and 1998 Pontiac Sun Fire, from
Clearwater & St. Petersburg Auto Dealers Associations
3f. To approve the Affiliation Agreement With
the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg and Campbell Park Elementary
School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
3g. To approve the Following Special
Projects (Copy/copies, as appropriate,
to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.):
- Amendment to Carl D.
Perkins Vocational and Technical Project:
$150,886
- Amendment to Education of
Homeless Children and Youth Project:
$80,414
- Amendment to Agreement
with St. Petersburg College (SPC) for the Computer
Programming and Networking Systems Program:
$60,747
- Project CHIPS: $19,968
-
Science Literacy-Home Project: $10,000
-
3h. To approve the Budget Amendment No. 5
(January 2002) to the District’s 2001/2002 Budget.
3i. To approve the Financial Statements for
Month Ending January 31, 2002 for Fiscal Year 2001-2002.
3j. To approve the Petty Cash Fund for Love of
Learning Charter School in an Amount not to Exceed $1000.
3k. To approve the Internal Audit Reports for
Post-Secondary (Pinellas Technical Education Centers, Vocational Schools and
Workforce Development Department), High, Middle, and Elementary Schools, and
Multi-Grade Level Centers for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2001.
3l. To approve the Acceptance of Draft Audit
Report of Financial Statements for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2001 prepared by
Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.
3m. To approve the Agreement With Bandes Construction Company, Inc., for Construction
Management Services in Connection With Construction, Remodeling and Renovations
at Largo Central Elementary School in the Amount of $245,300. (Copy to be found
in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
3n. To approve the Agreement With Architect
Larry LaDelfa to Provide Design and Construction
Contract Administration for the Renovation of Eighteen (13) Restrooms in
Buildings 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9 at Pinellas Park Middle School in the Amount of
$43,750. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
3o. To approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement With
Bandes Construction Company, Inc. for a Partial
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in Connection With
HVAC Remodeling and Renovations at Largo Central Elementary in the Amount of
$1,693,140. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
3p. To approve Amendment No. 3 to Agreement With
Lincoln Construction, Inc. for the Addition of $1,100,212, Resulting in a Final
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $4,700,212 in
Connection with new Construction, HVAC Remodeling and Renovations at Cypress
Woods Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
3q. To approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With
Harvard, Jolly, Clees, Toppe
Architects, Inc. for Additional Fees for Design of Off-Site Civil Engineering
Services at the new Meadowlawn Middle School. Total
fees for these additional services are $103,500. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
3r. To approve Change Order No. 3 for
Remodeling and HVAC Renovations at Lakewood High School. This Change Order will decrease the
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $810,654 with no
time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
3s. To approve the Agreement With Everett S.
Rice, as Sheriff of Pinellas County, Florida and Pinellas County to Provide
Augmented Crime Investigative Support System (ACISS)
and Property and Evidence Services. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #97.)
3t. To approve the Augmented Crime
Investigative Support System (ACISS) User Agreement
With Everett S. Rice, as Sheriff of Pinellas County. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #97.)
3u. To approve the Reimbursement of Isolated
Transportation for B.F. for the 2001/2002 School Year.
3v. To approve the Disposition of Surplus
Property.
3w. 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.)
4. It was
moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Todd to approve the following agenda
items:
· Eligibility to Participate in Extracurricular
Activities Guidelines for the Choice Plan;
· Diversity Transfer Guidelines for the Choice
Plan;
· Appeals Process for the Choice Plan; and,
· Special Attendance Permit Guidelines for the
Choice Plan.
Board Members agreed to delay their discussion and action on
these items.
4a. It was moved by Dr. Gessner, seconded by Mr.
Todd, and carried with a 7-0 vote to table these items for further discussion
by the Board and staff.
5. Dr. Hinesley’s
report included the following:
· Stated Mr. Jim Miller is working with the
county to put the lease together for the alternative high school and the
liability implications, if any, will be reviewed. Discussion followed by Board Members.
· Stated Friday Update will contain the
1994 survey regarding the sibling policy for the magnet program.
· Congratulated Palm Harbor University High for
winning the state boys soccer tournament and Lakewood High for winning the
state basketball tournament.
· Stated Dr. Stewart, at his request, went to
Riviera Middle School to see what needed to be done and found many of the
complaints regarding the school were already being addressed. The principal has been advised to send in
work orders when work needs to be done.
Mr. Benjamin congratulated Riviera Middle for being the quiz bowl
champion.
6. Mr. Bowen had no report.
7. Reports from School Board Members were as
follows:
Schools
Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members
Riviera
Middle; SPIFFS – Bayfront Center; State Basketball
Tournament in Lakeland; Police Athletic League; First United Methodist
Preschool Meeting (Mrs. Bostock-speaker); Cable in
the Classroom Awards Ceremony; Community Alliance; Northeast High; R’Club Board Meeting; Meeting With District Director of
Department of Environmental Protection – Debra Getzoff;
Pinellas Planning Council Meeting.
Concerns
Expressed, Written or Oral
Mrs. Cook
– Questioned when the workshop will begin since there are so many items
scheduled. Dr. Hinesley stated an agenda
has already been prepared and those items added on by the Board should not take
much time.
Mr.
Benjamin – Questioned if anything is being done by the district with the
“Silence Hurts” campaign. Dr. Stone
stated teams were sent to Orlando for a kickoff conference for this campaign
and students brought back the information to the schools. Since that time, another program, “Not at my
School,” materials have been provided to principals, and this appears to have
better program materials and a more comprehensive program. Dr. Stone stated the schools have the choice
which program they will use. He also
stated there is another kickoff next month for the “Silence Hurts” campaign and
schools are invited to participate. Stated
the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair was well attended and every country
from around the world was represented.
He also stated the district’s middle school students were highly
complimented at this event.
Dr. Gessner
- Referenced an article in the
newspaper that indicated the Turtle Club property might be available and could
possibly be a potential backup plan for the alternative high school site. Mr. Todd stated the ZERO site is ready to build
on, and the Turtle Club is appealing the decision to close them down.
8. Mr. Johansen offered the following summary
of directives given to the Superintendent for follow up:
· Review Vyrle
Davis’ request for information regarding student progress and how AAVREC may obtain this information.
9. There being no further business to be
brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
______________________ _____________________
Chairman Secretary
/mgc(12Mar02)