SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2002

 

The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at 1:00 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 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, Dr. Ron Stone, Associate Superintendent, Human Resources and Public Affairs.  This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a video presentation of “God Bless America” by the students of  Perkins Elementary School.

 

Introduction of the following representatives of professional and community organizations was given by Dr. Ronald Stone: Carolyn Smith, PESPA; Pat Scarberry, DMAC; Cathy Athanson, Operations Team; Tara Brandenburger and Jennifer Mathis, Students Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Dunedin High School; and, Steve Haggerty, The St. Petersburg Times. 

 

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

 

                    DELETE:        F – PRESENTERS OR SPECIAL ORDER

 

Dr. Hinesley suggested that the Board Members agree to change the proposed Board meeting schedule, page 29 of the Agenda Book, to eliminate the September 10, 2002, meeting.  Dr. Hinesley explained that this is Election Day.  Board Members agreed.

 

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

 

A.      Tara Brandenburger and Jennifer Mathis, Students Rights & Responsibilities Committee representatives, Dunedin High School, shared information regarding achievements received and activities taking place at their school. 

 

B.               Paul Renker of Renker Eich Parks, Architects, Inc. presented for Board approval the Site Plan for Gibbs High School. 

 

Dr. Hinesley recommended Alternative #5 and presented his rationale.

 

Stephen Bayless, Teacher, Gibbs High School – Questioned whether 29 acres is adequate for construction of a full-program high school.  Mr. Bayless expressed his concern that two acres are necessary for underground retention. 

 

Sally S. Day, Assistant Principal, Gibbs High School -- Requested that the Board and Administration do what they can to keep student activities on their own campus.

 

Peggy O’Shea – Addressed the Board to state her concern with a proposal that would take their baseball program off-site. Ms. O’Shea also stated that there has been confusion with the actual cost of this project and questioned whether the district is considering purchasing more land around Gibbs High School.

 

Discussion followed by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, Tony Rivas (Director of Facilities), and Dr. Jerry Runkle (Assistant Superintendent for Finance & MIS).

 

It was moved by Mrs. Lerner and seconded by Dr. Gessner to aggressively pursue an agreement with Florida Department of Transportation for use of their property and consider additional options for Gibbs High School at a future Board meeting.  Discussion followed and this motion was withdrawn.

 

It was moved by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to delay this project to the second (Board) meeting in May.

 

Dr. Hinesley and his staff will look at all options again and bring back a strong recommendation to allow the Board to move forward, listing specific related costs and investigating the possibility of utilizing Tropicana Field.

 

C.               Mr. Bill Criswell of Criswell, Blizzard and Blouin, Architects presented for Board approval the Combined Schematic Design Phase I and Preliminary Design Phase II Submittal for Constructing a Replacement Middle School on the Dunedin Highland Middle School Site for an estimated total cost of $19,851,720.

 

Dr. Hinesley stated that the school wants a track added; that they did not previously have one; that the rationale used is if a school had one, a new one would be included; and, that these plans do not include a track.

 

Discussion followed by Board Members.  Staff will review possible options.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Combined Schematic Design Phase I and Preliminary Design Phase II Submittal for Constructing a Replacement Middle School on the Dunedin Highland Middle School Site for an estimated total cost of $19,851,720.

 

D.               Dr. Hinesley introduced the Following Newly Appointed Personnel:

 

Mr. Thomas A. Gavin, Chief

Campus Police  

 

          Chief Gavin was greeted and congratulated by the Board Members.

 

E.               David Haines, Coordinator, Special Olympics, presented a Plaque to the Pinellas County School Board in recognition of 30 Years in Special Olympics. 

 

Dr. Hinesley recognized former Coordinator for Special Olympics, Emily Brazeal.

 

The meeting recessed at 2:58 p.m. and reconvened at 3:07 p.m.

 

1.      It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci, seconded by Dr. Gessner, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the consent agenda.

 

1a.    To approve the minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting of April 16, 2002, and the workshops of January 8, 2002; February 14, 2002; and, April 23, 2002, as submitted. 

 

1b.    To approve the School Board Meeting Dates and Times for the 2002-03 School Year (eliminating the September 10, 2002, meeting).

 

1c.    To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent.          (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1d.    To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss Mr. Shawn Wood,

Pending Placement Employee, Support Service Personnel Department. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

         

1e.    To approve the Zero Tolerance Cooperative Agreement between Pinellas County Schools District and the Department of Juvenile Justice. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1f.     To approve the Following Special Projects:  (Copy/copies, as appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

         

-        Renewal of Adult Education Section 123-Geographic Project:  $667,661

-        Renewal of Dixie Hollins Adult Education Project:  $75,000

-        Migration Station Project:  $4,820

-        Education’s Unsung Heroes Project (Seminole Elementary):  $25,000

-        Allegany Grassroots Charity Grant:  $1,000

-        The National Dairy Council Grant:  $7,500

-                     Peer Connection Project:  $63,684

-        Elementary and Secondary Counseling Project:  $400,000

-        Renewal of Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Project:  $1,564,836

-        Amendment to Agreement with Florida Center for Interactive Media:  $113,500

-        Education’s Unsung Heroes Project (Richard L. Sanders School):  $5,000

-                     Assistant Principal Summer Institute Project:  $85,000    

 

1g.    To approve Budget Amendment No. 7 (March 2002) to the District’s 2001/2002 Budget.

 

1h.    To approve the Financial Statements for Month Ending March 31, 2002 for Fiscal Year 2001-2002.

 

1i.      To approve a Renewal of our District’s Waiver of State Statute 232.2462(1)(a).

 

1j.      To approve a Termination Date Change in the 2001-2002 Interinstitutional Articulation Agreement  Between the Pinellas County School Board and the St. Petersburg College District Board of Trustees         . (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1k.     To approve a Training Agent Agreement With Suncoast Workforce Board, Inc.          (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1L.    To approve the Health Agreement With Gulfcoast OB/GYN. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1m.   To approve the Health Agreement With Tama Franko, DDS. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1n.    To approve the Health Agreement With Palm Harbor Pediatrics. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1o.    To approve the Health Agreement With Sandra Worman, DDS. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1p.    To approve the Health Agreement With Bayfront Medical Center, Inc.          (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1q.    To approve the Report to the School Board of Facility Leases, Joint-Use Activities, and Other Community Uses Processed by the Real Property Management Department During the First Quarter 2002.

 

1r.     To approve the Agreement With Walbridge Aldinger for Construction Management Services in Connection With Constructing a Replacement Middle School on the Dunedin Highland Middle School Site in the Amount of $1,898,000. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1s.    To approve the Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Biltmore Construction Company, Inc. for the Addition of $1,869,333, Resulting in a Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $5,303,000 in Connection With new Construction, Remodeling and Renovations at Lake St. George Elementary School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1t.     To approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Rosier/Jones Associates, now Known as, The Rosier Alliance to Provide Design and Construction Contract Administration for Design of a Complete new Roof for the Facility at Largo Central Elementary School in the Amount of $23,814. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1u.    To approve the Renewal of Vehicle Use Agreements. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #96.)

 

1v.     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.)

 

2.      It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Todd to approve the setting of a public hearing and authorize the advertisement of the public hearing to consider the amendments to Policy 4.01 Code of Student Conduct.

 

          Discussion followed by Board Members.   Board Members should send their questions to Dr. Hinesley prior to the May 14 workshop.   Policy 4.01 Code of Student Conduct will be brought back for final reading at the June 18, 2002, Board meeting.

 

2a.    The motion to approve          the setting of a public hearing and authorize the advertisement of the public hearing to consider the amendments to Policy 4.01 Code of Student Conduct was carried with a 7-0 vote.

 

3.      It was moved by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mrs. Gallucci and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the setting of a public hearing and authorize the advertisement of the public hearing to consider the proposed amendments to Policy 4.02 Code of Student Conduct Postsecondary/Workforce Development.  This is the first reading.

 

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

 

          Carolyn Smith, PESPA – Invited Board Members to join teachers, support professionals and friends at Derby Lane 9:00 a.m. on June 1, 2002, for a march across The Friendship Trail – The Grand Ole Gandy Bridge.

 

          Emily Rogers Coeyman – Addressed the Board to express her concern that employees of the City of St. Petersburg were acting as mentors in schools during their workday.  Ms. Coeyman stated that, when these people are being paid by the City, they are not actually “volunteering” in our schools.

 

          Rob McMahon, PCTA – Stated that PCTA has made teacher salaries a priority this year during the bargaining process and distributed a handout from Metro Atlanta, Georgia school system showing their salary ranges for teachers.  Mr. McMahon stated that our district must be competitive in the job market and able to attract and keep qualified teachers.  He requested that the Board support PCTA’s efforts.

 

5.      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 proposed amendments to Policy 4.03 Attendance.

 

          Dr. Hinesley presented a brief overview and stated that this is the first reading.

 

5a.    The motion to approve the setting of a public hearing and authorize the advertisement of the public hearing to consider the proposed amendments to Policy 4.03 Attendance was carried with a 7-0 vote.

 

6.      Dr. Hinesley requested that the Board approve the attractor for the Thurgood Marshall Middle School as an Area Fundamental-like School.  Dr. Hinesley presented the rationale for this recommendation.

 

          Bud Zimmer, Troy Willingham, and Jean Willingham – Addressed the Board to request that they support the proposal recommended by Dr. Hinesley.

 

          Pat Scarberry, DMAC – Addressed the Board to state that the parent survey doesn’t support the need for another fundamental school in Area A but that it does indicate an interest in a science/math/technical attractor.

 

          Discussion followed by Board members.

 

          Mrs. Lerner expressed concern that students can be dismissed for minor infractions.

 

          Mrs. Gallucci stated that the Board and Superintendent need to question why they built this school and asked if it wasn’t to bring students back to schools closer to their homes. 

 

6a.    It was moved by Mr. Todd, seconded by Dr. Gessner, and carried with a 5-2 vote, Mrs. Gallucci and Mrs. Lerner voting against, to approve the attractor for the Thurgood Marshall Middle School as an Area Fundamental School, removing “like” since it is a fundamental school.

 

7.      It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve Primary Years IB as an attractor for James Sanderlin Elementary School. 

 

Dr. Hinesley presented his recommendation.  Dr. Hinesley stated that there is some cost associated with this program but, since this will be a Title I school, there will be several sources of dollars to implement this program.  He stated that, therefore, there should not be a significant impact, if any, on the operating budget.

 

Pat Scarberry, DMAC – Requested that there be some emphasis on the arts.

 

7a.    The motion to approve Primary Years IB as an attractor for James Sanderlin Elementary School was carried with a 7-0 vote.

 

8.      Dr. Hinesley presented his recommendation for Math and Engineering as an attractor for Doug Jamerson Elementary School.  Dr. Hinesley shared that an idea which came from PCTA suggests that this be the first elementary school in the country to be a lab school for nationally certified teachers.

 

          Mrs. Bostock questioned whether this opportunity could be placed at additional sites.  Dr. Hinesley will look into that possibility.

 

8a.    It was moved by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mrs. Cook, and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the Math and Engineering as an attractor for Doug Jamerson Elementary School.

 

9.      It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mr. Todd to approve the Proposed Opening/Closing Times for the 2002-2003 School Year.

 

          Dr. Hinesley stated that he was recommending no changes due to the major changes in the student assignment proposed for next year.

 

          Mrs. Gallucci stated her objection to the late start for middle school students and the early start for high school students.

 

9a.    The motion to approve          the Proposed Opening/Closing Times for the 2002-2003 School Year was carried with a 7-0 vote.

 

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

 

Ř     Stated that the same architect and the same contractor are doing the Gibbs site as the Northeast site.

 

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

 

12.    Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

 

          Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members

Blanton Elementary; Northwest Elementary; Calvin Hunsinger; PRIDE Awards; Lakewood High Meeting; Education Foundation Gala; Lakewood Elementary Tree Dedication Ceremony; Area II (ACE) Principal Appreciation Luncheon; Head Start Board of Directors Meeting; ESE Advisory Meeting; Southern Oak Elementary; Eisenhower Elementary; Tropicana Speech Contest at Dixie Hollins High (Mrs. Cook- Judge); Will Roger’s Follies at Clearwater High; PCCPTA Annual Banquet; Joseph L. Carwise Minority Student Achievement Awards; Turnaround Student Breakfast; MPO Monthly Meeting; NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner; R’Club Community Involvement Breakfast; PARC Board Meeting; Pinellas Planning Council; Pinellas Marine Institute Board Meeting; Safety Harbor Secondary; Fuguitt Elementary; Riviera Middle; Azalea Middle Dedication; DMAC; Arts Council Appreciation Luncheon; Suncoast Center for Community Health Board Meeting; Earth Force Summit Event; Council for Exceptional Children Awards Banqueet; Food Services Banquet; PTA Banquet; Carwise Awards Brunch; Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network Board Meeting.

         

 

 

 

 

 

          Concerns Expressed, Written, or Oral

 

Mrs. Gallucci – Stated that the Board subcommittee reviewing self-assessment tools met and will be presenting that item at the May 14, 2002, workshop for approval.  Mrs. Gallucci suggested that the Board utilize this tool at their upcoming retreat.

 

Mrs. Lerner – Stated that the Board had agreed to use Board meetings to educate the community more about the Choice Plan.  Mrs. Lerner stated that the letter to the Editor was very good and outlined the process that was followed and asked Dr. Hinesley to expand on that issue.  Dr. Hinesley stated that additional information has been placed on our website and communicated to employees.

 

Mrs. Bostock – Reminded the Board that they had agreed to discuss the issue brought to them at the last meeting regarding the fundamental school policies.  Mrs. Bostock suggested, and the Board agreed, to discuss this issue during their upcoming retreat.

 

Dr. Gessner – Suggested that administration consider placing “spots” on regular cable television to expand parents’ knowledge on the Choice Plan.  Dr. Hinesley stated that public service slots are quite often taken up in an election year.

 

Mr. Todd – Requested that the Superintendent look at security issues at St. Petersburg High School.  Dr. Hinesley stated that this is already being done, that additional cameras are being installed and that meetings are being scheduled with SAC, PTA, the Area Superintendent, and City of St. Petersburg personnel.  Dr. Gessner requested that additional personnel be placed at that school.  Commended Dr. John Stewart and Carol Cook for their efforts in getting benches placed at the front walkway after Dick Cash requested that.  Mr. Todd stated he was pleased that the benches will have a plaque recognizing the support given to the arts by Mr. Cash.  Mr. Benjamin added his appreciation to Mrs. Cook for her efforts.

 

Mr. Benjamin – Stated that PCTA had asked that the Board feel the need to improve teacher salaries and stated that the Board wants to assure Mr. McMahon that the Board is looking at this issue seriously.   Stated that is time for the School Board to elect their new representative to the FSBA Board of Directors.  Mr. Benjamin stated that a form was sent out to Board Members requesting their interest and that Mrs. Cook had indicated that she would take this responsibility.  Through consensus, the Board agreed to have Mrs. Cook represent them in the District 12 seat on the FSBA Board of Directors.

         

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

 

Ř     Superintendent will look at the Gibbs site alternatives and come back to the Board with a specific recommendation at the second meeting in May.

 

14.    There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.

 

 

 

______________________       _____________________

              Chairman                                      Secretary

 

 

/db(02May7)