Regular Meeting – February 12, 2008
MINUTES
The School Board of St. Lucie County held a regular meeting in the School Board Room on February 12,
2008 which began at approximately 6:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
MS. CAROL A. HILSON, Chairman
Member Residing in District
DR. JUDI MILLER, Vice Chairman
Member Residing in District
DR. JOHN CARVELLI
Member Residing in District
MRS. KATHRYN HENSLEY
Member Residing in District
MR. TROY INGERSOLL
Member Residing in District
No. 2
No. 1
No. 3
No. 4
No. 5
MR. MICHAEL J. LANNON, Superintendent
MR. DANIEL B. HARRELL, Attorney
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Hilson called the meeting to order. Students from Garden City Elementary led the Pledge of
Allegiance and performed two delightful musical selections.
MINUTES
January 8, 2008 Regular Meeting, January 29, 2008 Regular Workshop Meeting,
February 6, 2008 Expulsion Meeting
Action: There was a motion to approve the minutes for January 8,
January 29, and February 6, 2008 as presented (Miller/
Carvelli/Carried 5-0).
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
1. KP American Legion’s “Proud to be an American” Essay Contest 1 st Place Regional, State & Nat’l.
Winner
Mr. Kevin Perry, Area Assistant Superintendent, introduced F. K. Sweet Principal Juanita Wright and student
Christian Medina to the Board. Christian was the first place essay contest winner for the state and nation
in the American Legion’s “Proud to be an American” contest. Christian read his essay to the Board and
American Legion Auxiliary member Rita Woodburn presented him with a plaque from the American Legion
Post 318.
2. JS Recognition of Scholar Athletes and Athletic Administrator of the Year
The Board recognized two exceptional scholar athletes from St. Lucie West Centennial High School,
namely, Melinda Dulkowski and Jeramie Little. After extending congratulations to the students, Centennial
Coach John Messina announced that St. Lucie West Centennial High would be the host school for the State
Baseball Championship Tournament 2009-2010 finals.
On another note, Dr. Helen Roberts, principal at Treasure Coast High School, came forward to inform the
Board that Treasure Coast High School’s athletic director, Mr. Dan Comeau, had recently been named the
FIAAA State Athletic Administrator of the Year. Further congratulations and kudos were given to Mr.
Domeau in recognition of this great achievement.
3. BS Student Services Week, February 4 – 8, 2008
Ms. Barbara Casteen, Director of the Student Services Department, read a statement of support for Student
Services Week which was celebrated during the week of February 4 – 8, 2008. To further recognize efforts
of everyone in the student services department, the principal and a parent from Garden City Elementary
spoke about a warm and caring environment and the many services that are provided for students.
4. KS St. Lucie County School District Business Partners for 2007-08
Ms. Kathy Schmidt, Director of Career and Technical Education, asked the Board to recognize the district’s
two Business Partners of the Year: Treasure Coast Builders Association and Kaizen Leadership Karate.
5. KS Recognition of “Career and Technical Education Month”
Ms. Kathy Schmidt and her department team members talked about career tech and how it helps students
become successful in business and industry. They also recognized three “Career and Technical Ed
“Teacher of the Year” nominees and two outstanding CTE students who serve as state officers for
SkillsUSA.
A resolution designating the month of February as “Career and Technical Education Month” was read and
adopted by the Board.
Action: The resolution designating the month of February as
“Career and Technical Education was adopted by
general consent.
6. JK District Winners for Volunteer of the Year 2007-08
Mrs. Susan Helms-Smith, RSVP Coordinator, presented, via video, the following district “Volunteer of the
Year” winners to the Board for recognition: Jeanett Michelle Mills (Youth Volunteer of the Year nominated
by Fort Pierce Westwood High School); Harold Tourjee, Jr. (Adult Volunteer of the Year nominated by
Lincoln Park Academy), and Doris Williams (Senior Volunteer of the Year nominated by Fairlawn Elementary
School).
The School District must
STAFF REPORTS
7. OR Curriculum Report – School Improvement Plan Presentations
promise continuous
improvement in student
achievement and in the
success of each individual.
The Board received written and verbal school improvement plan presentations from Dr. Helen Roberts,
Principal at Treasure Coast High School, Mrs. Gayle Pike, Principal at St. Lucie West Centennial High School,
and Mr. Terry Davis, Principal at Port St. Lucie High School. School improvement plans are presented
during each regular business meeting as determined by the Superintendent and staff. The reports include
the previous year’s data on student demographics, Stanford achievement results, FCAT subgroup
data/student proficiency, adequate yearly progress and strategies germane to each school’s student
population for the coming year in reading, mathematics, writing, and science. Details of the data
presented can be found in the supplemental minutes packet and/or at each school.
Individual board members and the Superintendent follow-up with comments/questions.
8. ML Superintendent’s Report Fort Pierce Westwood High Video Report
Superintendent Lannon invited Dr. Keith Brown, principal at Fort Pierce Westwood High School, to present
his school’s marketing video used to recruit students to “Westwood’s Centers of Excellence” that include
programs such as: diversified health, veterinarian state-of-the-art, Mandarin Chinese, international
business, junior ROTC, building trades, culinary arts, and criminal justice.
Mr. Lannon summarized that the community was beginning to realize that change was occurring in St.
Lucie County. Schools were creating and replicating a level of excellence in programs that was highly
successful.
FAU/SLCSB District Charter Lab School Name
On the matter of naming the FAU/SLCSB District Charter Lab School, Mr. Lannon shared a report that
described the process. It included a list of the Naming Committee members and samples of proposed
forms, letterhead, and marketing brochures. Out of the three proposed school names, Mr. Lannon stated
he would be recommending the name of Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition to the Board
at its February 26, 2008 meeting.
Educational Broadband Service Long-Term DeFacto Transfer Lease Agreement with Sprint Nextel
Mr. Lannon directed the Board’s attention to consent agenda item #18 which pertained to an agreement
with Sprint Nextel Corporation to bring digitization to the district’s TV channels. The agreement proposed
that the District lease six of its eight channels to Wireless Broadcasting Systems of Fort Pierce, Inc., (Sprint
Nextel) while retaining two channels for district use.
The lease period was one initial 5-year period with five additional 5-year renewal periods. In addition, the
digital video system proposed for installation as a part of the agreement would also be made available for
district use on district channels as well. Mr. Lannon discussed financial aspects of the lease with the
Board. Mr. Craig Jerome from the media department was recognized for his effort in finalizing
negotiations that could potentially bring $6 million to the district.
Budget Reduction/Potential Revenue Impact
The superintendent and board members discussed the economic picture for Florida which continued to
deteriorate. Mr. Lannon announced that the Legislature was looking at another budget reduction for the
current year. The total cut for education Pre-K through university level would be approximately $500
million. Kindergarten through twelfth grade would share about $120 million of that amount. The Senate
leadership did not intend to cut FEFP allocations. However, should the entire amount (of the cut) come
from FEFP, St. Lucie County would be cut by $1,848,144. Preliminary figures for general revenue
collections for December were $193 million below projections upon which the revised budget was based.
Taxes in virtually every category (sales, corporate, documentary stamps, intangibles) were down.
Communication services taxes which had continued to meet projections also fell in December. The only
tax to increase was insurance premium taxes.
Mr. Lannon stressed it was important to understand what was happening and to plan accordingly. He
mentioned the Board may need to schedule an executive session due to personnel ramifications. Solution
strategies would be designed openly and together with union leaders.
Board members indicated they may need to talk with other districts/educational groups as well as other
governmental bodies. Mr. Lannon stated he had already contacted the county and two cities asking them
for written responses by February 20 regarding budgetary restrictions and/or suggestions where efforts
could be combined.
CTA REPORT
No report.
CWA REPORT
No report.
CONSENT AGENDA
Action: The superintendent recommended the Board approve
consent agenda items #9 through #21 as presented
(Hensley/Carvelli/Carried 5-0).
9. SR Personnel Agenda & Leaves (noted one amended page)
10 TB ITB 08 – 25 Handrails
11. KM Agreement to Postpone Consideration of Charter School Agmt. for Imagine - St. Lucie County, LLC
12. BS Professional Services Agreement with Rene L. Bartley
13 BS Professional Services Agreement with Melinda M. Hart
14. BS Professional Services Agreement with Melissa L. Smith
15. BS Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Boca Speech Center, Inc.
16. AC Treasure Coast High School’s Pre-Collegiate Team Trip to Atlanta, GA – March 25-28, 2008
17 KP West Gate K-8 Band Trip to Washington, D. C., April 30 – May 5, 2008
18. JK Educational Broadband Service Long-Term DeFacto Transfer Lease Agreement with Sprint Nextel
19. AG Urban Building Systems GMP for Air Handler Units Replacement Phase 1 at Village Green
Elementary
20. AG Urban Building Systems GMP for Air Handler Units Replacement Phase 2 at Parkway Elementary
21. AG Urban Building Systems GMP for Fire Alarm/Intercom/Security System at Parkway Elementary
The core business of the
St. Lucie County School
District is creating
challenging, engaging, and
Quality schools are the
satisfying work for every
responsibility of the entire
student, every day.
community.
OTHER BUSINESS
22. BS Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law & Final Orders #077 - #123
Action: The superintendent recommended the Board approve
Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law & Final
Orders #077 - #123 (Miller/Carvelli/Carried 5-0).
GROWTH MGMT./LAND ACQUISITIONS/INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS REPORT
Mr. Marty Sander, Executive Director for Growth Management/Land Acquisitions/Intergovernmental
Relations, gave an update on the January 2008 demographic projections and the status of the concurrency
agreements with St. Lucie County, City of Fort Pierce, and City of Port St. Lucie.
The School District and its
BUDGET/FINANCE REPORT
employees have mutual
obligations for support
No report.
and development toward
continuous improvement.
FACILITIES REPORT
Mr. Alan Gilbert, Executive Director of Facilities & Maintenance, presented a progress report on current
facility projects that included the following: Port St. Lucie High School auditorium, the FAU/SLCSB District
Charter Lab School, Fort Pierce Central High School, Manatee Academy K-8 addition, Garden City
Elementary restroom and landscaping renovations, and Southbend K-8.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
No report.
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Mrs. Hensley mentioned it was time to schedule individual appointments with Mr. Lannon for his annual
evaluation.
Mr. Ingersoll discussed the possibility of expanding Forest Grove Middle School’s new program and sought
an update on the Indian teachers’ visa situation.
Chairman Hilson reminded everyone about the Treasure Coast Legislative Conference in Tallahassee on
February 20 – 22, 2008.
UNSCHEDULED SPEAKERS
There were no unscheduled speakers.
ADJOURNMENT
After conducting all business scheduled to come before the Board, Chairman Hilson adjourned the regular
February 12, 2008 meeting at approximately 9:10 p.m.