Regular Meeting – May 8, 2007
MINUTES
The School Board of St. Lucie County held a regular meeting in the School Board Room on May 8, 2007 at
approximately 6:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
MS. CAROL A. HILSON, Vice Chairman
Member Residing in District No. 2
MRS. KATHRYN HENSLEY
Member Residing in District No. 4
MR. TROY INGERSOLL
Member Residing in District No. 5
DR. JUDI MILLER
Member Residing in District No. 1
ABSENT:
DR. JOHN CARVELLI, Chairman
Member Residing in District No. 3
ALSO PRESENT:
MR. MICHAEL J. LANNON, Superintendent
MR. DANIEL B. HARRELL, Attorney
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Chairman Carol Hilson called the meeting to order. Lawnwood Elementary students then came
forward to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and sing several musical selections.
MINUTES
Action: The superintendent recommended the Board approve
minutes for April 5, 2007, April 10, 2007 and
April 24, 2007as presented (Hensley/Ingersoll/
Carried 4-0).
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
1. ML American Cancer Society “Circle of Hope” Fundraiser Awards
Frances K. Sweet student Cody Denig, a young and courageous survivor who created the “Circle of Hope”
idea/effort, assisted Ms. Meredith Jones, American Cancer Society volunteer, in presenting Certificates of
Appreciation to every school in the district. Students across the district had raised tremendous amounts
of money for the Society and Ms. Jones thanked Mr. Lannon and the Board for their support and all of the
students for their fundraising efforts on behalf of the American Cancer Society.
2. ML Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Presentation
Mr. Rick Heroux and Ms. Lisa Taylor from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation presented Mr. Lannon with a
Certificate of Appreciation. Mr. Lannon had served as the Foundation’s Honorary Chairman during its
fundraising campaign. Over $30,000 been raised with more contributions still coming in.
3. ML American Heart Association Jump Rope/Hoops for Heart Recognition
Ms. Michelle Cooper, a representative with the American Heart Association who conducted Jump Rope and
Hoops for Heart events at several elementary and middle schools, honored the top five elementary school
event coordinators and the top two middle event coordinators for their hard work and support of the AHA.
Coordinators from Morningside Elementary, Rivers Edge Elementary, Oak Hammock K-8, Village Green
Elementary, Mariposa Elementary, Southern Oaks Middle School, and Dan McCarty Middle School came
forward to be recognized for their outstanding and caring work.
4. ML St. Lucie County Health Department/Fire District Water Safety Awards ok 28:28
Ms. Arlease Hall from the St. Lucie County Health Department and Ms. Puddin Race from the St. Lucie
County Fire District presented a donation to the Board on behalf of all schools to say thank you for the
partnership and student participation in the water safety/drowning prevention program sponsored by the
St. Lucie County Health Department and Fire District. Each school media center was given two books on
water safety and a stuffed kangaroo “Roo” to promote student learning and drowning prevention.
5. JK St. Lucie County School District Teacher of Excellence Utilizing Technology 2007 Grant Winners
Mrs. Mary Holmgren, Executive Director of the St. Lucie County Education Foundation, had the honor of
presenting laptop computers donated by Dell to the following teachers for their excellence in utilizing
technology in the classroom: Pamela Garrity from Bayshore Elementary, Karen Thompson from Forest
Grove Middle School, Mary Jean Malizia from Port St. Lucie High School, and Teacher of the Year Anna
LaDeans Phillips. This award was given in honor of elementary, middle and high school teachers who were
utilizing technology to both enhance the curriculum in an innovative manner and to motivate engaged
student learning in the classroom.
6. SR Florida Atlantic University/St. Lucie County Chamber Scholarship Recognition
Vice Chairman Hilson, Superintendent Lannon, Mrs. Olivia Watkins from Human Resources, FAU Vice
President Gerri McPherson, and School Board Member Kathryn Hensley who represented the SLC Chamber
of Commerce, were very pleased and proud to present plaques to the first graduates in the county who
had earned their degrees through the FAU/SLC Chamber Scholarship Program. Ms. Angie Moorer and Ms.
Tywannia Moorer were honored and recognized for their great achievement. It was an historical and
happy occasion for everyone concerned. Both graduates received degrees as teachers for exceptional
student education.
Superintendent Lannon and Mrs. Hensley talked briefly about the “A Promise is a Promise” program. St.
Lucie County School District graduates receive a guaranteed contract and a promise of employment once
they become highly qualified teachers. Mrs. Hensley, who helped start the scholarship program through
the Chamber over a year ago, maintained that the scholarship opportunities needed to be expanded.
7. BS 8th Annual Florida Youth Leadership Forum Delegates
Mrs. Barbara Slaga, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Exceptional Student Education,
assisted by Ms. Lesa Kitzmiller, Program Specialist for Transition Services, announced and asked the Board
to recognize the district’s delegates to the 8th Annual Florida Youth Leadership Forum for high school
students with disabilities. The student representatives were Henry Sanchez, Stuart Schneider, Summer
Hovaldt, and Robert Noren.
SCHEDULED SPEAKER (5 minute limit)
8. John/Carol Moler
Mr. John Moler addressed the Board about the new temporary Winterlakes K-8 school site which was
located in his neighborhood. Mr. Moler had given the Board a petition that contained107 signatures of
concerned citizens and neighbors in the north Torino area where the site was currently being built. Mr.
Moler explained that residents in that area had understood the Winterlakes area was zoned as OSR—a
park, however the zoning was changed. With the current location of a temporary school in that same area
(possibly for 3-5 years), Mr. Moler and others hoped and were asking that the zoning be returned to OSR
when the temporary school was no longer necessary. The major concern pointed out by Mr. Moler had to
do with the inadequate roads that were already congested. Pollution from bus fumes would also be a
problem. Another area of negative impact had to do with a proposed bridge across (“rabbit run”) the
Sanctuary Apartments area which would compound the traffic problem.
Mr. Moler stated he had met with Port St. Lucie City Manager Don Cooper and Councilwoman Michelle
Berger and had asked for options pertaining to other sites that were suitable in the red zone. Mr. Moler
was told there were four suitable sites for consideration. In meeting with Mr. Marty Sanders, Executive
Director of Growth Management/Land Acquisitions/Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Moler was told the
first priority site was one on west Blanton and west Torino Parkway. Mr. Cooper and Ms. Berger did
confirm that that site was negotiable (infrastructure was in place and it was accessible from two secondary
roads).
Mr. Moler told the Board that his community was willing to endure the temporary school with the
understanding that it was a temporary situation, which is what everyone had been led to believe. Due to
the negative impact to the community and with the inherent problems with the Winterlakes school site, Mr.
Moler stated a permanent school in a better location with better access and infrastructure was the only
answer to this situation. It was understood that the district was in an emergency situation due to rapid
growth and a need for student stations. The message Mr. Moler carried to the Board from his community
was, “No bridge, no permanent school.” According to the school district and Michelle Berger, the bridge
money could fund between one half to two thirds of the cost of the property at Blanton and West Torino
Parkway.
Vice Chairman Hilson thanked Mr. Moler for his input from the community and stated the Board was aware
that Mr. Sanders was working diligently with the group. Board members were listening and were aware of
the issues. Mr. Marty Sanders was asked to update the Board.
Mr. Sanders started by saying the School District had been looking for school sites in the old General
Development Corporation (GDC) area of Port St. Lucie for a long time. The re-districting (for student
assignment purposes) that the district underwent last year moved the Torino area and the Parkway area
that was originally in old zone one into the new red zone. This increased the need for school sites in Port
St. Lucie because students were no longer attending schools north of Midway Road. There were about
4,000 homes still to be built in the Torino Parkway area. The typical student generation rate would be
about 1,600 students for that area. Last fall, the City and the District looked at the anticipated enrollment
numbers for 2007 and discussed what facilities could be brought on line. The Winterlakes site was about
the only one that could be obtained in a short period of time. Infrastructure was available and the site
could be permitted. Other sites that were looked at, including Blanton and West Torino, were not available
to the district at the time. The only site that met the timeframe for a 2007 opening was Winterlakes.
Based on that information, the district moved forward and requested a five year lease from the City of Port
St. Lucie. The City gave the district a three year lease with the option of a two year renewal. The lease
was presented to the School Board for consideration and discussion. There was some concern mentioned
about the magnitude of expenditures for a site that could only be used for up to five years. However, in
recognizing the need for student stations due to the number of incoming students and due to class-size
reduction requirements, the Board took action to move forward with the temporary school. Letters were
sent out to notify the neighborhood and a meeting was held with residents in March 2007. Most of the
concerns brought up at that time were about finding another route to the temporary site that did not go
through the neighborhood. Some options were looked at, e.g., extend “rabbit run”, a roadway just south
of the Dellwood neighborhood. That appeared to be a viable alternative.
Mr. Sanders continued by stating that new options had opened up to the district that were not available
last fall and they should now be explored further. The Blanton site was a good option that should be
looked at, however, residents were against the building of an access road. In any event, the access road
could not be completed by the start of school. Mr. Sanders advised the Board that he would continue to
explore other opportunities with the City of Port St. Lucie regarding other school sites.
Superintendent Lannon thanked Mr. Moler for his comments and indicated he had asked Mr. Sanders to
open up new avenues of conversation with the City of Port St. Lucie, the findings of which would be
brought back to the School Board.
Following the scheduled speaker’s comments and discussion, Vice Chairman Hilson did advise everyone
that Chairman Carvelli’s absence was due to a medical situation, a non-emergency, that had come up and
consequently, he was unable to participate in the meeting this evening.
STAFF REPORTS
9. OR Curriculum Report
- School Improvement Plan Presentation – Mariposa Elementary
The Board received a written and verbal school improvement plan presentation from Mr. Craig Logue,
principal at Mariposa Elementary School. School improvement plans are presented during each regular
business meeting as determined by the superintendent and staff. As each report is verbally summarized,
the written information that each school provides includes 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.
Board members and the superintendent give each report their undivided attention. Follow-up comments
and/or questions are not unusual. Board members and Superintendent Lannon do express great
appreciation to each school’s team for their support of students and efforts in preparing the plan.
- Curriculum Advancements and Professional Development
Dr. Owen Roberts, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching/Learning & Accountability/Assessment,
stated he was pleased to be able to bring an update to the Board concerning the fine work that was being
done at the district office. One and a half years ago, Dr. Roberts said the Board had made a decision to
invest In a management system for curriculum (FOCUS), one that would bring quality support to schools to
ensure that quality instruction and education was taking place for boys and girls. Dr. Roberts introduced
Mrs. Mary Krause, Executive Director of Teaching, Learning, and Title I, and Mrs. Debbie Iseman, Executive
Director of Professional Development, who reported on future goals and plans for the coming school year
in the areas of curriculum advancement and professional development.
Mrs. Krause, assisted by Ms. Jeanne Moniz and Ms. Teri Barenborg from the curriculum department, and
Ms. Chris Yahn, project manager for the Riverdeep project, updated the Board on the FOCUS plan. Mrs.
Krause explained that it began as a skeleton plan that was put together to help support new teachers
coming into the district and those coming in from out of state. The FOCUS lesson plans were aligned with
the district’s scope and sequence and the Sunshine State Standards. A teacher only had to click on a
lesson, click on a benchmark and they would have what they needed to start teaching lessons. The system
provided best practices from very highly qualified teachers and allowed for easier management of updated
benchmarks/Sunshine State Standards.
Dr. Miller questioned and Mrs. Krause answered how and when FOCUS was used; the number and variety
of activities and demonstrations used in lessons; efforts to update the system; how to capture and apply
best practices; how to identify that a teacher has a best practice or skill and what was that process; plans
for getting the system into the hands of more teachers, and the proposed marketing plan.
Mr. Ingersoll said he really appreciated the forthright, clear, and concise presentation. He and other board
members could see the vision and anticipated growth of this system with the district’s technology plan.
Mr. Ingersoll asked how many teachers were trained and using the system now and how many hits did the
website get during a week.
Ms. Hilson stressed the importance of marketing the system and introducing it to incoming teachers right
away. Many new teachers are overwhelmed and this system would make the difference.
.
Mr. Ingersoll suggested that staff continue to keep the training groups small.
Ms. Iseman reported on professional development opportunities for teachers, administrators over the
2007 summer and also provided an agenda for the K-5 Academies that were being offered on August 1314, 2007.
Mr. Lannon summarized that the district’s 20 point plan that was released to the public on May 2, 2007
was designed to support the kind of work that had just been discussed by the curriculum and professional
development staff. All the hard work and creativity took a lot of research and refining by a dedicated
staff.
10. ML Superintendent’s Report
TCERDA UPDATE
Mr. Richard A. Kennedy, Jr., Executive Director of the TC Education, Research, and Development Authority,
gave a brief update on the Treasure Coast Research Park. The new undertaking by St. Lucie County, along
with three area universities and the School Board, was an ambitious process designed to contribute to the
economic development for the Treasure Coast. The 1,600 acre research park is home to the University of
Florida’s 90,000 – SF IFAS research center, the USDA’s 170,000 – SF horticultural research lab, the St.
Lucie County Cooperative Extension Service and the School Board’s Agri-Science Education Program. The
Authority was in the process of gaining federal and state funding with which to build a 10,000 – SF office
center and business incubator along with development of a master plan that would begin the process of
further park development.
REVIEW
Superintendent Lannon reviewed the following matters with board members:
-On-going work being done on high school science labs across the district,
-Twenty point funding plan to address needs of underperforming students,
-Potential licensing of a non-commercial education radio station in St. Lucie County,
-Request for hurricane pet shelter at Westgate Middle School.
ORGANIZATONAL CHART AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS (for review only at this time)
Superintendent Lannon gave board members a new proposed organizational chart for the 2007-08
leadership team and six job descriptions for their review. After explaining his rationale for changes to the
chart, Mr. Lannon indicated he would bring all items back for Board consideration at the May 22, 2007
regular workshop.
CTA REPORT
CTA/CU President Vanessa Tillman thanked the Board for committing to the employees’ compensation
package (see consent agenda #14). Ms. Tillman commended the Board for putting employees first.
See other comments from Ms. Tillman below:
-The recruitment trip to Texas/New Mexico was very successful, a “plus plus”,
-Infusion of African American studies as presented by Dr. P. Coggins was a
move in the right direction,
-Professional development’s summer training calendar was an excellent collaborative
effort—people would have an opportunity to hear each other and build relationships
early on in the school year,
-Professional development opportunities were needed for professional support personnel,
-Review non-renewed contracts; were employees given a second chance,
-Determine if employees could have had the skills if they had received the necessary support.
Ms. Hilson told Ms. Tillman that board members had just returned from Master Board training in Tampa
where other districts could not believe how successful the collaborative bargaining model was in St. Lucie
County. This was due to the leadership of Ms. Tillman, Mr. Lannon and the negotiation teams. Everyone
was working together to do the best thing for the children.
CWA REPORT
No report.
CONSENT AGENDA
Action: The superintendent recommended the Board approve
consent agenda items #11 through #22 and #24 through
#33(item #23 was pulled for separate vote) (Hensley/
Ingersoll/Carried 4-0).
Discussion: prior to stating the question, Dr. Miller asked that item #23 be pulled from the consent
agenda for separate vote. It was pointed out that there was no funding going to Big Brothers/Big Sisters
through the School Board. The agreement pertained to the sharing of data (attendance, academic
performance, teacher feedback, etc.). Dr. Miller recused herself from voting on item #23. See Form 8B
Memorandum of Voting, Conflict for County, Municipal and Other Local Public Officers on file in the
Minutes Book.
SEPARATE VOTE ON ITEM #23 – Big Brothers/Big Sisters of St. Lucie County Interagency Agreement
Action: The superintendent recommended the Board approve
separate item #23 as presented (Hensley/Ingersoll/
Carried 3-0, Dr. Miller abstained).
11. SR Personnel Agenda & Leaves – Professional Support Re-appointments
12. SR Agreement with Florida Atlantic University for MERIT India Teacher (MIT) Program
13. SR CTA/CU Contract Waiver for Morningside Elementary
14. SR Letters of Understanding Regarding Compensation for CTA, CU, and CWA
15. SR Job Descriptions for Classroom Audio Visual Systems Foreman, Classroom Audio Visual Specialist
16. TB Payroll and Accounts Payable Check Run Schedules for 2007-08
17. TB Budget Amendment #6
18. TB Budget Amendment #7
19. TB Budget Amendment #8
20. KW Transportation Svcs. Agmts. with Camp Can Do, Christ Family Fellowship, Indian River Community College,
and Chabad Jewish Center
21. KW New School Bus Purchases for 2007-08
22. CT Memorandum of Understanding and Addendum with Dr. Patrick Coggins of P. C. Coggins & Associates
23. ML Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie County Interagency Agreement
24. KS SUCCEED Florida Career Paths Grant/Manufacturing Academy
25. KS SUCCEED Florida Career Paths Grant/Construction Academy
26. DI Summer Leadership Retreat (Schlechty Center)
27. BS Professional Services Agreement with Douglas K. Sands, P.A. for Hearing Officer Services
28. BS Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for Frank Krukauskas for Behavior Analyst Services
29. MK 2007 Summer Voluntary Pre-K Education Contract with Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County
30. MK 2007-08 SY & Summer 2008 Vol. Pre-K Education Contract with Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County
31. MS Interlocal Agreement for Contribution – Dan McCarty Middle School Track Parking Lot
32. DH Access and Exclusive Utility Easement at Morningside Elementary School
33. DH FP&L Easement at Fort Pierce Westwood High School
OTHER BUSINESS
34. GY Re-naming of Manatee Elementary School
After a lengthy discussion and upon receiving comments from the school principal on the rationale behind
the nomination, the following recommendation was made.
Action:
The superintendent recommended the Board
re-name Manatee Elementary School as
Manatee Academy K-8 (Miller/Ingersoll/
Carried 3-1, Ingersoll against).
35. GY Naming of New K-8 School Temporarily Located at Winterlakes Site/Copper Creek Permanent Site
Action:
The superintendent recommended the Board
Name the new K-8 school temporarily
located at the Winterlakes site Allapattah
Flats K-8 (Miller/Hensley/Carried 4-0).
36. BS Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law & Final Orders #1045 through #1081
Action:
The superintendent recommended the Board approve
Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law & Final
Orders #1045 through #1081 as presented (Hensley/
Miller/Carried 4-0).
GROWTH MGMT./LAND ACQUISITIONS/INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS REPORT
Mr. Marty Sanders, Executive Director of Growth Management/Land Acquisitions/Intergovernmental
Relations, began his report by assuring the Board that new developments were going to be handled
differently so that the Winterlakes situation would not happen again. There would be no question where
schools would be located in the future.
Mr. Sanders shared information on two developments of regional impact—The Providences (I-95 and
Midway Road) and Capron Lakes (north of Indrio Road west of I-95). Both of these developments have
designated school sites but in order to be able to accept those sites either the text for the comprehensive
plan would have to be changed or they would have to get a comp plan amendment to move the urban
service boundary. Both developers have elected to look at a text amendment which should be brought to
the P & Z meeting of May 17th. Mr. Sanders indicated he would work with the County to “tighten up” the
text amendments as required.
Mrs. Hensley announced that next Wednesday night there was going to be a special P & Z meeting
regarding Chapter 6. There was a great deal of angst in the community over Chapter 6 so Mrs. Hensley
asked Mr. Sanders to look into the matter and provide feedback on how it may impact the district.
BUDGET/FINANCE REPORT
Mr. Tim Bargeron, Assistant Superintendent and CFO of Business Services, informed the Board that RFPs
pertaining to hurricane preparedness had been issued. Twelve responses were received last year and
again this year by vendors who were looking to renew their terms from the prior year.
On another matter, Mr. Bargeron reported that the ongoing review of procedures for gastric bypass by a
steering committee had been resolved this date. A collaborative release was sent out after the meeting
recommending that the procedure not be added to the district’s covered procedures at this time.
Numerous meetings were held and several industry experts from both sides had been brought into the
discussion. Instead, the steering committee was recommending the adoption of a very broad wellness
plan at no additional cost to employees. Gastric bypass would not be covered even with the wellness
management program, however, at risk individuals would be identified and provided with a pre-gastric
bypass weight program. Board members appreciated receiving the information and asked to see copies of
the data that the steering committee had reviewed. Mr. Bargeron indicated all employees would be
advised of this decision.
FACILITIES REPORT
Mr. Alan Gilbert, Executive Director of Facilities and Maintenance, presented a pictorial report that
illustrated progress to date on all facilities projects currently underway.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
No report.
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Mrs. Hensley told board members there was a concern in the community that legislative cuts in funding
may impact the school resource officer program in our schools. Citizens were ready and willing to help
push for an increase in the sheriff’s budget if need be so that schools remain safe. Mrs. Hensley felt there
was a level of commitment in the community to help keep the program in place.
Mrs. Hensley announced that the Children’s Services Council office would be closed on May 11 th and May
14th. Staff would be moving into their new facility.
37. JC Workshop Meetings Feedback & Discussion
Board members and Mr. Lannon talked about the pros and cons of the new regular workshop setting and
format. A summary of comments and ideas is listed below. It was suggested by Dr. Miller that board
members look at the workshop list to identify topics they wish to move forward with and be prepared to
discuss what ways they want to “workshop” those topics at the next board meeting.
Comments/ideas discussed by board members during the meeting regarding workshops:
-Need less presentation, more interaction and valuable discussion,
-Need a new table setup; don’t like sitting with backs to audience,
-Need to get information ahead of time (it takes pressure off staff/presentations),
-Need good dialogue with participation/input from principals,
-Prefer ability to talk back and forth,
-Need to correct microphone problems,
-Need a more casual setting,
Need to give staff real benefit/direction,
-Look at list of workshop topics at next meeting to identify ones that need to be moved forward.
UNSCHEDULED SPEAKERS
There were four unscheduled speakers who addressed the Board on the same subject—abstinence only
curriculum vs. comprehensive sex education curriculum.
Mr. Larry Pendley, Mrs. Pauline Pablick, Mr. James Toma, and Mr. Brian Longworth all expressed the same
opinion. They were against replacing the abstinence only curriculum with a comprehensive sex education
curriculum. The district’s method of teaching the current abstinence only curriculum was also brought
into question.
ADJOURNMENT
After conducting all business scheduled to come before the Board, Vice Chairman Hilson adjourned the
regular May 8, 2007 meeting at approximately 10:38 p.m.