Regular Meeting – September 12, 2006
MINUTES
The School Board of St. Lucie County held a regular meeting in the School Board Room on September
12, 2006 at approximately 6:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
MRS. KATHRYN HENSLEY, Chairman
Member Residing in District
DR. JOHN CARVELLI, Vice Chairman
Member Residing in District
DR. SAMUEL S. GAINES
Member Residing in District
MS. CAROL A. HILSON
Member Residing in District
DR. JUDI MILLER
Member Residing in District
No. 4
No. 3
No. 5
No. 2
No. 1
MR. MICHAEL LANNON, Superintendent
MR. DANIEL B. HARRELL, Attorney
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Hensley called the meeting to order. The Fort Pierce Westwood High School Chorus sang
several musical selections and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Hensley asked for a moment of silence in honor of those who gave their lives and died under
tragic circumstances (September 11, 2001) both here and abroad.
PUBLIC HEARING
Adoption of Final Millages and Budget FY 2006-07
Chairman Hensley opened the public hearing to receive comments on the proposed millages and final
budget for 2006-07. The Resolution Determining Revenue and Millage Levied was read by Mr. Tim
Bargeron, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services and CFO.
There was one speaker, Ms. Brenda Savoca, who stated she was a new resident to St. Lucie County who
discovered her taxes had risen sharply in one year from $1,500 to $7,000. Ms. Savoca asked that the
Board look for ways to reduce its millage rate and to “re-figure” taxes. It was suggested that the Board
hire consultants who could point out ways of saving money. There were no further comments from the
audience, thus, the public hearing was closed.
Action: There was a motion to approve the millage rate of 7.737 as specified
in the Resolution Determining Revenue and Millage Levied (Miller/
Gaines/Carried 5-0).
Mr. Bargeron and board members had several comments on the budget. It was mentioned there was a
committee addressing the state-of-our-homes legislation and non-homesteaded individuals.
There
were some people who were homesteaded but because of the break they were given last year due to
damage from the hurricane, it looked like they had a huge increase in their property value when it
actually was a make-up amount of what they lost last year plus 3%.
Mr. Gaines reminded everyone that the Board’s millage rate was down from last year but the net
assessed valuation was up, thus total taxes levied were higher. The increase had nothing to do with
the Board’s budget situation.
Dr. Carvelli and Mr. Lannon both recognized that the capital spike to the budget was concurrent with
schools coming on line. The community had supported a 20-year plan to bring a series of new schools
on line based on need, revenue generation and other state factors. The budget was a holding place
and also a point of disbursement to the actual construction of facilities. Taxpayers will see the money
in the budget and then see new facilities over time. In addition, during construction, some people pay
land value tax only. The second year’s tax is based on the constructed unit.
In response to the speaker’s comments, Dr. Miller recalled that the Board had adopted a policy at its
last meeting that authorized staff to organize a budget review committee. Over the years, the Board
had also hired consultants, most recently one who continued to work on energy conservation. Mr.
Lannon explained that the St. Lucie County School Board was the first in the state to receive the
OPPAGA seal, an award for best practices in financial management, from Governor Bush for its
excellent stewardship. The district underwent a continuous process of financial audit.
Ms. Hilson thanked Mr. Bargeron for his effort in developing the budget through a series of Board
workshops that were very informative. Many people did not realize how regulated the budget was—the
Board does not control all aspects of the process.
Action: There was a motion to adopt the proposed final budget
of $628,465,906.93 of the St. Lucie County School Board
for the 2006-07 fiscal year as presented (Carvelli/Miller/Carried 5-0).
Chairman Hensley noticed the public by stating the Board may allow the use of its 2-mil capital levy
proceeds to be used for “ancillary plants”, provided in section 1011.71(5)(d), FS.
MINUTES
August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting
Action: There was a motion to approve the August 22, 2006 regular
meeting minutes as presented (Hilson/Miller/Carried 5-0).
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
1. GY Florida Top 100 School Winner – Garden City Elementary
(Added “Top 100 School” White City Elementary and “Top 50 School” Lincoln Park Academy to this
recognition.)
Superintendent Lannon and Chairman Hensley called the current three principals from Garden City
Elementary, White City Elementary, and Lincoln Park Academy forward to receive congratulations on
behalf of their schools for receiving the Top 100 School Award and the Top 50 School Award
respectively. The award was presented for the highest increase in total points on school grading
criteria for the 2005-06 academic year. Mr. John Lynch, former principal at Garden City Elementary,
was also recognized on behalf of Garden City Elementary.
2. JS Scholar-Athlete Recognition – Port St. Lucie High School
The superintendent and chairman, along with Mr. Jay Stewart, district lead athletic director, recognized
two students and a coach from Port St. Lucie High School for their high academic and athletic
achievements. Students Rachel Etienne, Mike McGee, and Coach Danny Ninestine received accolades.
STAFF REPORTS
3. SW Curriculum Report
Under the consent agenda, item #16 – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) District
Accreditation, appeared for Board approval. Staff was asking for board authorization to seek approval
a district/system accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS)
Commission. Prior to the meeting, board members had received a copy of accreditation standards for
quality systems for information purposes.
Dr. Owen Roberts, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching/Learning & Accountability/Assessment,
introduced Dr. Debbie Carlstrom, Research, Evaluation, & Test Development Specialist, as the person
who would be making the presentation and the one who would be responsible for the SACS District
Accreditation. Dr. Carlstrom explained that, if approved by the Board, the entire district would become
accredited as opposed to accreditation school-by-school. District accreditation was voluntary and
required a readiness visit to the district. It involved the capacity of a school district and its schools to
address three major elements, i.e. meeting accreditation standards and criteria, engaging in a
continuous process of improvement, and demonstrating quality assurance. Dr. Carlstrom further
described the benefits and steps for district accreditation and emphasized that, once they had received
the information, all principals had been polled and unanimously supported the move.
Dr. Roberts responded to a few questions from board members for clarification purposes, however, the
general overall tone was supportive.
4. ML Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Lannon began his report by advocating for the district’s accreditation through the Southern
Association of Colleges & Schools Commission. This action tied in with the district’s beliefs and
values, its curriculum alignment and benchmark process, and the Working on the Work (WOW)
initiative. Accreditation went hand in hand with staff development - an investment in skills and
personnel. Along this line, Mr. Lannon remarked that the district had recently been recognized as a
state award winner in staff development for its WOW initiative and offered congratulations to Mrs.
Debbie Iseman, Executive Director of Professional Development, and her staff. Mrs. Iseman called
attention to the fact that almost 75% of the teaching force had received WOW training—an effort aimed
at increasing the level of engagement for student achievement.
Mr. Lannon was pleased to announce there were some real special things happening at so many
schools that he wanted to continue to highlight them at board meetings. He confirmed that Forest
Grove Middle School would be recognized at an upcoming meeting for their recent achievements and
awards.
CTA REPORT
Ms. Vicki Rodriguez, a representative of the CTA/CU Executive Board, read a Florida Education
Association (FEA) proclamation entitled “I Pledge” and asked that the Board join the St. Lucie County
CTA/CU to support the provisions as outlined. Board members concurred with the union’s priorities
and planned to share pledge cards throughout the state as they attend various conferences and
consortium meetings.
CWA REPORT
No report.
CONSENT AGENDA
Action: The superintendent recommended that the Board approve
consent agenda items #5 through #21 as presented and
amended (Carvelli/Hilson/Carried 5-0).
Prior to stating the question: Attorney Harrell pointed out that item #7 had one change. On the
bottom of page five, paragraph 5f had inadvertently been omitted and should be added back in the
contract.
On item #11, Dr. Carvelli stated he was glad to see that staff was looking at the bottled water supply
and that personnel would be taking more aggressive leadership in managing school shelters during
storm situations.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
SR Personnel Agenda and Leaves
SR Job Descriptions for Installation Technician, Student Assignment Receptionist
SR Agreement with Florida Education Association (NEA) and Clara Cook
SR Approval of Emergency Leave Due to Tropical Storm Ernesto
TB Superintendent’s Annual Financial Report for FY 2005-06
TB FTE Audit Report
11. TB Bid #07-03 Hurricane/Disaster Emergency Potable Bottled Water Supply and Delivery
12. TB RFP #07-04 Catalog Discount for Janitorial Supplies, Equipment and Accessories
13. GY Garden City Elementary Donation (Total Value $200)
14. KP Lincoln Park Academy Band Trip to New York, New York on March 20-25, 2007
15. OR Florida Entry-Level Placement Test
16. OR Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) District Accreditation
17. KM Contract for Food Services – Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc.
18. AG Continuing Services Agreement with C. R. Klewin, Inc. for Continuing Construction Management Services
19. AG Continuing Services Agreement with The Morganti Group, Inc. for Continuing Construction Mgmt. Svcs.
20. AG Project Agmt. with The Morganti Group for Construction Mgmt. Svcs. at School CC-A (Jenkins Road K-8)
21. AG Continuing Svcs. Agmt. with Jenkins & Charland, Inc., for Continuing Professional Engineering Services
OTHER BUSINESS
22. BS Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Final Orders #893/ER/11-25-91/0371/05-06
#894/JM/08-17-91/0301/06-07
Action: The superintendent recommended that the Board approve
Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Final
Orders #893 and #894 as presented (Miller/Hilson/Carried 5-0).
GROWTH MGMT./LAND ACQUISITIONS/INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS REPORT
Mr. Marty Sanders, Executive Director of Growth Management, Land Acquisition & Inter-governmental
Affairs, had attended a Port St. Lucie City Council meeting the previous night and at Mr. Lannon’s
request, began reviewing conditions of a proposed annexation agreement as discussed by council
members. The agreement annexed several large tracts into the City and required the developer to
provide designated school sites that were to go to the City. For some time, Mr. Sanders had been
working with city staff to assure those school sites would go to the district when necessary. In this
effort, Attorney Harrell had drafted appropriate language to allow those sites to go directly to the
School Board with the provision that credit went to the developer for valuation of the land.
If the City elected to open a municipal charter school, the district could lease those sites back to the
City. At the meeting, the City unanimously determined it would move forward with an interlocal
agreement. It was anticipated that this agreement would come back to the School Board for review and
approval in the near future.
BUDGET/FINANCE REPORT
23. TB Appointment of Budget Committee Members
Mr. Bargeron reminded board members he was continuing to collect names of individuals for
membership on the Budget Committee.
FACILITIES REPORT
Mr. Alan Gilbert, Executive Director of Facilities & Maintenance, reminded everyone that the
groundbreaking for Jenkins Road K-8 School was scheduled for Monday, September 18, 2006 at 5:00
p.m.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
24. DH Creekside Planned Unit Development – Request for Termination of Agreement for Contribution
Toward School Land Acquisition
25. DH Whispering Oaks Planned Unit Development – Request for Termination of Agreement for
Contribution Toward School Land Acquisition
Mr. Harrell explained that items #24 and #25 were two termination agreements that the Board had
entered into with developers for contribution toward land acquisition. The parties had entered the
contribution agreements with the express understanding that if and when the Educational Facilities
Impact Fee Ordinance was amended to include a land cost component, any contribution payments
under the agreements would be credited against educational facilities impact fees. Because the
Ordinance now included a land cost component, the developer was requesting termination of the
agreement; a proposed form of which the Board had already received.
No payments had been
received under the agreement and the amounts that would have been paid under the agreements
would now be collected as a part of the educational facilities impact fees levied within the development
Action: The superintendent recommended that the Board approve items #24
and #25 and authorize execution of a termination in substantially
the form provided by Attorney Harrell (Carvelli/Miller/Carried 5-0).
26. DH Proposed Interlocal Agreement with the City of Port St. Lucie for Peacock Project
On another matter, Mr. Harrell informed the Board that the City of Port St. Lucie had proposed a project
to construct roadway, sidewalk, and lighting improvements within an area near Peacock Boulevard in
St. Lucie West. The City established a special assessment district to assess the cost of the Peacock
Project against benefiting parcels. Because the School Board is both exempt and immune from
assessments, any provision for participation in the costs of the Peacock Project must be by separate
agreement. Mr. Harrell had provided a draft of an Interlocal agreement for the Board’s payment of the
City’s proportionate cost. Payment was contingent upon the City levying assessments against other
properties that would benefit from the Peacock Project.
Action: The superintendent recommended that the Board approve and
authorize execution of an agreement in substantially the form
provided by Mr. Harrell (Miller/Carvelli/Carried 5-0).
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Dr. Carvelli reported he had had an opportunity to attend the Dean’s Alumni Council at the College of
Education UF in Gainesville last week. Subsequent meetings would be rotated around the state and Dr.
Carvelli planned on hosting one in April 2007. This group was looking at on-line programs to
accommodate individual work schedules. Dr. Carvelli indicated he would provide the Board with more
information in the near future.
Dr. Miller stated she and Mrs. Hensley had facilitated the education session at Treasure Coast
Coordinating Council (TCCC). The top priority of the education group was to support adequacy of
funding for public schools pursuant to the Florida Constitutional Advocacy Commission regarding base
student allocation, class size reduction, competitive wages for teachers and professional support staff,
career and technical weighting, and SROs/nurses. This was yet another group that was standing
behind an educational priority in addition to the Greater Florida Consortium. our five county group,
and the Florida School Boards Association.
Dr. Miller also mentioned she had received an email from Port St. Lucie High School’s band teacher,
Michael Bearden, who wanted to thank the Board for its generous contribution to the band program.
On a personal note, Dr. Miller was pleased to announce that 100% of the district schools were
scheduled to bowl “for kids sake” on Saturday, September 16, 2006.
Mrs. Hensley had attended a series of meetings during the last few weeks and proceeded to pass out
proposed (revised) legislation from the Greater Florida Consortium for placement on the next school
board agenda; mentioned that TCCC had adopted the housing issue under the housing component as
a number two priority; stated that the FSBA Board of Directors voted to continue with the lawsuits
(Osceola County was filing with the District Court of Appeals with the support of FSBA); received a
request from FSBA for $2,500 to be held in escrow pending the need for a lawsuit over the exclusivity
of charter schools (a future agenda item); informed members that FSBA would be taking a more
assertive direction in writing legislation at both the state and national level, and maintained there was a
need to look at the insurance issue by way of the FSBA Growth Management Committee. Mrs. Hensley
concluded by assuring everyone she would keep them apprised as those items come to fruition.
Mr. Lannon added the latest annual Gallup poll reflected the public’s preference that local school
boards make decisions about what schools teach. Out of those favoring decisions made at the state or
federal level, two-thirds opted for the state. The survey showed the public opposed contracting with
private firms for the operation of schools and opposed mayors (cities) taking over schools with large
numbers of low performing students. Three-quarters of the public favored local school board
governance however that was defined in the various fifty states.
In response to Mr. Lannon’s comments, Mrs. Hensley agreed that recent national longitudinal studies
showed that public schools were outperforming any other form of education in student performance
and their ability to sustain that growth.
UNSCHEDULED SPEAKERS
There were no unscheduled speakers.
ADJOURNMENT
After conducting all business scheduled to come before the Board, Chairman Hensley adjourned the
regular September 12, 2006 meeting at approximately 7:45 p.m.