SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 13, 2004
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on
Tuesday, January 13, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Hall of the
Administration Building, 301 4th Street S.W., Largo, Florida. Present: Mrs.
Jane Gallucci, Chairman; Mrs. Carol Cook, Vice Chairman; Mr. Lee Benjamin,
Mrs. Nancy N. Bostock, Mrs. Mary L. Tyus Brown, Mrs. Linda Lerner, and Mrs.
Mary L. Russell, Members; Dr. J. Howard Hinesley, Superintendent and Exofficio Secretary to the Board; Mr. Lansing Johansen, Chief Business Officer;
and, Mr. John Bowen, School Board Attorney.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Bonnie Lattimer, First United
Methodist Church of Largo, 403 1st Avenue SW, Largo. This was followed by
the Pledge of Allegiance.
Introduction of the following representatives of professional and community
organizations was given by Dr. Ron Stone, Associate Superintendent, Human
Resources and Public Affairs: Carolyn Smith, PESPA; Michelle Dennard,
PCTA; Larry Ducey, Pinellas County PTA; Murray Mintz, Pinellas Arts for a
Complete Education Coalition; Cathy Athanson, Operations Team; and,
Monique Fields, The St. Petersburg Times.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Brown to adopt the
agenda.
PULL:
DELETE:
CONSENT #7
CONSENT #9
Dr. Hinesley informed the Board that the employees in Consent Items #11 –
Ms. Tereceta Nixon, #12 – Mr. Larry Norwood, and #13 – Ms. Judith Potter,
have each requested administrative hearings and that the Board’s action
should reflect that by approving Alternative #1 in each item.
Dr. Hinesley stated that the Board had received under separate cover the
agenda item requesting authorization to retain Thomas M. Gonzalez to
represent the School Board in the case of Ward v. Pinellas County Schools.
Dr. Hinesley informed the Board that this should be placed on the agenda as
Item #37 under NONCONSENT.
Mr. Bowen stated that the chair must find good cause to amend the agenda.
Mrs. Gallucci stated that she has found good cause to amend the agenda by
adding #37 since this complaint was received after the agenda for this
meeting was finalized.
The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried with a 7-0 vote.
Regular School Board Meeting
January 13, 2004
It was moved by Mrs. Bostock, seconded by Mrs. Russell, and carried with a
7-0 vote to reconsider the action taken to adopt the agenda.
Mrs. Brown questioned whether she should recuse herself from Consent Item
#25. Mr. Bowen stated that this was not necessary since there is no money
involved.
The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried with a 7-0 vote.
Mrs. Cook reviewed the guidelines for audience participation in this meeting.
A.
There were no students present from the Students Rights &
Responsibilities Committee.
B.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to
approve the Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for the new
Construction at Bayside High School for an Estimated Total Project
Cost of $14,191,804. Mr. Ted Williamson, AIA, of Williamson Dacar
Associates, Inc., presented this item. Discussion followed by Board
Members. The motion to approve the Submittal was carried with a 7-0
vote.
C.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Brown to
approve the Construction Documents Phase III Submittal for new
Construction, Remodeling and Renovations at Starkey Elementary
School for an Estimated Total Project Cost of $6,003,504.
Mr. Ted Williamson, AIA, of Williamson Dacar Associates, Inc.,
presented this item. Discussion followed by Board Members. The
motion to approve the Submittal was carried with a 7-0 vote.
D.
Dr. Hinesley introduced the Following Newly Appointed Administrators:
Ms. Sue C. Kotchman, Principal
Madeira Beach Elementary School
Mr. James. T. Lott, Administrator
Professional Standards
Ms. Kotchman and Mr. Lott were greeted and congratulated by the
Board Members.
E.
Fred Cutting addressed the Board to thank Mr. Tony Rivas (Director,
Facilities) for providing a schedule and to express concern that the
schedule is not being followed at this point. Discussion followed by
Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, Mr. Rivas, and Mr. Cutting.
Dr.
Hinesley will provide the Board Members with continual updates on
this project.
Regular School Board Meeting
January 13, 2004
1.
Dr. Hinesley recommended approval of the Administrative Law Judge’s
Recommended Order dismissing Mr. Freddie Crayton, Bus Driver,
Transportation Department, from his employment effective January 14,
2004. It was moved by Mrs. Bostock, seconded by Mrs. Brown, and
carried with a 7-0 vote to Accept the Recommended Order dismissing
Mr. Freddie Crayton, Bus Driver, Transportation Department, from his
employment effective January 14, 2004.
2.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Brown to
approve the 2004 Legislative Program of the School Board of Pinellas
County.
2a.
It was moved by Mrs. Bostock, seconded by Mrs. Cook, and carried
with a 7-0 vote to divide out Issue #2, Section B and Issue #3, Sections
B, C, and D. Mrs. Bostock stated that she feels that these sections
impose government bureaucracy on private schools.
Discussion followed.
2b.
The motion to approve the portions that were divided out, Issue #2,
Section B and Issue #3, Sections B, C, and D, was carried with a 6-1
vote, Mrs. Bostock voting against.
2c.
The motion to approve the remaining portions of the 2004 Legislative
Program was carried with a 7-0 vote.
3.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Brown, and was
carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the consent agenda, as amended.
3a.
To approve the Personnel Calendar for All Employees for 2004-05.
3b.
To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the
Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#102.)
3c.
To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend
Ms. Hazel Benjamin, Bus Driver, Transportation Department for Three
(3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #102.)
3d.
To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to
Suspend Mr. David Detwiler, Teacher, Lakewood High School for Ten
(10) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #102.)
3e.
Ms. Sandra Howard, Bus Driver, Transportation Department,
addressed the School Board regarding the recommendation for
Regular School Board Meeting
January 13, 2004
her dismissal. Ms. Howard requested that the Board acquire
additional information before they act on this recommendation.
Discussion followed by Mr. Bowen, Mr. Tom Wittmer (Staff
Attorney), and School Board Members.
It was moved by Mrs. Bostock, seconded by Mr. Benjamin, and
carried with a 7-0 vote to dismiss Ms. Sandra Howard, Bus Driver,
Transportation Department. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #102.)
3f.
To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend
Ms. Jan Leaks, Bus Driver, Transportation Department for Three (3)
Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#102.)
3g.
To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to Suspend
Ms. Cheryl Neal, Bus Driver, Transportation Department for Three (3)
Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#102.)
3h.
To suspend Ms. Tereceta Nixon, Night Foreman, Tarpon Springs
Elementary School, without pay effective January 14, 2004, pending
the outcome of the administrative hearing. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3i.
To suspend Mr. Larry Norwood,Head Plant Operator, Sunset Hills
Elementary School, without pay effective January 14, 2004, pending
the outcome of the administrative hearing. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3j.
To suspend Ms. Judith Potter, Bus Driver, Transportation Department,
without pay effective January 14, 2004, pending the outcome of the
administrative hearing. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #102.)
3k.
To approve the Recommendation to Dismiss, Ms. Karen Vincent,
Teacher, Gibbs High School. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #102.)
3L.
To approve a Six-Year Payback Advance to East Lake High School for
the Purchase of Replacement Band Uniforms for $30,000.
3m.
To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as
appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
- R’Club After School Healthy Interactive Prevention (HIP) Club
Project: $45,000
Regular School Board Meeting
January 13, 2004
- Amendment To Agreement with Coordinated Child Care of
Pinellas, Inc.: $75,000
- Best Buy Foundation Teach Grant: $2454
3n.
To approve Budget Amendment No. 2 (October 2003) to the District’s
2003/04 Budget.
3o.
To approve the Financial Statements for Month Ending October 31,
2003 for Fiscal Year 2003-04.
3p.
To approve the Food Service Change Fund Adjustment for Gulfport
Elementary School.
3q.
To approve the Investment Portfolio Financial Statements for the
Quarter Ended September 30, 2003.
3r.
To approve the Middle School Course Code directory and Uniform
Course Descriptions, 2004-2005.
3s.
To approve the High School Course Code Directory and Uniform
Course Descriptions, 2004-2005.
3t.
To approve the Agreement With the Palladium Theater to Provide
Performing Space to Music and Theater Groups. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3u.
To approve the Health Agreement With Center Pharmacy. (Copy to be
found in Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3v.
To approve the Agreement Between the School Board of Pinellas
County, Florida and Head Start Child Development and Family
Services, Inc. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3w.
To approve the Agreement for Electric Service and Distribution
Easement With Progress Energy, Authorizing the Placement of Electric
Utilities on the Bayside High School Site. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3x.
To approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement With Architect Larry
LaDelfa for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration
Services in Connection With School Renovations, IDEA and
Technology Grants at Cross Bayou, 74th Street and Woodlawn
Elementary Schools in the Amount of $124,461. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3y.
To approve Amendment No. 4 to Agreement With Williamson Dacar
Associates, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract
Administration Services in Connection With new Construction and
Regular School Board Meeting
January 13, 2004
Remodeling at Starkey Elementary School in the Amount of $104,029.
(Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3z.
To approve Amendment No. 3 to Agreement With Lincoln Construction
Inc for the Addition of $1,495,750, Resulting in a Final Guaranteed
Maximum Price (GMP) of $5,377,000 in Connection With new
Construction and Remodeling at Starkey Elementary School. (Copy to
be found in Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3aa.
To approve the Quarterly Submittals of Change Order Summaries.
3bb.
To approve the Vehicle Use Agreement. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
3cc.
To approve Bids to Vendors at Prices in Bid Documents in Accordance
with Bid Policies and Statutes. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #102.)
4.
Dr. Hinesley recommended that the Board Set a Public Hearing and
Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the
Amendment to Policy 4.18 STUDENT HONORS. It was moved by Mr.
Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Brown, and carried with a 7-0 vote to Set
a Public Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public
Hearing to Consider the Amendment to Policy 4.18 STUDENT
HONORS.
5.
Dr. Hinesley recommended that the Board Set a Public Hearing and
Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the
Amendment to Policy 4.24 REMOVAL OF STUDENTS FROM CLASS.
He stated that this is the first reading. It was moved by Mrs. Brown
and seconded by Mrs. Russell to Set a Public Hearing and Authorize
the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to
Policy 4.24 REMOVAL OF STUDENTS FROM CLASS. Discussion
followed. Mrs. Bostock requested that there be consensus to add
wording to make this language stronger by adding to (4) on page 138,
“Any teacher who removes ten to fifteen percent (10-15%) of his or her
total class enrollment may be required to complete professional
development to improve classroom management skills.” Mrs. Gallucci
stated that she saw no disagreement from the Board regarding this
request. Mrs. Brown agreed but requested that the wording be “shall”
rather than “may.” The amendment with the additional language will
be forwarded to the Board prior to the final reading. Mrs. Brown
requested that the Board receive a copy of the report mentioned in
section (5). The motion was carried with a 7-0 vote to Set a Public
Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to
Consider the Amendment to Policy 4.24 REMOVAL OF STUDENTS
FROM CLASS.
Regular School Board Meeting
January 13, 2004
6.
Dr. Hinesley recommended that the Board Set a Public Hearing and
Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the
Amendment to Policy 6.16 RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY EXEMPTIONS. Dr.
Hinesley stated that this is the first reading. Discussion followed. The
Board agreed that this information should be placed on the district’s
website. It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Brown,
and carried with a 7-0 vote to Set a Public Hearing and Authorize the
Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the Amendment to
Policy 6.16 RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY EXEMPTIONS.
7.
Dr. Hinesley recommended that the Board Set a Public Hearing and
Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to Consider the
Amendment to Policy 7.01 FISCAL MANAGEMENT. Dr. Hinesley
stated that this is the first reading. It was moved by Mrs. Cook,
seconded by Mrs. Brown, and carried with a 7-0 vote to Set a Public
Hearing and Authorize the Advertisement of the Public Hearing to
Consider the Amendment to Policy 7.01 FISCAL MANAGEMENT.
8.
Dr. Hinesley requested that the Board retain Thomas M. Gonzalez,
Sizemore & Gonzalez, P.A., to represent the School board in the case of
Ward v. Pinellas County Schools, Circuit Civil Case No. 03-7060-CI-8.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Bostock, and carried
with a 7-0 vote to retain Mr. Gonzalez in this case.
9.
The meeting recessed at 11:49 a.m. and reconvened at 11:54 a.m.
10.
The following individuals addressed the Board during Presentations
From the Audience:
Philip Holcomb and Ruth Stoop– Individually addressed the Board to
state that the Board’s policy on placement into the fundamental school
program does not take into consideration the need for twins or triplets
to be placed simultaneously into this program. Mr. Holcomb and Ms.
Stoop explained that the district’s sibling policy should be changed as it
relates to twins or triplets specifically into the fundamental program.
Mr. Holcomb explained his decision also impacts the openings offered
through the Choice process for Bear Creek Elementary. Discussion
followed by Dr. Hinesley and the School Board. Dr. Hinesley stated
that he will have Mr. Jim Madden work with Mr. Holcomb regarding his
options. This issue will be placed on a future agenda for a Board
workshop and these parents will be notified once the agenda is set.
Mark Klutho – Addressed the Board to say that he now appears in
“Who’s Who” because the Board continues to ignore science and
technology. Mr. Klutho stated that the Board continues to build “stupid
schools,” that the School Board Attorney should be disbarred, and that
the Conference Hall should not have flat screen monitors when
students need computers.
Regular School Board Meeting
January 13, 2004
Michelle Dennard, PCTA – Addressed the Board to say that the
Collaborative Bargaining Team used voice polling to receive input from
employees the recent contracts and shared some of those responses
with the Board.
Teresa Suarez – Addressed the Board regarding the suspension and
reassignment of her son. Ms. Suarez also expressed concern with the
manner by which this was handled by staff. Ms. Suarez requested
that the Board overturn this discipline and investigate the matter.
Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley, Mr. Bowen, and School Board
Members. The Board agreed that this is a school/administration matter
and only requested that staff ensure the processes have been properly
followed.
Venestta Webb Ani – Addressed the Board to ask that the district not
“fire her” and place her back in the substitute teaching pool. Dr.
Hinesley stated that she has been a long term substitute teacher, that
she lost her effectiveness, that schools no longer request her, and that
she has been removed from the sub list.
11.
Dr. Hinesley’s report included the following:
 Commended our principals and administrative staff, Mr. Johansen,
Dr. Doug Forth, etc., for getting Pinellas County schools in
compliance with the Class Size Amendment.
 Informed the Board that on their behalf he recently recognized
Mayor Rick Baker for his support of public schools and for his efforts
to involve local business in mentoring students.
 Stated that two recently-retired Pinellas administrators passed away,
Paula Lamb and Tom Petit. Dr. Hinesley acknowledged the
contributions both made to the district and stated that they will be
greatly missed.
12.
Mr. Bowen’s report included the following:
 Stated that he has advertised the vacancy for Assistant School
Board Attorney; that he has received several responses; that he will
be interviewing the applicants next week; and, that he should be
bringing a recommendation to the Board at the next meeting.
13.
Reports from School Board Members were as Follows:
Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members
Bayside High; Meadowlawn Middle; Area I – Area III Offices; Oak
Grove Middle; Florida Orchestra - Holiday Program; Dunedin Chamber
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast; School Opening/Closing Times
Committee; MPO School Safety and Traffic Committee; Even Start
Regular School Board Meeting
January 13, 2004
Student Recognition Brunch; Lakewood meeting; FSBA Conference;
NASA Technology Training; AAVREC (Mrs. Brown - speaker);
Lakeview Fundamental Elementary; R’Club Principal Appreciation
Luncheon; Suncoast Women’s Federated Republican Club (Mrs.
Bostock – speaker); ESE Advisory Committee meeting; St. .Petersburg
High School with Representative Justice; Assessment Selection
Committee meeting; Maintenance Employee Appreciation event at
Walter Pownall Service Center.
Concerns Expressed, Written or Oral
Mrs. Russell – Stated that in her effort to increase employee morale,
she has collaborated with Ted Pafundi (Director, Risk Management) to
bring forth the “Financial Education Seminars.” Ms. Russell stated
that these seminars will be held at three different locations throughout
the county beginning January 27. Mrs. Russell thanked Ted Pafundi
and the Risk Management staff for putting these free seminars in
place.
Mr. Benjamin – Stated that recent publications of the Tampa Tribune
included pages highlighting Hillsborough County schools.
Mr.
Benjamin requested that staff contact Hillsborough to see how these
pages were funded and then consider pursuing the same for Pinellas
County public schools.
Discussion followed.
This information
regarding Hillsborough will be reviewed at the workshop on February
12.
Mrs. Lerner – Commended the Board for implementing a process
which allows Board Members to bring issues forth at workshops during
Leadership Discussion.
Mrs. Gallucci – Informed the Board that Bill Grey (Director of
Operations) has requested that the Board review the process to be
used in the workshop between SRR and the Board. Confirmed that
the Board will conduct a workshop on March 3. Stated that a PEAC
meeting was help on January 9 and thanked Dr. Hinesley, Dr. Doug
Forth, Ms. Jan Rouse, Mr. Charlie Eubanks, and Mr. Jade Moore for
their presentations to that organization. Stated that Commissioner
Horne wishes to convey to the Board that should they have any
questions or concerns please contact his office. Discussion followed.
Mrs. Gallucci will check with the Commissioner to see if he is able to
meet with the Board in a workshop setting.
14.
A summary of Board directives was given by Dr. Hinesley as follows:
 A list will be provided to the Board of the construction/renovation
projects and related cost that have been completed at Starkey
Elementary School since 1995.
Regular School Board Meeting
January 13, 2004
 Administration will ensure that all necessary contacts are made
regarding the drainage issue for Paul B. Stephens ESE and
neighbors.
 Staff will forward to the Board proposed language to be brought back
to the Board regarding the removal of students from a classroom,
page 138, section (4), line 36.
 Staff will make contact with Mr. Holcomb to review his options for
placement of his twin daughters into a school.
 Data will be collected from Hillsborough regarding the funding used to
highlight their public schools in the Tampa Tribune.
15.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this
meeting adjourned at 1:33 p.m.
______________________
Chairman
/db(04Jan13)
_____________________
Secretary