SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 25, 2005
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular
Session on Tuesday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference
Hall of the Administration Building, 301 4th Street S.W., Largo,
Florida. Present: Mrs. Nancy N. Bostock, Chairperson; Mrs. Carol
J. Cook, Vice Chairperson; Mrs. Mary L. Tyus Brown, Ms. Janet R.
Clark, Mrs. Linda S. Lerner and Mrs. Mary L. Russell, Members;
Dr. Clayton M. Wilcox, Superintendent and Ex-officio Secretary to
the Board; Dr. Nancy Zambito, Deputy Superintendent; Mr. Lanse
Johansen, Chief Business Officer; and, Mr. James A. Robinson,
School Board Attorney. School Board Member Jane Gallucci was
not present at this meeting due to travel related to her
responsibilities with the National School Boards Association. All
votes will reflect a total of six voting members.
The Invocation was given by Father Richard Doscher, St. Alfred’s
Episcopal Church, 1601 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor.
This was
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Introduction of the following representatives of professional and
community organizations was given by Dr. Ron Stone: Randy
Dodds, PESPA; Michelle Dennard, PCTA; David Beyers, Pinellas
Educational Employees Retired - PEER; Aaron Anderson and Karin
Dillie, Students Rights & Responsibilities Committee, Clearwater
High School; Mr. Murray Mintz, Pinellas Arts for a Complete
Education Coalition; Dr. Barbara Hires, Mr. Michael Bessette, and
Mr. Oscar Robinson, Operations Team; and, Tom Tobin, The St.
Petersburg Times.
Mrs. Cook reviewed the process to be followed by the audience for
participation at School Board meetings.
Mrs. Bostock welcomed to the table Mr. James Robinson, the new
School Board Attorney.
It was moved by Mrs. Russell and seconded by Mrs. Brown to adopt
the agenda.
PULL:
CONSENT #7, #9, #10, and #11
DELETE:
CONSENT #14a
Dr. Wilcox requested that the following changes be made in the
agenda:
H. – This item will be presented by Mr. Jeffrey Haines,
Principal of Largo High School.
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
Page 21 – Change the Beginning Date for Anthony J. Dzielski
from October 26, 2005 to October 3, 2005
#9 – Mr. Larry Hazellief, Teacher, Tarpon Springs High
School – Change Recommendation to Alternative #2
#11 -- Ms. Mary Vanderloop, Teacher, Tyrone Elementary
School – Change Recommendation to Alternative #2 – Mr.
David Koperski, Staff Attorney, stated that Ms. Vanderloop has
requested an administrative hearing. Mr. Koperski stated that
Mr. Mark Herdman, Legal Counsel representing Ms.
Vanderloop will be addressing the Board at this meeting and
that both Mr. Herdman and he should receive ten minutes to
present comments related to the case.
The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried with
a 6-0 vote.
A.
Aaron Anderson and Karin Dillie, Students Rights &
Responsibilities Committee, Clearwater High School,
addressed the Board to share information regarding
achievements and activities taking place at their school.
B.
Marlyn Dennison, Director for Organizational, Instructional
and Student Support, introduced David Fischer, President,
Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. Mr. Fischer shared
information with the Board Members regarding the
Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and the Eckerd
Leadership Initiative for administrators.
Mr. Fischer
introduced Gaye Lively, Principal, Bay Point Elementary
School, who shared with the Board on her experiences as a
participant of the training.
C.
Dr. Ron Stone, Associate Superintendent Human Resources
and Public Affairs presented the following State Award
Winners:
Dr. Julie Janssen, Principal, St. Petersburg High School
Regional Finalist for the Florida "Principal Achievement Award for
Outstanding Leadership" for 2005
Mrs. Pat Palmateer, Assistant Principal, Largo High School
State Winner in the Florida "Assistant Principal Achievement Award
for Outstanding Leadership" for 2005
Both Dr. Janssen and Mrs. Palmateer were greeted and
congratulated by the School Board Members.
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
D.
Dr. Wilcox introduced the Following Newly Appointed
Administrator:
Alicia L. Urbano, Principal
Gulf Beaches Elementary School
Ms. Urbano was greeted and congratulated by the School
Board Members.
E.
Dr. Gus Stavros, Chairman Emeritus, Pinellas County
Education Foundation, presented for recognition Senator
Dennis Jones and Representative Gus Bilirakis for their
donations to the Education Foundation that helped ensure
that all Pinellas County classrooms display the American flag
this school year, as now required.
Senator Jones and
Representative Bilirakis expressed their appreciation for this
recognition and the opportunity to assist in this endeavor.
Dr. Stavros, Senator Jones, and Representative Bilirakis
were greeted and thanked by the Board Members.
F.
Peggy Johns, Supervisor, Pre K-12 Health Education,
presented for Board Recognition the following MORE
HEALTH Sponsors:
2004-2005 Sponsors:
Morton Plant Mease Foundation
American Heart Association
Florida Blood Services
STEPS to a Healthier Pinellas
Nestle
Pinellas County Schools
Lightning Foundation
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Allegany Franciscan Foundation Tampa Bay, Inc.
H. Lee Moffitt
Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin
The Frank E. Duckwall Foundation, Inc.
Community Foundation of Tampa Bay
Clearwater Cardiovascular and Interventional Consultants
New 2005-2006 Sponsors:
All Children's Hospital – The New Major Partner to MORE HEALTH, Inc.
U.S. Department of Education – Congressman Bill Young
Representatives of these organizations were greeted by the
School Board Members and presented with a plaque in
appreciation of their support. School Board Members
received a folder containing additional information on the
MORE HEALTH lessons being taught in our schools.
G.
Marlyn Dennison, Director, Organizational, Instructional, and
Student Support, presented Sherry Clarke, PASS
Coordinator, Council for Educational Change. Ms. Clarke
appeared before the Board representing Doctor Akshay
(A.K.) Desai, President of Universal Health Care. Ms.
Dennison stated that Dr. Desai and his organization are
being recognized for their $200,000 donation to Boca Ciega
High School. Ms. Clarke addressed the Board to thank them
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
for this recognition. Mr. John Leanes, Principal of Boca
Ciega High School, and Mr. Steve Bolin (retired Pinellas
employee) accompanied Ms. Clarke during this recognition.
Ms. Clarke, Mr. Leanes, and Mr. Bolin were greeted and
thanked by the School Board Members.
H.
Jeffrey Haines, Principal, Largo High School, introduced the
following Delegation from Yamada High School, Tosa
Yamada, Japan:
Mr. Manabu Morioka, Principal
Mr. Seiya Kawahara, Teacher
Ms. Kimi Kubo and Ms. Minako Doi, Parents of Students Participating in This Visit
Mr. Morioka addressed the Board, on behalf of the
delegation, to thank them for the opportunity to participate in
this exchange program. Mr. Morioka, Mr. Kawahara, Ms.
Kubo, and Ms. Doi were greeted by the School Board
Members.
1.
It was moved by Mrs. Russell, seconded by Mrs. Brown, and
carried with a 6-0 vote to approve the Adoption of
Amendment to Policy 5.17 Exceptional Student Education
Procedures and Assessment.
2.
It was moved by Mrs. Cook, seconded by Mrs. Russell, and
carried with a 6-0 vote to approve the Consent Agenda, as
amended.
2a.
To approve the Minutes of the Regular School Board
Meeting of October 11, 2005, as submitted.
2b.
To approve the School Board Appointment to District
Monitoring and Advisory Committee (DMAC).
2c.
To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the
Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute
Book #109.)
2d.
To approve the Agreement With Pinellas County, and the
Sheriff of Pinellas County, for the Provision of Property and
Evidence Services for 2005-2006. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #109.)
2e.
To approve the Amended Cafeteria (FLEX) Plan for
Employees Effective January 1, 2006.
2f.
It was moved by Mrs. Cook and seconded by Mrs.
Russell to approve the Addendum No. 2 to School
Resource Officer Agreement With the Sheriff of Pinellas
County for the 2005—2006 School Year. Mrs. Brown,
having pulled this item, questioned who makes the
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
decision within a school that additional Resource
Officers are needed; questioned whether a record is kept
on the number of substitute SROs that are used in our
schools; and, requested further clarification as to
funding sources for this program. Chief Tom Gavin,
beginning with the second semester of this school year,
will collect data on SRO absences. Mr. Johansen will
prepare an explanation of expenditures of Safe School
dollars to be presented to the Board at a future
workshop. Mrs. Bostock will work with staff to identify
that date. Mrs. Brown also stated that she would like to
receive information on what students are doing to make
their own schools safer. The motion was carried with a
6-0 vote to approve the Addendum No. 2 to School
Resource Officer Agreement With the Sheriff of Pinellas
County for the 2005—2006 School Year. (Copy to be
found in Supplemental Minute Book #109.)
2g.
To approve the Agreement Between Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Pinellas County for Belleair, Lakewood, Pinellas Central
and Sawgrass Lake Elementary Schools. (Copy to be found
in Supplemental Minute Book #109.)
2h.
Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, stated that she
would not speak to it since the employee has now
requested an Administrative Hearing. It was moved by
Mrs. Lerner, seconded by Mrs. Cook, and carried with a
6-0 vote to grant the Request submitted by Mr. Larry
Hazellief, Teacher, Tarpon Springs High School, for an
Administrative Hearing and Direct the Staff Attorney to
submit the request to the Division of Administrative
Hearings for processing. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #109.)
2i.
It was moved by Mrs. Russell and seconded by Mrs.
Brown to Suspend Ms. Mora Shell, Teacher, Ozona
Elementary School, For Three (3) Days Without Pay. Dr.
Wilcox provided the background information for this
recommendation. Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item
and noting the number of instances of disciplines, stated
that she would like more information given to the Board
on the types of intervention offered to the employee in
similar situations. Mrs. Lerner suggested that there may
be a need for mandatory training for teachers who seem
to be interacting inappropriately with students. (Copy to
be found in Supplemental Minute Book #109.)
2j.
It was moved by Mrs. Russell and seconded by Mrs.
Cook to suspend Ms. Mary Vanderloop, Teacher, Tyrone
Elementary School, without pay effective October 26,
2005, pending the outcome of the Administrative Hearing
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
process and direct the Staff Attorney to submit the
request to the Division of Administrative hearings for
processing. Mark Herdman, attorney representing Ms.
Vanderloop, addressed the Board to request that the
Board allow this to move to a hearing and to state that it
is his opinion that the district has abandoned the
process used over the past years that offered
alternatives and recommendations for such instances.
Mr. Herdman requested that the Board reject the
recommendation to dismiss Ms. Vanderloop and
reinstate her with a stipulation. David Koperski, Staff
Attorney, encouraged the School Board to allow this
item to proceed through the hearing process which will
offer the Board more options than what are available to
them at this point. The motion was carried with a 6-0
vote to suspend Ms. Mary Vanderloop, Teacher, Tyrone
Elementary School, without pay effective October 26,
2005, pending the outcome of the Administrative Hearing
process and direct the Staff Attorney to submit the
request to the Division of Administrative hearings for
processing. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#109.)
2k.
To approve an Interagency Agreement Between the Office of
the State Attorney for the Sixth Circuit of Florida and the
School Board of Pinellas County for the 2005-06 School
Year. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #109.)
2L.
To approve a Contract with KaBoom and Computer
Associates to Build a Playworld Systems Playground at
South Ward Elementary School. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #109.)
2m.
To approve the Following Special Projects:
(Copy, as
appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #109.)
Renewal of Voluntary Public School Choice
Mentee District Project: $100,000
2n.
To approve the Financial Statements for Month Ending July
31, 2005 for Fiscal Year 2005-06.
2o.
To approve the Financial Statements for Month Ending
August 31, 2005 for Fiscal Year 2005-06.
2p.
To approve the Food Service Change Fund Adjustment for
East Lake High School.
2q.
To approve the Agreement for Purchase Between Roy D.
Walker, Seller, and the School Board of Pinellas County,
Florida, Buyer, for the Purchase of his Property, Parcel No.
34-29-15-14796-000-0010, Located at 202 4th Place SW,
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
Largo, FL 33770 for the Purchase Price of $65,000 Plus
$2,000 Moving Expenses Less $3,500 for Seller’s Share of
the Removal of Improvements. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #109.)
2r.
To approve the Agreement With Harvard Jolly, Inc. for
Architectural and Contract Administration Services in
Connection With Remodeling and Renovating a Portion of
the Azalea Library Into an Administrative Service Center in
the Amount of $39,680. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #109.)
2s.
To approve the Reimbursement of Isolated Transportation for
M.H. for the 2005/2006 School Year.
2t.
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 #109.)
3.
It was moved by Mrs. Russell and seconded by Mrs. Brown
to approve the District Monitoring and Advisory Committee
(DMAC) Recommendation in the Area of Faculty Assignment
and Administrative Staff Assignment. Dr. Wilcox presented a
summary of the recommendations made by DMAC. Mrs.
Cook, referring the recommendation under #2, stated that if
the word “diversity” is used to mean that schools should have
a goal to add African/Americans to their faculty, the
recommendation should specifically say that, thus not
confusing the term, “diversity.” Mrs. Lerner requested that
the website be updated to ensure that all recommendations
that have been submitted are listed there. Mrs. Lerner
requested that an agenda be prepared and sent to the Board
for the upcoming meeting with DMAC. Ms. Clark requested
clarification for the fourth bullet under #1, “progressive
schools” and for the third bullet under #2, “propose a new
strategy to …” Mrs. Lerner also questioned the language,
“propose a new strategy..” Mrs. Bostock stated that in the
past the Board has been asked to “accept” the
recommendations, not “approve” them. Discussion followed.
Mr. Robinson suggested that the maker of the motion
withdraw their motion “to approve” and substitute it with a
new motion “to accept” the recommendations. Mrs. Russell
and Mrs. Brown withdrew their motion and second to
approve the recommendations. It was moved by Mrs. Lerner
to change the wording in the item to accept the District
Monitoring
and
Advisory
Committee
(DMAC)
Recommendation in the Area of Faculty Assignment and
Administrative Staff Assignment. This motion was seconded
by Mrs. Cook and carried with a 5-1 vote, Mrs. Brown voting
against stating that she would prefer to “approve” the
recommendations.
Mrs. Lerner requested that the
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
recommendations be part of the discussion with DMAC at the
upcoming joint meeting.
4.
It was moved by Mrs. Cook and seconded by Mrs. Brown to
accept the District Monitoring and Advisory Committee
(DMAC) Recommendation in the Area of Quality of
Education. Dr. Wilcox presented a brief overview of the item
and urged the Board to accept the recommendation. Mrs.
Russell stated that she supports the data gathering. Mrs.
Cook requested that the district look at best practices and
initiatives that are already in place to reduce suspensions.
Mrs. Brown, referencing the paragraph following the bullets
on page 168, questioned whether some of the data collection
is already taking place. Dr. Wilcox responded. The motion
was carried with a 6-0 vote to accept the District Monitoring
and Advisory Committee (DMAC) Recommendation in the
Area of Quality of Education.
The meeting recessed at 11:55 a.m. and reconvened at
12:13 p.m.
5.
The following individuals addressed the Board during
Presentations From the Audience:
Cindy Ehrenzeller – Addressed the Board to request that
the transcript information for Clearwater High School
students only require one page, similar to the format used at
Seminole High. Ms. Ehrenzeller distributed samples of that
format to the Board Members.
Ms. Ehrenzeller also
expressed the concern of the Clearwater High School SAC
regarding the loss of a large portion of their practice fields
due to the portables placed on their campus to temporarily
house Belcher Elementary students. Ms. Ehrenzeller stated
that a promise had been given to the school that the property
on the west side, across Arcturas, would be theirs to use and
requested that the Board and Administration follow through
to ensure that access is allowed.
Lenore Faulkner – Addressed the Board to share an
invitation that she has received to attend an educational
summit in Beijing, China.
Randy Dodds, PESPA – Addressed the Board to thank
them for their continuous support of programs, i.e.,
Certificate of Distinction and to request that the Board and
the Superintendent look for ways to add to those dollars. Mr.
Dodds thanked the Board for their recent recognition of the
Transportation Department personnel. Mr. Dodds expressed
the importance that training opportunities be included in the
proposed Technology Plan and urged the Board to consider
using data and quality processes.
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
Michelle Dennard, PCTA – Stated that the collaborative
bargaining process has begun and that minutes from those
meetings will be placed on their website.
Ms. Dennard
expressed concern with the impact on training opportunities
as a result of certain mandates. Ms. Dennard stated that the
employee groups have not had the opportunity to give their
input prior to the distribution of the “draft” Technology Plan
and requested that there be an opportunity given to the
employees to be included in the “loop.”
6.
The Following are Items Introduced by Board Members:
Mrs. Lerner – Requested that the Board receive an agenda
and materials prior to the October 27 joint meeting with
DMAC. Mrs. Lerner also stated that the Board had a
commitment to meet with this group at least once each year.
Requested that the Board receive information ahead of time
regarding the next two workshops. Mrs. Bostock suggested
that the Board meet immediately following the November 8
Board Meeting to determine workshop topics for November
15 and December 6 – Board Members agreed. Questioned
when the Draft Technology Plan will be presented to the
Board for discussion. Mrs. Bostock stated that this item is on
the schedule for November 15. Mrs. Lerner requested that
the Board review the original plan before the November 15
workshop.
Mrs. Brown – Requested that the Board include in a future
discussion on School Resource Officers dialogue as to how
the district can get parents to help us.
7.
Dr. Wilcox’s report included the following:
 Recognized the contributions to the community made by
David Fischer, former Mayor of St. Petersburg, and
shared information regarding Mr. Fischer’s background
and contributions to the community.
 Updated the Board regarding Tarpon Springs Elementary
air quality issue and stated that all updated information
will be placed on the web.
 Stated that he has given parents an opportunity on his
blog to offer their input as to how the students should
make up for the recent hurricane day.
 Stated that the timeline for the student assignment
process is out and that the changes approved by the
Board will be placed on the website.
 Announced that Jan Kucerik, Supervisor for World
Languages, is the recipient of the Wershaw Award and
that he will be bringing her before the Board for further
recognition.
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
 Stated that the Draft Technology Plan is on the website
and that he will follow up to ensure that employee groups
are involved.
 Summarized the meetings that he and the Board are
invited to for the remainder of this week.
8.
Mr. Robinson stated that he had no report.
9.
Reports from School Board Members were as follows:
Ms. Clark – Questioned how many teachers were selected
to view the Technology Plan. Dr. Wilcox responded that
approximately 200 surveys were sent out to teachers for their
input. Questioned who will clarify for the Independent
Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) exactly
what is their role. Dr. Wilcox stated that this has been
performed several times; however, there is one individual
who doesn’t accept that. Dr. Wilcox stated that the role of
ICROC is to merely advise the Board and the community
whether the district’s expenditures are in accordance with the
intent of the Referendum.
Mrs. Brown – Complimented DMAC for the proposals
presented to the Board at this meeting. Mrs. Brown clarified
that her vote opposing the first DMAC item was to indicate
her preference that the Board approve rather than accept
those recommendations.
Questioned when the Bayside
dedication will be rescheduled. Dr. Wilcox will see that this
information is forwarded to the Board as soon as it is
determined. Encouraged parents to be inquisitive as to how
their children are doing in school.
Mrs. Lerner – Stated that our schools have many wonderful
productions and requested that the information be placed on
the website. Mrs. Lerner questioned where we are in the
process of hiring a webmaster. Dr. Wilcox stated that
Sterling Ivey is working on that. Stated that Future Teachers
is a great organization and requested that the Board receive
more information on them, possibly have one of their
members speak to the Board in order to have the Board be
more supportive of their efforts. Requested that the Board
have a discussion around guidelines to be used in
determining which workshop topics should be televised. Dr.
Wilcox stated that staff has been discussing the possibility of
televising meetings live and that he will bring to the Board
related concerns and costs.
Mrs. Cook – Announced that students at Seminole High
School are performing “Once Upon a Mattress” and
encouraged those who could to attend the production.
Regular School Board Meeting
October 25, 2005
Mrs. Brown – Thanked St. Petersburg High School for the tshirts.
Mrs. Bostock – Stated that the “plus/delta” session for the
Board Members did not appear on this agenda and,
therefore, it will not take place following this meeting.
10.
Dr. Zambito’s summary of the directives will be e-mailed to
the Board Members.
11.
There being no further business to be brought before the
Board, this meeting adjourned at 12:54 p.m.
______________________
Chairman
/db(05Oct.25)
_____________________
Secretary