SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2004
The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, met in Regular Session on
Tuesday, February 10, 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. Jim Skaggs, Asst. School Board Attorney.
The Invocation was given by Rabbi Arthur Baseman, Temple B'Nai Israel,
1685 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL. 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; PCPTA; Morgan Norris and Solomon Nader, SRR
Committee, Tarpon Springs High School; Murray Mintz, Pinellas Arts for a
Complete Education Coalition; Oscar Robinson, Operations Team; Adam
Emerson, Tampa Tribune; Candace Rondeau, The St. Petersburg Times;
Deanna Sheffiled, Channel 10; and, Tom Parkinson, WUSF Radio.
Mrs. Cook reviewed the process to be followed by the audience for
participation at School Board Meetings.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Brown to adopt the
agenda.
PULL:
CONSENT #9
Dr. Hinesley informed the Board that the employee in Consent Item #7, Ms.
Hazel Benjamin, has requested an administrative hearing and requested that
the Board’s action reflect that.
The motion to adopt the agenda, as amended, was carried with a 7-0 vote.
A.
Morgan Norris and Solomon Nader, Student Rights and
Responsibilities Committee representatives from Tarpon Springs
High School, addressed the Board to share information on the
activities and achievements taking place at their school.
Regular School Board Meeting
February 10, 2004
B.
Dr. Hinesley introduced the Following Newly Appointed
Administrators:
Ms. Sandra L. Kemp, Principal
Tyrone Elementary School
Mr. Gerald M. Schlereth, Principal
Countryside High School
Ms. Kemp and Mr. Schlereth were greeted and congratulated by
the Board Members.
1.
It was moved by Mrs. Cook and seconded by Mrs. Russell to
approve the adoption of the proposed policy amendments to Policy
4.18 Student Honors. Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the second
reading for this amendment and recommended approval by the
Board.
The motion to approve the proposed amendments was
carried with a 7-0 vote.
2.
It was moved by Mrs. Cook and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to
approve the adoption of the proposed policy amendments to Policy
4.24 Removal of Students From Class. Dr. Hinesley stated that this
is the second reading for this amendment and recommended
approval by the Board. Dr. Hinesley stated that the language that
the Board requested during the first reading was added. It was
moved by Mrs. Cook, seconded by Mrs. Bostock, and carried with
a 7-0 vote to change “shall” to “may” on line 37, page 5, of the
agenda book. The motion to approve these amendments to Policy
4.24, as amended, was carried with a 7-0 vote.
3.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Cook to
approve the adoption of the proposed policy amendments to Policy
6.16 Religious Holiday Exemptions. Dr. Hinesley stated that this is
the second reading for this amendment and recommended
approval by the Board. The motion to approve was carried with a
7-0 vote.
4.
It was moved by Mr. Benjamin and seconded by Mrs. Brown to
approve the adoption of the proposed policy amendments to Policy
7.01 Fiscal Management. Dr. Hinesley stated that this is the
second reading for this amendment and recommended approval
by the Board. The motion to approve was carried with a 7-0 vote.
5.
It was moved by Mrs. Cook, seconded by Mrs. Russell, and carried
with a 7-0 vote to approve the consent agenda, as amended.
5a.
To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 27,
2004.
Regular School Board Meeting
February 10, 2004
5b.
To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the
Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#102.)
5c.
To suspend Ms. Hazel Benjamin, Bus Driver, Transportation
Department, without pay effective February 11, 2004, pending the
outcome of the administrative hearing. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
5d.
To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to
Suspend Ms. Corine Coviello, Teacher, Palm Harbor University
High School for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
5e.
Mrs. Lerner, having pulled this item, read through a summary
of the discipline actions taken by district staff with Ms. Kay
Kennedy, Teacher, Safety Harbor Middle School. Mrs. Lerner
and Mrs. Gallucci stated that they had concerns with the
recommendation proposed to suspend Ms. Kennedy for one
day. Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley, Mr. Scaggs, and
School Board Members. It was moved by Mrs. Lerner,
seconded by Mrs. Russell, and carried with a 7-0 vote to reject
the Superintendent’s recommendation to suspend Ms.
Kennedy for one day and to have staff bring a
recommendation back to the Board which will include
mandatory training or whatever actions deemed appropriate
for this teacher.
The Board also requested that
recommendations for disciplinary actions against personnel
appearing in agenda books include a summary of previous
disciplinary actions, mentoring opportunities, and training
opportunities that were given to the employee prior to the
employee appearing in the agenda book. The Board Members
agreed that the format used by Mrs. Gallucci in presenting
information on this individual is the format that staff should
use in presenting future disciplinary information to the Board.
5f.
To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to
Suspend Mr. Willie Neal, Bus Driver, Transportation Department
for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
5g.
To approve the Recommendation to Accept the Stipulation to
Suspend Mr. Robert Taylor, Bus Driver, Transportation
Department for Three (3) Days Without Pay. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
Regular School Board Meeting
February 10, 2004
5h.
To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as
appropriate, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
-
Lealman Math Academy Project: $9,989.54
Amendment to Workforce Investment Act Out-of-School Youth
Program: $50,000
5i.
To approve Budget Amendment No. 4 (December 2003) to the
District’s 2003/04 Budget.
5j.
To approve the Financial Statements for Month Ending December
31, 2003 for Fiscal Year 2003-04.
5k.
To approve the Report to the School Board of Facility Leases,
Joint-Use Activities, and Other Community Uses Processed by the
Real Property Management Department During the Fourth Quarter
2003.
5l.
To approve Change Order No. 3 for the HVAC Renovations and
Remodeling at Largo Middle School. This Change Order will
increase the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $40,901 with
no time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book
#102.)
5m.
To approve Change Order No. 1 for new Construction at
Meadowlawn Middle School. This Change Order will decrease the
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) by $4,779,800.79 with a time
extension of sixty-six (66) calendar days. (Copy to be found in
Supplemental Minute Book #102.)
5n.
To approve the Vehicle Use Agreements with Great Explorations
and The Festival of States. (Copy to be found in Supplemental
Minute Book #102.)
5o.
To approve the Reimbursement of Isolated Transportation for J.H.
for the 2003/2004 School Year.
5p.
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 #102.)
6.
Mrs. Gallucci requested that the area on the agenda that speaks to
Presentations From the Audience read, “on or before” 12:00 noon for
day meetings and “on or before” 7:00 p.m. for evening meetings.
Regular School Board Meeting
February 10, 2004
7.
Dr. Hinesley’s report included the following:
 Informed the Board that he addressed the City Council
Members and Mayor of Dunedin at their recent meeting
regarding the possible use of the former Dunedin Middle School
facility as a temporary location for the Bayside High School
program. Dr. Hinesley commended staff for their efforts on this
issue. He stated that he was received well by the council
members and that the district is moving forward with this project
and temporary location of students for the months of August,
September, and October 2004.
 Expressed his appreciation to the Druid Complex staff for their
cooperation during their recent relocation.
 Stated that, upon his invitation, the Board Chairman addressed
the principals at the recent SAS meeting regarding the search
process for a new superintendent.
 Informed the Board that training was also offered during the
SAS meeting for principals regarding ESE issues.
8.
Mr. Skaggs stated that he had no report.
9.
Reports from School Board Members were as Follows:
Schools Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members
Outstanding Educators Award Dinner; Boca Ciega Hal of Fame
Presentation; Support Employees Recognition Breakfast; Meeting with
PESPA Subcommittee for the Tax Referendum; Science Fair Judge,
Bay Vista Elementary (Mrs. Bostock)
Concerns Expressed, Written or Oral
Mrs. Brown – Read her statement expressing her concern with the
recent incident that took place at Tarpon Springs High School where a
student wore “clothing with symbols that represent strong historic
discriminatory practices against a group of people.” Mrs. Brown ended
her comments by requesting that the Board agree to “go forth in this
discussion in order for our policies to be reviewed and changed so that
when read by anyone, they are clearly understood and can be
implemented for staff and students in a manner that will show an
environment free of discriminatory intimidation, appreciation for
differences, and respect for all.” The Board agreed that those in the
audience who had signed up to speak under Audience Presentations
regarding the issue of students wearing or displaying the Confederate
Flag may speak now.
Regular School Board Meeting
February 10, 2004
The following individuals addressed the Board:
Ed Helm – Requested that the Board look at what the Confederate
Flag symbolizes and reconsider the action taken against the female
student who circulated petitions against it.
Mrs. Gallucci requested that Dr. Hinesley give a brief overview of the
incident that occurred at Tarpon Springs High School.
Charles W. Pedrick – Stated that he is a member of the Sons of the
Confederate Veterans and requested that the Board not take any
action to “ban” the display of this flag, but discover what the flag truly
symbolizes.
Mr. Pedrick distributed a brochure titled, “Guide to
Confederate Issues in Florida,” published by the Florida Division, Sons
of Confederate Veterans.
Joyce McCarty – Expressed concern that a student who was
exercising free speech received punishment, and a student who “wore
offensive clothing” was not punished.
Joe Marshall – Stated that he totally supports comments presented by
Mrs. Brown.
Bilal F. Habeeb-ullah – Stated that he supports comments presented
by Mrs. Brown and requested that the symbol be removed from school
property.
Clifton E. Burney, AAVREC – Stated that he stands firmly in support
of Mrs. Brown’s comments and requested that the Board take action to
remove this symbol from schools.
Discussion followed by Board Members. Through consensus, the
Board agreed to direct Dr. Hinesley to work with appropriate staff to
solicit and receive input from students. Also, during Mrs. Russell’s
comments, a website appeared on the screen. Mrs. Bostock
expressed concern that the site was displayed without the district or
the Board having full knowledge of what type of information is available
at that website. This concern will be discussed at a future workshop.
10.
The following individuals addressed the Board during
Presentations From the Audience:
Mark Klutho – Stated that those who believe in the Confederate
Flag should be able to wear it; critiqued grammar used by a Board
Member; stated that polar bears are skinny according to a recent
article; and, stated that the district is still building “stupid schools.”
Regular School Board Meeting
February 10, 2004
Michelle Dennard, PCTA, and Carolyn Smith, PESPA –
Individually addressed the Board to request that the Board support
and participate in Read Across Pinellas, RAP.
9. (Board Reports - Continued)
Mrs. Lerner – Stated that the Board gets caught up in the
discipline of a few teachers during Board meetings; but, that she
never ceases to be impressed with the number of good employees
in this district.
Mrs. Russell – Thanked PCCPTA for putting together the
Legislators in Schools effort.
Mrs. Bostock – Expressed her concern that the language
regarding the proposed tax referendum contained within a PESPA
flier was reportedly approved by PEAC and that the Board, as a
body, did not review and approve the 2004 PEAC brochure.
Discussion followed by Mrs. Gallucci and Mrs. Bostock.
Expressed concern that the PESPA Pride and the flier promoting
the proposed tax referendum were distributed via the pony mail.
Mrs. Bostock stated that her concern lies with the fact the
taxpayers’ dollars were used to deliver promotional materials
regarding an action that will increase taxes. Discussion followed
by Board Members, Dr. Hinesley, and Jade Moore, PCTA. Board
Members requested that a legal opinion be delivered by Mr. Bowen
regarding what may and what should not be delivered through the
school pony system. Assistant School Board Attorney Jim Scaggs
will discuss this concern with the union representatives.
Mrs. Gallucci – Stated that the county has partnered with Brooker
Creek Preserve and distributed to the Board Members a brochure
highlighting the preserve. Mrs. Gallucci suggested that this might
be a good location for the Board’s retreat with the new
superintendent. Stated that she had received a letter from a
student who heard that music programs were being eliminated by
the district. Mrs. Gallucci assured students and staff that is not
happening.
11.
A summary of Board directives was given by Dr. Hinesley as follows:
 The approved list of holidays/no-test-days will be posted on the
website.
 “On or before…” will be added to the time slots printed on board
agendas for Presentations From the Audience.”
Regular School Board Meeting
February 10, 2004
 Administrative staff will work with Dr. Roy Kaplan to identify a
process to engage students in discussion regarding the
Confederate Flag issue. The Board will receive information on this
process no later than March 3, 2004.
 Mr. Bowen will deliver a legal opinion regarding what may and what
should not be delivered through the school pony system.
12.
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, this
meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
______________________
Chairman
/db(04Feb10)
_____________________
Secretary