SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA

REGULAR MEETING APRIL 27, 1999

1. Mr. Benjamin requested a moment of silence in remembrance of the parents, students, teachers and administrators at Littleton, CO.

2. The Invocation was given by The Reverend Steve Kreloff, Lakeside Community Church, 1893 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Introduction of the following representatives of professional and community organizations was given by Mrs. Janet O’Harrow, Information Specialist:

Cheryl Matis, PCCPTA; Allison Hoffman and Adam Cote, Student Rights and Responsibilities Committee, Dunedin High; Vic Rowley, Pinellas County SACs; Richard Cash, Arts for a Complete Education Coalition and Arts Infusion Management Commission of Tampa Bay; Jan Thornberg and Deborah Brown, Fox 13.

4. It was moved by Mrs. Latvala and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to adopt the agenda.

4a. The motion to adopt the agenda was carried with a 7-0 vote.

5. Ms. Allison Hoffman, Students Rights and Responsibilities Committee, Dunedin High, addressed the Board regarding the Performing Arts Program and shared activities at her school.

The Board Members thanked Ms. Hoffman for her presentation.

6. Dr. Hinesley introduced the Following Newly Appointed Administrator:

Ms. Joni Jonas, Supervisor

Business Technologies and Workforce Development

The Board members greeted and congratulated Ms. Jonas.

7. Ms. Sheila F. Keller, Director, Community Services and Human Relations introduced Dr. Roy Kaplan, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Chapter of The National Conference for Community and Justice. Dr. Kaplan addressed the Board and recognized Mrs. Garnelle Jenkins, President of the NAACP, a recipient of the Silver Medallion Humanitarian Award and introduced a visitor from Germany, the Rev. Friedhelm Pieper, General Secretary of the International Conference of Christians and Jews. Dr. Kaplan stated Pinellas County’s Multicultural Program is recognized as the most comprehensive multicultural program in the United States and thanked the Board for their continued help and support.

Ms. Keller presented the following Students Who Won First Place in the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week Poster Contest that was sponsored by the Tampa Bay Chapter of The National Conference for Community and Justice and the Principals’ Multicultural Advisory Committees of Pinellas County Schools. The theme of the contest was "We Open Minds."

HIGH MIDDLE ELEMENTARY

**Rob Mullins Kory Outlaw Alison Bobbitt

Pinellas Park High Osceola Middle Robinson Challenge

*Nathan Johnson

Plumb Elementary

Sean Porterfield

Bay Vista Fundamental

* Not present at this meeting

** Family Member Attended on Behalf of Student

Board Members greeted and congratulated the students and presented them with medallions.

8. Ms. Sheila F. Keller recognized Ms. Gina Wilson, Crime Prevention Specialist, Pinellas County Urban League. Ms. Keller presented for recognition the following Students Who Won First Place in the Black-on-Black Crime Prevention Program Essay Contest. She stated this contest was sponsored by the Pinellas County Urban League Crime Prevention Program and the theme was "What Should Be Done To Eliminate Hate Crimes and Foster Better Relationships."

HIGH MIDDLE ELEMENTARY

Brandi Morse Shanna Groom Julian Grimes

PTEC South Carwise Middle Perkins Elementary

The Board Members greeted and congratulated the students and presented them with medallions.

Dr. Kaplan presented the youth-driven, 30-second video for a community anti-hate campaign to reduce prejudice with the theme, "Hate Hurts, Love Heals."

9. Ms. Cindy Ehrenzeller, Pinellas County Council PTA President, addressed the Board and stated this was her last official duty as president and thanked the Board for their cooperation. She reminded the Board that next week is Teacher Appreciation Week and thanked the teachers for their dedication. Ms. Ehrenzeller reviewed several issues that the PCCPTA was concerned about:: that when crime occurs on campus, the local police are not notified; that there should be a uniform system of emergency evacuation procedures for each school to follow; that testing for students’ reading skills is taking time away from the classroom; and, that PTA would like to see teachers getting component points for their hours of involvement with the PTA.

Mr. Benjamin thanked Ms. Ehrenzeller for the job she has done as president and for sharing her concerns with the Board.

10. Ms. Marilyn Kagan, Sandy Lane Elementary School Advisory Committee (SAC) Representative, addressed the Board regarding the excessive paperwork the teachers have to process and stated teachers are feeling burdened, overworked and discouraged, and also, that the students are being tested over and over again which is a waste of time. Mrs. Kagan requested that a climate survey be sent out.

Dr. Hinesley stated that Jade Moore, Linda Bacon, Ken Rigsby, Jan Rouse and Cathy Athanson, are working with multiple larger groups and going through all paperwork requirements and determining which ones are state or federally mandated.

Mrs. Lerner stated that teachers in the school system should have time to give their input to the cross functional team. It was the consensus of the Board to allow time for others in the school system to talk to the different teams involved in this process.

Discussion followed by Dr. Hinesley and Board Members.

11. Dr. Hinesley stated this is the second reading of the Adoption of Amendment to Policy 1.05 Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action and he recommended approval of this policy. It was Board consensus that discussion on both policies, Amendment to Policy 1.05, Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action, and Policy 8.241, Prohibition of Harassment, would be discussed together but that the Board discussions and votes would be separate.

11a. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Latvala to approve Policy 1.05 Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action.

11b. The following Individuals spoke in favor of adding sexual orientation to Policy 1.05, Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action, and Policy 8.241, Prohibition of Harassment: Garnelle Jenkins; Andrea Weaver; Carl Schuh; Roy Kaplan; Harold Brockus; Marsha Carter; Francis X. O’Sullivan; Eileen O’Sullivan;; Charles Throckmorton; Todd Martinez-Padilla Simmons; Kathleen Malinsky; Tony Van Pelt; and, Helen Roop.

The following individuals spoke against adding sexual orientation to Policy 1.05 Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action and Policy 8.241 Prohibition of Harassment: Rex Sparklin; Tom McKeon; Glen Schultz; Holly Schultz; and, Joe Hancock.

The following individuals spoke in favor of adding sexual orientation to Policy 1.05 Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action: Michelle Dennard; David Hoffman; and, Karen Heidenreich;

The following individuals spoke against adding sexual orientation to Policy 1.05 Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action: Christy Rene and Ron Scheffler

The following individual spoke against adding sexual orientation to Policy 8.241 Prohibition of Harassment: Russ Porter.

Mr. Matthew Sullivan addressed the Board regarding his son’s experience at Azalea Elementary.

12. The meeting recessed at 7:45 p.m. and reconvened at 7:55 p.m.

13. The following individuals addressed the Board during Audience Presentations:

Mr. Mark Folds, Pinellas County school teacher, addressed the Board regarding the death of William "Dave" Sanders, a teacher in Littleton, Colorado and requested that each school set up a fund earmarked for the needs of the Sanders family. He also requested that on May 4, Teacher Appreciation Day, flags be flown at half mast to acknowledge what Mr. Sanders gave, his life. Discussion followed by Board members. Dr. Hinesley stated he would have Mr. Johansen work with Mr. Folds on the best way to accomplish his request. Dr. Hinesley clarified that there is flag etiquette, and that only the President and Governor have authority to ask that flags be flown half mast. He stated he would present to the Board a proclamation in recognition of Mr. Sanders and set up mechanism to get dollars to where they should go. Mrs. Gallucci read an article by Mary Jo Melone, "Life Lessons They Taught Without Any Books."

Mr. Brian Birch addressed the Board regarding the substitute teacher pay. Discussion followed by Board Members.

11b. (Continued) Mr. Todd stated he would support the Superintendent’ recommendation.

Dr. Gessner expressed concern regarding the legal liability if sexual orientation was added to this policy.

Mrs. Bostock questioned if adding sexual orientation to this policy would result in additional cost to the district and stated she would support the Superintendent’s recommendation.

Discussion followed by Board Members and Mr. Scaggs.

11c. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Mrs. Lerner and carried with a 4-3 vote, Mrs. Bostock, Dr. Gessner and Mr. Todd voting against, to amend the original motion to add sexual orientation to Policy 1.05, Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action.

11d. It was moved by Mr. Todd and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to amend Policy 1.05, Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action, adding that by including sexual orientation in this policy, it does not provide a new or special category or class of employees beyond those recommended by state regulations and rules of the State of Florida. The motion failed with a 3-4 vote, Mr. Benjamin, Mrs. Gallucci, Mrs. Latvala and Mrs. Lerner voting against.

11e. The motion to approve Policy 1.05 Non-Discrimination/Affirmative Action as amended was carried with a 4-3 vote, Mrs. Bostock, Dr. Gessner and Mr. Todd voting against.

14. It was moved by Mrs. Latvala and seconded by Mrs. Gallucci to approve the Adoption of New Policy 8.241, Prohibition of Harassment.

Discussion followed by Board members and Dr. Hinesley.

14a. The motion to approve New Policy 8.241 was carried with a 4-3 vote, Mrs. Bostock, Dr. Gessner and Mr. Todd voting against.

15. It was moved by Mr. Todd, seconded by Dr. Gessner and carried with a 7-0 vote to approve the consent agenda, as submitted.

15a. To approve the minutes of the School Board meeting of April 13, 1999, as submitted.

15b. To approve the Personnel Actions as Recommended by the Superintendent. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #88.)

15c. To approve the Following Special Projects: (Copy/copies, as applicable, to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #88.)

- Technology Literacy Challenge Fund Project: $444,024

- Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) and Database Development

Project: $8,896

- Renewal of Safe and Drug Free Schools Program: $498,354

- Amendment to Carl Perkins Project: $304,462

- Agreement with Jan Richardson: $15,400

- Matrix Training Project: $10,000

15d. To accept the Auditor General’s Report No. 13434 for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1998.

15e. To approve the Internal Audit Reports for High Schools for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1997.

15f. To approve the Agreement with Head Start. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #88.)

15g. To approve the Instrumental Encounter - Pinellas County’s Instrumental Music Camp at Perkins Elementary School.

15h. To approve the Preliminary Design Phase II Submittal for Additions, Remodeling and Renovations at Tarpon Springs High School for an Estimated Total Cost of $14,378,147.

15i. To approve Change Order No. 15 for Construction of Six Kindergarten and Four new Primary Classrooms Plus Enlarging the Dining Area at Bear Creek Elementary School. This change order will increase the contract amount by $28,022 with no time extension. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #88.)

15j. To approve the Final Substantial Completion for Lakewood Elementary School as of February 9, 1999. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #88.)

15k. To approve the Amendment No. 3 to Agreement With C. B. Goldsmith and Associates, Inc. for Architectural and Construction Contract Administration Services in Connection With Reroofing and Structural Repairs at Osceola Middle School in the Amount of $52,500. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #88.)

15L. To approve the Renewal of the Summer Food Service Program for Children Agreement With Pinellas County and the Pinellas County School Board. (Copy to be found in Supplemental Minute Book #88.)

15m. 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 #88.)

16. It was moved by Dr. Gessner and seconded by Mrs. Latvala to Authorize the Advertisement of Amendment to Policy 5.12 Acceptance of Credits.

Discussion followed by Board Members and Dr. Hinesley.

16a. The motion to approve to Authorize the Advertisement of Amendment was carried with a 7-0 vote.

17. It was moved by Mr. Todd and seconded by Mrs. Bostock to approve to Eliminate the Vision Care Benefits From the Cigna Health Plan, Effective July 1, 1999 and to Accept Plan Design Changes Effective January 1, 2000.

Mr. Ted Pafundi, Director, Risk Management, reviewed the plan design.

Discussion followed by Board Members.

17a. The motion to approve to Eliminate the Vision Care Benefit From the Cigna Health Plan carried with a 7-0 vote.

18. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Dr. Gessner to approve the Vision Program for Period July 1, 1999 Through December 31, 2000 With an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent Years Thereafter.

18a. The motion to approve the Vision Program was carried with a 7-0 vote.

19. It was moved by Mrs. Gallucci and seconded by Mrs. Latvala to approve to Extend the Washington National Insurance Contract Through December 31, 2000 to Provide Optional Income Protection Benefits With a l0-15% Decrease in Premium and With an Option to Negotiate Renewals for Subsequent Years Thereafter.

Dr. Hinesley stated that this was a decrease in premium.

19a. The motion to approve the Washington National Insurance Contract carried with a 7-0 vote.

20. Dr. Hinesley’s report was as follows:

21. Mr. Benjamin called for a Special Board Meeting to be held on Monday, May 3, 1999, at 2:30 p.m., in the Conference Hall regarding the Stipulation on Unitary Status.

20. (Continued) Dr. Hinesley’s report:

22. Reports from School Board Members were as follows:

Mrs. Lerner - Questioned if Pinellas County would consider asking to become a charter school district. Dr. Hinesley stated the information on charter school districts needs to be analyzed. Requested that the Board review the list of representatives on the Safety Task Force and questioned if there are representatives from Student Services. Discussion followed by Board Members. Dr. Hinesley stated he will provide the Safety Task Force list to Board Members.

Mr. Benjamin - Stated a representative was needed to serve on the FSBA Board of Directors and that Mrs. Lerner and Mr. Todd had both expressed an interest in serving on this committee. It was the consensus of the Board that Mr. Todd would serve on the FSBA Board of Directors.

School Visited or Functions Attended by Board Members

South Ward Elementary; Bay Point Middle; Gibbs High; Largo High; National Conference for Community and Justice; Quality Expo; Commissioner’s Academic Challenge; High School Robotics Competition; Hot-Line Dedication; Planning Council Meeting; English Teachers’ Dinner.

23. Mr. Scaggs stated he did not have a report.

25. There being no further business to be brought before the School Board, this meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

____________________ ___________________

Chairman Secretary

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