Regular School Board Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, January 4, 2005 – 7:00 p.m.

School Board Meeting Room

Stuart, FL 34994

Members Present

Susan Hershey -Chair

Lorie Shekailo-Vice-Chair

Laurie Gaylord

Nancy Kline

Dr. Sara A. Wilcox, Superintendent

Tom Elfers, School Board Attorney

Katie Gillen, Student Representative (MCHS)

Members Absent

Dr. David Anderson

Staff Present

Hank Salzler, Tyson Villwock, Xenobia Anderson, Essie Rains, Debbie Henderson, Ginger Featherstone, Nancy Marin, Gail Newman, Mike Chatham Tim Black, Willie Sauls, Helene Baxter, Joyce Holmes, Darrell Miller, Darla Miloszewski, Leighton O’Connor, Karen O’Connor, Rodger Osborne, Dr. Frank Raffone, Marshall Skinner, Rose Taylor, Deanne Miller, John Wakeman, J. Lisle Bozeman, James Copeland, Ruth Pietruszewski

Public

Eric Ingraham, Tammy Simoneau

Press PBPost – Michael Bender Stuart News – Kelly Tyko

MCEA – Jeanette Phillips AFSCME – No Representation

Call to Order by the Chairman and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States.

1. Adoption of the Agenda:*

A. Additions, Deletions or Amendments to the Agenda

Dr. Sara A. Wilcox requested to remove Item 16A and 16B under Rule Revisions from the agenda.

B. Approval of the Agenda

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of the agenda as modified, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

2. Approval of the Minutes:*

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of the 12/7/04 Regular School Board Meeting minutes and the 11/18/04 High School Scheduling Workshop.

3. Recognitions:* None

4. Presentations:*

A. Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce Presentation of Check for Three Defibrillators-Eric Ingraham, Jensen Beach Chamber

Eric Ingraham, soon to be the past President of the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, said the Jensen Chamber, after a phone call from Commissioner Doug Smith, took on the challenge of raising funds and have provided 2 AED’s for the new high school. Tammy Simoneau, the soon to be new President and Eric Ingraham presented the check to Dr. Sara A. Wilcox, Superintendent, and Sue Hershey, School Board Chair. As the check was being presented, the Chamber’s representatives expressed their thankfulness and appreciation for everything the School Board of Martin County has done for this community and its students. Eric Ingraham indicated that the Chamber hoped to make this a continued effort and provide more AED’s for the other schools. Lorie Shekailo encouraged individuals to take the AED training as she had. She emphasized how a gentleman’s life was saved by an AED in the ambulance, when this man suffered a heart attack at the opening of Jensen Beach High School. Board members thanked the chamber for their donation.

5. Open to the Public:*

· Jeannette Phillips, President of the Martin County Education Association, requested to address the School Board members on the by-laws placed on the agenda. Sue Hershey reminded Jeannette that Item 16A and 16B, under rule revisions, had been removed from the agenda. Jeannette requested that she still address the board and hoped they would consider the changes proposed from recommendations made by MCEA. She discussed three issues and asked that the board consider the changes and recommendations.

6. Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda:* None

7. Approve Consent Agenda:*

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of the consent agenda, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

8. CONSENT AGENDA

A. 04/05 FY Attendance Zones:* (COPY ATTACHED)

B. Requests:*

1. Use of Facilities:* (COPY ATTACHED)

2. Field Trips / Use of Buses / Vehicles:* (COPY ATTACHED)

C. New Agreements:* None

D. Renewal Agreements:*

1. Approve Martin County Health Department and the Martin County School Board Memorandum of Agreement for Nursing Services for the Head Start Program- (COPY ATTACHED)

E. New Grants:* None

F. Renewal Grants:*

1. Approve Camp W.E.T. Grant Proposal for $41,680 –(COPY ATTACHED)

Michael Chatham, Director of the Environmental Studies Center, explained that by soliciting funds through various organizations throughout the School Board, 156 scholarships would be available for children who otherwise would not be able to attend camp. The program was originally started by John Wakeman and has remained popular. The six-week camp is divided into three two-week sessions. The children learn about environmental issues, how nature interacts with humans, and the importance of water in south Florida.

G. Personnel Items:*

1. Schedule of Personnel Recommendations (COPY ATTACHED)

2. Leaves Authorized by the Superintendent (COPY ATTACHED)

3. Approve Revised Job Descriptions-Deana Newson

a. Director of Exceptional Student Education and Student Services- (COPY ATTACHED)

b. Facilities Specialist/Materials-(COPY ATTACHED)

c. Facilities Specialist-Mechanical Trades-(COPY ATTACHED)

d. Facilities Specialist/Work Order-(COPY ATTACHED)

e. Food Service Manager-(COPY ATTACHED)

f. Groundsman-(COPY ATTACHED)

g. Guidance Clerk-(COPY ATTACHED)

h. Guidance Counselor-(COPY ATTACHED)

i. Health Assistant-(COPY ATTACHED)

j. Help Desk Support Technician-(COPY ATTACHED)

k. Instructor-Adult Education-(COPY ATTACHED)

l. Junior Programmer-(COPY ATTACHED)

m. Labor/Employment Representative-(COPY ATTACHED)

n. Lead Custodian-(COPY ATTACHED)

o. Mainstream Teacher-Consultant-(COPY ATTACHED)

p. Maintenance Manager-(COPY ATTACHED)

q. Mason-(COPY ATTACHED)

r. Mechanic-(COPY ATTACHED)

s. Media Assistant-(COPY ATTACHED)

t. Media Specialist-(COPY ATTACHED)

u. Occupational Specialist-(COPY ATTACHED)

9. Items Removed from the Agenda:*

Dr. Sara A. Wilcox requested to remove Item 16A and 16B under Rule Revisions from the agenda.

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of the agenda as modified, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

10. Construction:*

Nancy Kline moved approval of Item 10, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

A. Approve Reduction in Retainage from 10% to 5% for Listed Subcontractors to Catalfumo Construction, Construction Manager at Risk for Port Salerno Elementary Replacement School-(COPY ATTACHED)

B. Approve Advertisement for Construction Manager at Risk for Phased Project at Martin County High School-(COPY ATTACHED)

C. Approve Advertisement for Construction Manager at Risk for Phased Project at Murray Middle School-(COPY ATTACHED)

Rodger Osborne stated that the project was very much in the planning stages.

D. Approve Addition to the List of Pre-Qualified Contractors for Year 2004-05. – (COPY ATTACHED)

11. Finance:*

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 11, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

A. Approve Purchase Orders / Contracts (COPY ATTACHED)

B. Approve Private Purpose Fund Budget Amendment #05-8502-(COPY ATTACHED)

C. Approve Permanent Fund Budget Amendment #05-001-(COPY ATTACHED)

D. Approve Pension Trust Fund Budget Amendment #05-8702-(COPY ATTACHED)

E. Approve Capital Fund Budget Amendment #05-305-(COPY ATTACHED)

F. Approve Special Revenue Fund Budget Amendment #05-4205–(COPY ATTACHED)

G. Approve General Fund Budget Amendment #05-105-(COPY ATTACHED)

12. Bid Recommendations:*

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 12, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

A. Approval to Piggyback Bids

1. Florida Sheriff’s Association Contract #04-12-0823 and FL State Contract #070-001-05-1 for Automobiles & Light Trucks-(COPY ATTACHED)

2. Western States Contracting Alliance Master Price Agreement #A63309 for Information Technology Hardware - (COPY ATTACHED)

13. Approve: Environmental Studies Center Day/Sail Camp 2005:*-( COPY ATTACHED)

Mike Chatham, Director of the Environmental Studies Center, welcomed volunteers to help with registration on April 16^th. He described day camp activities. He reported that approximately 1100 students usually attend. Activities include sailing, snorkeling, and visiting beaches. The children learn about the local ecosystems. Overseas students are given the opportunity to attend, when their parents coordinate their time-share weeks with the camp’s schedule. Lorie Shekailo remarked how wonderful the camp is run and stated that her own children attend every year. Mike promised to give the board members camp t-shirts.

Laurie Gaylord moved approval of Item 13, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

14. Approve 2003-2004 SAC School Improvement Final Report for : Bessey Creek Elementary, Crystal Lake Elementary, Felix A. Williams, Hobe Sound Elementary, Indiantown Middle, and J.D. Parker:* - (COPY ATTACHED)

Laurie Gaylord moved approval of Item 14, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

15. Approve 2004-2005 SAC School Improvement Plan and Membership for: Bessey Creek Elementary, Crystal Lake Elementary, Felix A. Williams, Hobe Sound Elementary, Indiantown Middle, and J.D. Parker:* -(COPY ATTACHED)

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 15, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

16. Rule Revisions:*

A. Public Hearing on Section 0000-Bylaws. Policies to take effect July 1, 2005 – (REMOVED FROM AGENDA)

B. First Review and Approve Advertising per APA Section 6000-Finances. Policies to take effect July 1, 2005- (REMOVED FROM AGENDA)

17. Open to the Board:*

A. Approve FSBA Master Board Training-(COPY ATTACHED)

Sue Hershey explained that whenever a new board member is elected, in order to remain a master board, 40 hours of instruction are required. Three out of five board members must participate, and the attendance requirement is 80% of the time. Sue warned that they take the time right down to the minute, and taking this on was a major commitment. All board members chose to attend.

Nancy Kline moved approval of Item 17A, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

17. Open to the Board :*(Con’t)

· Katie Gillen provided an update on high school events and activities. Semester exams begin January 13^th. She congratulated Dennis Palmer on earning All Area Football player. He made 1918 yards in 9 games. Justin Preston, wide receiver, Josh Delancy, offensive lineman, and Skyler Jenkins, defensive lineman, all earned Honorable Area Mention players. SFHS girl’s soccer team took first place at the game played in Gainesville. MCHS boy’s basketball took first place. Opus performed at Epcot. The MCHS Tigerettes performed at the Gator Bowl.

· Laurie Gaylord wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked everyone for their unique and creative holiday wishes. She mentioned that Head Start had increased their Policy Council membership. The location of Head Start Policy Council meetings is being alternated between Indiantown and Port Salerno. She expressed her dismay and great concern for the poor attendance at SFHS’s conference night. Laurie noticed that the February 15^th Board Meeting coincided with the FSBA Legislative meeting. Rose Taylor was asked to check on those dates.

· Nancy Kline enjoyed the Transportation Department’s holiday get together. She has planned taking a bus tour to Indiantown, Palm City, and Jensen Beach with Mr. Black the first of the year. She was impressed with the school improvement plans and the incredible work that was entailed in producing them. She stated that strategic planning is a tool that assesses our goals and helps produce valuable outcomes. She relayed the message that the process is grueling but beneficial. She commended Delores Oliver Calloway and her staff for their diligence and hard work. She thanked Rodger Osborne for hosting the impact of growth issues workshop, because it is vital that we deal with growth issues.

· Lorie Shekailo wished everyone a Happy New Year. She described the happy and positive return to Pinewood Elementary. Staff wore red slippers and signs all over the school read “there’s no place like home.” It was an uplifting experience. She thanked Holly Laiben for facilitating the volunteer luncheon and thanked the volunteers for their valuable services. She announced that the Martin County Council of PTAs will have a Legislative Day on January 31, 2005, at Jensen Beach High School at 7:00 p.m. All of the legislatures will attend, Senator Pruitt, Representative Negron, Representative Harrell, and Representative Machek. They will discuss hot topics. The PTA will present their platform and open the meeting to questions. Lorie Shekailo would like to show our representatives a supportive turnout.

· Sue Hershey took the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year. She congratulated Darrell Miller and Deann Sylvester on their recent matrimony. She was thrilled that Pinewood Elementary opened. She would like to be updated regularly with the hurricane improvements. She announced that a Head Start workshop would be held on February 1, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. in the School Board meeting room. The board members in entirety and the Superintendent attended Vicki Davis’s swearing-in ceremony. Sue Hershey reminded board members that the joint meeting between the City of Stuart, Martin County Board of County Commissioners, and the School Board, would be held on Tuesday, January 18^th at the Blake Library at 9:00a.m. The opening of the Advanced Learning Center will also be held on January 18^th. She informed the board members that the Treasure Coast group meeting would be held on January 19^th.

· Dr. Sara A. Wilcox was proud of the smooth and positive opening at Pinewood Elementary School and attributed the successful opening to staff working over the holidays. She particularly wanted to thank Cecilia Hysmith, Principal of Pinewood Elementary School, and Julie Sessa, MCSD Risk Manager, for their dedication and for working practically every day over the holidays. She thanked Dr. Frank Raffone for stepping in with his help at the end of winter break, and the facilities department for all their essential help. She thanked Pirtle and LVI for being so responsive to our needs. She reported that John Pascalone conducted the fire safety inspection, and the health department inspected the cafeteria and all the classrooms.

18. Employee Disciplinary Hearing:*

A. Approve: Employee Suspension without Pay

Case Number 04/05: 001-(COPY ATTACHED)

Helene Baxter explained that this hearing would be very similar to a student expulsion hearing. The hearing was open to the public, but the public was given the opportunity to leave. Helene wanted to be sure board members had received the letter from the employee dated December 15^th, indicating that he had been served with a statement of the charges. He had over a week to review them. He asked questions and then submitted a letter letting the district know that he was not contesting the charges. He agreed to accept the penalty of 3 days suspension without pay. Helene commented that the attendance issues were self-explanatory. Laurie Gaylord stated that the attendance issues were blatant. Board members had no questions. Helene Baxter said the employee’s attendance has improved. He now understands the seriousness of absenteeism and why the district must take action.

Laurie Gaylord moved approval of Item 18A, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

_______________________________

CHAIR (Susan J. Hershey)

_______________________________

SECRETARY (Sara A. Wilcox, Ph.D.)