Regular School Board Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, March 1, 2005 – 7:00 p.m.

School Board Meeting Room

Stuart, FL  34994

 

Members Present

Susan Hershey – Chair

Lorie Shekailo-Vice-Chair

Dr. David Anderson

Laurie Gaylord

Dr. Sara A. Wilcox, Superintendent

Tom Elfers, School Board Attorney

Katie Gillen, Student Representative (MCHS)

 

Members Absent

None

 

Staff Present

Victoria Defenthaler, Tyson Vilwock, Xenobia Anderson, Joe Flanagan, Ken Cummings, Jenny Lambdin, Essie Rains, Mary McWilliams, Debbie Henderson, Don Merritt, Ginger Featherstone, Joan Hunt, Nancy Marin, Gail Newman, Tracey Miller, Larry Green, Pat Schmoyer, Mike McLeod, Lorene Francescani, Susan Burrows, Helene Baxter, Delores Calloway, Stacey Chados, John Klatt, Darla Miloszewski, Deana Newson, Leighton O'Connor, Rodger Osborne, Dr. Frank Raffone, Rosemarie Taylor, Steve Rusnak, Dan Alley, Bill Connolly, Karen O’Connor, Judy Walters, Larry Swasey, Donna Hosang, Robyn Vanover, Ann Moore, Carol Dodd, Lenore Tinsman, Steve Layson, Larry Dimmett, Annita McKnight, Pam Aursland, Dr. Mark C. Malham, Ginger Shannon, Tera Riva, Beverley Cross, Tina McSoley, Jean Ferreira, Liz Tetreault, Victoria Padden, Susan Riley, Lauren Gifford, Terri Stone, Martha Frazier, Connie Webb, Hank Salzler, Ruth Pietruszewski,  

 

Public

Mark Henn, Eric Miller, Judith Walters, Jennifer Zurich, Jean Blank, Cherie Mault, Helene Messina, Sharon Merchant, Morganti Group Inc., Suffolk Construction, and Pirtle Construction

 

Press                PBPost – Mike Bender               Stuart News – Kelly Tyko

                        Out2.com-Dick Hall

 

MCEA – Jeanette Phillips, Diane Falvo                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 Insurance Item 18 to include Items 18A, 18B, and 18C.

Dr. David Anderson made a motion to amend the agenda by deleting Insurance Items 18, inclusive of 18A, 18B, and 18C, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

            B.         Approval of the Agenda

Lorie Shekailo made a motion to approve the modified agenda, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

2.         Approval of the Minutes:*                   2/15/05 Regular School Board Meeting Minutes, 2/15/05

                                                                        Impact of Classroom Size Reduction Amendment Minutes

Tom Elfers motioned to amend the minutes, requesting to add the verbiage “and contractual services (contractor services) with respect to replacement and repair for buildings,” to the existing Declaration of Emergency, Item 10-A(1) that was board approved at the 2/15/05 Regular School Board meeting. 

            A.         Amended Declaration of Emergency (COPY ATTACHED)

Lorie Shekailo made a motion to approve adding the verbiage to the existing board approved Declaration of Emergency and to approve the amended Declaration of Emergency, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

Laurie Gaylord made a motion to approve the minutes to the 2/15/05 Regular School Board Meeting and the minutes to the 2/15/05 Impact of Classroom Size Reduction Amendment Minutes, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

 

           

 

3.         Recognitions:*                        

A.         Calusa Creek Tree Farm Donation to Crystal Lake Elementary for $20,000-(COPY ATTACHED)

Xenobia Anderson expressed gratitude for the forty-two trees with an estimated value of $20,000 donated to

Crystal Lake Elementary by Calusa Creek Tree Farm.  Mrs. Laurie Rowell, a CLE parent, organized the effort. 

She planned the planting day for February 5th.  Donald Hardy, another CLE parent, arranged the arrival of a

flatbed with the trees. It took parents, students, and three staff members only one day to plant all the trees. In

addition to the tree donation, a wall mural was drawn by graphic designer Yancy Martinez on a wall facing

the primary playground area.  Xenobia invited individuals to observe the mural on their next visit to Crystal

Lake Elementary.

 

B.     Martin County Parks & Recreation Russell Holloway Elementary Track and Field Day Winners-Palm City Elementary-Champions and Cheryl Hubbard Sportsmanship Trophy Winner-Crystal Lake Elementary

Dr. Frank Raffone introduced Larry Green, Assistant Principal of Port Salerno Elementary School, who keeps the Russell Holloway Elementary Track meet going every year.  Larry has coordinated the track meet for ten years.  This was the 18th annual Russell Holloway track meet. The Martin County Parks & Recreation Department sponsors the event.  The Recreation Department pays for the trophies, ribbons, and staff to man the track meet. John Boland donated shirts valuing about $3,000 for each participant.  The Cheryl Hubbard Sportsmanship Trophy Winner went to Xenobia Anderson, Principal of CLE, and Joe Flanagan, Assistant Principal CLE.  Palm City Elementary School won first place in the track meet.  Nancy Marin, Principal of PCE, commented that they had waited 18 years for this. 

 

C.               Recognition of the 2004-2005 Martin County Teacher of the Year

  Candidates- (COPY ATTACHED)      

Tyson Vilwock, Assistant Principal at Bessey Creek Elementary, co—chaired the Teacher of the Year process along with Mary McWilliams, Assistant Principal at Hobe Sound Elementary, and Kelly Andrews, Assistant Principal at Jensen Beach Elementary.  The process would not be possible without the support of the Palm Beach Post, the Education Foundation of Martin County, and the Martin County Association of School Administrators. A reception was held at the Instructional Center for all the candidates.  Dr. Wilcox and Sue Hershey presented plaques to each of the candidates as Tyson Vilwock read their names. The teachers chosen for candidates as Teacher of the Year for 2004-2005 were:                                                           

School Site

Candidate

Bessey Creek Elementary

Ann Moore

Challenger School

Fran LeFebvre

Crystal Lake Elementary

Carol Dodd

F.A. Williams Elementary

Lenore Tinsman

Hidden Oaks Middle School

Steve Lavson

Hobe Sound Elementary

Larry Dimmett

Indiantown Middle School

Annita McKnight

Jensen Beach Elementary

Pam Aursland

Jensen Beach High School

Dr. Mark C. Malham

Martin County High School

Ginger Shannon

Martin County Transition School/Spectrum High School

Tera Riva

Murray Middle School

Beverley Cross

Palm City Elementary

Tina McSoley

J.D. Parker Elementary

Jean Ferreira

Pinewood Elementary

Liz Tetreault

Port Salerno Elementary

Victoria Padden

Sandy Pines

Susan Riley

SeaWind Elementary

Lauren Gifford

South Fork High School

Terri Stone

Stuart Middle School

Martha Frazier

Warfield Elementary

Connie Webb

 

The winner for 2004-2005 Teacher of the Year was Tina McSoley from Palm City Elementary School.

 

4.         Presentations:*           

            A.         Assistive Technology Presentation- (COPY ATTACHED)

February 5, 2005 was designated as the State of Florida Assistive Technology Awareness Day.  To highlight this day the Martin County ESE Assistive Technology Team, consisting of Judith Walters, Program Specialist, Jennifer Zurich, Speech Pathologist, Jean Blank, Physical Therapist, Cherie Mault, Assistant, and Helene Messia, Assistant, gave an overview of Assistive Technology in Martin County Schools.   A display table was set-up outside the Board Room to preview assistive technology materials which students may use when taking the FCAT.  Judith Walters gave a PowerPoint presentation followed by a slide show.  She demonstrated how assistive technology devices can improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.  These tools make students with disabilities independent in their environment and makes things possible for them.  With the use of assistive technology devices, 75% of students with disabilities could stay in general ed classes and services to them could be reduced by 45%.  Judith Walters invited Board Members to visit the Assistive Technology Lab, which is located at Martin County High School in portable PP3, the only portable that was left standing after the hurricane.

4.         Presentations:* (Con’t)

            B.         Youth Substance Abuse Survey Results – (COPY ATTACHED)

Robin Vanover, Coordinator of Martin County’s Safe and Drug Schools Program, gave a comprehensive review of Martin County’s substance abuse preventions and results in the schools and in the community.  Robin Vanover gave a presentation on the 2004 Youth Substance Abuse Survey.  The 2004 survey results, a collaborative effort of the Florida departments of Health, Education, Children and Families, Juvenile Justice, and the Governor’s Office of Drug Control, showed that alcohol was the most controlled substance used by teens.  A team effort between the schools, community, and the media to reduce substance abuse has worked.  Committees put together a campaign called, “Parents Who Host Lose The Most,” and created a local chapter Mothers Against Drunk Driving.  Substance abuse has declined in Martin County.  The decline in high schoolers using drugs and alcohol has been significantly larger than the decline in middle schools. Robin stated that we have begun to see a positive change in attitudes.   

 

5.         Open to the Public:*  

·         Eric Miller, President of the St Lucie/Martin Chapter of MADD, encouraged working with shared services to help reduce the number of people using drugs and alcohol.  He remarked that there has been a steady decline, but the numbers are still too high.  The number one used drug in Martin County is alcohol.  He suggested blending resources with the school district to provide sensitivity training for teachers, which would educate them on how to notice substance abuse signs in children.  Once teachers notice the signs, they can direct the children to resources for help.

 

·         Diane Falvo, President of MCEA, addressed proposed language changes for employee’s choice of direct deposit.  She stated that some employees do not want to participate in direct deposit because they do not trust the technology, they have a problem with the privacy issue of giving payroll their account number, and some employees do not have a bank account. 

 

·         Mark Henn, President of SFHS Football and Cheerleaders Booster Club, presented a plaque to Dr. Sara A. Wilcox for her extraordinary support during the hurricane helping them obtain insurance reimbursements and restoring business confidence in their biggest fundraiser, advertisement signs on the fence.  

           

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

 

7.         Approve Consent Agenda:*

Dr. David Anderson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

8.         CONSENT AGENDA

            A.         04/05 FY Attendance Zones:*                         None

           

            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 Amended Contract #SRCMC-MCSD-05 Between Early Learning Coalition of Martin & Okeechobee Counties, Inc. and the Martin County School District-(COPY ATTACHED)

 

            E.        New Grants:*

1.       Approve Early  Reading First Program-PRE APPLICATION for $634,200- (COPY ATTACHED)

2.       Approve Title I School Improvement Grant for Indiantown Middle School for $89,500- (COPY ATTACHED)

3.       Approve C.O.B. “One-Time” Emergency Supplemental Head Start Funding Request for Hurricane Frances Disaster Recovery for $45,000-(COPY ATTACHED)

 

            F.         Renewal Grants:*                                None

           

            G.        Disposal of Surplus Property:* (COPY ATTACHED)

 

H.        Personnel Items:*

1.          Schedule of Personnel Recommendations -(COPY ATTACHED)

2.          Leaves Authorized by the Superintendent

            a.          Professional Leave Only-(COPY ATTACHED)

            b.         Professional Leave, Travel, and Per Diem-(COPY ATTACHED)

 

 

9.         Items Removed from the Agenda:*

Dr. Sara Wilcox requested Insurance Item 18, inclusive of 18A, 18B, and 18C be removed from the agenda.   

Dr. David Anderson made a motion to amend the agenda by deleting Insurance Items 18, inclusive of 18A, 18B, and 18C, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

10.        Construction:*

A.         Approve Construction Manager at Risk for New Middle School AA, #050131.  Interviews will be held February 24, 2005-(COPY ATTACHED)

Rodger Osborne stated that three firms would provide presentations to compete for the Construction Manager at Risk for the new middle school AA.  The order of presentation was decided by pulling the names from a hat.  Dr. David Anderson suggested that as a professional courtesy others stay outside during each presentation.  The three firms vying for the position were James B. Pirtle Construction Co., Suffolk Construction Co., and the Morganti Group. A recommended order of preference was provided to the Superintendent and School Board Members for consideration by the selection committee (Exhibit 10-A).  Selection Committee members included Dr. David Anderson, School Board Member, Rodger Osborne, Director of Facilities & Planning, Steve Rusnak, Special Project/Contract Accountant, Chris Singley, Maintenance Manager, Jim Copeland, Construction Manager, and Sig George, Principal of Stuart Middle School.  The committee recommended the following ranking order:

1.       James B. Pirtle Construction Co.

2.       Suffolk Construction Co., Inc.

3.       Morganti Group 

Tom Elfers clarified that the selection committee recommendations should be considered; however, the authority for final selection would lie solely with the School Board.  Rodger Osborne explained the rank order worksheet.  The ranking categories included:

Ž     Previous Work for MCSD                                              Point Spread 0-5

Ž     Company History and Structure                                      Point Spread 1-5

Ž     Financial Statements                                                        Point Spread 1-5

Ž     Current Work Load                                                       Point Spread 0-10

Ž     Cost Control and Value Engineering Techniques               Point Spread 0-10

Ž     Litigation, Disputes, Defaults, and Liens in Last 5 yeas       Point Spread 0-10

Ž     Approach and Methods                                                  Point Spread 0-10

Ž     Understanding of Project                                                Point Spread 0-10

Ž     Progressive Use of Technology                                       Point Spread 0-10

Ž     Warranty Period                                                             Point Spread 0-10

Ž     Construction Administration                                           Point Spread 0-20

Ž     Qualification and Experience of Personnel                        Point Spread 0-20

Ž     Overall Experience and Capability                                   Point Spread 0-20

Ž     Related Projects w/Emphasis on School Projects              Point Spread 0-20

Ž     Mgmt., Scheduling, and Cost Control for Similar Projects  Point Spread 0-20

Ž     Proposed Project Schedule                                              Point Spread 0-20

Steve Rusnak provided information to assist in scoring criterion #7, financial statements.  A quick ratio or current ratio was calculated based on the audited financial statements provided by each of the Construction Managers.  This calculation was derived by simply dividing the current assets by the current liabilities.  This quick tool is useful in assessing the capability of a firm to meet its financial obligations.  Typically, any ratio over 1.00 indicates that the firm has the ability to pay or otherwise satisfy its liabilities.  The current ratio for 2003 for each firm was as follows:

§         Pirtle Construction         2.05

§         Morganti Group                        1.14

§         Suffolk Construction      1.07

Tom Elfers, School Board Attorney, instructed Board Members to focus on the criteria on the ranking sheet when asking questions.  The criterion was derived from F.S. 287.055.  Sue Hershey asked Tom to intervene if any board member headed on the wrong path.

 

The Morganti Group presented first, followed by Suffolk Construction Co., and the last presentation was given by the James B. Pirtle Construction Co.  Lorie Shekailo checked the Board Members worksheets and tallied the final results.  Sue Hershey announced that the firm with the most points would be awarded the position.  Tom Elfers read the total points earned by each firm which were as follows:

§         The Morganti Group received 987 total points.

§         Suffolk Construction received 962 total points.

§         Pirtle Construction received 992 total points.

Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Pirtle Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk for New Middle School AA, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

            B.         Approve Facilities List for Middle Schools-(COPY ATTACHED)

Dr. David Anderson made a motion to approve Item 10B under Construction, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

 

10.        Construction:* (Con’t)

C.         Approve Contract to Ocean Gate Builders, Inc. for Facilities Warehouse Repair-(COPY ATTACHED)

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 10C, Dr. David Anderson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

11.        Finance:*

Nancy Kline moved approval of Item 11, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

            A.         Approve Purchase Orders / Contracts (COPY ATTACHED)

            B.         Approve Special Revenue Fund Budget Amendment 01-4207-(COPY ATTACHED)                

            C.         Approve Miscellaneous Special Revenue Fund Budget Amendment 01-4903-

(COPY ATTACHED)

            D.        Approve Capital Fund Budget Amendment 01-307-(COPY ATTACHED)

            E.        Approve Food Service Fund Budget Amendment 01-4106-(COPY ATTACHED)

            F.         Approve General Fund Budget Amendment 01-107-(COPY ATTACHED)

 

12.        Bid Recommendations:*

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 12, Dr. David Anderson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

            A.         Approval to Award Bid

1.          MCSB BID # 1001-0-2005/JK for Combi Ovens for Food Service-(COPY ATTACHED)

            B.         Approval to Piggyback Bid

                        1.          Brevard County Schools Bid # 05-019BM for Bleacher and Backstop

Repair and Motorization Contractors Maintenance-2004/2005-(COPY ATTACHED)

 

13.        Approve 2003-2004 SAC School Improvement Final Report for:  Pinewood Elementary School-(COPY ATTACHED)

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

 

14.        Approve 2004-2005 SAC School Improvement Plan and Membership for:  Pinewood Elementary School-(COPY ATTACHED)

Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 14, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

15.        Approve Proposed Addition to State Course Code Directory-(COPY ATTACHED)

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 15, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

16.        Approve Section One-School Health Services Plan 2004-2006 and Section Two-Annual Staffing/Budget Plan School Health Services 2004-05-(COPY ATTACHED)           

Nancy Kline moved approval of Item 16, Dr. David Anderson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

17.        Rule Revisions:*

A.         First Review and Approve Advertising per APA Section 6000-Finance.  Policies to Take effect July 1, 2005-(COPY ATTACHED)

Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 17, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

18.        Insurance:*

A.         Renewal of Health Plan with BlueCross/BlueShield, July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006 and EAP with Bradman Unipsych July 1, 2005-June 30, 2008 and Vision Plan with Compbenefits July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006-(REMOVED FROM AGENDA)

B.         Approve AFLAC as Supplemental Insurance Provider and Flexible Spending Account Provider (FLEX ONE) - (REMOVED FROM AGENDA)

C.         Approve Addendum to Gehring Group’s Agent of Record Agreement- (REMOVED FROM AGENDA)                                        

           

19.        Open to the Board:*

A.         Approve canceling March 15, 2005 School Board Meeting

Sue Hershey requested canceling the regularly scheduled March 15, 2005 Regular School Board Meeting and

the addition of a Special School Board Meeting on Friday, March 4, 2005 at 11:30 a.m.

Lorie Shekailo moved approval to cancel the March 15, 2005 Regular School Board Meeting and the addition of a Special

School Board Meeting on March 4, 2005, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:23 p.m.

 

___________________________                

CHAIR (Sue Hershey)                     

 

_______________________________

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