Regular School Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 17, 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
Lorie Shekailo
Nancy Kline
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox, Superintendent
Tom Elfers, School Board Attorney
Katie Gillen, Student Representative (MCHS)
Members Absent
None
Staff Present
Xenobia Anderson, Ken Cummings, Gail Olsen, Ginger Featherstone, Joan Hunt, Nancy Marin, Gail Newman, Cece Hysmith, Pat Schmoyer, Ray Parrish, Mike McLeod, Ivy Menken, Susan Burrows, Mike Chatham, Helene Baxter, Rae Hollenbeck, Dr. Joyce Holmes, John Klatt, Darrell Miller, Darla Miloszewski, Deana Newson, Leighton O'Connor, Rodger Osborne, Dr. Frank Raffone, Marshall Skinner, Holly Laiben, Larry Green, Cathy Brennan, Kit Weir, Ken Weir, Linda Stitely, Mary McWilliams, Mary Lou Wright, Janet Graves, Linda Souza, Amy Yeater, Joe Harper,Hank Salzler, Ruth Pietruszewski,
Public
Pam Crowley, Brian Robinson, Ken Brooks
Press PBPost – Mike Bender Stuart News – Kelly Tyko
MCEA – Jeanette Phillips AFSCME – Lisa Edwards
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 adding a use of facility request for Treasure Coast Pirates Football Organization to the Consent Agenda, Item 8-B-1. She requested removing under Construction, Item 11-C and Item 11-D. She mentioned that the summer school bus routes, Item 19, were not completed. Transportation would like to have the ability to start those routes and then bring them back on the next School Board agenda. In the past, the prior year’s routes were approved. This year a lot of changes had been made, so they would not be accurate. The District would like to be able to start those routes and then bring them back. She asked Board members if the bus routes, Item 19, should be removed from the agenda. Dr. David Anderson felt the bus routes should be left on the agenda. Sue Hershey agreed.
B. Approval of the Agenda
Laurie Gaylord moved approval of the modified agenda, Lori Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Approval of the Minutes:*
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of the 5/3/05 Regular School Board Meeting minutes, and the 5/10/05 Facility Master Planning workshop minutes, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Recognitions:*
A. Recognition of Martin County High School’s National Merit Finalists
B. Recognition of South Fork High School’s National Merit Finalists
Dr. Frank Raffone introduced Joan Hunt, Principal of MCHS, and Pat Schmoyer, Principal of SFHS, to recognize the high school National Merit Finalists. 1.3 million Juniors took the PSAT, and only 15,000 became finalists. Eleven students in our School District became finalists. With pride, Joan Hunt and Pat Schmoyer introduced and recognized the students who were finalists. They gave a synopsis of where the students planned to attend college along with their
3. Recognitions:* (Con’t)
intended major. One of the finalist’s brothers had three art pieces displayed in the Board room. Sue Hershey commended him for his accomplishments.
C. Recognition: ESE Spelling Bee Winner-2005-17th Annual Martin County Exceptional Student Education Spelling Bee-Palm City Elementary
Dr. Frank Raffone introduced Amy Yeater from the District’s ESE Department, who had been responsible for putting the spelling bee together. She thanked the Board, the ESE Department, the Transportation Department, and the school level spelling bee coaches for their support and assistance. She thanked Riverside National Bank and the Rotary Club for their sponsorship. She introduced this year’s top speller. The 2005 ESE Champion Speller was from Palm City Elementary School. The parent of the student was also recognized.
D. Recognition of Winners: State Science Fair, INTEL International Science & Engineering Fair, and Academic Game
Dr. Frank Raffone introduced Linda Stitely, HOMS Science teacher. Linda Stitely thanked the Superintendent and Board members. She introduced the 7 students that represented Martin County at the State Science Fair. She recognized the 4 winners and stated what category and what place they won. She introduced the 2 students that represented Martin County at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair held in Phoenix, AZ. One student came back a winner and was offered a $40,000 scholarship to F.I.T. 1,450 students competed in the fair competition. Linda Stitely changed shirts to recognize the Academic game participants. Fifteen students from the Academic Games team went to Baton Rouge, LA. They represented Martin County admirably and played fairly. Joe Harper, PSE teacher and academic game coach, joined Linda to recognize students. After the students received their awards, Coach Harper presented Linda Stitely with a plaque and photo for her eleven years of service. Linda awarded Coach Harper a plaque for being the Outstanding Coach of 2005.
E. Recognition of 2004-05 Golden School Awards: Bessey Creek Elem., Challenger School, Crystal Lake Elem., Hidden Oaks Middle, Hobe Sound Elem., Indiantown Middle, Jensen Beach Elem., Jensen Beach High, Martin County High, Palm City Elem. (25 yrs.), J.D. Parker School (25yrs), Pinewood Elem., Port Salerno Elem. (25 yrs.), Sea Wind Elem., South Fork High, Stuart Middle, Warfield Elem., and Felix A. Williams Elem.
Recognition of 2004-05 Silver School Awards: Jensen Beach High and Martin County High
Marshall Skinner introduced Holly Laiben. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox and Sue Hershey joined Holly in presenting the awards. The 2004-2005 Golden School Award was given to 18 Martin County schools. Three elementary schools received their 25 year Golden School Award, Palm City Elementary, J.D. Parker, and Port Salerno Elementary. The Golden School Award recognizes exemplary school volunteer programs that promote parental and community involvement. The criterion to win the Golden Award for elementary and secondary schools is to have the total number of volunteer hours equaling or exceeding twice their enrollment. The Silver School Award recognizes secondary schools whose student volunteers have provided outstanding services to other elementary and secondary schools. Two schools, Jensen Beach High School and Martin County High School, received the Silver School Award. During the 2004-2005 school year, 4500 registered volunteers provided over 173,000 hours. Volunteers mentor, tutor, assist faculty and staff, participate in fundraising and special projects, and sit on PTA and SAC. The National Points of Light Foundation has placed an estimated dollar value of $17.19 per hour on a volunteer’s time; therefore, using this value as a basis, volunteers have contributed more then $2.9 million in services to the Martin County School District.
F. Recognition of Retirees: Mary Lou Wright-30 years; Janet Graves-34 years; Linda Souza-32 years;
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox stated that there was a tear in her eye. “There are so many retirees this year,’” she said. She commented that we can never replace these people with all of their expertise and their years of service that they have given to our students, staff, parents, and community. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox asked Sue Hershey to help present the retirement plaques. She recognized Janet Graves for her 34 years of service, giving an overview of her career, and emphasizing that Janet has had 100% learning gains for every child in her class. Dr. Sara A.Wilcox acknowledged Linda Souza’s 32 years of service to the District and gave a summary of her professional jobs. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox recognized Mary Lou Wright for her 30 years of service outlining her occupational qualities and emphasizing her phenomenal mathematical teaching skills. Each retiree received a plaque along with their recognition. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox and Sue Hershey also recognized the retiree’s families.
4. Presentations:*
A. Presentation by Pam Crowley, March of Dimes Walk Coordinator, to thank
the Martin County School District.
Marshall Skinner introduced Pam Crowley, the March of Dimes Walk Coordinator for 12 years. Pam applauded the Martin County School District for raising over $35,000 for the March of Dimes with Walk America. The School District came in second place. Pam thanked the Board members on behalf of the March of Dimes, and Dr. Sara A. Wilcox thanked the March of Dimes on behalf of her two granddaughters who were born premature.
5. Open to the Public:*
6. Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda:*
7. Approve Consent Agenda:*
Lorie Shekailo moved approval of the modified 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)
Marshall Skinner reviewed the information given to the Board on the use of facilities request added to the Consent Agenda. He explained that the Treasure Coast Pirates were members of the Southern States Football League. They have done everything needed to fill out the application. The Pirates have asked to use the Jensen Beach High School football stadium for their five home games. If they make the playoffs, they will have a sixth game. Insurance information was provided in the Board’s packet. Risk Management and the insurance carrier for the MCSD have reviewed the information and have expressed no concern with the request. They have applied for non-profit status and have been assured approval within ten to twenty days. Marshall Skinner recommended that the Board approve this pending approval of non-profit status, which should be no later than June 10, 2005. One of the reasons for coming before the Board tonight was because they need to inform their league that they have a field to play on if possible by June 1st. They have agreed to hire an additional police officer to manage parking during the games. Lorie Shekailo asked when the games would be played in light of the parking situation. The Pirate’s representative answered that they would be played on Saturdays. Lorie stated that that was fine. The games would not interfere with the high school’s games. Dr. David Anderson stated that he felt this was a good venture.
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of the request, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Field Trips / Use of Buses / Vehicles:* (COPY ATTACHED)
C. New Agreements:*
1. Approve Articulation Agreements Keiser College and the Martin
County School District for Web Design Program, Health Science/CAN, Entrepreneurship, Computer and Business Skills (COPY ATTACHED)
D. Renewal Agreements:*
1. Approve Amended Contract #ZD049 between Florida Department of Children and Families and the Martin County School District (COPY ATTACHED)
E. New Grants:* None
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 (COPY ATTACHED)
3. Approve Hourly Rate for High School Camp Counselors (COPY ATTACHED)
9. Items Removed from the Agenda:*
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox requested removal of Items 11-C and 11-D, under Construction.
11. Construction:*
Sue Hershey asked what the projection was on the Tres Belle property and partial GMP. Tom Elfers, School Board Attorney, volunteered to answer Sue’s question. He stated that the projection, skipping all of the details, looked like the deed may be signed by the true owner, the agreement prepared for the transfer of the $100,000 for the clearing and drainage, on Tuesday, May 24th. He continued saying that probably a special arrangement would be needed to get this approved. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox asked if a Special School Board Meeting was needed next Tuesday. Tom Elfers said that we should set-up a special meeting. Board members discussed the logistics and planned the special meeting for Tuesday, May 24th at 5:30 p.m. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox stated we will advertise the meeting. Sue Hershey said this is a significant property we are getting. She thought it was an outstanding contribution from Ivan, and she thinks he deserves a tremendous amount of recognition for stepping up to the plate. Sue stated that she was very grateful. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox commented that this is the model we talk about when talking to other developers about mutual benefits and donation of land without impact fee credits and other strings attached.
Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 11, Dr. David Anderson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
A. Approve School Plant Survey Recommendation for New Middle School (COPY ATTACHED)
Rodger Osborne reported that Tallahassee has our projections low. He stated we would like to have our Master Plan included in our next 5 year School Plant Survey. This is based on the COFTE projections the state uses. The dollar amount the state uses for renovation and construction costs is a little behind.
B. Approve Change Order Number Two, Number Three and Final Pay Request for Capital Construction, Inc. for Warfield Building 9 Remodel Project (COPY ATTACHED)
C. Approve Construction
Authorization #1 (Partial GMP) for New Middle School AA Project (REMOVED FROM AGENDA)
D. Accept Transfer of
Tres Belle Property for New Middle School AA (REMOVED FROM AGENDA)
12. Finance:*
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 12, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
A. Approve Purchase Orders / Contracts (COPY ATTACHED)
B. Approve Monthly Financial Statements for April 2005 (COPY ATTACHED)
13. Bid Recommendations:*
Laurie Gaylord moved approval of Item 13, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
A. Approval to Award Bids-John Klatt
1. Uniform Rental and Laundry Service BID #1002-0-2005/JK (COPY ATTACHED)
2. Painting of South Fork High School-BID #1003-0-2005/JK (COPY ATTACHED)
Sue Hershey stated that she just had to say this. She informed everyone that the painting bid on SFHS was $112,500.00, and if we had brick and block it would not nearly be that amount. She expounded on how switching to brick on block significantly saved money for the District.
14. Approve Existing 2004/2005 Meal Pricing for 2005/2006 School Year:* (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 14, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Approve School Choice Options for the 2005/06 School Year (COPY ATTACHED)
Hank Salzler stated that this was brought back. The school choice options deleted were the one middle school option
between SMS, MMS, and IMS, basically everything is as it was this year. The same choice options are in place as were
in place this year.
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 15, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
16. Approve School Opening/Closing Times for Year 2005-2006:* (COPY ATTACHED)
Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 16, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
17. Rule Revisions:*
A. Public Hearing on School Board Rules-Section 3000-Personnel. These policies to take effect July 1, 2005. (COPY ATTACHED)
Sue Hershey asked Tom Elfers what process he wanted her to follow. Tom asked her to call for anyone who would want to be heard with respect to the rules, so that we met our obligation to have a public hearing. Sue asked if there was anyone who would like to address our 3000-Personnel Policies. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox addressed the Board concerning 3520.01- teaching experience for salary purposes. Helene Baxter has been in discussion with the union, and they have agreed to add at the beginning “for initial employment.” Tom Elfers said it is appropriate to vote on the amendment before voting on the entire package.
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of the amendment, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Tom Elfers received two letters at quarter of six this evening, from Diane Falvo, which he had not had the opportunity to examine or read. The letters were both on rule 3162.01., and Tom suggested pulling the rule out of the package. Helene Baxter addressed the Board on both letters. She stated that she had spoken to Jeannette Phillips directly before the Board meeting. She assured the Board that the language they are citing is on the existing language. These are not policies, not rules, that we are changing any language on. She didn’t think there was anything we needed to pull in terms of the Board Rules tonight. After listening to Helene’s explanation, Tom’s view was that there was no quarrel. Tom concurred with Helene, and he recommended that a vote be taken. Nancy Kline asked if she was correct that those two letters had nothing to do with what the Board was voting on. Tom answered yes.
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 17-A, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
18. Accept the Year End June 30, 2004 Audit Report for the Education Foundation of Martin County, Inc. (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 18, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
19. Approve 2005 Summer School Bus Routes:* (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 19, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
20. Open to the Board:*
Sue Hershey called Katie Gillen to the dais and had Katie sit in her chair.
Katie Gillen
Congratulated all the Pathfinder Scholarship winners. She recognized Kelly George, SFHS’s I Make a Difference Teacher for 2005. The Sigma Phi garden dedication took place today. The garden was prepared by its members and is located near the horseshoe at the school. It includes decorated pavers and a mural done by an eminent artist. She announced that MCHS students took 1st place in Instrumental Music, 4th placer in Literature, and 4th place in Mathematics. The MCHS Sailing Team came in 4th place at the Interscholastic Sailing Association’s National Championship in Port Angeles, Washington. This is the first time MCHS has competed in the Nationals in Fleet Racing. MCHS students won Pride awards in Science, History & Political Science, and Community Fundraising & Involvement. Katie congratulated JBHS Congressional Award winners, who were presented their awards by Congressman Mark Foley. Four students won bronze, five students won silver, and one student won our first ever gold.
20. Open to the Board:* (Con’t)
Sue Hershey stated there is a tradition that follows this job. She praised Katie for her attendance this year. Katie only missed two meetings, one because of the hurricanes, and one because she was sick. Sue presented her with a $500 scholarship and a cross pen in appreciation for her service. Sue asked her what college she would be attending. Katie reported that she had not decided what college she will attend and that she had sent deposits to three schools. Katie said she wants to be a teacher. She assured the Board she will get good grades in college.
Lorie Shekailo
Attended Bids for Kids with Nancy Kline and Dr. Sara A. Wilcox. She kept bidding on temporary office help, but ended up with 5 pizzas instead. She enjoyed the Green School Awards. She made it to the Environmental Studies appreciation dinner after the Congressional Awards. She commented on the workshop on Alternative Financing held this morning. She stated, for the record, that she had gone to many financial training sessions and been involved in many discussions on sales tax, C.O.P.S., and general bond obligations. In her words she stated, “I don’t make or form any opinions regarding what I decided this afternoon lightly or without a great deal of caution. I don’t believe that anybody else on this Board talked or discussed that without being cautious.” She wanted to note that for the record.
Nancy Kline
Enjoyed Bids for Kids. The Education Foundation made $40,000 net profit for the event. She is looking forward to the Juried Art show. Nancy stated she was a former Art teacher.
Sue Hershey
Called FSBA. They will be providing an individual with expertise on C.O.P.S. and alternative funding. He will be able to answer questions. FSBA is sending his resume to the Board to review his qualifications. She discussed times and dates with Board members. Members checked their calendars and determined that a good time for the meeting would be June 21st at 3:00 p.m. preceding the Board meeting.
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox
Stated that the Long Range Planning Committee report should be on the June 7th School Board agenda.
Sue Hershey
Asked Rodger how difficult it would be to create a priority list of projects for the Board.
Dr. David Anderson
Told Rodger to be honest if it was too much to get a list ready for this meeting.
Sue Hershey
Agreed if it is too much, with all the projects Rodger has going.
Dr. David Anderson
Felt we didn’t need a list when meeting with the expert. We could tell him what we planned to do and ask our questions.
Sue Hershey
Thanked the Masonic group for their dinner and the dedication. The schools looked great!
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox
Attended the Pathfinders Awards. She stated our students are phenomenal. The number of students that won from our district as compared to the other schools was truly amazing. FCAT scores should be in Thursday.
Sue Hershey
Reported there will be a revision for the Florida plan of No Child Left Behind.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
_______________________________
CHAIR (Sue Hershey)
_______________________________
SECRETARY (Sara A. Wilcox, Ph.D.)