Regular School Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 – 7:00 p.m.
School Board Meeting Room
Stuart, FL 34994
Members Present
Lorie Shekailo-Chair
Laurie Gaylord-Vice-Chair
Dr. David Anderson
Susan Hershey
Nancy Kline
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox, Superintendent
Doug Griffin, School Board Attorney
Members Absent
Staff Present
Sean Lewis, Kerry Lewis, Cathleen Brennan, Linda King, Delores Calloway, Rae Hollenbeck, Darla Miloszewski-Roddy, Deana Newson, Rodger Osborne, Ruth Pietruszewski, Dr. Joyce Holmes, Julie Sessa, Marshall Skinner, Garrett Grabowski, Willie Sauls, Willie Gore, Joe Flanagan, Ray Parrish, Mary Ellen Quinn-Lunny, Ed Parker, Teresa D’Albora, Sabra Avery, Marilyn Gavitt, J. Lisle Bozeman
Public
Dan Noel, Tim McCreary, Denise Garcia, Dr. Barbara Anderson
Press PBPost –Mike Bender Stuart News – Kelly Tyko
MCEA – No Representation AFSCME – No Representation
Call to Order by the Chair and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States.
Lorie Shekailo welcomed Doug Griffin, the new School Board Attorney.
1. Adoption of the Agenda:*
A. Additions, Deletions or Amendments to the Agenda
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox called attention to revisions made to Item 11-B, under finance, Approve Advertisement of the 2006-2007 Tentative Budget. Revisions were caused by updated information coming from the Martin County Property Appraiser’s office. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox requested to remove from the Consent Agenda and bring back later, under Personnel, Item 8-H-2-d, the revised job description for Transportation ESE/Safety Specialist.
B. Approval of the Agenda
Sue Hershey moved approval of the modified Agenda, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Approval of the Minutes:*
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of the 6/20/06 Regular School Board meeting minutes, Sue Hershey seconded, and the motion
carried unanimously.
3. Recognitions:* None
4. Presentations:*
A. SCERMP Renewal Update (COPY ATTACHED)
Linda King, MCSD Risk Manager, and Tim McCreary, Vice-President of Employers Mutual (EMI), painted a dim picture of the insurance market. Tim McCreary displayed a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate the difficulties facing insurance renewals and the conditions impacting the renewal. He reviewed the previous two hurricane seasons. 2005 set a new record for the number of hurricanes and tropical storms at 27, breaking the old record set in 1933. He stated that reinsurance costs had gone up exponentially and deductibles were up two to three times. He conveyed that underwriting capabilities had decreased, and the wind deductible was almost exclusively 5%. He informed the Board that Martin County was the only county opted out of the wind pool of Citizen’s insurance. The premiums were up two to four times. He cautioned that insurance companies were using commodity pricing, and the market was so hard there was no room for negotiations. He reported that the premiums now were about 20% of the insured value. He stated that a lot of people were going uninsured. SCERMP has only been able to get $35 million in limits, because the rate was so high at those levels it was not prudent to buy. He advised that some of the insurance companies were only
4. Presentations:*
A. SCERMP Renewal Update (Con’t)
covering one storm per year. He discussed probable maximum loss. Tim explained that EMIs underwriters in London related that the entire state of Florida was looked at as tier one. He explained that tier one meant high risk.
Prices for labor and materials have been driven higher
because of the demand; therefore, property values have been driven higher forcing
replacement costs higher impacting insurance costs. Tim reviewed average
statewide construction costs by the year. The average yearly increase from 2000
through 2004 was 1.5%. The cost from 2004 to 2005 was 32.7%. He showed the anticipated
2006 cost of construction was up 90%. Tim compared other school district
renewals. He discussed the insurance limits, premiums, probable maximum
losses, and uninsured amounts of other school districts;capacity has been a
problem. He reported that SCERMP cancelled and rewrote their insurance a month
early, just so they could get more availability of the limits. He explained
that SCERMP consisted of eight school boards. Tim showed that last year’s
capacity was $243,750,000; this year’s capacity is $34,925,000. He warned that
many carriers were not writing insurance. Linda King discussed budgeting for
insurance and mitigating strategies, since she felt this problem may not go
away for a while. Tim McCreary discussed SCERMPs history, where they were and
where they are now. SCERMPs deductible is per building, which took a lot of
negotiating; others are deductible per campus. Linda King explained that
operating funds must be used to pay for insurance. Tim discussed Martin County
School Districts premiums. The premium in 2004-2005 was $608,419. The premium
for 2005-2006 was $1,103,876, and 2006-2007 premiums will be $1,902,815. Tim
and Linda discussed solutions to mitigate the problem; however, they had no solutions.
Linda explained that the Stafford Act guarantees FEMA and public assistance. She
explained if the district gained approval of reasonableness of the program,
regulations prohibit FEMA from denying a claim for public assistance. Linda
informed the Board that the Florida Educational Risk Managers’ Association
(FERMA) was drafting a resolution suggesting strategies, such as, creating a catastrophic
fund for public entities to purchase a first layer of coverage, eliminating and
reimbursing Citizens’ assessment, allowing use of capital outlay (PECO) funds
to use to fund insurance premiums, obtaining legislative support through a
property survey supported by Florida Association of District School Superintendents
(FADSS), changing the name of the pool, since SCERMP losses are being discussed
everywhere, changing the renewal date again, and geographically restructuring
the program. Risk managers have volunteered to write something similar to
Citizens. Florida School Board’s Association (FSBA) is trying to carry the message
forward. The issue of insurance costs is on both the legislative agendas of FADSS
and FSBA. Sue Hershey explained that the funds to cover insurance premiums
are taken from the operating budget, which reduces the amount spent on education,
the primary mission. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox reported that the
Superintendent’s Association is putting together a state-wide council committee
to include FERMA, FSBA, and all the partners to look at this and see if there
are any other strategies, such as self-insurance, a catastrophe fund, or other
options; all municipalities are facing rising insurance costs. Tim McCreary
stated that insurance companies look at the entire state of Florida as a tier
one risk, since Central Florida was impacted as much as the coastal counties. Linda
King added that Districts who have not joined pools are now considering
joining, instead of staying out there on their own. She reported that even
people with no losses are receiving high premiums. Linda expressed that it has
been a struggle deciding what to do, and whether total reliance on FEMA was
feasible. Linda said the District bought more fire insurance and were
comfortable with that decision because of drought season. She stated that fire
insurance was inexpensive enough to warrant the coverage. Tim explained that
this fire insurance was not fire exclusive; it covered almost every other peril
except wind, including vandalism. Board members pondered if carriers were
holding capacity for Cities and Counties. Linda felt some capacity had been
set aside for those entities. Tim said carriers are not adding new business,
but they are favorable to consistent long-term clients. Tim hoped all entities
in the state would be given the opportunity to have a CAT fund. Linda praised
EMIs support.
5. Open to the Public:*
No one requested to speak.
6. Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda:*
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox requested to remove from the Consent Agenda and bring back later, under Personnel, Item 8-H-2-d, the revised job description for Transportation ESE/Safety Specialist.
7. Approve Consent Agenda:*
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of the Consent Agenda with modifications, Board members mentioned the removal of Item 8-C-3, Sue Hershey seconded,
Lorie Shekailo asked if there was any discussion. There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Sue Hershey interrupted and had a question on Item 8-C-3. Dr. Wilcox explained that the program was funded by the Early Learning Coalition and was self-sufficient, not impacting the District’s operating budget. Sue Hershey requested that the coalition operate in a timelier manner. Dr. Wilcox said she would check into the issue.
Nancy Kline stated that she would abstain from voting on Item 8-C-3 on the Consent Agenda.
Lorie Shekailo stated she believed that the Board had already voted on it. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox confirmed that the Board had already voted on this item.
Doug Griffin stated that a motion would have to be made to reconsider.
Sue Hershey made a motion to reconsider, Lorie Shekailo asked for a second.
Dr. David Anderson stated it was his motion. Sue Hershey asked if David would like to make the motion.
7. Approve Consent Agenda:* (Con’t)
Dr. David Anderson made a motion to reconsider. Dr. David Anderson made a motion to move approval of the consent items, excluding 8-H-2-d, and he stated that he believed that a Board member wanted to express a conflict of interest on Item 8-C-3.
Nancy Kline stated that she would request to abstain from voting on Item 8-C-3.
Lorie Shekailo repeated that the motion was to approve the Consent Agenda for all items with the exception of 8-C-3, Approve the Provider Agreement between the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties, Inc., and the School Board of Martin County, and Item 8-H-2-d, the revised Transportation ESE/Safety Specialist job description. She asked if that was correct. Board members responded yes. She said, “So we have a motion and a second.” She called for a vote, “All in favor?”
The motion carried unanimously.
Lorie instructed Board members that they would now vote on Item 8-C-3 on the Consent Agenda.
Dr. David Anderson moved approval to approve Item 8-C-3.
Lorie reiterated that it was the agreement between the Early Learning Coalition and the School Board.
Sue Hershey seconded, Nancy Kline abstained, and the motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Wilcox announced that Nancy Kline abstained. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox advised Nancy Kline that she would have to complete the paperwork. Nancy said that she had the paperwork with her.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. 06/07 FY Attendance Zones:* - None
B. Requests:*
1. Use of Facilities:* (COPY ATTACHED)
2. Field Trips / Use of Buses / Vehicles:* (COPY ATTACHED)
1. Approve Memorandum of Agreement for Basic Nursing Services between the Martin County Health Department and the School Board of Martin County-(COPY ATTACHED)
2. Approve License Agreement for FEA Owned Building-(COPY ATTACHED)
3. Approve Provider Agreement between the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties, Inc., and the School Board of Martin County-(COPY ATTACHED)
D. Renewal Agreements:*
1. Approve Contract for Consortium Support-(COPY ATTACHED)
2. Approve Inter-Institutional Articulated Acceleration Agreement
between the District Board of Trustees for Indian River Community College and the Martin County School Board for the 2006/2007 School Year-(COPY ATTACHED)
3. Approve Agreement between the School Board of Martin County, Florida, and Martin Nursing and Restorative Care Center-(COPY ATTACHED)
4. Approve Renewal of Basic Athletic and Voluntary Student Accident Insurance with Mega Life and Student Resources-(COPY ATTACHED)
5. Approve Updated Cafeteria Plan Document Compliant with Updated COBRA and IRS Regulations-(COPY ATTACHED)
6. Approve Renewal of School Leaders Errors and Omissions Insurance
with National Union Fire with Parent Company AIG-(COPY ATTACHED)
7. Approve SCERMP Renewal 06-07 Update - (COPY ATTACHED)
8. Approve Title I, Part A Local Educational (LEA) Plan-(COPY ATTACHED)
E. New Grants:*
1. Approve Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc., Proposal: Career Preparation and Work-Based Learning for Students with Developmental Disabilities for $100,000-(COPY ATTACHED)
2. Approve 2006-2007 Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grant for $246,035-(COPY ATTACHED)
3. Approve Title I School Improvement Grant for IMS for $46,550-(COPY ATTACHED)
4. Approve Partnership in Replication of the CHOICE Career Institute Grant for up to $300,000-(COPY ATTACHED)
5. Approve 2006-2007 SUCCEED, Florida-Career Paths-New Academies-Institute of Architectural Technology and Construction Management Grant for SFHS for $40,000-(COPY ATTACHED)
8. CONSENT AGENDA (Con’t)
F. Renewal Grants:*
1. Approve William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Grant (Martin I, Indiantown) for $165,610-(COPY ATTACHED)
2. Approve IDEA Part B for $3,572,353 and IDEA Part B Pre-K for $126,601-(COPY ATTACHED)
3. Approve Adults with Disabilities Continuation Grant for $409,403-(COPY ATTACHED)
G. Approve Head Start Policy Council Meeting minutes for May 22, 2006-(COPY ATTACHED)
H. Personnel Items:*
1. Schedule of Personnel Recommendations (COPY ATTACHED)
2. Revised Job Descriptions
a. Bus Operator- (COPY ATTACHED)
b. Lead Bus Operator- (COPY ATTACHED)
c. Substitute Bus Operator- (COPY ATTACHED)
d. Transportation
ESE/Safety Specialist – (REMOVED FROM AGENDA)
e. Food Service Manager - (COPY ATTACHED)
3. Approve Emergency Pay for FLSA Exempt Employees for 2006/07 School Year-(COPY ATTACHED)
4. Approve Additional Extension of Temporary Accounting Personnel for Risk Management-Insurance and FEMA Recovery-(COPY ATTACHED)
9. Items Removed from the Agenda:*
10. Construction:*
Nancy Kline moved approval of Item 10, Dr. David Anderson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
A. Approve Granting Easement for FPL to Provide Power for WES-(COPY ATTACHED)
B. Approve Purchase Order/Contract for Demolition of Spectrum Buildings 1, 2, and 3-(COPY ATTACHED)
C. Approve Report of Change Order under $25,000-(COPY ATTACHED)
D. Approve Amendment to Contract with Florida Architects, Inc., for Architectural Services for Stuart Learning Center Kitchen/Remodel-(COPY ATTACHED)
E. Approve Purchase Orders/Contracts with Advanced Recreational Concepts to Supply and Install Playground Equipment at SWE and FAWE-(COPY ATTACHED)
11. Finance:*
Sue Hershey moved approval of Item 11,
Sue Hershey noted that Item 11-B had been revised. Revisions were made due to updated information from the
Martin County Property Appraiser’s Office. Sue Hershey requested that Darla Miloszewski-Roddy, MCSD Executive
Director of Finance, go over the revisions. Darla explained the revisions.
Dr. David Anderson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
A. Approve Purchase Orders / Contracts – (COPY ATTACHED)
B. Approve Advertisement of the 2006-2007 Tentative Budget-(COPY ATTACHED)
C. Approve Change in Petty Cash Custodian for PWE from CeCe Hysmith to Brenda Watkins-(COPY ATTACHED)
D. Approve Addition of Employer-Sponsored 403(b) to 401(a) Special Pay Plan-(COPY ATTACHED)
12. Bid Recommendations:*
Sue Hershey moved approval of Item 12, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
A. Approval to Renew Piggyback-(COPY ATTACHED)
1. Union County Schools Bid # 2005-02 for Ice Cream Products
B. Approval to Renew CO-OP Bid-(COPY ATTACHED)
1. School District of Indian River County CO-OP Bid # 2005-37-01 for Milk Products for Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee School Districts
C. Approval to Extend CO-OP Bid-(COPY ATTACHED)
1. School District of St. Lucie County CO-OP Bid # 0201008 Term Contract for Diesel and Unleaded Fuel
13. Approve 2006-2007 Fall School Bus Routes for the Martin County School District’s
Transportation Department -Pending Student Enrollment:* (COPY ATTACHED)
Item 13 is stored on the shelf in the Superintendent’s Office.
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 13, Sue Hershey seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Approve Student Progression Plan for 2006-2007 School Year:* (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 14, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Rule Revisions:*
Lorie Shekailo asked if anyone in the public would like to speak. No one requested to speak.
Laurie Gaylord moved approval of Item 15, Sue Hershey seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
A. Public Hearing on School Board Rules:*
1. 3142 Non-Discrimination and Prohibition of Harassment (COPY ATTACHED)
2. 3142.01 Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure (COPY ATTACHED)
3. 5517 Non-Discrimination and Prohibition of Harassment Procedure
(COPY ATTACHED)
4. 5517.01 Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox
Introduced Willie Gore, the new Assistant Principal of Bessey Creek Elementary. She stated that he has already started his new position and came from the west coast where he had been an Assistant Principal. He reported that he had a very strong background in Science and will be helpful looking at the FCAT Science benchmarks. Mr. Gore introduced his family. The Board members welcomed him.
Nancy Kline
Reported that Marshall Skinner and she spoke at the Women’s Club and gave them an overview of vocational and adult programs offered. She expressed that she looked forward to negotiations moving forward. She felt the new Dr. David Anderson Middle school looked great and had planned a walk through on Friday. She was excited about the dedication of Anderson Middle School being held on July 29th. Nancy attended an Early Education conference in Tampa and was excited to learn how the district will be benefited by VPK. Gladys Wilson asked Nancy to send her regards to Doug Griffin, and Nancy said that she looked forward to working with him.
Laurie Gaylord
Welcomed Doug Griffin.
Sue Hershey
Stated that she had been on the road. She met with FSBA on Thursday and Friday and talked about the legislative proposals. She will next attend the Southeast Regional School Board’s Association meeting. She stated that she will be gone for two weeks.
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox
Congratulated Conney Dahn for winning Florida’s Teacher of the Year. She stated that Conney would represent teachers nationwide so well. She commented that Conney had high energy and motivation. She conveyed that Conney’s statements were always about “my kids.”
Dr. David Anderson
Reflected on the time Gertrude Pettway came in second in the state.
Laurie Gaylord
Suggested Conney Dahn visit schools and inspire the teachers. Laurie said that Schools remarked that it would be nice if Conney could stop by and give a message to staff.
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox
Reported that Richard Levine would like to work with the School Board to have a party for Conney at Macy’s on the Treasure Coast. She reported that today was the first day of a three day Administrator’s retreat and the focus was on data analysis and performance matters. She attended Florida Reads with staff. She felt the sessions were wonderful. She described the session using the Arts to teach FCAT strategies. She said that she was excited about the upcoming new school year. She felt it will be a positive year, and the district has more ways to reach more struggling readers and learners.
Sue Hershey
Announced that more teachers are graduating with their masters in reading certification because of the Title I program available to them. She reported that many are completing the reading endorsements. She asked what the date would be for the national competition. No one was sure of the date. Sue articulated how wonderful Richard Levine, from Macy’s, had been and told about the wonderful job Macy’s did with the event. She felt they should be commended.
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox
Informed Board members that most of the teacher’s courses to obtain their masters were being paid for through the Title I training. She reported that many teachers and Administrators were completing their reading endorsements.
16. Open to the Board:* (Con’t)
Nancy Kline
Congratulated Warfield Elementary school on their award and accomplishments.
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox
Advised Board members that JBHS presented their read aloud, Code Walkers, at the Florida Reads Conference. The session had been closed, because it was so well attended. Warfield Elementary presented. Liz Tetreault was on the agenda for reading couches, and they are forming an association of reading coaches.
Lorie Shekailo
Felt good as she traveled across the state and saw Conney Dahn’s picture everywhere. Lorie apprised the Board about how respected Conney was around the state of Florida. Commissioner Winn stated to Denise Garcia, County Council of PTAs, that all had approved his choice for Conney after reviewing the tapes. She congratulated Sean Lewis for attaining his certified Internal Auditor status.
Doug Griffin
Stated that it is nice to be back home.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, Lorie Shekailo adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
_______________________________
CHAIR (Lorie Shekailo)
______________________________
SECRETARY (Sara A. Wilcox, Ph.D.)