Continuation of 9/7/04 Regular School Board Meeting

and Public Hearing to Adopt the 2004/2005 Budget Minutes

Tuesday, September 13, 2004 – 7:00 p.m.

School Board Meeting Room

Stuart, FL  34994

 

Members Present

Dr. David Anderson, Chairman

Vicki Davis, Vice-Chair

Susan Hershey

Laurie Gaylord

Lorie Shekailo

Dr. Sara A. Wilcox, Superintendent

Tom Elfers, School Board Attorney

 

Members Absent

Katie Gillen, Student Representative (MCHS)

 

Staff Present

Hank Salzler, Lori McWilliams, Helene Baxter, Stacey Chados, Dr. Joyce Holmes, John Klatt, Darrell Miller, Darla Miloszewski, Deana Newson, Leighton O'Connor, Rodger Osborne, Dr. Frank Raffone, Willie Sauls, Marshall Skinner, Karen O’Connor, Ray Parrish

 

Public

Bobbie Hoffman, Kim Alpert, Dr. David Harris, Richard Goldstein, Dr. Karl Drehobl, Jim Ault, Yvette London, Jerry Kelly

 

Press                PBPost – Rani Gupta                 Stuart News –  No Representation

 

MCEA – No Representation                  AFSCME – No Representation

 

Mrs. Davis reconvened the September 7, 2004 Public Hearing and School Board Meeting with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States. 

 

PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT THE 2003/2004 ANNUAL SCHOOL BUDGET & MILLAGE LEVY

 

1.          Public Hearing on proposed FY 2004/2005 Final Annual Budget

Ms. Miloszewski reviewed the rollback rate.   

 

2.         Adoption of the Final Budget for FY 2004/2005:*

A.         General Fund

1.          Proposed Millage of

a.         Required Local Effort of 5.022 mills

Mrs. Hershey moved approval of the Required Local Effort of 5.022 mills, Mrs. Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

b.         Discretionary of 0.510 mills

Mrs. Shekailo moved approval of the Discretionary of .510 mills, Mrs. Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

c.         Supplemental Discretionary of 0.060 mills

Mrs. Hershey moved approval of the Supplemental Discretionary of .060 mills, Mrs. Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

B.         Capital Outlay

1.          Proposed Millage of 2.000 mills

Mrs. Gaylord moved approval of the Proposed millage of 2.000 mills, Mrs. Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

3.         Adopt Final Budget for FY 2004/2005:*

Dr. Anderson moved approval of the Final Budget for FY 2004/2005, Mrs. Hershey seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

Dr. Anderson moved to adjourn the public hearing and opened to the Regular School Board Meeting, Mrs. Hershey second and the motion carried unanimously.

 

REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

 

1.          Adoption of the Agenda:*

            A.         Additions, Deletions or Amendments to the Agenda

Dr. Wilcox postponed Items 9-C and 9-D until the September 21, 2004 board meeting.  She asked to add as Item 12 “Discussion and Consideration of Changing the School Calendar to include 9/16/04 as a make-up day due to Hurricane Frances and to move interim report cards from 9/7/04 to 9/20/04” and added as Item 13 “Approval for Gertrude Walden Child Care to Occupy Three Portable Space at J. D. Parker School of Math, Science & Technology”.  Mrs. Hershey suggested placing the school calendar under Open to the Public as Item 4-A and Dr. Wilcox agreed and moved the Gertrude Walden item to number 12 and Open to the Board as Item 13. 

 

            B.         Approval of the Agenda

Dr. Anderson moved approval of the agenda as modified, Mrs. Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.  

2.         Approval of the Minutes:*       8/17/04 Regular School Board Meeting Minutes,  8/12/04 Special School Board Meeting Minutes, 7/15/04 Special School Board Meeting & Budget Workshop Minutes, 7/20/04 Special School Board Meeting Minutes, and 6/29/04 Budget Workshop and Special School Board Meeting Minutes           

Dr. Anderson moved approval of as outlined, Mrs. Hershey seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

3.         Presentations:*           

A.         Daughters of the American Revolution – Constitution Week September 17, 2004 – September 23, 2004 – Attorney Portia Scott (COPY ATTACHED)

Dr. Anderson moved approval of the Resolution, Mrs. Hershey seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

4.         Open to the Public:*

A.         Discussion and Consideration of Changing the School Calendar to include 9/16/04 as a make-up day due to Hurricane Frances and to move interim report cards from 9/7/04 to 9/20/04

Dr. Wilcox read into record Rabbi Kendell’s letter of their discussions regarding using September 16, 2004, Rosh Hashanah, as a hurricane make-up day (COPY ATTACHED).  She commented that her office received many phone calls today from parents regarding this day as a make-up day.  She explained that Rabbi Kendall was her contact because of his previous involvement in implementing these Jewish Holidays as school holidays.  She stated there is a Superintendent’s conference this week, in which waiving days and make-up days would be discussed, however feels the educational advantages must be taken into consideration. 

·         Dr. David Harris, a Palm City parent, stated Rabbi Kendall does not speak for the entire Jewish committee and does not agree that this is an emergency deeming the need to remove their holiday.  He believes it is only an emergency for administrative purposes. 

·         Richard Goldstein, a Palm City parent, explained that prior to the days being non-school days, his children simply did not attend school on their holy days.  He voiced concern with what his child would be missing and feels it is punitive simply because his children can not attend school while it is in session. 

·         Amy Alpert feels Rabbi Kendell is trying to be a team player and help the school system.  Her children are IB students on block scheduling and this would create a difficulty to them.  She suggested using teacher work days and early release days and allowing all students to remain on an even playing field rather than segregating the Jewish children. 

 

Dr. Anderson agreed with the community speakers and asked Mrs. Gaylord for her comments as a Jewish citizen.  She stated she spoke with her Rabbi who strongly advised against holding school on this Thursday and reiterated that it is in fact a high holy day.  She does not feel a student should have to choose between school and synagogue, especially those who are highly involved in education and trying to achieve scholarships and admission to colleges.  Dr. Anderson asked the Superintendent to work with staff on other alternatives and asked how many days the Commissioner would waive.  Dr. Wilcox stated three; however the district must look at the best interest of the students and their educational needs.  Mrs. Hershey explained the Court House is considering opening on Thursday and feels the Board must be careful with referring to this is a day off for religious purposes.  Mrs. Shekailo agrees there are other days that can be used as make-up days and this is a time when families should promote religion within their lives.  The Board as a whole agreed not to use Thursday, September 16, 2004 as a make-up day. 

 

Mrs. Shekailo moved to shift the Interim Day from 9/7/04 to 9/20/04, seconded by Mrs. Gaylord and the motion carried unanimously.    

 

Mr. Goldstein thanked the Superintendent for addressing the issue with Rabbi Kendell and for hearing their input. 

 

Dr. Karl Drehobl thanked Dr. Wilcox for working with Rabbi Kendell over the years and being respectful of the Jewish community. 

 

Mrs. Davis discussed the number of days that are required within in the respective semesters and asked if there would be flexibility.  Dr. Wilcox advised she would discuss options with staff and the Union and that many options are contract driven.  She reminded the Board that President’s Day was considered an emergency day when the calendar was board approved.  Mrs. Hershey suggested extending the school day by 15 minutes; it would take four weeks to make-up one day.  Dr. Wilcox does not feel that would be fiscally or educationally beneficial for Warfield Elementary, Indiantown Middle, or J. D. Parker and believes they need every minute of time available.  Mrs. Shekailo asked for a break down on the number of classes at the high school level that would end with the winter recess and suggested increasing the day by 15 minutes and then take other days and make-up additional times within the first semester.  Dr. Wilcox explained that that would be the majority of classes unless they were considered “skinnies” (all year long courses).  

 

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

 

6.         Approve Consent Agenda:*

Dr. Anderson moved approval of the Consent Agenda, Mrs. Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

7.         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:*

1.          Approve Agreement between the School Board of Martin County and Palm Gardens Nursing Home (COPY ATTACHED)

 

D.        Renewal Agreements:*

1.          Approve Continuation of Cooperative Financial Agreement between the School Board of Martin County and Tri-County TEC to Provide Services for Adults with Disabilities (COPY ATTACHED)

2.         Approve Agreement between the School Board of Martin County and Mariner Health Care of Palm City (COPY ATTACHED)

3.         Approve Agreement between the School Board of Martin County and Martin Nursing and Restorative Care Center (COPY ATTACHED)

4.         Approve SY 2004/2005 School Resource Officer Agreement with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (COPY ATTACHED)

5.         Approve Agreement between the School Board of Martin County and the Boys and Girls Club of Martin County (COPY ATTACHED)

                       

E.        Renewal Grants:*

1.          Approve Boys and Girls Club Mentoring Services Grant – “Project Learn” for $72,997.00 (COPY ATTACHED)

2.          Approve William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Project Continuation Grant for $512,657.00 (COPY ATTACHED)

 

            F.         Personnel Items:*

1.          Schedule of Personnel Recommendations (COPY ATTACHED)

2.          Leaves Authorized by the Superintendent (COPY ATTACHED)

                       

8.         Items Removed from the Agenda:*     None

 

9.         Construction:*

Dr. Anderson moved approval of 9-A, 9-B and 9-E, Mrs. Hershey seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

A.         Approve Contract Amendment for Schenkel Shultz Inc. to Provide Additional Professional Services for Jensen Beach High School / Goldenrod Road (COPY ATTACHED)

B.         Change Order

1.          Approve Change Order #2 for the Morganti Group to Provide Additional Construction Services for Jensen Beach High School / Goldenrod Road (COPY ATTACHED)

C.         Approve Contract Amendment for URS Corporation to Provide Professional Services for Chiller Enclosure at SeaWind Elementary School REMOVED FROM AGENDA

D.        Approve Contract for Pirtle Construction Company to Provide Construction Services to Install Chiller Enclosure at SeaWind Elementary School REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

E.         Approve Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Tilden Lobnitz Cooper (TLC) for Lighting Retrofit at Bessey Creek Elementary, Crystal Lake Elementary, Felix A. Williams Elementary, Pinewood Elementary, and SeaWind Elementary Schools (COPY ATTACHED)

 

F.         Discuss Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for J. D. Parker School of Science, Math and Technology Replacement School (COPY ATTACHED)

Mr. Osborne explained the GMP is over budget.  Mr. Jim Ault of Morganti explained the bid process and why the costs have escalated.  Dr. Anderson asked about damaged schools in Charlotte County and St. Lucie County from Hurricanes Charley and Frances and Mr. Ault advised they were mainly flat roof schools.  Mrs. Davis asked about value added engineering and cost savings and Mr. Osborne responded.  Mr. Ault clarified the architect fee is not included within the GMP.  Mrs. Hershey does not want to sacrifice certain features such as brick on block and moisture features and feels the quality facilities have shown to be a benefit to the community.  She reminded the board that the sales tax savings would be backed up at the end of the project.  Dr. Anderson asked for the preliminary assessment of damages to Pinewood Elementary School and was advised 6.5 million.  He suggested that Pinewood should be demolished and rebuilt and is concerned about it being a sick building in the future and Mrs. Davis does not believe full replacement would be necessary.  Mr. Osborne is not sure at this time if that is a viable option and Dr. Wilcox pointed out the building and structure are substantial and crews are working diligently on getting the students back into the facility.  Mr. Ault discussed the importance of getting the agreements underway and jeopardizing the legalities of the projects.  Mrs. Gaylord asked if concrete is still a problem and Mr. Ault explained concrete and steel are major issues and prices would continue to increase. 

 

Dr. Wilcox asked to hear from the architects.  Ms. Yvette London addressed the cost of a larger retention pond and how there was additional dirt that was donated to Hobe Sound Elementary School, thereby decreasing their costs.  The site calls for a longer driveway, which would provide a permanent solution to the traffic issues.  Mrs. Hershey asked how the cost of the dirt is transferred from one project to another project and Mr. Osborne spoke to the issue and explained it is approximately a $50,000 credit to Hobe Sound Elementary School. 

 

Dr. Wilcox is concerned with the cost of the school and the capital budget and asked Mr. Osborne to identify any areas of cost savings without sacrificing areas that have been identified as necessary.  Mr. Osborne advised they have identified several areas:  cost of delivering project, calculations, detail on fascia / soffit area, change the style of roof on covered area, remove a few doors, reduce amount of electrical and data outlets.  Dr. Wilcox asked what the overall cost savings would amount to and Mr. Ault explained the sales tax would be approximately 1.5% – 2% or several hundred thousand dollars.   All quality engineering items are adjustable as the project moves along.  The cost of delivering the project is based on the duration of the project rather than the percentage of the cost of the job. 

 

Dr. Wilcox feels the capital budget should be brought back to the board for consideration.  Mrs. Hershey is concerned with going out past the 90 days and the costs increasing.  Mr. Ault explained the 90 days started on June 18 and July 29 and Dr. Wilcox advised that is not the information given to her prior to the board meeting and is very concerned with the time issue. 

 

Dr. Anderson advised he does not want to build an inferior school for J. D. Parker and is concerned that if the board waits the cost will rise.  Mrs. Shekailo asked about the height of the school and asked if this could be remodeled and Mr. Ault explained the project is too far along.  Mrs. Davis asked for Mr. Santos to review this GMP and bring back on the September 21, 2004 board meeting. 

 

Mrs. Hershey discussed the cost of providing hurricane shelters and being an unfunded mandate.  She suggested the County help provide funds for the shelters since it is a county-wide shelter. 

 

Jerry Kelly of  Morganti, discussed a formal document made to the contracts.  Dr. Wilcox reiterated her concerns with the cost of delivering the project compared to the cost of delivering Hobe Sound Elementary.  Mr. Osborne explained the numbers are somewhere between ½ million more to deliver J. D. Parker, however reminded her Hobe Sound is not a shelter. and J. D. Parker is about 5,000 square feet more than Hobe Sound.  Both schools are scheduled to open in August and Mr. Osborne advised the new structure would be June / July and final would be August thereabouts.  Mr. Osborne explained there are potential cost savings here.  Dr. Wilcox asked Rodger to have the Treasure Coast Builders review this again if it is not jeopardizing the project.   Mr. Kelly explained any delay would hurt the schedule and would like to keep moving on the construction.  Mr. Osborne would like to be able to have a consortium and keep the school moving and guaranteed to finish on time.   

It was determined that the Board has 90 days from July 29th and not June 18th.  Mr. Ault explained they could work with a delay of one week; however they cannot wait until October 29 to let the contractors know. 

 

Mrs. Hershey feels there are options available and needs to identify where the savings are and what the board’s standards are.  She explained every other capital project on the list would be changed due to the hurricane and costs of steel and concrete. 

 

The Board agreed this item would be brought back for approval on September 21, 2004.   

 

10.        Finance:*

Mrs. Hershey moved approval of Item 10, Mrs. Shekailo second and asked to comment.  She commented on the ending fund balance includes encumbered expenditures.  The motion carried unanimously. 

            A.         Approve Purchase Orders / Contracts (COPY ATTACHED)

B.         Approve Final Budget Amendment #04-004 for Non-Expendable Trust Fund 2003-(COPY ATTACHED)

C.         Approve Final Budget Amendment #04-201 for Debt Service Fund 2003-2004 (COPY ATTACHED)

D.        Approve Final Budget Amendment #04-111 for General Fund 2003-2004 (COPY ATTACHED)

E.         Approve Final Budget Amendment #04-311 for Capital Fund 2003-2004 (COPY ATTACHED)

F.         Approve Final Budget Amendment #04-4110 for Food Service 2003-2004 (COPY ATTACHED)

G.         Approve Final Budget Amendment #04-4211 for Special Revenue Fund 2003-2004 (COPY ATTACHED)

H.        Approve Final Budget Amendment #04-8202 for Expendable Trust Fund 2003-2004 (COPY ATTACHED)

I.          Approve Final Budget Amendment #04-8702 for Pension Trust Fund 2003-2004 (COPY ATTACHED)

J.          Approve Final Budget Amendment #04-8902 for Agency Fund 2003-2004 (COPY ATTACHED)

K.         Approve Superintendent’s Annual Financial Report (ESE145) FOR 2003-2004 and Approve Report of Financial Data to Commissioner of Education (ESE348) for 2003-2004 (COPY ATTACHED)

 

11.        Approve Emergency Pay for Hurricane Shelter Workers:* - Hank Salzler (Ex. 11)

 

13.        Open to the Board:*

Mrs. Shekailo

Thanked staff for their diligent efforts during the hurricane.  She asked to reschedule the September 23, 2004 Town Meeting and the Board agreed.

 

Mrs. Gaylord

            Also thanked staff for their efforts.  

 

Mrs. Hershey

Asked for help manning phones and moving teacher classrooms from Pinewood Elementary School to Port Salerno Elementary School / Jensen Beach High School. 

 

Dr. Anderson

            Discussed his service with the Red Cross delivering food items.    

 

Dr. Wilcox

Advised the Governor would be visiting Warfield Elementary School tomorrow from 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.   

 

Mrs. Davis

Asked about the Long Range Planning Committee Ranking and Dr. Raffone explained it would be brought before the Board at the next meeting.

 

There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. 

 

 

 

_______________________________                     _______________________________         

CHAIR  (Vicki Davis)                                    SECRETARY (Sara A. Wilcox, Ph.D.)