Regular School Board Meeting &
Special Martin School Board Leasing Corporation Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 15, 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
Nancy Kline
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox, Superintendent
Tom Elfers, School Board Attorney
Kristin Conrad, Student Representative (JBHS)
Members Absent
Staff Present
Linda King, Gail Olson, Missi Campbell Kerry Lewis, Marshall Skinner, Virgina Skinner, Debbie Henderson, Dr. Larthenia Howard, Ginger Featherstone, Dave Hall, Nancy Marin, Pat Schmoyer Ray Parrish, Dr. Joyce Holmes, John Klatt, Darrell Miller, Darla Miloszewski, Deana Newson, Rodger Osborne, Dr. Frank Raffone, Jeff Carver, Garret Grabowski, Hank Salzler, Ruth Pietruszewski
Public
Press PBPost – Mike Bender Stuart News – Kelly Tyko
MCEA – Jeanette Phillips, Diane Falvo 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 to remove Item 11-E, under Construction, the Murray Middle School Cafetorium GMP, from the agenda. She indicated that the item would probably be placed on the December 6, 2005 agenda for approval.
B. Approval of the Agenda
Laurie Gaylord moved approval of the modified agenda, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
2. Approval of the Minutes:*
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of the 10/18/05 Regular School Board Meeting minutes and the 10/21/05 Special School Board
Meeting minutes. Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
3. Recognitions:* None
4. Presentations:*
A. Hurricane Wilma Damage Assessment; Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne Recovery Update (COPY ATTACHED)
Julie Sessa presented a power point presentation on the damage assessment for Hurricane Wilma. Julie informed Board members that the new middle school sustained considerable damage, but the school was still covered under the builder’s risk insurance policy. Work was continuing on the buildings that were not affected, while Pirtle was assessing the impact to the schedule. Julie presented photos of the damaged property. Some sites did not have damage. All sites with damage had an active plan for permanent repair. The total preliminary estimated damages for all sites totaled $1.5 million. FEMA paperwork had been filed within the appropriate time frame.
Julie then proceeded with an update on the recovery from Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. She provided a budget sheet listing expenses, and insurance and FEMA reimbursements. She summarized that $21,817,410 to date had been filed in insurance claims for property damage from the two storms. The School Board had received $18,412,013 in
insurance proceeds and $5,735,992 in FEMA reimbursement. The estimated outstanding work to be completed was $2,111,900, and the majority of the work to be completed was at SFHS.
5. Open to the Public:*
· Missi Campbell, a Crystal Lake Elementary kindergarten teacher, expressed her opinion on hurricane make-up days. She marveled at the phenomenal FCAT scores the District achieved after the two hurricanes last year. She described how hard all the teachers in the District work on a continual basis. She suggested that next year’s calendar include built-in make-up days.
6. Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda:* None
7. Approve Consent Agenda:*
Laurie Gaylord moved approval of the Consent Agenda, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. 05/06 FY Attendance Zones:* None
B. Requests:*
1. Use of Facilities:* (COPY ATTACHED)
2. Field Trips / Use of Buses / Vehicles:* (COPY ATTACHED)
C. New Agreements:*
1. Approve 2005-2006 Supplemental Educational Service Provider
Contracts from: ATS-Project Success; Academic Consulting & Educational Services (ACES); Babbage Net School; Chancellor Supplemental Educational Services, LLC; Club Z! In Home Tutoring Services; Education 2020- Kids College; Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.; The Mentoring Center, Inc.; for J.D. Parker Elementary and Indiantown Middle Schools. (COPY ATTACHED)
2. Approve Interagency Agreement between the School Board of Martin
County, The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation (COPY ATTACHED)
D. Renewal Agreements:*
1. Approve Agreement between the School Board of Martin County, Florida Indian River Community College-Certified Nursing Assistant Program
(COPY ATTACHED)
2. Approve Agreement between St. Lucie County School Board and Martin County School Board for Students Living in Harbour Ridge and Beau Rivage West to Attend Martin County Schools for the 2005/06 School Year
(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 Revised Job Descriptions
a. Internal Auditor (COPY ATTACHED)
b. Volunteer Services Liaison (COPY ATTACHED)
c. Bus Operator (COPY ATTACHED)
4. Approve New Job Description for Energy Manager/Educator
(COPY ATTACHED)
5. Approve Substitute Teacher Salary Increase (COPY ATTACHED)
6. Approve Student Employee Part Time (COPY ATTACHED)
7. Amend Master In-Service Plan-Professional Development Alternatives for Exceptional Student Educators (COPY ATTACHED)
9. Items Removed from the Agenda:*
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox requested to remove Item 11-E, under Construction, the Murray Middle School Cafetorium GMP, from the agenda. She indicated that the item would probably be placed on the December 6, 2005 agenda for approval.
10. Approve Board Resolution for the Proposed Master Lease-Purchase Program-
(COPY ATTACHED)
Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 10, Dr. David Anderson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
The Chair, Sue Hershey, recessed the Regular School Board Meeting at 7:35 p.m.
SPECIAL MARTIN SCHOOL BOARD LEASING CORPORATION MEETING
The Chair, Sue Hershey, convened the Special Martin School Board Leasing Corporation Meeting at 7:36 p.m.
Sue Hershey asked for a motion to appoint members of the School Board of Martin County as the ex-officio Board of Directors of the Corporation.
Dr.David Anderson made a motion to appoint the members of the School Board of Martin County as the ex-officio Board of Directors of the Martin School Board Leasing Corporation, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
Sue Hershey asked for a motion to appoint herself as Chairman and Lorie Shekailo as Vice-Chairman of the Corporation.
Dr. David Anderson made a motion to appoint Sue Hershey as Chairman, Lorie Shekailo as Vice-Chairman, and Dr. Sara A. Wilcox as Secretary/Treasurer, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
Sue Hershey asked for a motion to name the officers of the corporation.
Dr. David Anderson made a motion to name as officers of the Corporation: Sue Hershey as President; Lorie Shekailo as Vice-President; and Dr. Sara A. Wilcox as Secretary/Treasurer, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
1. Approve Organizational Resolution of Martin School Board Leasing Corporation:*-
(COPY ATTACHED)
Lorie Shekailo made a motion to approve the Organizational Resolution 2005-1 and all matters set forth therein, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
2. Approve Leasing Resolution:*- (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson made a motion to adopt Resolution 2005-2 authorizing the lease-purchase project, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
The Corporation President, Sue Hershey, adjourned the Corporate Meeting at 7:45 p.m.
RE-CONVENED REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Chair, Sue Hershey, re-convened the Regular School Board Meeting at 7:46 p.m.
11. Construction:*
Laurie Gaylord moved approval of Item 11, with the exclusion of Item 11-E which was removed from the agenda, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
A. Approve Amendment #1 Professional Services to ZHA, Inc. Contract for Hurricane Wilma Damage Repair-(COPY ATTACHED)
B. Approve Purchase Order/Contract to T.M. Construction Specialists for Hurricane Damage Remediation at Indiantown Middle School (COPY ATTACHED)
C. Approve Contract Amendment #6 to Florida Architects, Inc. for Remodel of South Complex Office Space-(COPY ATTACHED)
D. Approve Retainage Reduction of 5% to 1% on the GMP for Hobe Sound Elementary Replacement School Project for Pirtle Construction-(COPY ATTACHED)
E. Approve Murray Middle School Cafetorium GMP (REMOVED FROM AGENDA)
12. Finance:*
Lorie Shekailo moved approval of Item 12, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
A. Approve Purchase Orders / Contracts (COPY ATTACHED)
B. Approve Monthly Financial Statements for October 2005 (COPY ATTACHED)
C. Approve General Fund Budget Amendment #06-103 (COPY ATTACHED)
D. Approve Food Service Fund Budget Amendment #06-4103 (COPY ATTACHED)
E. Approve Special Revenue Fund Budget Amendment #06-4203 (COPY ATTACHED)
F. Approve Capital Fund Budget Amendment #06-303 (COPY ATTACHED)
G. Approve Annual Payment of $60,000 to the Martin County Health Department for (1)School Nurse in Collaboration with the Martin County Commission and Children’s Service Council Discussed at the June 7, 2005 Board Meeting (COPY ATTACHED)
13. Bid Recommendations:*
Nancy Kline moved approval of Item 13, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
A. Approval to Renew Piggyback Bid
1. School Board of St. Lucie County Term Contract for Repair and Refinishing of Hardwood Floors Bid # 0307001 (COPY ATTACHED)
B. Approval to Award Coop Bid
1. Fresh Delivered Produce for Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee School Districts MCSB Bid # 1006-0-2005/JC (COPY ATTACHED)
Sue Hershey remarked that she was glad to see the four counties jointly participating in the fresh produce bid.
14. Approve 2005-2006 SAC Membership for : Martin County High School, Boot Camp, Challenger, Felix A. Williams Elementary, Indiantown Middle, Jensen Beach High, Palm City Elementary, Stop Camp, Warfield Elementary (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 14, Nancy Kline seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
15. Approve 2004-2005
School Improvement Plans Final Report and 2005-2006 School Improvement Plan
Drafts for: Martin County High School, Boot Camp, Challenger, Felix A.
Williams Elementary, Indiantown Middle, Jensen Beach High, Palm City
Elementary, Stop Camp, Warfield Elementary (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 15, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
16. Approve Revised Calendar for 2005-2006 (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. Frank Raffone stated that some of the surrounding counties had lost more days due to hurricanes than Martin
County. He reminded the Board and Superintendent that they do not have the authority or power to waive school
days. The procedure to waive school days follows the protocol of the Board approving the Superintendent’s
recommendation, then sending it to the Chancellor’s office and the Commissioner. Dr. Raffone commented that the
implications the Governor and Chancellor have made is that it is highly unlikely that more than three days would
be waived from the requests received from the three counties. He continued to inform Board members that there
were not a lot of places to go on the calendar for make-up days; therefore, options were limited. He felt
that no matter which days were chosen someone would be affected. He informed the Board that both unions were
asked for their input. The original proposal focused on winter break, but the reaction to those days was significantly
negative. The proposal was changed to try to accommodate the community’s desires. Dr Raffone stated that the
three days recommended for make-up days would be two of the parent conference days and President’s Day, and
putting FCAT off for one week. He stated that individuals had suggested using early release days for the make-up
days. He wanted to remind people that if early release days were extended to a full day that would cover the students’
requirement, but it wouldn’t cover the contractual employees’ requirement. The District would have to find other
ways to meet the contractual employees’ requirement. Staff development days would suffer. Giving up this time
would cause a great deal of hardship. He gave an example. The District was just awarded a $303,000 reading grant.
To implement this grant, a great deal of training needs to be done. There would be no time to do that implementation
If early release days were given up. He asked the union to review this and hoped they would work with the District to
get it accomplished. This was a change that was required in the contract. He felt it was important to have a
Memorandum of Understanding. (COPY ATTACHED) He recommended the Board vote tonight and approve it to
save a step. If the memorandum is approved here, then the teacher’s can vote on it. If the teacher’s vote it down,
then they can bring it back to the Board and come back to the drawing board. He urged the union leaders to have
their members approve the proposal. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox asked if the District had support for this recommendation.
Dr Raffone stated that if the union would voice their support for this now it would be terrific. Dr. David Anderson
commented about the end of the semester and stated that his major concern was that the semester did not extend
over. He received calls from parents and teachers that were centered on this issue. He wanted to be assured that the
final exams would not be carried over to January 2006. Dr. Raffone assured him that would not happen. The exams
will be when they were scheduled. Lorie Shekailo wanted to make sure faculties from all three high schools were on
board with that decision. Dr. Raffone said he had met with the high school principals twice, and all were informed of
the decision. Lorie Shekailo wanted to assure parents that the intent of the Board was not to use winter break as
make-up days. Board members and the Superintendent came to a consensus that the first three days of winter break
would not be used as make-up days, and parents were safe to make vacation plans. Sue Hershey said this would take
us now to the Letter of Understanding. She asked Board members if there were any thoughts. Nancy Kline stated
that she concurred with Dr Raffone in terms of not using the early release days, since staff development was so
important. She requested to go on record as saying that we should not use early release days as make-up days. Sue
asked for a motion to make January 27th and March 31st ,Parent/Teacher Conference days, and February
20th ,President’s Day, the hurricane make-up days.
Dr. David Anderson made a motion to use two parent/teacher conference days, January 27th and March 31st , and February 20th ,
President’s Day, as the hurricane make-up days,
Sue Hershey called for a second to the motion
Laurie Gaylord seconded,
Sue Hershey asked if there was any discussion. Lorie Shekailo stated this would be subject to approval by the union.
Sue said this just cuts a step. Dr. David Anderson said that there was no expression from the union at open to
the public tonight, so he assumed they had no question to what was being done. He assumed there was no dissension.
16. Approve Revised Calendar for 2005-2006 (Con’t) (COPY ATTACHED)
Jeanette Phillips got up to address the issue with the Board. She stated that the union had gotten a lot of flack about
the make-up days. She informed the Board members that the teacher’s number one choice was not to make-up any of
the days. She continued to say that they feel they have proven themselves from what they went through last year
since MCSD was number one in the state with test scores. The teachers feel they work hard, and they go above and
beyond. She stated they work lots of extra hours. The union’s interpretation from DOE is that you can ask to waive
as many days as you want, also that the DOE requirement is to instruct 900 hours. All of our schools go way over
the 900 hours of instruction time. If all 6 days were waived, the 900 hour instruction time requirement would still be
met. She felt there were no good days to make-up the time. Teachers have promised to maximize instructional time.
They feel they have worked and earned those days off, and they want those days off. Jeanette said she can not urge
her members to do anything, and she said she could not guarantee how they will vote.
Dr. David Anderson said he agreed with most everything she said, but advised Jeanette that in spite of how good we
are, in spite of how good our teachers are, we still have students that need the extra days for remediation. It has
nothing to do with disrespect or with the idea that teachers had worked hard and earned it. He continued to state that
it was a matter of those kids that need more, and when we give those students more, we will end up better. Dr. Sara
A. Wilcox asked Jeanette what the timeline would be to get this item ratified. Jeanette answered they could vote
the following week after Thanksgiving. Dr. Sara A. Wilcox said that the reason she was asking was because there was
another School Board Meeting scheduled for December 6th . If this would not be ratified by the teachers, there are
other days the Board could select that would not require ratification by the union. Jeanette stated that the union could
have it voted on by the December 6th meeting, but she could not guarantee the Board would like the results.
Sue Hershey stated that the Board had a motion and a second and asked all those in favor.
The motion carried unanimously.
17. Approve the Proposed 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 School Calendars (COPY ATTACHED)
Laurie Gaylord wanted to make sure that emergency days were built into the calendars. She wanted them plainly
marked, so that parents were informed and knew which days were designated for emergency make-up days.
Laurie Gaylord moved approval of Item 17, and Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
18. Approve Contract with Thomas E. Elfers for FY 2005-06 (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 18, Sue Hershey seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
19. Rule Revisions:*
Sue Hershey asked if anyone from the public requested to address the Board.
Tom Elfers explained that on Item 19-A-1, the complaint procedure, the time to lodge a complaint was increased from 20 days to 60 days. It properly recognized Dr Joyce Holmes’s title as Executive Director. On Item 19-A-2, expulsion of disabled students, it was changed from expelling students for 45 student days to expelling students for 45 days period, in order to bring it into compliance with the law. Item 19-A-3 , plant security, remained unchanged since the last time Board members had seen it. Sue informed Board members that each rule must be voted on individually.
A. Public Hearing on School Board Policy
1. 3144 and 5517.01 Discrimination Complaint Procedure (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 19-A-1, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
2. 5610.01 Expulsion of Disabled Students (COPY ATTACHED)
Nancy Kline moved approval of Item 19-A-2, Lorie Shekailo seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
3. 7440 Plant Security (COPY ATTACHED)
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 19-A-3, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
B. First Review and Approve Advertising Per APA on School Board Policy 5330 Administration of Prescription Medicines (COPY ATTACHED)
Tom Elfers reported that the law had been changed. Students may carry their own epi-pens. The policy will allow students to carry them. Nancy Kline asked Tom if there was an age limit on the policy. Tom answered that there was no age limit as long as the child had a prescription, and this was following the law.
Dr. David Anderson moved approval of Item 19-B, Laurie Gaylord seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
20. Open to the Board:*
A. Discuss Martin County Legislative Delegation Meeting
Sue Hershey
Stated that the Martin County Legislative Delegation Meeting was scheduled for December 16th. A wish list had been presented in late October. She asked to go over the wish list and wanted to know if there were any changes or additions that the Board would like presented at the meeting. She informed Board members that she and Lorie Shekailo would be presenting the platform. Lorie Shekailo would be presenting the platform to the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Sue Hershey would be presenting the platform to the Stuart Martin County Chamber of Commerce.
Lorie Shekailo
Requested that all Board members review the platform and come back with any changes to be discussed at
the December 6th Regular School Board Meeting.
Dr. Sara A. Wilcox
Recognized Dr. Larthenia Howard as the new principal of the new middle school. Currently Dr. Howard is the Assistant Principal of Indiantown Middle School. Sara listed her accomplishments and praised her great experience and skills. She presently is participating on the national level as the single representative from the state of Florida with No Child Left Behind. A wonderful newspaper article was written about her involvement. Dr. Wilcox also recognized Kerry Lewis as the new Benefits Specialist.
Lorie Shekailo
Discussed the South Fork parade. She stated that it was a lot of fun, and it was the most memorable one. She informed the Board that the meeting with the Taxpayer’s Association went very well. She thanked David Moore for being so instrumental with helping Darla and herself doing research and analysis on COPS. Sue Hershey and she attended the sexual predator workshop with the county, and the county is doing a lot to protect the children. She saw Paul Vitalli’s presentation at Stuart Middle School. He gave a positive message to the children. He is performing at the Lyric Theater.
Laurie Gaylord
Stated that Children Service’s Council meetings and Head Start Policy Council meetings conflicted. They were changed, and she can now attend both meetings. She explained how parent involvement can make a difference. She described how she has watched parent’s transformations after serving on the Head Start Policy Council.
Dr. David Anderson
Congratulated both high schools on their football games. The teams had few penalties and no incidents after the games.
Kristin Conrad
Congratulated the Pathfinder nominees from the School District. Kristin reported that Spectrum High School and Martin County Transition School were in the process of adopting additions to the dress code. The major additions to the code will include collared shirts, with sleeves, tucked in for both males and females. The code will take effect after the holiday break. Jensen Beach High School was awarded an Air Force JROTC unit for the 2006-07 school year. The SFHS ROTC Raiders team took first place at the Port St Lucie Drill Competition. Recording artist Jen Chapin will give a singer/song writer workshop at SFHS on November 16th.
There being no further business to bring before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
_______________________________
CHAIR (Sue Hershey)
_______________________________
SECRETARY (Sara A. Wilcox, Ph.D.)