05-09-06 SLCSB REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - APPROVED



THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SAINT LUCIE COUNTY

Regular Meeting – May 9, 2006

6:00 p.m.

School Board Room

Fort Pierce, Florida 34947

PRESENT: MRS. KATHRYN HENSLEY, CHAIRMAN

Member Residing in District No. 4

DR. JOHN CARVELLIE, VICE CHAIRMAN

Member Residing in District No. 3

MS. CAROL HILSON

Member Residing in District No. 2

DR. SAMUEL S. GAINES

Member Residing in District No. 5

DR. JUDI MILLER

Member Residing in District No. 1

ALSO PRESENT: MR. MICHAEL LANNON, Superintendent

Mr. Daniel B. Harrell, Attorney

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The meeting was called to order by the chair, Mrs. Kathryn Hensley at 6:00 p.m. Students from Lawnwood Elementary, under the direction of Kerry Rabins, led the Pledge of Allegiance and sang three musical selections. Included in the presentation was a recitation of a poem. Board members complimented the parents, students, and teacher.

PUBLIC HEARING

The public meeting was opened by the board chairman at 6:18 p.m. Public hearing was closed at 6:20 p.m. with no one addressing the board. Up for discussion was the proposed agreement between the School Board of Saint Lucie County and Tastespire, Inc., for the sale and purchase of 53.55 acres located on South 25th Street. This land would become the site for rebuilding Fort Pierce Central High School.

Action: The superintendent recommends the approval of the sale and purchase agreement as presented. Carvelli/Hilson/5-0

MINUTES

Minutes from the April 25, 2006, School Board Meeting postponed.

WOW MOMENT

Mr. Lannon introduced Debbie Iseman. Mrs. Iseman introduced the district WOW coach, Judy Love. Ms. Love’s job is to coach principals, assistant principals and teacher leaders in schools how to design lessons that are engaging, challenging and satisfying. Judy is from the Schlechty Center. She also introduced Nick Zrallack, a WOW instructional leader for F.K. Sweet. Mr. Zrallack described how deeply FKS has embraced the WOW approach. This approach is demonstrated tonight by teachers and students from FKS. Mrs. Stacey Johnson and Ms. O’Neal, a seasoned veteran and a first year teacher respectively, from the school site will be presenting a demonstration of a project they created, using the WOW approach and scope and sequence. . Mrs. Johnson is the mentor teacher.

Board members and the superintendent were divided into teams of two, provided a coach for each two man team, and were invited to participate in a mock game of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Members were provided statements of activities and were given four choices to decided which design quality was demonstrated by the statement. Everyone enjoyed the activity.

SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS

1. Health Department Recognition was deleted.

2. Recognition of the 2005-06 Career and Technology Student Organization State

Health Occupations of America or HOSA Club

Anna Melnick of FP Westwood High School, 1st Place in Vet Assisting

Kaitlin Murphins of SLW Centennial, 2nd Place in First Aid and Rescue

Lila Durkee of SLW Centennial, 3rd Place in First Aid and Rescue

These students will continue competing in the HOSA National finals this summer in California

Students competing in the Technology Student Association, (TSA). These are middle school students.

Chantel Hoover, DMMS, 1st Place in Technical Writing

Kim Que, 2nd Place in Digital Photography

These students will advance to the National Finals in Dallas, Texas, this summer.

The following students placed at State Finals with Skills USA. They will not advance to Nationals

They are:

Lucas Kitt, SLW Centennial, 2nd Place in Actions Skills A

Team Winners: 3rd Place, - Knowledge Bowl

Angelina O’Brien, Nicole Armstrong, Cheryl Mahaffey, Thomas Ingham, Brandon Berwick

HOSA

Rohan Batt, PSL High, 4th Place, Researched Persuasive Speaking

Allison Blackmon, FP Westwood, Vet Assisting

3. Savanna Ridge, represented by principal, Barbara Kelly, recognized their PTO and Harbor Branch. Melodie Fletcher and Cindy Todd will be co-PTO presidents next school year and the recording secretary will be Linda Mathis.

4. Recognized Manatee Elementary Media Specialist, Debbie Remington, as the St, Lucie Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. Asking for acceptance of a $1,000 donation for Ms. Remington and Manatee from Wal-Mart,

Action: Superintendent recommends acceptance of the award.

Miller/Carvelli/5-0

5. Recognition of students who were chosen as delegates for the Seventh Annual Florida Youth Leadership Forum. Barbara Slaga came forward and introduced four delegates to the Tallahassee conference. Only fifty delegates are chosen state wide and St. Lucie County is pleased to have four of the fifty. One of the students is a returning delegate. The Able Trust is a part of the Governor’s Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities.

First recipient: Paige Sportelli – PSL High

Second recipient: Rae Ann Lockhart – PSL High

Third recipient: Joseph Crossley – PSL High

Fourth recipient: Brian Lindey - FP Westwood

Darin Kaiser – SLW Centennial (Returning as a Youth Counselor)

6. Donation from Pilot Club and Pilot International to SLC Exceptional Student Education - Presented by Lisa Kitzmiller Members of the Pilot Club,

Tina Sigmon, president, Adele Lowe, and president-elect, , Barbara Keck, were present for recognition of their donation of a $5,000 grant to work with middle school exceptional students with low tech, assistive technology strategies in their classrooms and in the community. These funds help students achieve independence. The Pilot Club of Fort Pierce also recognizes students monthly who demonstrate progress towards independence at each of our high schools, with a certificate and a celebration event.

7. Donation from Cargill Foods to Savanna Ridge, St. Lucie West Centennial High, and Lincoln Park Academy

Action: Superintendent recommends acceptance of $300.00 for each school and the partnership.

Miller/Hilson/5-0

8. Rivers Edge Elementary Donation – Debbie Caudill

Action: Superintendent recommends acceptance of donations from Business Partners, Pepsi, Cici’s Pizza, Chuckie Cheese, Laugh A Lot, Publix, Golden Corral, Dragon Karate, Crispers, Applebee’s, Burger King, Lefty’s, and Beef O’Brady’s Carvelli/Miller/5-0

9. F.K. Sweet Elementary Donations – Debra Snyder

Action: The superintendent recommends acceptance of a donation from the school’s PTO in the amount of $35,873.87. Also donations from Mayberry Signs $300.00, Core Communities, represented by Andrew Favata, $350.00, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Huber, $350.00, Dr. and Mrs. John Carvelli, $200.00, Jenn-Core, Inc., $250.00, Kellie Holmes, $250.00, and Mr. Steve Hoskins, $300.00, and a donation from Kiwanis Club for books for both Lawnwood and F.K. Sweet $300.00 Miller/Hilson/5-0

10. Morningside Elementary Donation – Pauline Hebb

Action: Superintendent recommends acceptance of donations to Morningside Elementary from Pt. St. Lucie Women’s Club, $100.00, Saint Lucie Professional Arts League, $100.00, PEO Sisterhood, $500.00 for Uniform Scholarship Fund, , Pt. St. Lucie Women’s Club, $125.00 for Uniform Scholarship Fund, Wal-Mart, $100.00, and Washington Mutual, $728.62, Aycock Funeral Home, $250.00, Making Connections, $200.00, Adopt a Classroom Project, Rivergate Publix, $100.00, and the PTO $16,883.61, for new playground equipment. From an elementary school in Illinois, $1,400.00 for hurricane relief. Hilson/Miller/5-0

11. Parkway Elementary School Donation – Ucola Baxter

Action: Superintendent recommends the board accept the donation from the PTO for $7500.00, Washington Mutual $497.00. Hilson/Carvelli/5-0

12. Fort Pierce Westwood High School Donation – Lin Bushore

Action: Superintendent recommends acceptance of an oil painting by Freddie Gibson, valued at $4,000, Maryann Carol, donation of art work valued at $1,000.00, Aaron Sales and Leasing, donation of $500.00 Hilson/Miller/5-0

13. Windmill Point Elementary Donation – Bernadette Floyd

Action: Superintendent recommends accepting the donation from Washington Mutual Bank in the amount of $2,774.82 Miller/Hilson/5-0

STAFF REPORTS

14. Curriculum Report

School Improvement Plans: Dale Cassens, Rivers Edge Elementary and White City Elementary.

Dale Cassens School presented their plan and board members were complimentary about the efforts of the staff and administration at this site. Dr. Miller noted the loyal and supportive staff.

Debbie Caudill presented Rivers Edge report. School board members were complimentary. There were compliments for strong efforts to stagger school events to maximize parent involvement. The school has provided FCAT and reading workshops for parents and grade level monthly student performances which are heavily attended and enjoyed by parents and extended family. Dr. Miller complimented the weekly curriculum meetings. Ms. Hilson complimented the emphasis on reading.

Ms. Angelea DiFruscio was present and thanked her staff for their efforts and support this year. Ms. “D” said an enrollment of 750 students is one of the largest that has ever been housed at White City. Goals were set based on data trends taken from the last few years. Intensive tutoring was provided three days a week focusing on two different groups; those that were in jeopardy and those that were excelling. These students, getting additional help through writing tutorials showed a positive impact with their scores. Dr. Miller said the enthusiasm from the staff and administration has a huge impact on learning gains as demonstrated by the students. Mrs. Hilson congratulated the staff and administration on a good job. Mr. Lannon said the upward mobility and trend data is something to be proud of as well as the good things White City is doing in the lives of children.

15. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

The Planning and Zoning Committee has approved, 5-0, the district’s zoning change request that goes before the Fort Pierce City Council the first week of June.

The Florida Legislature has completed its work. The biggest issue, other than resources, is found in House Bill 7087, commonly known as the A++ legislation. The synopsis of the bill is middle school students will be required to earn credits. Students will need to earn credits in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Career and Education Planning, beginning in the 2005/06 school year.

In the secondary design, the statute governing high school reform for this legislation is referred to as Florida Statute 1003.4156, and .1003.428. Beginning with students entering their first year of high school in the 2007/2008 school year, students will be able to select a “major” and a “minor.” These are collegiate terms but will be used to help students select courses that support their first and second levels of interest. An educational plan, created in the middle grades will follow a student, or so envisions the legislature. Thirteen and fourteen year old students will be able to make life career decisions and have prescribed courses of study. It is very important this legislation be studied closely so there is a chance to change their selected course of study over time. These weighty issues will have a serious impact on guidance counselors with life long decision direction processes and with the student/family/school connection.

Mr. Lannon spoke about EComp which has been dumped for the STAR program. The deadline for submitting an approved plan has been changed to December. Saint Lucie County will be a requesting county. The state will provide technical support to districts who request it. Student assessment will become part rather than all of the criteria. The district will be working with the union. This is a part of a teacher performance pay plan with an acronym of STAR, which translates to Special Teachers Are Rewarded. Co-teaching is spelled out in this legislature. This legislation identifies specifics about co-teacher pairings. There are some additional technical details about first year teachers, teacher placements, teachers temporarily certified, out-of-field teachers, and so forth. There might be some involuntary transfers due to some of these things, much is not in stone as yet, and some May night come to fruition.

Legislation restricting start times has come up. The proposal would restrict districts from beginning the new school year more than 14 days before Labor Day. Implementation is slated for the 2007-08 school year. The district will not be implementing before the given date.

Mr. Lannon brought forth his 2006-2007 Organization Charts. Primarily the changes are that Barbara Slaga will become Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Student Education and Student Services and Kathy McGinn will become Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Central Services. Genelle Yost, Dr. Chris Taylor, and Kevin Perry will change titles to Area Assistant Superintendent(s), School Operations and Support. Each school’s area superintendent will be assigned to the same site for two consecutive years.

Mr. Lannon also reiterated that Jay Stewart is currently wearing too many hats. He needs a staff position, but, at this time, it is a year off.

Mr. Lannon noted that Dr. Roberts will bring information regarding the annual assessments at the June meeting.

CTA REPORT

Speaking on recruitment and retention of personnel, Ms. Tillman indicated the CTA would like to see a collaborative team for corrective action for employees. The union feels that employees should have an opportunity for improvement and a mentoring plan should be developed before non-reappointment. The mentoring and improvement strategies should be carefully selected and monitored.

Ms. Tillman reiterated that if we believe that every child can learn, we must also embrace that adults, too, can learn. A promise is a promise to support each other mutually.

Dr. Gaines commented that time and effort is expended to bring folks to the district. One committed, they place their lives and livelihood in our hands. Mentoring and support is an excellent suggestion and perhaps, mentors could cross school lines. Outstanding teachers in other schools could collaborate and support teachers who need strengthening. Perhaps support could be provided after the regular work day and on weekends, teachers helping teachers. However, support would only benefit those who sincerely wish to improve their skills and the impact on the children they serve.

Ms. Tillman indicated that St. Lucie County often leads the way in innovative practices. The district must continue to let teachers know they are valued. Perhaps minority and Hispanic high school students could be encouraged to enter the education field. Ms. Tillman said that congratulations go to Mr. Lannon and his pursuit of the collective bargaining approach. The district and union teams work very well together and change from confrontation to collaboration came about through collective bargaining training.

CWA

No Report

CONSENT AGENDA

Action: Superintendent recommends acceptance of agenda items #41-46, #48-56, Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Petition for Final Order #831-#836; #838 - 846., (Agenda Item #47 – Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Petition for Final Order #837 is a duplicate and deleted as such) Hilson/Miller/4-0 (Dr. Carvelli left the room)

GROWTH MANAGEMENT, LAND ACQUISITIONS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS REPORT

No report, Mr. Sanders still at commission meeting.

BUDGET/FINANCE REPORT

Mr. Bargeron indicated revenues coming in are tied with so many unknowns. Position control will be tied to student enrollment. There is some frustration with the Title One dollars and the needs of children. Title One allocations must be to those schools with the highest level of qualifying students.

Also noted is there will be a board walk through at the construction site scheduled for Wednesday, coordinated by Tammy in the superintendent’s office.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Dan Harrell had no report at this time.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS’ REPORT

Dr. Miller reported the Education Foundation recently had an excellent planning meeting.

The School Boards Association will be meeting on June 14, and 15, 2006. Who would like to attend? Tammy Feller will coordinate. reservations and travel. Mrs. Hilson said that they are calling for volunteers to serve as members of an advocacy committee.

Mrs. Hilson said she is looking to see more bottled water and juice machines taking the place of soda machines at school sites. The school system needs to promote healthier choices.

Mrs. Hilson also offered compliments for a collaborative meeting to discuss retention and recruitment of personnel

Also it was noted that the City of Port St. Lucie has contacted the state attorney general, Mr. Crist, on whether the school district can use arterial road bus stops within the city of Port St. Lucie. The city did not invite any board member or district administrator to sit down and discuss the matter.

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

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