REGULAR MEETING, THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BREVARD COUNTY

March 22, 2005

 

The School Board of Brevard County, Florida met in regular session on Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at 5:30 p.m., at the Educational Services Facility, 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.  Notice of the meeting was advertised in The Eagle newspaper Thursday, March 17, 2005, 2005, and the affidavit of publication with a copy of the notice attached is filed in supplemental minute book #204, page 204-285.

 

OPENING EXERCISES

Chairman Larry Hughes called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

 

Members Present:  Larry Hughes, Robert Jordan, Janice Kershaw, Bea Fowler, Amy Kneessy

 

Chairman Hughes asked for a moment of silence in memory of Nicole Johnson, a kindergarten teacher at Westside Elementary School, who was a victim of a car accident last on March 14th, for Andrew Bridges, a student at Melbourne High School, who was also a victim of a car accident, and the victims of a shooting at Red Lake High School in Minnesota.

 

The Invocation was led by Lucas Beecham, 6th grade, Oak Park Elementary School, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mariah Sharpe, a 5th grade student a Oak Park Elementary School.

 

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Janice Kershaw and seconded by Robert Jordan to approve the recommendations for the revisions to the agenda.   Robert Jordan requested that Item H-1, Collegiate High School, be moved to Item E-8 under the Consent without Prior Information agenda.  The motion carried unanimously and was so ordered.

 

The following changes were then made to the agenda:

 

Revisions:

E-1.      Student Expulsion(s)

E-7.      Supplemental Staff Recommendations

H-17.    7-Year Facilities Plan Recommendations (ATTACHMENTS)

 

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS/GUESTS

B-1.     Recognition of 2005 Brevard County Teacher of the Year

Dr. DiPatri introduced Ms. Elizabeth Windover, who was chosen as the School Board of Brevard County 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year.  Ms. Windover is a kindergarten teacher at Jupiter Elementary School.  She has been a teacher for nine years, the last four at Jupiter.  She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has a Master’s in Education from the College of Saint Rose and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from State University of New York.  Chairman Hughes presented Ms. Windover with a clock and a laptop computer.

 

B-2.     National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Awarded to Rockledge High School

            Dr. DiPatri introduced Margaret Lewis, Director of Applied Technology, who recognized Mike McAfee, the automotive service technology teacher at Rockledge High School for his accomplishments in meeting the industry standards required for certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).  She also congratulated Tony Hines, Principal of Rockledge High.  Chairman Hughes presented Mr. McAfee with a plaque and a jacket for his accomplishments.  Ms. Lewis also recognized Facilities Management Services and the Maintenance Department for their efforts which enables the program to succeed.

 

RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/AWARDS

C-1.     7-Year Facilities Plan Presentation

            Dr. DiPatri gave a brief review of the process up to this point on development of the 7-Year Facilities Plan.  He noted that work sessions were held on January 6th, February 28th, and March 8th,  and community meetings were held by each Area Superintendent.   Staff revised the plan based on those work sessions and the plan will be placed on the district web site.  Additional community meetings have been scheduled and the 7-Year Facilities Plan will be presented to the Board for information on April 12th and consent on April 26th.

 

 

 

 

 

            Ed Curry, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Management Services, presented the revised plan and reviewed the projects which include new schools, new additions, district wide upgrades, competitive sports facility improvements, and other district needs for a total of $705 million.  This figure includes $64 million in reserve.

 

            Mike Degutis, Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services, reviewed the proposed funding analysis.  He touched on revenues and other sources, expenditures and other uses, and on-going projects and other commitments.

 

            Mr. Curry and Mr. Degutis responded to questions by the board.   The following items were discussed and will be handled as required:

 

1.       Janice Kershaw requested, and other Board members supported, building in a yearly review of the project list.  Amy Kneessy suggested adding to Strategic Plan.

 

2.       Dr. DiPatri suggested putting together a Q&A before next meeting to help understand RAN, SBC, and other debt.

 

3.       Larry Hughes voice concern with impact to operating and facilities budget.  Requested an estimate of operating costs before next meeting.

 

4.       Larry Hughes asked for the financial strategy to restore reserves.

 

5.       Bea Fowler suggested a life cycle study on facilities plan concerning maintenance costs.

 

6.       Bea Fowler suggested a cooperative agreement with BCC for an auditorium at Cocoa High.  Dr. DiPatri stated he would discuss with Dr. Gamble.

 

7.       During discussion of deferred maintenance costs, Larry Hughes requested a comparison over the past few years for the next meeting.

 

A copy of the presentation is filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-286 through 204-302, inc.

 

----------

 

The Chair called for a break for a School News Now segment at 7:19 p.m.

The meeting reconvened at 7:32 p.m.

 

----------

 

C-2.     Presentation on 7th Grade BLAST

Ginger Davis, Secondary Science Resource Teacher, made a brief presentation of proposed BLAST program.  This program will be in partnership with NASA and Delaware North Parks Services for all seventh grade students.  She compared the proposed BLAST program with the existing Challenger Learning Center and noted that Brevard could have a better program with the resources available at a lower cost.  Amy Kneessy noted that she had questioned and had learned that the program met Sunshine Standards and also builds on the 6th grade experience.  The Board received the program in a favorable manner.  A copy of the presentation is filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-303 through 204-309, inc.

 

C-3.     Presentation on Spanish K-12 Program Proposal

Lynn Spadaccini, Director of Elementary Programs, and Jan Bonggren, Secondary Foreign Language Resource Teacher, made a presentation on the proposed K-12 Spanish Instruction Program.  This program would require hiring eleven elementary Spanish teachers and one Spanish resource teacher to provide Spanish instruction to all 2nd graders for approximately 40 minutes, one day per week.

 

Janice Kershaw voiced concerns that the program would take away from other subjects.  Amy Kneessy voiced concerns that lower level students would suffer and that there are other needs and programs that had not been staffed yet.  Robert Jordan stated he didn’t feel the time allotted was sufficient.  Larry Hughes stated he felt it was a good idea since the fastest growing community is Hispanic and he felt it would increase Hispanic volunteers in our schools.

 

A copy of the presentation is filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-310 through 204-325, inc.

 

 

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

The Chair reminded the public that there is three minutes per speaker set aside for discussion.  The following persons addressed the Board:

 

  1. John Russo, BFT, Rockledge – Cutting Arts Programs
  2. Kevin Hankins, Merritt Island – Proposed Projects for Merritt Island High
  3. Patricia Frace, Palm Bay – Cost of Fingerprints for Volunteers

 

CONSENT AGENDA (No Information Item at Prior Meeting)

Amy Kneessy requested Item E-8 be pulled for discussion.  A motion was made by Robert Jordan with a second by  Janice Kershaw to approve Items E-1 through E-7.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

The below listed items were therefore approved.

 

E-1.     Student Expulsion(s)

Approve student expulsion(s) 2005-86, 2005-88, 2005-89, 2005-90, 2005-91, 2005-92, 2005-93, 2005-94, 2005-95, 2005-96, 2005-07, 2005-98, and 2005-99 for failure to comply with the Stipulation/Conduct Agreement and issue Final Orders confirming expulsion in each case presented.

 

E-2.     Financial Statement – July 1, 2004 Through December 31, 2004

Approve the Financial Statement for July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-326 through 204-372, inc.

 

E-3.     Financial Statement – July 1, 2004 Through January 31, 2005

as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-373 through 204-419, inc.

 

E-4.     Purchasing Bids & Agreement

            Award the Purchasing Bids listed below:

a.       05-030/BM – Asphalt Pavement Sealing and Re-Striping Contractor – Maintenance – 2004/05

 

            Re-Award the Purchasing Bids listed below:

b.       03-026/JO – Playground Surfacing Material – Maintenance – 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05

c.       04-007/JO – Outdoor Aluminum Seating Contractor – Maintenance – 2003/04, 2004/05

 

            Award the RFP listed below:

a.       0504/JO – “Opportunity and Special Buy” Food Product Suppliers – Food Services – 2004/05

 

Award the Sales and Service Agreements listed below:

b.       School Link Technologies – Addendum – Food & Nutrition Services – 2005/06

c.       SunTrust Leasing – Educational Technology – 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06

 

Copies of the sales and service agreements are filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-420 through 204-442, inc.

 

E-5.     Surplus Property

            Authorize the removal from inventory and disposal of surplus property according to prescribed procedures in Florida Statutes 274.05 and 274.06, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-443 through 204-444, inc.

 

E-6.     Instructional Staff Recommendations

            Approve the routine instructional staff recommendations, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-445 through 204-449, inc.

 

E-7.     Support Staff Recommendations

            Approve the routine support staff recommendations, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-450 through 204-457, inc.

 

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

E-8.     Collegiate High School

            Approve the expansion of the Collegiate High School Project for 2005-06.

 

            Amy Kneessy requested this item be pulled and noted that she had talked with Brenda Blackburn concerning her disappointment that Satellite High was not on the list for expansion.  She stated that she would approve the program so that it could proceed but would like to compromise and allow Satellite High students to participate if they provided their own transportation.  Brenda Blackburn stated that staff would work with students on a case by case basis and as space allows.  She also noted that by 2007/08, all high schools would have access, with the exception of Edgewood and West Shore Jr./Sr. High Schools.  A motion was then made by Robert Jordan, with a second by Amy Kneessy, to approve the recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

CONSENT AGENDA (Information Item at Prior Meeting)

Janice Kershaw requested Item F-2 be pulled and Amy Kneessy requested Item F-13 be pulled.  A motion was made by Robert Jordan with a second by Janice Kershaw to accept the recommendations for Items F-1, and Items F-3 through F-12.  Motion carried unanimously. The below listed items were therefore approved.

 

F-1.      Revenue Anticipation Notes – Series 2005

            Approve resolution authorizing the issuance of Revenue Anticipation Notes (RAN) in the amount of $29,290,000, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-458 through 204-543, inc.

 

F-3.      Summer Opportunities for Advancement and Remediation (SOAR)

                Approve the SOAR program for Summer 2005.  The comprehensive summer school proposal (SOAR) will require approximately $4,240,822 to implement.  Of that amount, $2,526,055 is in the 2004-05 adopted budget.  I am recommended utilizing the following funds anticipated not to be expended by June 30, 2005.  These items total $1,714,767 and are as follows:  Optional 7th Period Allocation:  $325,476; Unutilized McKay Scholarships:  $698,157; 15.4 Class Size Units of Remaining 27.4 Units:  $691,134 for a total of $1,714,767.  An additional $471,072 will be utilized to support the SOAR program from department budgets.  A copy of the plan is filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-544 through 204-562, inc.

 

F-4.      Elementary Social Studies Textbook Adoption

            Approve the adoption of Houghton Mifflin Social Studies as the district unified Elementary Social Studies Program for all K-5 students, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-563 through 204-569, inc.

 

F-5.      Secondary Social Studies Textbook Adoption

            The District Secondary Social Studies Textbook Adoption Committee is recommending that the district adopt the instructional materials listed for the following courses, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-570 through 204-572, inc.

 

F-6.      Secondary Drama, Journalism and Speech Textbooks Adoption

            The District Secondary Drama, Journalism, and Speech Adoption Committee is recommending that the district adopt the instructional materials listed for the following courses, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-573 through 204-575, inc.

 

F-7.      School Age Child Care Programs – Summer Fee Increase

            The superintendent recommends an increase to the summer fee schedule for school age child care programs:  Increase full time summer fee from $65.00 to $75.00; Increase summer daily drop in fee from $15.00 to $18.00; Increase a summer before/after fee from $42.00 to $50.00, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-576 through 204-582, inc.

 

F-8.      Mary Rose Writing Consultant – Mims Elementary School

            Approve the expenditures for the consultant/presenter, Mary Rose.  The professional services at the cost of $1400.00 will be paid by Mims Elementary, as filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-583 through 204-584, inc.

 

F-9.      Field Trip – Gardendale Elementary to Sea Camp, Big Pine Key, FL

            Approve the request for one Gardendale Elementary Magnet School teacher and seven (7) fingerprinted volunteers to take twenty (20) sixth grade students from Gardendale Elementary Magnet School to an educational Sea Camp field trip at the Newfound Harbor Marine Institute in Big Pine Key, FL.  The sixth grade Sea Camp field trip is being held from April 29, 2005 through May 1, 2005.  The students will miss one day of school.

 

F-10.    Field Trip – Rockledge High – National Dance Competition/Seminars Myrtle Beach, SC

            Approve the request for three (3) registered parents and one coach to take the Rockledge Rage Dance Team, which consists of 13 students, to attend a National Dance Competition and workshops in Myrtle Beach, SC.  The trip will be from May 12th thru May 14th, 2005.  The students will miss 1 day and 2 periods of school.

 

F-11.    TCP – Educational Student Leadership Summit – Cocoa High School

            Approve the field trip to New York City for three students and two chaperones for Sunday, April 3 through Tuesday, April 5, 2005, in order to attend the Foundation for Excellence Schools Educational Student Leadership Summit.  Two school days will be missed.

 

 

 

 

F-12.    Indialantic ES Replace Chiller Plant – Approve Change Orders, Accept Project as Complete, and Authorize Release of Retainage

            Approve change orders totaling $6,465.19.  Accept the project as complete and authorize the Superintendent to release retainage.

 

ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

F-2.      2005-2006 Staffing Plan Recommendations

            The Staffing Plan for 2005-2006 is being recommended at this time to be the same as the 2004-2005 plan.

 

            Janice Kershaw requested this item be pulled to clarify that this was the second or third year the board was being asked to approve a status quo staffing plan and questioned how the board could make some of the recommendations happen.  Dr. DiPatri replied that he was required by law to submit an approved staffing plan even though no changes could be recommended until after Legislative session when the district would know what their budget would be.  The plan contains recommendations by the Staffing Plan Committee that he will address during the budget process.  Janice Kershaw requested identifying each staffing recommendation as to where they fall on the Strategic Plan.

 

            A recommendation for approval was made by Janice Kershaw with a second by Robert Jordan.  Motion carried unanimously.  A copy of the plan is filed in supplemental minute book #204, pages 204-585 through 204-610, inc.

 

F-13.    Relocatable Classroom, On-Site Renovation and Relocation (Districtwide)

            Authorize the Facilities Services Division to rebuild 35 hurricane damaged relocatable classrooms on-site, convert 8 non-classroom relocatables into classrooms and relocate 9 relocatable classrooms in support of our FY05/06 Student Accommodation Plan at a cost not-to-exceed $765,000.  Utilization of our existing continuing contract vendors for the infrastructure improvements, relocation, conversion and rebuilding of the units is required to provide these classroom relocatables by 8/1/05.

 

            Amy Kneessy requested this item be pulled and stated she had visited the rebuilt unit and complimented staff.  She stated that it had a restroom and a drinking fountain.  Mr. Curry clarified that if a unit did not already have a restroom and drinking fountain, then they would not be getting one.  Robert Jordan asked why we didn’t rebuild them instead of buying them.  Mr. Curry responded that after the hurricanes, they were needed quickly but he did not foresee buying a lot more in the future.  A motion was then made by Robert Jordan with a second by Amy Kneessy to approve the recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

INFORMATION AGENDA

(Note:  Item H-1 was moved to Item E-8)

 

H-2.     7th Grade BLAST

            Recommendation:  Approve implementation of the BLAST program for all seventh grade students for the 2005-2006 school year.

 

H-3.     Spanish K-12 Program Proposal

            Recommendation:  Approve the allocation of 12 teacher units so that 11 elementary Spanish teachers and 1 elementary Spanish Resource Teacher may be hired by June 1, 2005 to develop and deliver Spanish instruction in 2nd grade classrooms in all elementary schools beginning in the 2005-2006 school year.  Approve the proposed plan for the implementation of Spanish instruction K-12.

 

H-4.     Department of Juvenile Justice 2005-2006 School Calendar

            Recommendation:  Approve the 2005-2006 School Calendar for the Juvenile Justice Sites.

 

H-5.     Agreement:  School Board of Brevard County and the National Deaf Academy

            Recommendation:  Approve the Agreement between the School Board of Brevard County and the National Deaf Academy in the amount of $153,300.00 for residential placement of one Brevard County student.

 

H-6.     Consultant Agreement with Dr. Larry Coble

            Recommendation:  The Office of Educational Leadership & Professional Development requests to contract with  Dr. Larry Coble to provide a two-day leadership development session on June 7 & 8, 2005 for 40 administrators/non-instructional leaders.

 

 

 

H-7.     Contracted Services Agreement between Riviera Elementary School and Kagan Professional Development

            Recommendation:  Approve the contracted services agreement between Riviera Elementary School and Kagan Professional Development in the amount of $5,750.00 to provide the Cooperative Learning Structures for Success Two-Day Workshop for Riviera Elementary teachers on Friday, October 14, 2005, and Saturday, October 15, 2005.

 

H-8.     Contracted Services Agreement for a One-Day Workshop between Palm Bay Elementary and Larry Bell, Multicultural America, Inc.

            Recommendation:  Approve the contracted services agreement between Palm Bay Elementary and Larry Bell, Multicultural America, Inc., to provide a full-day workshop on July 29, 2005, for the teachers and staff of Christa McAuliffe Elementary, Harbor City Elementary, Jupiter Elementary, Palm Bay Elementary, Port Malabar Elementary, Turner Elementary, University Park Elementary and Westside Elementary.

 

H-9.     Titusville High School Band Field Trip to the “American Musical Salute” in Boston, MA

            Recommendation:  Approve field trip to Boston, MA to perform in the “American Musical Salute” to the veterans for approximately forty-three students, two instructors and ten chaperons.

 

H-10.   Educational Field Trip for Astronaut and Titusville High School Technology Students to Attend the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Competition in Atlanta, Georgia on April 20-23, 2005

            Recommendation:  Approve an educational field trip for ten Astronaut High and Titusville High School Technology students to attend the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics championship competition in Atlanta, Georgia on April 20-23, 2005.  The students are members of a Robotics Team sponsored by Boeing Corporation and ASRC-KSC.  This will require the students to miss three (3) days of school.  There will be no cost to the School District.

 

H-11.   Fieldtrip for Members of the Astronaut High School Wrestling Team to Attend a Wrestling Camp at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina

            Recommendation:  Approve a field trip for Astronaut High School Wrestling Team to attend a Wrestling Camp at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.  This will be of no cost to the School District.

 

H-12.   Rockledge High School Field Trip – International Career Development Conference – Anaheim, California

            Recommendation:  Approve the request for one Rockledge High School teacher and two students to go to the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California, April 26 to May 1, 2005.  Four school days will be missed.

 

H-13.   Extend Emergency Response & Crisis Management Consultant Agreement with Joan Madden

            Recommendation:  Extend the consultant agreement with Joan Madden to oversee the Federal Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grant at no cost to the District.  This agreement is contingent upon approval of the grant extension by the Federal Department of Education.

 

H-14.   Emergency Response & Crisis Management Consultant Agreement with Rain & Brehn Consulting Group, Inc.

            Recommendation:  Extend the consultant agreement with Rain & Brehn Consulting Group, Inc. to evaluate the Federal Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grant at no cost to the District.  This agreement is contingent upon approval of the grant extension by the Federal Department of Education.

 

H-15.   Approve Nomination of School Board Representatives to Local Planning Agencies for Melbourne and Brevard County

            Recommendation:  Approve Mr. Hughes nomination of Lorretta Goggin as the representative to the Melbourne Local Planning Agencies and Matthew Wood as the representative to the Brevard County Local Planning Agencies as required by the Interlocal Agreement for Public School Facilities Planning.

 

H-16.   Water Line Extension Bill of Sale and Easement at Endeavour Elementary School

            Recommendation:  Approve the easement and bill of sale for water line extension at Endeavour Elementary School.

 

H-17.   7-Year Facilities Plan Recommendations

            Recommendation:  Approve the Superintendent’s recommendations for the 7-Year Facilities Plan.

 

 

 

 

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

Amy Kneessy reported that she has visited Gemini Elementary, South Area Abeyance, Surfside Elementary were Jane Mozier was recognized as Lifestyles Teacher of the Month, and Sea Park Elementary where she presented staff with a $300 check.  She also recognized Lori Backus for her outstanding job in representing Cocoa High School at the City Council Meeting concerning the Cocoa High Stadium issue.

 

Amy Kneessy reported that on Friday, March 25th, the South Brevard County Public Officials are meeting at Palm Bay Senior Center from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m.  This was organized by County Commissioner Helen Voltz to discuss growth issues in the south part of the county.  Ms. Kneessy stated she was invited since it was her district and that she will be representing the district at this meeting.  Janice Kershaw noted that the senior center was in her district and that she would check her calendar to see if she could attend.

 

Janice Kershaw thanked Christa McAuliffe Elementary for hosting her walk-in day on Friday, March 18th.

SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS

Dr. DiPatri announced that the date of the Area II Awards Program has been moved from May 2nd to April 4th.  The ceremony will be held at the Eau Gallie High School Auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m.

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.

 

                                                                                    ___________________________________

                                                                                            Chairman

 

ATTEST:

 

_____________________________________

Secretary and Superintendent of Schools