THE SCHOOL BOARD OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA MINUTES - REGULAR SESSION JANUARY 12, 2010 CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENT The regular meeting of the School Board of Volusia County, Florida was called to order by Chairman Candace Lankford at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at the DeLand Administrative Complex, 200 North Clara Avenue, DeLand, Florida, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Dr. Williams shared thoughts on the importance of education. Present: Dr. Margaret A. Smith, superintendent; Mr. Ted Doran, school board attorney; and the following board members: Ms. Candace Lankford, District 1, Chairman Mr. Stan Schmidt, District 3, Vice Chairman Mrs. Diane Smith, District 5 Ms. Judy Conte, District 4 Dr. Al Williams, District 2 MINUTES Action: Approval of December 8, 2009, Regular School Board Meeting minutes. Motion: Moved by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Smith and carried unanimously. AGENDA CHANGES None. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR APPROVAL ITEMS Andrew Spar, president of the Volusia Teachers Organization, stated VTO and the Florida Education Association supported the class size amendment being fully implemented. AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Action: Approval of the school board agenda in its entirety as well as all proposed actions within the consent agenda, as follows. Motion: Moved by Ms. Conte, seconded by Mrs. Smith and carried unanimously. Mr. Schmidt noted he acquiesced to the Holly Hill Elementary K-8 project. Curriculum and School Improvement Services 1. Approval of the 2007-2012 Volusia County Schools Master Inservice Plan for Inservice Teacher Education. This 5-year plan is required by Florida Statute 1012.98 and Administrative Rule 6A-5.071 and serves as the district s comprehensive inservice program designed to meet the needs of the educational community. Human Resources 1. Listed instructional, support and managerial/non-bargaining personnel appointments, transfers, leaves of absence, suspensions, resignations and separations as recorded in the Supplemental Minute Book (SMB) for Human Resources. All vacant positions outside of the classroom and not directly related to student health and safety are subject to intensive review prior to being filled. Facilities Services 1. Right of Way Agreement, Quit Claim Deed and Work Agreement with County of Volusia, for the County to proceed with the Howland Boulevard road improvements in front of Pine Ridge High, Deltona, Florida, VCSB No. 4661. The Right of Way Agreement reimburses the School Board for engineering costs to review the impact to the school,
January 12, 2010 Regular Session Page 2 the Quit Claim Deed transfers right of way and the Work Agreement allows the County s contractor to connect the new roadway to the school s access driveways. 2. Distribution Easement to Progress Energy required for the installation of electrical facilities for Elementary Z in DeLand, Florida, VCSB No. 4662. 3. Agreement with Wharton-Smith, Inc., Sanford, Florida, for construction management services for the conversion to a K-8 facility project at Holly Hill Elementary, Holly Hill, Florida, (drawings and specifications to be approved by the school board on January 12, 2010), VCSB No. 4663. 4. Addendum B to the agreement dated July 13, 2004, with Hawkins, Hall & Ogle Architects, Inc., Daytona Beach, Florida, for the design of prototype classroom addition for various schools, countywide; eleven classroom addition at Southwestern Middle, DeLand, Florida, (impact fees), VCSB No. 4664. 5. Amendment No. 1 to establish the Guaranteed Maximum Price for the nine classroom addition at Sunrise Elementary, Deltona, Florida, as submitted by A.M. Weigel Construction, Inc., Daytona Beach, Florida, (Daimwood Derryberry Pavelchak Architects), (drawings and specifications approved by the School Board on June 9, 2009), (impact fees), VCSB No. 4665. 6. Piggyback contract agreements between the School Board of Seminole County and Welbro Building Corporation, Maitland, and Wharton-Smith, Inc., Sanford, for districtwide construction management at risk services for construction projects with budgets less than $1,000,000. 7. Certificate of Qualification, in accordance with the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act, for Finley Engineering Group, Port Orange, Florida, to provide civil engineering services. 8. Renewal of the following Certificates of Prequalification, in accordance with School Board Policy No. 604: a. D&W Paving, Inc., Holly Hill, Florida, for paving projects; b. McCurdy-Walden, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, for roofing projects; c. McMahan Construction Company, Inc., DeLand, Florida, for general construction projects; and d. The Tower Group, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, for general construction projects. 9. Final construction documents (phase III) drawings and specifications for the following construction projects: a. Relocate ITV at High School DDD in Orange City, Florida, (Matern Professional Engineering), (LCIF). Current construction cost estimate is $300,000.00 and current available funds are $300,000.00; and b. Conversion to K-8 facility at Holly Hill Elementary, Holly Hill, Florida, (BRPH Architects-Engineers), (sales tax/cops). Current construction cost estimate is $11,010,140.00 and available funds are $14,119,319.00. 10. Presentation of tabulation and recommendation of the following bids, recorded in the SMB for Bids: (Bids were awarded to 1 local contractor for a total value of $120,720.00 and 2 local contractors for various concrete projects.) a. Bid No. C-020, roof replacement at Coronado Beach Elementary, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, (Gale Associates), (LCIF), (drawings and specifications approved by the school board on August 11, 2009); and b. Bid No. C-021, cast-in-place concrete on a one year contract, various facilities district wide, (drawings and specifications approved by the school board on November 17, 2009). 11. Acknowledged the following administratively approved Change Orders, in accordance with School Board Policy No. 608: a. Change Order Number 7 (add) to the construction contract for nine classroom addition at Forest Lake Elementary, Deltona, Florida, (Hawkins, Hall & Ogle Architects), (classroom for kids fund balance), which was administratively approved December 18, 2009; and
January 12, 2010 Regular Session Page 3 b. Change Order Number 6 (add) to the construction contract for campus renovations at New Smyrna Beach Middle, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, (BRPH Architects- Engineers), (LCIF fund balance), which was administratively approved December 18, 2009. 12. Change Orders: a. Change Order Number 6 (add) to the construction contract for new construction at Elementary School Z, DeLand, Florida, (Hawkins, Hall & Ogle Architects), (sales tax fund balance); b. Change Order Number 38 (add) to the construction contract for new construction at High School DDD, Orange City, Florida, (Schenkel Shultz), (COPS fund balance); c. Change Order Number 7 (add) to the construction contract for campus renovation at New Smyrna Beach Middle, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, (BRPH Architects- Engineers), (LCIF fund balance). 13. Certificates of Final Inspection for the following construction projects: a. Third floor HVAC upgrade at Central Administration Building, DeLand, Florida, (Sabiston Engineering Group), (CO&DS); and b. Nine classroom addition at Sweetwater Elementary, Port Orange, Florida, (Hawkins Hall & Ogle Architects), (classroom for kids). Management Information Services 1. Acquisition of additional Citrix licensing and subscription from SHI to support the clientserver based applications allowing remote processing of centralized functions to include Smartstream, CrossPointe and other district applications. These additional licenses are required to allow these applications to be utilized with no interruption of service in the VPortal. This is a budgeted capital fund expense in the amount of $34,218.00. 2. Renewal of the Substitute Employee Management System (SEMS) maintenance and support agreement with eschool Solutions. This product is the substitute calling/scheduling system for the district. This is a renewal of an annually budgeted general fund expense in the amount of $13,353.48 effective for January through December 2010. 3. Renewal of the Internet Remote Print software license with Artful Programming. This product provides remote job submission capabilities to the copy center. This system is used by all network users to route their print output to the print server in the copy center. This is a renewal of an annually budgeted general fund expense in the amount of $6,000.00 for fiscal year 2009-2010. 4. Renewal of the annual agreement with Everyday Solutions, Inc. for system support with the GPS vehicle tracking devices and accompanying software. These devices are placed on school buses and collect vehicle information which is transmitted to the district vehicle routing system. This is a renewal of an annually budgeted general fund expense in the amount of $17,700.00 effective January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. Administrative Services 1. The following Bid recorded in the SMB for Bids: Additional Vendor Bid No. E-002KP, IT Hardware & Software % Discount, for district-wide use. Office of the Superintendent Donations Listed by school, donation amount, purpose of donation, and donor: Atlantic High: $675.00, Media Center, Beach-Wood Designs, Ponce Inlet, FL Champion Elementary: $1,000.00, General Fund, Wal-Mart Foundation, Holly Hill, FL Chisholm Elementary: $3,157.00, Supplies for Teachers, Chisholm Elementary PTA, New Smyrna Beach, FL Coronado Beach Elementary: $534.43, Media Center, Douglas J. White, New Smyrna Beach, FL; and $500.00, Media Center, Conrad Consulting Corporation, Edgewater, FL
January 12, 2010 Regular Session Page 4 Creekside Middle: $1,500.00, General Fund, Port Orange Family Days Community Trust, Port Orange, FL DeLand High: $22,000.00, ROTC Scholarships, Allied Veterans of the World, Boiling Springs, SC Friendship Elementary: $1,000.00, School Improvement, Lowe's Mooresville, NC Galaxy Middle: $2,000.00, Art Program, Kathleen Miller, Osteen, FL Holly Hill Elementary: $500.00, School Carnival, Scott Simpson, P.A., Ormond Beach, FL Holly Hill Middle: $1,000.00, General Fund, Neighborhood Wal-Mart, Holly Hill, FL Horizon Elementary: $1,500.00, General Fund, Port Orange Family Days Community Trust, Port Orange, FL; and $586.10, General Fund, Karate for Kids, Port Orange, FL Mainland High: $25,000.00, ROTC Scholarships, Allied Veterans of the World, Callahan, FL Manatee Cove Elementary: $500.00, 1st Grade Field Trip, Allstate Insurance-Ken Bradley, Orange City, FL New Smyrna Beach High: $600.00, Baseball Program, Winn Dixie Stores, Inc., Jacksonville, FL Orange City Elementary: $500.00, Supplies for Teachers, Roxanne Laine, San Jose, CA Ormond Beach Elementary: $600.00, Reading Program, Ormond Beach Kiwanis Foundation, Ormond Beach, FL Pierson Elementary: $2,231.93, General Fund, Pierson Elementary PTO, Pierson, FL Pine Ridge High: $800.00, Sports Medicine Program, CORA Health Services, Inc., Lima, OH Pine Trail Elementary: $600.00, Educational Excellence Fund, Ormond Beach Kiwanis, Ormond Beach, FL Seabreeze High: $500.00, Needy Family Fund, Borland-Groover Clinic, P.A., Jacksonville, FL; $500.00 Fred Hogan Memorial Scholarship Fund, Charlie L. Cobb, Edgewater, FL; $1,000.00, Science Program, Kenneth Hawthorne, Jr., MDPA, Ormond Beach, FL; and $4,000.00, Athletic Department, Anonymous Spruce Creek Elementary: $1,000.00, Various School Needs, Spruce Creek Elementary PTA, Port Orange, FL Starke Elementary: $600.00, 2nd Grade Field Trip, Charlie L. Cobb, Port Orange, FL Sugar Mill Elementary: $1,500.00, General Fund, Port Orange Family Days Community Trust, Port Orange, FL Turie T. Small Elementary: $669.71, Reading Program, Our Lady of Hope-Council of Catholic Women, Port Orange, FL Office of Chief Counsel for Labor Relations, Contract Services & Policy Development 1. Interlocal Agreement with the County of Volusia for the provision of fleet fueling services, VCSB No. 4666. SUPERINTENDENT S ANNOUNCEMENTS Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday: January 18 All schools and district offices closed Teacher Duty Day/Student Holiday: January 19 All-County Music Festival: January 23: Middle & High School Band, 7:00-9:00 p.m., DeLand High; January 30: Middle & High School Chorus, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Mainland High United Negro College Fund Kickoff Breakfast: January 29, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Bethune- Cookman University Center for Civic Engagement Tomoka Region Science and Engineering Fair: January 30 at Atlantic High; public may view projects from 12:00-1:30 p.m., Awards Ceremony at 1:45 p.m. Next School Board Meeting: January 26, 4:00 p.m., DAC-Board Room. SUPERINTENDENT S PRESENTATIONS Dr. Margaret A. Smith, superintendent, stated the third calculation of the Florida Education Finance Program showed an increase of $9.5 million, however $8 million of that amount was already realized from the.25 critical needs millage levied and used to balance the 2009-10 budget. Dr. Smith stated there are still many unknown issues ahead in preparing for the
January 12, 2010 Regular Session Page 5 2010-11 budget: proration due to insufficient Medicaid funding, unemployment compensation; increase in Florida Retirement System rates and health insurance increases, diesel fuel and class-size is still slated to go into effect in a class by class basis. Board discussion ensued. Dr. Smith provided an overview of the federal Race To The Top program where states compete for federal funds. Florida could realize as much as $1 billion for education and Volusia might be awarded $5-15 million. To receive the funds the State must apply and meet varied federal requirements; for school districts to be eligible they must submit a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stating the district will give attention to a number of state and federal requirements. The district has been working on issues with the Volusia Teachers Organization with the goal of keeping Volusia eligible for these funds. The MOU, due today, was signed by Dr. Smith and Chairman Lankford, but not the VTO president however all were in agreement of the importance to move forward. Florida will probably not know until April if their application is accepted; Volusia has ninety days from that approval to work with the teachers association and schools to collaborate on the requirements. The commissioner and chancellor have met with all the professional education associations, legislators, governor, and chambers of commerce in an ongoing effort to work through the complexities of the MOU. Board discussion ensued. Dr. Smith stated the most recent adjustments to the MOU have provided more flexibility. Update on An Evening with Tomorrow s Stars Fundraiser Dr. Smith shared information regarding the district fundraiser, An Evening with Tomorrow s Stars, held in December at New Smyrna Beach High to support athletics and the arts. Dr. Smith expressed appreciation to Teacher of the Year Kelly Conway, Dr. Carol Kelly, New Smyrna Beach High principal, and Dr. Mary Patt Kennedy, area superintendent, for their leadership and to all of those who were involved in this fundraising effort. Dr. Kelly stated it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the district s quality programs. Ms. Conway stated proceeds from ticket sales, the silent auction, and a calendar totaled $15,550. Board members expressed appreciation. RECOGNITIONS Mainland High Boys Bowling Team and Coach Patrick Monahan Mr. Stan Whitted, area superintendent; and Dr. Cheryl Salerno, Mainland High principal, recognized the Mainland High boys Bowling Team and Coach Patrick Monahan for winning the State Championship. Dr. Salerno congratulated the Team for bringing home their first state championship and introduced Mainland High athletic director, Dick Toth. Mr. Toth introduced Coach Patrick Monahan who was also named Florida s Coach of the Year for men s bowling. Coach Monahan expressed appreciation and introduced his team s assistant coach, Robert Ackerman, and bowling team members: Noah Bennett, Tony Faria, Mathew Green, Cody McCowin (Volusia County Bowler of the Year), Jake Titone, Mike Crooms, Isaiah Moore and Jared Shaheen. Kathi Weaver, Hinson Middle Teacher, and Hinson Middle s FFA Chapter Ms. Mary Bruno, director for career, technical and community education, Mr. Dan Cox, career and technical education specialist, and Mr. Ted Petrucciani, Hinson Middle principal, recognized Ms. Weaver who was one of only seven individuals nationwide who received the National Association of Agricultural Educators Ideas Unlimited Award for implementing the George Washington Carver Milk Jug Hydroponics Challenge activity, an alternative plant propagation technique. Mr. Cox stated the Hinson Middle FFA Chapter received the national Outstanding Middle School Chapter Award from the National FFA Organization. Mr. Petrucciani noted Ms. Weaver was selected as Hinson s 2010 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Weaver stated she was a product of the Transition to Teaching program and recognized the 2009 Hinson Middle FFA chapter officers who were in attendance.
January 12, 2010 Regular Session Page 6 Brett Brandner, DeLand High Teacher Ms. Mary Bruno, director for career, technical and community education, Mr. Dan Cox, career and technical education specialist, and Mr. Mitch Moyer, DeLand High principal, recognized Mr. Brandner who was voted by his peers as Florida s Outstanding Agriscience Education Teacher by the National Association of Agricultural Educators. This award recognizes leadership in civic and community relations, as well as agribusiness and professional activities and is based on the teacher s level of instruction and experiential learning, student organizations, community partnerships and marketing and professional growth. Mr. Moyer stated he was a true advocate for young people. June Bigham, Seabreeze High Teacher Ms. Mary Bruno, director for career, technical and community education, Ms. Kristin Bowles- Pierce, career and technical education specialist, and Mr. Bob Wallace, Seabreeze High principal, recognized Ms. Bigham for being named an Honorary Alumnus of Johnson & Wales University with all the rights and privileges. Ms. Bigham was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments in the ProStart high school program and received a $500 grant from Johnson & Wales University to be used for Seabreeze High s ProStart program. Ms. Bowles-Pierce stated Ms. Bigham was formerly recognized for receiving Florida s 2008 ProStart Educator Excellence Award. Jason Caros, K-12 Social Studies Specialist Dr. Chris Colwell, deputy superintendent for instructional services, and Ms. Allene Dupont, director for K-12 curriculum, recognized Mr. Caros for receiving the Florida Council for the Social Studies Doyle Casteel Award. This award is given to an individual with a minimum of five years experience who exhibits continuous leadership in a supervisory/administrative capacity, leadership in FCSS, and promotes cross cultural understanding. Dr. Colwell stated Mr. Caros has brought the district to the forefront of the civics movement and the district is recognized statewide as a distinguished district for multicultural studies. Mr. Caros has formerly been recognized as a national Social Studies Administrator of the Year and a two-time recipient of the national Teaching American History grants. Sean Richter, Deltona High Guidance Counselor Dr. Mary Patt Kennedy, area superintendent, and Mr. Gary Marks, Deltona High Principal, recognized Mr. Richter who was named Florida s Secondary Counselor of the Year by the Florida School Counseling Association. Mr. Richter developed the successful Be the Change and Challenge Day programs at Deltona High. Resolution honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ms. Nancy Wait, director for community information services, presented Resolution 2010-01 honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the occasion of his birthday and highlighted various school events. Action: Approval of Resolution 2010-01. Motion: Moved by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Schmidt and carried unanimously. STUDENT DISCIPLINE Mr. Tim Huth, deputy superintendent for operations and governmental affairs, presented the committee recommended student suspensions: Action: Extend the suspension of students Alpha ID 1JPPY, 1LLQJ, 1LJLL, 1RVSW, 1KIRO, 1QSXQ, 1LPGC, 1MCJQ, 1LQNL, 1NEQA, 1QAZN, 1MNNP, 1QACR, 1QPCU, 1QPCT, 1LMYZ, 1LIUK, 1KIDH, 1PBZQ, 1OKCA, 1LISW, 1PZTN and 1QGKG from school attendance through January 27, 2010 for the purpose of further study and evaluation. Motion: Moved by Mr. Schmidt, seconded by Dr. Williams and carried unanimously.
January 12, 2010 Regular Session Page 7 CHARTER DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT YEAR NINE Dr. Chris Colwell, deputy superintendent for instructional services, expressed appreciation to Dr. Don Boulware, coordinator for program accountability and evaluation, for his work on the Report and presented an overview. The Report serves two purposes: year nine of the charter district annual report and the year one report of the 2008-2013 Strategic Plan. Dr. Colwell stated the original district goal for all schools to be A or B rated has not changed but the criteria has in 2009 91% of all district schools were rated either A or B and all of the fifty-one Title One schools were rated A or B. Dr. Colwell highlighted: charter waivers; 2008-2013 district strategic plan objectives and benchmarks 128 of 160 objectives were met; how graduation rates are measured is changing on a national level which will allow for greater stability; and Professional Learning Communities (PLC) are now referred to as the Volusia Proficiency Model. Board discussion ensued. In response to a board question Mr. Richard Kizma, chief counsel, clarified the interpretation of Statute regarding policy review. The presentation was interrupted to allow for time-certain public participation. Action: Approval of the Charter District Annual Report Year Nine, VCSB No.4667. Motion: Moved by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Smith and carried unanimously. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Thomas Wenz, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), shared concerns regarding bargaining proposals brought forward at a December 18, 2009 negotiations meeting. Andrew Spar, president of the Volusia Teachers Organization, stated as VTO president he regretfully could not sign the Race To The Top Memorandum of Understanding and that the Florida Department of Education missed a great opportunity to truly bring change to the schools; however, Mr. Spar stated he was in agreement that Dr. Smith and Chairman Lankford sign the MOU to allow the district to move forward and pledged VTO would continue to collaborate on school reform. David Moskovits shared concerns regarding policy changes that prevent employees who finished the Deferred Retirement Option Program from being re-employed with the district. The chairman recessed the meeting for a short break; the meeting resumed at 6:40 p.m. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER PROGRAM Dr. Barbara Bush, director for exceptional student education and student services, Ms. Nancy Redmond, assistant director for exceptional student education and student services, Ms. Susan McCloskey, teacher on assignment, and Ms. Linda Foster, teacher on assignment, highlighted key components of the district s program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which included a case study, parent interview videos, and the implementation of the Social Communication Emotional Regulation Transactional Supports (SCERTS) Model, based on multidisciplinary teams which has been piloted in eighteen elementary schools (including one charter school) in Volusia County. Board discussion ensued. 2010 STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. Tim Huth, deputy superintendent for operations and governmental affairs, presented the state and federal legislative recommendations which included board members input from the December 8, 2009 school board meeting. Board discussion ensued. In response to board questions regarding the class size amendment, Mr. Doran, board attorney, stated whatever the Legislature enacts would be considered facially constitutional until the Court determines to the contrary which would put off the start date for the stricter class by class calculations. Action: Approval of the 2010 State and Federal Legislative Recommendations, VCSB No.4668. Motion: Moved by Ms. Conte, seconded by Dr. Williams and carried unanimously.
January 12, 2010 Regular Session Page 8 ITEMS FROM SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS, SUPERINTENDENT OR BOARD ATTORNEY FOR DISCUSSION, ANNOUNCEMENT OR APPROVAL Appointment of Citizen Member to Serve on Value Adjustment Board Dr. Smith stated Mr. Brad Giles served on the VAB Board the last two years and recommended his reappointment. Action: Approval of Mr. Brad Giles as the school board s citizen representative on the Value Adjustment Board for the 2010 tax year. Motion: Moved by Mr. Schmidt, seconded by Dr. Williams and carried unanimously. Ms. Conte, Ms. Lankford, Mr. Schmidt and Mrs. Smith enjoyed the PTA Reflections event and the FUTURES mini-grant reception. Ms. Conte invited everyone to the PTA Founders Day Celebration on February 18 at Tomoka Elementary. Mrs. Smith attended the District Advisory Committee meeting and complimented Ms. Mary Bruno for her presentation on the district s accreditation visit. Mrs. Smith, chairman of the Central Florida Public School Boards Coalition, shared handouts and information from the Jan 11 meeting: a bill was introduced which includes a fine arts requirement for high school graduation that is also tied into school grades; Osceola County presented information regarding school uniforms board members requested further discussion about this topic. Mrs. Smith presented Dr. Smith with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the district s participation with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. Ms. Lankford complimented Mrs. Smith for chairing and running the Coalition meeting so smoothly. Ms. Lankford provided highlights of the DeLand High football game for the 6A state championship over 7,000 people from the DeLand community attended; a parade and block party in honor of the football team is scheduled for January 16. Ms. Lankford read to kindergarten students at Starke Elementary and complimented Ms. Nancy Wait on the Be There kick-off campaign which was piloted in Volusia. Dr. Smith provided a last minute update on the Race To The Top deadline. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. APPROVED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD IN OPEN SESSION January 26, 2010 Chairman Secretary