1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/MOMENTS OF PRIDE

Description

N/A

Recommendation
N/A

2. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Description

NeXt Generation Update - Dr. Hal Nelson

Graduation and Dropout Rate Update - Lori White

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: 

Program Specialist Joe Binswanger gave an update on ActivBoards

Director of Career Technology Mellissa Morrow gave an update on Career Technical Education

3. HEARING OF CITIZENS

Description
N/A

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: Teresa Bencie - AED's in Schools
Mike Woelffer - Pine View Busing
Pamela Giore-Meade
Vic Rebmann - Happy Parent of Imagine Schools

4. APPROVAL OF CORRECTIONS TO CONSENT AGENDA

Description
N/A

Recommendation
That the Board approves the corrections to the Consent Agenda.


Minutes: No corrections

5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Description

N/A

Recommendation
That the Board approves the Consent Agenda, consisting of items as a whole with action recorded as if it had been taken severalty.

Motions:
That the Board approves the Consent Agenda, consisting of items as a whole with action recorded as if it had been taken severalty.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Frank Kovach
Second: Shirley Brown
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Description
N/A

Recommendation

That the November 4, 2008 (Regular Board Meeting), November 11, 2008, (Monthly Work Session), November 18, 2008, (Superintendent's Evaluation Process Workshop), November 18, 2008 (Board Reorganization Meeting) and the November 18, 2008 (Regular Board Meeting) minutes be approved.

APPROVAL OF INSTRUCTIONAL/CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL REPORT

7. APPROVAL OF INSTRUCTIONAL/CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL REPORT

Description

N/A

Recommendation
That the Instructional/Classified Personnel Report be approved.

Attachment: 12-9-08 Board (Regular).pdf
Attachment: December 9, 2008 Addendum 1.pdf
Attachment: 12-09-08add2.pdf

RATIFICATION OF REASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO SCHOOLS

8. RATIFICATION OF REASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO SCHOOLS

Description

Reassignment of students to schools within the county have been approved by the administration or recommended by the Student Reassignment Appeal Board, in accordance with policies of the School Board.  They are presented for formal ratification.

Recommendation
That the reassignment of students to schools be ratified as presented.

Attachment: rptBoardDate December 09.pdf (Confidential Item)

GENERAL ITEMS

9. AUTHORIZATION TO CONTEST NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS

Description
Earlier this year the City of North Port amended its ordinances to impose non-ad valorem assessments on properties previously exempted, including public school parcels.  The bills for all North Port school properties total over $445,000 for 2008.  The school district believes it is exempt or immune from such assessments.

Recommendation
That the School Board authorize the general counsel to take all necessary actions, including the filing of a lawsuit, to contest the non-ad valorem assessments imposed by the City of North Port or any other local governmental unit on property owned by the School Board.

AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTS

10. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF SARASOTA

Description
This agreement will allow for non-paid career technical work experience for Exceptional Student Education Students from Booker High School, Oak Park School, Riverview High School, Sarasota High School, and Venice High School, ages 16 years and older, to learn the day to day business operations at the City of Sarasota.

Recommendation
That the School Board approve the agreement between the Vocational Instructional Program and the City of Sarasota, as presented.

Attachment: City of Sarasota 12092008.pdf
Attachment: City of Sarasota-Job Description.pdf
Attachment: City of Sarasota-Dept NeedsContacts.pdf

11. APPROVAL OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE YMCA'S HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAM AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA

Description
The Florida Department of Education has reapproved the Homeless Services Project, retroactive from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  The YMCA will provide case management, community coordination and an in-service package related to best practices for the education of homeless students.

Recommendation

That the School Board approve the contract between the YMCA's Homeless Children and Youth Program and the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida.

Minutes: Positive Comment - Vice-Chair Shirley Brown

12. FIRST STEP VIP-ER CONTRACT FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

Description
This is a contract between First Step of Sarasota, Inc. as a fiscal agent and the School Board of Sarasota Florida, through Sarasota County Technical Institute for services to be provided by Sarasota County Technical Institute for the "Sarasota County Government Strategic Initiatives and Opportunities Fund" VIP-ER Program.

Recommendation
That the First Step VIP-ER Contract for Services Provided to The Community Alternatives Program for Substance Abusers be approved.

Attachment: First Step VIP-ER 08-09.pdf
Attachment: First Step VIP-ER 08-09 A 2.pdf

13. APPROVAL OF CONTRACTED SERVICES WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Description

Hourly rates for three 21st Century Tutorial teachers at Alta Vista Elementary are divided between Alta Vista Elementary ($15 per hour) and Boys and Girls Club ($10 per hour).  The amount of $9,600 to Boys and Girls Club is in excess of the $25,000 limit, which requires School Board approval.

Recommendation
That the contract with Boys and Girls Club for 21st Century Tutorial teacher salaries from September 3, 2008 through May 15, 2009 be approved as presented.

14. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH TJX COMPANIES, INC., DBA: T.J. MAXX, STORE #714

Description
This agreement will allow for non-paid career technical work experience for Exceptional Student Education Students from Booker High School, Riverview High School, and Sarasota High School, ages 16 to 22 years old, in 9th through 12th grades to learn the day to day business operations at T.J. Maxx, Store #714.

Recommendation
That the School Board approve the agreement between the Vocational Instructional Program and TJX Companies, Inc., DBA: T.J. Maxx, Store #714, as presented.

Attachment: TJ Maxx 714 10-2008.pdf

15. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH VENICE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Description
This agreement will allow for non-paid career technical work experience for Exceptional Student Education Students from Venice High School, ages 16 to 22 years of age, in 10th through 12th grades to learn the day to day business operations at Venice Regional Medical Center.   

Recommendation
That the School Board approve the agreement between the Vocational Instructional Program and the Venice Regional Medical Center, as presented.   

Attachment: VENICE REG MC 12092008.pdf

GRANTS

16. APPROVAL OF THE SWFWMD LEGACY GRANT TO THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT FOR SUNCOAST POLYTECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL, PHOENIX ACADEMY AND BROOKSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Description
COMPETITIVE: Grant funds of $5,000 will be used to perform a collaborative and integrated project between the three schools to perform research, collect test data, analyze it, and draw conclusions to answer the question, "How sustainable is our watershed?"

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the SWFWMD Legacy Grant to the Southwest Florida Water Management District for Suncoast Polytechnical High School, Phoenix Academy and Brookside Middle School.

Attachment: SWFWMD Legacy.pdf

FIELD TRIPS

17. APPROVAL OF PINE VIEW SCHOOL'S HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS/THE PINE VIEW CHORALE FIELD TRIP TO MANASSAS, VIRGINIA AND WASHINGTON, D.C., ON JANUARY 17, 2009 THROUGH JANUARY 21, 2009

Description

Students will have the opportunity to participate in the Presidential Inauguration.  Students will also participate in the annual music festival under the leadership of the Choral Director at the U.S. Naval Academy. 

Recommendation
That Pine View School's High School Chorus/the Pine View Chorale field trip to Manassas, Virginia and Washington, D.C., on January 17, 2009 through January 21, 2009 be approved.

18. APPROVAL OF SARASOTA HIGH SCHOOL'S CHORUS FIELD TRIP TO ATLANTA, GEORGIA, ON MARCH 20, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 23, 2009

Description

The Sarasota high school choral students will be exposed to educational and cultural enrichment through traveling to Atlanta, Georgia to sing in a non-competitive event.

Recommendation
That Sarasota High School's Chorus field trip to Atlanta, Georgia, on March 20, 2009 through March 23, 2009 be approved.

19. APPROVAL OF THE NORTH PORT HIGH SCHOOL THESPIAN MEMBERS FIELD TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, ON APRIL 6, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 10, 2009

Description
Students will have the opportunity to see four Broadway shows, explore many famous New York land sites including tours of the American Museum of Natural History, Radio City Music Hall, and the Statue of Liberty.

Recommendation
That the North Port High School Thespian members field trip to New York City, New York, on April 6, 2009 through April 10, 2009, be approved.

20. APPROVAL OF THE BOOKER HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE FIELD TRIP TO BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ON JANUARY 30, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2009

Description
Students will have to the opportunity to compete in the annual Berkley Jazz Festival.  We are four time defending champions for Vocal Jazz Ensemble and two time defending champions for Jazz Combo.  Students will also be auditioning for scholarships and will tour the Berkley College of Music.

Recommendation

That the Booker High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble field trip to Boston, Massachusetts, on January 30, 2009 through February 1, 2009 be approved.

EXPULSIONS

21. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 08-381

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-381 is in violation of an accepted Expulsion Settlement Agreement for alternative school placement.  On April 23, 2008, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-381 violated School Board Policy 5.34(i)(d), Battery on Another Student, Fighting.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until May 7 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Recommendation

That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (i)(a)(b), Florida Statutes and School Board Policy 5.34, and the holding of a hearing having been waived by the student/parent, the recommendation as specified in Expulsion Case No. 08-381 to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools be approved effective immediately until May 7 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Attachment: Expulsion Case No. 08-381.pdf (Confidential Item)

22. APPROVAL OF CASE NO. 09-122

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 09-122 violated School Board Policy 5.34(1)(d), Theft.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until June 30 of the 2009-2010 academic year.

Recommendation

That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (1)(a)(b), Florida Statutes and School Board Policy 5.34, and the holding of a hearing having been waived by the student/parent, the recommendation as specified in Expulsion Case No. 09-122 to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2008-2009 academic year, the 2009 summer session and the entire 2009-2010 academic year.

Attachment: Expulsion Case No. 19-122.pdf (Confidential Item)

23. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 08-421

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-421 is in violation of an accepted Deferred Expulsion Agreement for school placement.  On May 16, 2008, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-421 violated School Board Policy 5.34, (1)(d), Battery on Another Student.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until May 29 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Recommendation

That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (1)(a)(b), Florida Statutes and School Board Policy 5.34, and the holding of a hearing having been waived by the student/parent, the recommendation as specified in Expulsion Case No. 08-429 to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools be approved effective immediately until May 29 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

 

Attachment: Expulsion Case No. 08-421.pdf (Confidential Item)

24. APPROVAL OF CASE NO. 09-123

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 09-123 violated School Board Policy 5.32, Prohibition Against Use, Sale, or Possession of Alcohol or Drugs.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until June 6 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Recommendation

That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (1)(a)(b), Florida Statutes and School Board Policy 5.34, and the holding of a hearing having been waived by the student/parent, the recommendation as specified in Expulsion Case No. 09-123 to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2008-2009 academic year.

 

Attachment: Expulsion Case No. 09-123.pdf (Confidential Item)

25. APPROVAL OF CASE NO. 09-137

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 09-137 violated School Board Policy 5.32, Zero Tolerance (1)(e), Battery on School Personnel.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until January 3 of the 2009-2010 academic year.

Recommendation

That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (1)(a)(b), Florida Statutes and School Board Policy 5.34, and the holding of a hearing having been waived by the student/parent, the recommendation as specified in Expulsion Case No. 09-137 to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2008-2009 academic year, the 2009 summer session, until January 3 of the 2009-2010 academic year.

Attachment: Expulsion Case No. 09-137.pdf (Confidential Item)

26. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 08-354

Description
The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-354 is in violation of an accepted Expulsion Settlement Agreement for alternative school placement.  On March 20, 2008, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-354 violated School Board Policy 5.32, Zero Tolerance (i)(k), Threat to Staff Member.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until May 30 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Recommendation
That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (i)(a)(b), Florida Statutes and School Board Policy 5.34, the holding of a hearing having been waived by the student/parent, the recommendation as specified in Expulsion Case No.08-354, to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Attachment: EXPULSION CASE NO. 08-354.pdf (Confidential Item)

MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

27. APPROVAL OF CLASSIFICATION OF INOPERATIVE EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE AS PROPERTY TO BE DELETED

Description
The custodians of the property (cost center heads) have certified it to be traded in on new equipment, unaccounted for, not repairable or otherwise inoperable.  Property still on hand after reallocation will be salvaged for any useful parts and then sold at auction.

Recommendation
That the classification of inoperative equipment and furniture, as property to be deleted, be approved.

Attachment: AgdDeleteProperty 120908.pdf

28. APPROVAL TO AWARD BID #9035 FOR BREAD PRODUCTS

Description
Bids to provide 'Bread Products' were received from two vendors on November 5, 2008.  The bid of Hom-Lyke Baking Company, Inc., was the best low bid meeting the advertised specifications.  This bid is for a period of one year with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods.  The funds for these purchases are contained in the budget allocated to the Food and Nutrition Services Department.

Recommendation
That the bid of Hom-Lyke Baking Company, Inc., to provide 'Bread Products' in an amount not to exceed $325,000.00, be approved for award and purchase.

Attachment: Bread9035Rec.pdf

FACILITIES

29. APPROVAL AND/OR RATIFICATION OF THE FACILITIES SERVICES CHANGE ORDER(S)

Description
The Facilities Services Change Order(s) have been summarized on the enclosure for ease of review.  These change order(s) collectively total a reduction of $173,192.53 in contract amounts.

Recommendation
That the Facilities Services Change Order(s) be approved and/or ratified as presented.

Attachment: BAIenc12-9-08FSD-CO.pdf

CONSTRUCTION

30. ACCEPTANCE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION FOR THE VENICE HIGH SCHOOL - WELLNESS CENTER PROJECT

Description
The architect has prepared the Certificate of Substantial Completion and the final punch list.  The project is substantially complete in accordance with the contract documents.  A copy of the final punch list is available for review at the Construction Services Department.

Recommendation
That the work performed by Waterford Companies, LLC for the Venice High School - Wellness Center project be accepted as substantially complete as of 10/20/2008. 

Attachment: BAIenc12-9-08VHS-WellnessCtrSC.pdf

31. APPROVAL OF RANKING OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS FOR THE LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - ADMINISTRATION/CAFETORIUM/WING 100 PROJECT

Description
The project's scope of work shall include construction of new administration and cafetorium buildings, conversion of the existing Wing 100 into classrooms, and related site work.  The project will be multi-phased.  The new buildings with their related site work will be included in Phase 1.  Conversion of Wing 100 will be included in Phase 2.  Relocation or demolition of affected portable classrooms and related site work will be included in Phase 3.  On 11/10/2008, the Professional Services Selection Committee (PSSC) met to select a construction manager for this project.  The PSSC has ranked them in accordance with Board policy.  The project budget is approximately $12,425,000.00.  Funds for this project are available in the capital budget account.

Recommendation
That the ranking of construction managers for the Lakeview Elementary School - Administration/Cafetorium/Wing 100 project be approved as presented and the Director of Construction Services be authorized to attempt negotiations with the top-ranked firm.

Attachment: BAIenc12-9-08LkvwAdminCafeWing100-CMrank.pdf

32. APPROVAL OF ARCHITECT'S CONTRACT FOR THE LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - ADMINISTRATION/CAFETORIUM/WING 100 PROJECT

Description

The project's scope of work shall include design and construction administration for new administration and cafetorium buildings, conversion of the existing Wing 100 into classrooms, and related site work.  The project will be multi-phased.  The new buildings with their related site work will be included in Phase 1.  Conversion of Wing 100 will be included in Phase 2.  Relocation or demolition of affected portable classrooms and related site work will be included in Phase 3.  On 11/18/2008 (Item #31), the School Board authorized negotiations with the top-ranked company.  On 11/19/2008 the Director of Construction Services and two (2) members of the Professional Services Selection Committee (PSSC) met with a representative of Fawley Bryant Architects, Inc. and successfully negotiated a contract.  The contract amount is as follows:  The basic services fee shall be a lump sum amount of $756,000.00, plus an allowance of $172,525.00 for additional services, which may or may not be required.  These two figures produce a total contract amount of $928,525.00.  These contract documents have been approved by the School Board attorney and are available for review at the Construction Services Department.  The project budget is approximately $12,425,000.00.  Funds for this project are available in the capital budget account.

Recommendation
That the architect's contract for the Lakeview Elementary School - Administration/Cafetorium/Wing 100 project be approved as presented.

33. APPROVAL OF UPDATE #4 TO THE 2008/2009 ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF PROFESSIONALS FOR CONSTRUCTION RELATED SERVICES

Description
The recommended professionals have submitted annual request for certification by the School Board to provide professional construction related services for Sarasota County School Board projects.  These submissions are in accordance with School Board Policy #7.71.  The initial list was Board approved 7/22/2008 (Item #88).  The newly added firms are identified, on the enclosure, at the end of the initial listing and are in bold print.  Upon Board approval, the pertinent data from these submissions will be incorporated to the existing list.

Recommendation
That Update #4 to the 2008-2009 Annual Certification of Professionals for Construction Related Services be approved as presented.

Attachment: BAIenc12-9-08AnnualCertUpdate4.pdf

34. APPROVAL AND/OR RATIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CHANGE ORDER(S)

Description
The Construction Services Change Order(s) have been summarized on the enclosure for ease review.  These change order(s) collectively total a reduction of $501,370.53 in contract amounts.

Recommendation
That the Construction Services Change Order(s) be approved and/or ratified as presented.

Attachment: BAIenc12-9-08CSD-CO.pdf
Minutes: Positive Comment - Board Chair Caroline Zucker

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

35. APPROVAL OF THE NEW JOB DESCRIPTION FOR SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER/MANAGER, FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES

Description
The new job description for Special Events Manager/Manager, Food and Nutrition Services is being presented for School Board approval.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the new job description for Special Events Manager/Manager, Food and Nutrition Services.

Attachment: Job 327 - SpecEventsMgr-MgrFood&NutrServ.pdf

SCHOOL BOARD RULES

36. ADOPTION OF SCHOOL BOARD POLICY 3.25, AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS

Description
This School Board policy describes the requirements for use of AED's (Automatic External Defibrillators) at each district work site in accordance with Florida Statute 768.1325.

Recommendation

That the School Board of Sarasota County adopt Policy 3.25 Automatic External Defibrillators.

Attachment: Policy 3.25.pdf

37. ADOPTION OF SCHOOL BOARD POLICY 5.323, BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

Description
New School Board policy from EMCS (Education Management Consultant Services).

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County adopt Policy 5.323 Bullying and Harassment.

Attachment: Policy 5.323-New.pdf

38. APPROVAL OF THE 2009 SUMMER SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Description

Begin date for Summer Session 1 will be June 8, 2009.   End date for Summer Session 1 will be June 25, 2009.  Begin date for Summer Session 2 will be June 29, 2009.  End date for Summer Session 2 will be July 16, 2009. These are 4-day weeks with Fridays off.

Recommendation
That the summer school calendar for 2009 be approved.

Attachment: Summer Calendar 2009.pdf

Motions:
That the summer school calendar for 2009 be approved.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Kathy Kleinlein
Second: Frank Kovach
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

39. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT BETWEEN CROSSPOINTE.NET, LLC, AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY FOR LICENSE FEES, MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT, AND PROJECT FEES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TERMS AS400 SYSTEM

Description

Our current AS400 TERMS applications are over 26 years old and do not provide our district agile access to financial and HR information or our district a district-wide gradebook and parent portal. This capital project with CrossPointe.net, LLC provides software, licensing, maintenance, support, and project implementation services. This project will be completed and paid for over a 3 year period as defined in the attachments and summarized below.

Software and Services

2008/2009   $5.0M
2009/2010   $5.0M 
2010/2011   $2.0M 

Total            $12.0M

This agreement also includes annual maintenance and support over 5 years totaling $2.8M (a 50% reduction from prevailing market rates).

Funds have been allocated for the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 school year. This estimate reflects a savings of $3.0M over the $15M budgeted for the project and a $10M savings beyond similar projects that replaced just the Finance and HR systems in other districts our size.

Attachment is in the Board office for the Board's review.

 

 

Recommendation
That the financial contract between CrossPointe.net, LLC. and the School Board of Sarasota County be approved as presented.

Attachment: Sarasota SOW 2.pdf
Attachment: SIS Gap Analysis v2[1].0 2.pdf
Attachment: Gradebook Gap Analysis v1 2.pdf
Attachment: Finance System Gap Analysis.pdf
Attachment: HR-Payroll System Gap Analysis.pdf
Attachment: Copy of Sarasota Product Order Form.pdf
Attachment: CrossPointe Maintenance 2.pdf
Attachment: CrossPointe Master Licens 2.pdf
Minutes: 

Board member Kathy Kleinlein called the question.  Board member Frank Kovach seconded.  Board voted on the calling of the question; passed 4:0.

Motions:
That the financial contract between CrossPointe.net, LLC. and the School Board of Sarasota County be approved as presented.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Frank Kovach
Second: Shirley Brown
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Nay

Motion Minutes: 

Board Chair Caroline Zucker mistakenly voted Aye instead of Nay.  Board Vice-Chair rescinded  the vote by which the item passed to make a correction.  Board Chair Caroline Zucker seconded.  Passes 4:0.  Board Chair Caroline Zucker stated she votes no.

Passes 3:1 

Board Chair Caroline Zucker’s vote of Aye was changed to Nay by the Board’s Administrative Assistant on the e-agenda system.

40. APPROVAL OF THE CHARTER BETWEEN THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND THE IMAGINE SCHOOL AT SARASOTA LLC. DBA THE IMAGINE SCHOOL AT PALMER

Description
The application for the Imagine School at Palmer Ranch, a Charter school, was approved by the Board at its September 16, 2008 meeting.  Pursuant to Florida Statutes, 1002.33, representatives from Imagine School and school district staff have negotiated a Charter to serve as the agreement between the organizations.  The school is scheduled to open in August, 2009, as a K-6 school and will add grades 7 and 8 during the next two years.  The negotiated Charter is now complete and ready for Board consideration and approval.

Recommendation
That the Charter between the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida, and Imagine School at Sarasota LLC, dba the Imagine School at Palmer Ranch be approved as presented.

Attachment: Imagine Palmer Ranch Final .pdf

Motions:
That the Charter between the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida, and Imagine School at Sarasota LLC, dba the Imagine School at Palmer Ranch be approved as presented.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Frank Kovach
Second: Kathy Kleinlein
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

41. ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS

Description
N/A

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: 

Superintendent Lori White stated as the Board is aware Assistant Superintendent Dr. Hal Nelson has outlined in a letter to her 9 complaints that he believes demonstrates inequitable treatment and racial discrimination.  I have responded to each complaint, but that is not sufficient. I believe that it is imperative that the Board initiate an external investigation so that there can be total assurance that this claim is without basis.  I have asked Mr. Hardy to identify an appropriate person to conduct this investigation.  I've only stipulated that the individual have the knowledge and expertise to conduct an investigation.  That the individual be from outside the community and that I have no personal knowledge of the individual.  In conducting the investigation this individual will have full authority to interview anyone and will report the results of the investigation directly to the Board.  Mr. Hardy will now give some further details to the Board.

School Board Attorney Art Hardy stated that a short time ago Mrs. White came to him to inform him both of the complaint that had been raised and had requested assistance of him in finding an appropriate person to conduct an external investigation.  I agree with her completely that that's in order and I am pleased to report that we have found such an individual who has agreed to accept the assignment.  His name is Gerald Williams.  He currently serves as the general counsel to the School Board of Palm Beach County.  Mr. Williams has decades of experience both as a lawyer in employment issues and as a School Board attorney in Miami-Dade County and now in Palm Beach County.  He has also served as Assistant Superintendent as a staff person in Miami-Dade County and he has very extensive experience.  He is someone to my knowledge has no connection with Mrs. White or Dr. Nelson or the school system here.  About fifteen years ago he served as a mediator here when we were at impasse at our Collective Bargaining Negotiations, but other than that, he has not been involved here.  He has agreed to come which I am pleased about and tentatively he is scheduled to come here to Sarasota the 18th & 19th of this month to meet and interview people working with Mr. Jones, and Mr. Jones is going to provide him with an office and to the extent that it is necessary a staff person to help him, and other than that, Mr. Williams will conduct the investigation as he sees fit and then he will report back in written form to the Board hopefully; he has other things to do, in his current position, but hopefully within thirty days after he concludes his investigation; whenever that time is.   

Board member Frank Kovach asked Mr. Hardy if he had some idea (since all of our discussions seem to be on budget), do we have any idea what this investigation is going to cost the school district.  Mr. Hardy stated that he did not because that will be largely determined by what it is that Mr. Williams believes he needs to do, how many interviews he needs to conduct and how long that takes.  We are going to be paying him on an hourly basis.  Mr. Kovach stated that this is pretty much a blank check at this point.  Mr. Hardy stated that he could not give an upper limit because he did not in any way limit what he could do in the scope of his investigation.  He is used to working with School Boards and recognizes from his experience, I am sure in Palm Beach County, the economic restraints there are, but I did not believe this was a matter that we should put any limits on him.  He needs to exercise discretion and I believe he will show good judgment in conducting his investigation. 

There is no need for approval.  Superintendent Lori White stated she wanted the Board to be aware and is not necessary to bring forward a contract or an agenda item, but wanted the Board to be aware.

Board member Shirley Brown stated that last week the Supreme Court shut down the Florida Schools of Excellence.  They ruled it unconstitutional.  We do not know yet if the Department of Education is going to challenge that, but the Florida Schools of Excellence was the entity that could also grant Charter status to Charter Schools without the district's approval.  They were the ones that were allowed to give Charters to districts.  We had an exemption to that, but they have been ruled unconstitutional and only School Boards can now offer Charters to entities. This was a big win for public schools in the State of Florida. 

Board member Kathy Kleinlein reminded everyone that as we approach the winter break, our students will be off for two weeks between December 19 and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of January.  Please be careful driving.  The students will be out and sometimes we forget that during the day that our students need to be protected on the street.     

    

 

     

    

42. ADJOURNMENT

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Minutes: 

The Board Chair adjourned the regular Board meeting at 4:09 p.m.

We certify that the foregoing minutes are a true account of the regular Board meeting held on December 9, 2008, and approved at the regular Board meeting on January 6, 2009.