1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/MOMENTS OF PRIDE

Description

Recognition of Varsha Bhatnagar, State's Outstanding Youth School Volunteer Winner for Region IV - Sandi Chapnick - Ron Carr

Recommendation
N/A

2. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Description

Sarasota Sheriff's Office Youth Service Bureau Update

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: 

Englewood Elementary - Superintendent Dr. Gary Norris

NeXt Generation Learning/Technology - Associate Superintendent NGL - Dr. Hal Nelson - Director of Instructional Technology Mike Horan

Sgt. Tom Laipply gave the Sarasota Sheriff's Office Youth Service Bureau Update

Bob Hanson Chief Information Officer for Sarasota County School (part-time) and Sarasota County (part-time) was recognized by Board Chair Kathy Kleinlein.  Bob Hanson was recognized as 100 of the most influential people in federal, state and local government in the United States.

 

3. HEARING OF CITIZENS

Description
N/A

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: 

Michael Figgins - $900,000.00
James R. Thomas - Englewood Elementary School Closing
Cindy Brooks Garland - Englewood
Andrew Risner - VPA Music Program at Booker High and Booker Middle School
Kale Dailey - Englewood Elementary School
Bobbi Fogo - Englewood Elementary School
Robert Skidmore - Englewood Elementary
Alexandra Kieiseda - Justin Williams - Riverview High School Executive Internship Program

 

4. APPROVAL OF CORRECTIONS TO CONSENT AGENDA

Description
N/A

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


Minutes: 

None

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: Caroline Zucker
Second: Frank Kovach
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Description
N/A

Recommendation

That the March 4, 2008, (Ed Specs/NeXt Generation Learning/Venice High/Booker High/Pine View Master Plans Workshop), and March 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: March 18, 2008 Regular Bo 3.pdf
Attachment: March 18, 2008 Addendum 1.pdf
Attachment: March 18, 2008 Addendum 2.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 March 18.pdf

GENERAL ITEMS

9. CERTIFICATION OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES INVENTORY

Description

Chapter 1013, F.S., requires each School Board to certify that its educational facilities data within the Florida Inventory of School Houses is current and accurate.  The recently adopted amendments to the State Requirements for Educational Facilities changed the certification date from October 1 to April 1 of each year.  The district's data has been updated by the Plan Room within Construction Services to reflect all changes made since the October 2007 certification.

Recommendation

That the School Board of Sarasota County certify that the district's educational facilities data is current and accurate.

AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTS

10. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND THE YMCA TO PROVIDE ELEMENTARY SUMMER CAMPS

Description
The Sarasota Family YMCA agrees to provide child care and recreational/enrichment services for students at Alta Vista, Ashton, and Gulf Gate Elementary schools.  Services will be provided Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Recommendation
That the agreements with Sarasota Family YMCA to provide summer camps at Alta Vista, Ashton, and Gulf Gate Elementary schools from June 9, 2008 through August 8, 2008, be approved as presented.

Attachment: Alta Vista Sum08.pdf
Attachment: Ashton Summer 08.pdf
Attachment: Gulf Gate Sum08.pdf

11. APPROVAL OF MICROSOFT CONSULTING SERVICES

Description
The primary objective is to define a high-level design and migration strategy so that we have a roadmap to develop a detailed project plan and cost/time estimate to perform the migration.  This will assist with planning and budgeting for introducing a new Directory Services structure and Messaging Services environment.

Recommendation
It is recommended that we contract with Microsoft Enterprise Services to develop the plan mentioned above.

12. APPROVAL OF THE ROTARY FUTURES PROGRAM AGREEMENT BETWEEN ROTARY FUTURES PROGRAM AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA

Description
The purpose of this agreement is to delineate the relationship and responsibilities of Rotary Futures Program (RFP) and the School Board regarding the Venice Rotary Futures Program operated on the Venice High School campus.  RFP shall provide a Program Director for sixty (60) months commencing on January 1, 2008.  The RFP provides services to Venice High School students and other people in the community, as described in Exhibit A attached hereto.  The School Board, through the principal of Venice High School, shall be responsible for the day-to-day supervision and control of the Program Director.  The School Board shall reimburse RFP for the annual insurance premiums for coverage relating to the Rotary Futures Program, including general liability and workers' compensation insurance.  For the 2008 calendar year, the total insurance premiums paid by the School Board shall not exceed $1,000.00.  This agreement shall be deemed effective as of January 1, 2008, and remain in effect through December 31, 2012, unless otherwise terminated by any one of the parties hereto.

Recommendation
That the Rotary Futures Program Agreement between Rotary Futures Program and the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida, be approved.

Attachment: Rotary Futures VHS 2008-12.pdf

13. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH NEW COLLEGE AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY TO PROVIDE THE SCIENCE OUTREACH FOR STUDENTS PROGRAM AT BOOKER MIDDLE

Description

The Science Outreach for Students under the Governor's Opportunity Alliance Program provides for science enrichment for Booker Middle School students in cooperation with New College students. The New College Coordinator trains teams of Environmental Studies students to provide Guided Nature Walks, Classroom Lectures, and Interpretive Field Experiences for Booker Middle School students and staff.  Booker Middle School has collaborated with New College for this learning opportunity for the past three years and found the experience to be mutually beneficial.

Recommendation
That the contract for continuation of services, with New College.  The Science Outreach for Students Program at Booker Middle School be approved as presented.

GRANTS

14. APPROVAL OF THE READING GRANT APPLICATION TO THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION FOR HERON CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL

Description
COMPETITIVE: Funds in the amount of $20,000.00 will be used to purchase low-level, high interest reading materials  for non-proficient readers.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the Reading Grant application.

Attachment: Reading Grant HCMS.pdf

15. APPROVAL OF THE READING GRANT APPLICATION TO THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION FOR BOOKER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Description
COMPETITIVE: Funds in the amount of $20,000.00 will be used to purchase reading materials for struggling readers.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the Reading Grant application.

Attachment: Reading Grant BMS.pdf

16. APPROVAL OF THE IMPROVING LITERACY READING GRANT APPLICATION TO THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION FOR BOOKER HIGH SCHOOL

Description
COMPETITIVE: Funds in the amount of $20,000.00 will be used to purchase reading materials for struggling readers.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the Improving Literacy Reading Grant application.

Attachment: Improving Literacy at BHS.pdf

17. APPROVAL OF THE COMMUNITY OF CARING GRANT APPLICATION TO THE GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF VENICE

Description
COMPETITIVE: Grant funds in the amount of $119,000.00 will be used to provide training for school staff, a stipend for the lead teacher, attendance at an annual conference and miscellaneous expenses. Schools:  Ashton Elementary, Booker Middle School, Brookside Middle, Englewood Elementary, Heron Creek Middle, McIntosh Middle, Laurel Nokomis School, Riverview High, Sarasota Middle, Toledo Blade Elementary, Venice Elementary, Venice Middle and Venice High School.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the Community of Caring grant application.

Attachment: Community of Caring GAF.pdf

18. APPROVAL OF THE YOU'RE HIRED VIDEO GRANT APPLICATION TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA FOR BOOKER HIGH SCHOOL

Description
COMPETITIVE: Funds in the amount of $5,000.00 will involve students in real life career experiences.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the You're Hired Video grant application.

Attachment: You're Hired Weller Grant.pdf

19. APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND GRAPHIC DESIGNERS GRANT APPLICATION TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA FOR LAUREL NOKOMIS SCHOOL

Description
COMPETITIVE: Funds in the amount of $5,000.00 will build visual and verbal literacy for 125 students.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the Authors, Photographers and Graphic Designers grant application.

Attachment: Authors, Photographers & Graphic Designers Weller grant.pdf

20. APPROVAL OF THE CHORUS VIOLIN TEACHER GRANT APPLICATION TO THE AIRBORNE TEACHER TRUST FOR PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY

Description
COMPETITIVE: Funds in the amount of $5,000.00 will be used to hire a contracted music teacher.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the Chorus/Violin Teacher grant application.

Attachment: Airborne Teacher Trust.pdf

EXPULSIONS

21. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 07-281

Description
The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 07-281, is in violation of an accepted Expulsion Settlement Agreement for alternative school placement.  On February 28, 2007, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 07-281, violated School Board Policy 5.34 (1)(d), Possession of Pornographic Materials.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until June 1, 2008.

Recommendation
That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (1)(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. 07-281 ,to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools, be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2007-2008 academic year.

Attachment: EXPULSION CASE NO 07-281.pdf (Confidential Item)

22. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 07-412

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 07-412, is in violation of an accepted Expulsion Settlement Agreement for alternative school placement.  On May 16, 2007, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 07-412, violated School Board Policy 5.34 (1)(d), Fighting.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until July 30, 2008.

Recommendation
That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (1)(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. 07-412, to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools, be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2007-2008 academic year, until July 30 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Attachment: EXPULSION CASE NO 07-412.pdf (Confidential Item)

23. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 08-029

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-029, is in violation of an accepted Expulsion Settlement Agreement for alternative school placement.  On September 18, 2007, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-029, violated School Board Policy 5.322, 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 July 30, 2008.

Recommendation
That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (1)(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. 08-029, to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools, be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2007-2008 academic year, the 2008 summer session until July 30 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Attachment: EXPULSION CASE NO 08-029.pdf (Confidential Item)

24. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 08-204

Description

On January 17, 2008, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-204, 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     February 4, 2009.

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. 08-204, to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools, be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2007-2008 academic year, the 2008 summer session, until February 4 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Attachment: EXPULSION CASE NO 08-204.pdf (Confidential Item)

25. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 08-187

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-187, is in violation of an accepted Expulsion Settlement Agreement for alternative school placement.  On January 15, 2008, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-187, violated School Board Policy 5.34 (1)(d), Assault on School Personnel.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until January 30, 2009.

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. 08-187, to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools, be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2007-2008 academic year, the 2008 summer session until January 30 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Attachment: EXPULSION CASE NO 08-187.pdf (Confidential Item)

26. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 07-382

Description
The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 07-382, is in violation of an accepted Expulsion Settlement Agreement for alternative school placement.  On April 30, 2007, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 07-382, 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 May 30, 2008.

Recommendation
That in accordance with provisions of Sections 1006.07 (1)(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. 07-382, to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools, be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2007-2008 academic year.

Attachment: EXPULSION CASE NO.07-382.pdf (Confidential Item)

27. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 08-270

Description
On March 5, 2008, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-270, violated School Board Policy 5.32, Zero Tolerance (1)(e) Battery on a School Board Employee.  It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until May 31, 2009.

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. 08-270, to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools, be approved effective immediately for the remainder of the 2007-2008 academic year, the 2008 summer session, until May 31, of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Attachment: EXPULSION CASE NO.08-270.pdf (Confidential Item)

MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

28. APPROVAL TO AWARD BID #8042 FOR FENCE INSTALLATION AND REPAIR SERVICES

Description
Bids to provide 'Fence Installation and Repair Services' were received from seven vendors on February 27, 2008.  The bids of Florida Fence and U.S.A. Fence Company were the best low bids 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 capital budget allocated to the Facilities Services Department.

Recommendation

That the bids of Florida Fence and U.S.A. Fence Company, to provide 'Fence Installation and Repair Services' in an amount not to exceed $350,000.00, be approved for award and purchase.

 

Attachment: FenceInstallRpr8040Rec.pdf

29. APPROVAL TO AWARD BID #8050 FOR LAUREL NOKOMIS CAFETORIUM SOUND SYSTEM

Description

Bids to provide a 'Laurel Nokomis Cafetorium Sound System' were received from five vendors on February 13, 2008.  The bid of Pro Audio Services, Inc., was the best low bid meeting the advertised specifications.  The bid of Media Systems, Inc., was withdrawn.  This bid is for a period of one year with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods.  The funds for purchase are contained in the budget allocated to the Network Systems Department.

 

Recommendation

That the bid of Pro Audio Services, Inc., to provide a 'Laurel Nokomis Cafetorium Sound System' in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00, be approved for award and purchase.

Attachment: SoundSystemLN8050RecReAward.pdf

FACILITIES

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

Description
The Change Order(s) are summarized on the enclosure for ease of review.

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

Attachment: 031808 GAR CO1.pdf
Attachment: FSD-ChangeOrderSummary2008.pdf

31. ACCEPTANCE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION FOR PINE VIEW SCHOOL SITE IMPROVEMENTS

Description
The contractor has prepared the Certificate of Substantial Completion.  The project is substantially complete in accordance with the contract documents.   

Recommendation
That the work performed by Jon F. Swift, Inc., for Pine View School Site Improvements be accepted as substantially complete as of February 22, 2008.

Attachment: 031808 PV SUBCOM.pdf

CONSTRUCTION

32. 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 of review.  These change order(s) collectively total a reduction of $2,190,480.86 in contract amounts.

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

Attachment: BAIenc3-18-08CSD-COrev.pdf

FINANCE

33. RENEWAL OF PROPERTY INSURANCE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2008 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2009

Description

The district was presented with three (3) renewal options.  The first option attempted to duplicate the expiring program with a $47,500,000 insured loss limit and the second option offered a $100,000,000 insured loss limit.

Option #3 is a compromise between the two that provides an insured loss limit of $70,000,000 at a total cost of $2,676,500 (premium + regulatory charges).  It is recommended that the School Board approve Option #3 with a total cost of $2,676,560 ($2,650,000 premium + $26,560 regulatory charges).  It is the best compromise between expanded coverage and pricing that is within budget.  The selection of Option #3 will allow the district to purchase 47.37% higher loss limits with a 4.47% reduction in premium.  The district will no longer participate (self-fund) in the primary and secondary layers, which will result in lower cost in the event of a major property loss.

Recommendation
That the property insurance renewal effective May 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009, be approved as presented.

Attachment: Property Renewal 05_01_08.pdf

34. APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE A NEW POLICY, 6.88, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

Description
The State of Florida is requiring that we have this policy on our books.  We also must notify each employee of how his or her number is being used.

Recommendation
That the Board approve to advertise new policy, 6.88, Social Security numbers.

Attachment: Policy 6.88.pdf

Motions:
That the Board approve to advertise new policy, 6.88, Social Security numbers.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Carol Todd
Second: Frank Kovach
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

35. APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE THE REVISIONS TO SCHOOL BOARD POLICY 7.70, PURCHASING AND BIDDING

Description

The purchasing card program was previously approved by the School Board but the purchasing SBR was silent to their usage. So the rule is being updated to specifically address the use of purchasing cards.

Recommendation
That the Board approve to advertise the revisions to School Board Policy 7.70, Purchasing and Bidding.

Attachment: Policy 7.70.pdf

Motions:
That the Board approve to advertise the revisions to School Board Policy 7.70, Purchasing and Bidding.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Caroline Zucker
Second: Carol Todd
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

36. APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE NEW POLICY 5.372, STUDENT IDENTIFICATION BADGES

Description

Providing a safe learning environment for our students is the highest priority for the Sarasota School Board. By issuing a standardized photo identification card for each student will allow school personnel to identify students and verify that they are authorized to be on the school campus.

Recommendation

That the Board approve to advertise new policy 5.372, Student Identification.

 

Attachment: Policy 5.372.pdf

Motions:
That the Board approve to advertise new policy 5.372, Student Identification.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Caroline Zucker
Second: Frank Kovach
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

37. APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE REVISIONS TO SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #7.71: SELECTION POLICY FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION RELATED SERVICES

Description

On 8/7/2007 (Item #30), in accordance with policy, the Board appointed an Ad Hoc Review Committee (AHRC) for the professional services selection process.  The AHRC conducted their meetings from 11/2007 to 1/2008, two of which were with Board members at workshops on 12/11/2007 & 2/12/2008.  The proposed revisions outlined below are the AHRC's recommendations as a result of said meetings.

The proposed revisions involve two (2) items regarding School Board Policy #7.71 and the Professional Services Selection Committee (PSSC).  Item #1 pertains to the membership of the committee; Item #2 pertains to the application documents required when responding to "Request for Qualifications" (RFQ) legal advertisements for District projects.

 

MEMBERSHIP:  The revisions to restructure the PSSC are being proposed to reflect the current organizational structure of the District and to allow more flexibility in scheduling the required meetings. 

 

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:  A Professional Qualification Supplement (PQS) form was created specifically for Construction Manager applicants.  The existing PQS has been revised and streamlined for use by Architects/Consultants/Engineers.  This proposed new format should allow for easier completion of the form.

 

All other minor changes are intended to provide consistency in the instructions from one section to another or address technical changes in the statutes.

 

 

Recommendation

That the revisions to School Board Policy #7.71, "Selection Policy for Professional Construction Related Services", be approved to advertise as presented.     

 

 

 

Attachment: PolicyBodyOnly3-08 2.pdf
Attachment: AppdxA-C3-08.pdf
Attachment: NewAppdxE3-08.pdf
Attachment: NewAppdxF3-08.pdf
Attachment: Memo - Ad Hoc Recommendatio.pdf
Attachment: NewAppdxD-G-H3-08.pdf

Motions:
That the revisions to School Board Policy #7.71, "Selection Policy for Professional Construction Related Services", be approved to advertise as presented.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Caroline Zucker
Second: Carol Todd
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Nay
Carol Todd	- Nay
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

38. APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE THE STUDENT PROGRESSION PLAN, 2008-09

Description

The 2008-09 Student Progression Plan has been revised to comply with updated statutes.

Recommendation
That the Board approve to advertise the revised 2008-09 Student Progression Plans for Elementary, Middle and High School.

Attachment: Draft08-09 Elem SPP .pdf
Attachment: Draft 08-09 MS SPP.pdf
Attachment: Draft 08-09 HS SPP.pdf

Motions:
That the Board approve to advertise the revised 2008-09 Student Progression Plans for Elementary, Middle and High School.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Carol Todd
Second: Frank Kovach
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

39. APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGES TO TOLEDO BLADE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Description

The School Board of Sarasota County is planning the construction of a new elementary school due to growth in the North Port area; therefore, it is necessary to change the elementary school attendance boundary lines to redistribute the student enrollment and assure the most appropriate housing of students. 

Recommendation
That the School Board approves the advertisement of the proposed boundary line changes to Toledo Blade Elementary School for the new North Port Elementary School "I" opening in August of 2009 as presented.

Attachment: Advertisement Legal Notice .pdf

Motions:
That the School Board approves the advertisement of the proposed boundary line changes to Toledo Blade Elementary School for the new North Port Elementary School "I" opening in August of 2009 as presented.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Caroline Zucker
Second: Carol Todd
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

40. APPROVAL OF PHASE III DRAWINGS FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL "I" PROJECT

Description
The estimated total project cost at Phase III is $36,000,000.00.  The current schedule meets the June 2009 project completion date.  Funds for this project are available in the capital projects budget.  These drawings are available for review at the Construction Services Department and one-half hour prior to the Board meeting.

Recommendation
That the Phase III Drawings for the Elementary School "I" project be approved as presented.

Motions:
That the Phase III Drawings for the Elementary School "I" project be approved as presented.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Caroline Zucker
Second: Carol Todd
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

41. APPROVAL OF PHASE III DRAWINGS FOR THE VENICE HIGH SCHOOL - WELLNESS CENTER PROJECT

Description
The Construction Manager's estimated cost for this construction at Phase III is $547,703.00.  Funds for this project are available as follows:  Approximately one-third from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, in the amount of $157,531.00; approximately one-third is contingent upon letters of commitment from various vendors for services provided, in the amount of $157,531.00 and the final third from the School Board, in the amount of $150,000.00.  An additional $83,000.00 is to come from the School Board for the re-siting cost of moving the Wellness Center clear of the upcoming new Venice High School project.  These drawings are available for review at the Construction Services Department and one-half hour prior to the Board meeting.

Recommendation
That the Phase III Drawings for the Venice High School - Wellness Center project be approved as presented.

Motions:
That the Phase III Drawings for the Venice High School - Wellness Center project be approved as presented.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Caroline Zucker
Second: Shirley Brown
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

42. APPROVAL/DENIAL OF THE CHARTER RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR THE SUNCOAST SCHOOL FOR INNOVATIVE STUDIES

Description
The Charter for the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies expires on June 30, 2008.  Pursuant to F.S. 1002.33 (8), the School Board must notify the school 90 days prior to the end of the contract if, due to statutory reasons, the Charter will not be renewed.  The school and district staff have provided the Board with data and comments related to the school's application at two previous workshops.  If the renewal application is approved, a new Charter will be negotiated and brought to the Board for approval.

Recommendation
That the Board approve/deny the Charter renewal application for the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies.

Motions:
That the Board approve/deny the Charter renewal application for the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Caroline Zucker
Second: Shirley Brown
Shirley Brown	- Aye
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Nay
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

43. ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS

Description
N/A

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: 

Board Member Shirley Brown - Informed the public that "Embracing Our Differences" will be having their opening (5th annual party in the park) on Sunday, March  30, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.  At sunset there will be a showing of Hairspray.  There has been 825 adults and 861 students that have submitted art pieces; forty-one in the local area.  

Submissions have come from twenty-nine states and thirty countries.  The program offers free bus trips for students to go and there has been a training where there were fifty-three teachers from Sarasota and nineteen from Manatee County.  There is also training on line at EmbracingOurDifferences.org.  Six thousand nine hundred and eighty-one students have already signed up to come to the program.  Five thousand seven hundred eight from Sarasota.  At the reception on the 25th there will be a $1000.00 check given to the best of show.  Have on good authority that this will be going to a Sarasota County student.   

 

Board Member Carol Todd – Today has been an incredibly difficult day and my comments are not easy to make.  However, I feel that as we as a Board begin to look into the future that we are going to face other incredibly difficult days and how to minimize the impact that our decisions have on the forty some students in this district and as a life-long educator and someone who has devoted thirty years to public education, I think the transition that this district may be faced with is an incredibly important transition and I think that we began a discussion at workshop; the discussion has been stalled.  For me as a Board member, I would like to see Dr. Norris to work with the person who is coming into this district and that we have a smooth transition from one Superintendent to another Superintendent.  I don’t know that I truly believe that an interim Superintendent best serves the district and secondly, that as we make this transition and going through the most difficult budget cuts today that the person coming into our district has experience and intimate knowledge of what we do in our district so as we work with that person next year that they are not learning, but that they know based on their experience with us.  Again, a difficult day; difficult comments to make.  They are couched in is what is best for the students in this district. 

 

Board Member Frank Kovach – And I share Dr. Todd’s concerns and you know that I have to say honestly, particularly after today, it is certainly not business as usual around Sarasota and I looked at the makeup of the workshop this morning and who was running it and I was a little bit concerned and I just am not really happy with the situation that is going on right now, and I know what how its entailed and I know what all the circumstances are, but I think that this School Board is in a really, really tough position and we are going to stay in that really, really tough position for a while, so I guess that’s I just share your concern and I share your frustration with what not knowing what the future lies and what the schedule is for the future and how do we get back moving forward again when I really don’t feel like we are moving forward right now.  I think everybody is sitting around waiting to see what happens, so just puts us on a really tough position.

 

Board Vice-Chair Caroline Zucker – While we are in a really difficult situation right now and nobody can deny that, we still have excellent staff in place.  I am not concerned.  I am concerned about what is happening to us from the budget cuts that have been taking place, but I am not concerned as to the leadership of the school system because of people like Scott Lempe and Lori White who as been around for god 30 years, who has intimate knowledge of the district and the same with Hal Nelson who is in charge of NeXt Generation Learning.  I see us as moving forward as a district.  If one person can impact a district that becomes unfunctional, we have a bigger problem if it takes only one person to leave here and we say we have a bad system and we are not going to succeed; we are in big trouble.  I would like to think that we have a great staff in place that can weather this and we will move forward.  Our problems are with our budget not with who is running this district right now. 

 

Board Member Shirley Brown – I echo what Mrs. Zucker said.  We have some very good staff; competent staff.  We are going to have to be looking at a twenty million dollar budget cut next year depending upon what happens in the legislature; what happens with the November election on the new referendum out there.  We may face even harder ones, but she is right, our district does not depend upon on the absence or presence of one person.  I think that we have seen a tremendous, I have since I have been on the Board, where we have moved forward in the district implementing the plan that the Board and Dr. Norris have adopted and the budget and you know we have run into a few bumps every now and then like a comment about Englewood Elementary that may get blown out of portion, but that is the first time we have really had a problem with something like that.  The public has been supportive basically of what we have been doing and I really trust in our staff and the way that we are working and going forward and regardless of what happens in the future whether Dr. Norris stays leaves, isn’t going to affect our overall rating of how we are going to run this district.  I think the Board has said what direction we want it to go in.  Our staff is working that way.  If anything I think we are in a better position to get there now even with these cuts that we are facing because we know where we want and I think the district as a whole knows and yes there are some uncertainties, but there is always uncertainties.  Every time the Legislature meets there is going to be some uncertainties and I think that is going to have a more of an affect on how this district runs after July 30 than anything else and I support the work that we have been doing and look forward to continuing.

 

Superintendent Dr. Norris – Wow!  Students maybe I can talk to you a little bit.  What you just heard the Board members talk about was code for Dr. Norris, please hurry up and resign.  We know you are having problems in your family and we know there are issues that may be affecting your family, but please hurry up and resign.  We would like to push you out of here.  You have worked your butt off for four years, but what you heard two of our Board members say was hurry up.  They didn’t say that when former Superintendent Wilma Hamilton resigned in August, but if I look for another job which I am trying to do for my family; to protect my family and for a number of very personal reasons, then it becomes this big awkward thing in March, so I find it incredible.  I have told you that I am not going to dilly dally.  I find this discussion the most incredible thing.  I believe Counsel Hardy would tell you that I have two years and three months remaining on my contract and yet my bosses are trying to push me out the door.  I just find it incredible. 

 

Board Member Carol Todd – Again I will reiterate that my comments were steeped in my experience in what as professional educator I feel is best for this district.  I think that we do have an incredible staff.  I think that we have one of the best staffs not only in the state, but in the country, but a crew does not captain a ship, and if Dr. Norris would like to stay then I think that he has a contract with this district and we move forward with that.  I think that we need to begin to be proactive and not reactive.

 

 

Board Member Frank Kovach – And I certainly agree with that and Gary I am sorry if you took it that way.  That is not the way I meant it.  I simply said that we need to know in which direction we are going and he is under contract and in my mind he is just as welcome to stay now as he was six months ago, but like I said we've got a serious problem with our budget right now and I have just got to say again I am very frustrated with the lack of direction from the Superintendent on our Budget.  It seems to be coming from staff and not the Superintendent and that is very frustrating.  I have never seen that before in the seven years I have been on the School Board, so thats was really more what my comments were about.  I am frustrated with the Budget.  I am frustrated about the lack of direction from the staff on the Budget and I am frustrated on lack of direction on what is going to happen with our Superintendent in the next six months or a year or two years and three months or however long is left on his contract.  That is all I was really looking for was some direction and I will just let it go at that.

44. ADJOURNMENT

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Minutes: 

The Chair adjourned the regular Board meeting at 4:20 p.m.

We certify that the foregoing minutes are a true account of the regular Board meeting held on March 18, 2008, and approved at the regular Board meeting on April 1, 2008.