1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/MOMENTS OF PRIDE

Description

Recognition of MaryEllen Byrne, selected as Florida Council of Exceptional Children Teacher of the Year - Sonia Figaredo-Alberts

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: Marya Fairchild, Assistant Principal, Emma E. Booker introduced MaryEllen Byrne.

2. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Description

Energy Management Update and special recognition of Lamarque Elementary - Lori White

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: 

Alisha Miller and Jon Hampton gave the update on Energy management.  Presented Sally Mancheno, Principal, Lamarque Elementary, the Energy Star Award. 

Board Chair Caroline Zucker recognized the CYD STAR Students in the audience.

3. HEARING OF CITIZENS

Description
N/A

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: John Kampmann - Riverview High School Science Center Status of Fund Raising
Rosemary York - Parental Involvement in Education
Vidisha Patel - Parental Involvement
Paul Chapman - Parental Involvement
Anna Kastelik - Parental Involvement
Mark Zimmerman - Parental Involvement in Education

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: Kathy Kleinlein
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Description
N/A

Recommendation
N/A

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: 11-18-08.pdf
Attachment: 11-18-08add1.pdf
Attachment: November 18, 2008 Addendum .pdf
Attachment: 11-18-08add3.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 November 18.pdf (Confidential Item)

AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTS

9. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN SARASOTA YMCA-TRIAD PROGRAM AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY

Description
This amendment is to correct an erroneous rule cited in the agreement.

Recommendation
That the amendment be approved as presented.

Attachment: Triad 08-09 amend.pdf

10. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN INFINITY, INC. AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY

Description
This amendment is to correct an erroneous rule cited in agreement.

Recommendation
That the amendment be approved as presented.

Attachment: Infinity MS 08-09 Amend.pdf

11. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL CONTRACT BETWEEN !A+TUTOR U AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (SES) FOR 2008-2009

Description

!A+TUTOR U will provide tutoring services in either Reading/Language Arts or Mathematics as needed and requested either before or after school or weekends (parent/guardian preference).  The length of the tutoring session is 1 hour at a payment rate of $65.00 per hour/per student, not to exceed $1,012.00 per student.

Recommendation

That the financial contract between !A+TUTOR U and the School Board of Sarasota County for SES tutoring services be approved as presented.

12. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL CONTRACT BETWEEN A TO Z IN-HOME TUTORING, LLC AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR 2008-2009

Description

A TO Z IN-HOME TUTORING, LLC will provide tutoring services in either Reading/Language Arts or Mathematics as needed and requested either before or after school or weekends (parent/guardian preference). The length of tutoring session is 1 hour at a payment rate of $51.00 per hour/per student, not to exceed $1,012.00 per student.

Recommendation

That the financial contract between A TO Z IN HOME TUTORING, LLC and the School Board of Sarasota County for SES tutoring services be approved as presented.

Minutes: Positive Comment - Board member Carol Todd

13. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL CONTRACT BETWEEN A+ at JFK TUTORING AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR 2008-2009

Description

A+ at JFK TUTORING will provide tutoring services in either Reading/Language Arts or Mathematics as needed and requested either before or after school or weekends (parent/guardian preference). The length of tutoring session is 1 hour at a payment rate of $60.00 per hour/per student, not to exceed $1,012.00 per student.

Recommendation

That the financial contract between A+ at JFK TUTORING and the School Board of Sarasota County for SES tutoring services be approved as presented.

14. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL CONTRACT BETWEEN ACADEMY OF CHAMPIONS AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR 2008-2009

Description

ACADEMY OF CHAMPIONS will provide tutoring services in either Reading/Language Arts or Mathematics as needed and requested either before or after school or weekends (parent/guardian preference). The length of tutoring session is 1 hour at a payment rate of $50.00 per hour/per student, not to exceed $1,012.00 per student.

Recommendation
That the financial contract between ACADEMY OF CHAMPIONS and the School Board of Sarasota County for SES tutoring services be approved as presented.

15. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL CONTRACT BETWEEN CLUB Z! IN-HOME TUTORING SERVICES AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR 2008-2009

Description

CLUS Z! IN-HOME TUTORING SERVICES will provide tutoring services in either Reading/Language Arts or Mathematics as needed and requested either before or after school or weekends (parent/guardian preference). The length of tutoring session is 1 hour at a payment rate of $65.00 per hour/per student, not to exceed $1,012.00 per student.

Recommendation

That the financial contract between CLUB Z! IN-HOME TUTORING SERVICES and the School Board of Sarasota County for SES tutoring services be approved as presented.

16. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL CONTRACT BETWEEN MACEDONIA HUMAN SERVICES CULTURAL TRAIN CENTER, INC., AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR 2008-2009

Description

MACEDONIA HUMAN SERVICES CULTURAL TRAIN CENTER, INC. will provide tutoring services in either Reading/Language Arts or Mathematics as needed and requested either before or after school or weekends (parent/guardian preference). The length of tutoring session is 1 hour at a payment rate of $50.00 per hour per small group/$55.00 per hour per student, not to exceed $1,012.00 per student.

Recommendation

That the financial contract between MACEDONIA HUMAN SERVICES CULTURAL TRAIN CENTER, INC. and the School Board of Sarasota County for SES tutoring services be approved as presented.

17. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL CONTRACT BETWEEN SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES INC., AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR 2008-2009

Description

SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES INC. will provide tutoring services in either Reading/Language Arts or Mathematics as needed and requested either before or after school or weekends (parent/guardian preference). The length of tutoring session is 1 hour at a payment rate of $50.00 per hour per student, not to exceed $1,012.00 per student.

Recommendation

That the financial contract between SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES INC. and the School Board of Sarasota County be approved as presented.

GRANTS

18. APPROVAL OF THE TITLE I, PART A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Description
ENTITLEMENT: Grant funds in the amount of $277,786.56 will be used to address specific needs of our Schools in Need of Improvement and provide activities targeted to improve student achievement.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the Title I, Part A grant application.

Attachment: Title I.pdf

19. APPROVAL OF THE TITLE II, PART D ENHANCING EDUCATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR ALL SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOLS

Description

ENTITLEMENT: Grant funds of $49,148.71 will be used to provide technology integration training to teachers throughout the district.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the Title II, Part D Enhancing Education Through Technology grant application.

Attachment: EETT.pdf

20. APPROVAL OF THE WATER IS A CYCLE AND THE CIRCLE OF LIFE GRANT PROPOSAL TO THE SWFWMD SPLASH! PROGRAM FOR TUTTLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Description
COMPETITIVE: Grant funds of $2,559.62 will provide an integrated science and reading program for first and second graders to help them learn about the water cycle and that water is a valuable resource.

Recommendation

That the School Board of Sarasota County approve the Water is a Cycle and the Circle of Life grant proposal.

Attachment: SWFWMD Tuttle.pdf

EXPULSIONS

21. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 08-226

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-226 is in violation of an accepted Expulsion Settlement Agreement for alternative school placement.  On February 1, 2008, the student listed in Expulsion Case No. 08-226 violated School Board Policy 5.34, Fighting. It is the recommendation of the Superintendent that the student be expelled from the Sarasota County Schools until December 19, 2008.

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. 08-226 to expel the student referenced therein from the Sarasota County Schools be approved effective immediately until December 19 of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Attachment: Expulsion Case No. 08-226.pdf (Confidential Item)

22. APPROVAL OF EXPULSION CASE NO. 09-058

Description

The student listed in Expulsion Case No. 09-058 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 October 26, 2009.

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. 09-058 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 October 26 of the 2009-2010 academic year.

Attachment: Expulsion Case No. 09-058.pdf (Confidential Item)

MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

23. APPROVAL TO LEASE PRINT SHOP EQUIPMENT

Description
The Print Shop requests permission to replace the three Docutech digital copy machines leased from Xerox Corporation.  The equipment is five years old and needs to be updated.  The Print Shop currently produces 67 million impressions a year, operating 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.  The new equipment will increase print capacity by 20% and provide a lower cost per copy.  The projected cost is $37,964.38 a month for 72 months.  This results in an upgrade of equipment and printing capacity while saving approximately $700 per year over the current lease.  This equipment is contained on the Marion County School Board RFP #3029JD for 'Digital Multifunction Copiers' and includes sole source maintenance for a Bourg booklet maker.  The funds for this purchase are contained in the operating budget allocated to the Print Shop.

Recommendation
That the lease of Docutech equipment from Xerox Corporation, in the amount of $2,733,435 for a 72 month period, be approved for purchase.

Attachment: LeasePrintShopEquipmentRec.pdf

24. APPROVAL TO AWARD BID #9038 FOR BRUSH, TIMBER, AND RELATED FOLIAGE CLEARING SERVICES

Description
Bids to provide 'Brush, Timber, and Related Foliage Clearing Services' were received from ten vendors on October 21, 2008.  The bids of Jan's Grass and Garden Maintenance, Inc., and E Co Consultants, Inc., 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 Jan's Grass and Garden Maintenance, Inc., and E Co Consultants, Inc., to provide 'Brush, Timber, and Related Foliage Clearing Services' in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00, be approved for award and purchase.

Attachment: BrushTimberFoliage9038Rec.pdf

25. APPROVAL TO AWARD BID #9050 FOR FENCE INSTALLATION AND REPAIR SERVICES

Description
Bids to provide 'Fence Installation and Repair Services' were received from seven vendors on October 23, 2008.  The bids of Bodi & Associates, dba Fontanyi Fence and Florida Fence were the best low bids meeting the advertised specifications based on a sealed scenario.  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 Bodi & Associates, dba Fontanyi Fence and Florida Fence, to provide 'Fence Installation and Repair Services' in an amount not to exceed $350,000.00, be approved for award and purchase.

Attachment: FenceInstallRpr9050Rec.pdf

FACILITIES

26. ACCEPTANCE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION FOR THE BOOKER MIDDLE SCHOOL - SOFFIT & TRIM REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Description

The project manager 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 Facilities Services Department.

Recommendation
That the work performed by Jon F. Swift, Inc. for the Booker Middle School - Soffit & Trim Replacement project be accepted as substantially complete as of 10/8/2008.

Attachment: BAIenc11-18-08BkrMS-SoffitTrimRepSC-FSD.pdf

27. ACCEPTANCE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION FOR THE BRENTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS 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 Facilities Services Department.

Recommendation
That the work performed by Magnum Builders of Sarasota, Inc. for the Brentwood Elementary School - Parking Lot Improvements project be accepted as substantially complete as of 10/22/2008.

Attachment: BAIenc11-18-08BrntwdPrkgLotImpSC-FSD.pdf

28. 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 $6,939.60 in contract amounts.

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

Attachment: BAIenc11-18-08FSD-CO.pdf

CONSTRUCTION

29. APPROVAL OF ARCHITECT'S CONTRACT FOR THE NORTH PORT HIGH SCHOOL - EXPANDED DINING PROJECT

Description
The scope shall include design and construction administration for the referenced project.  The construction budget is estimated to be $900,000.00.  The added facility shall be designed for an approximate total of 5,000 square feet, to be located on the east side of the existing dining room.  This project shall also include two (2) new serving lines.  On 10/21/2008, (Item #28), the School Board authorized negotiations with this company.  On 10/22/2008, 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 $63,600.00, plus an allowance of $49,565.00 for additional services, which may or may not be required.  These two (2) figures produce a total contract amount of $113,165.00.  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 $1,200,000.00.  Funds for this project are available in the capital budget account.

Recommendation
That the architect's contract for the North Port High School - Expanded Dining project be approved as presented.

30. APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGER'S CONTRACT FOR THE NORTH PORT HIGH SCHOOL - EXPANDED DINING PROJECT

Description

The scope shall be to provide construction management services for the referenced project.  The added facility shall be designed for an approximate total of 5,000 square feet, to be located on the east side of the existing dining room.  This project shall also include two (2) new serving lines.  The construction budget is estimated to be $900,000.00.  On 10/21/2008 (Item #29), the Board authorized negotiations with the top-ranked firm.  On 10/29/2008, the Director of Construction Services and two (2) members of the Professional Services Selection Committee (PSSC) met with a representative of McIntyre Elwell & Strammer - General Contractors, Inc. to negotiate a contract for this project.  This contract covers the pre-construction and bidding services portion only for this project.  The contract for construction will be negotiated separately at a later date.  This contract amount is $8,000.00.  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 $1,200,000.00.  Funds for this project are available in the capital budget account.

Recommendation
That the construction manager's contract for the North Port High School - Expanded Dining project be approved as presented.

31. APPROVAL OF RANKING OF ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS 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 10/31/2008, the Professional Services Selection Committee (PSSC) met to select an architect/engineer 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 architects/engineers 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: BAIenc11-18-08LkvwAdminCafeWing100DP-RankSS.pdf

32. ACCEPTANCE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION FOR THE RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL - OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

Description

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

Recommendation

That the work performed by W.G. Mills, Inc. for the Riverview High School - Off-Site Improvements project be accepted as substantially complete as of 10/25/2008.

Attachment: BAIenc11-18-08RHS-OffSiteImpSC.pdf

33. 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 $529,579.00 in contract amounts.

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

Attachment: BAIenc11-18-08CSD-CO.pdf

FINANCE

34. APPROVAL OF THE 403(b) PLAN DOCUMENT FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS

Description
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires that every public education institution that offers 403(b) tax sheltered accounts adopt a plan document in a form approved by the IRS.  The school district must have an approved document before January 1, 2009, in order to maintain the plan qualified tax status.

Recommendation
That the School Board of Sarasota County adopt the 403(b) Plan Document for Public Education Organizations as presented.

Attachment: 403_b_ Plan Doc_memo 10_30_08.pdf
Attachment: Board Resolution_403_b_ Plan Adoption.pdf
Attachment: IBC Model Plan.pdf
Attachment: Sarasota_FL plan doc.pdf
Attachment: Sarasota_FL ADOPTION AGREEMENT.pdf

35. SUSPENSION OF BOARD MEETING AND CONVENING OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FINANCING CORPORATION FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA

Description
This annual meeting confirms and ratifies all actions taken by the officers and director of the corporation since its last meeting of the directors, and elects the Chairman as president and the Superintendent as Secretary and Treasurer.   

Recommendation
That the School Board meeting be temporarily suspended and the annual meeting of the financing Corporation for the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida be convened.

Motions:
That the School Board meeting be temporarily suspended and the annual meeting of the financing Corporation for the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida be convened.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Kathy Kleinlein
Second: Frank Kovach
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

36. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Description
N/A

Recommendation
That the Board elect Caroline Zucker as President of the Corporation and Lori White as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Corporation.

Motions:
That the Board elect Caroline Zucker as President of the Corporation and Lori White as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Corporation.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Kathy Kleinlein
Second: Frank Kovach
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

37. ADJOURNMENT FOR THE ANNUAL FINANCING CORPORATION MEETING AND TO RECONVENE THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Description
N/A

Recommendation
That this annual meeting of the Financing Corporation for the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida be adjourned.

Motions:
That this annual meeting of the Financing Corporation for the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida be adjourned.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Carol Todd
Second: Frank Kovach
Kathy Kleinlein	- Aye
Frank Kovach	- Aye
Carol Todd	- Aye
Caroline Zucker	- Aye

38. ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS

Description
N/A

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: Board member Frank Kovach stated he had some comments.  Just got sworn in for another four years so I am going to put on my helmet and take on some things.  I have in my hand the recent Bottom Line and since they do not allow for letters to the editor, I am going to provide my own comment.  First off would be don't believe everything you read in here.  They talk about the huge, talking about our budget discussion, they talk about not discussed was huge cost that attributed to what we will refer to in the coming days as Frank's Folly, Career and Technical Education.  That explains the pin I have that says CTE Frank's Folly because I wear it as a badge of honor.  They said that they sucked up millions of dollars from our budget.  It goes on to say what about the Sarasota District Schools Police Department; police force does it seem necessary. Apparently they are not concerned about CTE Education or School Safety.   Go back to our referendum, when we went out for the referendum in 2006, we made some very specific promises on what we would spend the 06 referendum dollars on.  There were 15 bullet points; four of them had to do with Career and Technical Education and I guess I have to remind the Union of what those promises were since we will be going back there in another year.  (Double the number of High School Career and Technical offerings so students graduate with 21st Century skills).  (Creating new Career and Technical High School with two campuses offering a special certificate for those completing a Technical Training Program).  (All high school students will be enrolled in Small Learning Communities in which students will have rigorous and relevant experience around their career interest).  (Finally, all 9th grade students will develop an education plan that includes a career pathway that they can follow from high school through post-secondary education).  When we go out in another year the community is going to hold us responsible for what we spent our referendum dollars on.  We have now spent almost $300M in the last six years of additional money.  I am not going to sit here and apologize for what we have done for Career and Technical Education or what we have done to make our students more safe and secure in our schools.  Speaking of misinformation, another one going out to the schools from Barry, wanting to know why we would upgrade a high-level administrative position, the one we approved today.  We upgraded it $15,000.  Then we just approved the COPS; we are going to spend over $300M in the next couple of years rebuilding schools.  I think an extra $15,000 to make sure the right person is in that job, is critical.  The other one says that the School Board made a decision to leave high school block scheduling in tact. The School Board doesn't make decisions at workshops.  We discussed it and there was no decision made.   As a matter of fact the newspaper even made that correction.  I did not see a correction in the Bottom Line; perhaps I missed it.  When I came on this School Board in 2000, I think I was elected for a very specific reason because our budget was a mess.  Here we are eight years later and I might add that I have voted against the majority of our budgets.  Here we are eight years later and we are not in any better position today than we were the day I was elected the first time and it was for the same reason.  We spend money that we don't have.  We spend money out of reserves.  We build budgets that we can't support with current income.  I am not going to stand back and get blasted by two people in the back of the room that think they have all the answers.  They are not our partners. They are a labor union.  A labor union is there to get increase salaries and better working conditions and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but they are not our partners.  They do not care about student achievement.  They don't care about the safety of our children apparently, and I think we ought to quit talking to them as though they are our partners.  They are a labor union just like the United Auto Workers are the partners for General Motors and Ford and we all know where General Motors and Ford is going.  Thank you and it is going to be a nice four years.  The last thing I had was the definition of insanity.  Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results and I think we need to quit doing things the same way.    
       

39. ADJOURNMENT

Description
N/A

Recommendation
N/A


Minutes: 

The Chair adjourned the regular Board meeting at 3:58 p.m.

We certify that the foregoing minutes are a true account of the regular Board meeting held on November 18, 2008, and approved at the regular Board meeting on December 9, 2008.