1. Call to Order

Minutes: Chairman Janice Kershaw called the School Board meeting of September 23, 2008 to order at 5:30 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Minutes: 

Members Present: Larry Hughes, Robert Jordan, Janice Kershaw, Amy Kneessy, Dr. Barbara Murray

Chairman Janice Kershaw requested a moment of silence for Ian Bodine, a 5th grade student at Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary, who passed away unexpectedly.

6. Adoption of Agenda

Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri read the following changes into the agenda:

Proclamation Addition:
C-11.   Energy Conservation Pledge

Presentation Revision:
D-13.    Excellence in Technology Award

Consent Revisions
F-15.   Student Expulsions
F-16.   Annual Financial & Cost Reports for 2007-08
F-21.   Instructional Staff Recommendations
F-22.   Final Adoption of the 2008-2009 Strategic Plan with Priority Strategies

Information Additions
H-31.    Change Board policy 8660 Transportation by Private Vehicle

Staff Report
I-35.   Employee Voluntary Retirement Plans

Superintendent Report
L-38.   Report Regarding Funding Status

 

Motions:
Adopt the agenda of the Special School Board meeting of September 23, 2008 and its revisions.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Robert Jordan
Second: Barbara Murray
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

Motion Minutes: 

B. Middle School Programs/K-12

7. Recognition of District PRISM Scholar Winners

Minutes: 

Chairman Kershaw introduced Susan Lamm-Merritt, Assistant Professor of Education at Brevard Community College at the Melbourne Campus, and her students.

Dr. DiPatri introduced Beth Thedy, Director of Middle Schools Programs, who gave the Board some insight on the PRISM Scholar Recognition. She then introduced Dr. Jim Schott, Central Florida Pubic School Board Coalition, and Michael Miller, Vice President of Regions Bank.

Mr. Miller took this opportunity to thank Dr. DiPatri, Board Members, principals and teachers for their great support for improving math and science education within our schools in central Florida.

Ms. Thedy offered congratulations to the students listed in the agenda item for being recognized as the 2007-2008 PRISM Scholars for Brevard Public Schools. Each student will receive a certificate, $500 savings bond voucher, and for each year they continue to maintain the PRISM Scholar criteria they are eligible for another $500 savings bond voucher.

Dr. DiPatri thanked Dr. Schott, for revitalizing this program and Mr. Miller, for his involvement since its inception and it is truly a unique partnership of business and schools. He mentioned that the students have a dinner on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at SeaWorld where they will honor four of our teachers; two math and two science.

Ms. Kershaw noted how much we appreciate Mike Miller and the business community stepping forward. They are not just recognizing students in Brevard County but nine other counties that are in the Coalition.

 

C. School Food & Nutrition

8. Proclaim October 13-17, 2008 as National School Lunch Week

Attachment: NSLW 2008.pdf
Minutes: Wes Sumner, Director of District Communications, read a resolution proclaiming October 13-17, 2008 as National School Lunch Week.

Motions:
Adopt a resolution proclaiming the week of October 13-17, 2008 as National School Lunch Week.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Barbara Murray
Second: Robert Jordan
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye

C. Curriculum & Instruction

9. Proclaim October 12-18, 2008 as Mediation Week

Attachment: ProclamationMediation.pdf
Minutes: Wes Sumner, Director of District Communications, read a resolution proclaiming October 12-18, 2008 as Mediation Week.

Motions:
Approve the recommendation to proclaim October 12-18,2008 as Mediation Week.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Robert Jordan
Second: Larry Hughes
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

C. Exceptional Education

10. Disability History and Awareness Instruction Weeks

Attachment: 2008 Disability History and Awareness Instruction Weeks.pdf
Minutes: Wes Sumner, Director of District Communications, read a resolution proclaiming the first two weeks of October as Disability History and Awareness Instruction Weeks.

Motions:
Adopt the Resolution declaring the first two weeks in October as "Disability History and Awareness Weeks".	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Robert Jordan
Second: Larry Hughes
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

C. Facilities Services

11. Energy Conservation Pledge

Attachment: Proclamation with school board.pdf
Minutes: Wes Sumner, Director of District Communications, read a resolution proclaiming the School Board and administration of Brevard Public Schools have pledged their efforts toward saving energy and valuable resources.

Motions:
Adopt the Energy Conservation Proclamation.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Barbara Murray
Second: Amy Kneessy
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

D. District Communications

12. No Child Left Inside

Attachment: nochildleftinside.pdf
Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri introduced Keith Winsten, Executive Director of the Brevard Zoo, who gave the Board a presentation about "No Child Left Inside" which is a national movement to help families spend more quality time in the great outdoors and to encourage children to play outside.

Dr. DiPatri stated the district would work with Mr. Winsten to get the word out to the parents and students by means of the Employee Notebook, Parent Notebook, and web site connections.

Ms. Kershaw stated that this program is a welcomed amenity to the county.

D. Educational Technology

13. Excellence in Technology Award: A.T.T.A.I.N.(Achievements Through Technology and Innovation)

Attachment: Excellence in Technology Award.pdf
Attachment: BPS ATTAIN Excellence2.pdf
Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri introduced Steve Muzzy, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Technology and Matt Frey, Educational Training and Customer Service Manager, who gave a presentation on the details of the Excellence in Technology Award: A.T.T.A.I.N. (Achievements Through Technology and Innovation).

Ms. Kneessy questioned where in the curriculum do the students work on keyboarding. Mr. Frey and Lynn Spadaccini, Director of Elementary Programs, stated there are elements of keyboarding in the standards and would get back to her with the specifics. Ms. Kneessy stated she would like to see the district go above the minimum standard.

Ms. Kershaw suggested the applicants submit their portfolios electronically rather than a three ring binder.

 

 

14. Public Discussion

Minutes: 

The Chair reminded the public that there is a maximum allotted time of three minutes per speaker set aside for discussion. She also stated that the Board would not respond to issues this evening but the Superintendent would investigate the concerns and respond in a timely manner. The following person(s) addressed the Board:

1. Cyndi Ward Byars, Indialantic - Epi-pen policy concerns
2. Dan Bennett, BFT, Rockledge - Extended School Year
3. Brian Leander, Indialantic - Epi-pen policy concerns
4. Brian Blackwell, Indialantic - Epi-pen policy concerns
5. Reeder Ward, Melbourne - Epi-pen policy concerns
6. Kay Hess, Indialantic - Epi-pen policy concerns
7. Janet Eastman, BFT President, Rockledge - ESE Concerns
8. Melanie Henderson, Indialatic - Epi-pen policy concerns

F. Board Office/Superintendent

15. Student Expulsions

Attachment: Expulsions 09.23.08.pdf (Confidential Item)

F. Financial Services

16. Annual Financial & Cost Reports for 2007-08

Attachment: ESE 145 06-30-08.pdf
Attachment: ESE 348 6.30.08-2.pdf

17. School Recognition Bonuses

Attachment: award 2007-08.pdf

F. Purchasing & Warehouse

18. Surplus Property

Attachment: SEPT_23_08.pdf

19. Purchasing Bids, RFPs, RFQs, and Sales and Service Agreements

Attachment: 07-013BM Material and Installation of Toilet Partitions Option Year 2.pdf
Attachment: 08-003JJ Bid Award Recommendation Option 1.pdf

F. Human Resources

20. Support Staff Recommendations

Attachment: Support Staff 09-23-08.pdf

21. Instructional Staff Recommendations

Attachment: Instructional Staff 09-23-08.pdf
Attachment: ESOL 2008 September23.pdf

F. Area IV Superintendent

22. Satellite High School Field Trip - AFJROTC Students to Fly Aboard USAF HC-130 (Fixed-Wing Aircraft) at Patrick AFB, FL

23. Satellite High School Cross Country Teams to Attend the Great American Cross Country Festival in Hoover, AL

24. Consultant Agreement - Recruiting Realities, Inc. Presentation at Satellite High School

Attachment: Consultant Agreement-recruiting realities (2).pdf

F. Facilities Services

25. Payment of COP Debit Service with Impact Fees

Attachment: Sources and Uses 8-25-08.pdf

26. Maintenance Easement - Central Viera Community Assoc. Inc. - Viera High School Property

Attachment: Viera High School Maintenance Easement.pdf

F. Approval of Consent

27. Approval of Consent Agenda Item

Minutes: 

Ms. Kneessy requested from the Board that they address the concerns about the Epi-pen rule for those in the audience.

Ms. Kershaw stated that the Board had its standard protocol where the Superintendent will investigate and respond unless you wish to bring it up at Board Reports.

Mr. Jordan stated that Dr. DiPatri understands the importance and the Board does not have all the facts to answer the public at this time.

Motions:
Approval of consent items with the exception of those items pulled for discussion.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Robert Jordan
Second: Amy Kneessy
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

Motion Minutes: Dr. DiPatri took this opportunity to congratulate the instructional personnel listed under Item F-21.

F. School Choice

28. Final Adoption of the 2008-2009 Strategic Plan with Priority Strategies

Attachment: 08-09 Priorities.pdf
Attachment: 2008-09 New Goals.pdf
Attachment: 2008 - 09 Strategic Plan Document.pdf
Minutes: 

Dr. Murray pulled this item to express her concerns about the language about the increased instructional time. She stated that she was under the impression that the district was going to explore other examples throughout the country and the world and does not recall agreeing as a Board that we were going to do this and certainly not refining it to a percentage. She stated that she felt like a plucked chicken from reading her emails after the article from Florida Today quoted her and there was some confusion as to the context to which that statement was made. I made it very clear that the district was looking to explore the opportunities.

Ms. Kershaw stated she sent some alternate ideas to Vicki Mace.

Ms. Kneessy concurred with Dr. Murray. The only reason she agreed with the strategy is the district would look at alternative calendars that are 180 days.  She stated that she in no way agreed with an increase of 5% knowing the state of the economy and funding.

Mr. Jordan stated  he liked the wording in an email that was received to change it to: Examine and identify global standards including additional instructional time.

Mr. Hughes stated that both Dr. Murray and Ms Kneessy were correct. The goal was to look at what the opportunities are and see what we can come up with. It was not a commitment to a hard number of hard days by a hard date. He then requested the staff to rework this to what the Board had agreed on.

Discussion ensued between the Board and Dr. DiPatri to rework the proposed language strategy of 1.1.27. After some discussion the Board agreed to the following:

1.1.27 In pursuit of competing nationally/internationally and enhancing student performance, the district will study instructional time and identify global standards by June 30, 2010. 

Motions:
Approve the final 2008 - 2009 Strategic Plan, which includes priority strategies with the agreed upon changes to 1.1.27 - In pursuit of competing nationally/internationally and enhancing student performance, the district will study instructional time and identify global standards by June 30, 2010.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Barbara Murray
Second: Robert Jordan
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

F. Facilities Services

29. Redistricting Goals for New High School CCC

Minutes: 

Ms. Kershaw pulled this item to get some clarification as to why the ESE composition was not added to the goals since it is being looked at.

Ed Curry, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities, stated that it was not spelled out but it is being considered as part of the analysis in the selection of the boundaries.

Ms. Kershaw and Ms. Kneessy proposed to change the third criteria of the redistricting goals to state: Attempt to balance ethnic, ESE and economic diversity.

Motions:
Approve the following goals for the redistricting process for new High School CCC: 1. Balance capacity utilization at the affected schools. 2. Accommodate projected growth. 3. Attempt to balance ethnic , ESE and economic diversity. 4. Minimize disruption to current students. 5. Minimize transportation costs by creating compact, contiguous boundaries.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Amy Kneessy
Second: Larry Hughes
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

F. Project Management

30. Tentative Facilities Work Program for 2008/09 - 2012/13

Attachment: 10 Year CPF Plan FY 09-at 0%Gowth-1 75 mill--9-23-08.pdf
Attachment: 080813_COC Mtg Minutes.pdf
Attachment: 080923_Work_Plan_District_Report with PlanRationale.pdf
Minutes: 

Ms. Kershaw pulled this item on the sources and usage of funds and questioned the districts' COP debt is over one mil and how do we get that below one mil to maintain adherence to our policy.

Discussion ensued between the Board and district staff in regard to the COP debt being over one mil, possible change in the policy, putting in an amendment to the work program, and other concerns.

Dr. DiPatri stated the staff will go back to get the Board more information and he will call the Commissioner if he had to since it will be past the deadline of October 1, 2008.

Motions:
Table Item	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Robert Jordan
Second: Larry Hughes
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

Motion Minutes: 

Ms. Kershaw stated that should there be an issue with meeting the deadline of October 1, 2008, we could pull together a special meeting.
----------------------------------------
Chairman Kershaw call for a video presentation about Untied Way Campaign and our Be There campaign at 7:15 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 7:29 p.m.
----------------------------------------

 

Motions:
A motion to remove the table.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Larry Hughes
Second: Robert Jordan
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

Motion Minutes: This motion to remove the table was voted on before doing the Board Member reports.

Motions:
Authorize the Superintendent to approve and submit the Brevard County School District's Tentative Facilities Work Program for 2008/09 - 2012/13 to the Florida Department of Education as required by 1013.35 F.S.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Robert Jordan
Second: Larry Hughes
Larry Hughes	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Janice Kershaw	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye

H. Risk Management

31. Change Board Policy 8660 Transportation by Private Vehicle

Attachment: 8660 Transporation By Private Vehicle.pdf
Attachment: 8660 Transportation by Private Vehicle Strike Through.pdf
Minutes: 

Ms. Kneessy stated she was pleased to see this come before the Board but questioned if a permission slip is needed for all student traveling in a private vehicle.

Mark Langdorf, Director of Risk Management, stated that the current Board Policy does not require a permission slip.The change to the policy will require that a parent permission slip be completed  for all students traveling in a private vehicle which will make it consistent with state statute.

Ms. Kneessy requested a policy reference be included in Policy #8660, that the person driving the private vehicle get a background check.

Dr. Murray stated that she would like to see a background check done as they are with parent volunteers. Dr. Murray is concerned with student driving student to events and would like to know if there are any permission slips in place.

Mr. Langdorf  stated under the new policy there would be parent permission slips in place.

Discussion ensued between Ms. Kneessy, Dr. Murray, Dr. DiPatri, Mr. Langdorf and Andrea Alford, Director of District Security in regard to background checks, caravaning and other safety concerns about transportation in private vehicles.

 

H. Human Resources

32. Master Inservice Plan 2008-2009

Attachment: Alpha Index rev 8-29-08 for 0809.pdf
Attachment: Section 1 rev 2008.pdf

H. Exceptional Education

33. Agreement between the School Board of Brevard County and the School Board of Seminole County for the Purpose of Medicaid Administrative Claiming Activities

Attachment: MAC Agreement-SCSB2008-09.pdf

H. Area I Superintendent

34. Palm Bay High School Academy of Law and Public Safety Trip to Washington, D.C.

Attachment: Palm Bay High Law Academy - Washington DC Dec 2008.pdf

35. Staff Reports

Attachment: 403b Presentation - Update-9-23-08.pdf
Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri introduced Judy Preston, Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services and Jo Ann Clark, Director of Accounting Services, who gave a report to the Board in regard to Employee Voluntary Retirement Plans.

Dr. DiPatri stated the IRS changes to the Employee Voluntary Retirement Plans are not easy to understand but will attempt to make the changes clear and that the changes are beyond Board control.

A lengthy discussion took place between the Board, Dr. DiPatri, Ms. Preston and Ms. Clark in regard to having more local vendors for the employees to choose from, the concern of penalties, surrender fees, maintenance fees and IRS regulations that will be going into effect on January 1, 2009.

Board Members requested to either reconvene the 403b committee or task the district staff to make the list more inclusive and have more choices of vendor's with local representation.

 

36. Additional Public Presentations

Minutes: There were no additional public presentation.

37. Board Member Reports

Minutes: 

Before the Board Member reports, Chairman Kershaw stated she received information of a wrong formula used which brought the COP debt service and mils amount higher then the one mil in regard to the Tentative Facilities Work Program item. The Board went back to the Tentative Facilities Work Program item under items pulled for discussion.

There were no Board Member reports.

38. Superintendent's Report

Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri gave the Board an updated report in regard to the funding status of the district.

Dr. DiPatri informed the Board that at a recent meeting with Superintendents and the Commissioner, they asked about the calendar and make up days.The Commissioner stated that he would get additional information and guidance out within a week to ten days.

39. Adjournment

Minutes: 

The School Board meeting of September 23, 2008 was adjourned at 8:42 p.m.