THE SCHOOL BOARD OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA
UNAPPROVED MINUTES OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING
March 2, 1999
The School Board of Alachua County, Florida, met in regular session duly called at 7 p.m. in the Boardroom, 620 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida. Present were: Bill Cake, chairman; Barbara Sharpe, vice-chairman; Judy Brashear, Bev Carroll, and Chester Leathers, members; Lawrence L. Marazza, superintendent; and James F. Lang, attorney for the Board.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Cake, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
| APPROVAL OF MINUTES | Motion by Dr.
Leathers Seconded by Mrs. Sharpe Moved to approve the minutes of February 16, 1999, as presented. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| ADOPTION OF AGENDA | Motion by Mrs. Sharpe
Seconded by Mrs. Brashear Moved to adopt the agenda for the meeting of March 2, 1999, as presented. Delete Action Item B.2.i., Employee Case No. E-97-09; and add as Action Item B.2.j.(1), Student Case No. 99-18-X. Pull Consent Agenda Item C.8., Resolution Approving the Corporation and Financing for the One Room School House, Inc., and add it as Action Item B.2.n. The question was called on the agenda as amended. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS/ DISCUSSION |
Board Members and
Superintendent Marazza extended their condolences to
Chairman Bill Cake and his family on the recent loss of
his mother and presented him with a donation to the First
Presbyterian Church of McIntosh in her memory. Board members announced upcoming events and recent activities attended. Mrs. Carroll requested the Board begin discussions with the Legislature to address the issue of including marching band, cheerleading, dance and flag teams to receive P.E. waivers. |
| RECOGNITION—ARTS IN THE SCHOOLS MONTH NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA |
Ms. Christiana Shaw,
supervisor, Fine Arts, announced that March is Arts in
the Schools month. The school district and community will
celebrate with many special events. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Betty Camp and Bruce McFadden of the Florida Museum of Natural History-Power Hall for creating and implementing the Children’s Natural History Art Gallery in partnership with the School Board. Also recognized was Louise Brown, art teacher at J. J. Finley Elementary School, who has served as the lead teacher for the program. |
| CITIZEN INPUT | The following
suggestions/recommendations were presented to the Board
for consideration:- An educational consultant distributed copies to the Board of the Florida Constitution dealing with education and information on the vocational/math ACT test, which prepares students for the job market.- A Williams Elementary School teacher provided the Board with information on the school facility, student population, and staff. The Board was urged to support: (1) neighborhood schools; (2) select a qualified principal and require the new principal to remain at Williams as long as the school is showing gains and achieving; (3) continue to maintain the facility renovations and upgrades; and (4) work in conjunction with the city to purchase the King Food Store located next to Williams Elementary.- A citizen urged the Board to review bus routes in order to decrease mileage and improve routes.- A teacher and several parents spoke in support of the Einstein Montessori School, Inc., which addresses the needs of dyslexic children.- The president of the Alachua County Education Association urged the Board to follow state law for establishing charter schools.- A citizen expressed concern that the proposed zone-line Plan for Elementary School "E" does not promote diversity, neighborhood concept or enhance parental involvement. The Board was also urged to better utilize the web site and provide citizens with updated information on a timely basis. |
| REPORTS-LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Superintendent Marazza noted
that two bills currently being considered for Alachua
County are Project PASS and the Leadership Academy. Dr. Leathers requested that the district’s legislative lobbyist, Joy Frank, pursue two new bills being proposed by Senator Holzendorf: The readiness to learn and the innovative incentive program for teachers. |
| ZONE-LINE PLAN FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL "E"—SECOND READING | Superintendent Marazza
reported that a public hearing was held February 2, 1999,
on the proposed zone-line plan for Elementary School
"E" and the Board was asked to consider several
modifications based on the input received. He recommended
the Board consider Modification Plan A, which allows
families in the Pepper Mill area the option of choosing
Elementary School "E," or to continue attending
Idylwild Elementary School. Dr. Mel Lucas, director, Research/Evaluation, reviewed Modification Plan A, which includes the areas of Pepper Mill, Dogwood, Pine Glade, Tower Village and Tower Oaks. These areas are currently zoned for Idylwild and are within a two-mile radius of Elementary School "E." The proposal is to adopt the zone line as originally proposed, but allow the families in the Pepper Mill area to have a choice to attend Elementary School "E," or to continue at Idylwild with school bus transportation provided if they choose to stay. He stated that this choice option would allow the district to rezone Pepper Mill in the future. If the zone lines were changed rather than offering the Pepper Mill area a choice, the district would be limited in its options in the future. Modification Plan A responds to legitimate concerns which were raised at the public hearing and would also provide additional diversity and a better mix of students for Elementary "E," but would still allow flexibility for a broader look at rezoning in the future. Dr. Lucas provided a review of the data and the impact of the modification based on the assumption that most families living in the Pepper Mill area would choose Elementary School "E." He pointed out that all families that are given the choice to attend Elementary School "E" in the Pepper Mill area must notify the district’s Zoning Office no later than March 26, 1999. The deadline is important in terms of staffing the school, ordering furniture and textbooks, etc. He noted the following conditions: - Families moving into the Pepper Mill area after March 26 must attend Idylwild Elementary School.- Families choosing Elementary School "E" cannot attend another school unless granted a zoning exemption to attend another school.- If the Pepper Mill area changes in zoning in the future, students that have chosen Elementary School "E" may continue attending "E" until they have completed the 5th grade. The original zone-line plan for Elementary School "E" would essentially remain the same with the exception of including the Pepper Mill area and also giving that area the option of attending "E." Students in the Pepper Mill area choosing to attend Elementary School "E" would walk to school since this area is within the two-mile radius of "E." The Safety-to-Life issue would need to be addressed in the future. Motion by Mrs. Carroll Seconded by Mrs. Sharpe Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to adopt the Zone-line Plan for Elementary School "E" as presented in Modification Plan A. Chairman Cake passed the gavel to Vice-Chairman Sharpe. Mrs. Carroll stated she supports the Pepper Mill area recommendation and requested the Board consider the following items: 1. Grandfathering 5th graders at Wiles, Hidden Oak, and Archer. 2. Zone Amelia Gardens (30 students) to "E." 3. Provide the same choice option to students in the Woodlawn area that
are zoned to Wiles (103 students) to attend Prairie View, which would
alleviate overcrowding at Wiles.
Dr. Leathers stated he is an advocate for neighborhood schools and feels that the suggestion to divide Wiles (K-2) and Elementary School "E" (3-5) is a good plan and would cause less change to occur. He noted that the strategic planning process will address districtwide zoning problems. Mr. Cake stated that the Board should guarantee neighborhood schools and agrees there is a need for diversity, and the Pepper Mill area will provide the diversity necessary within that neighborhood. He felt this area should be treated like any other area and suggested the Board consider zoning the Pepper Mill area into Elementary School "E." He recommended that students currently attending Idylwild be zoned to "E" with the option of continuing at Idylwild. Motion by Mr. Cake Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved to amend the motion to permanently zone the Pepper Mill area to Elementary School "E" and allow those students to have the choice of attending Idylwild Elementary School, with transportation provided to both schools. Mrs. Brashear stated she could not support the amendment due to insufficient time for consideration, and noted that the issue of neighborhood schools and a districtwide rezoning will be dealt with during the strategic planning process. She will vote in favor of the Superintendent’s recommendation. Mrs. Carroll agrees that staff has put a lot of extensive thought into Modification Plan A. She suggested that if families move into the Pepper Mill area later and spaces are available in Elementary School "E," zoning exceptions should be allowed. Mr. Cake stated that the Pepper Mill area would provide the diversity necessary for Elementary School "E," and he does not see why the Board would ever want to rezone the Pepper Mill area and send them elsewhere. Dr. Lucas explained that the Pepper Mill area is in the middle of four school zones and this area would allow the district the flexibility needed based on the area’s diversity when addressing districtwide zoning. He pointed out that current families would not be affected by rezoning in the future and these students would be guaranteed to continue through 5th grade at Elementary School "E." The question was called on the amendment. Upon Vote: Motion failed 4-1 No: Mr. Brashear Mrs. Carroll suggested that the Board should allow students in the Woodlawn area the option of attending their neighborhood school, Prairie View, to alleviate the overcrowding at Wiles. Mrs. Brashear is in favor of school choice, but preferred not to tie in Mrs. Carroll’s suggestion for students in the Woodlawn area. She suggested gathering additional data and feedback from the Woodlawn parents and possibly allowing these students zoning exceptions and noted this issue will be dealt with during the strategic planning process. Mrs. Brashear referred to the February data on the Title I economic survey, which indicated that Archer Community and Idylwild Elementary Schools will be impacted by the district’s rezoning. Archer is 73.25% Title I students and projections indicate this will increase by 2%. If one additional Title I student is enrolled, Archer will have the children to earn the extra funding, but it will be too late to get it. She requested the school district do whatever it can to assist Archer Community School. Dr. Leathers stated he could not support the recommendation. Motion by Mrs. Carroll Seconded by Mrs. Brashear Moved to amend Modification Plan A to grandfather in 5th graders at Wiles, Hidden Oak, and Archer Community Elementary schools. The Board was informed that 80 students would have the grand-fathering option, but the families would be required to provide the transportation. Upon Vote: Motion passed 3-2 Yes: Mrs. Brashear Superintendent Marazza stated that it is important in any discussions regarding zoning that the Board understands that Elementary School "E" was built to alleviate overcrowding in this area. Board policy addresses racial balance and refers to neighborhood schools, which will be a top priority during the strategic planning process. The question was called on the original motion as amended. Upon Vote: Motion passed 3-2 Yes: Mrs. Brashear Vice-Chairman Sharpe returned the gavel to Chairman Cake. The Board agreed to address the Master Plan presentation for Sidney Lanier Center as this time. |
| MASTER PLAN PRESENTATION FOR PROJECT SBAC CA630—SIDNEY LANIER CENTER MASTER PLAN | Motion by Mrs. Sharpe
Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the master plan prepared by The Rickman Partnership, Inc., Gainesville, Florida, as presented. The principal, staff and parents spoke in support of the Sidney Lanier Center Master Plan. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 The Board took a break and reconvened. |
| SCHOOL CALENDARS FOR 1999-2000 AND 2000-2001 SCHOOL YEARS | Motion by Mrs.
Carroll Seconded by Dr. Leathers Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to adopt the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 school calendars as presented. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| CHARTER SCHOOL
APPLICATIONS— THE ALACHUA LEARNING CENTER, INC. |
Motion by Dr.
Leathers Seconded by Mrs. Brashear Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the application for The Alachua Learning Center, Inc., in concept; authorize staff to develop a proposed charter contract; and schedule a public hearing on the proposed charter contract April 6, 1999, 7:30 p.m. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| THE EXPRESSIONS LEARNING ARTS ACADEMY, INC. | Motion by Mrs.
Carroll Seconded by Mrs. Brashear Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the application for The Expressions Learning Arts Academy, Inc., in concept; authorize staff to develop a proposed charter contract; and schedule a public hearing on the proposed charter contract April 6, 1999, 7:30 p.m. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| THE LOVE TO LEARN EDUCATIONAL CENTER, INC. | Motion by Dr.
Leathers Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the application for The Love to Learn Educational Center, Inc., in concept; authorize staff to develop a proposed charter contract; and schedule a public hearing on the proposed charter contract April 6, 1999, 7:30 p.m. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| THE EINSTEIN MONTESSORI SCHOOL, INC. | Motion by Mrs.
Carroll Seconded by Mrs. Sharpe Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the application for The Einstein Montessori School, Inc., in concept; authorize staff to develop a proposed charter contract; and schedule a public hearing on the proposed charter contract April 6, 1999, 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Brashear noted that due to a conflict of interest, she will abstain from voting and will fill out the proper paperwork. Her husband, Brashear & Associates, incorporated the school, and he may serve as their attorney. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 4-0 Superintendent Marazza requested the Board consider the possibility of a new position to handle charter school requirements. |
| SCHEDULE MEETING AND WORKSHOP | Motion by Mrs.
Carroll Seconded by Mrs. Sharpe Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to move the March 16, 1999, Board meeting to March 23, 1999. The Board will schedule a workshop in the future to discuss charter school applications. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| REVISIONS TO SCHOOL BOARD POLICY BCFC, SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCILS—FIRST READING | Dr. Dan Boyd, assistant
superintendent, Instruction, stated that changes are
being proposed to School Board Policy BCFC, School
Advisory Councils, in compliance with Florida System for
School Improvement and Accountability. Several changes,
which are pertinent to statute revisions and one change
pertinent to input received from School Advisory Councils
throughout the district have been incorporated. Motion by Mrs. Carroll Seconded by Mrs. Sharpe Moved to schedule a public hearing March 23, 1999, 7:30 p.m. to consider proposed revisions to Policy BCFC. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| BUDGET DEVELOP- MENT/TRIM CALENDAR | Motion by Mrs.
Brashear Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved to approve the 1999-2000 Budget Preparation Calendar and Tentative TRIM Calendar, establishing July 22, 1999, 3:00 p.m., as a special Board meeting for approval of the Tentative Budget for Advertising; July 29, 1999, 5:30 p.m., as a special Board meeting for the purpose of the Public Budget Hearing and adoption of the Tentative Budget and Millage; and September 7, 1999, 7:30 p.m. for the Public Hearing and adoption of the Final Budget and Millage. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| NEW/REVISED JOB DESCRIPTIONS—FIRST READING | Mrs. Faye Cake, assistant
superintendent, Human Resources, informed the Board that
this item involves adding two new job descriptions and
revising one job description. The Dispatcher job
description was inadvertently omitted from the job
description manual when it was revised and presented to
the Board in February, 1995. The Supervisor of Media and
Instructional Materials job description is a revision to
reflect changes in qualifications and performance
responsibilities. The Coordinator of Library/Information
Systems is a new job description to allow the shift of
automation duties from the current job responsibilities
of the Supervisor of Media. Motion by Mrs. Brashear Seconded by Mrs. Sharpe Moved to schedule a public hearing March 23, 1999, 7:30 p.m. to consider new/revised job descriptions. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| STUDENT CASE NO. 99-16-SB |
Mr. Tom Wittmer, staff
attorney, reported that the student is charged with a
serious breach of conduct on the school bus. The parent
did not request a hearing. Motion by Mrs. Sharpe Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to suspend the student from bus riding privileges through June 4, 1999. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| STUDENT CASE NO. 99-18-X |
Mr. Wittmer reported that
the student is charged with battery on a teacher. Motion by Mrs. Sharpe Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to extend the student’s suspension through March 23, 1999. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| PROPOSED SCHOOL HOURS—FIRST READING | Superintendent Marazza
stated that the proposed school hours reflect the current
school hours and Elementary School "E" will
have the same hours as Wiles Elementary School. Motion by Mrs. Sharpe Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved to schedule a public hearing April 6, 1999, 7:30 p.m. to consider the proposed school hours. Mrs. Brashear referred to a response in Superintendent Notes of February 5, 1999, to a Board member request regarding school hours with later starting times for high schools and earlier starting times for elementary schools and requested a copy be provided for each Board member for the public hearing. She also suggested this option be provided to school advisory councils for discussion. Chairman Cake requested Dr. Boyd review with high school principals the possibility of scheduling one English class as the last period for grades 10-12. Students would arrive one hour later and stay one hour later and would provide their own transportation. Mrs. Brashear suggested that SACs be given the opportunity to discuss staggering classes and options available. She suggested school bus transportation be provided in coordination with an elementary and a middle school. Dr. Boyd stated that he would discuss alternative schedules with principals and asked if the Board intends to provide transportation for these students. Mrs. Sharpe requested information on the financial implications involved and input from parents, principals and staff prior to making a decision. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| PILOT NURSING PROJECT FOR SPRING 1999 | Mr. John Dukes, assistant
superintendent, Student Support Services, stated that the
Pilot Nursing Project will provide for a full-time nurse
in each of six schools (Archer, Irby, Lake Forest,
Idylwild, Westwood and Kanapaha), one full-time floating
nurse to serve all schools, and medical equipment for all
schools. The project will be funded with Medicaid
Administrative Outreach dollars. Motion by Dr. Leathers Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the Pilot Nursing Project for Spring 1999. Mrs. Brashear stated concern about the expectations of this program continuing and noted that funding may not continue. Dr. Chambers informed the Board that it is anticipated the district will continue to receive this funding, but the amount of money in the future is in question. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| AMENDMENT TO SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS DOCUMENT, 1998-99, DISTRICT PLAN B—SECOND READING | Dr. Boyd reported that a
public hearing was held February 2, 1999, to consider
amendment to Special Programs and Procedures for
Exceptional Students Document, 1998-99, District Plan B. Motion by Mrs. Sharpe Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved the superintendent’s recommendation to adopt the amendment to Special Programs and Procedures for Exceptional Students Document, 1998-99, District Plan B as presented. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CORPORATION AND FINANCING FOR THE ONE ROOM SCHOOL HOUSE, INC. | Superintendent Marazza
informed the Board that liabilities may be incurred
related to pollution or deposits of hazardous waste on
the real property involved with the approval of the
corporation and financing of the One Room School House,
Inc. He informed the Board that staff has inspected the
property and report that there are no signs of pollution
or hazardous waste. Board Attorney Lang stated that he wanted to be sure that if the Board does accept title to the property that it does not take title to a piece of property that is polluted. He noted under the revenue procedure and financing, the One Room School House, Inc., will be allowed to get tax exempt financing, thus lower their interest rates, by having a governmental sponsor, or the School Board, agreeing to accept the title to the property once the debt is paid off. If the Board adopts the resolution, the Board may want to hold it contingent on confirmation that the district has inspected the property and found it to be free of any pollution. Mr. Neil Drake, principal, One Room School House, Inc., informed the Board that the property has already been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and has also been through the federal and state agency and will now be approved by the city zoning. Motion by Dr. Leathers Seconded by Mrs. Carroll Moved to adopt the resolution approving the corporation and financing for the One Room School House, Inc., facility project on NE 39 Avenue in Gainesville. During a lengthy discussion, the following concerns were noted by the Board, Mr. Lang and staff:
Mr. Lang suggested that adoption of the resolution be postponed allowing him to meet with Mr. Drake and staff to develop language the Board can accept, based on concerns expressed, for inclusion in the motion. The motion was withdrawn by the mover and seconder. Discussion followed with regard to the Board taking title to the property in the future. Mrs. Sharpe requested Mr. Lang incorporate all the Board’s concerns in the motion. |
| CONSENT AGENDA | Motion by Dr.
Leathers Seconded by Mrs. Sharpe Moved to approve the consent agenda as described in items 1-14, with the deletion of item 8. (See Supplementary Minutes Book.) The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 |
| ADJOURNMENT | The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m. |