VOL. XXI, PAGE 85 Inverness, Florida January 13, 2015 An Administrative Hearing and Regular Meeting were held at the District Services Center located at 1007 West Main Street, Inverness, Florida on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. Present: Sandra Sam Himmel Superintendent; Thomas Kennedy Chairman; Linda B. Powers Vice Chairman; School Board Members: Sandra Balfour, Virginia Bryant, Douglas A. Dodd; and R. Wesley Bradshaw, School Board Attorney. ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING The Administrative Hearing was cancelled. REGULAR MEETING Chairman Kennedy opened the Regular Meeting at 4:00 p.m. Citrus Springs Middle School Bell Choir, under the direction of Mayol Gutierrez, played the National Anthem followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. ADOPTION OF AGENDA AS RECOMMENDED BY SUPERINTENDENT Chairman Kennedy requested the addition of a discussion and update on impact fees before Attorney, Legal Matters. Linda Powers moved adoption of agenda as recommended by the Superintendent with the addition of a discussion and update on impact fees; seconded by Sandra Balfour and carried unanimously. CITIZEN COMMENTS None at this time. APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA (Recognition of donations) Sandra Balfour moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Douglas Dodd and carried unanimously. BUSINESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES, KENNY BLOCKER A. Facilities and Construction, Alan Burcaw 2) Approved advertising for bids for Citrus Springs Middle School Reroofing (copy in supplemental file) Alan Burcaw, Director of Facilities and Construction, provided clarification as to the type of warranty this shingled reroofing project would have. Linda Powers shared her concerns with the length of warranties on shingled roofs versus metal roofs. She was pleased to hear that shingled roofs now have a better, extended warranty.
VOL. XXI, PAGE 86 Linda Powers moved to approve advertising for bids for Citrus Springs Middle School Reroofing; seconded by Sandra Balfour and carried unanimously. 3) Inverness Middle School Kitchen Renovation and Remodel (copy in supplemental file) a) Approved sole source recommendations b) Approved advertising for bids for Inverness Middle School Kitchen Renovation and Remodel Alan Burcaw gave a brief overview of the type of remodeling and renovations to be done at the Inverness Middle School (IMS). Linda Powers spoke of her experience of working at IMS during lunch duty. She felt these much needed renovations were not only for functionality purposes but also for the safety of the students. Douglas Dodd asked and received clarification on the advertising timeline for this project. Mr. Dodd also inquired whether local businesses would be bidding. Chairman Kennedy responded with a brief explanation of the process and how the Board generally prefers to hire local businesses when possible. Sandra Balfour moved to approve sole source recommendations and approve advertising for bids for Inverness Middle School Kitchen Renovation and Remodel; seconded Linda Powers and carried unanimously. B. Finance 3) Approved Budget Amendment #3 November 2014 (copy in supplemental file) Linda Powers moved to approve Budget Amendment #3 November 2014; seconded by Virginia Bryant and carried unanimously. D. Human Resources, Jonny Bishop Approved Instructional and Support Recommendations (copy in supplemental file) Douglas Dodd moved to approve Instructional and Support Recommendations; seconded by Sandra Balfour and carried unanimously. F. Risk Management, Cheri Cernich Approved the process to address the Affordable Care Act mandate for variable employees (substitutes, variable instructional) (copy in supplemental file) Cheri Cernich, Director of Risk Management, requested approval of the process to address the Affordable Care Act mandate and for the Board to select Option 1 or Option 2.
VOL. XXI, PAGE 87 Virginia Bryant moved to approve the process to address the Affordable Care Act mandate for variable employees (substitutes, variable instructional); seconded by Douglas Dodd. Cheri Cernich reviewed the differences between Option 1 and Option 2. Following clarification, Mrs. Bryant moved to amend the motion to approve the process to address the Affordable Care Act mandate for variable employees (substitutes, variable instructional) and choosing Option 2; Douglas Dodd seconded the revised motion and carried unanimously. G. Budget Update Kenny Blocker, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Support Services, distributed and reviewed the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). (Copy in supplemental file) FTE Forecast update for 2015-16 will be placed on the January workshop agenda. SCHOOL OPERATIONS, MIKE MULLEN A. Educational Services, Mark Klauder 2) Approved to advertise for a Public Hearing at the March 10, 2015 School Board Meeting to receive public comment on the recommended materials for our 2015-16 Instructional Materials Adoption (copy in supplemental file) Dr. Mike Geddes, Director of Technology, outlined the adoption process for Citrus County Schools for various instructional materials and the rubrics process. Dr. Geddes mentioned the new legislative changes and advertising mandates for a Public Hearing. Sandra Balfour moved to approve to advertise for a Public Hearing at the March 10, 2015 School Board Meeting to receive public comment on the recommended materials for our 2015-16 Instructional Materials Adoption; seconded by Virginia Bryant. Chairman Kennedy and Mrs. Powers shared how staff and community members can review proposed instructional materials. Mrs. Balfour questioned and received clarification that all instructional materials are on a fiveyear cycle. The vote was taken and carried unanimously. 4) Curriculum Update Mark Klauder, Executive Director, Educational Services, stated he had two items to share during the Curriculum update. The first item Mr. Klauder shared with the Board was information he and the Educational Services Department have gathered regarding the possibility of having an Environmental Center for grades K-8 in the Citrus County School District. He reflected on their visit to the John D. Floyd School of Environmental Science in Hernando County. Mr. Klauder spoke of specifics on staffing, curriculum and the facilities at this particular school. He inquired if the Board wanted to consider this type of school for Citrus County. Discussion and questions ensued.
VOL. XXI, PAGE 88 Chairman Kennedy paused this discussion for the 5:00 p.m. Presentations. PRESENTATION(S): 5:00 P.M. A. Superintendent s Making A Difference Award 1) Mary Mann, School Nurse, and Loretta Smith, Support Personnel, was nominated by CREST Lee Mulder, Principal of CREST, introduced Mary Mann and Loretta Smith the recipients of the Making A Difference Award. He asked Anita Moon, Assistant Principal of CREST, to read a parent letter of appreciation. Pat Scarcliff, a teacher at CREST, also spoke of the outstanding care these two women give to the students at CREST. 2) Tiffany Hengesbach, Instructional staff member, Re lynn Hamilton was nominated by Crystal River Primary School Donnie Brown, Principal of Crystal River Primary School, introduced Tiffany Hengesbach, Instructional staff, and Re lynn Hamilton, student, as she shared their experience in helping another student who was choking in the lunch room. 3) Susie Moncrief, Volunteer, was nominated by Forest Ridge Elementary School Laura Windham, Principal of Forest Ridge Elementary School, and Marsha Mullen, Instructional staff, shared the many accolades of volunteer, Susie Moncrief. who participates in the schools running program. B. Presentation and approval of Take Stock in Children 20 Years Proclamation of Service to youth in Florida Linda Powers recognized Pat Lancaster, Program Coordinator, and the Leadership Council for Take Stock in Children of Citrus County. Linda Powers read the Take Stock in Children Proclamation into the record. WHEREAS, Take Stock in Children, Florida s premier scholarship and mentoring program, will be celebrating its 20 th anniversary in 2015 starting January with National Mentoring Month. WHEREAS, established in 1995, the nonprofit organization Take Stock in Children provides at-risk and low-income students extensive support, motivation and accountability to ensure that they graduate from high school and pursue their postsecondary education goals; and
VOL. XXI, PAGE 89 WHEREAS, over the past 20 years, Take Stock in Children has served more than 24,000 students in 67 counties throughout Florida; and 42 students in Take Stock in Children of Citrus County and WHEREAS, the organization has more than $149 million in Florida Prepaid Foundation scholarship assets ensuring our students are college ready and college bound; and WHEREAS, Take Stock in Children collaborates with community leaders and business partners, as well as staff and key stakeholders to provide equal educational opportunities to all children despite their socio-economic status to break the cycle of poverty for Florida s children living in poverty; and WHEREAS, the organization promises scholars the support of a caring mentor, in-school support, college readiness services provided by college success coaches, and a 2 year college tuition scholarship upon high school graduation; and WHEREAS, Take Stock in Children graduates 96% of its student scholars from high school and 87% go on to pursue a post-secondary education, well over the national average; and WHEREAS, Take Stock in Children is to be commended for its commitment to developing confidence, pride, competence, hope and a sense of belonging among children; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The School Board of Citrus County, Florida, approves Resolution of The School Board of Citrus County, Florida, recognizing Take Stock in Children. A copy of this resolution is placed in the permanent records of this Board. Presented this 13th day of January, A.D. 2015. Thomas Kennedy Chairman of the Board Sandra Sam Himmel Superintendent of Schools Sandra Balfour moved to approve the Take Stock in Children 20 Year Proclamation of service to the youth in Florida; seconded by Douglas Dodd and carried unanimously. CITIZEN COMMENTS Public input was given by Victoria Smith, Citrus County Educational Association, regarding the Excel Program at Crystal River Middle School and the extra work on personnel. She also distributed an invitation to the Board Members to attend the 2015 Legislative Dinner being hosted by Hernando, Citrus and Sumter Counties 2015. Chairman Kennedy called for a short recess and reconvened the meeting at 5:34 p.m.
VOL. XXI, PAGE 90 4) Curriculum Update - continued Discussion and questions continued regarding the interest in an Environmental Science Center K-8 school. It was suggested that Homosassa Elementary School be considered due to the location. Board Members felt the first step would be to ask parents and community members for their input. The School Advisory Enhancement Council meetings would be a great opportunity to do this. Superintendent Himmel stated she would like staff to have the opportunity to research this initiative further. Sandra Balfour made a motion to offer staff the opportunity to explore options of a K-8 Environmental Science school with a focus on Stem Course Studies; seconded by Linda Powers and carried unanimously. APPROVED MINUTES Linda Powers moved to approve the minutes of the Due Process Hearing, Administrative Hearing and Regular Meeting of December 9, 2014; seconded by Sandra Balfour and carried unanimously. IMPACT FEE DISCUSSION Chairman Kennedy provided a review on what occurred after the School Board sent a letter to the Board of County Commission to consider a joint meeting for the discussion on impact fees which was denied. Officials from the City of Crystal River and the City of Inverness reached out to the School District in surprise that another governmental agency would deny a joint meeting request. The Chairman further outlined various meetings and discussions relative to this topic. He shared copies of a presentation he put together that showed many of the projects the District funded through impact fee dollars. Chairman Kennedy reiterated he was a strong supporter of impact fees and asked the Board members to state their opinion on this as well. Linda Powers stated why she felt it was important that the Board of County Commissioners meet with the School District and that this packet should be thoroughly reviewed. She strongly stated her opinion and felt these two governmental entities should be able to come together and work out a solution. Sandra Balfour felt the impact fee issues were more significant than people realized and there needed to a broad discussion. She stated she was also in support of impact fees. Virginia Bryant noted that Patricia Deutschman did a great article in the Citrus County Chronicle and the School Board s responsibility for the children. She stated that the County Commission and the School District should be equally responsible for the students and citizens of Citrus County. Douglas Dodd shared his disappointment that the School Board was not given the opportunity to meet with the Board of County Commissioners. He was concerned about the County Commissioners placing a moratorium on impact fees. Mr. Dodd stated he supports the impact fees and felt the County Commission should give some assurances to the
VOL. XXI, PAGE 91 School Board that funds are going to be available when needed. He felt it was important for the School District to have positive communications with other governmental agencies. All five Board Members were supportive of impact fees and all were very disappointed with the Board of County Commissioners for not being willing to meet. Chairman Kennedy felt the School Board needed to have a Workshop on this topic. Chairman Kennedy requested Attorney Bradshaw to update the Board on Concurrency and the Inter-local Agreement between the County Commission and the School Board. Attorney Bradshaw shared that pursuant to Florida Statute 163.3180 no longer mandates that Concurrency be part of the Inter-local Agreement. He stated that the Board of County Commission voted to have it removed from the Inter-local Agreement. Mr. Bradshaw explained that an Interlocal Agreement is mandated pursuant to Florida Statute 163.3177, between the School Board, the Board of County Commission and the two cities within the County. This agreement has several factors that must be included so all parties can discuss the infrastructure in schools and coordinate this process. The County Commission sent Attorney Bradshaw a draft of a revised Inter-local Agreement that he and Chuck Dixon, Director of Planning & Growth Management, are in the process of modifying before sending it back to the County. ATTORNEY, LEGAL MATTERS Attorney Bradshaw requested an Attorney/Client Conference for January 27, 2015 at 10:05 a.m. during the Special Meeting. This conference is in pursuant to Florida Statute 286.011(8) to gain advice concerning the pending litigation between the Citrus County School Board and the Regions Bank, Montgomery, Alabama case. Subject matter of the meeting shall be confined to settlement negotiations or strategy sessions related to litigations and expenditures. Conference will be recorded by a certified court reporter; no portion of the meeting shall be off the record. The transcript will be part of the public record upon the conclusion of the litigation. BOARD MEMBERS COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT NEEDS TO COME BEFORE THE SCHOOL BOARD Mike Mullen, Assistant Superintendent of School Operations, requested Mark Klauder be allowed to come forward at this time with his second item. Mr. Klauder shared that he received a request from the Veterans Foreign Wars Post #8189 and American Legion, Blanton-Thompson Post #155 that was made to the District regarding Operation American Program. Chairman Kennedy asked Attorney Bradshaw to provide his legal opinion. He explained this would violate the establishment clause and had no legal objection to this organization to request a Facilities Use Agreement. Their direction was for Mr. Klauder to draft a letter in response to this request.
VOL. XXI, PAGE 92 Douglas Dodd referenced the Safety Committee meeting he recently attended. The Committee discussed the safety issues at Middle School Road and U.S. 41. Mr. Dodd made a motion that the School Board send a letter to the Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation requesting that the redesign and signalization of Middle School Road and U.S. 41 be expedited due to increasing safety concerns for students, parents, employees and citizens; seconded by Virginia Bryant and carried unanimously. Doug Dodd requested a closed session discussion regarding the security cameras on campuses to be done in the near future. He stated he attended the School Advisory Enhancement Council Meetings at Citrus High School and Inverness Primary School. Virginia Bryant attended the School Advisory Enhancement Council Meeting at Citrus Springs Elementary School. She will be unable to attend the Galaxy of Stars because she will be attending a FSBIT conference. Sandra Balfour referenced a program being done at Crystal River Middle School called the Home Work Dinner Survey. She felt it was a great program and has been very successful. Mrs. Balfour shared that many schools have testing going on at this time and she mentioned how impressed she was with the staff and leadership that are doing everything possible to make this a successful time for the students. Linda Powers will be attending CPR training on February 25, 2015. She mentioned that the Volunteer Mentor course will be taught on January 16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and also on February 13, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the District Office. Mrs. Powers followed up with Mr. Dodd to be sure he was getting answers to the questions he raised at the last meeting. He responded he was. She reminded the Board that a workshop would still be needed to share information from the Florida School Board Association Joint Conference. Mrs. Powers also mentioned that a workshop was still needed to discuss the Advertising policy and Public Input policy. She shared that she would be observing a Science class at Inverness Middle School. Chairman Kennedy distributed and reviewed the Citrus County School Board Annual Calendar. He stressed that this was a calendar of the Board activities. He shared that he would like to have the discussion of Policy 2.22, Goal Setting and the Florida School Board Association information session in the upstairs conference room after the regular February workshop. Staff can be dismissed. Linda Powers suggested that one of the roles of the Vice Chairman could be to follow up with responses to requests/questions discussed in meetings. Discussion ensued on having an Executive Session to discuss safety and security issues at the February workshop. Kenny Blocker inquired who would be allowed to come to this meeting.
VOL. XXI, PAGE 93 Chairman Kennedy felt the Administrative team and the School Board members should be included. Superintendent Himmel mentioned in the past a group from the Sheriff s Department has come to share their suggestions. Douglas Dodd inquired and received confirmation regarding the timeline for the District Strategic plan. Chairman Kennedy referenced the MGT Study that the District uses as a guideline when considering what/when projects need to be done. He stated that all the Board members should have a copy of that study. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Kennedy adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:08 p.m. Chairman Superintendent ATTACHMENT A Business and Support Services, Kenny Blocker A. Facilities and Construction, Alan Burcaw 1) Approved Pre-Qualification of Contractors for Educational Facilities (copy in supplemental file) B. Finance 1) Approved piggyback of Seminole State College RFP 14-05-02 Plan Review, Permitting and Inspection Services (copy in supplemental file) 2) Approved award of Bid #2015-09 Commercial Electrical Services to Central Florida Electric of Ocala, LLC (copy in supplemental file) C. Food Services, Roy Pistone Approved vending contract with Florida Fresh Vending & Micro Markets (copy in supplemental file) E. Planning and Growth Management, Chuck Dixon Approved and execute quit-claim deed to the Board of County Commissioners of Citrus County, FL for the access road to the Floral City Elementary Wastewater Treatment Plant site (copy in supplemental file) School Operations, Mike Mullen A. Educational Services, Mark Klauder 1) Approved 2014-15 School Volunteers (copy in supplemental file) 3) Approved the Memorandum of Agreement between the School Board of Citrus County (SBCC) and the School Board of Seminole County (SBSC) for the enrollment of SBCC students in SBSC s Virtual School Programs (copy in supplemental file)
VOL. XXI, PAGE 94 B. Other Requests 1) Approved Out-of-State Travel request for Denise Willis to attend the Council on Occupational Education (COE) Winter Committee Meeting in Hilton Head, South Carolina from February 20-24, 2015 (copy in supplemental file)