THE SCHOOL BOARD OF ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA

UNAPPROVED MINUTES OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING

June 3, 2008

The School Board of Alachua County, Florida, met in regular session duly called at 6 p.m. in the Boardroom, 620 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida. Present were: Janie Williams, Chairman; Tina Pinkoson, Vice-Chairman; Ginger Childs, F. Wesley Eubank, and Eileen F. Roy, members; W. Daniel Boyd, Jr., Superintendent; and James F. Lang, attorney for the Board.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Williams, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mrs. Roy reviewed some of her comments from the May 13, 2008, Informal Board meeting, and the May 20, 2008, Board meeting, stating that many of them had been omitted from the minutes. [See Supplementary Minutes Book.] Motion by Mrs. Pinkoson Seconded by Mr. Eubank Moved to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2008, Board Meeting; the May 7, 2008, Budget Workshop; and the May 13, 2008, Informal Board Meeting, as presented. Motion by Mrs. Roy Moved to amend the motion to include the changes she reported on the minutes of the May 13, 2008, Informal Board Meeting and the May 20, 2008, Board Meeting as presented. Motion died for lack of a second. The question was called on the original motion. Upon Vote: Motion passed 3 – 2 Yes: Childs Eubank Pinkoson No: Roy Williams

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Chairman Williams announced deletion of Consent Agenda Item G.7, Bus Use Agreement With Florida Education Fund. Motion by Mr. Eubank Seconded by Mrs. Childs Moved to adopt the June 3, 2008, meeting agenda as amended. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0

BOARD MEMBER/ SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS	Mrs. Childs stated that she had recently visited schools, and she expressed her appreciation to everyone who helped make this a good school year.
RECOGNITION	The Board recognized the following Business Partners on receiving the Florida Commissioner of Education’s Business Recognition Award: University Athletic Association’s Office of Student Life, Goodwill Gators, and Progress Energy. It was reported that the O2b a Kid Again event raised about $45,000 for the Foundation, Volunteer Department, Teacher and Staff Recognition Programs, but more than half will go to classroom grants.
CITIZEN INPUT	A citizen addressed the Board with concern about the Black graduation rate, reports of unused national school breakfast money, and school priorities. A Wiles Elementary school nurse addressed the Board, expressing satisfaction with her job and her hope that nurse positions will be restored. A middle school teacher spoke against the CROP program being instituted in middle schools, stating that high school teachers do not like it, and its intent is being abused by students. A Buchholz High School nurse reported that nurses have offered their assistance to educate the community on the proposed millage increase, if the nursing program is intact next year. She encouraged reaching out to the business community and consideration of using professional fundraisers.
CONSENT AGENDA	Motion by Mrs. Childs Seconded by Mr. Eubank Moved the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the Consent Agenda as described in items 1-16, with the deletion of 7.B., Bus Use Agreement With the Florida Education Fund. The Chair noted that Mrs. Roy has comments on Consent Items 8, 10 and 15. Mrs. Roy: · Concerning the Florida Learn and Serve Grant proposal (G.8.), she congratulated High Springs Community School on partnering second and seventh grade students with a school in South Africa. · Spoke against renewal of the Credit Retrieval Options Program (G.10.), believing it is not a beneficial program for students, though it may save money. · Pointed out a discrepancy in a letter from Mr. Ed Gable, Executive Director, Facilities, concerning Leasing and Re-leasing portables (G.15.). She also stated that she has discussed with Mr. Gable and Mrs. Hollinger, the number of portables at under-enrolled schools. Motion by Mrs. Roy Mrs. Williams passed the gavel to Vice-Chairman Pinkoson Seconded by Mrs. Williams Moved to amend the motion by calling for a separate vote on Consent Agenda Item G.10., Credit Retrieval Contract with Educational Options, Inc. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion failed 2 – 3 Yes: Roy Williams No: Childs Eubank Pinkoson The gavel was passed back to Chairman Williams. The question was called on the original motion. Upon Vote: Motion passed 4 – 1 Yes: Childs Eubank Pinkoson Williams No: Roy
RESOLUTION NO. 08-03—APPROVING REFERENDUM LANGUAGE TO INCREASE AD VALOREM MILLAGE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT	Superintendent Boyd stated that this is a resolution directing the Alachua County Commission to place a measure on the ballot for the November 4, 2008, general election, with the electors within the school district to vote on the approval of an additional1 mill ad valorem tax for four years, pursuant to section 1011.73(2) F.S. (2007). He has worked with staff and Dr. Gunnar Paulson, ACEA President, to develop the following ballot question: Shall the Alachua County School District’s Ad Valorem millage be increased by a total of 1 mill for critical operating expenses, including funds to provide school nurses, maintain elementary music and art programs, middle school band programs, quality school library programs, elementary guidance programs and academic career/technical magnet programs and update classroom technology, to begin July 1, 2009, and end four years later, on June 30, 2013. Yes for Approval. No for Rejection. Motion by Mr. Eubank Seconded by Mrs. Pinkoson Moved the Superintendent’s recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 08-03 directing the Alachua County Commissioners to place a measure on the ballot for the November 4, 2008, general election for the electors within the School District to vote on the approval of an additional 1 mill ad valorem tax for four years pursuant to section 1011.73(2), Florida Statutes (2007). Mr. Eubank noted that on the ballot for both Leon and Pinellas Counties, language was included that stated there would be an oversight committee. He asked the Board’s thoughts on requesting one-half mill versus one mill. Mrs. Childs inquired about the other community ballot initiative that is being considered, stating that the Board needs to keep informed. Her opinion on the School Board’s millage is that the Community will either be for or against it, with no difference whether it is one mill or a half mill. Mr. Eubank stated that the Board needs to remain cognizant of the fact that even if the referendum passes, the millage will end in four years and the District will have to prepare for losing approximately $15 million dollars at that time. Mrs. Roy believes it is necessary to go with one mill, that one-half would not be sufficient. Mrs. Pinkoson stated that some citizens, including some County Commission members, still believe that the school district has been held harmless, as was stated prior to the Amendment One vote. Therefore, the District must do a good job of education on this ballot issue. She agrees that one-mill is required. She pointed out that the County referendum is most likely to be for land conservation and recreation and the schools would be left out. Mrs. Williams agreed with one mill. Regarding the point of the millage ending in four years, Mrs. Roy noted that some of the funds could be bonded to ‘soften’ any financial blow there might be at that time. Mr. Birkett confirmed that this would be possible. Referring to community concerns about the CHOICES program, Mr. Eubank stated that if the Board decides to set aside any millage funds, it must be made clear to the public. Dr. Paulson stressed the point that the millage is needed to ‘survive.’ He is concerned that setting aside funds would convey a wrong message to the public. Mr. Eubank expressed concern that whatever decisions are made, transparency in the ballot language is vital. There was general agreement. The proposed ballot language was read: Shall the Alachua County School District’s ad valorem millage be increased by a total of one mill, beginning July 1, 2009, and ending four years later on June 30, 2013, for critical operating expenses, including funds to provide school nurses; maintain elementary music and art programs, middle school band programs, quality school library programs, elementary guidance programs, and academic/career/technical magnet programs; and update classroom technology, with oversight by an independent citizens’ committee? Motion by Mr. Eubank Seconded by Mrs. Pinkoson Moved to amend the motion by rewording to include with oversight by an independent citizens committee. The question was called on the amendment to the motion. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0 The question was called on the original motion as amended. Upon Vote: Motion passed 5-0
CITIZEN INPUT	An employee of the district who spoke earlier against approval of middle school CROP, addressed the Board to emphasize her position. A teacher and parent of an Alachua County student addressed the Board in support of nurses in the schools.
BOARD MEMBER/ SUPERINTENDENT REQUESTS	Mrs. Roy: · Inquired what it would take to get the minutes to accurately reflect the Board meetings and asked if the minutes are being censored. She requested an answer. · Concerning the decision (10/17/06) to hire the City of Newberry Recreation Department to manage Diamond Sports Park (DSP), Mrs. Roy questioned why the contract was not renegotiated in a year, as stated by the Superintendent. She expressed concern that Newberry is getting benefit from DSP profits, not the school district. Dr. Boyd replied that Mr. Charley Wise, Curriculum Supervisor who oversees DSP, is developing a report for the Board that will include profit information. He reported positive public feedback regarding the Board’s purchase of DSP and urged the Board to continue the relationship with the City of Newberry. · Mrs. Roy stated that she asked the Superintendent at the last regular Board meeting why the contract with BCA energy consultant was not enforced for over a year. Dr. Boyd then responded by reading portions of a March 2008 email he had sent to Mrs. Roy. She stated that she is not satisfied with the response. · Mrs. Roy questioned why evidence contrary to the view of satisfactory energy conservation efforts was omitted from the minutes. She believed it was because it contradicted what was said by the Superintendent. Mr. Eubank expressed his confidence in the Superintendent and staff. He stated that reported energy savings of a neighboring county are not born out by DOE cost reporting. He reviewed differences in how their energy savings were calculated, compared to this District. Mrs. Childs: · Stated that energy conservation efforts are not just recent but have been ongoing for years. She expressed appreciation to District staff and also credited school personnel. · Objected to pursuing energy matters as if wrongdoing has occurred, which she feels is inappropriate and without basis. Would like to move on, perhaps revisiting the progress at a later time. Mrs. Pinkoson stated that the graduation rate is of utmost important to Board members, despite comments made during citizen input. Therefore, for a better understanding of the CROP program, she has requested that Deputy Superintendent Hollinger coordinate a presentation on CROP at an upcoming Board meeting. Mr. Eubank reviewed some graduation statistics from the DOE Website. Mrs. Roy stated that when broken down by minority, those statistics decline.
ADJOURNMENT	The Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.