DUVAL COUNTY REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTESATTENDANCE AT THIS REGULAR MEETING OF THE DUVAL COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD WITH Dr. Nancy Snyder, Deputy Superintendent, Ms. Karen Chastain, Office of General Counsel, Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Chairman, Ms. Brenda A. Priestly Jackson, Vice Chairman, Ms. Kris Barnes, Member, Ms. Martha Barrett, Member, Ms. Betty Burney, Member, Ms. Vicki Drake, Member, and Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Member, present.
- CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Minutes: The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. - APPROVAL OF THE MAY 3, 2005, AGENDA
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Kristanna Barnes
Second: Martha Barrett
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye
- INVOCATION
Minutes: Deacon David MacNamara
Christ the King Catholic Church
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
Minutes: The Honorable Mia Jones, spoke in support of the Raines/
Ribault curriculum proposal. In 1981-82, we, as students, had the opportunity to transfer to Stanton to continue in the advanced placement/honors curriculum. Please support this program and I comments Board Members Burney and Priestly Jackson for their effort.
The Honorable Reggie Fullwood graduated from Paxon High School in 1993 and was is the advanced placement courses. We faced many challenges at Paxon during that time. There is an importance for Raines and Ribault to strive and have the advanced curriculum for those students in those communities. Mr. Fullwood urged the Board to support this item.
Mr. Bill White said that he has experience mentoring at Raines High School. He graduated from Englewood and his daughter attended all public schools at the beach. He has mentored at four different schools: Northwestern Middle, Mattie V. Rutherford, LaVilla School of the Arts and Raines High School. This project is a great idea. Raines and Ribault are good schools that need this curriculum for their students.
Ms. Brenda Kelly, assistant, read a letter of support regarding Raines and Ribault on behalf of the Honorable Councilwoman Gwen Yates.
Ms. Audrey Stripling, assistant, read a letter of support urging the Board to support this item for Raines and Ribault on behalf of Representative Audrey Gibson.
Mr. Jimmie Johnson, former Board member, addressed the item supporting Rains and Ribault. This will provide a quality of education for all students. Please support this item as we owe each child a higher quality of education.
The Honorable Pat Lockett-Felder fully supports the item for Raines and Ribault. Please make sure it's in your heart because it is all about the children.
Ms. Deborah Parsons, representing the Honorable Tony Hill, said on his behalf that he whole-heartedly supports adding these programs to Raines and Ribault. These students won't have to leave their communities to get the advanced placement courses at another school. Mr. Hill commends Board members Burney and Priestly Jackson for their dedication and effort.
Ms. Lydia Washington, a Duval County former student, spoke in honor of Superintendent John Fryer. Mr. Fryer gave her an opportunity for success and encourgement to make something of herself. She is presently a student at the University of Florida. Ms. Washington thanked the Board for allowing Mr. Fryer to touch her life.
Ms. Karen Bullard, parent of a child at Holiday Hill Elementary, a magnet school. Parents just learned that Mrs. Plank who teaches violin will be removed...why? Two students have been accepted at LaVilla next year due to this teacher's love and direction. How can low income children ever get this exposure and love for music elsewhere? Please keep the position at Holiday Hill and the other schools Mrs. Plank teaches at...the students need her. Please make your decision from your heart and think about the community. Please vote to keep these important violin lessons at this school.
Speaker:
Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
Mr. David Smith urged the Board to reconsider the 4X4 block scheduling for next year. Additionally, please include both students and parents' input when considering the next Superintendent for Duval County. Also, please consider a name change from Nathan B. Forrest High School to Scott Speicher High School - he's an appropriate role mode for both young and old citizens of Jacksonville.
Ms. Wendy Cunningham, son attends Susie Tolbert Elementary, because of the violin program and teacher, Mrs. Plank. The Spring Concernt is being held this evening and that's why there's not more parents here addressing this concern. Why weren't the parents informed from the five schools that Mrs. Plank teaches about this position cut? This will drastically affect every one of those students. Please give as many students as possible the opportunity to learn about the violin. Mrs. Plant is a wonderful teacher.
Pastor Bruce Havens, representing ICARE and pastor at Arlington Congregational Church, a coalition of 35 churches that have worked over the years with the School Board for justice and an effective education in our schools. We want to continue to help you by providing community input on educational issues. In the past, we have worked with you in terms of classroom behavior teaching programs, the foundation's CHAMPS program, In-School Suspension programs and with Direct Instruction. We sent each of you an invitation recently asking that you attend our public meeting on May 9th at Historic Mt. Zion AME at 7:00 pm. Only two have responded that they can not attend and I'm here to ask if the others will attend so that you can hear from the 500+ people who will be in attendance seeking to give input on issues of educational concern for our community.
Reverend Isaiah Rumlin, president of the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP, spoke in favor and support of the new programs at Raines and Ribault High Schools. We approve these programs and we encourage all parents of students who have transferred outside the northside, to return to your communities.
Ms. Amanda Siebert said she supports changing the name of Nathan B. Forrest High School to Scott Speicher High School. Additionally, I'm here tonight because you, as a Board, don't ever listen to anything I ever say; nothing is changing. What about putting politics into schools?
Mr. Dave Siebert said he's trying to endorse politics in schools. I have a radio show and I'm trying to get kids focused...to know the diffrence in right or wrong. You put newspapers in schools every day, but students don't have the reading or writing assignments. There are things going on in Jacksonville which are wrong...the Fuller Warren Bridge, for instance. Our students won't get the information they need in our local newspaper.
Ms. Martha McManus, Education Programs Manager at the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and I'm also here to represent the ACE Organization, which stands for "Arts for a Complete Education." As a Board, your support to the arts has been critical to education here in Duval County. Your support has encouraged a partnership with the University of North Florida and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC and that partnership was created to bring quality innovative teacher training to Duval County and to show teachers how they can use the arts across the curriculum. This year's training has expanded to a week-long program called "Arts for Learning/Tools for Teaching" and the Cultural Council is pleased to be able to join and support this program.
The ACE Coalition will also be sponsoring a Resource Market Place where local arts organiztions can talk to teachers.
These organizations provide opportunities for classrooms like field trips, in-school programs and lesson plans.
We want to thanks Nancy Broner who has agreed to close the workshop as our keynote speaker. We invite all Board members who'd like to observe a workshop for a day or the entire week, to give us a call. Please encourage the principals and teachers to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. We appreciate your support.
Ms. Olivia Gay-Davis, chair of the Education Committee of the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP, supports the program at Raines and Ribault High Schools. They are not magnet programs nor will these schools become magnet schools. We are urging parents to enroll their children at Raines or Ribault and return to your community. We must have quality staff members with in-service training. Thank you Board members Burney and Priestly Jackson for your efforts concerning our children.
Reverend Mark Griffin, pastor of Wayman Chapel, supports the curriculum enhancements at Raines and Ribault High Schools. We are a charter school at our church, but we support this curriculum for all of Jacksonville. This is outstanding and exciting especially for the African American community. Thank you Ms. Burney and Ms. Priestly Jackson. We have a School Board that is proactive. You will receive a strong level of support from our community.
Mr. Laurence Tunsill, Sr. congratulated Ms. Burney and Ms. Jackson for this plan regarding Raines and Ribault High Schools. I fully support it and urge you to pass it tonight. It is important for the selection of your next Superintendent and give serious consideration of an African American candidate as approximately 45% of the student population in Duval County is African American. We must be responsive to all students, both white and black.
Mr. Devin Reed supports the initiatives that are being put forth for Raines and Ribault. I am a proud graduate of William Raines and Ms. Priestly Jackson, a proud graduate of Eugene Ribault...we graduated the same year and we know the climate that existed at the time that we graduated. Mr. Jimmie Johnson, who spoke earlier, was my principal at Raines and I will never forget my senior year. I was enrolled in all advanced math courses leading up to my senior year and didn't need Calculus. Mr. Johnson came to me and told me that I needed that course for college, which I didn't agree. He, then went over my head and talked to my mother and she, then, vetoed my decision and I took Calculus. As a result of taking Calculus, I went on to the University of Florida and my first Calculus class, I made an "A" due to the background I had in high school. Please restore these courses for the students in that community...bring our brightest back to those schools. Thank you.
Mr. John Stoke, congratulated Dr. Snyder on her new position as Interim Superintendent. Thanked Ms. Barrett and Ms. Drake for the kind words they gave to the Baldwin Band members when they were at the Capitol performing last week. Mr. Stoke is here representing the Baldwin Band Booster Organizations. Thank you for taking the time to recognize Mr. Wilkerson and the Baldwin Middle/Senior High School Band. This band has grown from 18 to over 130 students and as a father, I am most proud. As a band parent, I'm excited about where this program is headed. As the Booster president, I'm impressed by the time and effort the parents put into this program. This past year, the Band Parent Association accounted for more than 13,000 volunteer hours. As a tax payer, I'm disappointed in Duval County. Our program get $2,700 per year from a Pepsi contract to fund all our events. Our average annual budget is excess of $50,000. This money is raised by the band parent fundraising efforts and, unfortunately, it is getting harder every year. My household alone donates more money to the success of this band program than the school system puts up every year. We, the Band Parent Association, would like for you to consider finding a way to fund these programs. These programs keep our children off the streets and these programs teach our children about the real world...corporate, military structure, discipline, patience, the joys of success and the woes of failure. These programs are what shape our children's futures.
Mr. Steve Effler distributed a copy of a survey and a letter to the Board. Mr. Effler thanked the School Board for this opportunity to express the community's concern about Sheffield Elementary. In October, 2004, a group of PTA and SAC members from Sheffield, Oceanway, San Mateo and Biscayne Elementary Schools, Oceanway Middle and First Coast High School, met with members of the Duval County School Board to discuss forming a committee to explore the overcrowding issues at Sheffield Elementary School. I was elected to lead this committee of 12 including faculty, staff and parents with School Board members' guidance. We have no control over the rapid growth in this area. How are we to best serve the children at Sheffield?
Ms. Shelia Andrews learned last Friday that her child who has a disability is now performing at a level of 117 on reading comprehension - up from a level of 44, three years ago. People have told me, "we're not miracle workers"; "it won't happy over night", but I tell you what, if you sit down one minute, the high goals you set for your children will not be achieved. I need you today; I'm here because I see too many African American children in Duval County falling along the wayside. The teachers and principals keep saying, "they are not miracle workers." I know that but teachers do work miracles because God made teachers just like he made you and I. Ms. Gloriann Floyd is here with me, mother of a third grader, Level 1 on the FCAT. I was told all children will learn to read between the ages 3-8 years of age. However, on the website for Reading First, it states, "If a child is not reading on grade level by the age of 8, that child will be 5.2 years behind her peers that were reading by the time they're 13." Guess where that places that child? In middle school and probably one of our challenged schools. What was good about the challenged schools this year? They taught strategies for children to use before reading, during reading, after reading...I cried because my child even knows how to outline a chapter and as a result, he can now read. I need you to give us control. I've call Dr. Nancy Snyder to meet with me. We want control with what is going on with our children. Don't tell us to go to the principals. Don't tell us to go to the regionals. We need the control and we need our children to learn. Thank you.
Ms. Eunice Barnum thanked Mr. Steve Hite and Dr. Levi McIntosh. When children are in 2-3 grades and can not read even though they are participating in the safety net programs, who holds people accountable when children are not successful? Who holds schools accountable when they are not making the grade? Who steps in and researches "why?" It hurts many black students and now that we're integrated, what is the problem? Everyone is taking home a paycheck, but the children are not learning.
Ms. Darlene Spann, PTA president at R. L. Brown Elementary School and a parent. It is very difficult to educate our children. My child moved from private school to a magnet school which was a culture shock. We had to struggle in order to catch up. Our children are not learning at the level they should be. Our daughter is a budding artist and an honor student. Many children fall into the cracks. We need to re-evaluate our programs and make the school system work. It must be for every child.
Ms. Gloriann Floyd said she came before the Board in February and that her daughter is still at Level 1. My daughter is a very intelligent student, but her teacher said she was unmotivated. This child loves going to school. Teachers should not tell children they are not motivated. There are differences between one teacher and another - a big difference in how they teach. What can this School Board and Dr. Levi McIntosh do to get my daughter ready for the 4th grade?
Comments from Parent Organizations
- COMMENTS FROM PARENT ORGANIZATIONS
Minutes: Rachel Raneri gave the following report:
Due to a scheduling conflict, the PTA Reflections reception is tonight, so I will report for both Duval County Council of PTA and District Advisory Council.
The Presidents and Principals Luncheon will be held next week, Wednesday, May 11th at 11:00 am at the Radisson Hotel. We hope you will all be able to attend.
If there are any PTAs that would like help with their year end activities, please contact County Council.
I would like to remind all principals that School Adivsory Council bylaws are due to Tom Welsh by Monday, May 9th. They should be sent electornically using the template available on the Research, Assessment and Evaluation website.
The District Advisory Council will not meet in May, but we hope to have an informative meeting on June 27th.
Comments from Employee Organizations
- COMMENTS FROM EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS
Minutes: Ms. Ruby George, Vice President, Duval Teachers United, thanked Dr. Nancy Snyder and Mr. John Fryer for working with us so collaboratively and we hope to continue in that vein for our children in Duval County.
Several concerns:
Standards-based Survey - we need to address this when Terrie
Brady returns from Tallahassee;
Training and mandates that are required and how we can bring relief to our teachers;
97-Day Dismissal - we understand what the statute states but some principals may be mishandling this. How other counties implement this and do it quite successfully.
Non-reappoints - the list keeps growing. We understand the Superintendent has the authority of appointments and reappointments. One region has a husband and wife are employed at the same school - we need to take another look at this; a young man came in from Alternative Certification, grade evaluation, good comments, ESE teacher received a non-reappoint due to talking out at a faculty meeting; vacancies at this particular school with two SED positions, EH, SLD and VE positions as of today - something is wrong.
Shared governance - we have contract language that spells out very succinctly the areas in which it should be used and yet, we have to constantly file grievances to ensure that it is being used properly. This is unacceptable. What is so difficult about shared governance?
We thank Dr. Hunter and her committee for reinstituting the Paperwork Reduction Committee; we're still killing trees.
We understand that we must always use best practices to move children forward, however, we want our teachers to be successful, also. Let's be honest with them and professional. We have teachers calling us about placement for overage students.
We applaud the Board with what they are doing with advanced placement at Raines and Ribault High Schools. We look forward to working collaboratively with Human Resources in
looking at the contract language.
We want to bring to the forefront the stress levels our teachers are telling us they are experiencing. We must do something about this...we have to. We thank Mrs. Reynolds and her division for the way they have stepped us and worked with us with our LTSs (Less Than Satisfactory);
people deserve a second chance. We want to thank Regions I and VI Superintendents for the way they have come forward to help us with some of the non-reappoints.
Thank you for listening and we look forward to working with you. Dr. Snyder, we look forward to having you in the pilot's chair and we hope to maintain that same "open door" policy that we've come to enjoy.
- PRESENTATION - BALDWIN'S BAND
Minutes: Dr. Nancy Snyder, Deputy Superintendent, introduced Mr. Charles Wright and welcomed him as the district's new Assistant Superintendent for Accountability.
Six years ago, the entire Baldwin Middle/Senior High School band would fill only the first row of seats in this auditorium. Today, the once 18-member band is now 130 strong and filling seats at the State Capitol. On April 21, the award-winning band was invited to perform in Tallahassee for Jacksonville Day.
The recent performance is one of more than 230 awards the band has earned under the leadership of band director, John Wilkerson. Most recently, the band received a "Superior" rating at District Competition for the fourth year in a row.
Congratulations to band director, John Wilkerson, and the entire Baldwin Middle/Senior High School Band. - PRESENTATION - NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS
Minutes: The great philosopher, Epicurus, once said, "The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it." I'm sure the National Board Certified teachers in our audience tonight share this sentiment.
These teachers recently challenged themselves to become even better educators by undergoing an extensive performance-based evaluation process earning certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
During the certification process, teachers are required to assess and evaluate their own teaching practices against national standards and develop new teaching approaches that strengthen education.
Duval County Public Schools is extremely proud of this year's 53 National Board Certified teachers, who are stellar examples of outstanding educators and instructional leaders. Duval County Public Schools now have 234 National Board Certified teachers on its staff.
We applaud the commitment and dedication of all Duval County Public Schools' teachers for their efforts to serve children with high-quality education.
Elementary Schools:
Dawn Barron, Jacksonville Beach
Barbara Bradley, Dinsmore
Dreda Broussard Shoemo, Merrill Road
Jenny Cashen, Timucuan
Malinda Garcia, Alimacani
Brenda Hall, Justina Road
Jack Hughes, Greenland Pines
Joy King, Jacksonville Beach
Kathy Lane, Abess Park
Rosemary LaValley, Crown Point
Cheryl Shange Lee, Beauclerc
Kathy Schutt, Beauclerc
Jerrie Tomlinson, Reynolds Lane
Vicki VanGundy, Hendricks Avenue
Mary Wilson, Justina Road
Middle Schools:
Angela Anastacio, Landmark
Joan Bacon, LaVilla School of the Arts
Jeryl Bodack, Southside
Bonnie England, LaVilla School of the Arts
Stephanie Hamlow, Darnell-Cookman
Martha Jones, Southside
Joanne Lange, Landmark
Laurie McDonald, Duncan Fletcher
Susan Mullen, LaVilla School of the Arts
Deanna Rice, Oceanway
Amylee Sargent, Eugene Butler
High Schools:
Laureen Burk, Stanton College Preparatory
Michelle Daniels, Raines
Jennifer Guillard, Mandarin
Alison LePage, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
Louise Little, Ed White
Katherine Mortensen, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
Carrie Santa Lucia, Stanton College Preparatory
Exceptional Student Centers:
Elizabeth McKenzie, Mount Herman
The following teachers could not be with us this evening:
Haley Alvarado, Chets Creek
Barry Croasmun, Mandarin
Carol Ann DePiro, Spring Park
Russell Dubberly, Alden Road
Sheila Heggood, Stanton College Preparatory
Kimberly Henry, Loretto
Sherri Johnson, Crystal Springs
Michael Lipp, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
Carol Lynch, Pine Forest
Andrew Mathis, Oceanway
Suzette Maymi, Fort Caroline
Melissa Omeechivarria, Fort Caroline
Tara Perryman, Chets Creek
Seleta Pollard, George Washington Carver
Donna Rodgers, Highlands
Patricia Schneider, Wolfson
Linda Smigaj, Loretto
Jeri Tracy, Wolfson
Christa Wilson, J. Allen Axson and Kernan Trail
- PRESENTATION - CONVERGYS GRANT
Minutes: Convergys, a global company with operations here in Jacksonville truly believes in the children of Duval County Public Schools. The company, with a philanthropic mission that has earned them a spot on Fortune Magazine's list of "America's Most Admired Companies" for five consecutive years, has given a generous grant to Duval County Public schools.
The $150,000 Convergys' grant will help Duval County Public Schools recruit and retain mentors to reach the approximately 20,000 students waiting for an adult mentor to volunteer their time.
Mentoring has proven results as a powerful initiative that is making a difference in the lives of children. Research indicates that students with mentors have higher self-esteem, improved grades and are reaching their full potential.
We look forward to the success this generous grant will bring to the students of Duval County Public Schools.
We recognize Convergys' senior Vice President, Morris Applewhite, and the company's outstanding support with a plaque as a token of our sincere appreciation. - REPORT - READING UPDATE - DR. JANICE HUNTER
Minutes: Dr. Hunter gave a brief report on the Mayor's Initiative - for Book Club parents, on May 14 there is the Family Summit at the Prime Osborne Center, 9:00-3:00 and families are to pre-register by calling 588-0160 or they can pre-register online at www.coj.net.
Our coaches will be presenters at this Summit and some of the titles are: "Dads in Children's Literature", "How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten", "Kindergarten Roundup"
, "Building Strong Families" and there will be over 20 topics.
The book for April was, "We Love Our River" and that went out to all the 4 year olds that are members of the Book Club. Additionally, there was a parent guide with ideas to talk to the children about the book. The Mayor encouraged the parents to travel over the bridges, to see the river and observe our river wildlife.
The packet was mailed to Book Club parents including a list of books that relate to the topic and those books are available through the public libraries. Also included in the packet, was an application for a library card so we hope many of our 4 year olds will have a library card.
This piece that the Mayor is doing is certainly supporting the early literacy skills so that we can have students that are achieving their reading scores and levels by the end of third grade. - REPORT - SUMMER READING PROGRAM - DR. JANICE HUNTER
Minutes: Dr. Hunter said that we sent out a bulk mail out of over 30,000 pieces of mail. This was to the parents of all third graders because we don't have any scores on those students so we want to inform the parents that there will be the Summer Reading School. We also sent letters to the parents of 4-10 graders who last year had a Level 1 on the FCAT and we will follow-up with specific letters once we receive this year's scores.
Marsha Oliver, Director of Communications, and I met and discussed some marketing ideas. She indicated that she would be able to prepare some materials to help the principals market the program to provide information. We want to be able to get this information out into the community.
We had fliers there about the Summer Reading School at Ribault High School a few weeks ago for parents to pick up.
Today, a meeting was held with administrators of our Summer Reading School so that they will be aware of the eligibility requirements, transportation and food services, etc. Dr. Amy Lingren will be coordinating the Summer Reading Program.
The Fryer's Fliers Reading Event is Saturday, June 4th, 10:00-2:00 pm at Metro Park and we are working that day to welcome all parents and families. The students will be collecting their medals that morning...a very fun event for families.
Speakers:
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
Ms. Martha Barrett, Board Member - REPORT - CHALLENGED SCHOOLS UPDATE - MR. STEVE HITE/DR. LLOYD MARTIN
Minutes: Mr. Hite addressed the vacancies:
Paxon - Band; SED
Raines - Math
Ribault - Business Education; ESE
We had an ESE audit this past week from a group in Indianapolis. They compared how we worked with the ESE students and the regulation education students. They appeared very impressed with how our ESE department works in our six challenged schools. We're going to take our six principals to Indianapolis to observe at a few of their schools. Our group has progressed rather rapidly.
We're trying to bring the community in to what we're doing which can be rather difficult. The Community Involvement Office, Full-Service Schools, and Project Reach have all worked together. On April 7th, we had a CHAMPS Walk; on April 9th, we met at Shiloh with Parent Power - a workshop was conducted there; April 14th, we met at Ribault with approximately 200 parents and speakers.
We received our writing scores:
Ribault High, mean was 3.6 - 72% scored 3.5 or better;
Raines, mean was 3.8 - 83% scored at 3.5 or better;
Paxon, 65% scored at 3.4 or better;
Gilbert, 59% scored at 3.5 or better;
Butler, 71% scored 3.5 or better;
Ribault Middle, 55% scored 3.5 or better
Paxon and Butler were in the top five in gains in Duval County.
We're working on some initiatives at Raines and Ribault Senior High Schools. We have a good deal of input from the schools, SAC and Board members. We're morally obligated to do this for this community.
Speakers:
Ms. Betty Burney, Board Member
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
Mr. Ed Pratt Dannals, Assistant Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instructional Services
Mr. Tim Ballentine, Director, Research and Evaluation
Mr. Steve Hite, Region VI Superintendent
- REPORT - SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH UPDATE - MS. NANCY BRONER
Minutes: Ms. Broner reported that the Board had an excellent workshop last Friday, April 29th, with Dan Katzir, Managing Director of the Broad Foundation from Los Angeles. He's working with numerous school districts around the country who are in various stages of their Superintendent search. There are currently 23 superintendent vacancies in the largest urban districts in the country.
The RFP's (request for proposals) for the Superintendent's Search firm have been received. The Board will be reviewing these on Monday, May 9th and a selection of the search firm will be made by May 10th. The search firm will then lead the process of our Superintendent Search.
The Board has a strong commitment to an open process with full community involvement and input. - REPORT - ENROLLMENT AT SHEFFIELD ELEMENTARY NO. 242 - DR. NANCY SNYDER
Minutes: Dr. Snyder made two points relating to our challenged schools:
(1) The public needs to realize that the standard was raised with writing so this many students were able to meet that standard even though it has, again, been elevated by the state; and
(2) To give credit to Ms. Andrews...she is right. The students at different schools, particularly the challenged schools, have been afforded some strategies that are not available to all students. The groups that has been working with these schools where we have expended a great deal of resources has agreed to go from six schools and they are able to take up to 20 teams, so we will be looking at expanding that. I thought you might want to be aware of this, as well.
We want to sincerely thank Mr. Effler and your willingness to chair this committee. You absolutely deserve information in writing and with the principal and Dr. Levi McIntosh, you can expect a written report that can go out to your parents by the end of the week.
Recapped what has been happening: obviously, the growth that has been occurring very rapidly in Oceanway is truly beyond our control and because Sheffield is on a large piece of property, we've been able to add enough portables to keep up with the current needs of student seats. We are aware that this has stretched the infrastructure and created challenges and we appreciate the positive methods that the faculty has used to cope with those difficulties.
Good news is that the rendering of the new school is before you and it is underway and will be open at the beginning of the 2006 school year. We certainly appreciate the attitude of the community...help is on the way!
This group that Mr. Effler chairs has met from the fall of 2004. This group of parents from Sheffield and surrounding schools were asked to look at the overcrowding issue and come up with possible solutions and Mr. Effler presented them to you.
Parents Survey: One of the options was that the students in a certain grade level would move to a nearby church. 20.8% of the parents approved this option; 70.2% did not.
The district did look at the facilities of the two churches and found that although the churches were very willing to step up and offer their support, the church buildings were not able to meet the safety code that is required.
The enrollment at Sheffield would be limited and those students that would enroll in Sheffield after its capacity was met, would be moved to Biscayne Elementary. 69% of the parents approved this which were Sheffield parents. The parents at Biscayne were not involved in this survey.
The last option was about adding more portables which is certainly within our control; very doable and 56% of the parents favored this option while 38% opposed it. That is the option that we are recommending and we will be able to maintain the student population there. Currently, Sheffield Elementary has 939 children with a current school capacity of 1,008 students. We're hoping with the addition of the portables, we will be fully able to accommodate any enrollees into the Sheffield school area. A report will be coming out to you so that all of the parents will at least know the status. Thank you.
Ms. Drake said if we're going to add portables, she would like to be included to meet with the group.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes: That the Duval County School Board approve the Minutes from the following meetings:
March 28, 2005 - Professional Services Subcommittee
March 28, 2005 - Workshop
March 31, 2005 - Workshop
April 4, 2005 - Workshop
April 5, 2005 - Regular
April 11, 2005 - Special
April 25, 2005 - Professional Services Subcommittee
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Martha Barrett
Second: Kristanna Barnes
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye
Approval of Consent Agenda
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Martha Barrett
Second: Betty Burney
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye
1. Board Members'
- AGREEMENT FOR SUPERINTENDENT FOR AN INTERIM PERIOD
2. General
- INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUDIT
3. Curriculum and Instructional Services
- MAGNET SCHOOLS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MSAP) GRANT EVALUATION
- TEACHER QUALITY RESEARCH – SCIENCE GRANT APPLICATION (US DOE #R305MA5026)
- COURSE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPROVAL, AND ADDITION TO THE DISTRICT COURSE TITLE FILE
4. Administration & Business Services
- RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF BUDGET RESOLUTIONS
- SUPERINTENDENT'S MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- SURPLUS PROPERTY RETIREMENT REPORT
- INTERNAL ACCOUNTS FUNDS - SCHOOL AUDITS
- 2005 PRIORITIZED LIST OF SAFETY WALKS(SIDEWALKS)
- QUALIFIED ZONE ACADEMY BONDS
5. Purchasing Services
- POLYETHYLENE CAN LINERS
- ELECTRICAL LIGHT FIXTURES
- TABLES, MOBILE, FOLDING
- MAINTENANCE RENEWAL - VERITAS NETBACKUP SOFTWARE
- DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - EdIN ROLLOUT
- MAINTENANCE RENEWAL - NETIQ APPMANAGER SUITE SOFTWARE
- SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING
- ALL WEATHER WALK-OFF MATS
- CLASSROOM FURNITURE
- EXCLUSIVE BEVERAGE CONTRACT
- FOOD SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION
- CUSTODIAL SERVICES MANAGEMENT
6. Human Resource Services
- HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES TRANSACTIONS
- RECOMMENDED ORDER (DIANE JOHNSON-CASE NO. 04-2138)
- RECOMMENDED ORDER (JACQUELINE NEELEY-CASE NO. 04-1974)
- SUSPENSIONS WITHOUT PAY
- SALARY SCHEDULES (PART-TIME HOURLY)
- REAPPOINTMENT-SPECIAL PURPOSE EMPLOYEES
- REAPPOINTMENT-SPECIALLY FUNDED ENTITLEMENT PROJECTS PERSONNEL
- REAPPOINTMENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS
- REAPPOINTMENTS OF SPECIALISTS AND PSYCHOLOGISTS
- REAPPOINTMENT OF SCHOOL-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL
7. Facilities Services
- UTILITY EASEMENT AT SADIE TILLIS ES NO.116
- NEW ES “A” NO. 150 (NEW BERLIN/CEDAR POINT): PHASE III DOCUMENTS
- CERTIFICATES OF FINAL INSPECTION
- PREQUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS FOR ED. FAC. CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
- NEW ES “B” NO. 142 (CHAFFEE ROAD): A/E CONTRACT AWARD
- SALE OF 17.38 ACRES OF VACANT PROPERTY AT FLYNN RD AND ORANGE PICKER RD.
Agenda
1. Curriculum and Instructional Services
- CONTINUE FUNDING W/DOE, DIV. OF WORKFORCE DEV.
Minutes: Speakers:
Ms. Martha Barrett, Board Member
Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Associate Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instructional Services
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Vicki Drake
Second: Martha Barrett
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye - PUBLIC HEARING RE: MODIFICATIONS TO THE 2005-2006 STUDENT PROGRESSION PLAN
Minutes: The Chairman declared the public hearing open on the following item:
Modifications to the 2005-06 Student Progression Plan
The Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak to the Board regarding this item to come forward and the following person spoke:
Ms. Shelia Andrews
The Chairman asked if anyone else wished to speak to this item, there being no response, the Chairman closed the public hearing. This item will be voted on at the next regular Board meeting.
Speakers:
Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Chairman
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
- SCHOOL LEADERSHIP GRANT
Minutes: Speakers:
Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Associate Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instructional Services
Dr. Nancy Snyder, Deputy Superintendent
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Vicki Drake
Second: Martha Barrett
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye - YOUTH SERVICES GRANT - WITHDRAWN
- PURCHASE OF RIVERDEEP LEARNING VILLAGE UPGRADE AND EXPANSION
Minutes: Speakers:
Ms. Betty Burney, Board Member
Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Associate Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instructional Services
Mr. Craig Honour, Chief Information Officer
Ms. Nikki Micheau, Coordinator, Instructional Technology
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Vicki Drake
Second: Martha Barrett
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye - SCHOOL-BASED ADMINISTRATIVE SELECTION/PROMOTION PROCESS - WITHDRAWN
- CURRICULUM ADDITIONS TO RAINES AND RIBAULT HIGH SCHOOLS.
1.1 Amendment No. 1
Vote Results:PASS
Motion: Brenda Priestly Jackson
Second: Kristanna Barnes
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye
Motion as Amended:CURRICULUM ADDITIONS TO RAINES AND RIBAULT HIGH SCHOOLS.
Minutes: Speakers:
Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
Dr. Nancy Snyder, Deputy Superintendent
Ms. Vicki Drake, Board Member
Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Associate Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instructional Services
Ms. Betty Burney, Board Member
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
Ms. Martha Barrett, Board Member
Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Board Member
Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Chairman
Ms. Priestly Jackson offered an amendment to the fourth bullet of the item, to strike the words "on a first priority basis." The bullet shall read now as:
"* Establish a policy which will allow Raines and Ribault High School students the opportunity to attend any of the three programs listed at either school."
Additionally, Ms. Priestly Jackson asked to strike the words "preference for" in the paragraph under Summary Explanation and Background and add the word "the" to read as follows:
"In order to attract and retain Raines and Ribault attendance area students, specialised academic programs will be added to enhance rigorous academic offerings at these schools. It is the intent that the enrollment will be for students in the Raines and Ribault attendance areas."
Ms. Barnes seconded the amendment.
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Vicki Drake
Second: Kristanna Barnes
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye - EARLY DISMISSAL FOR ALL SCHOOLS FOR TEACHER COLLABORATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Minutes: Speakers:
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Associate Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instructional Services
Dr. Nancy Snyder, Deputy Superintendent
Ms. Martha Barrett, Board Member
Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Vicki Drake
Second: Kristanna Barnes
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye
2. Purchasing Services
- NORTEL SL-100 TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM UPGRADE
Minutes: Speakers:
Ms. Betty Burney, Board Member
Mr. Craig Honour, Chief Information Officer
Mr. Paul Smith, Supervisor, Program Management
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
Dr. Nancy Snyder, Deputy Superintendent
Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Chairman
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Martha Barrett
Second: Vicki Drake
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye
3. Human Resource Services
- REAPPOINTMENT OF SCHOOL-BASED ADMINISTRATORS
Minutes: Speakers:
Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
Ms. Betty Burney, Board Member
Ms. Karen Chastain, Office of General Counsel
Dr. Nancy Snyder, Deputy Superintendent
Ms. Vicki Reynolds, Assistant Superintendent for
Human Resource Services
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Chairman
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Vicki Drake
Second: Martha Barrett
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye
4. Facilities Services
- NEW HS "AAA": SELECTION OF DESIGN/BUILD FIRM
Minutes: Speakers:
Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Chairman
Ms. Martha Barrett, Board Member
Mr. Doug Ayars, Associate Superintendent, Support Operations
Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Board Member
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Kristanna Barnes
Second: Vicki Drake
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye - NEW NORTH SHORE K-8 NO. 70: A/E CONTRACT AWARD
Minutes: Speakers:
Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
Mr. Doug Ayars, Associate Superintendent, Support Operations
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Vicki Drake
Second: Martha Barrett
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye
- BOARD MEMBERS TRAVEL
Minutes: That the Duval County School Board approve travel for the following Board members:
May 24, 2005 - Center for Education Performance and Accountability - Tampa, FL - Nancy Broner
June 14-17, 2005 - FSBA Conference - Tampa, FL -
Kris Barnes and Vicki Drake
June 24-26, 2005 - CUBE - Boston, MA - Vicki Drake
Vote Results: PASS
Motion: Brenda Priestly Jackson
Second: Kristanna Barnes
Martha Barrett - Aye
Kristanna Barnes - Aye
Nancy Broner - Aye
Vicki Drake - Aye
Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
Betty Burney - Aye
Tommy Hazouri - Aye
- FOR THE RECORD
Minutes: Ms. Drake gave congratulations to Dismore Elementary on their 100th anniversary. They will be having events in the fall. The school has alot of history. Ms. Drake recently attended an event at Baldwin - Genre Fanfare - which showed illustrations of a book chosen by the students. A class was chosen to do a project supporting the literacy program.
Ms. Priestly Jackson spoke about the Armark item which was on the Consent Agenda concerning chocolate/candy. Aramark will cease selling all candy. Ms. Jackson also announced that her son was appointed the title of 8th grade president of his class at Darnell Cookman Middle School!
Ms. Burney announced that a Paxon Eagle won first place in their annual journalism contest. Additionally, Ms. Mousa and she attended drawing show at Pickett Elementary entitled, "Is Your Mama Alive?"
Ms. Barrett mentioned an essay contest at Ft. Caroline Middle School, whereby Ft. Caroline was chosen as of of 8 schools out of the country. The school looked beautiful and we had a delicious lunch. It was easy to see the great deal of pride at the 7th grade level. They may become a national award winner! Ms. Barrett also went to Tree Hill on Saturday and let out hundreds of butterflies...many arts and crafts. It was a wonderful day.
Mr. Hazouri mentioned National Teacher Appreciation Week and recognized all of our teachers. The celebration at Crown Point Elementary included "Very Special Arts" as they celebrated their 10th anniversary; it was extremely outstanding.
Ms. Barnes mentioned that The Schultz Center doesn't allow children in their building and have turned down requests for Advanced Placement testing. Episcopal High School is being allowed to test their students there this Saturday...this needs to be addressed.
Ms. Nancy Broner mentioned going to the Veteran's Council last week to discuss ways these American Veterans could assist our schools. These men and women give a sincere commitment of their living history to the students and share their stories. Mr. Sandy Sorkin spoke at a recent Board meeting and it is sad to know that he passed away this weekend. He brought this idea to our attention and our hearts go out to his family. Additionally, last night was the 5th Grade Graduation ceremonies at the University of North Florida - it was a great event. Today, the Board had a joint meeting/luncheon with Florida Community College at Jacksonville. We look forward to working together.
- ADJOURNMENT
Minutes: The meeting adjourned at 11:32 p.m.
lsd
Chairman
Superintendent and Ex Officio Secretary to the Duval County School Board, Duval County, Florida