The Hernando County School District Collaborates with students, parents, and other community stakeholders to effectively prepare all students for a successful transition into a diverse and changing world.
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
8-25-20
6:00 PM
8-25-20 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
6:00 PM Meeting called to order on August 25, 2020 at District Office-Board Room, 919 North Broad Street, Brooksville, FL.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Gus Guadagnino Board Member Present 5:16 PM
Susan Duval Board Chair Present 4:02 PM
Linda K. Prescott Vice Chair Present 4:02 PM
Jimmy Lodato Board Member Present 4:02 PM
Kay Hatch Board Member Present 4:02 PM
The School Board Meeting was called to order on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 6:00 P.M., in the School Board Room, 919 N. Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601, with Ms. Susan Duval, Chairperson, presiding, Mrs. Linda Prescott, Vice Chairperson, and members, Mr. Gus Guadagnino, Mrs. Kay Hatch and Mr. Jimmy Lodato, present. Also present were, Mr. John Stratton, Superintendent; Mr. Dennis Alfonso, School Board Attorney.
INVOCATION
Linda Prescott, Vice Chair, to conduct the Invocation
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
A. Agenda Item (ID # 4536)MOVER: Jimmy Lodato, Board Member
SECONDER: Gus Guadagnino, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 11, 2020 INFORMAL,
WORKSHOP AND REGULAR MEETING
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jimmy Lodato, Board Member
SECONDER: Linda K. Prescott, Vice Chair
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
School Board - Informal School Board Meeting - Aug 11, 2020 11:00 AM School Board - Workshop - Aug 11, 2020 2:00 PM
School Board - Regular Board Meeting - Aug 11, 2020 6:00 PM
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
B. Agenda Item (ID # 4496)
Public Hearing and Final Approval of the Controlled Choice Plan for School Year 2021-2022
Mr. Alfonso read the instructions for this item. There were two (2) people who came forward to speak on this item.
Heather Barker came forward to speak on this item. Ms. Barker spoke about face masks, screen time for children and giving choices for families.
Onamae Wuenn came forward to speak on this item. Ms. Wuenn spoke about needing a good education. She also stated that some students need to be taught in person.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kay Hatch, Board Member
SECONDER: Gus Guadagnino, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
C. Agenda Item (ID # 4498)
Public Hearing and Final Approval of the 2021-2022 Magnet Program Procedures Mr. Alfonso read the instructions for this item. No one came forward to speak on this matter.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Gus Guadagnino, Board Member
SECONDER: Kay Hatch, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
D. Agenda Item (ID # 4504)
Public Hearing and Final Approval of the 2020-2021 SunTech Program Catalog and the HCAE Handbook Mr. Alfonso read the instructions for this item. No one came forward to speak on this matter.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jimmy Lodato, Board Member
SECONDER: Gus Guadagnino, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
E. Agenda Item (ID # 4508)
Public Hearing and Final Approval of the 2020-2021 Student Progression Plan and School Procedures Handbook
Mr. Alfonso read the instructions for this item. No one came forward to speak on this matter.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Gus Guadagnino, Board Member
SECONDER: Linda K. Prescott, Vice Chair
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
CITIZEN INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS (GREEN FORMS)
Agenda Item (ID # 4545)Citizen Input from the 8/11/2020 meeting
Ms. Duval began with an apology for the August 11th citizen input. The comments for the August 11th meeting will be part of this record.
F. Agenda Item (ID # 4537)
Citizen Input Instructions and Form (Green Form) Mr. Alfonso read the instructions for this item.
1. Chris O'Brien came forward to speak on item #7. 4520 - Addition of Registered Nurse Health Specialist Position
2. Charles "Kojack" Burnett came forward to speak on item #7. 4520 - Addition of Registered Nurse Health Specialist Position
ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion:
5. 4517: Approve Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget Amendment No. 4 for Quarter Ending June 30, 2020 7. 4520: Addition of Registered Nurse Health Specialist Position
8. 4579: Approve Renewing Bid #17-450-06 RN, Architectural Hardware, to Electronic Access Specialists, Inc. (Dba Southern Lock and Supply) for Architectural Hardware and Authorize the Purchase of Goods for an Annual Estimated Amount of $600,000.00
12. 4509: Approve the purchase of goods and/or services from Voss & Associates and authorize the issuance of a purchase order for $34,500.
13. 4510: Approve the Amendment to the Agreement with Ryman Construction of Florida, Inc., for Chocachatti Elementary School Envelope Repairs for a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $639,468.00 Using Half-Cent Sales Tax Funds.
16. 4518: Approve the Purchase of Online Digital Curriculum, Practice Test, and Certification Exams from Certiport Inc. and Issuance of Purchase Orders on an as Needed Basis for an Estimated $35,841.00
17. 4516: Approve the Purchase of Sonday System Curriculum from Winsor Learning, Inc. and Authorize the Issuance of a Purchase Order for an Estimated Amount of $899,080.50
Purchase Order for an Estimated Amount of $50,000.00
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jimmy Lodato, Board Member
SECONDER: Kay Hatch, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
Personnel Recommendations
1. Agenda Item (ID # 4514)Approval of Personnel Recommendations
All Other Teaching & Learning Agenda Items
2. Agenda Item (ID # 4501)Approval of the 2020-2021 NEFEC Professional Learning Catalog
All Other Business Services Agenda Items
3. Agenda Item (ID # 4492)
Approve the Affiliation Agreement with the University of Central Florida and the HCSD 4. Agenda Item (ID # 4466)
Approve the Affiliation Agreement with the US Air Force and the HCSD 5. 4517 pulled from Consent
6. Agenda Item (ID # 4519)
Approve the Affiliation Agreement with Capella University and the HCSD
Job Descriptions
7. 4520 pulled from Consent
All Other Purchase Order/Bid Agenda Items
8. 4479 pulled from Consent9. Agenda Item (ID # 4493)
Approve the Agreement and Authorize the Purchase of Third-Party Title I Instructional Services for Hernando County Private School Students from Catapult Learning, LLC, and Issue a Purchase Order in an Amount Not to Exceed $247,127.31.
10. Agenda Item (ID # 4502)
Approve the Purchase of Fingerprint Retention/Resubmission Services from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Authorize the Issuance of a Purchase Order Not to Exceed $30,000.00
11. Agenda Item (ID # 4503)
Approve the Piggyback (Renewal) of the School Board of Pinellas County Bid No. 20-380-199 RN (Original Bid #16-380-199) Milk, Dairy, and Juice Products Awarded to M & B Products, Inc and Authorize Purchases as Needed for an Estimated Annual Amount of $1,000,000.00
12. 4509 pulled from Consent 13. 4510 pulled from Consent 14. Agenda Item (ID # 4512)
Award Bid No. 21-645-17 Printing/Specialty Papers & Envelopes for Central Printing Services to Mac Papers, Inc., and Authorize the Purchase of the Goods for an Estimated Annual Amount of $35,000.00 15. Agenda Item (ID # 4515)
Approve Renewing Bid No. 19-206-05, Palo Alto Web Filtering Firewall Equipment & Service to Digital Scepter for Filtering Subscription, Threat Prevention Subscription and Premium Support and Authorize the Purchase of Goods And/Or Services for an Estimated Annual Price of $ 46,846.00. 16. 4518 pulled from Consent
17. 4516 pulled from Consent 18. 4526 pulled from Consent
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA FOR ACTION
Agenda Item (ID # 4517)5. 4517 : Approve Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget Amendment No. 4 for Quarter Ending June 30, 2020 This item was pulled by Board Member Lodato. Mrs. Kendra Sittig, Director of Budget, came forward to explain this item.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kay Hatch, Board Member
SECONDER: Jimmy Lodato, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
Agenda Item (ID # 4520)
7. 4520 : Registered Nurse Health Specialist Position - (MOTION TO TABLE)
This item was pulled by Board Member Lodato. Mrs. Lisa Cropley, Executive Director of Student Support Services, came forward to explain this item. Mr. Lodato stated that he would like to postpone this item. Motion to table this item was approved 3-2.
RESULT: TABLED [3 TO 2] Next: 9/22/2020 6:00 PM MOVER: Jimmy Lodato, Board Member
SECONDER: Linda K. Prescott, Vice Chair
AYES: Duval, Prescott, Lodato
NAYS: Guadagnino, Hatch
Agenda Item (ID # 4479)
8. 4479 : Approve Renewing Bid #17-450-06 RN, Architectural Hardware
This item was pulled by Board Member Lodato. Ms. Jill Renihan, Director of Safe Schools came forward to address the board. Mr. Lodato expressed his concern about the cost for this item.
MOVER: Gus Guadagnino, Board Member
SECONDER: Jimmy Lodato, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
Agenda Item (ID # 4509)
12. 4509 : Approve the purchase of goods and/or services from Voss & Associates and authorize the issuance of a
This item was pulled by Board Member Lodato. Mr. Stratton represented this item. Mr. Lodato stated that he would like to see a running total of how much we have spent to date and on what projects along with projections. Mr. Stratton will provide that information.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Linda K. Prescott, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Kay Hatch, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
Agenda Item (ID # 4510)
13. 4510 : Approve the Amendment to the Agreement with Ryman Construction of Florida, Inc., for Chocachatti Ele
This item was pulled by Board Member Lodato. Mr. Brian Ragan, Director of Facilities & Construction came forward to address the board. Mr. Ragan explained this item.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jimmy Lodato, Board Member
SECONDER: Gus Guadagnino, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
Agenda Item (ID # 4518)
16. 4518 : Approve the Purchase of Online Digital Curriculum, Practice Test, and Certification Exams from Certi
This item was pulled by Board Member Hatch. Mrs. Beth Lastra, Supervisor of College & Career Programs, came forward to address the board. Mrs. Lastra explained industry certification.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kay Hatch, Board Member
SECONDER: Gus Guadagnino, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
Agenda Item (ID # 4516)
17. 4516 : Approve the Purchase of Sonday System Curriculum from Winsor Learning, Inc. and Authorize the Issuan
This item was pulled by Board Member Lodato. Mrs. Michelle Barash, Supervisor of Elementary Programs, came forward to address the board. Mr. Lodato asked why an item like this had not been brought before them at a workshop. Mrs. Barash explained that this item was part of a grant. She also explained that this purchase meets the requirements for HB 7069. Board Chair Duval asked how this compares to LTRS. It was explained that LTRS is professional development for teachers and this is curriculum for students. It will not be a recurring cost, as once it is purchased, we own it, which also includes train the trainer. Vice Chair Prescott
asked what the percentage of students who are identified with having dyslexia? Mrs. Barash explained that dyslexia is a medical condition [not a learning disability].
Mr. Stratton reminded everyone in the room to wear their face coverings properly.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1] MOVER: Kay Hatch, Board Member
SECONDER: Gus Guadagnino, Board Member
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Hatch
NAYS: Lodato
Agenda Item (ID # 4526)
18. 4526 : Approve the Purchase of a Nearpod District License for Grades K-12 and Authorize the Issuance of a P
This item was pulled by Board Member Lodato. Mr. John Morris, Supervisor of Secondary Programs, came forward to address the board. Mr. Lodato questioned the price increase from last year. Mr. Morris explained that last year, the purchase was for grades 6-8 and this year is for K-12. Mr. Morris explained this item. He also explained that this is at a heavily discounted rate since we are purchasing for K-12.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jimmy Lodato, Board Member
SECONDER: Linda K. Prescott, Vice Chair
AYES: Guadagnino, Duval, Prescott, Lodato, Hatch
ADDENDUM ITEMS
CITIZEN INPUT ON GENERAL TOPICS (PINK FORMS)
G. Agenda Item (ID # 4538)Citizen Input Instructions and Form (Pink Form) Mr. Alfonso read the instructions for this item.
1. Vince Laborante came forward to speak on the FEA lawsuit.
2. Susan Pribil came forward to speak about class sizes. She also mentioned that there is a custodian shortage at her school. She stated that the bathrooms at her school are not being cleaned during preschool and understands it is because everyone is extremely busy, but worries how they will clean them in between student uses. Mrs. Pribil also explained the training problems with TEAMS.
3. Suzanne Bates Miranda came forward to speak. She mentioned that she found it interesting that trainers from the Orton-Gillingham [Sonday System] would not come to the state of Florida for face-to-face training, but we are opening our doors for face-to-face instruction on Monday. Ms. Bates-Miranda also spoke about the FEA lawsuit and how this board has a vital decision and teachers are worried. She stated that she applied for eSchool and virtual teaching and was denied and was not given a reason.
Mr. Stratton asked again for everyone to wear their face covering properly.
4. Lisa Masseria came forward to thank the board for the extra lead time for training, etc. She spoke about the loss of allocations due to allocation cuts and how can we close the achievement gaps if we are not staffing properly. Ms. Masserio believes money should be spent to preserve the student-teacher ratio.
not anti-mask he is anti-mandate. He stated that the BOCC did not mandate masks and the state and federal levels recommend them, does not mandate them. Mr. Mayon stated that we are in phase 2, not in phase 1. 6. Carla Johns came forward to speak about her concerns. She stated how her 9 year old had panic attack over wearing the mask. She also stated that there is a 6 month waiting list to have a specialist approve the accommodation. Ms. Johns asked for a different type of waiver for parents in her situation. She also stated that she cannot select the virtual learning option with her kids.
7. Stephanie Nievas did not come forward to speak.
8. Mark Thomas McMillan of Ring Power came forward to speak about a bid from the August 11th board meeting. He explained that there was some miscommunication between his legal team and sales department. He asked if they could amend the bid. If not, he asked if he could be set up as a sole source. Mr. McMillan stated that Ring Power is $26 per hour cheaper than other vendors. Mr. Stratton directed him to speak with Lisa Becker.
9. Iris Waller did not come forward to speak.
10. Jennifer Bronhardt came forward to speak. She stated that she is a paraprofessional, mother and community activist. Mrs. Bronhardt thanked the board for an open meeting. She stated she is concerned with a document distributed by Hernando Schools regarding notification in the event of an exposure of COVID. Mrs. Bronhardt asked the board visit schools 5 days a week and expose themselves. She also spoke about the New Teacher Project. She stated that this program has been founded to de-fund the public education system. Mrs. Bronhardt also spoke of the micro-management of teachers. Mr. Lodato thanked her for her hard work on the half cent sales tax campaign.
11. Tina Vieira did not come forward to speak.
12. Charity Simpson came forward to speak. She thanked the board for making really tough decisions over the summer to keep everyone safe with the unknown. She spoke about her small classroom with 30 students. Ms. Simpson stated that struggled with digital learning and her school does not have the necessary cleaning supplies as they are on backorder. She questioned if they are really prepared.
13. Patricia Greenwood came forward to speak. She spoke about having two ESE RN's in our district and their starting paying is approximately $26,000. Mrs. Greenwood spoke about TNTP and asked the board to look at what has already happened in this county, you will not reach 30-35 kids in an intensive reading class. She explained that she did get use to the mask. Mrs. Greenwood explained that she was under the assumption that the class size would have been smaller because there would be less kids in school.
Mr. Stratton shared that schools did not lose allocations "on paper". He stated that a teacher may have moved on to eSchool so it is a loss to the school and he understands. Mr. Stratton that there are over 12,000 students at brick and mortar, almost 7,000 digital, a little over 1,800 eSchool and are not sure what almost 1,600 kids are doing. He spoke about the implication of funding and not knowing if additional (new) students will be attending. Mr. Stratton that they will work together to have smaller classes. He also spoke about the struggle of new platforms such as Teams and Skyward and asked for patience. Mr. Stratton stated that we cannot fill open positions and have allowed for overtime for custodians and will be offering employees who work less than 8 hours a day to help out at the school level. They have also tried to go out to temporary agencies to hire additional custodians and we could not get them. Mr. Pinder is working with Kelly Services and are going to try to offer substitute custodians through their agency. Mr. Stratton stated that there will be a detailed system for notifying if you need to be quarantined, which comes from the health department.
INFORMATIONAL AGENDA
GENERAL COUNSEL
SCHOOL BOARD COMMENTS
Members of the board thank everyone for coming out and getting us through the opening of schools. Mr. Alfonso provided an update to the public on the FEA lawsuit. Mrs. Prescott stated that many teachers would like us to do what Ms. Duval had first proposed, going virtual for the first 9 weeks, but that risked funding and employees would not get paid and lose health insurance. She suggested employees keep sending in suggestions. They also spoke about the possibility building level substitutes, but the costs become exorbitant. Mr. Stratton shared sad news on the loss of a Hernando High School student this past week.