Minutes of School Board Meeting 10-20-2009

I am posting these minutes to expedite information dissemination. Much more complete and detailed minutes will be posted in 4-6 weeks on the school district’s website. In the mean time, these minutes are what I feel were the big “takeaways”, a macro look at my impression of the meeting. These are condensed, abbreviated, shortened, and to the point.

Meeting convened at 5:32 PM

All Board Members and Superintendent Malcolm Thomas present.



Seven Speakers addressed the board during Public Forum

1 Speaker advocated for the value of Physical Education

1 Speaker spoke about district issues regarding the etiquette of flying the flag

Carissa Bergosh, NAS Pensacola School Liaison Officer, spoke about upcoming events in our schools

3 Speakers addressed the board on issues of employee compensation, and their perception of the district’s fund balance figures being incorrect

1 Speaker addressed the board and complained that her son’s Individualized Education Plan is not being met satisfactorily.

Pledge of Allegiance led by PHS IB Junior Amanda Patton

PTA Presentation—given by Kathy Lasky

Stellar Employee Recognition—Valerie Hassell, an 18 year employee of the district, currently serving as Administrative assistant for the Physical Education, Health, Wellness, and Driver’s Education Department.

Resolutions:

Safe Schools Week—Approved 5-0

Emerald Coast Honor Flight Month—Approved 5-0

Ashley Bodmer gave the half cent sales tax update


Rule adoptions:

Revisions and Amendments to the District School Board Student Progression Plan, 6Gx17-7.09 Approved 5-0

Permission to Advertise:

Notice of Intent to Advertise to Amend School District Rule 6Gx17-2—Human Resource Services Approved 5-0 (Note: this item was amended at the table to re-strike out page 6, item (f).



5 sets of September Board Meeting Minutes Approved, 5-0


Entire Consent Agenda Approved.

All Curriculum items approved

All Finance items approved

All Human Resources items Approved

All Purchasing items approved

All Operations items approved

(Entire Consent Agenda was meticulously covered and discussed at length during two thorough school board workshops held during the afternoon and early evening of 10-15-2009 and the morning of 10-16-2009)


Board voted unanimously, 5-0, to accept the superintendent’s recommendation regarding the following:


Student recommendations:
20 Students disciplined as follows:

16 students expelled
4 Students Suspended pending outcome of criminal case

Infractions included:

10 Drug possession
2 battery
3 robbery w/ a firearm (off-campus)
2 possession of a weapon
3 fighting



Note: The parent of one of the students expelled spoke to the board and requested that the board not vote to expel her daughter. This student went before a hearing officer and the hearing officer’s recommendation was for expulsion. The board voted 5-0 to accept the recommended order



3 Employee Recommendations by Superintendent approved unanimously by board, to include:

1 Employee terminated
1 Employee suspended without pay for 1 day
1 Employee suspended without pay pending conclusion of criminal case





Meeting adjourned at 6:37PM.