LWV Manatee School Board Notes: 1/21/25

The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Committee observes the Manatee County School Board meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League and notes adherence, or lack of adherence, to good governance procedures and the sunshine laws. The following are the major points from the school board meeting on 1/21/2025

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Choate followed by the reading of the district vision by Ms. Spray and Mr. Tatem provided the invocation. The Manatee High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors and Chair Choate led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Student Celebrations/Recognitions

Sunshine State Scholars

Mr. Barber introduced Erin Chapman, Coordinator of Special Projects, who provided an overview of the Sunshine State Scholars program which is to encourage STEM students to attend one of the Florida universities. Two scholars and one alternate, all who are juniors, will attend a summer program. Jennie McNally, math teacher at Braden River High School, spoke of the accomplishments of Tina Dang. Ginger Collins, principal of Southeast High School, introduced Melisha Gullen-Arana, speaking of the challenging courses she is taking. Alternate Julia Vendramini, Lakewood Ranch HS, was introduced by Principal Dustin Dalquist, who listed all of her accomplishments. Each of the students addressed the board. Mr. Barber concluded by stating these are three of the top STEM students in the state.

National School Counseling Week

Mr. Barber stated in addition to recognizing students he was proud to introduce honored employees. Michael Escoria, Principal of Rogers Gardens-Bullock, introduced Cassandra D’Addao, Florida School Counselor of the Year. Ms. D’Addao spoke of her commitment to students and that Manatee County is setting the standard for excellence in school counseling.  In her remarks Ms. D’Addeo advocated for her profession to be allowed to spend at least 80% of their time providing direct services to students. 

Florida School Counselor Advocate of the year, Larissa Bennett, was introduced by Dr. Laurie Breslin, Executive Director. Larissa was formerly a Florida School Counselor of the Year also. She talked about changing the name from Guidance Counselor to Counselor to redefine their roles in the 90’s. Ms. Bennett’s current role is to support the work of all district guidance counselors.

Dr. Wysong said it was extremely unusual to have both of these honors be awarded to the same school district. Ms. Bennett was instrumental in the work of identifying the profile of a graduate which will be a major part of the district’s upcoming Strategic Plan. He thanked both of them for their leadership and all they do for students in the district.

Public Comments

JR spoke on behalf of Verlin “Skip” Wilhoite whose unpaid leave status was on the New Business agenda later in the meeting. He recounted the contributions of Wilhoite over his 26 years of service to the school district. JR spoke about an injustice he has seen in the district regarding Wilhoite, formerly employed in numerous teaching and administrative positions. He cited that Wilhoite led the anti-bullying program and many other successful programs. Wilhoite interviewed for a position and was put forward to the Superintendent who did not approve it. JR indicated this happened twice. JR claimed the Superintendent targeted Wilhoite and put him in another position.

Reports and Presentations

Graduation Rate Initiatives and 2023-24 Data -updated 1/17/2025

Seated as a panel before the board, Dr. Laurie Breslin, Executive Director of Student Support and Family Engagement; Ms. Sharon Scarbrough, Director of Secondary Education; Lisa Lyon, Director of Student Services; and Ms. Ginger Collins, Principal of Southeast High School, provided information regarding the district’s 3.7% improvement in the high school graduation rate over the previous year. They described the efforts made at each of the high schools to look student by student to ensure each student’s successful completion. These efforts include tracking specific data, alternate pathways to meet individual students’ needs, and personal contact with families and students. The panel members responded to many questions from the board members, clarifying how the graduation rate is calculated, specific information about efforts being made K-12 to achieve higher graduation rates, and the graduation rates at each high school. [LWV Note: follow the link to the presentation]

Consent Items - The Consent Agenda included 31 items that were approved 5-0.

New Business: (Non-Consent Items)

Approval of the Budget Amendments for November 2024. Deputy Superintendent of Business Services, Ms. Sellers described the four amendments over $1 million and continued to describe the next two reports as well. Each report was approved 5-0.

Approval of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and All Official Parts Thereof for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 (No Financial Impact)

Approval of the District's School Internal Accounts Audit Report as of and for the Year Ended June 30, 2024 (No Financial Impact)

Board Discussion and Selection of a Campus Name for the Barbara A. Harvey K-8 Facility serving Grades K-3 Between 2025-2026 (No Financial Impact) Board members approved 5-0 to designate the K-3 campus as Barbara A. Havey K-8, at Copperstone. Board discussion leading to the decision centered on making this designation parallel to that made for the upper- level campus (at North River Ranch) and therefore noted a nearby development. The majority of the school’s faculty and community had suggested that the word “Primary” be included. Board members indicated a name that reflected the geographic location would be more helpful.

Approval of Revisions to the Job Description of the Director, Purchasing. (No Financial Impact) Board Members approved this item and the next item 5-0 after the Superintendent’s explanation that each needed to be refined to reflect current expectations ahead of posting the positions.

Revision of the Job Description of Director Communications, Family and Community Engagement to Director, Communications (No Financial Impact)

Public Comment for New Business Item

Dr. Verlin “Skip” Wilhoit spoke on his own behalf regarding the following item. He requested board members consider his many years of service to the district and spoke of his work. He refuted the allegation of using excessive force with a student, and noted that child services and the sheriff did not pursue the case. He asked they consider all of this as the board decides whether or not to place him on unpaid leave pending a hearing that he has requested. He disagrees with being put on administrative leave with no salary. He asked the board not to put him on unpaid leave which would force him into early retirement.

Approval of Recommendation to Place Employee V.W. on Unpaid Administrative Leave Pending a Hearing on the Merits (General Fund) The board rejected this recommendation 0-5 after an extensive discussion that included the district and board attorneys and the Superintendent. This item was pulled from consent by Mr. Kennedy. The attorneys advised the board members that they must only consider the motion and not the facts of the case as presented to date and is brought because the employee has asked for a hearing with the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). The attorneys and Superintendent reiterated that past practice has always been that an employee who is facing termination and has asked for a hearing with DOAH be placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the hearing and that this, as far as they know, is the practice in all other Florida school districts. Back pay is provided if the hearing results and the board’s final decision are to reinstate an employee. They cautioned against setting a new precedent. Mr. Kennedy made the argument that the board has the authority to make the decision to allow paid leave if they believe it is warranted. Mr. Tatem shared community members have contacted him to speak on Dr. Wilhoite’s behalf. Mr. Kennedy indicated he does not think the case will be won by the district. Ms. Felton noted that the allegation was “not considered a criminal act.” Mr. Tatem sought clarification about what to say to people who want to talk about the case and expressed concern about undermining the superintendent’s authority. Board members were cautioned by the attorneys to not talk about the case to anyone because of the pending hearing. While there was specific information about the case provided in the board work ahead of the meeting, Mr. Kennedy had requested and received additional information. When asked how long it takes to convene a hearing, the attorneys indicated it could be 90-120 days. Superintendent Wysong described the steps that had been taken using established district protocols prior to this item being placed on the consent agenda. Dr. Wysong stated these steps are used for every employee in similar circumstances and begins with a complaint, then an investigation by the district’s Office of Professional Standards, followed by the district’s Discipline Committee’s recommendation to the Superintendent. The Superintendent considers the findings and the Discipline Committee’s recommendation. The Discipline Committee, made up of four senior administrators with a wide breadth of school and district leadership experience from a variety of districts and states voted unanimously for termination in this case. He indicated the process that the district uses is best practice and that more resources are required to prepare for a hearing. Dr. Wysong indicated that if the board decides to set a new precedent and provide paid leave for Dr. Wilhoite pending a DOAH hearing, and will begin making this decision on a case-by-case basis, he would request the board provide procedural recommendations and guidance for the future. He reminded board members the superintendent is responsible for day-to-day supervision of employees to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of everyone.

New Business (No Superintendent Recommendation)

Approval of Travel Expense Associated with the School Board Members' Attendance at the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) School Finance Forum, February 6-7, 2025, at the Hilton, University of Florida Conference Center, Gainesville, FL, Not to Exceed $5,000.00 (General Fund). Approved 5-0.

Approval of School Board Members to Travel to Tallahassee Florida for the New School Board Member Part-Two, and/or the Annual Day in the Legislature Event, March 17-21, 2025, with the Florida School Board Association, Not to Exceed $12,000.00 (General Fund). Approved 5-0.

Approval of Amendment 2 of the Contract for Board Legal Services from Dye, Harrison, Knowles, Kirkland, Pratt & DePaola, PLLC, SDMC No. 18-0071-RG, Estimated in the Amount of $225,000.00 Annually (Multiple Funding Sources). Approved 5-0.

Approval of the School Board of Manatee County Legislative Priorities. Approved 5-0 with no discussion of the content of the priorities. [LWV note: follow link to the approved legislative priorities]

Updates

Instructional: Deputy Superintendent Jensen referenced the panel discussion about graduation rate improvement and indicated more performance data will be shared soon. Next week is Literacy Week. He described the STEM competitions for elementary and middle school students. He referenced the student activities at the Manatee County Fair.

Operational: Deputy Superintendent Ranaldi cited the success of recent job fairs and announce upcoming Jan 23 virtual job fair from 9-11 for teachers and paraprofessionals and February 20 from 2-5 at Wakeland Center. He described the food service project of engaging students in school gardens at Baysore, Samoset, Moody and Bashaw Elementary Schools.

Legal: Attorney Dye reported the ASCME impasse has been assigned to a special master.

Superintendent’s Remarks: Regarding the 31 consent items, Dr. Wysong highlighted the instruction and finance and all the individuals that do the preparation work. He noted the additional security screening systems for an August roll out with additional machines currently leased for daily student screening for safety and security with random deployment. He announced the last two high schools are getting their turf fields – Bayshore and Parrish Community. He commended all of the personnel who engage in “passion projects” as they accompany students on field trips and sponsor clubs including teachers and principals who were here tonight to accompany the color guard and the students and staff being recognized. He cited his many school visits. Dr. Wysong indicated Friday’s workshop will focus on the results of the second math progress monitoring tests and the nuances of the impact of calendar disruptions. 

Board Remarks

Mr. Kennedy clarified that items for workshops are brought up during board preparation meetings with the Superintendent. He indicated an interest in reviving a 2021 notion to install solar panels on district facilities. He recognized the tough but respectful discussion that occurred at the meeting tonight. Mr. Kennedy thanked the superintendent for the campus visits saying he gets a lot out of it to know the schools and the dynamics of the board and superintendent relationship. He thanked everyone who made the board meeting possible.

Mr. Tatem’s safety focus was on avoiding hyperthermia (sic) especially when wet during this uncommonly cold time. Regarding the personnel discussion, he emphasized that he trusts the judgment of the superintendent and the people on the discipline committee even though this was the first time going against the Superintendent’s recommendation. Mr. Tatem indicated he was influenced by other board members’ comments.

Ms. Felton congratulated the Sunshine Scholars and said she was impressed and amazed. She also recognized the hard work of guidance counselors for students and the requirements for them to do more that their own jobs. She cited the many district activities she has attended and looks forward to being invited to more. Ms. Felton noted the Manatee Technical College’s law enforcement graduation that featured graduates from all walks of life who will serve the community in a “thankless job.” She said she “absolutely struggled with the decision” and respects staff and leadership but she “went with what was in front of me.” She hopes they made the right decision and said she was sorry everyone was kept so late. She thanked everyone.

Ms. Spray thanked staff as well. She alluded to long standing retirees. She asked if the human resources report could include hire dates and indicated there is lots of turn over. She indicated she had filled candy cane bags to give to bus drivers to pass out to students. She attended last week’s Ballard reading room dedication. She said the employee item led to a difficult discussion and understands the legal team’s direction to “listen” to others but make no comment.

Mr. Choate thanked the staff, saying it takes weeks and weeks to build the preparation work for the board agenda. He emphasized that counselors build relationships and are advocates and do more than just provide academic guidance. He says he’s looking forward to playoffs with county competition last week and districts coming up, as well as its county fair season.

Meeting adjourned at 9:10.

GOVERNANCE AND SUNSHINE

We again caution board members to restrict sidebar conversations and comments during the public meeting especially when other board members are speaking. The microphones pick up these comments.

The panel presentation regarding graduation rate data was novel for a regular board meeting. As observers we found this format to be more favorable than individuals popping up and down at the podium. We noticed the format was more cohesive and responsive to board questions. If board members found this to be favorable perhaps encouraging this format would be helpful.

Board members were observed to struggle over the decision to provide unpaid or paid leave to an employee facing termination who had requested a hearing. Despite the school board attorney’s instruction to the board members to only vote on the long-standing procedural precedence, and not on the facts of the case, it appeared that they were not able to set aside what they had been told or had learned about the specific case. We appreciated board members who emphasized in their comments their respect and trust in the Superintendent. The specific action on this item will serve as an important example as board members continue to work with the Florida School Board Association and gain more experience as school board members and their role in procedural decisions.

Board member’s learning about district practices for holding employees accountable for their performance would make an important workshop in the future. Mr. Tatem’s comments sharing his experiences indicated he is not aware of the current practices in the district. Perhaps all board members would benefit by learning the current employee performance policies, procedures and practices.

Board members requested input from the community in the case of the naming of one of the Barbara A. Harvey campuses, acknowledged the feedback, yet went with a different decision than the top vote getter with twice as many votes than those in second and third place. While the decision appeared logical, board members need to recognize what the impact of asking for input and disregarding it may have on future requests. Ms. Spray introduced a totally new school name (“Core”) into the conversation, while also acknowledging that it may be inappropriate. This was observed to be irrelevant. Board members are encouraged to refrain from making comments they themselves realize are not appropriate. This unnecessarily adds to the length of the meeting.

We encourage the School Board to share its Legislative Priorities with their constituents to gain citizen support for various funding requests and procedural changes deemed necessary to better support the school district