HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_09/18/1995MINUTES OF JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING
SCHOOL BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
TOWN OF JUPITER, VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA,
METAMORPHOSIS, AND NORTH COUNTY EDUCATION COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 18, 1995
The Workshop began at 4:15 P.M. in the Jupiter Town Council Chambers.
Attendance:
Town of Jupiter: Mayor Golonka; Vice-Mayor Amero; Councilors McCarthy,
Henderson, and Daniels; Mr. Evett, Town Manager; and Ms.
Boylan, Town Clerk.
Village of Tequesta: Mayor Mackail; Councilmembers Schauer, Burckart, and
Hansen; Mr. Bradford, Village Manager.
Palm Beach County Ms. Gleason, Chair; Board Members Bjork, Burdick, Graham,
School Board: Hayes, Heinz, Richmond; and Dr. Shulman, Acting
Superintendent.
Palm Beach County
Metamorphosis:
North County
Education Committee:
Commissioner Marcus -District 1
Ms. Onorato, Chair
Ms. Carney, Chair
Co-Chairs:
Karen J. Golonka, Mayor, Town of Jupiter
Ron T. Mackail, Mayor, Village of Tequesta
Jody Gleason, Chair, School Board of Palm Beach County
I. INTRODUCTION OF PARTICIPANTS
Mayor Golonka welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming.
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SEPTEMBER 18. 1995
II. CAPITAL FUNDING -NORTH COUNTY
Councilor Henderson informed the attendees there were no projections for new
schools in the Jupiter-Tequesta area and stressed the need for a new elementary
school. The proposed elementary school (91-Q) for the Jupiter-Tequesta area was
on the funding list in 1992. Councilor Henderson explained that the School
Board's plans to further delay funding to the year 1999 was yet another example
of the lack of credibility and erosion of promises from the School Board to the
North County residents. Councilor Henderson distributed numerous backup
materials, including Exhibits Al to C7 and "North County Population Projections".
III. CAPITAL FUNDING
Ms. Onorato presented many concerns related to the following:
Jupiter High School -Serious asbestos issues, open beams and roofs, and the
immediate need for structural repairs, cost effectiveness of only 50% wiring for
distance learning. In May 1994 Jupiter High School was listed (# 57) at a higher
priority funding than Atlantic High School (# 58). Currently there is no funding for
the Jupiter High School Master Plan and Atlantic High School has received COPS
money, yet Jupiter High School has received no COPS money.
Jupiter Elementary School -Bathrooms have only been partially renovated and
problems have existed over 10 years, roofing repairs were part of a previous bond
issue, yet still incompleted.
Jupiter Middle School -Clean air has improved, however, results of energy
conservation measures and an improperly functioning air conditioning chiller have
the potential of wiping out all improvements and monies spent. To avoid serious
regression, new chillers are needed and the proper building temperature must be
maintained 24 hours per day.
Lighthouse Elementary School -Improper replacement of the bricks may cause
"sick building effects". Lighthouse Elementary School is experiencing the same
air quality problems occurring at Jupiter Middle School. Ms. Onorato stressed how
those concerns have become health, safety and litigation issues.
Ms. Onorato also mentioned problems in working with the School District staff and
the need for smaller school districts. Officials were opposed to proposed changes
in the funding formula for communication tower revenues and felt the precedent
was already established in the formulas for Spanish River and William T. Dwyer
High Schools.
Mayor Mackail stated the same issues are reoccurring and suggested the School
Board be accountable for the issues presented.
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SEPTEMBER 18, 1995
IV. CURRICULUM
Councilmember Schauer stated the serious problems associated with the lack of
school books available for students to bring home. The Parent Teacher
Organizations at Lighthouse Elementary and Limestone Creek Elementary Schools
have paid approximately $24,000.00 for books and teacher's aids.
School Board Member Graham explained transitional problems throughout the
county related to the switch from books to computers. Mayor Golonka pointed out
not all children will have computers available at home and the need for books will
remain.
School Board Member Heinz traced many of the difficulties the School Board is
facing to the growing number of unfunded mandates and the large size of the
School District. Ms. Heinz suggested the need for a sophisticated lobbyist team
to compete with growth.
Commissioner Marcus suggested the Legislative Delegation be informed of the
serious problems facing the School Board and be asked to ensure that education
funding become a high priority.
Ms. Onorato highlighted the August 3, 1995 memo from the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools to Jupiter Community High School Principal Joe
Picklesimer informing him of accreditation problems due to the teacher/student
ratio. Elected officials considered the accreditation concerns the number one
priority for the School Board to address immediately. Also mentioned was the fact
that Jupiter Middle School was facing similar accreditation problems.
Councilor McCarthy mentioned the difficulties in dealing with mandates and
expressed disappointment in the animosity reflected in correspondence from the
School District staff.
It was suggested that the burden was on the School Board to address and resolve
the problems in the North County School District.
V. ABACOA
Mayor Golonka commented on the specific conditions outlined in the development
order and indicated the Town was willing to consider a joint relationship. However,
it was understood that it was the School Board's responsibility to provide the
schools not the developer's.
Councilor Henderson asked to receive an update from the School Board regarding
the status of schools for the ABACOA project and current 5 year projection plans.
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SEPTEMBER 18. 1995
VI. ONE CENT SALES TAX PROPOSAL
Bond restrictions, the need for accountability and low confidence levels were
discussed. The general consensus of the North County officials in attendance was
not to support the proposal without significant changes and guarantees.
Specifically, it was requested that North County be included in the priority list for
construction funding and receive an equitable share of the proposed tax dollars.
School Board Members commented on some of the issues presented; agreed to forvvard
a written response, addressing all the concerns and comments, to the Town of Jupiter
and consider a follow up meeting in approximately six months.
Commissioner Marcus requested an immediate resolution to the air conditioning override
button for Palm Beach Gardens High School. Members of the School Board agreed to
investigate Commissioner Marcus concerns.
Chair Gleason agreed to review the written response prior to distribution.
Mayor Golonka thanked everyone for coming and adjourned the Joint Workshop Meeting
at 6:15 P.M.
Sally M. Boy an, MC, Town Clerk