School Board

2 Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Pinellas County Schools 5 p.m. School Administration Building 301 4th Street SW Largo, FL 33770 https://www.pcsb.org Vision: 100% Student Success Mission: "Educate and prepare each student for college, career and life." 1. Opening of Meeting Subject 1.1 Call to Order Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Procedural File Attachments 1. Opening of Meeting Subject 1.2 Invocation Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Procedural File Attachments 1. Opening of Meeting Subject 1.3 Pledge of Allegiance - Color Guard - Pinellas Park High School JROTC U.S. Coast Guard Unit Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Procedural File Attachments 1. Opening of Meeting Subject 1.4 National Anthem Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Procedural File Attachments 1. Opening of Meeting Subject 1.5 Video - Math Mania takes over Pinellas County Schools! Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Procedural File Attachments 1. Opening of Meeting Subject 1.6 Introduction of Professional and Community Organization Reps - Isabel Mascareñas, Public Information Officer Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Procedural File Attachments 1. Opening of Meeting Subject 1.7 Presentation by Student Rights and Responsibilities - Pinellas Park High School Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Procedural File Attachments 2. Amendments to the Agenda Subject 2.1 Possible Changes to the Agenda Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action Recommended Action Motion to Amend the Agenda File Attachments 3. Adoption of Agenda Subject 3.1 Adoption of Agenda Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action Recommended Action Motion to Adopt Agenda File Attachments 4. Special Order Agenda Subject 4.1 Recognition of Recipients of State and National Awards, Various Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Recognition Goals 4. Strategic Priority 3: Equity with Excellence for All BACKGROUND : The School Board is pleased to recognize students demonstrating excellence at state and national levels in academics and/or extra-curricular activities. Pinellas County Schools' students annually compete at prestigious events within the arts, athletics, career and technical education, JROTC, and academic programs. As part of the district's Strategic Priority 1: Academic Excellence Through Innovation, the School Board commends these students for bringing distinction to themselves, their school, the district, and the community. File Attachments 4. Special Order Agenda Subject 4.2 Presentation of the Proclamation Designating April 2026 as National School Library Month Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action, Proclamation Recommended Action Approve the proclamation designating April 2026 as National School Library Month. Goals 4. Strategic Priority 1: Academic Excellence Through Innovation BACKGROUND : April 2026 marks the 41st annual observance of National School Library Month. This month provides an opportunity to celebrate school librarians and their programs. First recognized in 1985, National School Library Month is celebrated across libraries nationwide every April. It serves as a time to acknowledge the contributions of our nation's libraries and library workers, as well as to promote literacy, library use, and support. School library media specialists organize activities to help schools and the local community celebrate the vital role that effective school library programs have in transforming learning. Pinellas County Schools honors our library media technology specialists and their dedication to students and families. By promoting literacy, technology, collaboration, creativity, and engagement, library media technology specialists positively influence student success every day. SUBMITTED BY : Donnika M. Jones, Chief Academic Officer File Attachments 25-26 Proclamation School Library Month.pdf (143 KB) 4. Special Order Agenda Subject 4.3 Presentation of the 2024-25 Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) Annual Report to the Pinellas County School Board and Citizens of Pinellas County Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Presentation BACKGROUND : On November 4, 2025, the citizens of Pinellas County voted to increase the ad valorem millage to one mill for essential operating expenses, including funds to recruit and retain high-quality teachers, supplement reading programs, enhance music and art offerings, and provide up-to-date materials and technology in Pinellas County Schools. The school board set specific target areas for the use of these funds and established a process for allocating the referendum dollars, with clear parameters for monitoring and reporting expenditures to the public. The Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) was established to serve as an advisory body to the school board. Its purpose is to oversee the spending of referendum funds throughout the four-year implementation period. The committee reviews quarterly reports on expenditures that detail teacher salaries and purchases in specific program areas such as reading, visual arts, performing arts, and technology. Additionally, the committee looks closely at detailed narratives that explain how the items are used in each program area and highlights how schools benefit from these expenditures. Every year, a member of the ICROC committee delivers the Annual Report, which summarizes that year's expenditures. It is important to recognize that, while these funds align with the referendum guidelines' intent to recruit and retain quality teachers, improve program initiatives, and update equipment and instructional materials to enhance student learning, they are not intended to replace existing department budgets. The ICROC Chairperson, Raegan Miller, will present the 2024-25 Annual Report. Pinellas County Schools is proud of the community support gained over these eighteen years, and our staff and students have benefited significantly from the careful use of funds. SUBMITTED BY : Donnika M. Jones, Chief Academic Officer File Attachments 24-25 Annual Report Final ICROC 3.31.26.pdf (1,426 KB) 5. Public Comments on Agenda Items Subject 5.1 Meeting Procedures Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Information Meeting Procedures: The Board welcomes public comment. For those who wish to speak to the Board, please note the following: You are given three separate opportunities to speak. The first is during "Public Comment" on a topic not included in the agenda but pertaining to the general business of the district, and this opportunity occurs after adjournment of regular meetings. The second is on one or more agenda items upon which the Board will vote, and this opportunity occurs after the special order agenda at regular meetings and as appropriate at special meetings. The third is at public hearings, such as budget hearings and second readings on Board policy, when you are able to speak during the public hearing and regarding the topic of the public hearing. In each case, you Must register to speak with the Superintendent’s designee at the entrance to the meeting room as described below; Must register prior to the time the Chairperson calls for speakers for that speaking opportunity or before the last speaker for that opportunity concludes their comments, whichever is later; Will be called in the order you registered with the Superintendent's designee; Will be allotted three (3) minutes, which may only be extended with the approval of the chairperson or a majority vote of the Board; and May not yield your time to any other person. To avoid repetition, speakers supporting or opposing the same issue are encouraged to designate a spokesperson and have the spokesperson request that members of the audience supporting the position stand during the presentation. The following additional procedures apply depending upon the specific speaking opportunity: If a speaker wants to supplement their three (3) minute presentation, the speaker should provide the Board office with written materials prior to the meeting. Board members will make every effort to review these materials. Board members may not be able to review materials received less than two (2) business days prior to the Board meeting. The Board will not act on any matter raised by a speaker prior to the next regular meeting. If a majority of the Board desires to further consider a matter raised by a speaker, they will request the Superintendent to bring a recommendation at a future workshop or meeting or otherwise address the issue. It is generally the Board's practice not to respond to the issues brought forward by speakers except to correct inaccuracies or clarify issues. Speakers may not use any of the speaking opportunities to advertise or otherwise promote the interests of any commercial or other non-school organizations, except when recognizing school or district partners or when one of the exceptions in Policy 9700.01 applies. Further, no speaker may advertise or otherwise promote a political candidate, question or party. Regulation of Disruptive Speech Board meetings are a limited open forum for First Amendment purposes and your exercise of your First Amendment right of free speech in that context will be recognized and protected, subject to reasonable restrictions as to time, place and manner. Applause is permitted only when awards are granted. To ensure the expeditious and orderly process of Board meetings, the Chairperson may: Interrupt or terminate a speaker when his/her statement is not relevant, exceeds the time allotted or is abusive, threatening, defamatory, obscene, profane, loud, interruptive or otherwise interferes with the expeditious or orderly process of the meeting, as stated in s. 1001.372(3), Florida Statutes; and Order the removal of any person interfering with the expeditious or orderly process of the meeting, provided the Chairperson has first issued a warning that continued interference with the orderly processes of the meeting will result in removal. Nothing herein is intended, nor shall anything be construed, to limit or restrain negative, positive or neutral comments about the manner in which Board employees, agents, the Superintendent and Board members carry out their duties in public employment or office. Recording of Board Meetings are permitted under the following conditions: No obstructions are created between the Board and the audience. No interviews are conducted in the meeting room while the Board is in session. No commentary, adjustment of equipment or positioning of operators is made that would distract either the Board or members of the audience while the Board is in session. Revised 08/08/22 File Attachments 6. Unfinished Business 7. Consent Subject 7.1 Request Approval of the Minutes of the School Board Meeting of March 11, 2026 Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action (Consent), Minutes Recommended Action Approve the minutes of the school board meeting of March 11, 2026. File Attachments DRAFT Minutes School Board Meeting 3.11.2026.pdf (152 KB) 7. Consent Subject 7.2 Request Approval of the Personnel Recommendations - Administrative, Instructional and Supporting Services Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action Fiscal Impact Yes Budgeted Yes Budget Source Costs of personnel actions fall within the approved budget. Recommended Action Approve the Personnel Recommendations - Administrative, Instructional and Supporting Services - March 31,2026. BACKGROUND : Florida law states that the school board shall act on personnel actions. The attached lists of personnel actions include recommendations in various areas, such as: Administrative - Change in Contract Status, Leave of Absences, Resignations, and Retirements Instructional - Appointments, Change in Contract Status, Leave of Absences, Resignations, Retirements, Contracted Services, Substitutes, and Teaching Out-of-Field (Teachers, ESOL, Co-Teacher, Long-Term Substitutes) Supporting Services - Appointments, Substitutes, Status Changes, Job Title Changes, Cost Center Changes, Leave of Absences, Resignations, and Retirements RATIONALE : Human Resources Services strives to recruit, support, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce. Approval of personnel actions for administrative, instructional, and support services is requested to continue providing high-quality educational services. Human Resources Services has confirmed that all individuals recommended by the superintendent meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the job description for the position to which they are being recommended. DATA SOURCES : District-level Administrators School-based Administrators SUBMITTED BY : Michael P. Vigue, Chief Human Resources Officer File Attachments Administrative Board Agenda March 31, 2026 (FY 25-26).pdf (686 KB) Instuctional Board Agenda March 31, 2026 (FY 25-26).pdf (817 KB) Supporting Services Board Agenda March 31, 2026 (FY 25-26).pdf (754 KB) 7. Consent Subject 7.3 Request Approval to Create/Revise Job Descriptions Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action (Consent) Fiscal Impact Yes Budgeted Yes Budget Source Costs of the changes in job descriptions fall within the operating budget. Recommended Action Approve the creation/revision of job descriptions. BACKGROUND : Human Resources Services continuously reviews current employee job descriptions and, as appropriate, proposes new/revised job descriptions, mindful of best practices to accomplish the district’s mission and goals. These new/revised job descriptions accurately reflect the minimum qualifications and/or better align the essential responsibilities with the major functions of the positions. This results in a more comprehensively trained staff. The following new job description supports a more effective or efficient operation within the payroll department: Manager, Payroll RATIONALE : Human Resources Services Compensation team reviews , updates , and revises all job classifications, ensuring that Pinellas County School Board job descriptions reflect updated titles, major functions, essential responsibilities, qualifications, pay grades, and reporting structures to eliminate duplication of effort and define and delineate position roles and responsibilities. DATA SOURCES : Gary Jeppesen, Chief Financial Officer SUBMITTED BY : Michael P. Vigue, Chief Human Resources Officer File Attachments Job Description 3.31.26.pdf (238 KB) 7. Consent Subject 7.4 Request Approval of the 2026-2027 Property Insurance Program, effective April 15, 2026, through April 15, 2027 Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action (Consent) Fiscal Impact Yes Budgeted Yes Budget Source The premium for the Property Insurance Program is paid through the Risk Management and Insurance department's annual operating budget and subsequently booked as a capital outlay expense. Recommended Action Approve the 2026-2027 Property Insurance Program, effective April 15, 2026, through April 15, 2027. BACKGROUND : Pinellas County Schools must carry sufficient property insurance as required by Florida law (Section 1001.42(11)(b)(8)(d)). For the policy year from April 15, 2026, through April 15, 2027, the Risk Management Insurance Review Committee, working with Gallagher Risk Services, evaluated renewal options and recommends the program summarized below. Although the district's total insured property values have increased and the district experienced a significant property loss in 2024, the proposed renewal results in an estimated 19% premium decrease (about $1.5 million less than last year), reflecting ongoing improvements in capacity and competition within the commercial property insurance market. Updated catastrophe modeling, using two widely recognized windstorm industry models, indicates a 100-year probable maximum loss (PML) range of approximately $100 million. The recommended $75 million coverage limit aligns with a substantial portion of the modeled windstorm loss exposure while remaining financially responsible. Additionally, the committee suggests adding a supplemental parametric Named Windstorm insurance policy. This coverage aims to provide quick payment based on a named-storm occurrence and intensity, rather than damage assessment, helping to offset required deductibles. 2026-27 Property Insurance Program Summary: Total insured value (TIV): approximately $3.8 billion, including buildings and contents. Property limit: $75 million (approximately 2% of TIV) Deductibles/retentions: $100,000 for most property losses (all perils, except as noted) 5% of the building's value for windstorm, hail, or storm surge losses Supplemental parametric coverage for named windstorm: $2.5 million annual aggregate (designed for quicker cash flow after qualifying storms to help with deductibles) Total cost (not to exceed at binding): $6.62 million, including equipment breakdown coverage and the supplemental parametric windstorm policy. RATIONALE : The Risk Management Insurance Review Committee, which includes the Chief Financial Officer; Chief Human Resources Officer; Executive Director of Budget and Resource Allocation; Director, Risk Management and Insurance; and Insurance and Loss Prevention Coordinator, in consultation with Gallagher Risk Services, recommends approving the 2026-27 Property Insurance Program. This plan will ensure strong property protection for district facilities after major events such as named storms, while remaining fiscally responsible. The proposed 2026-2027 Property Insurance Summary of Insurer Placement and the PCS Property Historical Overview of coverage and premiums is attached. DATA SOURCES : Gary Jeppesen, Chief Financial Officer Samantha Chastain, Executive Director, Budget and Resource Allocation April Paul, Director, Risk Management and Insurance John Scacca, Insurance and Loss Prevention Coordinator Gallagher Risk Services SUBMITTED BY : Michael P. Vigue, Chief Human Resources Officer File Attachments Summary of Insurer Placement- 2026 Property Insurance.pdf (64 KB) 2026 PCS Property Historical Overview.pdf (161 KB) 7. Consent Subject 7.5 Request for Approval of Purchasing Items in Accordance With Bid Policies and Procedures Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action (Consent) Fiscal Impact Yes Budgeted Yes Budget Source Funding is available in the various departmental budgets. Recommended Action Approve purchasing items in accordance with bid policies and statutes. Goals 4. Strategic Priority 6: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility BACKGROUND : The attached purchasing documents and proposals have been processed in accordance with applicable law and district purchasing policies. Each proposed contract award reflects the most appropriate recommended action, as determined by the relevant competitive solicitation process or applicable exemption. The purchases are necessary to continue to provide a high-quality education for all students. RATIONALE : Approval of the purchasing items will allow the district to continue to provide high-quality education for all students in an efficient and effective manner. DATA SOURCES : Stephen “Joe” Benjamin, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, Director, Purchasing SUBMITTED BY : Gary Jeppesen, Chief Financial Officer File Attachments PURCHASING AGENDA SUMMARY 3-31-26 edits.pdf (3,882 KB) 7. Consent Subject 7.6 Request Approval of the Lease Agreement Renewal With the Early Learning Coalition, Pinellas County Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action (Consent) Budget Source There is no financial impact to the district. Recommended Action Approve the lease agreement renewal with the Early Learning Coalition, Pinellas County. BACKGROUND : The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County (ELC) and Pinellas County Schools have maintained a longstanding cooperative partnership. Since 2017, the ELC has served as a referral agency at Pinellas Technical College - St. Petersburg Campus for individuals seeking VPK wraparound services and school readiness programs for their school-age children. In 2021, the ELC expanded programming to serve more families with school-aged children at the Clearview Adult Education Center, located at 3815 43rd Street North, St. Petersburg, FL. In 2025, the ELC combined its locations by relocating the Pinellas Technical College - St. Petersburg office location to the Clearview Adult Learning Center. The ELC now leases Building 8, which offers over 4,000 square feet and has a separate entrance. RATIONALE : This lease will strengthen the partnership with the ELC, and the funds from it will support district costs associated with the leased space. DATA SOURCES : David Koperski, School Board Attorney Lutricia Johnson, Real Estate Analyst Eva Stoddard, Contract and Procurement Manager, ELC SUBMITTED BY : Jennifer Dull, Chief Operations Officer File Attachments ELC 2026 Renewal BD 3.31.26.pdf (4,985 KB) 7. Consent Subject 7.7 Request Approval of the Florida Inventory of School Houses Certification of Facilities Data Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action (Consent) Fiscal Impact No Budgeted No Budget Source There is no financial impact to the district. Recommended Action Approve the Florida Inventory of School Houses Certification of Facilities Data. Goals 4. Strategic Priority 6: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility BACKGROUND : Every year, school districts across the state are required to verify the use of all district-owned properties and report this information to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) through the Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH). The verification and reporting through FISH ensures that school districts use spaces as authorized by the FDOE. Between November 21, 2025, and December 20, 2025, all principals reviewed, verified, and submitted changes or corrections to the current FISH report. District staff were available to assist with this process, and select site visits were completed in January 2026. All schools have submitted their verification forms. On March 13, 2026, the Florida Department of Education issued the 2026 certification documents to all districts, which must be completed and submitted back to the state before April 1, 2026. RATIONALE : The State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF) 2014, Chapter 6, Section 6.1(5)(c) requires that each district shall review its Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) and shall certify to the Office of Educational Facilities (OEF) that the inventory is current and accurate. DATA SOURCES : Craig Pollei, Director, Facilities Design and Construction Marshall Touchton, Coordinator, School Planning SUBMITTED BY : Jennifer Dull, Chief Operations Officer File Attachments FISH Certification of Facilities Data 3.31.26.pdf (1,113 KB) 8. Nonconsent 9. New Business Subject 9.1 Items Introduced by Superintendent Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Discussion, Information File Attachments 9. New Business Subject 9.2 Items Introduced by the School Board Attorney Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Discussion, Information File Attachments 9. New Business Subject 9.3 Items Introduced by the Board Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Discussion, Information File Attachments 9. New Business Subject 9.4 Review of Board Requests Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Discussion, Information File Attachments 10. Adjournment Subject 10.1 Adjourn Meeting Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Action Recommended Action Motion to Adjourn the Meeting The above recommendations to the School Board of Pinellas County are submitted for consideration and approval at the meeting of March 31, 2026. Kevin K. Hendrick, Superintendent of Schools. File Attachments 10. Adjournment Subject 10.2 Public Participation Meeting Mar 31, 2026 - Regular School Board Meeting - 5 p.m. Type Procedural Meeting Procedures: The Board welcomes public comment. For those who wish to speak to the Board, please note the following: You are given three separate opportunities to speak. The first is during "Public Comment" on a topic not included in the agenda but pertaining to the general business of the district, and this opportunity occurs after adjournment of regular meetings. The second is on one or more agenda items upon which the Board will vote, and this opportunity occurs after the special order agenda at regular meetings and as appropriate at special meetings. The third is at public hearings, such as budget hearings and second readings on Board policy, when you are able to speak during the public hearing and regarding the topic of the public hearing. In each case, you Must register to speak with the Superintendent’s designee at the entrance to the meeting room as described below; Must register prior to the time the Chairperson calls for speakers for that speaking opportunity or before the last speaker for that opportunity concludes their comments, whichever is later; Will be called in the order you registered with the Superintendent's designee; Will be allotted three (3) minutes, which may only be extended with the approval of the chairperson or a majority vote of the Board; and May not yield your time to any other person. To avoid repetition, speakers supporting or opposing the same issue are encouraged to designate a spokesperson and have the spokesperson request that members of the audience supporting the position stand during the presentation. The following additional procedures apply depending upon the specific speaking opportunity: If a speaker wants to supplement their three (3) minute presentation, the speaker should provide the Board office with written materials prior to the meeting. Board members will make every effort to review these materials. Board members may not be able to review materials received less than two (2) business days prior to the Board meeting. The Board will not act on any matter raised by a speaker prior to the next regular meeting. If a majority of the Board desires to further consider a matter raised by a speaker, they will request the Superintendent to bring a recommendation at a future workshop or meeting or otherwise address the issue. It is generally the Board's practice not to respond to the issues brought forward by speakers except to correct inaccuracies or clarify issues. Speakers may not use any of the speaking opportunities to advertise or otherwise promote the interests of any commercial or other non-school organizations, except when recognizing school or district partners or when one of the exceptions in Policy 9700.01 applies. Further, no speaker may advertise or otherwise promote a political candidate, question or party. Regulation of Disruptive Speech Board meetings are a limited open forum for First Amendment purposes and your exercise of your First Amendment right of free speech in that context will be recognized and protected, subject to reasonable restrictions as to time, place and manner. Applause is permitted only when awards are granted. To ensure the expeditious and orderly process of Board meetings, the Chairperson may: Interrupt or terminate a speaker when his/her statement is not relevant, exceeds the time allotted or is abusive, threatening, defamatory, obscene, profane, loud, interruptive or otherwise interferes with the expeditious or orderly process of the meeting, as stated in s. 1001.372(3), Florida Statutes; and Order the removal of any person interfering with the expeditious or orderly process of the meeting, provided the Chairperson has first issued a warning that continued interference with the orderly processes of the meeting will result in removal. Nothing herein is intended, nor shall anything be construed, to limit or restrain negative, positive or neutral comments about the manner in which Board employees, agents, the Superintendent and Board members carry out their duties in public employment or office. Recording of Board Meetings are permitted under the following conditions: No obstructions are created between the Board and the audience. No interviews are conducted in the meeting room while the Board is in session. No commentary, adjustment of equipment or positioning of operators is made that would distract either the Board or members of the audience while the Board is in session. Revised 08/08/22 File Attachments