Minutes

Present: Fred Andrews, Ed Ballas, Sandy Bunkin, Connie Hayden-McPeak, Ina Helmick, Judy Kennedy, Jean Leone, John Miliziano, Brenda Nolte, Bill Orr, Peter Russo, Donna St. Peter, Tom Rao, Charlotte Valenti, Mark West, and Mari McBryar. Guest: Ken Allen

President Mark West called the meeting to order at 4:55 PM. Prior to regular business, Mr. West asked for a report on FASA Legislative Days. Dr. Ken Allen summarized the activities and tone of the trip, with assistance from Tom Rao. Dr. Allen stated that three key points (1) two percent retirement formula, (2) best three years instead of five, and

(3) immediate re-employment of top educators seemed to have support. He warned of a rewrite of the education code and the danger of unscrupulous individuals sabotaging the code. He reported that Hillsborough County is aware of the rewrite and have charged Connie Milito and Jim Hamilton with carefully following that procedure.

Tom Rao gave an update on the senate appropriation committee and that Florida is 50^th in the nation in tax appropriation for education. Charlotte Valenti reported on Dr. Lennard’s presentation to the legislature and that it went well. She also reported on the status of Sara Romeo’s medical condition, which does not look encouraging at this time.

It was also reported that the Enron situation has not heavily damaged the Florida Retirement fund, which is one of the strongest in the nation at $93 billion. The group was pleased to report that the HASA delegation was the largest and had more representatives than any other school district. Dr. Miliziano encouraged the group that now is the time to write letters and send emails to those who our delegates met with during FASA days.

A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS:

I. Secretary - Sandy Bunkin:

Sandy Bunkin asked the Board to review the minutes of the January 2002 meeting. Jean Leone moved to approve the minutes as presented. Judy Kennedy seconded the motion and the vote carried.

II. Treasurer – Nelson Luis

Nelson Luis was absent and Mark West presented the treasurer’s report. No corrections were made and the January 2002 report will be filed for audit.

III. Membership Report – Nuri Ayres

In the absence of Nuri Ayres, Mark West reported that one new member had been added to the rolls since December 31, 2001. Dr. Miliziano presented percentage of membership for the component groups.

IV. President’s Report – Mark West

Mark West asked for the Board’s suggestions on topics for the upcoming Superintendent’s Roundtable. The Board was most interested in discussing with Dr. Lennard the current construction situation at Leto High School and the recent media coverage of the same. Of utmost concern to the Board were damaging comments from district level staff that have been reported by the media, both televised and in print, relative to the principal of that school and his role in the current situation at Leto.

Many HASA Board members expressed concerns that principals are not allowed input into renovation or constructions projects that are planned for their schools; there are fears of retaliation if school administrators push for needed, expensive repairs; many principals on the Board have building repair needs similar to those at Leto now. The Board asked to discuss two topics with Dr. Lennard, (1) building repairs and, (2) personnel issues and the value that district staff places on its employees. Dr. Miliziano agreed to arrange the Roundtable meeting with those parameters.

Mr. West gave an overview of the Legislative Reception that was held in January. Although it was a nice event for networking between Hillsborough County groups, it was not well attended by legislators. Most Board members felt that the money spent on the reception could be put to better use, and that the reception has outlived its usefulness. Several suggestions were made for supporting legislators in-kind, doing more with those funds that the legislators will remember.

Mr. West asked Jean Leone to report on the recent meeting with Deborah Henry and the unions regarding insurance benefits. Ms. Leone reported that a main concern among all groups present was communication. Many school-based employees or itinerants (i.e. bus drivers) don’t get the information that is distributed regarding their insurance benefits. Additionally, the district is having difficulty getting insurance companies to even bid for our business. Our district is so large and we employ so many women that the insurance companies cannot make money from us.

Executive Director’s Report – John Miliziano

Dr. Miliziano reported that the Coalition is moving forward. A Constitution is in place and member fees are determined. He asked for articles of interest from members for the newsletter, and Charlotte Valenti offered to contribute some pictures she had taken at FASA days. Charlotte also gave a brief update on arrangements for the School Board Forum that will take place February 26^th. The topics were discussed, edited and finalized.

Dr. Miliziano and the Board edited a draft copy of the membership cards. He also reported that the web page is up and running and encouraged members to visit that site.

B. OLD BUSINESS

Tom Rao presented new HASA pins and they were distributed to all Board members. The new pins are larger and have clearer script, and are beautiful. Dr. Miliziano thanked Tom and made arrangements to have a formal thank you letter sent to Balfour as well.

C. NEW BUSINESS/ROUNDTABLE

§ Dr. Miliziano asked the Board to think about replacing Janelle Buck as Historian temporarily. He asked that anyone who would be willing to step in and help out should call him.

§ Judy Kennedy reported that Michelle Gregory carried the Olympic torch for a short time on one leg of its journey. She agreed to see if pictures are available for the newsletter.

§ Jean Leone moved that HASA pay for a membership for Dr. Miliziano in FASA. Judy Kennedy seconded the motion and it passed.

§ Charlotte Valenti reported that the date for the Spring Social will be May 25^th, and the Fall Social will be on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in the third week of August.

§ Brenda Nolte mentioned that she is on the committee for the “pay for performance” evaluations and may have some upcoming concerns.

The meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Bunkin, Secretary