BHS JROTC and Student Representative

STAR Students

School Spotlight  - Woodland Middle School

AL HARAYDA    al.harayda@sarasotacountyschools.net

ALLISON FOSTER   allison.foster@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS   jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

Students need strong writing skills for success in high school and beyond.  The new FAST-Writing exam that will be administered in 9th and 10th grade will be reported separately from Reading. The writing assessment will be administered via computer-based testing and will consist of one text-based constructed response item. The writing assessment will focus on argumentative and expository writing styles. 

AICE, IB, and AP classes emphasize college level writing skills across various genres which requires students to develop rhetorical arguments and claims using textual evidence. 

Success in both writing scenarios hinges on following rubrics, which outline clear criteria.  With the introduction of the FAST-Writing exam, existing feedback methods may not provide students with the targeted guidance they need to excel across various writing styles. 

Gap: Due to the new FAST-Writing test, students need consistent and targeted feedback aligned with specific writing rubrics that are used for high-stakes exams. 

Lack of clear direction can hinder their ability to effectively improve across different writing genres.

Additionally, Packback offers grading tools to reduce teacher workload, freeing up time for more personalized feedback and instruction on writing strategies.

With consistent, rubric-aligned feedback, students will have a clearer path for improvement across different writing genres.

This will ultimately lead to higher scores on the FAST-Writing exam and better preparation for college-level writing demands.

By implementing the Packback program students will be provided with ongoing, rubric-specific feedback on their writing assignments. This will allow students to understand their strengths and weaknesses in relation to the required writing skills.

MEGAN GREEN  megan.green@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA  rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

Board will approve this agreement for the purpose of rendering objective review of criminal investigations, use of deadly force, and in-custody deaths involving members of the SCSPD and occurring on School Board property or within unincorporated Sarasota County, Florida, and shall become effective as of the date last signed below.

STEVE LORENZ   steve.lorenz@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

The program covered under this agreement is the Early College (dual enrollment) program with SCF. This agreement will be reviewed annually and submitted to the Board. It replaces the previous agreement between the Sarasota County School Board (SCSB) and SCF. This agreement includes early admission options for students attending Sarasota County schools. Early College (dual enrollment) course offerings allow qualifying students in Grades 11-12 to enroll in both high school and college. This provides students the opportunity to enhance their learning in courses that meet educational, career, and personal needs while enrolled in high school. The student may earn up to 28 credit hours per year in the program, which shortens the time necessary to complete postsecondary degree requirements. Dual enrollment course offerings, both on and off the high school campus, provide greater academic options and considerable financial savings. This agreement is completed and submitted annually to the State Board of Education. Pursuant to Florida Statute 1007.271, Dual Enrollment Programs, school districts shall pay public postsecondary institutions the standard tuition rate per credit hour from funds provided in the Florida Education Finance Program when dual enrollment course instruction takes place on the postsecondary institution’s campus and the course is taken during the fall or spring term.

Since the 2020-2021 school year, a value of 0.08 full-time equivalent (FTE) student membership has been calculated for each student who completes a general education core course through a dual enrollment program with a grade of A. In addition, a value of 0.3 FTE student membership has been calculated for any student who receives an associate degree through the dual enrollment program with a 3.0 grade point average or better. This value is added to the total FTE student membership in basic programs for Grades 9-12 in the subsequent fiscal year.

MICHELLE ANDERSON  michelle.anderson@sarasotacountyschools.net

MEGAN GREEN   megan.green@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA   rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net  

This is a data sharing agreement between Grant Writing - Evaluation and Program Improvement Consultants, L.L.C. (GW_EPIC) and the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida.  Data sharing is necessary for this company to evaluate the effectiveness of the Advancing Classroom Climate in Sarasota Schools program (ACCISS) and the Student Assistance program (SAP) and to complete the Reading Recovery program.

Advancing Classroom Climate in Sarasota Schools program (ACCISS) is a federal grant funded program to improve school climate through research -based intervention strategies and programming. This required evaluation is on behalf of the School Board and the Pupil Support Services department.  The evaluation goal is to access the impact of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) training and coaching on school climate.

The Student Assistance program (SAP) evaluation is on behalf of the School Board and Lightshare (formally First Step of Sarasota).  The evaluation is to assess the impact of the Student Assistance Program on negative student behavior.

The Reading Recovery Program evaluation was for SY 2022-2023.  However, due to data access delays, the report was completed in SY 2023-2024.

The ACCISS program is a federal program in its fifth year of operation and this is a required evaluation.  The evaluator's cost is part of the grant budget.  The evaluation's trend data analysis demonstrated an increase in program implementation at several schools and evidence-based interventions operational within those schools.  There has been an increase in staff training satisfaction following technical assistance and training events.

The SAP is in the sixth year of operation.  Previous outcomes and data trends indicate a decrease in out of school suspensions and drug and alcohol events for participating students.

In SY 2022-2023, of the 195 students who completed the Reading Recovery intervention, 67% of the students were reading on grade level (accelerated progress) and 20% made progress but not enough to reach grade level (progressed).

TARAH ALLEN   tarah.allen@sarasotacountyschools.net

DAWN CLAYTON   dawn.clayton@sarasotacountyschools.net

DENISE CANTALUPO   denise.cantalupo@sarasotacountyschools.net

DEBRA GIACOLONE   debra.giacolone@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

ACCISS - $29,250.00

SAP - paid by Lightshare

Reading Recovery - $5000.00

Intervention Support Services, LLC Group is a company that provides the MindSet de-escalation training. MindSet focuses on an empathetic approach toward developing culture, de-escalation, and the reduction of more restrictive interventions. It is a proactive approach that promotes a safe climate for growth and developing a school-wide culture of prevention.

Initial Train the Trainers included 27 staff from specialized program sites and district staff held in May 2023.

Ongoing support through the first year of implementation at specialized program sites and Separate Day School with expert staff for Autism and behavior, including:

·       On site coaching and training from MindSet expert staff at 12 schools with specialized programs for Autism and behavior over 11 days during the 2024-2025 SY

·       Virtual follow up trainings and collaboration

·       Consultation for school and district staff for implementation plans and problem solving

20 SCSB staff that are current MindSet “trainers” will complete the Mindset Recertification training prior to the end of the 2024-2025 school year through an in-person training by the MindSet trainers. This includes the following staff roles: SRO, transportation, school-based instructional and district support.

As an outcome of the training, the trainers will be certified for 2 years. SCSB trainers will support maintaining required de-escalation training to support other staff requirements across the district at all levels.

Cost:

·       Refresher training $450/person (@20 staff, total of $9000)

·       MindSet Trainers travel: $3600

HEATHER WASSERMAN   heather.wasserman@sarasotacountyschools.net.

DEBRA GIACOLONE   debra.giacolone@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA   rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

MEGAN GREEN  megan.green@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA  rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

JENNIFER MAINELLI  jennifer.mainelli@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA  rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

Piggybacking is the post-award use of a contractual document or process that allows an entity that was not contemplated in the original procurement to purchase the same supplies, equipment or services through that original document or process. The School Board of Sarasota County Policy 7.70 Purchasing and Bidding allows for this process subject to the provisions of law.

The Purchasing Department has researched and reviewed the competitive solicitations that are available for these purchases and has determined that the use of the attached contracts for the purpose cited presents the best value and/or is in the best interest of the School Board. 

By submitting this request and accepting the contract, you enable the Sarasota County School District to collaborate with the largest fingerprinting network in the United States, boasting six convenient locations within Sarasota County. This partnership empowers individuals seeking to volunteer or contract with the district by granting them the flexibility to schedule appointments at any Fieldprint authorized site nationwide, at their convenience. Furthermore, their results are securely transmitted to our Fingerprint Office, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process.

The Sarasota County School District has been partnered with Fieldprint for one year. This partnership has alleviated some of the backlog of people waiting to be fingerprinted to become volunteers for the district.

Allow the School District to continue with its partnership with Fieldprint to provide convenient alternatives to be fingerprinted.

That the piggyback contracts awarded to Fieldprint, Inc. for the anticipated purchase of materials and/or services be approved as presented.

JASON OVERBAY   jason.overbay@sarasotacountyschools.net
STEVE LORENZ   steve.lorenz@sarasotacountyschools.net

Not to exceed $110,000.00
The funding source is paid by the person getting fingerprinted. The operations budget of the Fingerprint Office is used when there needs to be resubmissions.

Piggybacking is the post-award use of a contractual document or process that allows an entity that was not contemplated in the original procurement to purchase the same supplies, equipment or services through that original document or process. The School Board of Sarasota County Policy 7.70 Purchasing and Bidding allows for this process subject to the provisions of law.

The Purchasing Department has researched and reviewed the competitive solicitations that are available for these purchases and has determined that the use of the attached contracts for the purpose cited presents the best value and/or is in the best interest of the School Board. 

Schoolhouse Products provides the SBSC options for purchasing classroom furniture for our students at a competitive price.

Schoolhouse Products has been providing the SBSC with quality products and service at a competitive or better price.

Having Schoolhouse Products as a vendor for our classroom furniture purchases will offer our students high quality materials at competitive prices.

That the piggyback contracts awarded to Schoolhouse Products for the anticipated purchase of furniture be approved as presented.

Not to exceed $2,000,000.00
The funds for these purchases are contained in the budgets allocated to the appropriate departments and schools. Funding source:  General Fund

Piggybacking is the post-award use of a contractual document or process that allows an entity that was not contemplated in the original procurement to purchase the same supplies, equipment or services through that original document or process. The School Board of Sarasota County Policy 7.70 Purchasing and Bidding allows for this process subject to the provisions of law.

The Purchasing Department has researched and reviewed the competitive solicitations that are available for these purchases and has determined that the use of the attached contracts for the purpose cited presents the best value and/or is in the best interest of the School Board. 

Schoolhouse Products provides the SBSC options for purchasing classroom furniture for our students at a competitive price.

Schoolhouse Products has been providing the SBSC with quality products and service at a competitive or better price.

Having Schoolhouse Products as a vendor for our classroom furniture purchases will offer our students high quality materials at competitive prices.

That the piggyback contracts awarded to Schoolhouse Products for the anticipated purchase of furniture be approved as presented.

TRACY BRIZENDINE  tracy.brizendine@sarasotacountyschools.net
BONNIE PENNER   bonnie.penner@sarasotacountyschools.net

Not to exceed $1,500,000.00
The funds for these purchases are contained in the budgets allocated to the appropriate departments and schools. Funding Source:  General Fund

The Purchasing Department has researched and reviewed the competitive solicitations that are available for these purchases and has determined that the use of the attached contracts for the purpose cited presents the best value and/or is in the best interest of the School Board.

This approval will allow staff to purchase and/or lease portables as needed for growth, construction, and/or renovation projects. 

At the current time, the district has 4 leased units from Williams Scotsman. 

Approval of multiple vendors for this item will allow staff to procure the items expeditiously and cost effectively. 

That the cooperative contracts awarded to Williams Scotsman, Inc., for the anticipated purchase of materials and/or services be approved as presented.

JANE DREGER  jane.dreger@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS   jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

Not to exceed $500,000.00

Funding for portables is primarily capital. The district has an annual budget for portables and periodically, for large renovation projects requiring swing space, the project budget includes amounts for portables.

Piggybacking is the post-award use of a contractual document or process that allows an entity that was not contemplated in the original procurement to purchase the same supplies, equipment or services through that original document or process. The School Board of Sarasota County Policy 7.70 Purchasing and Bidding allows for this process subject to the provisions of law.

The Purchasing Department has researched and reviewed the competitive solicitations that are available for these purchases and has determined that the use of the attached contracts for the purpose cited presents the best value and/or is in the best interest of the School Board.

Transportation currently has 116 buses operating without the Gatekeeper camera system.  The ongoing plan is to outfit new buses as they are purchased vs retrofitting all the old buses at one time.  The current increase will cover the addition of approximately 30 new buses.

The goal of the Gatekeeper program is to provide multiple high quality video cameras and recording devices on all SCSB school buses.  Currently there are 116 buses still on the old system.

Approval of the contract will ensure that buses purchased in the last year are equipped with the Gatekeeper system.

That the piggyback contracts awarded to Gatekeeper Systems USA, Inc. for the anticipated purchase of materials and/or services be approved as presented.

KEITH LITTLE   keith.little@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS   jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

Not to exceed:  $110,000.00

Funding will be a combination of Capital and Operating funds.  Capital funds are used to purchase the new hard drive components while operating funds are utilized to pay for software services. 

Bid #23-0017 for ‘Fire Alarm Inspection and Maintenance Service’ was approved for award on July 19, 2022, to Commercial Electrical Sys Co. and AFA Protective Systems Inc.  Facilities Services Department is requesting an increase of the purchasing limit of this bid by an additional $350,000.00, for the duration of the bid.  

This Contract is used for life safety repairs and enhancements. This is a critical need contract to stay compliant with life safety throughout the District.

This contract is used to maintain the Fire Alarm Control Systems District wide. Facilities uses this vendor to respond to alarms that occur during and after school hours. Facilities also uses this contract to replace/upgrade fire alarm panels that are aged out and no longer repairable.  

Facilities will continue to use this vendor to respond to emergencies, repair and upgrade the fire alarm systems throughout the district.

That the request to increase the purchasing limit for ‘Fire Alarm Inspection and Maintenance Service' by an additional $350,000,00 for the duration of the bid, be approved as presented.

DON HAMPTON   don.hampton@sarasotacountyschools.net
JODY DUMAS    jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

Not to exceed:  $350,000.00. 
The funds for these purchases are contained in the budget allocated to the Facilities Services Department. Funding source:   Capital Funds

All work has been completed and all required closeout documents have been received form the contractor. The final project costs have been internally audited, and the final payment application and backup #22304277-3 are enclosed. The Director of Facilities Services has determined that the project is complete in accordance with state statutes.

Acceptance of this item allows the project to be completed, unspent funds to be returned, closeout to be finalized, and final payment to be made to the Construction Manager.

These items are submitted to the Board for all completed projects. The item officially closes out the project financially and frees up District staff for new projects. Many small projects are completed immediately following the summer months when most of the work takes place.

Acceptance of this item will close out the project financially and free up District staff for new projects.

That the project be accepted as complete, and the final payment and certificate of substantial completion be approved as presented.

DON HAMPTON    don.hampton@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS    jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

($72,627.89)

The Facilities Services' change orders are summarized on the enclosure for ease of review. Included in these change orders is a ($709,319.56) deduct for Direct Material Purchases and the corresponding ($42,609.17) deduct for sales tax savings. These change orders result in an overall contract decrease of ($824,556.62).

Change orders are utilized on facilities’ contracts to adjust the original contract amount for various circumstances. These may include adjustments for an increase or decrease in project scope, adjustments needed to close a contract and return unspent project funds to the district, or for removing the purchase of large items from a contract so the district can purchase these items directly from vendors to save sales tax. The attached document details the associated change order for this item.

Change orders reflect facilities’ project progress and occur normally as a result of conditions on the facilities’ project and district staff managing the costs associated with each project.

This system has resulted in significant, ongoing savings and allows district staff to continue to maximize these benefits, especially as the construction market becomes more competitive.

That the Facilities Services’ change order be approved and/or ratified as presented.

DON HAMPTON    don.hampton@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS    jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

($824,556.62)

JANE DREGER   jane.dreger@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS   jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

JANE DREGER   jane.dreger@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS   jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

The Construction Services' change orders are summarized on the enclosure for ease of review. Included in these change orders is a ($461,506.04) deduct for Direct Material Purchases and the corresponding ($27,840.36) deduct for sales tax savings. The other portion is the closeout of a project and return of ($626,982.13) in unspent funds. These change orders result in an overall contract decrease of ($1,090,532.53).

Change orders are utilized on construction contracts to adjust the original contract amount for various circumstances. These may include adjustments for an increase or decrease in project scope, adjustments needed to close a contract and return unspent project funds to the district, or for removing the purchase of large items from a contract so the district can purchase these items directly from vendors to save sales tax. The attached documents detail the associated change orders for this item on multiple projects.

Change orders reflect construction project progress and occur normally as a result of conditions on the construction project and district staff managing the costs associated with each project, including deductive change orders to allow the district to save sales tax.

This system has resulted in significant, ongoing savings and allows district staff to continue to maximize these benefits, especially as the construction market becomes more competitive.

That the Construction Services’ change orders be approved and/or ratified as presented.

JANE DREGER   jane.dreger@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS    jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

The 2024 property market is showing signs of rate and pricing stabilization. There are also new property carriers entering the property insurance market place, as well as carriers looking to offer more capacity on both new and renewal accounts.

Table 1-A below summarizes the expiring program and the renewal program. The District’s Schedule of Values (SOV) has increased by 7.54% due to slight value trending, new building additions, as well as adding $70M of Property in the Open (PITO).

This year’s property renewal limit will remain at $75,000,000, with the District’s co-participation in the top excess layer ($25M xs $50M) being eliminated entirely. Due to last year’s challenging insurance marketplace resulting from Hurricane Ian, the District had to co-participate 50% of this layer, which equated to $12,500,000 of limit being self-insured by the District. This layer is now being fully transferred to insurance carriers for the 2024-25 policy year.

The renewal program will provide full coverage for the full $75,000,000 limit that is provided by the property policy. The policy’s All Other Perils (AOP) deductible will remain at $100,000, as well as both the named windstorm and flood deductibles will remain at 5% with no maximum cap. In addition, most of the District’s coverages and terms remain as expiring, with some terms still being negotiated.

The Property Insurance Program will continue to include a Stand-Alone Terrorism Policy with a 7.94% increase ($34,000 up from $31,500). The Terrorism deductible remains at $10,000. The Equipment Breakdown policy will also renew as expiring, with a 17.28% increase in premium on a year over year basis ($28,523 up from $24,321).

Woodland Middle School at 2700 Panacea Blvd has flood policies effective 5/13/2024 through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), providing coverage for building and contents. The total renewal premium for expiring limits for these policies will be $23,636.

The renewal premiums plus regulatory charges total: $6,381,446.

Recommendation: The renewal has a total cost of $6,381,446 (premium + regulatory charges + Stand-Alone Terrorism Policy, Equipment Breakdown Policy and Flood). The renewal will allow for a $75 Million Policy Limit (for All Perils, Named Storm, Flood, Earthquake and the District Eliminating Co-Participation in the Top Excess Layer) with remaining $100,000 deductible and a 5% named windstorm and flood deductible with no maximum cap and some other terms being finalized and negotiated.

LYNN PETERSON  lynn.peterson@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

VALERIE MAGGI   valerie.maggi@sarasotacountyschools.net

BONNIE PENNER   bonnie.penner@sarasotacountyschools 

Phoenix Counseling is a non-profit behavioral health agency that provides evidence-based services to youth throughout the community.  Every treatment offered begins with signed parental consent, with a focus on trauma informed care. Support provided is individualized based on each client’s needs.

AMANDA COKER    amanda.coker@sarasotacountyschools.net

DEBRA GIACOLONE   debra.giacolone@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

The Purchasing Department has researched and reviewed the competitive solicitations that are available for these purchases and has determined that the use of the attached contracts for the purpose cited presents the best value and/or is in the best interest of the School Board.

Following an extensive investigation of the existing Instructional Improvement System (IIS) for teacher evaluation and professional learning, a strategic recommendation was made to transition to a technically advanced streamlined solution. This contract is for the purchase of PowerSchool’s Professional Learning Educator Effectiveness Cloud encompassing: Perform (a Staff Evaluation System) and a Professional Learning System.

JOE BINSWANGER   joe.binswanger@sarasotacountyschools.net

DENISE CANTALUPO   denise.cantalupo@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA   rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

The job description title has changed from Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Compliance Liaison to Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Compliance Coordinator.  This has been updated to redefine roles and responsibilities specific to the alignment of district initiatives. 

That the updated Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Compliance Coordinator position formerly known as ESE Compliance Liaison be approved as presented.

DANIELLE SCHWIED   danielle.schwied@sarasotacountyschools.net

HEATHER WASSERMAN   heather.wasserman@sarasotacountyschools.net

ALLISON FOSTER   allison.foster@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA   rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

ESE Instructional Facilitators are allocated based on a formula that considers various weighted factors including:

·         Numbers of Resource students;

·         Numbers of students in Separate Class or Cluster Site;

·         Matrix Scores- 254/255 with increased need;

·         Significant Medical Needs;

·         Intense Academic Needs;

·         Implemented FBAs/BIPs;

    Number of paraprofessionals.

The ESE Instructional Facilitator utilizes program knowledge and leadership skills to support the instruction of students with special learning needs within or outside the general education classroom. The ESE Instructional Facilitator collaborates with school-based administration, teachers, and staff to provide support for curriculum, instruction, behavior, compliance, and programmatic decisions to ensure that the needs are met for all students. This includes mentoring ESE teachers, supporting substitutes and observing students.

DANIELLE SCHWIED   danielle.schwied@sarasotacountyschools.net

HEATHER WASSERMAN   heather.wasserman@sarasotacountyschools.net

ALLISON FOSTER   allison.foster@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA   rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

Add a new job description to include Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Program Facilitator.  This has been created to redefine roles and responsibilities specific to the alignment of district initiatives. 

The role and responsibility of an ESE Program Facilitator is to provide site-based support in all areas of exceptional student education related to IEP student and programmatical needs. The ESE Program Facilitator will observe, collaborate with appropriate staff and administration to plan programs, coordinate curricular resources, and assist in evaluating the effectiveness of programs for students with IEPs. ESE Program Facilitators assist in planning and implementation, and participate in staff development, program development, and innovation of special methods and approaches of professional learning to support methodology of specially designed instruction.  

DANIELLE SCHWIED   danielle.schwied@sarasotacountyschools.net

HEATHER WASSERMAN   heather.wasserman@sarasotacountyschools.net

ALLISON FOSTER   allison.foster@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA   rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

KRISTI D'SOUZA   kristi.d'sourza@sarasotacountyschools.net

DANIELLE SCHWIED   danielle.schwied@sarasotacountyschools.net

ALLISON FOSTER   allison.foster@sarasotacountyschools.net

BONNIE PENNER   bonnie.penner@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

The Program Specialist in the Professional Learning Department will play a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of professional learning programs across the district. This position is responsible for designing and delivering training sessions that meet the needs of educators at various stages of their careers, with a focus on improving teaching skills, integrating technology into instruction, and enhancing student learning outcomes.

The job goal of the Program Specialist in the Professional Learning Department is to enhance the professional learning, growth, and development of educators within the school district by designing, implementing, and evaluating effective professional learning programs. This position aims to improve teaching skills, facilitate the integration of technology into instruction, and ultimately enhance student learning outcomes. Through the delivery of high-quality training sessions, one-on-one coaching, and the development of collaborative professional learning communities, the Program Specialist will support educators at various stages of their careers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence in education.

The primary roles include: ·

Develop and Implement Professional Learning Programs

• Design and execute professional learning workshops, seminars, and courses for teachers and administrative staff.
• Tailor programs to meet the specific needs of educators at different stages of their careers.

Curriculum Development and Evaluation

• Collaborate with Curriculum Directors and Curriculum Program Specialists to develop, assess, and update curriculum materials for professional learning programs.

• Ensure that content is aligned with current educational standards and best practices.

Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation

• Conduct needs assessments to identify areas for professional growth among staff.

• Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of professional learning programs and make adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with school leaders, teachers, and other stakeholders to identify and prioritize professional learning needs.

• Foster an environment of continuous learning and encourage staff participation in professional learning opportunities.

Resource Management

• Manage budgets allocated for professional learning activities.
• Identify and procure resources, including guest speakers and educational materials, to support professional learning.

Technology Integration

• Train teachers, administrators, and district staff on how to use the Professional Learning System as needed.
• Create on-line tools to assist with learning and using the Professional Learning System.
• Help create and enhance best practice policies for use of the Professional Learning System.
• Leverage technology to enhance learning experiences, including the use of online platforms for trainings, webinars and workshops.

• Stay abreast of emerging educational technologies that can support professional learning.

Mentoring and Coaching

• Provide one-on-one coaching or mentoring to teachers seeking to improve their instructional strategies.
• Develop peer mentoring programs to encourage knowledge sharing among staff.

Compliance and Accreditation

• Ensure that professional learning activities comply with state and federal regulations and standards.

• Assist in the accreditation processes for the school district by documenting professional learning activities and outcomes. ·

Professional Learning Communities

• Facilitate the creation and support of professional learning communities within the school district.

• Encourage collaborative learning and sharing of best practices among educators.

Continuous Improvement

• Continuously seek opportunities for personal professional growth to stay informed of the latest trends and research in education.
• Encourage a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement among staff.

The Florida Department of Education requires school districts to adhere to a comprehensive and coordinated system of professional learning, as established by the School Community Professional Learning Act (section 1012.98, Florida Statutes). This system is designed to increase student achievement, enhance classroom instruction with rigor and relevance, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life. Responsibilities for implementing this system are distributed among various stakeholders, including the Florida Department of Education, public postsecondary institutions, school districts, and schools, along with state education foundations, consortia, and professional organizations.

DAVID JONES   david.jones@sarasotacountyschools.net

ALLISON FOSTER   allison.foster@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA   rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

JANE DREGER   jane.dreger@sarasotacountyschools.net

DANIELLE SCHWIED   danielle.schwied@sarasotacountyschools.net

ALLISON FOSTER   allison.foster@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS   jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

JANE DREGER   jane.dreger@sarasotacountyschools.net

DANIELLE SCHWIED   danielle.schwied@sarasotacountyschools.net

ALLISON FOSTER   allison.foster@sarasotacountyschools.net

JODY DUMAS   jody.dumas@sarasotacountyschools.net

CHRIS RENOUF   chris.renouf@sarasotacountyschools.net

That the new job description for Executive Directory of Elementary Schools be approved as presented.

JENNIFER MAINELLI   jennifer.mainelli@sarasotacountyschools.net

RACHAEL O'DEA   rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net

Board Policy 2.29 provides for an Audit Selection Committee with members appointed for each district by their respective Board Member, and a Florida licensed Certified Public Accountant who resides and/or practices in Sarasota County.  

For District 2:

• Eric Robinson resigned from his position on the Committee as the District 2 designee.
• Thomas Chaffee has been appointed as the District 2 designee.

That the following selections for the Audit Selection Committee be approved as presented:

• Nomination of a Certified Public Accountant
• Thomas Chaffee to serve as the designee for District 2