Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Some 175 positions will be eliminated, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Workers can request a classroom teaching position or apply for one of 80 new roles.
School media specialists, tech specialists and literacy coaches are getting the axe. The Pasco County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to cut roughly 175 positions, according to the Tampa Bay Times. But the specialists, techs and coaches have the ability to request a classroom teaching position or apply for one of 80 new specialist positions that will blend the media, literacy and tech roles. School Superintendent Kurt Browning said the move will save $5 million next year for the district, which is facing a roughly $28 million budget deficit, the Times reported. Supporters and media specialists crowded April's school board meeting to lobby officials to keep the existing roles intact. A media specialist is not a librarian who simply …
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The comments were overwhelmingly in support of Anna Falcone, whose termination as principal of Connerton Elementary School was recently recommended by Superintendent Kurt Browning.
Anna Falcone’s job as Connerton Elementary principal is on the chopping block, but her supporters turned out Tuesday, April 16 to tell the Pasco County School Board that her recommended termination is a “great injustice.” Parent Kathy Zappe got choked up when addressing the board during the evening meeting. “I, like many, many, other parents, feel that Principal Falcone has been treated unfairly, and I wanted to let you know that she has been an incredible asset to Connerton Elementary School,” she said, her voice cracking. “She is always extremely friendly, kind and caring to the children and the parents.” Citing insubordination, School Superintendent Kurt Browning earlier this year recommended Falcone’s termination. The measure has drawn…
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The District School Board of Pasco County wants your input on local schools.
Parents and students have a chance to sound off about their experiences with Land O’ Lakes schools. The Pasco County School District is conducting an online satisfaction survey for both parents and students. “The purpose of the survey is to get a benchmark as it relates to the organizational climate within our schools and our district as a whole,” explained Superintendent Kurt Browning. “Also, I am interested in seeing if there are any trends that might be discovered as a result of the finds of the surveys.” Browning said that while surveys are nothing new to the district, this one is a little different. “Surveys were generally only done in the past when there was an issue, real or perceived, that needed to be addressed,” he said. Parents …
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The board also recognized 39 elementary schools, which received the Florida Department of Education's highest recognition for community and parent involvement.
The Pasco County School Board reconvened for its first regular board meeting after the holiday break Tuesday. Among the items on the agenda, awards for 39 elementary schools. The Five Star School Award, the Florida Department of Education's highest recognition for community and parent involvement, was accepted by school representatives during Tuesday's meeting. Elementary schools earning recognition included Denhams Oaks, Connerton, Oakstead, Seven Oaks, Pine View, Quail Hollow, and Lake Myrtle. The award is given to schools demonstrating outstanding achievement in the five criteria areas of business partnerships, family involvement, volunteers, student community service, and school advisory council. ***** In the wake of the tragedy at …
Monday, January 21, 2013
The board will meet at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22.
The Pasco County School board resumes its regular meetings at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, its first regular meeting since schools adjourned for the winter break. View meeting agendas There are two opportunities for public comment during the meeting. Anyone who wishes to address the board is asked to fill out a card to be recognized. Speakers are limited to three minutes. Meetings are held in the board room at 7227 U.S. 41 in Land O' Lakes. Check the board's calendar for additional upcoming meetings.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The interlocal agreement provides for the redesign and joint use of the school and the Land O’ Lakes Community Park.
Plans for the redevelopment of Sanders Elementary School were set in motion in December 2008. Nearly four years later, those plans have moved another step closer to fruition. The Pasco County School board approved an interlocal agreement with the county for the redesign and joint use of the school and the Land O’ Lakes Community Park at its Dec. 4 board meeting. The deal allows the park and the school shared parking on the school’s property, shared use of the school’s basketball courts and softball field as well as the county’s soccer fields, walking trails and shelter. The district and the county will also share stormwater management. “When you pull something like this off with the county it is a great feat,” board member Howard Altman …
The proposed 2013 school calendar takes the break back to three days.
The weeklong Thanksgiving break Pasco students and staff enjoyed this year likely won’t be repeated in 2013. The proposed calendar for the next school year takes the break back to three days, according to the information item presented to the school board at its Dec. 4 meeting. Veterans Day, which was not a district holiday in 2012, will be observed in 2013 if the calendar is approved. It’s either Veterans Day or two extra days off at Thanksgiving, Assistant Superintendent for Administration Renalia DuBose said. DuBose spent all of Veterans Day this year fielding calls about her "lack of patriotism," she said. The calendar committee also recommended to the board that the first semester end before the winter break, "as we have in the past…
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
A four-month probe authorized by the Pasco School Board in July found there were political activities closely related to work in the district.
An investigation into coercion allegations launched by the Pasco County School Board in July has cleared former Superintendent Heather Fiorentino, according to TBO.com. Pasco County School Board members approved the outside investigation of the superintendent and her staff after retired principal Barbara Munz addressed the board on behalf of teachers she said were afraid to come forward on their own. Many of those teachers felt intimidated and threatened due to political coercion by the superintendent, Munz said at the board's July 3 meeting. The board approved hiring Tampa attorney Thomas Gonzalez to investigate the allegations at its July 24 meeting. According to TBO.com, though the investigation turned up "no proof" that Fiorentino …
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The former secretary of state was sworn in as the Pasco School District's leader at a board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 20.
The meeting room of the Pasco County School Board was transformed at Tuesday morning’s meeting—both in body and spirit. Change was in the air as Kurt Browning was sworn in as the district’s new Superintendent by Clerk of Court Paula O’ Neil in front of a standing room only crowd. The room, sullen of late as meeting after meeting focused on bullying and coercion, buzzed with enthusiasm—and laughter—as a jovial Browning assumed his new role as the district’s leader. “Let’s do it!” Browning said as he was called on for his swearing in. His ardor was met with chuckles, which resumed as he laid heavy emphasis on the final words of his oath: “So help me God.” A standing ovation from the crowd, which trickled out into the hallway, followed. “I …
Cynthia Armstrong will serve as the board's chairwoman.
A new superintendent wasn't the only change at Tuesday's Pasco County School Board meeting. Seats were shuffled around, as well. Former board chairwoman Joanne Hurley and board member Alison Crumbley were sworn in for another term Nov. 20, after holding onto their positions in the August primary elections. And though they are familiar faces, their roles have shifted as the district prepares to face its next challenges under new leadership. Newly sworn-in Superintendent Kurt Browning made a motion to nominate former vice-chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong as the new board chairwoman. Hurley seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by the board. Crumbley was then nominated as vice-chairwoman, which also was met with unanimous approval. …
Auntie SueSue
5:59 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Hostile work environment -- the staple of Fiorentino's legacy. more ›