Jimmy Lodato congratulated the HCSB on the balanced budget discussed by Heather Martin at the last workshop meeting on 06/07/16. He recommended working on building reserves in the upcoming years. Lodato announced plans to meet with a company from Tampa and with General Electric to begin discussing ways to update bus routes or convert the school buses to make them more efficient.
Lodato advocated working with corporations to financially support schools, particularly high schools, to increase the skill levels of students and enable them to be ready to work in a technical field upon graduation. Lodato suggested that the HCSB and the BOCC may be able to work together to accomplish such a program.
Linda Prescott thanked all the teachers who sponsor clubs, but specifically recognized Springstead High School Science teacher Jennifer Kalament for her involvement as a sponsor of the Rotary’s Interact Club. Prescott stated Kalament has participated in fundraisers from pancake breakfasts to car washes, regardless of the time of day. A representatives of the Rotary, Prescott and her husband came to Springstead High at the end of the year to present an award to Kalament, who came to the school even though ill. Prescott stated she was amazed at the students’ enthusiasm and praise for Kalament, who will participate with Interact again next year.
Prescott also advised the board members of a recent experience at Florida Southern College where she had the opportunity to meet with two Hernando County graduates who were sponsored by the Rotary. While Prescott acknowledged the good reports in the Superintendent’s Update, she stated that there are many good things that happen outside of normal school functions and wanted to share them.
Michael Angelo Gordon talked about dyslexia and the need to diagnose children so that they can receive appropriate help in school. He remarked that in the past tests were given to determine “how smart you were”, but test results for those with dyslexia did not show their intelligence. Instead, those students were “pumped with Ritalin”. Gordon cited examples of Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, and Winston Churchill as being high achievers despite what their academic scores appeared to show, and stated that was why he would speak out on behalf of students who needed to be tested so they could receive additional help.
Another issue that was brought before the school board members was regarding IEPs for two students. Both the parent and grandparent who advocated for the needs of the children were passionate. One needed the IEP implemented and in place before the start of school; the other wanted her child retained so she could master skills before moving on.