[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6280774,"mediaKeyId","2611151-b184590f1a49919dc8ea0fb9ee65fafe","parentId",2611151,"title","Public urges Sarasota board to approve ELL plan and press for funding; charter specialist draws debate","audioSeconds",786,"startMs",3520000,"endMs",4306000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611151-b184590f1a49919dc8ea0fb9ee65fafe&start=3520&end=4306","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611151-b184590f1a49919dc8ea0fb9ee65fafe/thumbnail_3520000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6280774/Sarasota/School-Districts/Florida/Public-urges-Sarasota-board-to-approve-ELL-plan-and-press-for-funding-charter-specialist-draws-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280774-c70da2a65dbf2fc2a430499a7c6c6b3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1774929675&Signature=ZTt89YNG0vfy4~4quzPmx7fJUbEjepEBiV4WH8rrKGprQsB13hDpncdDI3~abAepGRx4NHJ-T2PL~pwI-uF4oJt-c7~kd9Oskjwwz0mLAi4YaBu-vTSXD9I0zb9q~35NnUN-EL1A4bUrxbUgOPbhVQgLlaYRJyEnvO9XGs-iYhZGMMfep-953t5~3U6wxBQBnMzVBrADJhy6ChWl3GbCXYGCHSnV3l0BhwqJ5bk9u-gRaebgHyr4dFn~oi9yygV5a7~2qvFOwPVNMuXv~5fOGQHkW2G9MjYXrIl-OhlW-mKwI68yD7guvDaKKOnkt1TAkuLIdt~FWsW3J7RsBu2Opg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sarasota County School Board, FL","date","2025-03-12T13:16:17Z","article","Residents and advocacy groups urged the Sarasota County School Board on March 11 to approve and safeguard services for English language learners and to press state and federal officials for funding as uncertainty grows about the U.S. Department of Education and other federal supports.

Speakers at the meeting’s public‑comment period repeatedly asked the board to submit the district’s 2025–28 District English Language Learner (ELL) plan to the Florida Department of Education and to make contingency plans should federal formula grants be reduced or converted to block grants. The board approved the consent agenda — which included the ELL plan submission — in a 5–0 vote.

Lisa Sher, speaking on behalf of Support Our Schools, said the planned programs are essential. “These services are crucial for these students to achieve academic success,” Sher said, urging adoption of the plan and warning that federal formula grants could be reallocated under proposed changes.

Community members — including parents, students and retired district administrators — described ELL services as necessary for a growing multilingual student population and asked the board to press lobbyists in Tallahassee and Washington on the issue. Carol Lerner, who addressed both the ELL plan and a proposed job description for a charter‑school program specialist, said dual‑language immersion programs and Title I schools with high ELL populations should be priorities.

At the same time, several public speakers criticized the proposed charter‑school program specialist (agenda item 11.2). That proposal prompted questions about funding and whether the position should be district‑funded or supported by charter schools that would benefit. Speakers asked that the district provide a budget variance analysis before approving new positions.

Board members and Superintendent Connor responded during discussion. Ms. Ziegler, a school board member, acknowledged public concerns about federal funding and said district leaders are reviewing all federally funded programs and audits. Superintendent Connor said the district would “advocate at every level to ensure we have the right resources” and that he had “no indication at this point that we’re going to lose funding,” while also promising the district would raise alarms if it did.

The consent agenda — which passed 5–0 — included the ELL plan submission (item 10.6). The charter‑school program specialist job description was approved later in the meeting; several board members emphasized they expect charter operators to share costs if the role is to be implemented.

Public commenters who spoke on the topic included Carol Lerner; Lisa Sher (Support Our Schools); Robin Williams; Deb Hayes (retired district administrator); Casanova Docherty; Alex (or Alice) Dougherty (Suncoast Polytech High School student); and others. Many speakers asked the board to produce a concrete contingency plan for potential federal funding reductions and to increase advocacy efforts in Tallahassee and Washington.

Board members said they will continue to track state and federal budget proposals and to discuss specific contingency planning as the district’s 2025–26 budget is developed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SCS | Board Meeting - March 11, 2025 6:00 pm","oneSentenceSummary","Residents and advocates urged the Sarasota County School Board on March 11 to approve the district’s ELL plan and to plan for possible federal funding cuts; the board approved submission of the plan as part of a 5–0 consent vote.","taxTitle","Sarasota, School Districts, Florida","taxId",14672,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6280778,"Sarasota school board approves new specialist job descriptions and several contracts in unanimous votes",3361,1888000,5249000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611151-b184590f1a49919dc8ea0fb9ee65fafe&start=1888&end=5249","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611151-b184590f1a49919dc8ea0fb9ee65fafe/thumbnail_1888000.jpg","/articles/6280778/Sarasota/School-Districts/Florida/Sarasota-school-board-approves-new-specialist-job-descriptions-and-several-contracts-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280778-19fb266fae5e5ab61e7ee9c7b467d27b/orig.mp4?Expires=1774929675&Signature=TWOYK9Yn0eGy1P4YRDQziIMXMde8eqYhV5J9Qr~mwy6WA-kCQkW6jdAr~vtCHAfPITatrz-8Fb94zVUunHtwYsR1wPPw6QatLfny~0Y~eaAYu~XgJtC4ynDdspz~qw85wfOHVTeS~wAftGteDVZ5yEgOnuJg5LrMQy6rF4ETNEFK9-nfdngxxM9RhClz3hUT8pWtJgULb-nYDL4MiztmSxUu249irU1WML3rXsZ9kMTBMgCy16ap5ASXzVfkRJm0C1D3Axfv0lod217pR6uTsycHvvcNg444dUpiqe79-hvQtpjZf~AUnga-qbyjJKn54fACHD4t2SsGvk1ffdUuug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sarasota County School Board on March 11 approved a package of new job descriptions and contracts intended to expand the district’s program capacity and to refresh district facilities and vehicles.

The approvals came as a series of unanimous 5–0 votes after the board adopted the meeting agenda and consent items. The new positions include specialists to support innovative programs, charter-school partnerships, accelerated pathways, exceptional student education at the secondary level, and professional learning credit management. The board also approved purchasing-limit increases for HVAC and roofing work and a five‑year vehicle lease program for the district’s non‑bus “white fleet.”

Board members said the new roles respond to program demand and to anticipated expansion of dual‑language, STEAM and early‑college initiatives. Superintendent Connor, who presented the descriptions, said the district must “be the premier educational provider” and that the positions are intended to build capacity so staff can “meet the needs as many families as we can.”

Votes at a glance (motions, movers, seconders, outcome):
- Adopt agenda with posted additions (item 4.1). Motion by Ms. Ziegler, second by Ms. Marinelli. Outcome: approved 5–0.
- Approve consent agenda (includes item 10.6: submission of the 2025–28 District English Language Learner plan). Motion by Ms. Ziegler, second by Ms. Barker. Outcome: approved 5–0.
- Approve job description: Innovative Program Specialist (11.1). Motion by Ms. Igo, second by Ms. Marinelli. Outcome: approved 5–0.
- Approve job description: Charter School Program Specialist (11.2). Motion by Ms. Ziegler, second by Ms. Marinelli. Outcome: approved 5–0.
- Approve job description: Program Specialist, Accelerated Pathways (11.3). Motion by Ms. Barker, second by Ms. Ziegler. Outcome: approved 5–0.
- Approve job description: Program Specialist, Exceptional Student Education (secondary) (11.4). Motion by Ms. Ziegler, second by Ms. Barker. Outcome: approved 5–0.
- Approve job description: Professional Learning Credit Specialist (11.5). Motion by Ms. Barker, second by Ms. Marinelli. Outcome: approved 5–0.
- Increase purchasing limit for HVAC replacements (cooperative contract awarded to Train Inc.). Motion by Ms. Ziegler, second by Mr. Edwards. Outcome: approved 5–0. Requested increase: up to $8,000,000 (as presented to the board).
- Increase purchasing limit for roofing products and services (cooperative contract awarded to Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc.). Motion by Mr. Edwards, second by Ms. Ziegler. Outcome: approved 5–0. Requested increase: $10,000,000 (capital fund).
- Approve white‑fleet vehicle leasing and management contract (Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.). Motion by Ms. Marinelli, second by Ms. Ziegler. Outcome: approved 5–0. Superintendent’s presentation cited an estimated $1,500,000 annual cost already in the capital budget and a five‑year vehicle refresh cycle.

Board members described several approvals as preparatory steps: the superintendent said some job descriptions will not be funded until partnerships or specific revenue sources are secured, and several board members emphasized the expectation that charter schools contribute financially if they are to share a district‑funded specialist. Mr. Edwards and other members also said the administrative reviews and presentations they received in advance supported the contracts and staffing decisions.

The votes concluded the meeting’s new business. Several board members reiterated that the district will continue to monitor state and federal funding developments as it finalizes next year’s budget.","At its March 11 meeting the Sarasota County School Board voted 5–0 to approve multiple new job descriptions aimed at expanding program capacity, and to authorize purchasing limits and a fleet lease as part of facilities and operations planning.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6280769,"Sarasota board recognizes 35 PBIS model schools, names Pine View platinum and showcases Taylor Ranch",659,290000,949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2611151-b184590f1a49919dc8ea0fb9ee65fafe&start=290&end=949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2611151-b184590f1a49919dc8ea0fb9ee65fafe/thumbnail_290000.jpg","/articles/6280769/Sarasota/School-Districts/Florida/Sarasota-board-recognizes-35-PBIS-model-schools-names-Pine-View-platinum-and-showcases-Taylor-Ranch","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280769-d724e782e1ee0c4483c04642ff5abc51/orig.mp4?Expires=1774929675&Signature=gyF~lPoIgKrb4mbWA4OP0I6PSWd8dhM2XMhTQ4klH~J0NywZdDlCdo1n-IpCYkeTAbpooIKve61KvhTfVI-J8p0ajS0tCPIdWa-DNlJIh-aaYPiYsOVsT8CKkubhfQFnA5BuyQ29-wBww4p22Dn9au1tZ6oU3GCkbE5UTNPmieSnirajRGDHmLE9m~gT1ln1~NwC8Ib9xzIppRMpDnPJPN90RCjl8-ScWoTtp-ZqVsbB7PJqpb5W-JDAg~JJBJC1Z3-CxS~gdoY0LdifvuSfuM4y~aOw1FDnLZk6e5PGaARzeGC6nCEpGMJmMzgw12f-M59w4aVngFw2E6dJEuV9UQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sarasota County School Board recognized 35 district schools for their implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) during its March 11 meeting and spotlighted Taylor Ranch Elementary School’s programs and student achievements.

District administrators told the board that 35 schools earned model‑school PBIS status for the 2023–24 school year: 19 bronze, 13 silver, 2 gold and 1 platinum. Pine View School received the district’s lone platinum recognition; the board noted Pine View is the only magnet school in the state to receive that honor this year and one of 16 platinum schools statewide. Pine View’s principal, Dr. Steven Covert, described the award as “a testament to everyone’s commitment to making it possible.”

Superintendent Connor and district staff also presented March programs celebrating arts education. Angela Hardvigson briefed the board on Arts in Our Schools Month activities and highlighted student ensembles and recent awards, including straight superior ratings for some ensembles at statewide assessments.

Taylor Ranch Elementary Principal Tara Spielman presented a school showcase. Spielman told the board that Taylor Ranch has been an A‑rated school since district grading began and reported current enrollment of 889 students. She highlighted program offerings including three autism classrooms, an ESE pre‑K, Spanish language instruction and a VPK classroom. Spielman said the school’s first VPK cohort of 18 students performed strongly on early literacy PM2 assessments (85 percent), with 64 percent scoring level 4 or 5.

Board members praised the schools and student performers, including the Woodland Middle School Jazz Ensemble, which played at the meeting and received straight superior ratings at a recent jazz assessment. Superintendent Connor and board members used the recognitions to emphasize district priorities in student behavior, the arts and academic growth.","The school board honored 35 schools for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), highlighted Pine View School’s first‑time platinum recognition and heard a presentation from Taylor Ranch Elementary about student achievement and community engagement.","actionData","errors"]

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Public urges Sarasota board to approve ELL plan and press for funding; charter specialist draws debate

Sarasota school board approves new specialist job descriptions and several contracts in unanimous votes

Sarasota board recognizes 35 PBIS model schools, names Pine View platinum and showcases Taylor Ranch