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Parents raise safety concerns; PCTA president urges action on teacher pay
Summary
Two public speakers urged the board to address student safety and to push state lawmakers on school funding. Parent Anna Marie Taraske called for clarity and meetings after reports of violence at John Hopkins; PCTA president Lee Bryant criticized the Legislature for not passing a budget and urged educators to advocate during the May special session.
During general public participation, Anna Marie Taraske, who identified herself as a parent, asked the board for guidance after hearing reports of increased violence at John Hopkins and questioned whether appropriate disciplinary steps were being taken.
"Some of you may be aware that we did have an occurrence happen at John Hopkins that was harmful to one of our administration," Taraske said. She described receiving secondhand reports that an incident that would typically result in out‑of‑school suspension did not result in discipline and asked whether parents should schedule a meeting with their area superintendent for clarity.
Lee Bryant, president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, also addressed the board and criticized the Florida Legislature for failing to pass a budget this session. He noted the Senate proposal included $101,000,000 for teacher salaries statewide and said that would translate to approximately $20 more per paycheck for a Pinellas educator under that plan. Bryant warned that ongoing underfunding weakens the district’s ability to recruit and retain staff and urged teachers and community members to contact legislators before the May 12 special session.
The board said it would take concerns raised by the public under advisement and indicated staff follow‑up or referrals to appropriate administrators when needed.
