Florida High School Athletic Association, Inc · THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION LAND CORPORATION, INC. OFFICIAL MINUTES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING September 20-21,

THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, INC. AND THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION LAND CORPORATION, INC.

OFFICIAL MINUTES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING September 20-21, 2015

The Board of Directors of the Florida High School Athletic Association, Inc., met in due process hearing September 20, 2015, duly called at 1:00 p.m. at FHSAA, Robert W. Hughes Building, 1801 NW 80th Blvd, Gainesville, FL. Members of the Board and staff were present as noted. Board Members Present: Andy Chiles, Athletic Director, Lake Nona High School, Orlando Paul Dyal, Superintendent, Taylor County, Perry Bobby Johns, Athletic Director, Bradford High School, Starke Eugene Lamb, Citizen–At-Large, Midway David LaRosa, Principal, Fort Myers High School, Fort Myers (President-Elect) Mark Marsala, Athletic Director, Seacrest Country Day, Naples (President) Randy McDaniel, Citizen-at-Large, Sections 1 & 2, The Villages Charter Schools Susie Morris, Athletic Director, Munroe Day School, Quincy Linda Moultrie, School Board Member, Escambia County, Pensacola Carlos Ochoa, Athletic Director, Hialeah Gardens High School Frank Prendergast, Athletic Director, Lake Highland Prep, Orlando Paul Samuels, School Board Member, Hardee County, Wauchula Chuck Sennett, Athletic Director, Miami Country Day School Lori White, Superintendent, Sarasota County, Sarasota Board Member(s) Absent Hershel Lyons, Chancellor of Public Schools K-12, Florida DOE, Tallahassee Ken Otero, Citizen-at-Large, Sections 3 & 4, Tampa FHSAA Staff in Attendance: Roger Dearing, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Will Adams, Assistant Director, Athletics Frank Beasley, Director, Athletics John Colasanti, Contract Specialist Michael L. Colby, Director, Eligibility Craig Damon, Assistant Executive Director, Athletics Kellie Doucette, Director, Athletics Justin Harrison, Associate Executive Director, Athletic Services Robbie Lindeman, Director, Athletics Nadia Musleh, Network Administrator Alex Ozuna, Assistant Director, Athletics Seth Polansky, Specialist, Membership/Web Linda D. Robertson, Associate Executive Director, Financial Services Jamie Rohrer, Assistant Executive Director, Administrative Services Corey Sobers, Specialist, Public Relations Jordanne Stark, Executive Assistant, Compliance & Eligibility Services Ed Thompson, Director, Athletics Shanell Young, Coordinator, Technology and Athletics Attorney Leonard E. Ireland Jr., FHSAA General Counsel

Page 2 of 12 Mins 9/20-21/15 Approved 11/16/15

The Appeals meeting was called to order by President Marsala, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

ROLL CALL Executive Director Dearing called the roll and a quorum was present. (Members Lyons and Otero were absent.)

WELCOME AND President Marsala welcomed all in attendance and member ANNOUNCEMENTS school personnel were recognized.

ADOPTION OF Staff noted Student Cases B and C were resolved in mediation AGENDA and are to be deleted from the agenda.

Motion by Mr. Lamb Seconded by Mr. Prendergast

Moved to adopt the September 20, 2015 meeting agenda with the deletion of Student Cases B and C.

The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0

PLAC -- Motion by Mr. Dyal Seconded by Mr. Lamb APPOINTMENTS

Moved to approve the following appointments to the PLAC, effective immediately:

Ms. Sue Tortora, Montverde Academy, as the Full-time Active Coach representative;

Ms. Aimee Oelrich, Newberry, as the Parent of a High School Student representative; and

Mr. Brian Dassler, Florida Department of Education’s Deputy Chancellor of Educator Quality, as the Commissioner of Education designee.


OVERVIEW OF THE President Marsala gave an overview of the appeals process. APPELLATE PROCESS

APPEALS Member Frank Prendergast, as the athletic director at Lake Student-Athlete Highland Prep School, abstained from voting. Case A, Lake Highland Prep The appeal of Section 2 Appeals Committee decision August 12, 2015 to uphold FHSAA Bylaw 9.5.1, High School Student Has Four Years of Eligibility, was heard.

Motion by Mr. Lamb Seconded by Ms. Moultrie

Moved to deny overall eligibility.

The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 7-5 YES: Chiles, Johns, Lamb Morris, Moultrie, Samuels

Sennett NO: Dyal, LaRosa, McDaniel Ochoa, White

President Marsala did not vote.


Motion by Dr. White Seconded by Mr. Dyal

Moved to approve eligibility for tennis regular season only. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 8-5 YES: Chiles, Dyal, Johns LaRosa, McDaniel Ochoa, Samuels, White NO: Lamb, Marsala, Morris Moultrie, Sennett

ADJOURNMENT The appeals meeting was adjourned. It was noted a workshop would

be held for review of bylaw proposals being presented to the Board at its meeting September 21, 2015, and following the workshop, members would convene in committee meetings. (Prior to the workshop, results of the member school survey were presented.)


The Board of Directors of the Florida High School Athletic Association, Inc., met in regular session September 21, 2015, duly called at 9:00 a.m., at the FHSAA Robert W. Hughes Building, 1801 NW 80th Blvd, Gainesville, FL. Members of the Board and staff were present as noted. Board Members Present: Andy Chiles, Athletic Director, Lake Nona High School, Orlando Paul Dyal, Superintendent, Taylor County, Perry Bobby Johns, Athletic Director, Bradford High School, Starke Eugene Lamb, Citizen–At-Large, Midway David LaRosa, Principal, Fort Myers High School, Fort Myers (President-Elect) Mark Marsala, Athletic Director, Seacrest Country Day, Naples (President) Randy McDaniel, Citizen-at-Large, Sections 1 & 2, The Villages Charter Schools Susie Morris, Athletic Director, Munroe Day School, Quincy Linda Moultrie, School Board Member, Escambia County, Pensacola Carlos Ochoa, Athletic Director, Hialeah Gardens High School Frank Prendergast, Athletic Director, Lake Highland Prep, Orlando Paul Samuels, School Board Member, Hardee County, Wauchula Chuck Sennett, Athletic Director, Miami Country Day School Lori White, Superintendent, Sarasota County, Sarasota Board Member(s) Absent Hershel Lyons, Chancellor of Public Schools K-12, Florida DOE, Tallahassee Ken Otero, Citizen-at-Large, Sections 3 & 4, Tampa FHSAA Staff in Attendance: Roger Dearing, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Will Adams, Assistant Director, Athletics Frank Beasley, Director, Athletics John Colasanti, Contract Specialist Michael L. Colby, Director, Eligibility Craig Damon, Assistant Executive Director, Athletics Kellie Doucette, Director, Athletics Quinten Ershock, Specialist, Marketing Justin Harrison, Associate Executive Director, Athletic Services Robbie Lindeman, Director, Athletics Carolyn Matheny, Assistant to Executive Director Nadia Musleh, Network Administrator Alex Ozuna, Assistant Director, Athletics Seth A. Polansky, Specialist, Membership/Web Linda D. Robertson, Associate Executive Director, Financial Services Jamie C. Rohrer, Assistant Executive Director, Administrative Services Corey Sobers, Specialist, Public Relations Jordanne Stark, Executive Assistant, Compliance & Eligibility Ed Thompson, Director, Athletics Shanell L. Young, Coordinator, Technology and Athletics Attorney Leonard E. Ireland Jr., FHSAA General Counsel


The General Business meeting was called to order by President Marsala, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ROLL CALL Executive Director Dearing called the roll and a quorum was present. (Members Lyons and Otero were absent.) WELCOME AND President Marsala welcomed all in attendance and member ANNOUNCEMENTS school personnel and guests were recognized. ADOPTION OF Staff requested the addition of two appointees to the AGENDA Representative Assembly list, Item G.3, and the addition of Supplementary Materials to Item G.7, page 17, as 7b. Motion by Ms. Moultrie Seconded by Mr. Lamb Moved to adopt the meeting agenda as amended.


APPROVAL OF Motion by Mr. Samuels Seconded by Ms. Morris MINUTES Motion to approve minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting of

June 8-9, 2015, as presented. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0

PRESENTATION Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member Tyler Lopes, (SAAC) senior at Seacrest Country Day School, addressed the Board and provided an update on the committee and, as the Florida representative, an overview of the National Federation of Student Leadership conference he attended in Indianapolis this summer. BOD APPOINTMENTS/ Motion by Mr. Samuels Seconded by Mr. Chiles REAPPOINTMENTS Moved to approve ratification of the Commissioner of Education’s appointments/reappointments to the Board of Directors:

Dr. Randy McDaniel, Director of Education, The Villages Charter School, to serve as the North Florida Citizen-at-Large representative, effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018.

Mr. Ken Otero, Citizen-at-Large, to a second term to serve as the South Florida representative, effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018 (replacing Mr. Johnny Thornton).

Mr. Eugene Lamb, Citizen-at-Large, to serve as the racial diversity representative for the remaining two years of his original appointment term.

Mr. Herschel Lyons, Florida Department of Education’s Chancellor of Public Schools K-12, to serve as the Commissioner’s designee (Ron Nieto will not be the designee as ratified at the June Board meeting).



SECTIONAL APPEALS Motion by Mr. Lamb Seconded by Mr. Prendergast COMMITTEE FANNS APPOINTMENT Moved to ratify Florida Association of Academic Nonpublic Schools (FANNS) appointment of Mr. Nick Rodriquez, Carrollwood Day School, Tampa, to the Section 3 Appeals Committee, effective immediately through the 2016-2017 school year, at which time he may be appointed (replacing Mr. Shannon Graves). The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 REPRESENTATIVE Motion by Mr. Prendergast Seconded by Mr. Ochoa ASSEMBLY APPOINT. Moved to approve the appointments to the October 2015 Representative Assembly as presented, along with the two additional appointees. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 FSBA APPOINTMENT Motion by Ms. Moultrie Seconded by Mr. Sennett REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY Moved to ratify FSBA’s school board member appointments/ reappointment to the October 2015 Representative Assembly:

Section 1 – Ms. Shirley Owens, Holmes County

Section 2 – Mr. Bobby James, Marion County (reappoint)

Section 4 – Ms. Marcia Andrews, Palm Beach County The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 PLAC – 2015-16 Motion by Mr. Lamb Seconded by Mr. Prendergast MEMBERSHIP Moved to ratify the PLAC membership for 2015-16 as submitted. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 PLAC REPORT Motion by Mr. Dyal Seconded by Mr. Sennett 2014-15 School Year Moved to accept the PLAC Report for the 2014-15 school year for submission to the education committees of the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate and the Commissioner of Education. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 REPORT OF FINANCE Finance Committee Chair Lamb noted the committee met Sunday, COMMITTEE September 20, 2015, and reviewed the following items presented by staff. FHSAA, Inc., Motion by Mr. Lamb Seconded by Mr. Prendergast Financial Report For FY 2014-15 Moved to approve the FHSAA, Inc., Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2014-15, ending June 30, 2015, as presented.



FHSAA Final Budget Motion by Mr. Lamb Seconded by Chiles For FY 2015-16 Moved to approve the FHSAA Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16 as presented, along with the addition of supplemental materials to page 17, as 7.b.


The general business meeting was recessed and the meeting of the FHSAA Land Corporation, Inc. was convened. FHSAA Land Motion by Mr. Lamb Seconded by Mr. Prendergast Corporation, Inc., Financial Report Moved to approve the FHSAA Land Corporation, Inc., Annual Financial FY 2014-15 Report Including revenue and expense details for the Capital Fund for Fiscal Year 2014-15, ending June 30, 2015, as presented.

The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 FHSAA Land Motion by Mr. Lamb Seconded by Mrs. Moultrie Corporation, Inc., Final Budget For Moved to approve the FHSAA Land Corporation, Inc., Final Budget for FY 2015-16 Fiscal Year 2015-16, as presented. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 The meeting of the FHSAA Land Corporation, Inc., was adjourned and the general business meeting was reconvened. REPORT OF Governance Committee Chair Morris noted the committee met Sunday, GOVERNANCE September 20, 2015, and reviewed bylaw proposals discussed by the COMMITTEE Board in workshop session. Bylaw Proposals-- Member schools submitted bylaw proposals for consideration and Member Schools possible adoption by the 2015 Representative Assembly in October as follows: Coral Gables Senior High School – Attendance Requirements – recommended deletions to Bylaw 9.2.2.2 through 9.2.2.5 as presented. It was noted portions of this recommendation violate state statutes. Motion by Ms. Morris Seconded by Mr. Prendergast Moved to approve the Governance Committee’s recommendation to not endorse changes as presented for Bylaw 9.2.2.2 through 9.2.2.5.

The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 Coral Gables Senior High School – Transfer Eligibility – recommended changes to Bylaw 9.3.2 through 9.3.2.1 as presented.


Motion by Ms. Morris Seconded by Mr. Johns Moved to approve the Governance Committee’s recommendation to not endorse changes as presented for Bylaw 9.3.2 through 9.3.2.1. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 McKeel Academy – Bylaw 9.2.2.2, Charter School Student – recommended the addition of language as presented for item (c) to the current bylaw. Motion by Ms. Morris Seconded by Mr. Ochoa Moved to approve the Governance Committee’s recommendation to not endorse the addition of language as presented for Item (c) to current bylaw. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 Jordan Christian Prep – Bylaw 3.4, Provisional Period – recommended changes to Bylaw 3.4.1 through 3.4.1.2 as presented. Motion by Ms. Morris Seconded by Mr. Ochoa Moved to approve the Governance Committee’s recommendation to not endorse the recommended changes to Bylaw 3.4.1 through 3.4.1.2 as presented. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 Bylaw Proposals-- The Executive Director submitted 27 bylaw proposals for consideration Executive Director and possible adoption by the October 2015 Representative Assembly. Motion by Ms. Morris Seconded by Mr. Johns Moved to approve the Governance Committee’s recommendation to pull for further discussion and vote item 13 (Bylaw 9.2.2.6), item 15 (Bylaw 9.2.5), and item 16 (Bylaw 9.3.2.2 and 9.3.2.2.1) and to endorse all other items presented for submission to the October 2015 Representative Assembly. The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion carried 14-0 Bylaw 9.2.2.6 – Students Attending a Public School Which Does Not Offer a Particular Sport. Members expressed great concern with this proposal and suggested perimeters to protect both sides. The Executive Director suggested an amendment to add 9.2.2.6.4 stating the overall majority of the team’s starting lineup and the overall team’s membership must be comprised of students from the school being represented. Motion by Ms. Morris Seconded by Mr. Sennett


Motion to not endorse Bylaw 9.2.2.6 as is.

The question was called. Upon Vote: Motion failed 6-8 YES: Chiles, Marsala, Morris Moultrie, Ochoa, Sennett NO: Dyal, Johns, Lamb

LaRosa, McDaniel Prendergast, Samuels White

Motion by Mr. Prendergast Seconded by Mr. Johns Moved to add 9.2.2.6.4 stating the overall majority of the team’s starting lineup and the overall team’s membership must be comprised of students from the school being represented; and add 9.2.2.6.5 stating control of the application of this bylaw is up to the school district’s school Board rule. Member Eugene Lamb left the meeting. Motion by Mr. Sennett Seconded by Ms. Moultrie Moved to amend the motion and remove the phrase regarding the team’s starting lineup from proposed 9.2.2.6.4. The question was called on the amendment. Upon Vote: Motion carried 11-2 YES: Chiles, Dyal, Marsala Morris, Ochoa, Johns LaRosa, McDaniel Moultrie, Sennett, White NO: Prendergast, Samuels

The question was called on the motion as amended. Upon Vote: Motion carried 11-2 YES: Chiles, Marsala, Morris

Ochoa, Johns, LaRosa McDaniel, Moultrie Prendergast, Samuels White

NO: Dyal, Sennett Members Dyal and Chiles left the boardroom.

Bylaw 9.2.5 – Relocation of a Coach. Deals strictly with student following the coach.

Motion by Ms. Morris Seconded by Mr. Ochoa

Moved to endorse Bylaw 9.2.5 as presented.



Members Dyal and Chiles returned to the meeting.

Bylaw 9.3.2.2 – Move to New Residence and Bylaw 9.3.2.2.1 – Move Defined.

Motion by Ms. Morris Seconded by Dr. White

Moved to endorse Bylaw 9.3.2.2 as amended with the deletion of “some other” and to endorse Bylaw 9.3.2.2.1 as amended with the addition/deletion of language in section (e) to read “and/or other forms of legal documentation….”


It was noted that 198 changes/modifications to bylaws and policies have been made since HB1403 was passed in 2012 and have been distributed in the Senate and House Education Committees by the Executive Director.

REPORT OF Operations Committee Chair Andy Chiles noted the committee met OPERATIONS Sunday, September 20, 2015, and held discussions on the following: COMMITTEE 9 classifications -- Staff addressed the new classifications in more detail in an attempt to clear up any misconceptions or any misunder- standings, which generated a great discussion on concerns along with positive comments, such as:

Larger classification schools are not considered at times

Large number of discrepancies in the number of schools in 8A & 9A classifications, the difference from the low end to the high end

Number of schools within each classification, larger schools sometimes are 79, 80, 85 and dropping down to lower classifications there are only 30-32 schools

What numbers are going to be used going to basketball and volleyball

Sanction fees, talked about maybe a flat fee—fees for football classics are $1150/750/450

Adapted Team Sports Pilot Program – American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) – The Association was approached about starting a pilot program in Florida, which is supported by NFHS, for the purpose of getting challenged students with physical disabilities involved in sports such as handball, football and basketball, indoor type activities. AAASP will figure out needs required and will write a grant for funding with potential cost for the pilot program.

Committee Chair Chiles noted the following:

Concerns were expressed regarding items coming to the Board in June and implemented at that late date to be started the next school year.

Proposals coming to the Board without proper vetting by members, Representative Assembly or Athletic Directors Advisory Committee.

The survey provided on Sunday with input from membership is a good thing.


DISCUSSION ITEMS 9 Classifications Discussion of the 9 Classifications was presented and held during the Operations Committee Report.

Rural Classification Taylor County High School baseball coach Reggie Wentworth addressed the Board regarding concerns with the current policy dealing with the Rural Classification. Mr. Wentworth expressed the distances the sports teams are required to travel makes it demographically and financially feasible for them to be in the rural 1A classification. They travel through ten counties to play a district baseball game. He also expressed concerns based on the hard cap numbers in soccer, policy has not been followed.

Staff referred to Policy 12.4.2 which specifically spells out classifications and how they were arrived. The Rural Classification cutoff was originally 500 but had to be raised to 600. This school meets the definition of rural but is over 600 students. The 2014 fall report listed a population of 662. This high school has 25 games it can play, three of them have to be played elsewhere. If a school requests to get in the rural division, the rural division would not have to accept them if they have a higher student population. The schools have been contacted and they have not agreed to accept any schools over 600 in this division. It was noted that the Rural Committee will address some of the concerns brought up, and staff will again contact the schools in the 1A division on allowing Taylor County High School to enter this division.

Policy Adoption Date Staff reported that traditionally, the first reading of proposed new policies are held at the April meeting of the Board of Directors. Concerns from member schools have been expressed that many schools are out for the summer by the June meeting. Staff discussed holding the first reading of new policies for 2016-17 via webinar (Monday, April 4) with adoption of the policies at the April 24-25 Board meeting.

Adapted Team Sports The proposed Adapted Team Sports pilot program was presented and Pilot Program -- discussed under the Report of Operations Committee.

REPORT OF LEGAL Counselor Ireland reported on the following cases: COUNSEL (1) Marathon case—parents suspended for three games because of their lack of conduct—hoping to get a summary judgment soon. (2) Whistle blower case in Orlando—monitoring at this time. (3) Palm Beach District case—regarding FHSAA’s Consent and Release Form (which may be challenged). Monitoring at this time.

REPORT OF Executive Director Dearing noted the following: EXECUTIVE (1) Legislative update—has met with some of the leadership in the Senate DIRECTOR in hopes of bringing some rationality in upcoming legislation and one bill that has been filed. There is going to be a strong push in the House and at least one senator to do away with our Board of Directors and the Representative Assembly. We think this is protected in the Florida Constitution and F.S. Chapter 600. We hope to have a better relationship with the legislature in the future. Some of the steps we have been taking may seem unpalatable, but times are changing and we have to change with those times. Currently scheduled for several meetings in Tallahassee.


(2) Compliance and Eligibility—staff vacancy, hope to have filled by the January Board meeting. (3) Lacrosse soft headgear—U.S. Lacrosse standards to take effect 2017. We still have a mandate for soft headgear, only one company of the six approved in the past makes soft headgear to those standards. Recommend those students who purchased soft headgear last year and still have it and it is usable to use it again. Recommend those that don’t currently have the soft headgear, purchase headgear that meets the 2017 standards. REPORT OF President Marsala thanked all for being patient during his first meeting; PRESIDENT welcomed all new members; times are changing and at the end of the day, it is what’s best for kids. BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ COMMENTS/REQUESTS

New members—expressed their thanks and gratitude for the privilege to serve; hope to be the voice that will help coaches understand how every decision is thought over and being made in the best interest of the students; learned a lot in presentations; gained a lot of insight being part of a committee.

Board—new members were welcomed; good to see returning members and glad to be back for another year; good to get together with leadership and make decisions that impact student-athletes; honor to be associated with the Association and have a part in trying to provide our students all the opportunities they are given in this state; appreciate everyone having an open mind and making the right decisions for our children; appreciate the hard work on the bylaws--firm believer in being proactive; enjoy conversation with member school visitors on their perspective; encourage all to meet with their legislators on the needs of individual districts and the job and the purpose we have at FHSAA; always keep kids first.

Staff—no words to express our thanks to Dr. Dearing for what he does for the Association consistently in Tallahassee; appreciate Finance for putting numbers and charts together to explain the positions, and Operations for listening and taking on the monumental task of trying to get the numbers right; continue to communicate with membership and when looking at things that can get a lot involved, try to foresee ripple effects down the road; compliments to the staff on the way they handle dissention, controversy, keep their cool, respond in a positive way, open to suggestions, and take responsibility when it is not fully their responsibility—that is how you achieve an organization, and Dr. Dearing, you have done it well in your selection.

INFORMATION There were no information items. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was declared adjourned at 12:33 p.m. Attest: Approved: ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Roger Dearing, Ed.D., Executive Director David LaRosa, President-Elect

Documents

Florida High School Athletic Association, Inc · THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION LAND CORPORATION, INC. OFFICIAL MINUTES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING September 20-21,