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School Board selects Capitol lobbying firm

The firm Prutsman & Stahl will get $26,400 a year to replace former educator John Gaines, who was paid $30,000.

By REBECCA CATALANELLO
Published March 16, 2005

LAND O'LAKES - A new Tallahassee lobbying firm will be elbowing legislators on behalf of Pasco County public schools this session.

School Board members on Tuesday evening approved a three-year, $26,400-per-year contract with Prutsman & Stahl, a firm that counts health care companies, insurers and mortgage bankers among its clients.

Superintendent Heather Fiorentino said Pasco is the only school district the firm represents.

Prutsman & Stahl replaces the retired John Gaines, a former assistant superintendent who went on to represent the district's legislative needs. Gaines was paid $30,000 annually for his services, a school official said.

The winning firm beat out three other bidders: Barreto, Cunningham, May, Dudley & Maloy; Rodriguez Pina and Associates; and Tew Cardenas LLC.

Also during the School Board's 6 p.m. meeting:

Three elementary schools got new principals. Lisa Miller, assistant principal at Gulfside Elementary, will replace Arlene Moreno at Fox Hollow. And Cotee River principal Carole Baird was appointed to lead Anclote, filling a vacancy left by B.J. Smith.

Smith will lead Seven Oaks Elementary in Wesley Chapel, and Moreno will head Longleaf Elementary in New Port Richey, both opening in August. Baird will be replaced temporarily by interim principal Hope Schooler, Cypress Elementary's assistant principal since 2002.

Three charter schools passed local inspection, according to annual reviews by district leaders. Academy at the Farm in Dade City and Dayspring Academy in Port Richey did not have any major negative findings. Richard Milburn Academy in New Port Richey also received the district's endorsement, though it was cited for some bookkeeping inconsistencies.

[Last modified March 16, 2005, 01:33:12]