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Pinellas School Board chooses O'Shea as new chairwoman

 
Peggy O’Shea, who was elected to the Pinellas School Board in 2006, will take over as chairwoman.
Peggy O’Shea, who was elected to the Pinellas School Board in 2006, will take over as chairwoman.
Published Nov. 18, 2015

LARGO — Tuesday's triple-header meeting of the Pinellas County School Board ended with Vice Chair Peggy O'Shea taking the reins as the board's new chairwoman.

The board held a business meeting, organization meeting and workshop Tuesday to work out logistics for the 2015-16 year.

In Linda Lerner's last meeting as chairwoman, the board unanimously approved contracts with the SEIU/Florida Public Services Union and the Pinellas Educational Support Professionals Association that included 4 percent average salary increases. Board members also approved changes to policies regarding District Application Programs, which include magnet programs, fundamental schools and career academies.

New language more clearly defines diversity in schools, which is achieved when the demographics of the enrolled population mirror the demographics of the students residing in the school's attendance zone. It includes plans to market the schools to more diverse populations.

In addition, the board approved changes that allow students to work for political candidates as part of their community service requirement for Bright Futures scholarships, a measure that reflects changes in state law.

After the business meeting concluded, School Board member Terry Krassner nominated O'Shea for chairwoman and she was elected unanimously. Krassner then was elected vice chair, her first time holding the position since her election in 2010.

O'Shea, who was elected to the board in 2006, is no stranger to leadership roles. She served as vice chair in 2007-08 and chair in 2008-09.

Contact Colleen Wright at cwright@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8643. Follow @Colleen_Wright.