Item
|
Business Services
Item |
| DATE: | Tuesday, July 28, 2020 |
| TO: | School Board Members |
| FROM: | Addison Davis, Superintendent |
| SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS | |
| <p>Request Approval of the Legal Services Agreement Regarding Electronic Cigarette/Vaping Litigation with the law firms of Wagstaff and Cartmell, LLP; Young & Partners, LLP; The Maher Law Firm; TorHoerman Law, LLC; Goza & Honnold, LLC; Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, P.C.; Baron & Budd, P.C.; Panish Shea & Boyle, LLP; Walkup Melodia Kelly & Schoenberger, P.C. (<em>Finance Division</em>)</p> | |
| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | |
| <p>In recent years, teenage use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products have dramatically increased. Medical evidence supports the severe harm individuals risk by the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping. This includes nicotine addiction, behavior and mental health problems, and health issues (cardiovascular disease, cancer, breathing issues, etc.) </p> <p>Juvenile vaping among public school students in Hillsborough County is widespread, causing the District and its schools to expand various resources to try to address this practice. Joining litigation with school districts in Florida and across the country against the manufacturers of electronic cigarettes and vaping products will help to bring to light the increased medical problems and expenses associated with to the manufacturing, marketing, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products.</p> <p>Other Florida school districts in this class action lawsuit: </p> <p>The School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida</p> <p>The School Board of Lee County, Florida</p> <p>The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida</p> <p>The School Board of Seminole County, Florida</p> <p>The School Board of Orange County, Florida</p> <p>The School Board of Brevard County, Florida</p> <p>Escambia County School District</p> <p>The School Board of Broward County, Florida</p> <p>The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida</p> | |
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES | |
| <p>• Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child</p> <p>• Engage and communicate with families and stakeholders</p> <p>• Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety: student, employee, visitor, facility, transportation, and health</p> | |
| FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No) | |
| EVALUATION | |
| SUBMITTED BY: Gretchen Saunders, Chief Financial Officer, gretchen.saunders@hcps.net, (813) 272-4270 | |
| Gretchen Saunders | ||
| Chief Financial Officer (813) 272-4270 |
||
| C 6.01 | ||
| Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20200728_1007 (Board Meeting followed by Public Hearing) * Section C Item# 6.01 | ||