The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 9:05 a.m., in the Board Room at the Administrative Building, 215 West Garden Street, with the following present:

Chairman: Mrs. Cary Stidham

Members: Dr. Elmer Jenkins

Dr. Hal Mason

Mrs. Vanette Webb

School Board Attorney: Mrs. Maureen George

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Stidham called the workshop to order at 9:05 a.m. She noted that Dr. John DeWitt, School Board Member, District 4, had provided a statement that this workshop had been rescheduled and he could not attend due to a prior commitment.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent listed additions and deletions to the agenda. Dr. Jenkins stated that he would discuss an item in workshop only and did not wish to add it to Board meeting agenda. Dr. Mason added Item XII.8 (Items from the Board - Property Matter) noting this involved a citizen who wished to appear at the Public Forum next Tuesday, but may need additional time to provide information to the Board. Mrs. Webb clarified that she had added an emergency item (XII.7 Items from the Board - Interlocal Agreement/Pine Meadow Elementary Adjoining Property Rezoning Issue). The Board Attorney pulled XIII.2 (Items from the Attorney - Public Records Rule).

PRESENTATION: NEW TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education, and Ms. Lesa Morgan, Director, George Stone Center, provided handouts and gave an overview on the status of the new Technical High School which will offer programs in health and human services, building construction technology, business communication and professional services, science and engineering technology, and automotive technology. It was noted that an Implementation Task Force was formed last year and subcommittees were designated to work with the business and industry community to conduct surveys and gather data to help ensure that educational programs meet the needs of the community. A Design Team was also formed to address existing facilities and the recommendation was made to combine George Stone Center and Beggs Educational Center, with the Technical High School to open in 2001 with the first 300 ninth graders. Dr. Jenkins commented that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Curriculum supported this concept. Dr. Mason asked if there were minimum entry requirements and was advised that the Implementation Task Force had recommended that the students should be at eighth grade level. It was noted that policies will be developed and presented to the Board for input. Dr. Mason requested that Board Members receive a list of Design Team Members. Mrs. Webb requested that Board Members be notified of committee meetings.

PRESENTATION: STUDY ON YEAR ROUND SCHOOL

Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, recognized Dr. Janet Pilcher, Associate Dean, College of Professional Studies, University of West Florida, who presented and reviewed the preliminary report for the Year Round School Pilot Study. She reported that surveys were conducted in December, and a final report reflecting survey results and teacher input will be completed by January 31, 2000. The pilot information will then be presented to the Board for final decision. Dr. Mason requested more data reflecting student achievement. Dr. Pilcher noted that the final report will include data on Navy Point Elementary School which has been on year round for five years, as well as Beulah Elementary School which has been on year round for three years. The final report to the Board will also include limitations, time and cost restraints, and cost benefit analysis strategies related to year round school.

PRESENTATION: REPORT ON ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL READINESS COALITION

Mr. Wayne Odom, Director of Title I, stated that last July the Board had appointed him to serve on the Escambia County School Readiness Coalition for a three-year term. He reported that a plan is underway that will combine the efforts of subsidized child care and almost all of the public school programs for early childhood into one program. If the plan is in place and approved on July 1, 2000, funds that previously came to the School District will go to the Coalition for their fiscal control and disbursement. Those funds would include Early Intervention Program, Pre-Kindergarten, Florida First Start, Even Start, and possibly Teen Parent Program funds. Under the direction of the School Readiness Coalition, the School District would, in essence, become a provider of services much like any other provider of early childhood services in the county. In April a plan will be presented to the State Partnership for approval, and the School Board will approve the level of commitment as to participation in the plan. The State Partnership will provide additional information and assistance, and updates will be provided to the Board.

PRESENTATION: TRANSPORTATION (OUTSOURCING)

Mr. Jerry Caine, Director, Warehouse Operations, apprised the Board of research regarding privatization and reported that long-term effects of privatizing transportation services could include high turnover of drivers and customer complaints. It was noted that the Transportation Department was commended in the MGT Management/Organizational Study of Escambia County School District on low accident rates, increased services and emphasis on safety, and recent decisions to improve the efficiency of the Geographic Information System (GIS) routing system. Mr. Caine commented that factors pertinent to privatized operations must be studied such as effect on employees and whether or not substantial savings would be realized. He noted that issues such as district-wide school choice could also substantially change transportation operations. Dr. Clarence Ladner, Special Assistant for School/ Community Services, reported that on-going studies will be held with input from the School Board and transportation employees as to cutting costs and improving services.

PRESENTATION: CHANGES IN ADVISORY COUNCIL

Upon request of Ms. Sheree Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning, this item was pulled from the agenda.

PRESENTATION: LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM

Ms. Barbara Frye, Information Services, gave an overview of the proposed Legislative Program 2000. After discussion, it was noted that the final document would be presented for Board review at a subsequent meeting.

The following item was moved forward:

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

5. Goals 2000 Local Education Reform.

The following principals appeared in support of this item: Judy Ladner, A. A. Dixon Elementary School; John Dell Hucabee, Ensley Elementary School; Sheryl Cox, Bratt Elementary School; Karen Owen, C. A. Weis Elementary School; and Mauldin Carter, Assistant Principal, Brentwood Middle School.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

A. Permission to Advertise

1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-3.02 PUPIL ASSIGNMENT

Dr. Mason discussed concerns regarding Administrative Procedures Act (APA) requirements for advertising verbatim language. He suggested adding the issue to the legislative agenda to propose deleting some of the requirements.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, reported that the Student Attendance Zone Advisory Committee (SAZAC) will present recommendations concerning the anticipated zone for Hellen Caro Elementary School and the new elementary school on west side.

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

There was no discussion concerning this item.

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

A. Instructional/Professional

1. Appointments

Dr. Mason asked if the appointments reflected new positions or replacements. Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, advised that all appointments this month were replacing individuals who had resigned or retired. Ms. Sims stated that this information would be provided each month on the Executive Summaries.

VI. FINANCE

2. Check Register for the month of November, 1999.

Dr. Mason stated that he would register a NO vote on VI.2 (Risk Management).

4. Statements for Legal Services:

a) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. $1,421.66

b) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. $1,801.87

c) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. $ 634.50

d) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. $ 216.00

e) Kievit, Kelly & Odom, P. A. $1,978.50

f) Kievit, Kelly & Odom, P. A. $ 856.72

g) Robert E. Heath, P. A. $ 323.50

h) George E. Loomis, P. A. $ 582.50

i) Eric C. Eggen, P. A. $ 250.00

j) Lozier, Tipton, Thames & Frazier, P. A. $ 202.15

Dr. Mason requested that all funds paid to any law firm be reflected under Finance, regardless of the cost center.

Mrs. Webb asked if there were contracts with the hearing officers and if so, whether the contracts are approved annually. After discussion, Chairman Stidham asked that the Board Attorney research the matter and advise the Board accordingly.

Mrs. Webb asked if the Superintendent could provide a schedule of major Board activities (that are done annually) to reflect contract renewals, budgeting, and other time lines for tracking purposes to make sure that the Board is complying with School Board Rule requirements. Chairman Stidham concurred stating that activities that occur every year at the same time could be included, such as approval of contracts for administrative employees, and the Personnel Planning Document. She suggested that this matter be discussed further with the Superintendent.

9. Disposal of Capitalized and Non-Capitalized Assets:

a) Auction List for January 2000

b) Scrap List for January 2000

Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, noted that disposal of assets had been transferred from the Internal Auditing function to Finance.

10. Appointment of Audit Selection Committee.

Dr. Mason reported that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Finance had recommended that the School Board meet as a Committee of the Whole in order to serve as the Audit Selection Committee.

11. K-3 Class Size Reduction - State of Florida - Capital Outlay Funding.

Chairman Stidham asked for consensus from the Board on this item noting that a commitment would be required to pay for extra teachers in order to maintain the twenty-to-one student teacher ratio in perpetuity. Mr. May stated that research on related cost factors had indicated that this plan could cost the School District dollars that are not appropriated. After discussion, Dr. Mason suggested rejecting this offer due to funding concerns.

VII. PURCHASING

3. Termination and Return of Portable Classrooms.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning removal of portables at Holm Elementary School. Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, replied that this item involves removal of twenty-two (22) leased portables which are being returned to the vendor.

6. Agreement Renewal: Fire Alarm Inspection & Maintenance, Bid #16-99.

Dr. Mason requested further explanation. Mr. Mark Pursell, Director of Maintenance Services, advised that this item involved renewal of the existing contract (with Simplex) for six months rather than one year in order to allow time for the district to consider reverting back to providing these services in house. Dr. Mason requested that staff provide additional information on the possibility of providing in-house services.

17. Computer Cabling for Hellen Caro Elementary School.

Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, advised that Mr. Don Manderson, Director of Instructional Technology, had worked with the principal, Ms. Martha Ellen Wiseman, who supported the expenditure for computer cabling out of General Fund dollars. Dr. Mason asked that staff look into the possibility of reimbursing this expenditure through E-rate/technology dollars.

25. Bid Award: Document Storage and Retrieval System, RFP #00 19 04.

Dr. Mason requested additional information from staff. Mr. Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, advised that this purchase would introduce scanning of documents and integration software at a cost of $48,051. Mr. May noted that the Board had voted to do the RFP; however, administration would not recommend supporting an unfunded item. He commented that the Board may wish to include this in funding for next year. After discussion, Chairman Stidham pulled this item and asked that Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technological Systems and MIS, come back to the Board with a proposal as to what the district could offer on providing E-mail, file servers, and scanner equipment. There was also consensus that this item be reviewed by the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Technology.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

2. MISCELLANEOUS

h. N. B. Cook Elementary School Property Purchases

Chairman Stidham noted that this item corresponded to XII.5 (Items from the Board - Request Decision on Whether to Continue Effort to Acquire Property for Parking for Cook Elementary), and she reported that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Facilities had recommended that the School Board not support pursuing any further property purchases for parking around Cook School. She stated that the committee had also received input from area homeowners who expressed that there were no problems with parking around Cook School. After discussion, Chairman Stidham asked that Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, notify any affected property owners of subsequent Board action concerning this matter.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

2. Charter School Proposal by School Futures Research Foundation, San Diego, California.

Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, advised that the applicant requested that this item be pulled from the agenda.

3. Charter School Proposal by Reaching Your Dream, Inc.

Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, advised that the applicant requested that this item be pulled from the agenda.

8. Controlled Choice/Oral Monthly Progress Report.

Dr. Mason requested that staff provide written reports to the Board for future

reference.

16. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the School Office of the Diocese of Pensacola/Tallahassee.

Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director, Exceptional Student Education, advised that the Board Attorney had provided revised language on Item Number 4 of the proposed contract, and she stated that backup on the amendment would be provided to the Board.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

It was noted that Property Control had been transferred under VI.Finance.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

2. Discussion of Special Joint Meeting on January 24, 2000 (Civil Service Board, Board of County Commissioners, School District, and Escambia County Utility Authority).

Mr. May advised that the joint meeting will address the holiday calendar.

3. Response to Correspondence, E-Mail, etc.

Mr. May discussed concerns regarding E-Mails generated by Dr. Mason. After discussion, Chairman Stidham asked that the Superintendent and Dr. Mason confer privately regarding this matter.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Mr. May advised that a request to address the Board was presented concerning Item Number 23 (Recommendation that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 00-107-411 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 1999-2000 school year and all of the 2000-2001 school year. It is further recommended that the student be given the option to enroll, if qualified and if space is available, in an alternative educational program exclusive of regular school placement. Placement to be at the discretion of the Superintendent and to be available as an alternative during the full expulsion time frame).

Dr. Mason requested clarification on procedures relating to student expulsions due to illegal activities which occur off-campus. The Board Attorney clarified that the state allows School Boards to expel students for off-campus activity contingent upon demonstrating that the off-campus incident had an adverse impact on education being provided in the school.

Concerning student representation at the Board Meetings, Mr. May reported that an area had been designated for the student representatives to sit during the Board meetings. He noted that agendas are provided to the students for review so that they will have an opportunity to provide input at the meetings. Mrs. Webb requested that minutes of the student meetings be provided to the Board.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

PRESENTATION BY GEORGE WHITE REGARDING SWIMMING PROGRAM FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS IN NORTH END SCHOOLS - ITEMS FROM THE BOARD - MRS. WEBB

Mr. George White, Pensacola, Florida, requested that the Board consider approving a pilot water safety program for any elementary schools wishing to participate in District 5 at a maximum cost estimate of $30,000. Mrs. Webb noted that Ms. Linda Gulley, Director of Grants Management, had also indicated the possibility of pursuing grants for this program.

1. Items from the Board - Proposed Risk Management Audit - Dr. Mason

Dr. Jenkins expressed that he would support conducting an audit, but asked that language (referring to the Risk Management Trust as an illegal entity) be deleted pending receipt of the Attorney General's opinion. Upon request of Chairman Stidham, Mrs. George stated that she will follow up as to when the Attorney General's opinion will be provided to the Board.

2. Items from the Board - Proposed RFP for Outsourcing Transportation - Dr. Mason

Chairman Stidham stated that the Chairman of the MGT Implementation Committee had expressed concerns regarding this proposal in that the committee had been charged to study the feasibility of doing an RFP (Request for Proposals). Dr. Mason noted that an RFP would provide data without requiring a commitment on the part of the Board.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Escambia NEA UniServ, suggested the possibility of doing an RFI (Request for Information) opposed to an RFP for purposes of gathering information.

After discussion, Chairman Stidham noted there was consensus to schedule a Special Board Meeting to obtain input from Transportation Department employees, discuss ways to save the district money, and provide direction by Board policy.

3. Items from the Board - Scheduling of the Regular Monthly School Board Workshop Date - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason asked that the Board consider changing the workshop schedule from Mondays to Fridays. After discussion, Chairman Stidham asked that the Board address the matter at the Board Meeting.

4. Items from the Board - Agreement between the School Board and Maureen George for services rendered during transition phase of School Board Attorney - Mrs. Stidham

Chairman Stidham noted that an amendment was provided with revised language for Board consideration.

5. Items from the Board - Request Decision on Whether to Continue Effort to Acquire Property for Parking for Cook Elementary - Mrs. Stidham

This item was addressed under Item VIII.2.h.

6. Items from the Board - Update on Risk Management Cases and Need for Scheduling Executive Sessions - Mrs. Webb

Mrs. Webb advised that she had received part of the information regarding expenditures and status of forty-seven (47) litigation cases; however, the second page was missing (concerning cases 43-47). She asked that staff provide that information, and she suggested that the Board may wish to receive the same information regarding expenditures. Mr. Joe Bernard, Director of Risk Management, stated that he had conferred with the Board Attorney regarding confidentiality concerns, and he requested an opportunity to address the Board in workshop concerning operations of the Risk Management Department. Mrs. George advised that Mr. Joseph Hammons, Attorney to the Superintendent, had also requested an Executive Session to update the Board regarding workers compensation. After discussion, Chairman Stidham suggested scheduling a Board Workshop to hear a presentation concerning operations of the Risk Management Department.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

Ms. Arlene Costello, President, Escambia Education Association, expressed concerns regarding confidentiality of employee records.

Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, addressed the Board regarding confidentiality concerns.

After relinquishing the gavel to Dr. Jenkins, Mrs. Stidham left the workshop at 2:08 p.m. due to another engagement.

7. Items from the Board - Interlocal Agreement - Pine Meadow Elementary Adjoining Property Rezoning Issue - Emergency Item - Mrs. Webb

Mrs. Webb stated that a packet of information was provided regarding a proposal for a zoning change (to Industrial) on property located next to Pine Meadow Elementary School. She noted that last year the Board had addressed an issue concerning this property (regarding shipping in environmental hazards) and had indicated it would not support that due to health and safety hazards. She advised that citizens had requested that she testify at an upcoming Board of Adjustment meeting where the zoning changes will be considered. After discussion, Dr. Jenkins stated that there was consensus that Mrs. Webb appear in that regard and he suggested that other Board Members may wish to attend. He stated that he would inform the Board Chairman and Vice Chairman as well.

Mrs. Webb also noted that in August, 1999, the School Board approved an Interlocal Agreement; however, the county never signed off on the Interlocal Agreement. She discussed concerns that the county (permitting agency) is required by statute to provide notification concerning development and possible adverse impacts. After discussion, Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities, stated that he had conferred with county staff to follow up on the county coming into compliance with the Interlocal Agreement.

Dr. Jenkins requested input from staff regarding two bid projects (at Spencer Bibbs and Oakcrest Elementary Schools). Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, advised that both projects came in over budget and the architects were asked to explore the possibility of combining the two projects. Dr. Jenkins suggested keeping the bid projects separate due to concerns that combining the projects may eliminate the minority bidder.

XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

1. Approval of Levin Contract.

Mrs. George stated that the contract was presented for action at the Board meeting regarding the lawsuit against the School Board for payment of Mrs. Webb's legal fees. Mrs. Webb requested additional backup relative to conflict of interest on the part of the law firm.

XIV. PUBLIC FORUM

There were no speakers.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 2:47 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)