The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Room at the Administrative Building, 215 West Garden Street, with the following present:

Chairman: Mrs. Cary Stidham Vice Chairman: Dr. John DeWitt

Members: Dr. Elmer Jenkins

Dr. Hal Mason

Mrs. Vanette Webb

School Board Attorney: Mrs. Maureen George joined the workshop in progress at 12:30 p.m. and left at 1:55 p.m.

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Stidham called the workshop to order at 9:00 a.m.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent listed additions and deletions to the agenda.

PRESENTATION: STATUS REPORT/SALARY REVIEW COMMITTEE

Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, provided a handout entitled "Salary Review Committee - Update on Committee Activities - Proposal to the Board, February, 2000." Ms. Sims commented that the stakeholders, including professional and administrative personnel and people from the community, were notified of Board action and invited to the meetings in accordance with Board direction and minutes of August, 1999. Mrs. Webb commented that Board Members were not notified of the meetings, and she requested clarification as to whether the Salary Review Committee meetings were advertised in accordance with School Board Rule and Florida Statutes. Chairman Stidham noted that the Board had asked the Superintendent to establish the committee. Ms. Sims added that the Board had previously directed the Superintendent to establish a committee to do an in-depth study of salary issues including job descriptions and salary proposals, but had not addressed salaries yet. Mrs. George joined the workshop in progress at 12:30 p.m. and advised that if the purpose of the committee was to formulate a recommendation to make to the School Board as to its statutory duty to establish job positions and descriptions, that would be a Board committee and would have to comply with the Sunshine Law. After discussion, Chairman Stidham asked that the Board Attorney confer with Ms. Sims to go over the process used so far as to whether requirements were met for the Sunshine Law and determine whether or not the School Board can act on the Salary Review Committee recommendation.

PRESENTATION: UPDATE CONCERNING RESOLUTION OF THE SUBSTITUTE SHORTAGE ISSUE IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

This item was pulled from the agenda.

PRESENTATION: CHARTER PROPOSAL FROM SCHOOL FUTURES RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, advised that the charter proposal was received

on November 15, 1999, for a K-5 program for about 300 students. Mr. Thomas advised that the Curriculum and Instruction Team had concerns that the application included no research as to a needs assessment, and staff subsequently requested information as to any research that had been done. He noted that the proposal describes a neighborhood school concept, and concerns were expressed that the proposal would bring about a resegregation of schools in the inner city area. Mr. Thomas referred to a map of the inner city area reflecting a predominantly African-American student population area in the vicinity of Semmes, Bibbs, Dixon, Yniestra, Weis, and Hallmark Elementary Schools. Mrs. Webb asked if the proposal could contribute toward making Spencer Bibbs a racially-identifiable school. Mr. Thomas stated yes, and the intent in this district has not been to create schools that are racially segregated. He stated that he had submitted the proposal to the Board Attorney for review regarding compliance with the Augustus court case. Ms. Sheila Johndrow, Legal Assistant, clarified that the Board Attorney had contacted the Legal Counsel for the NAACP in that regard and had not yet heard back from him.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Mr. Bryan Bennett, Vice President for Educational Outreach, School Futures Research Foundation, appeared in support of the charter proposal. In a question and answer session with Board Members, Mr. Bennett stated that beginning teacher salaries would be comparable with what the School District offers, and only certified teachers would be hired. Concerning curriculum, he stated that there would be a correlation between the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), Sunshine State Standards, and core knowledge. Dr. Jenkins commented that was not unique in that the district had already implemented FCAT testing related to Sunshine State Standards.

2) Reverend Michael Johnson addressed the Board in support of the charter proposal.

3) Reverend Charles Glover, 1000 Farmington Road, Pensacola, Florida, 32504, stated that he represented the First West Florida District Association, an association of forty churches in the Pensacola area, and he expressed support for the charter school proposal.

4) Mr. Art Rocker, 1420 Sonata, Navarre, Florida, appeared in support of the charter school proposal and verified that he would serve as the local liaison or contact person representing the School Futures program.

After discussion, Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, presented the recommendation from staff that the charter proposal not be approved based on the finding that there was no evidence to support that it would meet needs of students in Escambia County, and due to concerns related to compliance with the Augustus court case. Mr. May concurred with the recommendation of staff.

PRESENTATION: AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION - OVERVIEW OF THE "NOT ON TOBACCO" PROGRAM

Ms. Gina Thorne, Representative from the American Lung Association, gave a brief overview of

the new state program called the "Not on Tobacco" (NOT) Program, which is a program that is geared to help teenagers quit smoking. The program has been implemented at Escambia, Tate, Woodham, Pensacola, Pine Forest, and Northview High Schools. It was noted that this is a voluntary program, and most of the facilitators are classroom teachers or other school personnel.

OVERVIEW OF INTERNAL AUDITING DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS/RISK ASSESSMENT

This item was pulled from the agenda.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

- No items submitted

IV. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

1. Recommendation concerning naming of new West Side Elementary School

Mr. May reported that the Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon had presented the winning entry (from the "Name the School" contest) of "Blue Angel Elementary School." He noted that input had been obtained from principals, school personnel, community members, and advisory councils, and he recommended that the Board support advertising to name the school.

2. Recommendation concerning naming of School District Administration Building in honor of Dr. Vernon McDaniel

Mr. May recommended that the Board support advertising to name the School District

Administration Building in honor of Dr. Vernon McDaniel, former School Board Member, based on community requests and support.

3. Quarterly report from the One-Half Cent Sales Tax Watchdog Committee

Mr. May advised that Mr. Alvin Wingate, Committee Chairman, will present the quarterly report at the Board Meeting.

4. Recommendation concerning Swimming Program for Elementary Students in North End Schools (Presentation made last month by George White)

It was noted that Mr. George White had presented a request last month to start a swimming program in north end schools at an estimated cost of $30,000 to come out of next year's budget. After discussion, Chairman Stidham stated that there was consensus on the part of the Board to pull this item at this time, and she requested that it be readdressed in the budget process for next year's budget.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Mr. May advised that requests for formal hearing were submitted on Item Number 9 (Student Number 00-110-323), and Item Number 15 (Student Number 00-120-951).

9. Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 00-110-323 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.

15. Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 00-120-951 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 1999-2000 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.

ADD: 34. Recommendation that Administrative Contract of Employee Number 369225 be terminated for cause effective February 16, 2000, based on misconduct in office.

Mrs. Webb inquired concerning requirements to advertise and interview for this position. Mr. May stated that a recommendation had been made concerning appointment of an interim principal. Mrs. George advised concerning policy in the State of Florida, that a Superintendent makes recommendations about personnel actions, and the Board cannot act absent the recommendation of the Superintendent.

ADD: 35. Recommendation that Administrative Contract of Employee Number 344964 be terminated for cause effective February 16, 2000, based on misconduct in office.

Mr. May noted that this individual is an Assistant Principal who is retiring.

ADD: 36. Recommendation that Employee Number 678037 be suspended without pay for ten days. The effective date of the suspension will be determined by the Superintendent in concert with the new principal.

ADD: 37. Approval of appointment of Paul Kattau as Interim Principal, Pine Forest High School as of February 16, 2000.

Mr. May recommended the appointment for the remainder of the school year, noting that reappointment would be recommended based on satisfactory performance. Dr. Mason asked if the position would be advertised. After discussion, Mrs. George stated that the Superintendent can appoint an interim principal without advertising the position first. Mrs. Webb requested input from the Board Attorney as to whether or not an interim principal acquires a property right by virtue of appointment as interim principal. Mrs. George stated that an interim principal would not have extraordinary property rights (in an interim position), and the individual would have to compete along with everyone else; however, she stated that she would research the matter further and advise the Board accordingly.

The following item was moved forward:

XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

5. Charter School Proposal Reaching Your Dreams, Inc.

Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, introduced Mr. Derrick Gainer, who appeared in support of the charter proposal. Mr. Thomas advised that staff sees a need for the services that this charter would provide and staff recommended the charter proposal for approval. It was noted that the program was designed to retrieve students (age 16-19) who have either dropped out of school or may be involved in the Juvenile Justice system. The program would provide an opportunity to bring those students back into the school system and earn credit toward graduation or possibly earn a GED. Dr. DeWitt inquired concerning appointment of administrator to run the program. Mr. Gainer stated that a principal will be hired to run the program and school. It was noted that Mr. Gainer plans to build a facility at his own expense for this program to be located on property at Spring and Jackson Streets (adjacent to the Square Ring Gymnasium) and the building will accommodate 250 students. Mr. Gainer commented that the charter school would like to utilize surplus buses of the School District if possible. Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Mike Connors, Director of Transportation, stated that the district was buying 34 new buses this year and could provide four or five surplus buses for the charter school.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

RECESS

Chairman Stidham called for a fifteen-minute recess at 12:15 p.m. The workshop reconvened at 12:30 p.m.

V. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1. Items from the Board - Proposed Management Plan - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason provided copies of a sample management plan from Broward County. He noted that the format includes quarterly review of budgetary priorities and provides opportunities to reshape priorities. He suggested that the Board consider adopting a similar format as part of the budget process and review the process throughout the year.

ADD: 2. Items from the Board - Recommendation for 2000-2001 School Calendar - Dr. DeWitt (Emergency Add)

Dr. DeWitt expressed his intent to make a motion at the Board meeting to recommend for School Year 2000-2001, that all schools remain on the same schedule under which they are presently operating with the schools on year-round calendar to stay the same, and intersessions would be for remediation only. Dr. DeWitt commented concerning the rationale for the recommendation that keeping the present schedule this year would allow time to work toward options which are under consideration including extended year, school choice, and redistricting and perhaps implement changes next year.

ADD: 3. Items from the Board - Confirmation of School Improvement Plan Presentations - Mrs. Stidham

After discussion, Chairman Stidham noted the proposed schedule for Special Board Meetings to hear School Improvement Plan (SIP) Presentations will be March 20-22, and March 24, 2000, with remaining dates in April (for the high school and year-round school presentations) to be determined.

VI. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

ADD: 1. Approval of Contract with Francisco Negron, School Board Attorney (Emergency Add)

Dr. Mason requested that the Board consider amending the contract to pay membership fees for the Florida School Board Attorneys Association and the Florida Bar only.

VII. ITEMS FROM THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

There was no discussion concerning this item.

VIII. STUDENT TRANSFERS

There was no discussion concerning this item.

IX. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

A. Instructional/Professional

Dr. Mason requested information concerning Item A.6(2) Special Requests - Request to establish a job description on the professional salary schedule of Manager (Financial Aid, Veteran Affairs, and Scholarships). Ms. Lesa Morgan , Director, George Stone Center, verified that the employee would be on annual contract. In that the position was previously classified under Educational Support Personnel, Mrs. Webb suggested that the Board take action to abolish that position and establish the job description on the professional salary schedule in one motion.

X. FINANCE

Upon request from Mrs. Webb, Mr. Joseph Bernard, Director of Risk Management, stated concerning the Employee Benefit Trust Fund that United Health Care is the third party administrator, and the Board has approved that contract. Mrs. Webb noted there is a statutory requirement to provide a copy of the contract for Board review prior to annual renewal. She stated that according to statute, the monies that are deposited must be in an approved, deposited and designated special checking account for claims against the School Board under the self-insurance program. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, clarified that the checks are drawn by United Health Care, which is a depository account. She noted that United Health Care sends a request to wire funds based upon the number of checks they draw and the district reconcile transactions as set aside in Florida Statute.

Mr. Bernard commented that the Risk Management Trust Fund operates within the realm and scope authorized by the Board for handling of claims and issuing payments within the law. Mrs. George reported that the Attorney General's opinion was received but did not address whether it is a trust or not. She stated that the trust document that applies to Risk Management gives Risk Management trustees the power to hire employees, to borrow money to raise money and to make investments, and she stated that she did not believe that the Board intended for Risk Management to have all of those powers. She stated that was the issue for Board consideration. Mr. Bernard stated for the record that the trustees had never borrowed or raised money. Mrs. Webb stated her concern that the trust document should be renewed annually, and she requested that the Board Attorney advise the Board regarding these concerns.

2. Check Register for the month of December, 1999

Dr. Mason stated that he would register a no vote on the Risk Management portion.

6. Budget Amendments

a) Resolution 3: General Fund

b) Resolution 4: Other Special Revenue Fund

c) Resolution 5: Capital Outlay Fund

Mrs. Webb stated that she had provided a handout ("Becoming a Better Board Member") which stressed the importance of how budget amendments are addressed.

XI. PURCHASING

Dr. Mason noted that 172 computer purchases were proposed for this month, and he expressed that the Board needs to give local vendors an opportunity to bid on computers. Mr. Don Manderson,

Director of Instructional Technology, provided clarification concerning the bid process. Dr. DeWitt noted that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Technology had reviewed and supported the bid process, which is an open bidding process, and every local vendor can participate.

2. Apple Microcomputers for Scenic Heights Elementary School

4. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order 195359 (Telecommunications Support Systems)

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, clarified that

this item is necessary for the Substitute Employee Management System (SEMS).

5. Tech Advanced Microcomputers for ESEAL

9. Apple Microcomputers for Brentwood Middle School

10. Apple Microcomputers for Helen Caro Elementary School

22. Bid Award: Document Storage and Retrieval System for School Board, RFP# 00 19 04

After discussion with the Purchasing Manager, Dr. DeWitt stated that he would make a motion at the Board meeting to approve the RFP (with funding to come out of next year's budget).

XII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

1. MISCELLANEOUS

b. Fire Alarm Systems

Dr. Mason requested further explanation from staff. Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, noted this item relates to engineering services for the new fire alarm system and does not involve maintaining existing systems. Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, stated that at the Board meeting last month the Board approved a six-month contract with Simplex for contracted fire alarm services, and staff had recommended the six-month contract to determine whether the district could save money by going back to providing the services in-house.

XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

5. Charter School Proposal Reaching Your Dreams, Inc.

This item was addressed earlier in the workshop.

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

This item was addressed earlier in the workshop.

XIV. TRANSPORTATION

-No items submitted

.

XV. INTERNAL AUDITING

There was no discussion concerning this item.

XVI. PUBLIC FORUM

There were no speakers.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 2:29 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)