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: Mr. Francisco Negron

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. Mrs. Webb noted that she had provided backup for Item V.1 (Items From the Board - Student Safety Issues in Accordance with District Aim - Safe Learning and Work Environment - Mrs. Webb).

Mr. May reported that Governor Jeb Bush had requested a status report regarding Bibbs and Dixon Elementary Schools concerning the improvement plans previously approved by the Board. Mr. May noted that had been no changes to the plan and that he would report to the Governor on March 28, 2000, regarding the status of the Improvement Plan. Ms. Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, distributed information packets entitled "Reports to Commissioner - Bibbs and Dixon." Dr. Mason commented that the Board should vote on the progress reports. Mrs. Webb asked that the Board be allowed to receive any presentations or reports prior to them being given to the Governor or Florida Cabinet. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, conveyed that the plan had not been modified and that no Board action was required. He added that the Board had previously directed the Superintendent to make the progress reports, which are also provided in written form to the Commissioner of Education as directed by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE).

The following item was moved forward:

XI. PURCHASING

1. Unauthorized Purchase of Training Fees for O. J. Semmes Elementary

Ms. Modeste McCorvey, Principal, O. J. Semmes Elementary School, reported that processing was delayed until the first week of January, 2000, due to the break over the holidays, and she advised that funds were budgeted for this purchase.

The workshop returned to the regular agenda.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

A. Permission to Advertise

1. Notice of Intent to Name the new Westside Elementary School, located at 1551 Dog Track Road, the "BLUE ANGEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL."

Mrs. Webb noted that the Board will not take final action on this item until after public input is received concerning this matter at the public hearing scheduled in May. Dr. DeWitt stated that he will make a motion at the Board Meeting to reflect "BLUE ANGELS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL."

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Harry Evans, 13711 Canal Drive, Pensacola, Florida, 32507, commented that the Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon had conducted a "Name the School" Contest as a community service; however, the club did not sponsor a particular name.

B. Permission to Adopt

1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-3.02 PUPIL ASSIGNMENT

Chairman Stidham noted that this item had addressed boundaries for Hellen Caro Elementary School. Dr. Jenkins stated that the district must still follow the pupil assignment requirements outlined in the Augustus court case.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, advised that the attorney for the plaintiffs in the Augustus court case had concurred with the criteria outlined in the proposed maps and boundaries. Mrs. Webb requested that a set of the maps and boundary information be provided to the School Board Office to allow review by Board Members.

IV. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. May presented the following items for Board consideration:

1. Approval of School Infrastructure Thrift (SIT) Award Application - Beulah Academy of Science

Charter School.

2. Approval of School Infrastructure Thrift (SIT) Award Application - Academy for Success Charter School.

3. Approval of appointment of Charles Nichols to the position of Principal for Weis Elementary School.

Mrs. Webb inquired as to which committee was involved in the selection process. Mr. May stated that it was a Superintendent's committee under Human Resources, and the committee was representative of the parents, teachers and support personnel, PTA, and the School Advisory Council. After discussion, Mrs. Webb requested that a copy of the questionnaire and list of participants be sent to the Board Secretary to maintain on file for Board Members to review in the School Board Office.

4. Ratification of revision to the Master Contract between the School District of Escambia County and Escambia Education Support Personnel Association, FTP-NEA, NEA(EESPA).

Dr. Mason asked if there were significant changes in the contract language. Dr. Douglas Garber, Director, Employee Services, stated that there were not significant changes, and the proposed language would bring the contract into alignment with existing operational procedures within the bus garage. Dr. Mason asked if a cost analysis had been done with reference to hours and working conditions. Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Escambia NEA UniServ, stated no; however, these issues have been negotiated. After discussion, the Board Attorney advised that the appropriate venue to discuss these issues would be in Executive Session.

5. Recommendation concerning Employee Number 369225.

Mr. May stated that he had recommended termination of the continuing contract of Employee Number 369225. The Board Attorney advised that the employee and his attorney had filed "motions to disqualify" three of the Board Members from voting on this item based on conversation at the February Board Meeting. The Board Attorney stated that the three Board Members would not have to recuse themselves from voting, and the Board could take action to deny the motion and refer the case to an administrative law judge.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, commented that the Board should give careful consideration concerning the issue of terminating the employee's continuing contract as a teacher.

Mrs. Webb asked that Board Members be given copies of all information and legal counsel concerning this matter. After discussion, Chairman Stidham asked that the Board Attorney disseminate pertinent information as appropriate.

8. Recommendation that the disciplinary action of suspension of one (1) day without pay for Employee Number 735697 be amended to require a letter of reprimand in lieu of the previously recommended and approved disciplinary action.

Mr. May advised that he supported the principal's recommendation for one-day suspension. After discussion, Mrs. Webb asked that related correspondence be provided to the Board Secretary to maintain in the School Board Office for review by Board Members.

9. Recommendation that the disciplinary action of suspension of one (1) day without pay for Employee Number 274627 be amended to require a letter of reprimand in lieu of the previously recommended and approved disciplinary action.

Mr. May stated that he supported the principal's recommendation for one-day suspension. Mrs. Webb asked that related correspondence be provided to the Board Secretary to maintain in the School Board Office for review by Board Members.

10. Recommendation concerning renaming the old "N. B. Cook Elementary School" as the "A. V. Clubbs Center."

Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, advised that the Chairman of the Advisory Council had addressed the Board several months ago concerning the possibility of renaming the old N. B. Cook Elementary School. The Superintendent presented the recommendation to advertise, and he noted that the Board would hold a public hearing prior to final approval. Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, commented that the ReDirections program, which will be physically located in the old Cook School, will receive students from throughout the School District.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Mr. May advised that requests for formal hearing were submitted on Item Number 12 (Student Number 00-05-281) and Item Number 34 (Student Number 00-169-951).

V. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1. Items From the Board - Student Safety Issues in Accordance with District Aim - Safe Learning and Work Environment - Mrs. Webb

Mrs. Webb noted that backup was provided on this item concerning public notice requirement that the Escambia County Utilities Authority (ECUA) notify the public regarding drinking water supply wells that have radionuclide concentrations. She stated that she had sent a memorandum to Mr. Greg Gibbs, Risk Management, requesting data (concerning radium levels) from the Health Department. Mr. Joseph Bernard, Director of Risk Management, stated that staff has been in close contact with the Health Department to ensure that all necessary safety precautions are taken, and the situation will be monitored.

2. Items From the Board - Pine Meadow Clay Pit Issue Update and Other Related Issues Regarding School Site Safety - Mrs. Webb

Mrs. Webb expressed concerns that the County should keep the Board informed as to any changes on this issue so that adequate notice could be provided.

3. Items From the Board - Policy Issues (Adherence to Existing Policies and Possible Need for Revisions or Changes) - Mrs. Webb

Mrs. Webb asked that the Board Attorney provide input on how to facilitate policy manual updates. She suggested considering the possibility of utilizing "model books" which could be provided by the Florida School Board Association (FSBA).

4. Items From the Board - Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) Chairman Assignments - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he would present a motion at the Board Meeting to propose a change in CAC Chairman assignments to allow Mrs. Webb to chair the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Facilities and Maintenance, replacing Mrs. Stidham. Dr. Mason stated that Mrs. Stidham serves as School Board Chairman, and he felt that the change would help equalize the load. Mrs. Webb stated that she had not been apprised of this proposal, and she indicated that she would be interested in chairing the Curriculum CAC. After discussion, Chairman Stidham commented that the committee guidelines provided for the Board Chairman to appoint the CAC Chairpersons; therefore, the Board may wish to consider amending the process.

5. Items from the Board - Information Request Forms - Mrs. Stidham

Chairman Stidham commented that the proposal (for Information Request Forms) originated in the MGT Management/Organizational Study - Escambia County School District, and the forms would be utilized to request information or services. After discussion, Chairman Stidham pulled this item, noting that she would put it on the agenda for the April Board Meeting.

VI. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

-No items submitted

VII. ITEMS FROM THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

-No items submitted

VIII. STUDENT TRANSFERS

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, advised that student attendance zones will be advertised for Hellen Caro Elementary School and the new Westside Elementary School.

IX. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

A. Instructional/Professional

6. Special Requests

(4) Request approval of contract for retirement ceremony to be held on May 26, 2000, at the Pensacola Civic Center

Upon inquiry from Dr. DeWitt, Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, stated that the contract for graduation ceremonies to be held at the Pensacola Civic Center was approved by the Board last month.

(5) Request approval to establish a position entitled Coordinator of ReDirections Program

Dr. DeWitt commended staff on the job description format. Mrs. Webb expressed that she had heard concerns expressed by parents and staff, and she suggested tabling this item to allow time to address their concerns regarding combining the ReDirections programs and loss of staff (the recommendation to save three teachers-in-charge positions). Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, advised that this matter has been addressed with staff over the last year, noting that the Board had previously voted to combine the ReDirections programs.

B. Educational Support Personnel

1. Appointments

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Ms. Sims advised that the district is still under the hiring freeze. She provided clarification concerning a recommendation to hire a student services position.

2. Resignations/Retirements

Mrs. Webb commented that there were numerous resignations, and she asked that staff provide additional information in the backup as to the reasons for the resignations.

6. Leaves of Absence

Mrs. Webb requested further explanation concerning a one-year leave of absence. Ms. Sims stated that was the leave of absence would be unpaid. Mrs. Webb asked that additional backup be given.

C. Risk Management

Mrs. Webb suggested tabling the Risk Management item until the Auditor General's report comes in. After discussion, Chairman Stidham stated that the item would be pulled for another month.

Dr. Mason discussed concerns regarding substitute teacher credentials (an item not on the agenda). Mr. May noted Board policy requires an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. Dr. Douglas Garber, Director of Employee Services, stated that he had conferred with the Board Attorney concerning the process. After discussion, Dr. DeWitt called point of order in that the item was not on the agenda.

X. FINANCE

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

Mrs. Webb stated that she had submitted a standing request that she receive a check register each month. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, noted that copies were delivered to the Board Office.

4. Statements for Legal Services:

Mrs. Webb stated that she had requested that Board Members be provided a breakdown on all attorney fees for contract attorneys. She also requested that Board Members and the Board Attorney be provided copies of all legal correspondence to staff about issues coming before Board. She noted a bill concerning arbitration, and she requested copies of pleadings, correspondence, and breakdown of legal bills. She expressed concerns that there seemed to be overlap as far as contracted attorneys undertaking the same issues, and that information is needed to look at cost savings measures as budget preparations continue. After discussion, the Board Attorney stated that he would confer with the Board Chairman and bring a proposal to the Board concerning procedures and coordination of information requests.

a) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. $ 3,969.21

b) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. $ 397.71

c) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. $ 281.62

d) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. $ 467.80

e) Kievit, Kelly & Odom, P. A. $ 3,821.68

f) Kievit, Kelly & Odom, P. A. $ 213.07

g) Kievit, Kelly & Odom, P. A. $ 2,744.03

h) Kievit, Kelly & Odom, P. A. $ 1,015.61

i) Maureen George, P. A. $ 3,794.49

j) Maureen George, P. A. $ 297.00

k) Maureen George, P. A. $ 94.50

l) Maureen George, P. A. $ 40.50

m) Maureen George, P. A. $ .00

n) Maureen George, P. A. $ 1,053.00

o) Maureen George, P. A. $ 229.50

p) Maureen George, P. A. $ 1,107.00

q) Arthur A. Shimek, P. A. $ 260.00

r) Arthur A. Shimek, P. A. $ 380.00

s) John E. Allbritton, P. A. $ 250.00

t) Lozier, Tipton, Thames & Frazier, P. A. $ 1,310.66

Mrs. Webb inquired whether the method of payment was to Lozier as a contracted attorney or to Mr. Lou Ray (to reimburse him for making payment to Lozier). After discussion, Chairman Stidham stated that the Board Attorney would verify that issue.

u) Louis F. Ray, Jr. $ 77.15

5. Summary of Risk Management Legal Fees

a) Joseph Hammons, P. A. $19,750.94

b) Steven J. Baker, P. A. $15,207.09

6. Summary of Legal Expenses

9. Miscellaneous Authorizing Agreements and Resolutions:

a) Authorizing Agreement and Resolution for Capital Lease Proceeds.

b) Authorizing Agreement and Resolution for ZIP account.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mrs. Wascom verified that this is not a new account. It is an established account through the Bank of America.

XI. PURCHASING

1. Unauthorized Purchase of Training Fees for O.J. Semmes Elementary

This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.

2. Unauthorized Purchase of Consulting Services for Staff Development Workshop

Mr. Elvin McCorvey, Director of Affirmative Action, advised concerning the unauthorized purchase (agreement with Dr. Charles Thate to provide consulting services for the HRMD program in the district). He explained that Dr. Thate had continued his services as rendered in the past; however, when the invoice was submitted to Purchasing for payment it was discovered that the agreement had not been submitted. Ms. Sarah Armstrong, Coordinator, Florida Diagnostic Learning Resource Services (FDLRS), advised that the money is in the budget to cover this purchase as part of the HRMD program for principals.

9. Innovative Tech Microcomputers for Tate High School

Dr. Mason asked if this was low bid. Mr. Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, verified that this was one of the authorized vendors from the established bid list, and this was the vendor that the school had recommended.

10. Interactive Use of Force Training System for George Stone Vocational Center

Dr. Mason asked if Pensacola Junior College would be coordinating this program now and was advised that PJC does not have this program. Mr. May noted that the district has a 98% placement rate for the program, and it will continue to be part of the school system.

19. Change Notice #2 to PO# 200226 (Jack Moore & Company, Inc.)

Dr. Mason inquired as to why exit signs were not addressed in the original bid. Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, advised that this is a result of state review, and there are differences in code interpretation. He noted this is typically is addressed several months after a job is bid.

24. Award Contract: Electrical Engineering Services for Fire Alarm System at various schools

Dr. Mason requested an update on the status of whether the district will go back to in-house fire alarm maintenance. Mr. May noted that staff is looking into the feasibility of providing the services in-house. Mr. Kirchharr advised that this particular contract award involves engineering services for new systems.

26. Award Contract: Architectural Services for Re-roofing of the Administrative Building and various schools

Dr. Mason questioned the necessity of architectural services on this project. Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Maintenance, stated that he had conferred with the Board Attorney, and he cited Florida Statute 235, noting state requirements for architectural services on projects over $50,000. He added that architectural design services are also required when a project involves replacement of the entire roofing membrane.

35. Agreement Renewal: Lawn Care Services

Dr. DeWitt conveyed that principals have expressed concerns regarding lawn care services. Mr. Boyer reported that staff has met with the vendor to clarify contractual obligations, and concerns will be addressed at the next principals' meeting to identify areas for improvement.

38. E-Rate Computer Network Project

Dr. Mason asked if this was the $500,000 grant which was received one year ago. Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technological Systems and MIS, reported that the district received over $500,000 the first year and approximately $400,000 for the second year. The district has applied for the third year funding. Dr. DeWitt noted that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Technology previously approved the three-year E-Rate plan.

44. Agreement Addendum: SAGA (Software AG) Programming Software Maintenance and Support

Dr. Mason requested further explanation from staff. Mr. Boyer stated that staff had determined that the five-year agreement had been underutilized and recommended opting out of the contract for the two remaining years. He stated that a $38,000 final payment was negotiated to opt out of the contract, and the district will retain the site license for the software.

XII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

2. MISCELLANEOUS

d. Interlocal Agreement with the City of Pensacola

Dr. Mason requested further explanation concerning this item and was advised by

Dr. Epperson that the agreement will promote exchange of information and contribute to better planning.

XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

1. Exceptional Student Education Discretionary Projects Challenge Grants.

Mr. Pettis noted this item involves the continuation of a statewide grant. He added that the monies are continuing, but this is a new grant request.

4. Guidelines for Managing Diabetes in the School Setting.

Mrs. Webb discussed potential liability concerns, and she noted that more school nurses are needed. She suggested pulling this item until various concerns are addressed. Ms. Karen Thoennes, Health Services Coordinator, advised that Escambia was the first county in the State of Florida to have established guidelines based on medical requirements and recommendations of the American Diabetes Association. Mrs. Webb inquired concerning availability of trained personnel in the school setting. Ms. Trena Webb, Escambia County Health Department, stated that the responsibility could not be delegated to health support technicians.

XIV. TRANSPORTATION

-No items submitted

.

XV. INTERNAL AUDITING

C. Other

(1) Recommendation to the Board on language for Inspection and Audit Clauses for all Contracts other than Construction Contracts

Upon inquiry from Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Sam Scallan, Director of Internal Auditing, reported that the Board had taken action in December, 1999, concerning inspection and audit clauses for contracts (other than construction contracts), and he advised that construction contracts will be addressed with the Board next month. Mr. Kirchharr expressed concerns regarding potential adverse impact if the language was required in construction contracts.

XVI. PUBLIC FORUM

There were no speakers.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

Prior to adjournment, Chairman Stidham stated that the Board Attorney had made some recommendations on parliamentary procedures in order to cover the consent agenda more effectively. Dr. Jenkins obtained clarification from the Board Attorney regarding public forum procedures. There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 12:50 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)