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 (entered the workshop at 9:37 a.m.)

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.

The following items were moved forward:

XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

31. Contract for Charter Agreement between Beulah Academy of Science, Inc., and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

1) Ms. Sherry Bailey, Administrator, Beulah Academy, addressed the Board in support of the charter agreement. Discussion was held concerning enrollment, and Ms. Bailey advised that 125 students were enrolled this year and 140 students are estimated for the third year.

Dr. Mason stated that he would ask the Board to reconsider increasing the School Infrastructure Thrift (SIT) funds for Beulah Academy from 35% to 40%.

V. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1. Larry Fordham, Youth Assistant Summer School Program - Cary Stidham

Larry Fordham, Director of Youth Awareness, Inc. (YAI), addressed the Board in support of an agreement between YAI and the School District to provide Youth Violence Prevention programs at Brownsville Middle School and Warrington Middle School. Chairman Stidham stated that she would ask that the Board approve the agreement to be funded using $1,000 out of her travel budget.

XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

14. Participation of Home School Students in All-County Band.

Mr. Doug Hooten, Band Director, Tate High School, and Mike Philley, Band Director, Ferry Pass Middle School, advised the Board that there are students within the public school system who cannot audition for All-County Band unless they are enrolled in the band course at their middle school or high school. Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, noted the concern of band directors is that all of the students would meet the same requirements to audition and participate in the All-County Band so that the program would not be exclusionary. Chairman Stidham suggested that more information would be helpful as to how many students auditioned and how many of those were home school students. After discussion, Chairman Stidham noted this item was for information purposes, and the program would continue as is unless a motion is made at the Board Meeting.

IV. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

2. Update from School Choice Committee

Steve Tulley, School Choice Committee Member, advised that in October of last year the Superintendent created a committee (as requested by the Board) to look at school choice issues, with the committee to report back to the Board this month with a proposal for school choice programs. He noted that the committee has met monthly and has analyzed programs from other counties in Florida, particularly the Lee County program. Dr. Mason asked if Lee County utilized a computer model on demographics and transportation. Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technical Systems and Management Information, advised that the Lee County programs were written in-house. Mr. Tulley presented a request on behalf of the committee that the Board allow more time for the committee to obtain information and develop a proposal including factors such as costs, demographics, and transportation, and allow the committee to bring the proposal back to the Board in January of 2001. It was noted that the program would have to be presented to the public as well, with marketing and public forums to inform the public. Dr. Jenkins asked that consideration be given to ensure that each zone would get enough students to make it financially and academically feasible. Sheree Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning, also noted that efforts will be made to obtain an implementation grant similar to that utilized by Lee County.

V. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

: 2. Request to Budget Five (5) Full Time Staff Members for Development and Planning of Curricula for the New Technical High School - John DeWitt

Tommy Taylor, Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education, presented a proposal to provide staffing for the new Technical High School as follows: 1) one Career Specialist (out of the present Carl Perkins federal funding) to come in at the start of the school year in the career guidance area; 2) two positions through present staffing at George Stone; 3) utilize one staff member (out of Applied Technology and Adult Education) to work full-time with the leadership team that is being established; and 4) based on retirement of an employee in the fall, bring on another position as part of the second semester. He concluded that the present budgeting would be for 4 ½ positions and ultimately 5 positions at the start of the 2000/2001 year.

Dr. DeWitt pulled this item from the agenda, and he stated that he would fully support the recommendation presented by staff. Mrs. Webb suggested using every available resource, such as tapping private industry grants. Mr. Taylor stated that staff is exploring the possibility of employing a grant writer on a percentage basis.

Lesa Morgan, Director, George Stone Center, reported that Facilities review has been completed for Phase I (including the Gymnasium, Cafeteria, and Building 1 renovations) of the new Technical High School. The drawings go out for bid in July and will be awarded in August. Ms. Morgan reported that a committee is being organized to bring back recommendations to the Board in August concerning the naming of the new Technical High School. The committee meetings will be advertised and open to the public. Ms. Morgan informed the Board that advertising was done in April for the Leadership Curriculum Writing Team, and interviews were held recently for selection of academic and vocational instructors to be funded out of grant monies. Ms. Morgan commented that there is interest in establishing ninth grade exploratory programs, and consultants from The University of West Florida are working with the district on curriculum integration. Efforts are also being made to identify business and industry partnerships, and a marketing plan is being developed with E. W. Bullock and Associates.

Dr. Jenkins noted that George Stone was a pioneer in Vocational/Technical education. Ms. Morgan stated that the postsecondary program will remain the George Stone Postsecondary Vocational Technical Center. They are not doing away with the George Stone name, but will identify another name for the new Technical High School.

Dr. Jenkins inquired concerning the new science labs in the Beggs building and was advised by Ms. Morgan that steps have been taken to renovate and enlarge the labs.

XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

2. Your School Advisory Council, 2000-2001.

3. School Advisory Council Nominations, 2000-2001.

4. 2000-2001 School Advisory Council Revisions.

Concerning Item Numbers XIII.2, XIII.3 and XIII.4, Dr. DeWitt commented that if any schools remain noncompliant by the September Board Meeting, the Board can take action to assign members to the Advisory Councils. Sheree Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning, reported that there were changes in requirements from the state regarding ethnic and economic guidelines for compliance, and she advised that letters have been sent to the schools which need improvement so that corrections can be in place by the fall.

5. Cooperative Agreement with Escambia County Health Department for Prekindergarten Nursing Services.

6. Cooperative Agreement with Escambia County Health Department for Title I FRAME and Related Programs Nurse.

Concerning Item Numbers XIII.5 and XIII.6, Dr. Mason asked if these services could be considered a public health function. Mr. Wayne Odom, Director of Title I, advised that Florida Statute required that the district provide nursing screening, and one nurse is provided per 364 Prekindergarten students.

7. Title I Targeted Assistance & School wide Project Grant and Title I Project Grant for Delinquent or At-Risk Students.

Dr. DeWitt noted this is a $9,000,000 grant, and he inquired as to improvements which have resulted from this grant. Mr. Odom stated that the evaluation plan is the same as required by the state, which is the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), and there is data (by school) on student performance. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, added that measurable objectives are part of the School Improvement Plan (SIP).

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA, commented that the state does not provide funding for Prekindergarten.

9. Contract for Services with Justice Center of Atlanta, Inc., Mediation and Dispute Resolution Skills Workshop.

Mrs. Webb inquired concerning the purpose of this contract. Sarah Armstrong, Coordinator, Florida Diagnostic Learning Resource Services (FDLRS), advised that Intervention Specialists will be targeted as participants in the in-service training, as well as other staff members and community members, primarily parents. She noted that the training is not designed to make them legal mediators, but to develop skills to reduce risks to the district and to promote better relationships with parents and people who help these children. After discussion, the Board Attorney provided clarification that a change was made to the contractual language to ensure jurisdiction under the Florida court system.

13. Title II Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program Application.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning needs assessment data. Mr. Pettis advised that year-end data will be finalized and provided to the Board. Dr. Largue stated that information would be provided as to how monies are spent and the effectiveness of the program.

14. Participation of Home School Students in All-County Band.

This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.

15. Northview High School Environmental Science Service Project (Florida Learn & Serve).

Mrs. Webb stated that this is a grant to provide for equipment and supplies for soil and monitoring in the storm water retention pond at Northview High School. She requested that this item be pulled because of health risks to children due to potential exposure to chemicals and carcinogens.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Joy McMichael, Science Specialist, stated that the students would conduct water and soil sampling, and she noted that the Department of Environmental Protection and The University of West Florida had published data indicating no harmful parameters.

Mrs. Webb requested that data and working files be submitted regarding soil sampling and dioxin levels. Joe Bernard, Director of Risk Management, commented that extensive soil samples and borings had been conducted by the Health Department, Environmental Protection Agency, and other state agencies, and the testing revealed no evidence of unsafe conditions. Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, stated that the intent of this project is to provide a helpful service to the community and to provide an opportunity for middle school and high school students to work together in a cooperative effort.

18. Innovative Education Program Strategies and Class Size Reduction of the Improving America's Schools Act, 1995 (Title VI).

Dr. DeWitt requested further explanation concerning the staffing pattern, and Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, advised that the teacher-student ratio is normally 24 to 1 for Kindergarten through first grade; however, these funds would target first grade in hopes of maintaining a teacher-student ratio of 20 to 1. Mr. Pettis provided clarification concerning grant requirements and staffing patterns.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, commented that changing class size is not a bargaining issue.

22. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Escambia County Sheriff's Department 2000-2001.

Dr. Mason asked what changes were made in the agreement, and the Board Attorney stated that the signature page was revised to add the Chairman of the Board in order to reflect the School Board as the contracting party.

24. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Association for Retarded Citizens/Escambia 2000-2001.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Pettis advised that Pensacola Junior College does not provide related services. Yvonne Gray, Director of Exceptional Education, added that the district is mandated by law to provide these services for specialized needs until the participants reach the age of 22.

26. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Pyramid, Inc. 2000-2001.

Dr. Mason asked if Pensacola Junior College provided related services. After discussion, Tommy Taylor, Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education, advised that the School District was previously the sole provider for this area (related to Adult with Disabilities Funding); however, the direction changed last year and the Legislature allowed for community colleges and school districts to provide joint services. He noted that the district and PJC developed a joint RFP to provide services; however, the School District is still the primary provider.

29. Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program Application.

Dr. DeWitt spoke in favor of the grant but noted there appeared to be a need for a uniform approach. He explained that in programs such as STOP AND THINK, research shows that programs are highly effective when uniformly taught, uniformly supported, and in-service is provided to teachers. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, advised that the program has to meet the principles of effectiveness established by the federal guidelines. Dr. Mason inquired concerning evaluation of the program, and Mr. Thomas advised that evaluations have shown that the program has resulted in a reduction in violence and a reduction in substance abuse.

31. Contract for Charter Agreement between Beulah Academy of Science, Inc., and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida.

This item was addressed earlier in the workshop.

The workshop returned to the regular agenda.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

A. Permission to Advertise

1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT: ELEMENTARY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK

Mrs. Webb discussed concerns regarding Item Number 7 (the No Nit Policy) that ... "absences related to head lice are limited to three excused absences." Dr. Clarence Ladner, Associate Superintendent, advised that Karen Thoennes, Health Specialist, will be at the Board Meeting to provide additional information.

2. School Board Rule 6Gx 17-7.02 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT: SECONDARY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK

Chairman Stidham discussed concerns regarding proposed language changes..."The dress code has changed to knee length shorts. Short skirts or dresses must be knee length or longer." Ireland Brock, Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services, advised that input was obtained from school principals and staff regarding this language. Mr. Pettis noted that parents and students had also provided input.

Dr. DeWitt asked for clarification concerning language as to whether a child would be suspended for ten days for making a threat. Mr. Brock stated that would be left to the discretion of the principal.

Regarding Item 4 (concerning assault), Dr. DeWitt noted that the language implied that every child under this rule must be expelled for one year and placed in an alternative setting. He expressed concern that the Board had not agreed to that. Mr. Brock stated that was not the intent.

Mr. Brock noted that new legislation was recently passed dealing with weapons, and he stated that he would confer with the Board Attorney to provide the appropriate rewording.

B. Permission to Adopt

1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-1.17(1) NON-DISCRIMINATION

Mrs. Webb suggested a correction to the text to add a comma under 1.17(6) to reflect "race, religious creed..." She also suggested the addition of wording relative to "political beliefs" under 1.17(1).

IV. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. May presented the following items for Board consideration.

2. Update from School Choice Committee - Steve Tulley

This item was addressed earlier in the workshop.

3. Request support from School Board to correspond with Governor and Legislative Delegation asking for the Legislature to reconvene to discuss equitable funding for all counties

Mr. May advised that the Board will hear a presentation from Finance staff tomorrow, and he will ask the Board to support him in asking the State of Florida to fund the School District adequately or at least at the average level of the State of Florida.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Mr. May noted that requests for formal hearing were submitted for Item Numbers 9, 30, and 31.

9. Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 00-222-151 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.

30. Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 00-247-601 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.

31. Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 00-248-601 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.

V. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1. Larry Fordham, Youth Assistant Summer School Program - Cary Stidham

This item was addressed earlier in the workshop.

3. Request to Change Funding Source and Retain Position of "Teacher on Special Assignment/Resource Teacher - Neighborhood Learning Center" from General Fund to Title I - John DeWitt

After discussion with Wayne Odom, Director of Title I, Dr. DeWitt requested that the position of "Teacher on Special Assignment/Resource Teacher - Neighborhood Learning Center" be continued under the Title I budget.

4. Correspondence, E-Mail, etc. - Hal Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he would not have a motion concerning this item, and this item was pulled from the agenda.

5. Employee Promotion Selection Committees - Hal Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he would not present a motion concerning this item, and this item was pulled from the agenda.

6. Attorney's Misuse of Confidentiality Clause - Hal Mason

Dr. Jenkins requested further explanation concerning this item. After discussion, Dr. Mason stated that he will present a motion at the Board Meeting to direct the Board Attorney to be more discriminate in stamping confidentiality clauses on documents that are clearly a matter of public record. Dr. Jenkins noted that some Board Members had requested copies of all day-to-day correspondence through the Board Attorney's office, and due to the voluminous amount of materials, the stamp had been helpful since a student assistant had copied most of the materials. After discussion, the Board Attorney stated that the Board is aware of the history of the action taken by his office.

7. Evaluation of School Board Employees - Hal Mason

After discussion, Dr. Mason stated that he will make a motion to allow the five Board Members to be interviewed by the Chairman of the Audit Committee in order to make the evaluation (of the Director of Internal Auditing) more objective with less room for controversy.

8. Payment of Professional Dues for Non-Active Architect - Hal Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he felt that fees and dues (in the amount of $1200-$1500 for the architect on staff) would be better spent in the classroom. Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Maintenance, noted the fees involved membership in the American Institute of Architects, Facilities Planning Organizations, and architectural registration. After discussion, he stated that if the Board wanted him to sign off on projects and take responsibility for the projects, it would be necessary to arrange for liability insurance.

9. My October 4, 1999, Request to Issue to Superintendent - Hal Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he would confer with the Superintendent regarding this matter, and this item was pulled from the agenda.

Dr. Mason inquired as to when the litigation with Southco would conclude. The Board Attorney advised that there was a delay on the issue of attorneys' fees, and that issue has not been resolved. He stated that he would not recommend discussing the matter publicly, and he noted that he had asked for a response from Mike Stebbins, Attorney, concerning this issue.

10. Motion to Update Public Records Policy to Indicate E-Mail Policy Consistent with Agency Responsibility as Required by Law and any other Necessary Amendments for Improvement - Vanette Webb

Mrs. Webb noted that the lawsuit was recently settled concerning Watson versus Escambia County, and she asked if the minutes of the Executive Sessions were public record. The Board Attorney stated that once litigation is completed, all of the records are public. Mrs. Webb stated that there had been discussion during the time of her suspension regarding public records policy. She discussed the need to work on a policy that would address all records; i.e., which are confidential and which are not, in order to make sure that policies are consistently enforced. Mrs. Webb stated that she will present a motion at the Board Meeting to direct the Superintendent to correct the public records policy and bring the recommendations back to the Board in compliance with state law and that it be done expeditiously before more damage is done.

11. Duties and Responsibilities of School Board - Vanette Webb

Mrs. Webb stated that she will add this item to the Board Meeting agenda each month. She stated that she will present a motion at the Board Meeting that "we conduct ourselves consistently and bring our policies in line with these two statutes." Dr. Mason commented that a total policy update is needed.

12. Duties and Responsibilities of Superintendent - Vanette Webb

Mrs. Webb stated that she will add this item to the Board Meeting agenda each month.

13. Settlement Proposal for Fee Case, Webb vs. Escambia County School Board - Vanette Webb

Mrs. Webb stated that she had received a phone call from a constituent who conveyed that ... "through your (Mrs. Stidham's) husband he delivered a message to Ken Norris that said unless I pulled Item Number 13, I would be sued." Chairman Stidham stated that was false. Mrs. Webb gave the Board a copy of the Executive Order that was issued at the time of her reinstatement. She stated that the issue has been over the reasonableness of the fees, and she referenced Section 112.52 of Florida Statutes that if a public official is acquitted or found not guilty, or the charges are otherwise dismissed, the Governor shall by Executive Order revoke the suspension and the public official shall be entitled to back pay. Dr. Jenkins asked if this case was under appeal. After discussion, the Board Attorney stated that the case is under appeal, and he advised the Board not to have any discussion in public about this case because it is in litigation.

14. Clay Pit/Dump Debris next to Pine Meadow Elementary School - Vanette Webb

Mrs. Webb stated that she had received correspondence from Nancy Stuparich, with Escambia County, concerning attempts to rezone this area to Industrial Waste. Mrs. Webb stated that she will present a motion at the Board Meeting that the Board agree, through the appropriate departmental staff, that we follow that issue so that we can make sure that we are ensuring District Aim Number 2 (Safe Learning and Working Environment).

15. Auditor General Report #13657 - Vanette Webb

Mrs. Webb recommended that the Board hold a Special Meeting on the Auditor General's Report to do a line-by-line, issue-by-issue, very thorough investigation report on that report. She noted that the Board is responsible for the accounting of all district funds.

16. Various Correspondence - Vanette Webb

Mrs. Webb stated that she will make a motion at the Board Meeting "to get additional help for us to be able to carry out our function and to serve the general public."

17. 6B-1.006, Florida Administrative Code - Principles of Professional Conduct of Education Profession in Florida - Vanette Webb

Mrs. Webb stated that she will put this item on the Board Meeting agenda each month. She stated that she will make a motion at the Board Meeting "that we apprize ourselves and conduct ourselves according to the law as we are required to do (and statutes)."

18. School Choice Issues - Tate High School and Committee Meetings Scheduled - Vanette Webb

Mrs. Webb stated that she had been contacted by concerned constituents regarding school choice issues as outlined at a School Advisory Council meeting at Tate High School. Mrs. Webb stated that she will make a motion at the Board Meeting "that before we move forward on anything regarding choice that we get some fiscal information on that because I believe that we are putting the district at risk." Dr. DeWitt noted that the proposal is to extend the study for one year to get information needed to develop the proposal.

VI. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

ADD: 1. Contract with Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.

The Board Attorney advised that this contract was for the purpose of auditing Risk Management.

ADD: 2. Contract with Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, P.L.C.

The Board Attorney advised that this is the contract with Richard Lott, Attorney, dealing with bond issues.

ADD: 3. Release re: School Board of Escambia County v. Sharpe and Federal Insurance Company.

The Board Attorney noted that this item provides settlement regarding the chiller at Tate High School.

The Board Attorney asked that the Board schedule a Public Records Workshop with a representative from the First Amendment Foundation, which is required as part of the settlement involving the Watson Agreement.

VII. ITEMS FROM THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

- No items submitted.

VIII. STUDENT TRANSFERS

Mrs. Webb stated that she had been contacted by parents concerning a transfer request, and she stated that she would probably make a motion at the Board Meeting that the Board approve one transfer request to accommodate a parent's schedule for attending school during the day. After discussion, Ireland Brock, Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services, stated that he would bring additional information to the Board Meeting. Dr. Jenkins discussed concerns regarding numerous transfers from Wedgewood Middle School, which has the lowest population of any middle school in the district.

IX. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

A. Instructional/Professional

1. Appointments

Name Position Date Work Location

Edwards, Marvin Claims Adjuster 6/16/00 Risk Management

Dr. Mason asked if this was a new position. Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, advised that this appointment would be through the end of June, with reappointment (under Item IX.A.6(15) for the School Year 2000/2001. It was noted that the position had been approved in the Personnel Planning Document. Mr. Joseph Bernard, Director of Risk Management, provided clarification noting that this position had been under contracted services (since mid-February) with Southern Risk Consultants. Mrs. Webb requested a copy of the contract.

6. Special Requests

19. Request approval of Agreement for Services between the Escambia County School Board and The University of West Florida for providing services of two experienced teachers, Kimberly Walden and Kathy Lee, via release from assignment as consultants on Florida Department of Education Grants, consistent with and in furtherance of the parties' educational and research mission.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Ms. Sims advised that The University of West Florida pays for these services.

C. Risk Management

1. Comprehensive Safety Inspection Summary for 1999-2000

Dr. DeWitt asked if this item was submitted for Board approval or for information purposes.

Joe Bernard, Director of Risk Management, noted this was submitted for the Board to approve the summary of the findings. He stated that Greg Gibbs, Safety/Risk Management, could provide additional information at the Board Meeting concerning inspections that have been made on an annual basis. Mrs. Webb expressed concerns regarding findings, and she suggested that the Board pull this item.

X. FINANCE

4. Statements for Legal Services:

h) Maureen George, P. A. $ 1,592.50

Mrs. Webb requested copies of correspondence related to the public records case (Watson) as well as correspondence concerning E-Mail.

6. Summary of Legal Expenses.

Chairman Stidham stated that this item was for information purposes only. Mrs. Webb stated that she had requested information for several months concerning Risk Management in order to see how monies are spent in workers' compensation and to ensure accounting of all funds according to Florida Statute.

10. 2000-2001 Proposed Budget Calendar.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mrs. Wascom noted these were proposed dates for Board consideration and additional meetings or workshops could be added as needed.

12. Disposal of Capitalized and Non-Capitalized Assets:

d) Donation of (15) Obsolete Microcomputer systems, (8) surplus classroom desks, and (8) surplus classroom chairs.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning the microcomputer systems, and Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, advised that the units had already gone to surplus.

Mrs. Wascom informed the Board that two additional items would be presented for consideration by the Board at the Board Meeting: 1) Adoption of Resolution No. 2000-01 authorizing the Acquisition and Construction of certain Capital Improvements; providing for Issuance by the Escambia County School District of a $10,000,000 Capital Improvement Note; and 2) Authorization of 1999-2000 Budget Increase in Health and Workers' Compensation.

XI. PURCHASING

1. Annual Agreement Renewal: Consulting Services for the Employee Fringe Benefit Program.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Joseph Bernard, Director of Risk Management, verified that these services are provided by AON Consultants.

2. Annual Agreement Renewal: Auditing Services for the Employee Benefit Trust.

Dr. Mason requested further input from staff. Mr. Boyer stated that this is the fifth year of the five-year agreement. Mr. Bernard provided clarification concerning the self-insurance program.

6. NRSI Staff Development for Navy Point Elementary School.

Dr. Mason noted the $120,000 cost, and he requested further explanation from staff. Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, noted that this was the same agreement as last year. Dr. Mason requested assessment data for last year.

7. SACS School Accreditation.

Dr. Mason requested input from staff and was advised by Dr. Largue that a decision was made by the Board about ten years ago to seek accreditation at all three levels (elementary, middle and high schools) and not just at the high school level. Dr. Mason requested copies of the reports at the end of each evaluation period.

10. Bid Award: Motorola Maxtrac Radios, Bid #00 47 04.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Boyer advised that this item involved purchase of 35 radios.

20. Annual Agreement Renewal: Security Systems.

Dr. Mason asked if this agreement included the services of School Resource Officers, and was advised by Mr. Boyer that School Resource Officer services are covered under a separate contract.

21. Annual Agreement: Administration of Hepatitis B Shots.

Dr. Mason requested further information from staff. Mr. Bernard advised that this service is available to all employees on a volunteer basis; however, law requires making the shots available to employees in high risk areas; i.e., Food Service staff and Exceptional Education staff.

30. Annual Agreement Renewal: Vending Services.

Dr. Mason inquired as to profits from vending services each year. James Bentley, Director of Food Services, advised that the profits run about $20,000 per high school. Mr. Boyer added that there are also machines from other vendors that are under the control of the principals.

31. Annual Agreement Renewal: Garbage Disposal Services.

Dr. Mason asked if franchise fees were associated with the $675,000 expense for garbage disposal services. Mr. Boyer advised that this item includes approximately $190,000 to $200,000 in franchise fees. Dr. Mason stated that he had asked the Board Attorney for information as to whether or not it was legal for the County to tax the School District. The Board Attorney stated that he would research the matter and provide information to the Board in that regard.

34. Compass Learning's Tomorrow's Promise Education Software/Support for Brentwood Elementary School.

Dr. Mason noted this was a $34,000 program, and he inquired concerning evaluation data.

After discussion, Don Manderson, Director, Instructional Technology, advised that this is the first year of implementation, and evaluation guidelines are included.

35. Annual Agreement Renewal: IBM TLC Computer Lab at Holm Elementary School.

Dr. Mason requested that staff provide evaluation data.

40. Annual Agreement Renewal: Employee Assistance Program.

Dr. Mason requested that staff provide evaluation data on this program.

44. Navigator Software Updates.

Dr. Mason asked if teacher input had been provided on this software, due to concerns that had been expressed by teachers and union representatives. Dr. DeWitt noted that this item was pulled last month, and Mr. Manderson will make a presentation at this afternoon's meeting of the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Technology in order to outline an acceptable proposal based on input from teachers and the teachers' union.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Ms. Arlene Costello, President, Escambia Education Association (EEA), expressed appreciation to staff for making grant presentations to the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Curriculum.

48. Annual Agreement Renewal: Property Insurance.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Bernard advised that there is a two percent deductible pertaining to the property insurance.

53. Copier/Duplication Equipment for Blue Angels Elementary School.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning the warranty. Mr. Boyer advised that there is a ninety-day warranty, to be serviced thereafter by Maintenance.

54. Bid Award: Removal/Replacement of Track Asphalt at Pine Forest High & Bellview Middle School; Removal/Replacement of Tennis Court Asphalt at Woodham High School.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, advised that the first low bidder could not achieve the project over the summer time frame.

59. Landings and Handrails for Portables at Bellview, Brentwood, and Montclair Elementary Schools.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning the number of landings and handrails to be provided for $36,000. Mr. Boyer advised that it varies from school to school and that information would be provided.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning a fifty-day extension (Change Order) at Holm Elementary School. Mr. Kirchharr stated that there was nothing on the agenda to that effect and there has been no extension at Holm Elementary over the last two or three months.

XII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

There was no discussion concerning this item.

XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

These items were 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 2:38 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)