ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA
The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 10:20 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 10:25 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 10:20 a.m.
II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT
The Superintendent listed additions and deletions to the agenda. Mrs. Webb pulled Item Number V.7 Items From the Board (Reduced Services from Florida School Boards Association Regarding Their Vacant Legal Counsel Position - Mrs. Webb). Mrs. Webb inquired concerning the cause for adding Item Number X.11 (Resolution Number 2000-02 Awarding the Sale of the Capital Improvement Note, Series 2000, in the amount of $10,000,000) as a late add. Mr. May advised that the loan was approved several years ago. Ms. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, explained that a draft was provided in the agenda backup related to the new Technical High School. Mrs. Webb asked that staff include an explanation in summary form in the future.
III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES
B. Permission to Adopt
1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT: ELEMENTARY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK
Mrs. Webb noted that a public hearing will be held concerning Item Numbers III.B.1 and III.B.2 in order to obtain input from the public.
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 that the dress code has changed to knee-length shorts, and skirts or dresses must be knee-length or longer. Mr. May stated that principals had requested that the language specify that shorts and dresses be knee-length. Dr. Mason inquired concerning uniforms, and Mr. May advised that any uniform policies which schools adopt would have to follow the dress code policies that have been established by the Board.
IV. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
1. Highest Student Achievement - Report on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Test Scores.
Mr. May stated that he will make a presentation at the Board Meeting on the FCAT results for this district, and recognition will be given to the teachers, principals, and employees who helped the students achieve improved test scores.
2. Recommendation for administrative appointment of Jan Corbett to serve as Principal at Edgewater Elementary School.
Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. May advised that Ms. Corbett came from the State of Virginia.
8. Recommendation that the dismissal in bad standing effective December 1, 1999, for Employee Number 5501-0351-1, Custodial Worker I, at Molino Elementary, be rescinded and replaced with a three-day suspension without pay for inappropriate behavior toward a co-worker.
Mrs. Webb requested further explanation on this item. Mr. May advised that the individual was found innocent of charges. Mrs. Webb asked if the case went before a Department of Administrative Hearing judge. Dr. Douglas Garber, Director of Employee Services, replied that he served as the hearing officer in this case, which was a Level II grievance hearing; therefore, no additional costs were incurred. Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, added that no back pay was involved concerning this recommendation.
9. Permission to disband Student Transfer Committee and ask School Board to serve in this capacity.
Mr. May discussed concerns that previous recommendations to the Board (from the Student Transfer Committee) had been overturned without consideration to the persons making the requests which may involve hardship cases or other issues which require a great amount of time and deliberation to consider on the part of the committee. He asked that the Board decide whether to support the committee or consider taking over those duties from the Transfer Committee. Dr. Jenkins commented that the Board had changed some decisions regarding previous recommendations by the Transfer Committee, particularly transfers from Wedgewood Middle School. Dr. Mason asked if any personnel could be eliminated if the Board took over the functions of the Transfer Committee. Mr. May stated that it could be possible to eliminate one position. Mr. Ireland Brock, Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services, stated that the Transfer Committee operates according to the requirements of the Augustus court case, and the committee makes recommendations for approval on the basis of hardship or academic reasons. Mr. Brock noted that the committee meets every Monday and handles over 3,000 transfer requests per year. Mrs. Webb inquired concerning the appeal process. Mr. Brock advised that due process allows for appeal to the Transfer Committee and then to the School Board.
11. Response to Correspondence, E-Mail, etc.
Mr. May stated that an item (related to MGT recommendations) was distributed by Dr. Mason; however, the information did not reflect recommendations from the MGT Implementation Committee which was established by the Board, and the information also contained an erroneous statement at the bottom of the page.
V. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD
1. Scheduling of Special Board Workshop as Requested by LeRoy Boyd, Representative for Movement for Change, Inc. - Mrs. Stidham
After discussion, Chairman Stidham stated that there was consensus by the Board to hold a Special Workshop, as requested by Movement for Change, Inc., at 4:30 p.m. on July 24, 2000, at the Hall Center.
2. Report on Safe Learning and Work Environment - Mrs. Webb
Mrs. Webb asked that Board Members review this report with reference to high learning disability rates in children and the need for further study. She stated that she would put the item back on the agenda next month. Mrs. Webb referred to a newspaper article pertaining to dioxin levels in areas that are near school sites. After discussion, the Board Attorney stated that the Board should be cautious in reproducing material that is under copyright law, and if any question arises, the Board Member should check with the attorney before including documents (in backup) in order to comply with copyright laws.
The following items were moved forward:
XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
12. The Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, and Reaching Your Dream, Inc., dba, Ruby J. Gainer School for Reaching Your Dream.
13. Start Up Grant for Reaching Your Dream, Inc. dba Ruby J. Gainer School for Reaching Your Dream.
Dr. Jenkins noted that this program will address a student population which the district has not targeted before.
The Board recognized the following speaker:
1) Mr. Darryl Gainer addressed the Board representing the charter school. He noted that the facility is located at 4000 West Fairfield. He advised that curriculum has been developed in conjunction with The University of West Florida and will emphasize vocational skills, on-the-job training, and job placement.
Dr. Mason asked if the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) was aware of this charter school concept. Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, advised that the FDOE is aware of the concept, and staff will keep the state apprized of the success of the program as required by law. He noted that the program will focus on attempts to retrieve students between the ages of 16 and 19 who have dropped out of school.
The meeting returned to the regular agenda.
V. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD (CONTINUED)
3. E-Mail, Sunshine and Public Records (American School Board Journal, July 2000) - Mrs. Webb
Mrs. Webb stated that she had requested that immediate action be taken to correct the current E-Mail policy in order to comply with state law. She stated that she had conferred with the Board Attorney about expediting this matter and that recommendations should be forthcoming at the end of the month.
4. For Information: Duties and Responsibilities of School Board - Mrs. Webb
Mrs. Webb stated that she will include this item on the agenda every month.
5. For Information: Duties and Responsibilities of Superintendent - Mrs. Webb
Mrs. Webb stated that she will include this item on the agenda each month.
6. Budget Priorities: Increasing Teacher Salaries in Line with District Aims - Mrs. Webb
Mrs. Webb noted that a Special Board Meeting will be held on July 24, 2000, and she asked that the Board emphasize the number one budgetary priority to give raises to teachers. Dr. Mason inquired concerning the new budget format and was advised by Ms. Wascom that the Lee County budget format selected by the Board is not a line item budget format. She stated that 80-85% of the budget is comprised of personnel salaries and benefits. She noted that departments have also cut operating budgets. After discussion, Mrs. Webb stated that she will make a motion at the Board Meeting to readvertise the July 24, 2000, Special Board Meeting, and the July 31, 2000, Special Board Meeting, to be held in the evenings at the Hall Center in order to allow for public input on the budget.
ADD: 8. Item Tabled From Prior Board Meetings of May and June, 2000 - Re: Modification of Charter for Internal Auditing and Internal Auditor's Contract - Dr. Mason
Dr. Mason noted that proposed language was provided by the Audit Committee. After discussion, Mrs. Webb asked that copies be provided to the Board, which were distributed before the meeting adjourned.
ADD: 9. Correspondence, E-Mail, etc. - Dr. Mason
Dr. Mason stated that he would not have a motion concerning this item.
Dr. Jenkins stated that he may wish to add an item (concerning a presentation) at the Board Meeting.
VI. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY
Mr. Negron presented the following items for Board consideration:
1. Renewal of contract with Baker & Duke, P.A.
2. Renewal of contract with Kievit, Kelly & Odom, P.A.
ADD: 3. Renewal of Contract with Attorney Donald H. Partington.
Mr. Negron noted that there had only been an oral agreement up to this time, and he recommended the written contract. Mrs. Webb stated that she will be raising concerns regarding this item.
VII. ITEMS FROM THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES
No items were submitted.
VIII. STUDENT TRANSFERS
Dr. DeWitt stated that he had received a package from a parent concerning a transfer request which was denied by the Transfer Committee. Mr. Ireland Brock, Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services, stated that the parent had not yet submitted an appeal to the Transfer Committee.
IX. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES
A. Instructional/Professional
1. Appointments
Dr. DeWitt requested input from staff concerning the two recommendations for fourth year contract. Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, replied that one recommendation involved a certification matter. Ms. Teenie Wehemeier, Certification Officer, clarified that the individual is properly certified (on temporary certificate) but cannot go on professional services contract until completion of a subject area test.
Concerning the other recommendation for fourth year contract, Ms. Sims advised that the principal provided backup requesting another year to observe the teacher.
6. Special Requests
(4-9) To request approval for selected personnel to work beyond their contacted work year.
(12) Media specialist to work at Brentwood Elementary - 4 days in June and to be paid from SAI and Title I Funds.
(13) Speech therapist to be paid at the regular hourly rate of pay to serve Yniestra and Beulah, year-round schools.
(14) Teacher-in-Charge, Escambia High, to be paid at the regular hourly rate of pay to work May 31 through June 30.
Dr. Mason expressed concerns (regarding the items listed above under 6. Special Requests) that the items were presented for Board approval after the work had been done. Ms. Sims advised that the items were presented in the most timely manner possible to accommodate Board Meeting agenda deadlines and to meet changes in staffing needs over the summer months.
X. FINANCE
2. Check Register for the month of May 2000.
Mrs. Webb asked if the Board was actually approving legal fees under this item and was advised by Mr. Joseph Bernard, Director of Risk Management, that the bills had not been paid and were being presented for Board approval. He noted that the Board had authorized the Director of Risk Management to pay the bills; however, they still have to be presented to the Board. Mrs. Webb asked if she could review the documentation in the department and Mr. Bernard replied that she could.
6. Summary of Risk Management Legal Fees
a) Joseph Hammons, P. A. $12,894.39
b) Baker & Duke, P. A. $ 4,327.73
Mrs. Webb stated that she had requested a time sheet breakdown of Mr. Hammons' legal fees regarding workers' compensation representation. The Board Attorney indicated that Mrs. Webb was being provided with copies of all documentation out of his office; however, he would confer with the Director of Risk Management and forward copies of the time sheets to Mrs. Webb.
11. Resolution No. 2000-02 awarding the sale of the Capital Improvement Note, Series 2000, in the amount of $10,000,000.
Dr. Mason requested that data be provided concerning on-going costs for the new Technical High School. Ms. Wascom advised that this item involves a 237.161 loan for construction and equipment for the new Technical High School. Dr. Mason inquired concerning the arbitrage and was advised by Ms. Wascom concerning a new IRS regulation which specifies that issues under $10,000,000 will not have an arbitrage consideration. She stated that this will be the one-time exemption, and the funds will be electronically wired as soon as the closing is completed on the Capital Improvement Note.
XI. PURCHASING
8. Pickup Truck with Utility Body.
Dr. Mason requested further input from staff. Mr. Mark Pursell, Director of Maintenance, advised that the truck will be purchased out of last year's funding based on a good bid price.
Dr. Mason commented that he would rather see the monies used in the classroom.
15. Gateway Microcomputers for Exceptional Student Education.
Dr. Mason asked for additional information on this item and was advised by Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, that this purchase would provide PC access at elementary schools for record keeping purposes. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director of Exceptional Student Education, added that the 30 computers will be provided in efforts to reduce paperwork for teachers.
16. Annual Purchasing Agreement for Recapping Tires, Bid # 00 58 03
Dr. Mason requested input from staff and was advised by Mr. Jerry Caine, Director of Operations, that this item will provide for recapping of school bus tires (rear wheels only).
18. Apple Microcomputers for Brown Barge Middle School.
Dr. Mason requested additional information and was advised by Mr. Don Manderson, Director of Instructional Technology, that this item provides for purchase of laptops.
23. Change Notice #2 to PO #200303 (Emerald Coast Elec. Constr.)
Dr. Mason requested additional input and was advised that this change order was to provide changes in electrical lighting at N. B. Cook Elementary School
24. Change Notice #4 to PO #185297 (Jack Moore & Company, Inc.)
Dr. Mason requested further explanation and was advised that the change order related to additions and renovations at Holm Elementary School to address unforeseen conditions involving earthwork.
27. Change Notice #3 to PO #192334 (A. E. New, Jr., Inc.)
Dr. Mason requested justification as to the necessity of adding eleven days to the contract. After discussion, Dr. Clarence Ladner, Associate Superintendent, stated that Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Maintenance, would provide specifics in that regard.
28. Change Notice #3 to PO #200226 (Jack Moore & Company, Inc.)
Dr. Mason requested further explanation and was advised by Dr. Ladner that this change order involved cafeteria renovations and additions at Pensacola High School and state requirements on mechanical/electrical items.
29. Change Notice #1 to PO #207279 (Jack Moore & Company, Inc.)
Mrs. Webb asked if this item was reviewed in committee. Chairman Stidham advised that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Facilities and Maintenance had reviewed this item and had no problems with it. Dr. Ladner noted that this involves general renovations at Tate High School and the project is funded out of the One-Half Cent Sales Tax.
30. Change Notice #1 to PO #205402 (W. R. Johnson, Inc.)
Regarding change orders at Escambia Westgate, Mrs. Webb requested input from staff concerning a memorandum referencing a report that is required by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Mr. Barry Boyer, Director of Purchasing, stated that he would contact the project manager. Dr. Ladner stated that staff would provide additional information on this item.
31. Televisions and VCR's for Blue Angels Elementary School.
Dr. Mason inquired as to the number of classrooms and was advised by Mr. Manderson that this involves 32 regular classrooms.
33. Change Notice #1 to PO #208974 (Bosek Gibson & Associates)
Dr. Mason requested further information, and Mr. May advised that this item involves a reduction related to renovations at the new Technical High School. Mr. Charles Smith and staff from the Facilities Department replied that the Beggs Educational Center was removed from Phase II of the performance contracting program due to significant construction activity at the site this summer. Dr. Mason requested that staff provide a memorandum as to which facilities have been or will be exempted from construction performance contracting.
35. Full HVAC Maintenance, Bid # 00 53 02.
Dr. Mason requested further explanation on this item and was advised by Mr. Barry Boyer, Director of Purchasing, that this is a rebid for schools under continuing HVAC contract. Dr. Mason asked if this project would include additional sites. Mr. Boyer stated that a couple of sites were dropped due to performance contracting. Mr. Mark Pursell, Director of Maintenance, stated that no new sites were added.
36. Internet Service Provider, Bid # 00 66 01.
Mrs. Webb inquired concerning Internet services in Leon County and was advised by Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technical Systems and Management Information, that Leon County has a free Internet service. Mrs. Webb asked that staff look into the possibility of obtaining free Internet services instead of utilizing grant monies. Mr. Boyer noted that the bid for these services was submitted by Blue Star Communications. Mr. Manderson commented that high speed Internet connectivity was referenced in the grant.
37. Apple Microcomputers for Technology Literacy Challenge Fund Grant.
Dr. Mason requested further explanation. Mr. Manderson advised that this involves more specialized tutoring in reading, and the grant provides for laptops in the schools.
38. Software and Training for Technology Literacy Challenge Fund Grant.
Dr. Mason inquired concerning in-service training and was advised by Mr. Manderson that this part of the grant addresses the family training program for parents as well as the staff development program to train teachers that are involved with the grant. He noted that Internet services will be delivered into the homes of the students who are scoring the lowest in reading, and the same software will be available to the students within the schools.
The Board Attorney stated that he wished to address previous remarks made by Mrs. Webb concerning provision of documents to her, and he referred to the following documents: 1) Memorandum dated June 14, 2000, from Mr. Joseph Bernard, Director of Risk Management, to Mrs. Webb regarding attorney invoices sent to the Board Attorney for approval; 2) Memorandum dated June 14, 2000, from the Board Attorney to Mrs. Webb regarding copies of all Risk Management Attorney bills provided to her and her repeated requests for the same information; and 3) June 15, 2000, correspondence from the Board Attorney to Mrs. Webb in response to her remarks at the last Board Meeting concerning Risk Management legal invoices and confirmation with the Board Secretary that Mrs. Webb did receive the package dated May 25, 2000. The Board Attorney stated that Mrs. Webb has been provided with copies of all correspondence received by his office from March 1, 2000, through today (including attorney fee bills from Joe Hammons and Steve Baker). He stated that if Mrs. Webb continues to say that she is not receiving documents that the Board Attorney's office is sending to her, as of this moment, the office of the General Counsel will not provide copies of any other documents to any Board Member at his or her direction unless the Board directs his office to do so.
Mrs. Webb responded that she had asked the Board Attorney to set up a system whereby he would provide the documents to her personally and that was started and documents were delivered in March; however, the detailed time sheets for workers' compensation were not in there. She stated that she met with the Board Attorney on two subsequent occasions, and she expressed concerns regarding increased hostility. She stated that she had gotten some documents, but not all documents.
The Board Attorney stated that Mrs. Webb, individually, is not his client. He continued that his client is the School Board, and he serves the School Board. He stated that he would respond to a directive from the School Board to continue to provide Mrs. Webb with documents.
The Board recognized the following speaker:
1) Ms. Sheila Johndrow, Legal Assistant, provided clarification concerning copies of documentation given to Mrs. Webb. She expressed concerns regarding the volume of documents that are being copied with the assistance of a student worker, and she expressed concerns that Mrs. Webb had not acknowledged that said documents were provided.
After discussion, Mrs. Webb expressed concerns that the workshop session had become hostile in tone, and she left the workshop at 1:18 p.m. Dr. Mason asked the Chairman to excuse him from the workshop due to a doctor's appointment, which was granted, and Dr. Mason left the workshop at 1:20 p.m.
Chairman Stidham asked that the Board return to the regular agenda.
XII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE
There was no discussion concerning this item.
XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
Dr. Jenkins reported that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Curriculum had reviewed all of the agenda items, and the committee basically agreed with all of them. Dr. DeWitt announced that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Technology will meet today at 3:00 p.m. to address the items related to technology. He commended staff on the progress of the technology grant.
12. The Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, and Reaching Your Dream, Inc., dba, Ruby J. Gainer School for Reaching Your Dream.
This item was addressed earlier in the workshop.
13. Start Up Grant for Reaching Your Dream, Inc. dba Ruby J. Gainer School for Reaching Your Dream.
This item was addressed earlier in the workshop.
XIV. TRANSPORTATION
No transportation items were submitted.
.
XV. INTERNAL AUDITING
There was no discussion concerning this item.
XVI. PUBLIC FORUM
There were no speakers.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Prior to adjournment, Mrs. Linda West, School Board Secretary, provided clarification regarding comments by Mrs. Webb indicating that she had not gotten information which she had requested. Mrs. West stated that all information which was provided to the School Board Office for distribution to Board Members was distributed appropriately, including documentation for Mrs. Webb which was properly marked with her name on it.
There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 1:40 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)