The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Workshop Meeting at 8:30 a.m., in the Board Room at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel Administrative Building, 215 West Garden Street, Pensacola, Florida, 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 (was not present)

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Stidham called the workshop to order at 8:30 a.m. She stated the purpose of the workshop was to identify budget cuts for this fiscal year and place those items for Board action on a subsequent Board Meeting agenda.

II. 2000-2001 BUDGET (RE: IDENTIFYING FURTHER BUDGET CUTS)

Mr. May distributed handouts (filed in Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit A). He asked that Mr. Jerry Caine, Director of Operations, advise the Board concerning transportation and related economic impacts. Mr. Caine provided information concerning programs where transportation was provided (other than regular school sites) and cost estimates. He noted that the Board would have to make decisions regarding programs.

Chairman Stidham inquired concerning figures related to the Law Academy. Mr. Mike Connors, Director of Transportation, replied that those costs were absorbed into the normal transportation flow; however, special transportation is provided for the travel and tourism program.

Dr. Mason noted costs in the amount of $128,000 related to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Pensacola High School. Mr. Connors advised that home service (with 12 to 14 buses) is provided for the IB Program. Ms. Barbara Linker, Director of Budgeting, added that additional FTEs are earned (for students in the IB Program), which help to offset transportation costs. Dr. DeWitt requested information concerning transportation for the PATS Center and was advised that a shuttle service is provided in the mornings, with dedicated transportation in the afternoons. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director of Exceptional Student Education, stated that if parents request that service, the district is obligated to transport gifted students.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning transportation for bands to playoff games. Ms. Linker stated that is not a transportation issue (to and from school). It is a special allocation and pays 100% of their transportation, which may be school buses or charter buses, as well as meals.

Chairman Stidham requested information regarding Star Base Atlantis for fifth graders and was advised that the money is not coming out of the General Fund. Mr. Connors noted the Star Base Atlantis program is paid for by Title I monies.

Chairman Stidham obtained clarification that for students from different high schools that attend George Stone, shuttle transportation is provided for those students from the high schools.

After discussion, Dr. DeWitt requested input from the Superintendent. Mr. May recommended that budget issues be addressed in a systemic manner (by departments), with the Assistant Superintendents to make assignments to the groups involved to look at cost-saving measures. Mrs. Webb stated that the schools can look at cost-saving measures in order to come in line with legislative mandates that the Florida Legislature will be requiring soon.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning the insurance process. Ms. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, advised that it takes 3 to 6 weeks for claims to be processed through United Health Care. Mr. Joseph Bernard, Director of Risk Management, commented concerning the claim process. Chairman Stidham suggested that a 90-day provision for processing of claims be added to the contract. Mr. Bernard stated that he would work with United Health Care to advise providers of the need for more timely processing of claims. He added that he would incorporate contractual language to that effect during the contract renewal process.

Dr. DeWitt noted that the district used to have six-period days and that changed in 1995. Discussion was held concerning the possibility of changing back to six-period days. Dr. DeWitt commented concerning state requirements for courses, noting that in some cases, the district has added requirements and those could perhaps be reduced (to comply with state requirements) as a cost-savings measure.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

1) Mr. Bill Slayton, Principal of Woodham High School, commented that changing to a six-period day would provide a 10% cost savings; however, the impact would be detrimental in terms of teaching positions lost.

Dr. Jenkins suggested looking at the possibility of combining school centers that may be too small to be cost effective. Mr. May asked that the Board not make those decisions without involving those who are involved in the programs. He suggested that the Assistant Superintendents take a critical look at all areas, ask for involvement of directors and principals in order to allow them to develop ideas as a group, and let them be the originators of the cost savings.

Mrs. Webb asked that consideration be given to changing from the 28-credit hour graduation requirement (as required by the district), to 24 credit hours (as required by the state). She commented that it could save the district over $2,000,000. She suggested that high schools look at that possibility for next semester if feasible. Mr. May recommended not changing at the semester break due to the impact on graduation. He noted that any changes would need to involve principals, parents, and advisory councils. Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, stated regarding the number of credits required for graduation, representatives from the high schools and community are looking at that, and a survey will be conducted to obtain input from parents, students, and teachers. Mrs. Webb asked if staff had obtained guidance from the Department of Education. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reported that staff had contacted the Commissioner of Education, and they did not have a list of schools requiring 24 credits for graduation, since that is not a required data element. He stated that he had requested that a poll be conducted in that regard.

Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education, provided clarification concerning cost estimates related to the new Technical High School. He advised that staff will continue to pursue state funding for certain career education programs.

Dr. DeWitt suggested continuing to look at other possible budget cuts that could be identified in the collaborative bargaining process.

After discussion, there was consensus by the Board to follow the model recommended by the Superintendent and affirm that when presenting this to the schools, that the Finance Department equip the schools with the process that they will soon have to employ anyway, as required by the Florida Legislature (to employ cost-savings measures in their budgets), with feedback to be provided by the November Board Meeting. Ms. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, stated that staff had provided information about costs per unweighted FTE. She commented that Supplemental Academic Instruction (SAI) had worked very well for schools that partnered together to provide services for summer school. She stated that addressing school operating costs alone will not meet the budgetary needs. She expressed that a comprehensive plan would be needed over the next five years to address major financial issues including teacher salaries, compensation for all employees, providing a reserve for bonuses for school administrators and teachers based on legislative mandates, as well as changes in Two Mill Capital Outlay dollars, declining enrollment, increases in fixed costs, and increases in sick leave and annual leave payoff (due to an aging work force). She stated that in order to provide services to help students attain highest student achievement, it will require a joint effort on the part of Finance, Facilities, Curriculum & Instruction, and Human Resources to work together and involve all of the schools before reporting back to the Board. She stated that staff could assist the schools, but November was a very short time period, and it would not be advisable for schools to make short-term decisions that have a long-term impact. Mrs. Webb asked if it would be better to hold a Special Meeting in January to allow staff more time for work between the schools and departments. Ms. Wascom stated that January would be a better time period in order to assist with FTE projections during December, address staffing needs, and give the Board time to make decisions. Dr. Jenkins asked that the Directors of Secondary and Elementary Education and staff look at schools that are too small to be cost effective and consider consolidation. Mr. Pettis stated that staff will provide costs and data in that regard, but the final decision would be at the discretion of the Board.

Chairman Stidham requested that staff provide a time line as to when certain decisions have to be made; i.e., the proposal to change from 28 to 24 credit hours for graduation.

Mrs. Webb suggested pursuing more cooperative agreements with the county as a means of pursuing cost-saving measures. Dr. Jenkins commented concerning millage and property taxes. Ms. Wascom advised that there is a provision in Florida Statute to allow for voter referendum whereby the taxpayers may vote to add millage for operating purposes for a certain time period. She noted that the Board Attorney is researching that possibility.

Mr. May asked that the Board compare funding levels in this county with other counties throughout the state, and he expressed that the Legislative Delegation should be part of the solution too.

Mrs. Webb commented concerning the amount of monies spent on attorneys in Workers' Compensation cases, and she asked that the Board consider bringing that legal contract in-house. Mr. Joseph Bernard, Director of Risk Management, commented that the total amount of monies spent on Workers' Compensation was very reasonable in terms of defense provided by Mr. Joseph Hammons.

III. ADJOURNMENT

Prior to adjournment, Mr. May stated that he would present a progress report to the Board by the November Workshop. The workshop adjourned at 10:30 a.m. (Official recordings of this workshop are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

_________________________ ___________________________

Superintendent Chairman