The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 9:01 a.m., in the Board Room at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel (Administration) 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 was absent

Mrs. Vanette Webb (entered the workshop at 9:05 a.m.)

School Board Attorney: Mr. Francisco Negron

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Stidham called the workshop to order at 9:01 a.m.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. May listed the additions and deletions to the agenda.

PRESENTATION: RESULTS OF QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT (QFD) PROCESS - BLUE ANGELS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Dr. Karen Owen, Principal, Blue Angels Elementary School, gave a power point presentation summarizing the results of the total quality concepts which have been implemented at the school. She gave an overview of the process used to identify and meet the needs of the customers -- students, parents, teachers, and the community -- to focus on the values and qualities needed to achieve their aims. Mr. Brian Alaback, Technology Coordinator, distributed copies of the surveys used in the QFD process. The surveys ranked 66 values and qualities which were addressed by the School Improvement Team and School Advisory Council in order to develop a list of strategies to help achieve the aims identified by each customer group. The School Mission and Vision Statement will be derived from the top ten qualities and values listed, and related goals will be incorporated as part of the School Improvement Plan. After discussion, Mr. May commended Dr. Owen and staff for their efforts in implementing total quality concepts at the school.

The following item was brought forward:

XII. FACILITIES PLANNING AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

2. MISCELLANEOUS

d. Request from Escambia County Parks & Recreation and the McDavid Action Committee regarding McDavid Center

Mr. Mark Thornton, Escambia County Director of Parks and Recreation, advised that the McDavid Action Committee had sent a request to School Board staff two years ago to ask for permission to utilize a four-acre tract of land (on Highway 29) around the McDavid Center. He noted at that time, staff had recommended that the committee send a request to Mr. Bill Neron, Assistant County Administrator, if they wished to make a formal request to the School Board; however, the County never presented a request. He stated that members of the McDavid Action Committee had recently contacted the County and advised that the property was up for sale. Dr. Jenkins asked if it would be appropriate for the School Board to deed the property over to the County. Mr. Thornton stated that direction would be needed from the School Board with reference to selling or leasing the property to the County. He advised that with a lease, the property could become a County park site which the County would maintain.

Chairman Stidham noted that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Facilities had discussed this issue and had indicated that if questions could be resolved concerning the deed and survey, they would recommend working out an arrangement with the County. She inquired as to when the deed issue could be resolved. Dr. Epperson stated that the adjacent property owner had claimed that he held the deed to the McDavid Center property. After discussion, it was noted that the Board Attorney would review the stipulations in the deed and advise the Board concerning resolution of the title issue. Mrs. Webb requested a copy of the deed. The Board Attorney stated that the document would be faxed to her.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

A. Permission to Advertise

1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-2.25(8) SICK LEAVE POOL

Dr. DeWitt requested input from staff. Ms. Mary Helen Fryman, Director of Human Resources, advised that the sick leave pool committee had recommended the policy change due to a drop in the number of participants. She advised that some participants were withdrawn from membership because they did not have the required ten days of accrued sick leave on the books (at the time the contribution was to be made), so the committee recommended changing the balance required for accrued sick leave from ten to four days. The policy change will create no financial impact.

2. School Board Rule 6Gx17-3.04(2) EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Dr. Jenkins requested that the proposed language be stated for purposes of clarification.

Chairman Stidham stated that the policy change will clarify that twenty-five cents from each regular season football ticket will be retained by the school for its band program. This will not affect post season or preseason games.

B. Permission to Adopt

1. Public Hearing/Intent to Name the New Technical High School the "WEST FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY"

Chairman Stidham stated that family members of Waymon Wynn had provided materials for distribution to the Superintendent and Board Members concerning a proposal to name the new Technical High School the "Waymon Wellington Wynn High School of Advanced Technology."

IV. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

1. Approval of 2000/2001 Bus Routes.

Mrs. Webb obtained verification that the public had been informed concerning the impact of bus services.

3. Request approval to obtain permission from the Commissioner of Education to reduce the school term by one day due to Tropical Storm Helene.

Chairman Stidham inquired concerning cost factors if the district were to make up one day of school. Ms. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, advised that there would be additional costs for Educational Support Personnel to operate the schools. Due to operating costs, Mr. May recommended that a request be sent to the Commissioner of Education to reduce the school term by one day.

4. Response to correspondence, E-Mail, etc.

Mr. May stated that he had no correspondence or E-Mail items to present at this time.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS

8. Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 01-08-521 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year and all of the 2001-2002 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.

Mr. May advised that a request for formal hearing was submitted concerning Item Number 8.

10. Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 01-10-862 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year and all of the 2001-2002 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.

After discussion, Dr. Jenkins indicated that he may wish to comment concerning this item at the Board Meeting. It was noted that the parent may appear at the Board Meeting (concerning a request for formal hearing).

ADD: 14. Approval of Administrative Appointments/Transfers.

Mr. May stated that the following appointments would be recommended for approval at the Board Meeting:

FROM TO EFFECTIVE DATE

Donna Grantham Assistant Principal Assistant Principal 10/18/00

Warrington Elementary Holm Elementary

Fay Jones Curriculum Coordinator Assistant Principal 10/18/00

Sherwood Elementary Sherwood Elementary

Pamela Vaughn Guidance Counselor Assistant Principal 10/18/00

Bailey Middle N. B. Cook Elementary

Mrs. Webb asked if an Assistant Principal position had been deleted. Mr. May advised that the Assistant Principal position will be deleted for Warrington Elementary School. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, noted that an Elementary Resource Teacher (ERT) would probably be utilized at Warrington Elementary. Chairman Stidham inquired as to the number of students at Holm Elementary School and was advised that there are 650 students enrolled. Ms. Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, advised that 450 students are enrolled at Warrington Elementary School.

V. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

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

Chairman Stidham stated that Dr. Mason was not present.

VI. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

ADD: 1. Request from Florida School Board Attorneys Association (FSBAA).

Mr. Negron reported that he had attended a conference several months ago in Tallahassee regarding Opportunity Scholarships for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. He noted there were concerns that interpretations of statutory requirements conflicted with federal regulations, and it was the consensus of School Board Attorneys throughout the State that there was a need to request a declaratory statement from the U.S. Department of Education so that the school districts would not be liable for violating federal regulations (regarding IDEA guidelines) when trying to comply with Florida Opportunity Scholarships for ESE students. He recommended that the Board be a signatory to a letter prepared by FSBAA requesting a declaratory statement from the U.S. Department of Education in order to provide protection against liability to the district or possible loss of federal funding. Mrs. Webb asked if the State had provided clarification. Mr. Negron advised that the State Board of Education had failed to promulgate any rules to provide further clarification.

VII. ITEMS FROM THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

No items were submitted from the student representatives.

VIII. STUDENT TRANSFERS

There was no discussion concerning this item.

IX. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

E. Employee Services

ADD: - Recruitment & Retention Bonuses for Outstanding Teachers @ D & F Schools & Violent or Disruptive Youth Centers

Chairman Stidham requested input from staff. Dr. Douglas Garber, Director of Employee Services, advised the Board that a different bonus (not related to this agenda item), in the amount of $1,200 allocated by the State, was paid to each eligible teacher last Friday, based on criteria established by the Department of Education. Dr. DeWitt asked that the information be provided to teachers to clarify that the Department of Education had established the eligibility criteria, and not the School Board. Discussion was held concerning a letter from Governor Jeb Bush regarding teacher bonuses; however, the Superintendent and some of the Board Members had not received the letter, and it was not filed for the record. Dr. Garber noted that the agenda item involves an additional bonus that the Florida Legislature approved for recruitment and retention bonuses for outstanding teachers in D and F graded schools, and violent or disruptive youth centers. He noted the statutory language required that each school district develop a plan with criteria based on teacher appraisal and student achievement, as well as demonstrated improvement in performance in all D and F graded schools. Dr. Garber advised that the plan (submitted for Board consideration) was developed by a committee representing teachers and administrators from the schools involved.

Chairman Stidham stated that she had received an E-Mail from a teacher who had worked at a D school last year but was transferred this year for reasons beyond her control. Dr. Garber advised that the committee had addressed that issue; however, the bonuses were paid for those retained at the D and F graded schools. Dr. Jenkins voiced concerns that schools which moved from an F to a C grade or higher should have been rewarded as well. After discussion, Dr. DeWitt suggested that these issues could be addressed in the legislative platform.

X. FINANCE

Mrs. Webb stated that she had requested an itemized breakdown on attorney bills for Risk Management items.

XI. PURCHASING

14. Consulting Services: Magnet School Assistance Grant

Chairman Stidham suggested the possibility of pulling this item since the district will be developing an RFP to hire a grant writer. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, advised that a committee had been developed to address racially-identifiable schools, and the committee had looked at acquiring assistance at Brentwood Elementary, Brentwood Middle, and Woodham High School in order to address declining enrollment. Chairman Stidham commented regarding the fees involved, and Mr. Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, stated that the $20,000 amount was referenced as a cap only, and rates for specific services rendered would apply. Dr. DeWitt asked if Brown-Barge Middle School had applied and was advised that Brown-Barge did not submit an application; however, no school would be prohibited from pursuing the grant. After discussion, there was Board consensus to pull this item from the agenda.

XII. FACILITIES PLANNING AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

2. MISCELLANEOUS

c. Property Purchase from Catherine Adams for Pensacola High School

Dr. Jenkins noted that purchase of this property would allow completion of the Master Plan for PHS, and he asked if a final settlement had been made on the property. Mr. May stated that the resident had turned down the $50,000 offer made by the School Board. Dr. DeWitt stated that he could not support any offer above $50,000. Dr. DeWitt stated that he had toured PHS to see the work that had been done and the improvements were impressive. Mr. May stated that over 100 projects have been completed over the past three years out of the One-Half Cent Sales Tax funding. Mrs. Webb inquired concerning safety issues related to electrical work in the gymnasium, as well as a stairwell at PHS (to ensure that it is a safe fire exit). Mr. May advised that capital outlay dollars would be utilized for the projects.

XIII. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

3. Cooperative Agreement with the Community Action Program Committee, Inc.

Dr. Jenkins stated that he would file a Memorandum of Voting Conflict Form and abstain from voting on this item because he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Action Program (CAP).

10. New Millennium High School Memorandum of Understanding between the Escambia County School District (Woodham and Pine Forest High Schools) and the Florida Department of Education, Division of Workforce Development.

Dr. DeWitt requested input from staff. Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education, advised that the Florida Legislature had previously designated an appropriation for new Millennium High School involving an RFP which would allow application for funds to supplement vocational programs. He noted that this is a one-year program (out of Carl Perkins funding) to add a Career Specialist at each of the high schools, other than Washington, which has a separate plan. Dr. DeWitt expressed concern regarding implementing new programs if the federal funds will not be provided to continue the programs.

12. Various oral informational items from Curriculum & Instruction staff; any backup will be provided at workshop.

Mr. Pettis advised that this will be an agenda item each month for staff to provide additional information which the Board requests. He stated that information was provided by Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, concerning the scheduling committee.

Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education, commented (concerning transportation for the new Technical High School), that in July, 1998, staff made a presentation at the Board Workshop, at which time the Board supported Option Number 3 (to provide a shuttle from the high schools and dedicated delivery at the end of the day). Mr. Taylor requested direction from the Board so that staff can advise parents as to what transportation will be provided by the district. Dr. DeWitt spoke in favor of allowing the Superintendent and staff to include this as part of the entire district Transportation Plan which they are developing. After discussion, Mr. May stated that transportation issues could be brought back to the Board in November. Mr. Pettis commented that staff will advise parents that transportation will be provided for the Technical High School, but the specifics will be announced hopefully in November or December.

XIV. TRANSPORTATION

No transportation items were submitted.

XV. INTERNAL AUDITING

There was no discussion concerning this item.

XVI. PUBLIC FORUM

There were no speakers at this time.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 11:05 a.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

________________________ __________________________

Superintendent Chairman