The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Room at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel (Administration) Building, 215 West Garden Street, with the following present:

Chairman: Dr. John DeWitt Vice Chairman: Mrs. Cary Stidham

Members: Mr. Gary L. Bergosh

Mrs. Linda Finkelstein

Dr. Elmer Jenkins

School Board Attorney: Mr. Francisco Negron

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim Paul

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman DeWitt called for a motion to adjourn the Executive Session which concluded immediately prior to this workshop. Motion by Mrs. Stidham, second by Mrs. Finkelstein, to adjourn the Executive Session at 9:00 a.m., was unanimously approved.

Chairman DeWitt called the workshop to order at 9:00 a.m. He announced that a new agenda format had been implemented to help streamline the meetings.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. Paul listed the additions and deletions to the agenda. It was noted that a public forum would be held at the end of the workshop.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

No discussion was held concerning this item.

IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Chairman DeWitt announced that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Facilities and Maintenance had asked to make a report at the Board Meeting, and the PTA will make a standard presentation.

V. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (A-G)

A. CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

10. Magnet Schools Assistance Programs at Brentwood Elementary, Brentwood and Brown Barge Middle Schools.

Mrs. Finkelstein asked if the magnet grants are all standalone federal grants. Ms. Linda Gulley, Director of Grants Management, stated that the magnet grants are three separate federal grants. Chairman DeWitt advised that staff would provide backup with a minor clarification on the Brown Barge grant.

Ms. Gulley added that minor changes were made in the Brentwood Elementary grant, and copies of amended backup would be provided. Dr. Jenkins expressed that the district should not be return any grant monies unspent. Ms. Gulley provided the Board with copies of a grants monitoring report.

B. FINANCE

There were no questions concerning Finance items.

C. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

There were no questions concerning Human Resource items.

D. PURCHASING

3. Professional Services Agreement: Speech Language Pathologist.

Chairman DeWitt asked if these individuals are paid hourly (based on the number of children they see) and if they are paid to go to workshops. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director of Exceptional Student Education (ESE), stated that was not the case. She explained that payment was based on direct services to students.

12. Change Notice #6 to Purchase Order #200226 (Jack Moore & Company, Inc.).

Mrs. Stidham advised (concerning the change order for Pensacola High School cafeteria renovation), that the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Facilities did not support some of the extra merchandising items such as graphics. She noted that other cafeterias in the district also need renovations. Dr. Jenkins spoke in support of the change order for cafeteria enhancements which would equalize PHS with other high schools in the district. Mr. Jim Bentley, Director of Food Services, provided clarification concerning items covered under the change order. Mrs. Finkelstein inquired as to the funding source and was advised that these are (categorical) Food Service dollars. Chairman DeWitt spoke in support of increasing pay for Food Service workers.

13. Bid Award: Annual Purchasing Agreement for Motor Oil & Anti-Freeze, Bid #01 07 03.

Mrs. Stidham requested clarification from staff. Mr. Barry Boyer, Director of Purchasing, advised that this is a rebid which excluded synthetic oil.

E. FACILITIES, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS

B. MISCELLANEOUS

17. Property purchase from Catherine Adams for Pensacola High School.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Jenkins, Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Maintenance, advised that staff had presented three previous purchase offers as directed by the Board, and the owner had agreed to $60,000 (plus moving expenses). Mrs. Stidham stated that the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Facilities had recommended purchasing the property in order to complete the Master Plan for Pensacola High School. Dr. Jenkins suggested offering the owner $60,000 with no moving expenses. Chairman DeWitt concurred with pursuing that possibility.

18. Property acquisition for Carver Middle School.

Mrs. Finkelstein asked if this property will connect Century Elementary and Carver Middle School. Dr. Epperson advised that the parcel of land is located between the two schools and would serve to unify the school properties. Dr. Jenkins questioned the feasibility of purchasing the property at this time in light of pending decisions on possible school consolidation and closings.

Chairman DeWitt stated that he would confer with staff on any items which could be tabled. Dr. Epperson advised that items for bid award may be postponed for 30 to 45 days. Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, added that a number of the items under Facilities involve raJanuary 24, 2001nkings of architectural firms and fees would not be addressed at this time.

F. STUDENT TRANSFERS

No discussion was held concerning student transfers.

G. INTERNAL AUDITING

No items were submitted.

The following item was moved forward on the agenda:

VII. NEW BUSINESS

A. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

No items were submitted.

B. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

3) Request Approval of "Request For Information or Service" Form as Suggested by MGT Study - Cary Stidham

Mrs. Stidham commented that the form would be useful when Board Members request information from staff. After discussion, she noted that the form could be used on requests involving gathering of data, which would affect staff's time. Mr. Paul spoke in support of utilizing the form.

4) Discussion of Guidelines For Fund-raisers - Cary Stidham

Mrs. Stidham commented that questions had come up after a Pine Forest/Escambia High School football game, where a ticket was drawn for the half-and-half drawing, and no one responded. She noted that a decision was then made not to draw another ticket and that Pine Forest keep the entire fund. In order to clarify policy, she asked that staff develop a guideline for the schools to follow. Dr. Douglas Garber, Director of Employee Services, responded that there is a guideline that if no one responds for the ticket drawn, that money would go back into the pot for the next half-and-half drawing; however, in the incident cited, there was no game to follow that one. Dr. Garber suggested conferring with the principals to consider establishing policy for splitting the monies. Mrs. Stidham recommended incorporating a flow diagram to address contingencies; i.e., the procedure to follow if no one responds by the second or third ticket drawn.

Mrs. Finkelstein discussed concerns as to the appropriateness of attaching fund- raisers to grades. Dr. Garber noted that would be an ethical violation under the Code of Ethics of the State of Florida. Mrs. Finkelstein commented concerning journalism-related contacts which students may be required to make.

After discussion, Mrs. Stidham asked that copies of any guidelines in existence be provided to the Board, and if there are none, see that appropriate guidelines are developed. After discussion, Chairman DeWitt pulled this item and asked that the Superintendent provide follow-up through staff.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, requested that when consideration is given to changing guidelines or policies, input should be sought from the people who carry out the programs involved.

6) Cancellation of Contract with Joy Frank and Associates, P.A. for Lobbying Services - Cary Stidham

Mrs. Stidham indicated that she would present a motion at the Board Meeting to propose cancellation of the contract. Mrs. Finkelstein asked if the lobbyist had already been paid and was advised that she had not. The Board's General Counsel stated that the entire contract cost was $11,000, payable in equal increments over a twelve-month period. Mr. Paul asked that these services be retained at least until after closure of the Legislative session.

The workshop returned to the Regular Agenda.

B. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD (CONTINUED)

Chairman DeWitt stated that he had asked Mr. Stan Adams, Total Quality Management (TQM) Consultant, to address issues such as school starting times, school calendar, and possible consolidation or closing of schools (Item VI.1 Consideration of Various School Sites, which was tabled from the 11-21-00 Board Meeting). Mr. Adams utilized an Affinity Diagram to gain input and identify the aims of the School District and School Board and the values to support those aims.

1) School Starting Times For Elementary, Middle And High Schools - John DeWitt

Chairman DeWitt commented that flexible guidelines would be needed on school starting times based on individual schools and transportation needs. Mr. Jerry Caine, Director of Operations, provided clarification concerning bus transportation routing.

5) Consideration to Change From Eight Period Day For High Schools - Linda Finkelstein

Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, advised that the Schedule Committee was created last March to look at six, seven, and eight period days, and she provided input concerning scheduling options. Mr. Paul Fetsko, Subject Area Specialist, expressed support for the seven period day as the most viable option, and the Superintendent concurred. Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education, commented that the eight period day would be best for the Technical High School. Dr. DeWitt stated that if the Board presents a motion at the Board Meeting to change to a seven period day, a starting point could be given with justification to delete the Technical High School and possibly the International Baccalaureate (IB) program from those guidelines. Dr. Jenkins commented concerning the importance of continued compliance with the Augustus court case.

Concerning the number of credits required for graduation, Dr. Largue advised that the Schedule Committee had looked at scheduling options and comparable numbers of credits which students could earn. She stated that the committee had recommended that any entering ninth grader in 2001/2002 (and all classes that follow) earn a minimum of 26 credits over a four-year period in order to receive a regular high school diploma, and for those students who entered ninth grade in 2000 or before, those students would earn 27 credits in order to receive a regular high school diploma. Dr. Jenkins commented that the charter schools had previously presented a request for their students to be allowed the option of earning 24 credits for graduation, and Chairman DeWitt indicated that was the intent of the Board.

2) Development of School Calendar - John DeWitt

Chairman DeWitt recommended adopting the following principles in developing the school calendar for 2001/2002: "All Escambia County public schools will be on the same instructional calendar. The first semester will be divided into 45 days (plus or minus one or two instructional days) then 5 days when the school will be closed for all personnel, then 45 more days (plus or minus one or two) depending on the holiday, to be completed before the Christmas holidays, then followed by 45 days of instruction, 5-day break, followed by 45 days of instruction to close out the school year. He noted that the Board is only responsible for setting the instructional days, and exact dates and holidays could be determined by the District School Calendar Committee and submitted to the Board at the January meeting for approval. The six one-half days built into the present calendar for teacher in-service would be eliminated. Students would be provided 180 full days of instruction. Guidelines for development of the calendar and other requirements would be brought back to the Board." Mrs. Stidham concurred with eliminating half-days.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Ms. Ellen Lawrence, UniServ, advised that bargaining issues would be involved pertaining to the Educational Support Personnel (ESP) pay calendar and accrual of leave time.

Chairman DeWitt noted that the Board was giving the committee guidance only, and nothing was binding at this point.

2) Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, expressed concern that scheduling changes could impact the ability of employees to enroll and complete college courses over the summer.

Chairman DeWitt emphasized the importance of putting all schools back on the same calendar. Dr. Jenkins inquired concerning the cost savings and was advised that eliminating year-round schools would save about $38,000 for each year-round school.

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

- INFORMATION REPORT FROM IRELAND BROCK ON SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAZAC) - CRITERIA FOR PROPOSING NEW DISTRICT WIDE ATTENDANCE ZONES -- (WORKSHOP ONLY)

Mr. Ireland Brock, Director, Pupil Instructional Support Services, reported that the SAZAC Committee had met and addressed operating criteria. He noted that there had been numerous changes since the committee was organized in 1992, and he asked Board Members to submit names of individuals for appointment to serve on the committee. After discussion concerning time lines, Chairman DeWitt suggested that high schools be addressed first (for next year), and middle and elementary schools the following year. Mr. Brock concurred and noted that some consolidation topics under consideration would not impact high schools; however, elementary and middle school consolidation issues will have to be addressed prior to redistricting. He noted that the process for any change (in the student assignment process or attendance zone) still requires Board approval and compliance with the pupil assignment dictates of the Augustus court case. He added that work has begun on demographic data. Chairman DeWitt commented that guidelines will be developed and another workshop will be scheduled to look at data and address school issues.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

B. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

- SCHEDULING OF DATES AND TIMES FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PRESENTATIONS -- (WORKSHOP ONLY)

After discussion with Ms. Sheree Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning, Chairman DeWitt stated that there was consensus on the part of the Board to conduct roundtable discussions for the School Improvement Plan (SIP) presentations this year. He asked that the presenters address what the issues are, their concerns (and what the Board can do), what is unique about what the schools are doing, and their successes.

- ANNOUNCE CHANGE FOR FEBRUARY WORKSHOP DATE FROM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2001 (PRESIDENT'S DAY HOLIDAY) TO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2001, 9:00 A.M. -- (WORKSHOP ONLY)

Chairman DeWitt announced that the February workshop was changed from Monday, February 19 to Friday, February 16 at 9:00 a.m., and the Regular Board Meeting will still be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2001.

C. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. Paul noted that a Request to Address the Board was submitted for Item Number 9 (Student Number 01-49-1231), and a Request for Formal Hearing was submitted for Item Number 20 (Student Number 01-62-521). Mr. Darriel White, Court Liaison, stated that a letter was sent to the parents concerning options for formal hearing or addressing the Board, and the Board's General Counsel can provide further guidance at the Board Meeting as necessary.

23. Accept the resignation of Ms. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Services, effective January 5, 2001, and appoint Mr. Wally Odom as Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Services, effective January 8, 2001 through December 31, 2001.

Chairman DeWitt asked if Board action was requested on Item Number 23. Mr. Paul advised that Ms.Wascom had submitted notice of her resignation effective January 5, 2001. He recommended acceptance of her resignation and appointment of Mr. Wally Odom to fill the position effective January 8, 2001. Chairman DeWitt asked if the position had been advertised in accordance with Board policy. Dr. Douglas Garber, Director of Employee Services, advised that binding arbitration states that the Superintendent has the right to fill a position and according to Florida Statutes, the Superintendent may make an appointment, which the Board may accept or reject for good cause. Chairman DeWitt noted that the job description calls for a Certified Public Account (CPA) with a Masters degree in Finance. Dr. Garber stated that Mr. Odom holds a Bachelors degree in Accounting and has 28 years of experience as a Chief Financial Officer. After discussion, the Board's General Counsel advised that he would review Board policy pertaining to advertising requirements and also look at the context of the arbitration decision. Mr. Paul emphasized that time constraints and crucial budget issues could be better addressed by hiring someone who is already familiar with the School District. He recommended that Mr. Odom serve in the position for a period of one year, with advertising of the position to begin perhaps in six months. Chairman DeWitt asked that staff provide a copy of Board policy on reemployment of employees who have retired from the school district.

D. ITEMS FOR THE GENERAL COUNSEL

- NO ITEMS SUBMITTED

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Prior to adjournment, Chairman DeWitt called for any comments from the public, and the Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Ms. Debby Cook, 6800 Nokomis Road, Walnut Hill, Florida, expressed opposition to any closing or consolidation of Northview High School, Bratt Elementary, or Ernest Ward Middle School.

2) Mr. Frank Foust, P. O. Box 987, Century, Florida, asked that the Board not close Byrneville Elementary, Carver Middle, or Northview High School.

3) Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, advised the Board that issues discussed in workshop today should be addressed in the bargaining process.

4) Mr. Darnell Sims, Pensacola Academy for Success, spoke in support of allowing charter school students to earn twenty-four (24) credits for graduation.

5) Mr. Stan Callendar, Escambia Charter School, spoke in favor of allowing charter school students to earn twenty-four (24) credits for graduation.

6) Ms. Jane Kates, 1012 Maldonado Drive, Pensacola Beach, Florida, expressed opposition to closing Pensacola Beach Elementary School.

7) Ms. Teresa Watford, 860 West Bogia Road, McDavid, Florida, stated that she has three children enrolled at the PATS Center, and she spoke in support of continuing the program.

8) Ms. Melanie Killam, 2351 West State Line Road, Century, Florida, expressed opposition to closing schools in rural areas, particularly Byrneville Elementary and Carver Middle School.

There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 12:20 p.m. (Official recordings of this workshop are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

________________________ __________________________

Superintendent Chairman