The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Meeting at 1:32 p.m. in the Board Room at the Administrative Building, 215 West Garden Street, with the following present:

Chairman: Dr. Elmer Jenkins

Vice Chairman: Dr. John DeWitt

Members:

Mr. Jim C. Bailey

Mrs. Barbara Morris

Mrs. Vanette Webb

School Board Attorney: Mr. Louis F. Ray, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

Chairman Jenkins called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. He stated that since this was a Special Meeting, the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance would be omitted.

I. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Motion by Mr. Bailey, second by Mrs. Morris, to adopt the agenda, was unanimously approved.

II. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

1. PRESENTATION - TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. May stated that a presentation had been made about a year ago and an information update would be provided at this time. He recognized Ms. Lesa Morgan, Director, George Stone Center, as well as Mr. Eric Smith, Curriculum Coordinator, and Dr. Robert Smith, Assistant Director. Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director, Applied Technology and Adult Education, stated that research had been done as to the feasibility of making a conversion relative to George Stone Center to make a more concentrated effort to serve secondary students and still maintain the adult program, primarily in the evening hours. Ms. Morgan distributed handouts and reviewed the proposal which involves a two-year commitment for planning (before opening) to address curriculum development, marketing, staff selection, in-service, adult program transition, construction, and renovation. The school would open in school year 2000/2001 with the first 300 students, and another 300 students per year would be added for a total student body of 1200 by year four.

Projected funding needed for the $13,934,137 project was outlined as follows:

A. Year One (1998/99) -- $120,000 for new construction

B. Year Two (1999/2000) -- $7,510,430 to cover renovations ($811,200), technology ($1,200,000), and new construction ($5,499,530)

C. Year Three (2000-2001) -- $3,540,118 to cover renovations ($2,102,468), technology/ furniture ($1,200,000), and new construction ($237,650)

D. Year Four (2001-2002) -- $2,763,589 to cover technology/furniture ($1,100,000), and new construction ($1,663,589)

Mr. Wallace Odom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, advised that there was $300,000 in general revenue (sales tax) appropriated for George Stone, and alternative financing would be needed to fund the project. Discussion was held as to utilizing PECO dollars and possibly bonds. Mrs. Morris commented that this would be one of the first technical high schools in the state, and perhaps the District could approach legislators about providing a portion of the funding. She stated that she would like to see a comparison on starting student enrollment in the second year instead of the third year.

Mr. Bailey commented that the naming of the facility would have to be addressed at some point, and that students and parents ought to be involved in that decision.

Ms. Morgan provided information on the Sussex model, and various aspects of the proposed technical high school were discussed. Staff advised that child care facilities would still be available through the family and consumer program. Concerning transportation costs, Mr. Taylor advised that staff would provide that information, and it was noted that the current transportation (to Beggs and George Stone), could be expanded as enrollment increases.

Upon inquiry from Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Taylor stated that ESE and alternative education students would be served, but the emphasis would be to prepare for employment, apprenticeship, community college, or four-year degree. Dr. DeWitt commented that some of the principals had inquired concerning continued support for their vocational programs. Mr. Taylor noted there would be an impact on some schools initially, but for the most part, the programs to be offered would be different than the regular programs.

Mrs. Webb discussed concerns regarding the cost increase from $3,600,000 in the original proposal to almost $14,000,000. She requested additional data on the Sussex model, as well as transportation and funding issues.

Mr. May noted that utilization of ancillary facilities at Pine Forest High School had been considered; however, it was determined that those facilities would not support the student population which would result from combining the campuses. The current proposal is that the school would remain separate as a complete, self-contained high school. Mr. May asked for direction as to whether the Board wished to move forward with this project, with funding to be approved at a future date after allowing time to consider bonding, Classroom First dollars, PECO dollars, interest money, grants, and possible funding from the legislature for startup. After discussion, Ms. Linda Gulley, Director, Grants Management, advised that the deadline for the federal magnet grant expired on April 28, 1998, but the District could possibly apply for innovative programs grants.

Motion made by Dr. DeWitt and seconded by Mrs. Morris, that the School Board express its continued interest and commitment in the technical high school concept as described today, subject to: 1) reasonable financing becoming available; and 2) later School Board approval of more detailed implementation plans, including the transportation, as and when they are made available. The Board recognized the following speaker:

1) Mr. William Miller, 19 Star Lake Drive, Pensacola, Florida, 32507, requested that the Board table this matter until a regular Board Meeting in order to solicit public input.

Mrs. Webb offered a substitute motion to table this idea until a Regular Board Meeting. Chairman Jenkins called for a second to the motion, and said motion died for a lack of second. Mr. May emphasized that this project had been on-going for over two years and had been presented to the Board in an open public meeting. Mr. Taylor requested that a time line be added to the motion. Mr. May noted that the time line would include that the school would open in school year 2000/2001 with the first 300 students. After discussion, Dr. DeWitt stated that he would add to the motion that at the Regular Board Meeting on July 28, 1998, the Board will make the final vote as to whether or not to go forward (with a total commitment to support the technical high school), noting that they can move forward and the Board is 100% for it, but they need to have the financial data and transportation issues resolved by July 28, 1998, for the Board to make the final vote. Mrs. Morris requested that an earlier date be considered for the students to begin. Mrs. Morris seconded the amendment to the motion.

Mr. Taylor also noted that 2-1/2 years ago a District-wide task force consisting of business and District personnel had received input from parents, students, and business owners, and there was a unanimous decision at that time to move forward on the technical high school proposal.

Chairman Jenkins requested that a public hearing be held on this matter at the Regular Board Meeting on July 28, 1998. Discussion was held as to the possibility of beginning that meeting at 6:30 p.m., and Chairman Jenkins indicated if that was not possible, it would be worked out with the Board Members.

Chairman Jenkins called for the vote, and the amended motion was approved 4-1 with Mrs. Webb voting NO.

III. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

Attest:

Approved: