The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 1:31 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: Mrs. Barbara Morris

Mrs. Vanette Webb

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

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

The Workshop was called to order at 1:31 p.m. by Chairman Jenkins. Dr. Jenkins stated that Mr. Jim Bailey, School Board Member, District I, was recuperating from surgery and could not be present today.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

Superintendent May listed the additions and deletions to the agenda.

1. PRESENTATION - Ms. Mary Helen Fryman, Director of Human Resources, presented a

recommendation on behalf of Human Resources, Payroll, Certification, Risk Management, and Dental Claims, to obtain a system to scan documents for storage on CDs, as the most efficient and cost- effective means to address document management and storage needs. An RFP is in process to identify the best system, and a recommendation on funding will be on the agenda this month. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Comptroller, estimated that $34,000 will be needed for capital equipment and $34,000 for the initial purchase of software, training, maintenance agreements, and CDs. Upon inquiry from Dr. DeWitt, Ms. Fryman advised that no additional staff will be required.

2. PRESENTATION - Ms. Barbara Frye, Coordinator, Information Services, gave an Internet

presentation and reviewed the School District Home Page referencing School Board information; news releases; school calendars; brochures; School Board rules; and Minutes. Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, discussed the goals to improve communication internally, externally, and to provide a reference that all customers can use. He reviewed the Facilities Planning web site, providing information on the status of current facilities projects and bids. Mr. Jason Fry, Technical Support, reported that 60-75% of the schools have a Home Page. Web links provide resources including State Statutes, Florida School Districts, Florida government web sites, and instructional resources for teachers; in addition, a search "engine" has been implemented on the District server for research purposes. Chairman Jenkins requested that a training session be held for Board Members on use of the Internet. Dr. DeWitt asked if E Mail could be accessed externally, and Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technological Systems and MIS, advised that E Mail is separate and can only be accessed internally. Mrs. Webb requested that she be provided a computer in order to have direct E Mail access.

3. PRESENTATION - Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and

Maintenance, reviewed selection criteria on available sites for location of the west side K-8 school. After discussion, he requested Board direction as to further investigation on Site C (45 acres with 830' fronting Dog Track Road) being the site with the most potential, including a central location, which

would be beneficial for transportation purposes. There is the potential to have two schools (an elementary and middle school) on that site, with the possibility of acquiring additional acreage. The additional costs (not to exceed $15,000) to investigate Site C will cover chemical and environmental tests, soil test borings, and costs associated with appraisals, concurrency requirements, and notification of the county. It was noted that prior to making a recommendation on acquiring the land, staff will come back to the Board with a negotiated cost. Mrs. Morris commented that during the negotiation process, the seller may consider reducing the price per acre. Mr. May discussed concerns as to the urgency of not waiting another year to acquire land, and although there was still interest in obtaining the Bronson Field property in the future, there had been indications from the Navy that the price range was not acceptable at this point, and Congressman Joe Scarborough's Office had indicated that it would be next May before legislation could go before Congress.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

A. Permission to Advertise

1. 6Gx17-7.14 ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CRIME AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Webb, the Board Attorney noted that the guidelines are referenced in the Interagency Agreement listed for approval under XI. Items from the Superintendent (Number 3). After discussion, Chairman Jenkins noted for advertising purposes that School Board meetings will continue to be held in the existing Board Meeting Room until the new meeting room is ready at the Hall Center.

B. Permission to Adopt

5. 6Gx17-7.09 PUPIL PROGRESSION PLAN

Mrs. Webb questioned language under Annual Grade Placement that "any student who is absent 30 days or more during a school year shall be required to attend summer school for promotion to the next grade..." She referred to a particular case with an honor roll student who had incurred sickness over the year. Mr. May advised that the rule provides for administrative review on an individual basis, and that student did not have to attend summer school. Following discussion, Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, noted that this language was part of the Pupil Progression Plan based on legislative provisions, and these cases will be addressed beginning at the first of the year to allow time for review on an individual basis.

Mrs. Webb inquired concerning socially promoting (from middle school) when a student reaches age 15. Ms. Ella Sims, Director of Secondary Education, advised that a team (from middle and high school) reviews these cases, and social promotion is recommended only after all other strategies have been implemented. Mrs. Webb requested that the review team consider placing these students in an alternative program that is aggressive and one-on-one, and not in a regular high school setting, due to disruptive behavior. Mr. Pettis noted these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with strategies including the Academic Improvement Plan (AIP).

The following item was moved forward:

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

2. MISCELLANEOUS

b. QUIT CLAIM DEED TRANSFER OF RIGHT-OF-WAY

Request Board approval of Quit Claim Deed to transfer Right-of-Way on the south property line of Warrington Elementary School.

Dr. Epperson advised that property was transferred to the Warrington Volunteer Fire Department several years ago, and a right-of-way easement on the south side of the property was never vacated by the School District. He stated that he had conferred with the principal and the property has no use to the School District.

Mr. Vince Whibbs, Jr., Attorney, advised that Patwill Company purchased property from Lloyd and Julie Rushing, who thought they owned the right-of-way subject to a Quit Claim Deed given to them by

James Grimsley; however, it had never been deeded from the School Board to Mr. and Mrs. Grimsley. Mr. Whibbs noted that the right-of-way is not located adjacent to the school, and Patwill Company has requested the Quit Claim Deed as a corrective action. Mrs. Webb asked if research could be done as to whether the shopping center/drug store would make an offer on the property. It was noted that Mr. and Mrs. Rushing had paid property taxes based on the assumption that they owned the property.

The Workshop returned to the regular agenda order.

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

Mrs. Morris stated that she assumed that two out-of-county students listed for the remainder of the 1997-98 school year was just for the completion of this school year and not for 1998-99. Mrs. Sims confirmed that was the case. Mrs. Morris then referred to the transfer request of a fifth grade student from Edgewater Elementary to Hellen Caro, as well as a fifth grade student from Pleasant Grove Elementary to Hellen Caro Elementary, and she requested that staff provide information as to whether they fall under the Board agreement pertaining to the cap at Hellen Caro.

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

A. Instructional

3. Retirees

Chairman Jenkins inquired concerning recruiting mechanisms to replace black males and other ethnic groups. Mr. Elvin McCorvey, Director, Staff Development, Recruiting, and Retention, commented that higher starting salaries are offered by some counties, as well as other incentives. It was noted that the employee benefits package in Escambia is better than what is offered in many other counties.

8. Special Requests

(15) Request approval to employ two principals to supervise the Pre-Kindergarten Centers for the 1998-99 school year.

Mrs. Morris commented on the possibility of hiring four assistant principals instead; however, staff had assured that the centers will have principals at the sites at certain times during the day. After discussion, Mr. Wayne Odom, Director of Title I, distributed a handout regarding the early childhood program. Ms. Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, advised that hiring four assistant principals would involve about $85,000 in additional costs. Mr. Pettis spoke in favor of employing two principals and trying this approach for one year. Chairman Jenkins concurred and asked that staff provide an evaluation and report back to the Board.

Upon inquiry from Dr. DeWitt, Dr. Ulysses Hughes, Gulf Coast Labor Relations Consultants, advised that the Florida Educational Equity Act is in compliance with federal law. He noted where some areas were not in compliance, the Equity Compliance Office in Tallahassee has indicated that evaluations will take into consideration that substantial progress has been made. Concerning gender equity, Dr. Hughes advised that nine schools were not in compliance last year; however, a plan was implemented, after approval by the Commissioner of Education, which resulted in substantial improvement. Strategies have been in place for the last three years to include black students in middle school math courses, and a methodology will be developed this year to measure progress on strategies.

VI. FINANCE

4. Statement from School Board Attorney for legal services performed during the month of May, 1998.

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Webb, the Board Attorney advised that since attending the Florida Institute of Government Records Management Workshop, he has met with Mr. George Scapin, Accountant, and others regarding a public records protocol for the District. Mrs. Webb questioned the Attorney's attendance at said workshop without prior Board approval. Mr. Ray advised that his

contract provides that the Board Chairman or Superintendent can grant the approval, and in this case, the Chairman approved it in advance.

VII. PURCHASING

A. AWARD BIDS

3.0 Maintenance and Transportation

3.2 Pumping of Grease Traps, Bid #40-98 (Maintenance)

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Morris, Mr. Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, advised that there is time to rebid this project, and the starting date will be moved back a month.

6.0 Facilities Planning

6.2 Installation of Storm Shutters at Washington High, Lipscomb Elementary, Woodham High, Northview High, Bellview Middle, Ransom Middle and the J. E. Hall Maintenance Building

Mrs. Morris noted these projects had been consolidated into one, based on approval from the state, resulting in a savings of $29,000.

B. AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE AND PURCHASE

2.0 Administrative Departments

2.1 Xerox Copier for Title I

2.2 Software and Equipment Upgrade for Phone Systems (Technological Systems/MIS)

Dr. DeWitt requested justification on the above two projects. Mr. Boyer advised that 2.1 involves an annual contract for maintenance and software support, and 2.2 involves a one-time purchase for software and equipment to upgrade phone systems for Year 2000 compliance.

2.11 Navigator Software License Fee (Instructional Technology)

Upon inquiry from Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Pettis verified that the training and upgrades are on schedule.

2.13 Renew and Extend the Annual Agreement for Lease of Portable Classrooms and Administration Buildings

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Wascom advised that a comprehensive projects list is being developed specifying the locations of the portables and those which are leased or owned.

3.0 Maintenance and Transportation

3.2 Full HVAC Annual Maintenance Agreement Renewal (Maintenance)

Mrs. Morris asked if this pertained to Warrington Middle and not Warrington Elementary. Dr. Epperson verified that it related to the central system that was previously placed at Warrington Elementary.

C. MISCELLANEOUS

3.0 Maintenance and Transportation

3.1 Amendment to Prior Board Action: Renewal of Multi-Year Agreement for Lawn Mowing Services (Maintenance)

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Morris, Mr. Boyer noted this is a continuing contract to address increased mowing needs with year-round schools and a couple of extra sites.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

2. MISCELLANEOUS

a. EDUCATIONAL PLANT SURVEY

Upon request from Mrs. Morris, this item was corrected to reflect "Request Board approval of the Five-Year Educational Plant Survey for submittal to the Department of Education in Tallahassee."

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

2. 1997-98 End of the Year Reports and 1998-99 School Improvement Plans.

Dr. DeWitt stated that he will propose an amendment on the School Improvement Plan for one school to propose strategies for improving reading and math scores. Mr. Pettis advised that he had met with the principal of the school regarding short- and long-range planning needs.

5. Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program Application.

Mrs. Morris noted that this also includes thirteen private schools and two charter schools that will receive monies through this program as well.

16. Project applications: Targeted Assistance & School Wide Project Grant Under Title I and Project Grant for Delinquent or At-Risk Students Under Title I.

Dr. DeWitt discussed concerns that emphasis needs to be placed on strategies to improve test scores in Title I schools. Mr. Odom distributed a handout (synopsis of plans for Title I schools), noting that a request has been made for the schools to turn in preliminary plans in April to address issues such as core curriculum, parent involvement, staff development, and projected staffing. Following discussion, Mr. Odom noted that after the plans are reviewed, revisions can be made in strategies or personnel decisions with an emphasis on promoting highest student achievement.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

B. PROPERTY CONTROL

1. Property Inventory Adjustment Reports

Mr. Sam Scallan, Director of Internal Auditing, informed the Board that the reports represent

a loss of District assets of less than one-tenth of one percent.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

3. Approval of Interagency Agreement for reporting certain crimes and delinquent acts (Also see: III.A.1 Proposed Additions or Revisions to School District Rules).

4. Ratification of the Escambia Association of Supervisory Employees (EASE); Escambia Education Association Support Personnel Association (EESPA); and Escambia Education Clerical/ Classroom Association (EEC/CA)1998-99 Contracts.

Mr. May expressed that the ratification of these contracts represents a landmark accomplishment for the District and employee relations.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

No items were submitted by Board Members.

XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

No items were submitted by the Board Attorney.

XIV. PUBLIC FORUM

Mr. Bob Husbands, 1055 Farmington Place, Pensacola, Florida, requested that the Board consider continuing the lead teacher positions at Pre-Kindergarten Centers in order to provide continuity of supervision and leadership at the school sites. After discussion, Mr. Pettis noted that the recommendation was to employ two principals, and the lead teacher positions will be considered.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, to adjourn the Workshop. There being no objection, the Workshop adjourned at 4:34 p.m.

Attest: Approved:

_______________________ ______________________________

Superintendent Chairman