The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop 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

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Jenkins called the workshop to order at 1:32 p.m.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent listed the additions and deletions to the agenda. Mrs. Morris added one item to XII. Items from the Board.

The following item was moved forward:

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

2. MISCELLANEOUS

ADD: h. PURCHASE OF 45 ACRES ON DOG TRACK ROAD

Request Board approval of purchase of property on Dog Track Road for new K-8 facility between the Escambia County School Board and Ms. Jean Payne.

Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, reported on Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requirements for permitting needed prior to the Board committing to purchase the property. He advised that Mr. Joe Brooks, Realtor representing Ms. Jean Payne, seller of the 45 acres, had agreed to add a stipulation in the contract that the Board would have up to six months to obtain the permitting and if the cost exceeded what was proposed, the Board would have the option of not purchasing the property. Dr. Epperson stated that additional property would be required and the proposal under consideration was to buy the Kelly property (15 acres adjacent to the Payne property) and the remaining part of the Payne wetlands property for mitigation purposes. Mr. Bailey asked if wetlands owned by the School Board (four acres on Sorrento Road) could be utilized. Dr. Epperson responded that costs would be high for mitigation on that land. Dr. Joe Edmisten, Ecological Consultant, advised that 17 (out of the 45) acres are useable without mitigation and that 22 acres are needed for the school. Mrs. Morris stated that her concern was only having 17 acres and asked if School Board property off of Gulf Beach Highway had been considered. Dr. Epperson stated that the property on Knight Hawk Lane is landlocked and costs would be high to do wetlands mitigation. Mrs. Webb discussed concerns regarding the time line in that the project is already behind schedule. Dr. Edmisten stated that there are not many buildable sites with uplands available in West Escambia County.

Mrs. Morris noted the sale price of $250,000 for the Payne property and up to $120,000 for mitigation. Mrs. Morris commented that a group of citizens from Perdido Key had been advised that this item was pulled today, and should be allowed to speak at the Board Meeting tomorrow night if they choose to attend.

The workshop returned to the regular agenda.

PRESENTATION: SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE THRIFT (SIT) PROGRAM AWARD APPLICATION - ESCAMBIA CHARTER SCHOOL, INC.

Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Comptroller, advised that staff from Finance and Curriculum and Instruction had prepared a joint presentation to provide information and explain the application process. Mrs. Rita Scallan, Financial Analyst, reported that the SIT program involves $200,000,000 in State Capital Outlay Funds that was made available to districts during the 1997 special legislative session. Districts may receive a SIT award (by eliminating the need for new facilities) by approving charter schools that do not require district facilities. The SIT award is administered by the SMART Schools Clearinghouse, and districts must make application to receive the funds. Thus far on the Charter School program, $8,900,000 has been awarded to seven districts throughout the state. Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, advised that the Board must discuss and certify that the Charter School is open and active at the time of application, and operating successfully as defined by the Board. He stated that the Charter School is meeting the requirements of the contract in terms of enrolling and maintaining students, with students earning credit toward graduation, and the attendance rate has improved. Upon inquiry from Chairman Jenkins, Mr. Thomas stated that the application is based on the 1997/98 school year. He noted that the Capital Outlay FTE (verified for the 1997/98 school year) was accurate and that the Charter School is expected to be operating during next year. He advised that prior to approval of the application, the public must be given an opportunity to provide input. The application includes demographic information, calculated FTE, description of facilities and property, future plans of the Charter School, and the planned expenditure form which specifies the district's intended use of the funds the SIT award would generate to provide funding for conversion of George Stone Area Vo-Tech to a Technical High School, as well as the Charter School's intended use including land purchase, classroom construction, computer lab, classroom computers, networking, buses, and equipment. Mrs. Morris inquired concerning 16 other counties that had applied, and Mr. Thomas verified that those had been approved. Mrs. Morris asked that information be provided concerning the Tampa Bay Academy, which had a 20/80 split, and what type of charter that is. Mrs. Wascom advised that throughout the state, the range has been from 20/80 to 95/5. The method that the Smart School Clearinghouse uses to calculate the award is cost per student station. Concerning other School Districts that gave more, it was noted that a majority of those counties levied the full two mill Capital Outlay Property Tax. It was also noted that the 1998 appropriations bill set aside $5,000,000 in PECO monies for charter schools. Upon inquiry from Chairman Jenkins, Mrs. Wascom advised that the Charter School will also be eligible to file for the 1998/99 school year (on the increased amount of enrollment). Chairman Jenkins asked that representatives from the Charter School provide input as to a reasonable figure. Mr. May noted that the Technical High School will benefit charter students and all students in the county. Mr. Larry Hicks, Chairman of the Board, Escambia Charter School, stated that they are committed to helping students in this district. He expressed that the Charter School receives no other funds for capital expenditures and would request a higher figure. Mr. Stan Callender, Principal, Escambia Charter School, concurred and asked that 65% be considered to cover the needs of the Charter School. Mrs. Morris commented that the Technical High School will be a win-win situation, and under the Charter School initiative, some of the students could get vocational training at George Stone. Mrs. Morris asked if PECO dollars for charter schools could be used for repair on existing buildings and was advised that was the case.

PRESENTATION: EMPLOYEE WELLNESS APPRAISAL PROGRAM

Mr. Charles Griffin, Director of Risk Management, and Mr. Manny Harageones, Physical Education, presented the first year results of the Employee Wellness Appraisal Program. Mr. Griffin advised that the effective date for the program was November 1, 1997, but started in January, 1998. He stated that the costs of the program would be saved in terms of some of the conditions diagnosed during the course of this program and prevention of hospital bills, surgery, and serious medical conditions. The Board recognized Ms. Gloria Johnson, Ms. Vicky Pugh, and Ms. Michelle Clark, from Baptist Health Care. Ms. Pugh reported that screening began in January with 2,949 participants (484 men and 2,465 women) or 72.9% of the employees. Baptist Health Care staff conducted health screenings at the sites with surveys that the employees filled out relative to personal health, exercise, eating habits, stress levels, safety factors and personal health changes, with special sections on women's health and occupational health issues. The health team went on-site to conduct physical assessments including height, weight, muscle strength, endurance, body composition, and lung function. Cholesterol and glucose tests were also done and all of the results were compiled to produce personal wellness profiles for the participants. Risk factors were evaluated including use of tobacco and alcohol, nutrition factors, exercise, and personal family history of cancer, cardiovascular problems, and other medical conditions. It was noted that 12.3% of the employees had 6 or more risk factors. Chairman Jenkins asked what strategies were recommended for those employees. Ms. Pugh stated that when screened with risk factors, each employee was called by a Health Source nurse and written recommendations were provided for reducing risk factors; however, if there were critical factors, the employee or his physician was called within 24 hours. Recommended actions include a regular exercise program and a walking program at each site. Classes are available on diet, weight management and nutrition, lowering cholesterol, and smoking cessation. With the on-going comprehensive wellness program, the economic impact with average medical claims could be reduced to $670.89, by reducing preventable risk factors, and up to $1,978,454.00 could be saved per year. Up to $3,775,000 could be saved district-wide if all employees participated. Chairman Jenkins asked if male health concerns were addressed, and Ms. Pugh responded that a special section had been added this year. Mr. Harageones advised that this was the first district in the state entering a program of this kind. Dr. DeWitt asked if health club membership was available. Ms. Pugh advised that Baptist Hospital does not have a health performance center like Sacred Heart and West Florida Hospitals; however, an indoor/outdoor walking program has been established at each facility, and a stretching and strength-building program will be available.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

B. Permission to Adopt

1. 6Gx17-2.09(3) SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

Mrs. Morris asked that language be clarified relative to "same assignment." After discussion with Dr. Jo Alice Tarwater, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, and Ms. Gloria Johnson, Director of Payroll, Mrs. Morris suggested language to reflect the increased rate in pay if substitute teaching exceeds twenty consecutive school days "in the same assignment or like assignment without a break in time..." Chairman Jenkins asked that Mrs. Morris confer with staff to verify the final wording with the proposed amendments to be presented at the Board Meeting.

2. 6Gx17-2.13 ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY TO THE SCHOOL BOARD

Mrs. Webb stated that she would address concerns regarding this item at the Board Meeting.

4. 6Gx17-2.17 SICK LEAVE

Mrs. Morris inquired concerning the 82 employees in the pre-retirement terminal pay program who had the option of deferring their retirement date to participate in the DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program). Ms. Mary Helen Fryman, Director of Human Resources, reported that 45 out of the 82 employees had joined DROP; 27 of the 45 deferred their retirement date and 18 did not defer their retirement date. Mrs. Morris noted that union employees were covered in terms of the retirement bonus, but the administrative and professional employees were not. After discussion, there was consensus that all employees would be treated the same to cover professional and administrative employees as well as those under the bargaining unit.

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

Mrs. Morris expressed concern regarding the number of transfers to Ransom and Bailey Middle Schools, which are overcrowded. Mr. Ireland Brock, Director, Pupil Instructional Support Services, advised that this agenda covered students that were transferred back from the summer because of the volume involved. Mrs. Webb expressed concern that a large number was being transferred out of Wedgewood Middle School. Mr. Brock stated that where there is overcrowding, and when an alternative site can be offered, they do that; however, it is outside of the authority of the transfer committee to put a cap on a particular school and that would come back to the School Board. Mr. May referenced Item XI.3 (Discussion on permitting transfers to students who attend overcrowded schools to attend underpopulated schools, with parents providing transportation). He stated his request was that the Board approve allowing transfers from Ransom to Earnest Ward Middle School, and from Tate to Northview High School; as long as those people are willing to provide the transportation and there is no cost to the district. The Board Attorney stated that may be a practical solution to the problems; however, the transfers that are authorized by law are those provided in the Augustus decision, and those are academic, hardship, and the majority to minority consideration. He stated that he did not believe that the plaintiffs in the Augustus case would approve a fourth method of transferring to accommodate overcrowding. Mrs. Webb suggested that it should be emphasized that overcrowding produces a lower academic situation for all students. Mr. May asked if the Board would consider approving a submittal to the petitioners in the Augustus case including the academic reasons as cited by Mrs. Webb, and stipulating that these transfers would be beneficial to the children in terms of going from a setting of 2,145 at Tate High School to a setting of 498 at Northview, and from a setting of 1,456 at Ransom to a setting of 205 at Ernest Ward. It would also enhance the other schools because it would allow additional staffing for the extra students. As a plaintiff in the Augustus case, Chairman Jenkins stated that he would not have any problem with the Superintendent submitting the request. Dr. DeWitt suggested considering a plan for redistricting the entire county. He noted that 14 were being transferred out of Wedgewood, bringing the total to date of 67 students that the Board has legally transferred, which is three teaching units. He stated that the Board has transferred more students out of Wedgewood than are going to Beulah Charter School, and he suggested the possibility of setting a limit to allow no more transfers out of Wedgewood. Mrs. Webb asked why a transfer from Brentwood to Wedgewood (as referenced in the backup materials) was not recommended, and she asked that staff follow up to ensure that the parents understood the process correctly. Mr. Brock stated that the procedure requires that the hardship be documented and that he would check into it.

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

Mrs. Webb referenced an advertisement for Administrative School Secretary to the Guidance Department and questioned language that the applicant must be an employee of the district when it is difficult to find people to meet the qualifications. Mr. May verified that it was a

civil service position. Ms. Ellen Lawrence, UniServ Director, advised that preference is given in

support positions to current permanent employees and if they do not find anyone, they go outside.

1. Appointments

Mrs. Morris referred to proposed out-of-field appointments for teachers as well as Item 8 (Special Requests - requests to approve instructors to teach out-of-field for the 1998/99 school year), noting that two of the individuals were not on both lists. Ms. Teenie Wehmeier, Manager of Certification, advised that the two appointments are for individuals who have never been employed by the district, and the other individuals had previously been reappointed or placed on professional services contract.

8. Special Requests

(4) Request to be received is the Milliman & Robertson, Inc., Actuarial Analysis of Self-Insured Loss and Alae Liabilities, June 30, 1998.

Dr. DeWitt asked if staff could provide a summary page of this report. Mr. Charles Griffin, Director of Risk Management, advised that the document was submitted for the record and that a summary was provided on page 11. Dr. DeWitt suggested for future reference that one copy of the document could be provided to the School Board office and copies of the summary page to Board Members. Mr. Griffin concurred. Mrs. Webb also requested that Mr. Griffin schedule some follow up time with Board Members to provide an overview for information purposes.

VI. FINANCE

4. Statements from attorney to Superintendent for legal services performed during the months of August and September, 1998.

Mrs. Morris questioned why a previous balance had not been paid. Mr. May stated that partial payments were made and the balance was brought forward. Chairman Jenkins asked if there were any other concerns under Finance. Mrs. Webb stated that she would address an item of concern at the Board Meeting.

 VII. PURCHASING

1.0 AWARD BIDS

1.5 New Cafeteria and Site work at Tate High School

Mr. Bailey asked if this project would be rebid and what the time delay would be. Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, advised that the bid came in significantly over budget and there will be a fairly substantial redesign so the rebid will involve a much different building. Mr. May noted the architect should have done the design within the framework specified as a dollar amount, so it would be the architect's responsibility to redesign at no charge to the district. Mr. Kirchharr stated that the architect has not specified how long the redesign will take, but will be a number of months. Mrs. Webb commented that with this particular building and architect, the Board needs to be prudent and ensure that mistakes of the past are not repeated.

1.6 Renewal of Annual Contract - Aluminum Canopies

Mrs. Morris asked where the aluminum canopies traditionally have been located. Mr. Kirchharr stated that the canopies have been used with walkways to portables, especially after Hurricane Georges, for about a dozen schools that had damage to walkways.

2.0 AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE AND PURCHASE

2.16 Carpet and Base for Scenic Heights, Lincoln Park, and Bellview Elementary Schools (Maintenance)

Mrs. Webb noted costs of almost $60,000 and asked that consideration be given in the future to installing tile instead of carpeting in schools because of air quality problems as well as mold and fungus.

3.0 MISCELLANEOUS

2.10 Apple Microcomputer Equipment for Instructional Technology Department

Dr. DeWitt asked if the twenty computers were for the Hall Center. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, advised that the computers are for the teacher and employee training lab. Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technological Systems, added that these will replace computers that are going to be moved out and used in another location.

3.3 Civil Service Board Cost (General Accounting/AP Department)

Mrs. Morris commented that the cost of civil service is $514,320 and because that is a cost every year for what is basically a duplication of services, she would like to see an initiative started because we are doing collaborative agreements involving that type of service.

3.5 Unauthorized Purchase of HVAC Repair Services at Tate High School (Maintenance)

Dr. DeWitt requested an explanation for the unauthorized purchase. Mr. Kirchharr stated that subsequent to work performed by Johnson Control on the chiller at the Tate gym, Maintenance staff had responded to another problem with the chiller and the vendor proceeded to repair; however, almost all was not covered under the original work. It was work that needed to take place and Johnson Control recognized their error was in not getting authorization for that work, so they issued a credit of $3,396.00 toward a total repair cost of $8,987.37. Mrs. Webb commented that this has been an on-going problem which they are still trying to resolve.

3.9 Change Order #1 to Purchase Order #172157 (Arc Electrical Contractor)

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Morris, Mr. Mark Pursell, Director of Maintenance, advised that the fire alarm network at Washington High School was grouped under one alarm panel, which required additional wiring but reduced equipment costs for a savings of almost $9,000.

III. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

2. MISCELLANEOUS

e. LANGUAGE CORRECTION (AUGUST AGENDA): PURCHASE OF NORTH "B" STREET PROPERTY

Approved purchase of property on North B Street between the Escambia County School District and Mrs. Betty L. White for Pensacola High School to be paid from PECO New Construction Fund FY 98.

Mrs. Morris inquired as to the specific language correction. Mrs. Rita Scallan, Financial Analyst, verified use of PECO funds for this purchase and not the one-half cent sales tax.

f. PURCHASE OF NORTH "B" STREET PROPERTY

Request Board approval of purchase of property on North B Street (Lot # 18-2S-30-3006-000-000) between the Escambia County School District and Mrs. Edna Mae Ingham Moore for Pensacola High School.

g. PURCHASE OF 1251 NORTH "H" STREET PROPERTY

Request Board approval of purchase of property on 1251 North H Street between the Escambia County School District and Mr. and Mrs. Freddie McCray for Dixon Elementary School.

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Morris, Dr. Epperson identified the funding source for Items f and g as PECO funds.

i. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT

Request Board approval of Interlocal Agreement between Escambia County and the Board on School Facility Planning.

Mrs. Morris noted that last month staff had indicated that a meeting was scheduled with county staff to follow up on some unresolved issues. Dr. Epperson stated that Mr. Kirchharr had met with Ms. Cindy Anderson, County Engineering; however, staff will be scheduling a meeting with Ms. Susan Miller, Assistant County Administrator, on some issues that need to be resolved, but the interlocal agreement will be a necessary part of facilitating a flow of information with the county about growth in the area for purposes of long-range planning.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

11. School Improvement Reading Initiative Grant Application.

Mrs. Morris commented that emphasis is being placed on phonics and that particular program is great, but we need to ensure that is not all that is taught because there are a number of students that cannot learn through phonics. Ms. Laura Colo, Reading Specialist, concurred. Ms. Colo advised that the Reading Initiative Grant was offered exclusively for Northview High School, Spencer Bibbs, and A. A. Dixon Elementary Schools because of test scores. She stated that she had met with each of the schools and different reading programs were already in place in order to create a balanced approach and programs were chosen that were research-based, that have many evaluation components, on-going assessments, constant repetition, and the direct instruction model so that students will master certain skills as they progress.

13. Parents to Kids.

Ms. Colo advised that this grant is for the home-based reading program and that Lightspan was utilized to target A. A. Dixon and Spencer Bibbs Elementary Schools to meet the needs of the students. This program extends the school day by providing reading curriculum into the homes and provides the equipment, materials, and training to parents. The teacher determines what specific skills need to be addressed and makes assignments accordingly. Research indicates that 72% of the students involved are spending at least a half-hour in additional reading activities each day. It was noted that five additional schools have asked that this program be implemented at their schools as well. Mrs. Webb discussed concerns about continuing Lightspan in that there were no indicators that it had produced results and improved test scores. Ms. Colo emphasized that teachers are trained to assess the needs of the students and monitor their progress. Mr. Pettis added that the Reading Specialist is monitoring the program along with other district staff, as well as at the school, because there are critical needs in several schools. Ms. Colo also noted the assessment component of Senate Bill 1956 which requires individualizing the curriculum. Upon request from Dr. DeWitt, Ms. Colo provided copies of the research to support Lightspan.

Mr. Mike Jordan, representing Lightspan, stated that he would be glad to spend time with Board Members individually to address concerns.

14. Workforce Development Information System Grant.

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Morris, Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education, verified that Tate and Northview High Schools are included in this program.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

B. PROPERTY CONTROL

1. Inventory Adjustment Reports

Mrs. Morris commended staff that seven locations were audited, including

George Stone Vocational Center, Earnest Ward Middle School, Workman Middle School, Warrington Middle School, Beggs Educational Center, Ransom Middle School, and the Student Transfers Department, and all 2,376 items were accounted for.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. May referred to XII.2 (Item from the Board - Instrument Replacement, Repair and Maintenance - Mr. Bailey), and advised that the Board approved a one-time allocation in the amount of $34,000 for high school bands and the District string program, allowing that the funds be used for maintenance, repair, or replacement of instruments, effective September 1, 1998, and that funding has been identified.

5. Approval of personnel assignments.

Mr. May advised that he would be recommending the personnel assignment of Ms. Ella Sims, Director of Secondary Education, to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, effective February 1, 1999, as the replacement for Dr. Jo Alice Tarwater, who will be retiring January, 1999. Dr. Robin Largue will be recommended as Director of Secondary Education, effective February 1, 1999, as the replacement for Ms. Sims. Dr. DeWitt asked if these positions had to be advertised. Mr. May stated that these are high level administrative positions which do not require advertisement.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1. Item from the Board - Resolution on Gifted Education - Dr. DeWitt

Ms. Pam Schwartz, Gifted Resource Teacher, provided additional backup materials to Board Members citing the need for this resolution. She announced that on October 19, 1998, the first organizational meeting was held for the gifted parent advocacy group. She expressed that the best results come about with a total team approach including the professionals and parents in order to provide on-going assessment. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director, Exceptional Student Education, expressed that staff looks forward to seeing these initiatives go forward.

3. Item from the Board - Information Report on PECO and SIT Meeting - Mrs. Webb

Mrs. Webb thanked the Board for allowing her to attend the PECO and SIT meeting in Tallahassee a couple of weeks ago. She reported that the meeting was very informative and one matter that was addressed involved the Clearinghouse, and the Florida School Board Association decided in their legislative platform that they are going to aggressively seek change and the need for guidelines relative to monies that have been appropriated for those School Boards as well as Effort Index. Mrs. Webb continued that she learned that there are districts that are very aggressively handling facilities problems and it was interesting to see how they did that.

4. Item from the Board - Information Report on State Technology Meeting - Mrs. Webb

Mrs. Webb reported that the State Technology meeting will be deferred until December.

5. Item from the Board - Recommend Entry of Final Order in Horace Jones' Case, moving him to pay grade 18, step 4, on the Administrative Salary Schedule, with appropriate back pay to June 24, 1997, to be calculated and paid, but with no principalship to be given to him at this time - Dr. Jenkins

Chairman Jenkins stated that he had added this item to address at the Board Meeting.

Chairman Jenkins reported that he plans to attend a State Minority Task Force meeting on November 18, 1998, and will request reimbursement for gas mileage. The Board Attorney advised that the Chairman approves that, which would come out of Board travel.

Chairman Jenkins stated that he had received a letter from Monroe County relative to items they need, such as textbooks and other types of instructional materials, as a result of Hurricane Georges. They had also indicated that many items will not be compensated by FEMA. Mr. May concurred and stated that Mr. Jerry Caine, Director of Operations, will be able to advise concerning available items.

6. Item from the Board - Mrs. Morris

Mrs. Morris reported that the Technology Subcommittee was supposed to hold a meeting but because of a problem in Alachua County, the people from Alachua County could not attend, so that meeting was not held. She noted that last year when that committee was formed, all chairmen throughout the state got an urgent reply to submit a business person and a school-based person to serve on that committee and they were supposed to have met last December; however, that never occurred. Because of the urgency, two people were appointed and those people have gotten invitations to appear at the December conference, and the Board had indicated they would commit to paying expenses for the school-based person to attend. Board Members would also be encouraged to attend and communicate with the people who will be representing this area.

Mrs. Morris stated that she has served on the Community Action Board, and a Policy Council Board training meeting is scheduled for November 4, 1998. She stated that she will nominate Dr. Jenkins for appointment at the Board meeting. Dr. Jenkins stated that he would be happy to serve in that capacity.

XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

The Board Attorney stated that he would submit one item regarding travel authorization.

XIV. PUBLIC FORUM

The Board Attorney referenced a memorandum from Dr. Hal Mason requesting clarification concerning the following two (2) items:

1) Referring to an agenda item referencing payment to an attorney from Atlanta for legal services, that he failed to find proper authorization for the employment of this attorney as mandated by School Rule 1.11(3)(b)1 that attorneys employed under this section (other than School Board Attorney and attorneys for liability trust) shall be under contract with the School Board and perform only the legal services specified in the contract.

Mr. Ray advised that Mr. Albert Phillips is an attorney, but was hired as a construction claims expert, and not as an attorney. Mr. Ray clarified that the Superintendent, Dr. Clarence Ladner, Special Assistant for School/Community Services, and Dr. Epperson, had requested a second opinion on a matter that the Board Attorney had given an opinion on, and it would be proper to pay the bill of $4,400 for services rendered, which could also be accomplished under the Superintendent's purchasing authority. Mr. May advised that he wanted the Board to know that a consultant was involved on the N. B. Cook project, which could possibly result in litigation. Mrs. Webb asked if we anticipate the need for further services by Mr. Phillips. Mr. Ray expressed that Mr. Phillips' services will possibly continue; however, if there was a lawsuit, it would be tried by the School Board Attorney. Dr Epperson stated that we hope to avoid litigation on the N. B. Cook issue and would like to avail ourselves of the consulting services of Mr. Phillips.

2) Referring to the agenda which indicates an intention by the Superintendent to make some administrative appointments to his staff, Dr. Mason questioned whether advertising was done for the positions.

Chairman Jenkins stated that the Superintendent had answered that question under XI.5 (approval of personnel assignments) and indicated that these were high level administrative positions which did not require advertisement.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

Ms. Sherry Bailey, Coordinator, Beulah Charter School, advised that Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, had called indicating that there had been questions on enrollment. Chairman Jenkins stated that he had gotten follow-up information from

Tallahassee and hopes that when the contract is renewed, there will be stipulations that will not damage any schools as Wedgewood Middle School has been adversely impacted this year. Ms. Bailey stated that the Charter School took 36 students from Wedgewood and returned 36 to the district from home school and private school. Of the 36 from Wedgewood, all but four have younger siblings at Beulah Elementary School, which is on the year-round calendar. Mr. Bailey recommended that the Board set any limits on enrollment at least by January or February of the prior year for planning purposes. After discussion, Chairman Jenkins stated that he would meet further with Ms. Bailey instead of asking her to come back to the Board.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Prior to adjournment, the following meeting dates were scheduled: November 16, 1998, 9:00 a.m. Regular Board Workshop; November 17, 1998, 5:30 p.m. Installation Ceremony; November 17, 1998, 6:00 p.m. Organizational Meeting; November 17, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting; December 8, 1998, 9:00 a.m. Special Board Workshop with Dr. Wayne Blanton. The December Board Meeting and Regular Workshop dates will be set in November.

There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Attest: Approved:

_____________________ ______________________________

Superintendent Interim Chairman