The Members and Members-Elect of the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, were invited to attend and participate in this meeting which convened at 7:05 p.m. at Woodham High School, Room 129, 150 East Burgess Road, Pensacola, Florida.

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Neil Davis called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and introduced Mr. Don Parker who served as moderator. The following were present: School Board Members Dr. John DeWitt, District 4, Dr. Elmer Jenkins, District 3, and Mrs. Vanette Webb, District 5; and School Board Members-Elect Dr. Hal Mason, District 1, and Mrs. Cary Stidham, District 2. Deputy Superintendent Jerome Watson and Dr. Clarence Ladner, Special Assistant for School/Community Services were also present. It was noted that Superintendent Jim May could not be present due to a previous engagement. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Miss Angela Azzole, Woodham High School student.

II. THE SESSION WAS INFORMAL AND SUGGESTIONS AND INPUT FROM VARIOUS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:

1) Televise School Board meetings county-wide on BLAB T.V.

2) Try to get at least two appraisals on real estate transactions in the future.

3) Consider using N.B. Cook school for functions such as this.

4) Utilize more Citizens' Advisory Committees.

5) Increase teachers' salaries.

6) Restrict the number of students coming from Alabama (to attend school in Escambia County) due to costs involved.

7) Provide school supplies such as glue, toilet paper, and paper towels at no expense to parents.

Dr. DeWitt commented that the School Board had authorized $30,000 from out-of-county travel in August and a memorandum was sent to all principals notifying that there was extra money for the schools. Dr. Jenkins added that the state does not give a budgetary line item to buy school supplies but the Board is going to continue to try to help that situation.

8) Consider doing a study concerning legal fees incurred by the Board and look at the feasibility of having an in-house attorney rather contracted attorneys.

9) Focus on youth prevention issues in the School District and schools.

10) Provide more accountability on the part of the School Board to regain public confidence. Confer with the Legislative Delegation and bring in state auditors to audit all departments. After the management audit is done, restructure the administration of the School Board according to the needs of the educational system.

Dr. Jenkins commented that the School Board is a policy-making body, and the Superintendent is the executive head of the School District. He stated that the Board has statutes to follow and the Board Members have nothing to do directly with the makeup of the administration. He noted that audits are already conducted by state auditors on an annual basis.

11) Address failing test scores and provide remediation to help children achieve academically.

12) Keep the public informed on the status of the budget.

13) Publish information annually or semiannually regarding where the lottery money is going as well as information on salaries and operational costs.

14) Request more responsiveness on the part of the School Board to public concerns. Request more time for speaking when individuals address the Board.

15) Ensure that disciplinary policies protect students and teachers from students who are dangerous.

16) Look into consolidating a number of administrators at the Hall Center.

17) Reconsider previous Board action on exam exemption policy.

18) Increase parental and community involvement.

19) Take a stand against school violence and any children bringing guns and weapons to school should be banned from that school for life.

20) Put the Board agenda on the web page.

21) Focus on total quality management, the mission statement, and district aims. Increase lobbying efforts.

22) Resolve that there will not be personal attacks and promote cooperation in working together to help children.

23) Establish plans to increase parental participation in the decision-making process of the School District.

24) Emphasize the positives in the public school system noting that there are many successful and innovative programs such as Magnet Schools, programs for gifted, and the International Baccalaureate Program.

Mr. Ken Norris provided copies to the Board of an article dated November 2, 1998, from Forbes, entitled "Top-heavy." He expressed that there should not be more administrators than teachers, and he suggested looking at the structure of the school system.

Mr. Carl Whitson provided copies to the Board of a letter requesting that the School Board and County Commission address measures for proper future planning related to growth and development in the area.

Mrs. Gail Husbands, Escambia County Teacher of the Year, cautioned against excessive criticism, and she encouraged everyone to put their energies and emphasis on helping kids. She stated that people need to care about children and work together to provide what is best for children.

Ms. John Dell Hucabee, Principal, Ensley Elementary School, encouraged people to get involved as much as possible to make a difference in the lives of children.

Ms. Jackie Young, Social Studies Specialist, reported on student success as evidenced in numerous state and national awards and involvement in programs and ventures such as the History Fairs and Old Home Town.

Discussion was also held regarding proposed plans to video tape and have live broadcasts of the Regular Board Meetings. Various additional topics were discussed briefly including personnel and property for a K-8 school on the west side. Board Members expressed appreciation to everyone who attended for their commitment to improving educational opportunities for children. It was noted that this was not a meeting of the School Board and no official action was taken; however, due to the possibility that matters could be discussed that may come before the Board in the future, the media and the public were invited to observe.

Mr. Davis thanked the Board for allowing the public this opportunity and expressed that he would like to see these meetings continue on a quarterly or semiannual basis to promote dialogue, improve communications, and work together for the benefit of children.

III. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m.

Attest: Approved:

__________________________ ______________________________

Superintendent Interim Chairman