Pursuant to Escambia County School Board Rule 6Gx17-1.06(2)(c), the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Emergency Meeting at 9:00 a.m.,with advance notice having been given to the media on February 8, 1999. Said meeting was held in the Board Room at the Administrative Building, 215 West Garden Street, with the following present:

Vice Chairman: Mrs. Cary Stidham

Members: Dr. John DeWitt

Dr. Elmer Jenkins

Mrs. Vanette Webb joined the meeting in progress at 9:05 a.m.

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

Mrs. Stidham called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Edward Fleming, interim Board Attorney was also present. Dr. Hal Mason was out of town.

I. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Motion by Dr. Jenkins, second by Dr. DeWitt, to adopt the agenda, was approved 3-0.

II. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1. Appointment of legal representation regarding lawsuit filed by Mrs. Webb

Mr. Fleming advised that defendants had been named in a civil lawsuit served on

February 4, 1999, stemming from alleged actions that flow from the duties that current and former School Board Members as well as School District agents performed or did not perform under the allegations during the course of performing duties and employment for the School District. The defendants named were current School Board Members Hal Mason, Elmer Jenkins, and John DeWitt; former School Board Members Barbara Morris and Jim Bailey; Linda West, Administrative Secretary to the Board; Lou Ray, former Board Attorney; Superintendent Jim May; Joe Hammons, Attorney to the Superintendent; and Dick Schoditsch, Assistant State Attorney. It was noted that the Superintendent will be represented by Joe Hammons. Mr. Fleming recommended referral to Risk Management for the selection of attorney or attorneys to defend the remaining defendants with the exception of Dick Schoditsch, Assistant State Attorney, who will arrange for his own defense. Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt and seconded by Dr. Jenkins to accept the attorney's recommendation. After discussion, Dr. DeWitt called the question. The vote to call the question was approved 3-1 with Mrs. Webb voting NO. Mrs. Stidham called for the vote and the motion was approved 3-1 with Mrs. Webb voting NO.

III. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Dr. DeWitt, second by Dr. Jenkins, to adjourn, the time being 9:09 a.m., was unanimously approved.

Attest: Approved:

_______________________________ ________________________________

Superintendent Interim Chairman