The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 9:02 a.m., in the Board Room at the Administrative Building, 215 West Garden Street, with the following present:

Chairman: Dr. Hal Mason Vice Chairman: Mrs. Cary Stidham

Members: Dr. John DeWitt

Dr. Elmer Jenkins

Mrs. Vanette Webb

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mrs. Stidham chaired the workshop which was called to order at 9:02 a.m.

Mr. Edward Fleming, interim Board Attorney, joined the workshop in progress at 11:00 a.m.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent listed additions and deletions to the agenda. Dr. Jenkins

added a follow-up item under XII.  Items from the Board - Incentive Package for Hiring Minorities and Male Teachers.

The following items were moved forward:

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

2. MISCELLANEOUS:

e. SPRING STREET PROPERTY REQUEST

Request Board approval of request by Barry Evans, County Administrator to

place a portable building on the Spring Street property for the use of the Property Appraiser.

Mr. Dan Church, Property Appraiser's Office, asked for permission from the Board to place a portable building on the Spring Street property on a temporary basis due to a crisis in space needs, and the county will cover costs of placing and removing the building. Mr. May stated that administration and Facilities Planning supported the request.

VII. PURCHASING

39. Qualified Plan, RFP #35-99 (Finance and Business Affairs)

Mr. Wallace Odom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs,

presented staff recommendation for award of RFP to ABR (Benefits Services, Inc.), employee benefits provider, to provide a qualified retirement plan which allows the School District to decide what excess level of accumulated unused sick leave and/or vacation leave can be converted into the plan. The money converted into the plan is held in a special trust fund separate from School District assets and the district would decide the funding level each year. Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Gene Armond, ABR representative, stated that the plan is tax exempt and would be revenue neutral in that there would be a net operational savings (of FICA and workers compensation tax) that the School District would normally have to pay out with payroll.

FOLLOW-UP ON ITEMS FROM MARCH 25, 1999 BOARD MEETING

Dr. Mason stated that at the March Board Meeting, Ms. Phyllis Lubbers, President, American Association of University Women (AAUW), had informed the Board regarding concerns of middle school students as expressed at a session held by AAUW in November, 1998. Mrs. Webb stated that Deputy Superintendent Jerome Watson had conveyed that he had met with Ms. Lubbers and requested that the School District be notified as to specific concerns and he is monitoring that.

Dr. Mason asked if Mr. Darriel White, Court Liaison, had conferred with Santa Rosa County regarding expulsion issues. Mr. White responded that he had talked by telephone on several occasions with his counterpart in Santa Rosa regarding expulsion procedures and did not recommend any changes to the Board at this time.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1. Informational Report from Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Finance

Mr. R. N. Dunagan, Member of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) on

Finance, advised that a meeting was held on April 13, 1999, and the committee made recommendations relative to language in VII.42 (Contract for Management/ Organizational Study for Escambia County School District). The committee recommended deletion of the last sentence in paragraph 11 so that MGT findings will not be delayed because of the need to incorporate a response from management. Also in paragraph 11, committee recommended deletion in the fourth sentence of the phrase "including preliminary and tentative findings to project manager on biweekly basis minimum" inserting the word "biweekly" so that the last sentence of paragraph 11 would read "MGT will provide biweekly updates on the progress of the study."

He noted with regard to the Audit Planning and Review Committee, the Finance Committee had voted to recommend that the Internal Auditor report to an Audit Planning and Review Committee made up of five certified Internal Auditors or CPAs with one member appointed by the School Board, one by the Superintendent, one by the PTA, one by the local chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors, with the School Board Member acting as the initial interim chairman; those four would choose a fifth member, similarly qualified and then elect a chairman for a first term.

Mr. Dunagan also reported that the Finance Committee had voted to recommend that no multi-year administrative contracts be executed until the MGT management and organizational study is completed.

Mr. May stated that administration supported the recommended changes concerning the audit committee. Regarding length of time for multi-year contracts, he stated that he would not be comfortable with the committee recommendation and that there is case law and state law that would be supportive of that. Mrs. Stidham asked that Mr. Hammons confer with Mr. Fleming upon his arrival. Mr. Joe Hammons, Attorney to the Superintendent, stated the question (as to whether the Board can change the Superintendent's recommendation of a term) has been resolved by the First District Court of Appeal in the case of Green vs. School Board of Hamilton County, which says that a School Board cannot amend a Superintendent's recommendation as to the duration of a contract proposed to be awarded to a nominee. He noted that by law the Superintendent can recommend up to three years and is recommending two. Mrs. Webb expressed that a March 1998 presentation by Dr. Wayne Blanton, Executive Director, Florida School Board Association, rendered a different interpretation. Mr. Hammons stated that the law has not changed and there have been no cases changing that. Dr. Mason asked if the Board could postpone for a valid reason. Mr. Hammons stated that the Board is required to act on the contracts (recommending appointments) no later than three weeks from the end of the Legislative session. Mrs. Webb stated that she may suggest the possibility of a waiver pending the budgetary process and upcoming MGT study as just cause on that. She stated that she would ask the Board Secretary

to provide copies of Florida Statute 231.001 and the transcript from the March 1998 presentation by Dr. Blanton.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Ms. Karen Dany, Member of the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Finance, expressed that recommendations may be presented by MGT for realignment, which is why the committee had recommended no annual contracts at this point, and the management study should be completed by August.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

A. Permission to Advertise

2. School Board Rule 6Gx17-2.37 SELF-REPORTING OF ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS BY EMPLOYEES

Dr. Mason inquired concerning language supplied by the state. Mr. Hammons

responded that employees have to notify the district if they have been arrested. Dr. Mason discussed concerns regarding a faulty case due to drug testing. Mrs. Webb stated that the notification procedures (within three days after the drug report) were not followed, so the employee had the right to be retested. Mr. Hammons stated that an employee cannot be terminated without Board approval and that particular employee was recommended to the Board for termination based on that particular drug test. He stated that he would provide information as to when the Board approved that.

B. Permission to Adopt

1. Public Hearing and adoption of School Board Rule 6Gx17-1.07 AUDIT PLANNING AND REVIEW COMMITTEE

Dr. DeWitt commented that language in the last paragraph was different

from what the Citizens' Advisory Committee on Finance had recommended (that the School Board would appoint a member). Mr. Sam Scallan, Director of Internal Auditing, noted that the draft was approved by the Board in February for advertising. He stated that he would provide a revised draft of that language to concur with Finance Committee recommendations.

3. School Board Rule 6Gx17-4.02 SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

Dr. Mason asked if this provides for the self evaluation as required by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, advised that this is required by state law and the self evaluation is a mandate of federal and state law. Dr. Mason asked if the Board was represented in the self evaluation process. Mr. Pettis responded that this is not a Board committee; it is an administrative procedure directed by OCR. Dr. Mason requested that a representative be included for handicapped. Mr. Pettis stated that would be added. Mrs. Webb stated concerning the committee that Board input is needed, with notification as to when they are meeting, operating in compliance with the Sunshine Law and School Board Rules. Mr. Pettis stated that the district is not in violation of federal or state procedure, nor with School Board policy and that OCR had indicated that it is the Superintendent's Office in districts throughout the country who serve as their liaison. This has to be done to track federal law, and it the Superintendent's responsibility to see that it is carried out. Mr. Pettis stated that staff is putting together a response to OCR and will provide updates to the Board as the process continues. Mrs. Stidham asked that notification of meetings be provided to Board Members in case they wish to attend. Mr. Pettis asked Mr. Malcolm Thomas, Office of Exceptional Student Education (ESE), to provide notification to Board Members.

Mrs. Webb also discussed concerns regarding the monthly expenditures on legal services and expressed her concern that there is no avenue that informs the Board on ESE and Special Education issues. Dr. DeWitt noted that Ms. Maureen George, who will serve as the new attorney for the School Board, is known as one of the best special education attorneys in the country. Mr. Charles Griffin, Director of Risk Management, advised that quarterly reports are provided to the Board on the outstanding cases and shows those that have been closed since the last report.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Ms. Karen Dany, Member of the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Finance, obtained clarification concerning committee makeup.

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

Discussion was held concerning Cooperative Agreements with School Boards of Baldwin County, Alabama, and Escambia County, Alabama (See Items IX.10 and IX.11).

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

A. Instructional

8. Special Requests

(4) Adoption of Calendars

After discussion with Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Mrs. Stidham requested that staff provide several options for Spring Break as discussed for the 1999/2000 school year calendar including April 3-7 with April 21 (Good Friday) off; Dr. DeWitt's proposal for the week of Good Friday with Memorial Day as a paid holiday; the week of Good Friday with the Monday following Easter off; and the fourth original scenario as presented. Ms. Sims advised that Memorial Day (moving from an unpaid to a paid day off) would have serious ramifications which would be a collaborative bargaining issue. Ms. Gloria Johnson, Director of Payroll, stated that she would provide an analysis of the cost factors. She noted that efforts are being made to redo the whole process to have a two-year calendar in the future. Ms. Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, advised that one of the concerns expressed by parents regarding year-round involved having intersession in March, where students would be back in school a week or two and then be out for Spring Break.

Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, stated there was not concern or objection on the part of the Association in terms of changing Spring Break, but would caution as to just leaving Good Friday as a standalone holiday.

(5) Request approval to establish the following job descriptions on the professional salary schedule:

(a) ESE School Health Registered Nurse (RN)

(b) Central Inventory/Textbook Control Manager

(c) Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools

(d) Systems Support Technician III

(e) Systems Support Telephone Technician III

(f) Operations Coordinator

(g) Senior Auditor

(h) Coordinator of School Medicaid Services

(i) Security & Educational Data Specialist to replace one position of Educational Data

Specialist in MIS

(6) Request approval of revisions to the job descriptions on the administrative salary schedule:

(a) Special Assistant for School/Community Services to read Associate Superintendent

(b) Deputy Superintendent

(c) Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Business Affairs

(d) Court Liaison

(e) Director of Alternative Education

(f) Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education

(g) Director of Grants Management

(h) Director of Instructional Technology

(i) Director of Payroll Accounting/Department Head

(j) Director of Secondary School Education

(k) Director of Technological Systems & Management Information

(l) Director of Chapter I Activities to read Director of Title I and Related Activities

7) Request approval of revisions to the job descriptions on the professional salary schedule:

(a) Administrative Recording Secretary

(b) Administrative Secretary for Staff Services

(c) Coordinator/Safety, Health and Environmental Operations

(d) Director of Planning

(e) Financial Analyst - Comptroller to read Financial Analyst

(f) Financial Analyst to read Financial Analyst - Risk Management Accounting

(g) Mger, Telecommunications & Automated Office System to read Manager, Telecommunications

(h) Senior Systems Programmer

(i) Data Support Technician (SEMS) to read Substitute Employment Management System (SEMS) Technician

(j) Data Control Technician/Food Services to read Inventory Control Technician - Food

Services

8) Request approval to abolish the job description of Data Control Clerk and establish the following job descriptions on the professional salary schedule:

(a) Data Control Clerk - Transportation

(b) Data Control Clerk - Maintenance

(c) Data Control Clerk - Property Control

(d) Inventory Control Clerk - Inventory and Warehouse Operations

(e) Inventory Control Clerk - Food Services

9) Request approval to establish the job descriptions on the administrative salary schedule:

(a) Subject Area Specialist - Intervention Services, ESE.

(b) District Coordinator of Adult and Community Education

10) Request approval to abolish the job description of Vocational Education Specialist and establish the following job descriptions on the administrative salary schedule:

(a) Applied Technology Specialist (Business Technology Education)

(b) Applied Technology Specialist (Technology Education/Agriculture)

(c) Applied Technology Specialist (School-to-Work)

(d) Applied Technology Specialist (Family & Consumer Sciences Education)

11) Request approval of Department Personnel Planning Document for the 1999-2000 Fiscal Year.

12) Request approval to establish the job description of School Board Attorney on the administrative salary schedule.

13) Request approval to establish the job description of Legal Assistant on the professional salary schedule.

Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, noted that forty-four (44) job descriptions were submitted for approval at the April Board meeting. Among those included five new positions (two previously approved positions -- School Board Attorney and Legal Assistant; a new position of Subject Area Specialist; Coordinator of School Medicaid Services; and one Senior Auditor). Ms. Sims also presented a summary package of the personnel planning document. Mrs. Rita Scallan, Financial Analyst, provided information regarding cost savings due to elimination of positions, replacement of upper level positions with lower level positions, and elimination of temporary bus aides currently funded from the General Fund to create eight permanent positions which will be funded from a special revenue fund. It is expected that the proposed position of Coordinator of School Medicaid Services will be reimbursed. Upon inquiry from Dr. Jenkins, Mr. Pettis verified that eight (8) of the temporary bus aides who have worked longer for the district (back to 1992) will become permanent employees and the others will remain temporary.

Dr. Mason discussed the possibility of postponing consideration of new positions, eliminating old positions, changing job descriptions, and multi-year contracts in order to maintain flexibility to look at the results of the management study after it is completed. Mr. May stated that the concern is not that the School Board has the right to either approve or disapprove new positions. The concern is in terms of the Superintendent recommending two-year contracts for personnel, which is not within the prerogative of the School Board to say yes or no unless they have good cause, specifying the persons. State law requires that by three weeks after close of the legislative session, which is April 30, 1999, that those determinations have been made. After discussion, Mr. Fleming stated that he would confer with Mr. Joe Hammons, Attorney to the Superintendent, for report back to the Board.

Regarding out-of-field teachers, Dr. Mason asked the Superintendent if there was any instance where a student might lose credit in the case of a non-credentialed teacher. Mr. May stated there was not.

VI. FINANCE

2. Check Register for the month of March, 1999.

Mrs. Webb commented that she had requested backup on particular documents under the Risk Management Trust Fund, and this month she was given some of the backup on those items. She expressed that under the law, the School Board has the right to inspect those records at all times. Mr. May noted that certain records fall under privacy act information.

Mrs. Webb inquired concerning research on the part of Mr. Joe Hammons, Attorney to the Superintendent, regarding review of contracts as to form for Yniestra, Pleasant Grove, and Hallmark Elementary School construction contracts. Mr. Fleming stated that he was involved in court cases during that time frame and had deferred to Mr. Hammons.

Mrs. Webb stated that in reviewing the check register this month, Mr. Hammons was paid over $11,000 out of the Risk Management Trust for March, and she requested that the Board be given notification when litigious issues are raised. Mr. Griffin stated that these are workers compensation cases in litigation.

5. Statement from Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) for 1999-2000 annual dues.

Dr. Mason stated that at the last Board meeting, he was asked to contact FSBA regarding the 50% dues increase and that he had talked to Dr. Wayne Blanton, Executive Director, Florida School Board Association, who indicated they had experienced reduction in funds from the Florida Legislature. He spoke in favor of paying the dues and stated that a letter was provided listing areas where they had tried to reduce expenses.

7. Budget Amendments.

Dr. DeWitt inquired concerning transfer of funds in the general ledger ($151,000

increase in guidance services, and $353,000 taken out of operational plant). Ms. Barbara Linker, Director of Budgeting, responded that this entry is for purposes of adjusting where the salaries are actually occurring and reducing the others accordingly. There is no change overall in salaries.

Dr. Mason requested further explanation concerning pulling $61,500 out of instructional materials (textbooks) into library books, when there are high schools with classes that have to share textbooks. He asked that Mr. Pettis take this into consideration. Dr. Mason also inquired concerning taking $37,600 from computer software and capitalizing in transportation. Ms. Linker stated that the routing software cost less than what was budgeted, but the capitalized computer and wiring needs were greater. Mr. Jerry Caine, Director, Warehouse Operations, advised that these funds were approved by the School Board last year and takes money out of that

location for redistricting purposes. He noted that all monitors bought with GIS were 19 inch monitors.

VII. PURCHASING

13. Apple Microcomputer Equipment for Brownsville Middle School

Dr. DeWitt noted that the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Technology had

reviewed these and wanted to make sure that the purchase order for IMAX 266 was updated to reflect the 366's which are out now. Mr. Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, stated that he would follow up on the cost of getting 366's.

17. File Cabinets for N. B. Cook Elementary School

Dr. Mason asked if there were criteria for purchasing 95 lateral file cabinets. Mr. Boyer stated that the decision was made by the principal and staff based on furnishings needed with building a new school. Dr. Mason requested that staff bring justification on this. Dr. Jenkins noted this is a magnet school with diverse needs for different cultural programs.

18. Annual Agreement for Moving Portables (Facilities Planning)

Dr. Mason requested further explanation. Dr. David Epperson, Assistant

Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, noted this involves physical moving of the portables from one site to another. Mr. Boyer added that this is a bid process; not many companies do this kind of work, and only one locally.

20. Pensacola High School Dining Room Renovations (Facilities Planning)

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Dr. Epperson advised that the cafeteria booths are being refurbished.

33. Gateway Microcomputer Equipment for George Stone Vocational Center

34. Gateway Microcomputer Equipment for Washington High School

35. Gateway Microcomputer Equipment for Ernest Ward Middle School

Dr. DeWitt stated that the Technology Committee had questioned going with 350 megahertz instead of 400 in that software is being developed for 400's now. Mr. Boyer stated that he would find out how much more the 400's would cost.

42. Contract for Management/Organizational Study for Escambia County School District

(Superintendent's Office)

Dr. DeWitt discussed concerns regarding Item Number 11 on the revised contract ..."that MGT shall coordinate the delivery of services with the Superintendent of Schools or his designee who will serve as the project manager who will act as point of contact for the district." Mr. Boyer stated that Mr. Wallace Odom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, serves as project manager. Dr. DeWitt expressed that he had concerns regarding numerous memos and E-Mails from Dr. Mason to representatives of the firm and was concerned about neutrality of the study because of the influence of one Board Member. Dr. Mason stated that he had made his office available in that he will be out-of-town next week and added that he also made the RFP available for review. Mrs. Webb referred to an E-Mail from MGT to Mr. Odom requesting that he forward a list of external stakeholders and community members that the district would like to see MGT interview during their on-site diagnostic the week of May 3-7, 1999, as well as a list from Dr. Mason in attempts to interview as many people as possible during that week. Dr. DeWitt requested copies of the lists.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

1) Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, expressed objection to the survey which MGT had distributed which was an interview sheet that was mailed to a random sampling of employees asking very specific questions about quality about teachers and other employees. He stated that the original intent was to look at district operations only and it was supposed to stop at the "school house door" and that did not happen. He referred to the MGT contract, subsection 1.B.3, "survey ... and within the

district, except for those positions controlled by the administration such as the allocation of custodial or food service workers, or other positions to be identified. The individual school, administration, staff, and teachers are not a part of this study."

2) Ms. Jenny Dyess, President, Escambia County Council of PTAs, requested notification in time to inform parents of any Town Hall meetings.

Mr. Boyer stated that there was debate when the RFP was developed as to whether to go to the "schoolhouse door," that is to evaluate the internal working of each individual school and it was decided in the Finance CAC and discussed that we did not want to do that and wanted it restricted to the administration and support functions, such as transportation and custodial, as the target of the study and not the schoolhouse itself specifically.

43. Turnkey Microcomputer Lab for George Stone Vocational Center

Dr. Mason asked if this was part of the original specifications on the motor home calling for ten computers. Mr. Boyer stated that it can accommodate eleven computers plus the file server.

RECESS

Vice Chairman Stidham called for a ten minute recess at 11:55 a.m. and the workshop reconvened at 12:05 p.m.

The Board returned to the following item:

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

A. Permission to Advertise

1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-1.11 LEGAL SERVICES

Dr. DeWitt inquired concerning language with regard to representing the School District and the administration in legal matters and proceedings. Mr. Fleming noted that the Superintendent has the right and it is still appropriate to have his independent legal counsel. Mrs. Webb requested amended language under Item Number 2 to insert "School Board Members."

Mrs. Webb also inquired concerning payment of the bill for Dr. DeWitt's personal attorney. Dr. DeWitt noted that was part of the lawsuit filed by Mrs. Webb and was handled by Mr. Charles Griffin, Director of Risk Management, through the Trust Fund. Mr. Griffin stated that when this matter was discussed previously with Mr. Fleming, Mr. Hammons, and others, it was determined that because each Board Member was sued individually, that according to School Board Risk Management Policy, they are entitled to representation and the district will reimburse them through their personal attorney(s). Mr. Fleming stated that the Board had chosen the lawyer, Don Partington, and at the request of Risk Management, the Board also approved the involvement of Steve Baker, and recognized the right for Mr. May to have Mr. Hammons as his counsel. Mr. Griffin noted that Mr. Partington said that each Board Member should have his or her attorney look at the lawsuit and respond to make sure their interests were represented. Dr. DeWitt asked how much had been spent to date on the lawsuit against individual Board Members, and Mr. Griffin replied approximately $30,000. Mr. Fleming also clarified that he was involved in the decisions as to whether Mr. Partington would accompany people to the depositions that were taken in the criminal matter. He stated that Mr. Partington had called him regarding a request by a Board Member concerning legal representation. He stated that he had talked with Mr. Hammons, who had accompanied Mrs. Linda West, School Board Secretary, to the deposition. He stated that Mr. Hammons had indicated that in addition to questions concerning the criminal charges, there were also questions related to the civil lawsuit; i.e., conspiracy to deprive a Board Member of their position as a Board Member. Because of the overlap between those two positions, Mr. Partington had conveyed that he wished to attend for any person who was either a critical witness or party to the civil litigation to make sure any appropriate objections were raised relative to the civil lawsuit and so that he would be advised as to the areas of inquiry and what

types of facts were being developed that could be used in the civil lawsuit. Mr. Fleming stated that he had agreed with that.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

1. FINAL PAYMENTS:

a. CANOPIES AND SIDEWALKS AT ENSLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Request final payment in the amount of $19,696.00 to Ventilated Awnings, contractor, on the above referenced project.

P. O. #188054 FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT: $19,696.00

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning,

advised that Mr. Larry Bowman, Construction Mechanic II, served as the project manager. He noted that Mr. Bowman has been filling a temporary position in the department for more than a year. Dr. Mason stated that the Board would like to be notified in such cases of temporary assignments of more than a month or two.

b. NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL "L" (NEW K-5 SCHOOL)

Request Board approval of the Phase III Construction Documents on the above referenced school for submittal to the Department of Education in Tallahassee.

Dr. Epperson reported that word has been received that the Corps of Engineers

is going to grant approval for permitting the site and will not require additional land. The contract for purchase of the property will move forward and target occupancy date for the new school is fall of 2000.

Dr. Mason inquired as to how we are proceeding on a second site on the west side. Dr. Epperson stated that a meeting is scheduled on May 12, 1999, to follow-up on Bronson Field. Mrs. Webb expressed her concern that the Bronson Field site is in a remote location, storm surge area, with an unknown environmental contamination factor. Mrs. Stidham commented that the Board received a memorandum regarding possible acquisition of Bronson Field property stating that there had been some changes. Dr. Clarence Ladner, Special Assistant for School/Community Services, advised that staff had conferred with Navy representatives who had indicated willingness to pursue it further. He also noted that it is not on a storm surge area based on information from county staff.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

5. Contract between the Escambia County School Board, Florida and the Children's Home Society of Pensacola.

6. Cooperative Agreement with the Community Action Program Committee, Inc.

Dr. Jenkins stated concerning Items 5 and 6, that he serves on the Board of Directors for both the Children's Home Society and the Community Action Program Committee, Inc.

Dr. Mason requested a no cost analysis as well as data on what we are doing now. Mr. Pettis advised that this is a cooperative agreement and provides readiness for those students coming into Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten. He noted that they pay $350 per month which is the cost of the portable, and also pay for custodial services and telephones. Dr. Mason requested an executive summary that provides assurance of what the payments will be for portable classrooms as well as what the income will be.

10. Cooperative Agreement with School Boards of Baldwin County, Alabama and Escambia County, Florida.

11. Cooperative Agreement with School Boards of Escambia County, Alabama and

Escambia County, Florida.

Concerning Item Numbers 10 and 11, Dr. Mason stated he would propose that all incoming transfers from out-of-state on the west side be denied until construction

is caught up. He expressed a greater obligation to Escambia County schools than Baldwin County schools. Mr. Ireland Brock, Director, Pupil Instructional Support Services, noted that the agreements under IX.10 and 11 include a provision that each request shall be considered on a space available basis in the program. Regarding placement of teachers' children, Dr. Mason asked that staff provide information relative to Hellen Caro Elementary School. He also suggested amending the agreements with reference to boundaries for classroom size. Mr. Brock noted there is a grandfathering clause for students to allow those currently enrolled to continue through their exit year. Dr. Mason stated that he would want to see extenuating circumstances, but not overload maximum class sizes for students from Alabama.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

Mrs. Stidham inquired concerning missing computers. Mr. Ray Donnelly, Manager, Property Accounting, stated that Deputy Superintendent Jerome Watson has talked with the principals and efforts are being made to locate the computers.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

1. Information: Scheduling Special Board (Presentations) Workshop for April.

After discussion, there was general consensus to hold the Special Board (Presentations) Workshop on Wednesday, April 28, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. with presentations regarding Peer Counseling programs, televising Board Meetings, and Y2K update.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS

10. Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 99-164-521 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 1998-99 school year and all of the 1999-2000 school year. It is further recommended that the student be given the option to enroll, if qualified and if space is available, in an alternative educational program exclusive of regular school placement. Placement to be at the discretion of the Superintendent and to be available as an alternative during the full expulsion time frame.

Dr. Jenkins inquired as to whether a background check was done on this student relating to possession of an explosive device on campus. Mr. May stated in those cases where weapons are involved and charges are brought against a student, they are referred to the court system.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

3. Informational Report from Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Facilities -

Mrs. Stidham

Mrs. Stidham reported that a subcommittee had checked into population growth in different areas of the county and had recommended looking at redistricting to accommodate the new school that is proposed on the west side. Mrs. Stidham stated that the committee also recommended reactivating the Attendance Zone Advisory Committee, and she will make a motion in that regard at the Board meeting. Dr. Jenkins noted that the district is still operating under the student placement dictates of the Augustus court case and when the school opens it must have the proper ethnic mix.

4. Item from the Board - Resolution for District Wide Extended School Year - Dr. DeWitt

Dr. DeWitt presented the resolution for Board consideration. After discussion, there was consensus to change the wording to do a study and look all of the issues concerning year-round school with the final vote to occur in December.

5. Item from the Board - Recommendation from Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Technology regarding E-Rate - Dr. DeWitt

Dr. DeWitt advised that this is an item for review by the Technology Committee

and that Mr. David Kellum, Director of Instructional Technology, had given a presentation advising that E-Rate legislation creates a reimbursement that sets a

uniform rate that School Districts can apply for to get money back based on money spent for communications. The rate is based on the poverty level of the School District and the estimate is approximately $432,000 that the district could get back this year. Mr. Kellum advised that legislation requires budgeting the dollars to obtain the discounted percentage at 72% the first year. Total retail costs will have to continue

to be budgeted in telecommunications, and any monies spent on voice service; i.e. dial tone, costs of data communications, money to BellSouth, AT&T high speed data lines, are eligible for the discount. Any discounts or refunds that come from that can be reinvested to generate additional dollars to go back into increasing student access to high speed data and telecommunications. Mr. Kellum stated that he had conferred with Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, in terms of having a separate budget item related to any new construction in order to address networking capabilities of classrooms and related building infrastructure needs.

6. Item from the Board - Re: Motion concerning participation of Home School Students in All-County Band - Mrs. Webb

Mrs. Webb stated that she will offer the same motion as presented by Mrs. Stidham at the February Board meeting with regard to allowing participation of Home School students in All-County Band. Dr. DeWitt stated that he will reintroduce the same motion he presented in February to change the Pupil Progression Plan to allow enrollment of home school students in the band course.

7. Item from the Board: A) Laptops for Board Members; and B) Office Help - Mrs. Webb

A) Mrs. Webb stated that she had requested last March that the district provide emulation software that would allow access to work from home and be able to have dial up capabilities with read only access. She asked that her request be reconsidered as budget preparations begin. She also requested information of the Superintendent as to how many staff members have home computers with dial in capabilities.

B) Mrs. Webb stated that it was represented to her last month that she would be getting office help. She stated that there are still office needs that she has and asked that the Board to look into providing help.

XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

There were no items submitted.

XIV. PUBLIC FORUM

There were no speakers.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 2:40 p.m. (Official

recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

________________________ __________________________

Superintendent Chairman