The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Presentations Workshop Meeting at 9:04 a.m., in the Board Room at the Administrative Building, 215 West Garden Street, with the following present:

Chairman: Dr. Hal Mason (entered the workshop at 9:12 a.m.)

Vice Chairman: Mrs. Cary Stidham

Members: Dr. John DeWitt

Dr. Elmer Jenkins

Mrs. Vanette Webb (entered the workshop at 9:33 a.m.)

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mrs. Stidham chaired the workshop which was called to order at 9:04 a.m. Mr. Edward Fleming, Interim Board Attorney, was not present.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. May thanked staff for giving the following presentations which were aligned with the

District Strategic Aims.

PRESENTATION: PEER HELPERS EDUCATION PROGRAM

Mrs. Sam Taylor, Peer Program Developer, presented an outline which was discussed by various presenters as follows:

A. Community Partners and Projects

Pearl Nelson Center Lori Douglas

City of Pensacola Recreation Donna Howell

Think First Terry Henry

American Lung Association Patsy Malley, Regional Director

Sacred Heart Hospital Lisa Masterson, Coordinator, Smoking Cessation (could not be present)

Tate High School Student Jeremy Gaheimer

Mental Health Association Karen Garber, Chief Executive Officer

Community Drug and Alcohol Council DeMarcus Smith

B. Peer Programs Handouts were distributed and training and topics included:

Communication Skills Healthy Relationships

Attending Skills Family Dynamics

The Art of Facilitation Eating Disorders

Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills Suicide Prevention

Crisis Intervention Depression

Anger Management Griefwork

Stress Management Violence Prevention

Drug Prevention/Intervention Group Dynamics

Abusive Relationships Safety Training

Peer Sponsors including Sally Arnold, Escambia High; Guy Beard, Pensacola High; and Mary Vickory, Tate High were recognized. Students currently participating in the peer program, Ms. Karina Ranachinur and Ms. Rani Walker, addressed the Board, as well as former peer program participant, Ms. Kristen McCoy.

PRESENTATION: Y2K UPDATE

Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technological Systems and MIS, reported that student records

and payroll have been addressed and will bring a scheduling package on line in May. Additional models will be tested throughout the year with Year 2000 dates.

PRESENTATION: TELEVISING BOARD MEETINGS

Ms. Barbara Frye, Coordinator, Information Services, provided handouts outlining various

options for televising Board meetings. After discussion, there was consensus to add this item to the agenda for consideration at the April 29, 1999, Board meeting.

III. ADJOURNMENT

Prior to adjournment, Dr. Mason also recognized representatives from the Sheriff's Department who discussed safety factors involving public schools.

The workshop adjourned at 11:30 a.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

_________________________ ___________________________

Superintendent Chairman