The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 9:07 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

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

Dr. Mason called the workshop to order at 9:07 a.m. Mr. Edward Fleming, interim Board Attorney, was also present. Dr. Mason welcomed Mrs. Maureen George who will begin employment as School Board Attorney in June.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent listed additions and deletions to the agenda.

The following items were moved forward:

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

4. Item from the Board - Value Adjustment Board - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason introduced Mr. Mike Bass, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners,

as well as Mr. Chris Jones, Property Appraiser, and Mr. David Tucker, County Attorney. Mr. Jones spoke regarding the Value Adjustment Board which is made up of the School Board and County Commission Members to review petitions of property owners when they contest value, and he asked that consideration be given to utilizing a special master as provided in Florida Statute 144.035. After discussion, Dr. Mason stated that the Board will consider action at the meeting to authorize staff to work with the county to develop an interlocal agreement to allocate funding for purposes of utilizing a special master for Value Adjustment Board matters.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

25. Collaborative School Improvement Plan developed by The State Department of Education and the School District related to Spencer Bibbs and A. A. Dixon Elementary Schools.

Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction,

introduced Ms. Andrea Willet, Director of School Improvement, Department of Education (DOE), and noted that this report was contingent upon the A+ Bill being signed by the Governor. He advised that the accountability reports indicating performance level of schools have not been officially presented yet but two schools (A. A. Dixon and Spencer Bibbs Elementary Schools) that were designated as critically low by state standards will probably be on this list again. In efforts to be proactive, it was noted that Jane Sellman, Team Leader, DOE Office of School Improvement, had worked with Linda Scott, Principal of Spencer Bibbs, and Judy Ladner, Principal of A. A. Dixon, as well as Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, in formulating collaborative plans. Mr. Pettis noted that

School Improvement Plans were presented previously, and on June 22, 1999, it will be necessary to address the State Board of Education on the status report of what is being done. He asked that the Board go on record at the Board meeting to state that this collaboration is important, appropriate, and the Board supports that. Mr. Pettis provided an executive summary in writing to the Board. Ms. Willet advised that they were recommending a few additions to the currently adopted School Improvement Plans at both Spencer Bibbs and A. A. Dixon in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics, and will address comprehensiveness of programs and attending to those students who are not managing to score at the new FCAT level of two or above on the individual student scores. She asked that the Board review the recommendations for inclusion into the School Improvement Plans as ideas that need to be expanded upon and allow continued work with the schools and the district in a cooperative collaboration and partnership. Dr. Jenkins discussed concerns regarding the definition of "low-performing" schools and requested that consideration be given to changing that terminology. Mr. May reported that on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) testing this year, A. A. Dixon had an NCE gain of four, and Spencer Bibbs had an NCE gain of six. Mr. Pettis noted concerning both plans, the law requires notification to parents of their options relative to vouchers or opportunity scholarships within the public setting and otherwise.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

This item was not discussed.

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

A. Instructional

8. Special Requests

8) Request approval for Stephen Brasher, Guidance Counselor and Fred Robbins, vocational teacher at ESEAL to be twelve-month employees for the 1999-2000 school year.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning the rationale for guidance counselors working

through July and August. Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human

Resources, noted this is the second year that has been done. She added that a different grading system was developed last year and the counselors are able to make sure that the records are up-to-date and bring closure on the year's work mainly for the seniors. Dr. DeWitt spoke concerning the need for guidance counselors not only for high schools but also for intersession, and he suggested that consideration be given during the upcoming budget process.

9) Request approval of contract for legal services for Steve Baker, Attorney for the Risk Management Trust.

Dr. Mason asked for input from the Board Attorney as to replacing the language "Risk Manager" with "Board Attorney." Mr. Fleming advised that policy had established that the in-house attorney would be responsible for oversight of School District lawyers in that regard.

Mr. Charles Griffin, Director of Risk Management, advised that there would be bills that would have to be paid coming through the Risk Management Office.

Dr. Mason requested input with reference to contractual language regarding

attorneys, and Mr. Fleming advised that if the attorney is pulled into a lawsuit as a result of being an agent of the School Board; i.e., it was not outside of his role as a Board Attorney then the School District would have the duty to provide a defense with or without a provision in the contract.

18) Request approval of contract for professional services between the Escambia County School District and Joy Frank & Associates from July 1, 1999, through June 30, 2000.

Mrs. Stidham requested input concerning lobbying services. Mr. May advised that Ms. Frank, an attorney who lives in Tallahassee, is employed in a cooperative agreement with Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Escambia Counties to provide lobbying services. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Comptroller, also commented that the lobbyist is beneficial in terms of providing up-to-date information and immediate feedback on issues.

20) Request approval to establish the job description of Director of Staff Development/ Coordinator of FDLRS (Pilot Model) on the administrative salary schedule. Request further that Sarah Armstrong be appointed to that position as part of a Pilot Model effective July 1, 1999. Also request approval to revise the job description of Director/Affirmative Action on the administrative salary schedule and that Elvin McCorvey be appointed to that position effective July 1, 1999. The positions, as indicated in the Personnel Planning Document, Director of Staff Development and Coordinator of FDLRS will remain vacant for the 1999-2000 school year. (See Proposal for Unifying Staff Development District-Wide)

Dr. DeWitt requested further explanation and was advised that Ms. Armstrong will continue as the FDLRS Coordinator, as well as assuming additional duties in staff development (on a temporary basis for one year) to try to consolidate positions at a reduced cost of about $38,000.

VI. FINANCE

Ms. Barbara Linker, Director of Budgeting, presented a change to the budget

amendment.

VII. PURCHASING

Dr. Mason noted the occurrence of computer replacements and was advised by Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technological Systems and MIS, that the old 286 computers were put in surplus.

5. Unauthorized Purchase of a Baritone Saxophone made by Wedgewood Middle School

Mr. Richard Ezell, Principal, advised concerning purchase of the saxophone that an advance prepayment request was done and should have been a hard copy requisition. Dr. Mason commented that "decentralized" site decision-making is involved and he expressed that he would like to see the criteria and training strengthened for site managers.

15. Switchgear Replacement at O. J. Semmes Elementary School (Facilities Planning)

Dr. Mason inquired concerning the project manager referenced in the backup

material. Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, stated that a request had been submitted to Human Resources for the vacant position to be upgraded or examined by Civil Service and once Civil Service makes a determination, it will be brought to the Board for decision.

17. Construction of the New K-5 Westside Elementary School (Elementary School "L") (Facilities Planning)

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Stidham, Mr. Kirchharr advised that A. E. New was the

low bidder at $78 a square foot, about $8 of which is site work. Dr. Jenkins asked that consideration be given to retaining minority contractors on the site work.

24. Change Order #10 to Purchase Order #162826 (Whitesell-Green Inc.) (Facilities Planning)

Dr. Mason requested further explanation regarding design changes with electrical

outlets and water piping. Mr. Kirchharr advised that some of these issues involve items which they have been trying to settle with the contractor for months relative to price or number of days requested for contract extension. Due to the on-going series of disputes between the contractor and architect, the Board Attorney had indicated that there may be an opportunity to recover costs later on a number of issues.

Mr. Fleming recommended that staff keep track of any delays or additional expenses related to tile work that was specified by the architect.

46. Professional Services Contract for Seminar for (100) District Employees (Staff Development)

Dr. Mason requested further explanation. Mr. May stated that 100 employees were scheduled to participate at a cost of about $75 per person per day for in-service training by Dr. David Langford to align the entire district with the Strategic Aims and Mission Statement. The funding was provided out of last year's budget for in-service and had been planned as part of the continuous improvement process for a number of years.

52. Qualified Plan and Agreement Approval (Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs)

Mr. Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, advised that a change was forthcoming on the contract amendment.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

Dr. Mason asked if there were plans to close and consolidate Allie Yniestra

Elementary School. Mr. May stated that there were no plans in that regard, and he noted that Yniestra is one of the highest performing schools, has a 99 percent free/reduced lunch rate, and has served as a model school for the district in continuous improvement training.

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

2. MISCELLANEOUS

b. PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING

Request Board approval of the Master Contract with Bosek, Gibson &

Associates/TECO.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Jenkins, Mr. Kirchharr advised that the performance

contract would cover a 12-year period, and Florida Statute allows up to 20 years. The contract will cover a number of lighting projects with some projects that are very capital intensive such as chiller replacement and duct work. There will be an annual review as part of the contract.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Mr. Ellis Oswald, Marketing Manager, Gulf Power Company, asked that the Board review the contract further.

2) Mr. Frank Bosek, with Bosek Gibson and Associates, addressed the Board in support of the contract and program to make the learning environment better.

3) Mr. Richard Lott, with Miller, Canfield, Bond Counsel, advised that the project as presently structured would be a lease-purchase arrangement.

4) Mr. Frank Lovelace, Program Manager, Bosek Gibson and Associates, advised that there is a correlation between improved lighting in schools and improved test scores.

5) Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, commented that one of the considerations of the Finance Committee was that some of the work could be accomplished in the summer so it did have some immediacy.

Upon request of Mrs. Stidham, Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Comptroller, provided

clarification concerning cost comparisons. Mr. Fleming commented that he would follow up with Facilities staff on the form of the contract due to ambiguities as to how the monies would be split up.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

There was no discussion on this item.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

There was no discussion on this item.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

3. Approval of School Infrastructure Thrift (SIT) Award Application Form (Charter School) - Beulah Academy of Science.

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Stidham, Ms. Sherry Bailey, Coordinator, Beulah

Academy of Science, stated that the charter school had opted for 35 percent instead

of a 50/50 split of the award to offset any detrimental impact on Wedgewood Middle School. It was noted that those dollars will have to be spent in capital outlay projects. Dr. Jenkins requested information on the minority representation and percentage of black students enrolled.

4. Approval of Amendments to Master Contract between The School District of Escambia County and The Escambia Education Association, Article IX, Professional Assessment and Development, including the Professional Educators Growth System (PEGS) and Implementation Guidelines.

Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, reported that

preliminary indications are in support of ratification in the range of 65 percent in favor and 35 percent opposed, and he encouraged the Board to ratify the agreement.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Mr. May noted concerning Item Number 22 (Student Number 99-206-521), that a

Request for Formal Hearing had been submitted.

31. Discussion/clarification concerning designation of honorary Student School Board

Member; i.e., procedure for selection, length of service.

Dr. DeWitt suggested having two or three students from all of the high schools set up a Student Advisory Committee to serve as a standing committee of the Board. He suggested that a Board Member could chair the committee. Dr. Jenkins expressed that the student representation should be reflective of the ethnic makeup of the student body of those schools. Dr. Mason stated that he and the Superintendent supported this concept and that he had asked the Superintendent to look at what larger School Districts in the southern part of the state are doing and develop guidelines that are representative of the community.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

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

Mr. Bob Husbands, Finance Committee Member, advised that the committee

had reviewed the issue of performance contracting. He announced that committee meeting dates will change to the third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.

2. Curriculum & Instruction & Transportation:

A. Informational Report from Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Curriculum

Dr. Jenkins reported that the committee had met recently and determined that

committee members would not have the time or resources to do a study on year-round schools and suggested coming up with criteria to be used in having the study done by an independent agency. Dr. DeWitt noted that the Technology Committee had provided input relative to developing an RFP. Dr. Jenkins stated that members of the committee had volunteered to work on that.

B. Informational Report from Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Technology

Dr. DeWitt announced that the Technology Committee will meet this afternoon.

6. Item from the Board - Year-Round Schools - Dr. Mason

Mr. Joe Virgilio, 8644 Westview Lane, Pensacola, Florida, 32514, asked that the

Board reconsider implementation of year-round school after completion of the study on year-round. Dr. Mason stated that his concern was the cost factor. Dr. Mason requested input from the Board Attorney, and Mr. Fleming advised that the issue of whether to go to year-round school is a policy matter and how to implement that would be an administrative matter. Opting to participate in a pilot program to extend

the school year would be a policy decision. Mr. May commented that the largest issue is financial with a computed cost of over $3,000,000 to go to year-round schedule as a district. Mr. May also discussed changes in legislative funding and advised that he will be in contact with the Governor's Office as to the possibility of obtaining additional funding in the amount of $1,300,000 for intersessions.

7. Item from the Board - Lights for Woodham High School Baseball Field - Dr. DeWitt

Dr. DeWitt advised that the Boosters Club at Woodham had raised approximately $75,000 to build the lights for the baseball field and had asked that the Board designate $47,000 from the 1999-2000 Two-Mil Levy money for Woodham for the purpose of purchasing lights for the baseball field so that work can begin. Dr. DeWitt stated that he will make a motion at the Board meeting in that regard. Mrs. Stidham inquired concerning the impact on other projects at Woodham. Mr. Kirchharr stated that the Assistant Principal had provided a memorandum indicating this was one of the minor projects that they had requested. Mr. May advised that the district currently has five out of seven tracks that need to be refurbished in the next year or two or programs may have to be canceled. He recommended that the Board loan the money to Woodham High School with an agreement to repay within the appropriate time frame. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Comptroller, advised that the loan would have to be structured for repayment in one year.

8. Item from the Board - Request by School Board Secretary for Payment of Legal Expenses - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason requested input from the Board Attorney. Mr. Fleming stated that defense was provided to the Board Secretary, Mrs. Linda West, in the civil case and a bill was submitted to Risk Management which was paid to Charles Peppler, Mrs. West's private counsel. The civil case was billed separately, paid for, and defense has been provided. This request involves expenses related to the Board Secretary being put under suspicion of violating public records law by accusations that were being made against her such that she feared possible criminal indictment herself, and also felt that with Mrs. Webb being a Board Member and being her employer, that she was under some pressure or tension from a conflict between her and one of her five employers, even though the Board as an entity is actually her employer. Dr. Jenkins expressed that the Board Secretary is entitled to have that paid by the district because all of this occurred during her working time being the School Board Secretary and it was not brought on her own outside of school business. Mr. Fleming expressed concern as to the possibility of setting a precedent for employees being able to seek legal counsel concerning their conflicts with a supervisor without any prior Board approval. Mr. Fleming stated that he was going to confer with Charles Peppler, Mrs. West's private counsel, as to the possibility of differentiating this so that it is not inconsistent with other policies.

Mrs. Linda West, School Board Secretary, addressed the Board and stated that she had followed protocol by means of verbal and written requests concerning this matter. Dr. DeWitt noted that the Board Secretary had consistently asked for legal help in writing by memorandum to the Board Chairman. Dr. Jenkins concurred. Mr. Fleming recommended that if the Board deemed it prudent to pay the legal fees, he would recommend asking the Board Secretary for a release from any potential action that would have been the result of underlying events. Dr. Mason noted that the new School Board Attorney, Mrs. Maureen George, can also address this issue in terms of drawing up policy.

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 12:25 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

________________________ __________________________

Superintendent Chairman