The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 9:27 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

Mrs. Janice Gilley

Dr. Elmer Jenkins

School Board Attorney: Mrs. Maureen George

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

Dr. Mason called the workshop to order at 9:27 a.m.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent listed additions and deletions to the agenda. Mrs. George withdrew Item XIII.1.

The following items were moved forward:

VI. FINANCE

6. School Food Services Meal Prices for 1998-99.

Mrs. Stidham inquired concerning reserves in Food Services. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, advised that prior to 1989/90 the district was funding Food Service from the General Fund and the Board had approved a methodology for Finance to calculate an increase in lunch prices each year based on the consumer price index. Starting in 1990/91 the unrestricted reserve was about $1,000,000 and since that time has increased to about $4,400,000. She noted that Food Service reserves can only be used for Food Service. Mr. May added that one of the things that will occur from this is that lunch prices will not be raised very much and that reserve will be drawn down slowly over the next two years.

VII. PURCHASING

47. Microcomputers and Peripherals for N. B. Cook Elementary School

Mrs. Stidham requested explanation from staff as to the number of computers to be moved from the old to the new facility as well as the age of the computers. Mr. Jim Branton, Instructional Technology Department, advised that Cook has 47 computers, 30 of which are obsolete Apple IIs or McIntoshes. Dr. Mason noted the request for another 300 computers. Mr. Branton stated that was correct and would provide an opportunity to create the best network in the district. Mr. May advised that the funding was part of the COP Acquisition Trust Fund associated with constructing a new school building to provide future technology needs. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, added that Cook is no longer a Title I school; therefore, computers that were purchased with Title I dollars are not transferrable to the new site and must be used at another Title I site. Ms. Shelley Cox,

Curriculum Coordinator, advised that a committee of core teachers worked with the School Advisory Council (SAC) and a joint effort was made with parents, administration and teachers at the school to address technology needs. The plan would provide computers in the library, lab, and five or six computers in each classroom in efforts to set a standard to provide one computer for every two students. Dr. DeWitt suggested looking into getting 128 MB of ram instead of 32 MB. Mr. May stated that after ordering, if there has been an upgrade, the district would get that anyway.

61. Annual Agreement Renewal: Garbage Disposal Agreement (Maintenance)

Mrs. Stidham stated that she had inquired earlier in the year when the County had added additional tax, and she asked if a waiver had been granted. Mr. Barry Boyer, Purchasing Manager, stated that he had addressed a letter to the County Commission several months ago concerning the possibility of a waiver and had never received a response. Dr. Mason noted that he will address this matter with the County Commission Chairman. Mrs. Stidham indicated that she would follow up as well. Mr. Boyer noted that the renewal agreement involves services with Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) for unincorporated areas.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

A. Permission to Advertise

1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT: ELEMENTARY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK

2. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT: SECONDARY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK

Mrs. Stidham asked if this language addressed the new law. Mr. Ireland

Brock, Director of Student Services, advised that Mr. Joe Hammons, Attorney to the Superintendent, had recommended language to address sexual harassment and the language was not as explicit for the elementary level as the secondary because of the maturity level. Dr. DeWitt asked if that complied with the Supreme Court ruling. Mrs. Maureen George, School Board Attorney, stated that the Supreme Court says that School Boards have an obligation to notify students that this kind of behavior is unacceptable, and within that obligation, the School Board could decide that the level of maturity of the students is a factor to consider as to what kind of notice to give in terms of elementary school students.

Mrs. Gilley noted that Zero Tolerance, as referenced in the handbook,

was very limited, and the proposed changes would be much more specific, district- wide, and not at the purview of the principal at each school. Mr. Brock stated that the changes would make the language more specific on zero tolerance as district policy, and principals would be obligated to report and recommend expulsion for students who violate any portion of those things designated under zero tolerance.

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

This item was not discussed.

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

A. Instructional

8. Special Requests

(10) Request approval to establish the job description for Lead Driver -

Transportation and place this position on the professional salary schedule.

Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Escambia NEA UniServ Director, commented that

the Board had previously adopted four lead driver positions in the Personnel Planning Document, and those positions were placed out of the Bargaining Unit with the

position to be on the professional pay scale. She requested that consideration be given for placement of the position in the Escambia Association of Supervisory Employees (EASE) Bargaining Unit for supervisory employees. In selecting the lead driver positions,

Dr. Jenkins asked that consideration be given as to the ethnic makeup of the bus driving force. Ms. Lawrence stated that when vacancies are filled there is an interview/selection process to determine whether or not a person is qualified for the job. Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, spoke concerning the recommendation that all four lead drivers be placed on the professional salary schedule. She noted that the positions will be advertised and the proper selection and interview procedures will be followed. Ms. Lawrence suggested that this matter be resolved through the Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) to request a unit clarification. Mr. Jerry Caine, Director of Operations, commented that the professional classification had been recommended as the most appropriate placement based on the evaluative properties of the lead driver position. Mr. May expressed that the recommendation would stand but there would be no problem going to PERC to ask for review. Dr. Mason stated that Board action would not be needed for that noting there was consensus by the Board regarding going to PERC.

11) Request approval to revise the job descriptions on the professional salary schedule:

(a) Graphic Artist

Dr. Mason requested explanation as to why the qualifications had been downgraded, eliminating the Masters degree and substituting that with five years of experience. Ms. Sims indicated that the position had not been downgraded; however, the description was made a little broader to update the language. Mr. David Kellum, Director of Instructional Technology, stated that the description was rewritten to try to bring the position up to more current levels.

VI. FINANCE

Dr. Mason noted that the new format for submission of Finance agenda items was

very helpful, and he thanked Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, and staff for implementing the new format.

4. Statements for Legal Services:

a) Edward P. Fleming, P. A. $ 12,292.80

b) Edward P. Fleming, P.A. $ 2,051.00

c) Edward P. Fleming, P.A. $ 290.25

d) Edward P. Fleming, P.A. $ 276.76

e) Edward P. Fleming, P.A. $ 135.00

f) Edward P. Fleming, P.A. $ 30.00

g) Edward P. Fleming, P.A. $ .58

h) Edward P. Fleming, P.A. $ 141.55

Dr. Jenkins inquired concerning costs for Mr. Fleming's review of about 100 contracts. It was noted that the services of Mr. Fleming, former interim Board Attorney, had ended as of Monday of last week. After discussion, Mrs. George stated that she would prepare a contract to cover overflow work on the part of Mr. Fleming.

VII. PURCHASING

1. Annual Agreement Renewal: Fresh Baked Pizza & Bread Sticks (School Food Services)

2. Annual Agreement Renewal: Slush-Type Beverages (School Food Services)

Mrs. Gilley asked if the amount of sales generated from products referenced in Item Numbers 1 and 2 could be provided. Mr. Jim Bentley, School Food Services, indicated that could be calculated from the cafeteria system CAFS software and that he would provide that figure to the Board.

5. Annual Agreement Renewal: HVAC Maintenance (Maintenance)

Dr. Mason asked if there were HVAC mechanics on staff. Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, stated that there are HVAC maintenance personnel; however, the contract for chillers falls under

preventive (as well as routine) maintenance and the contract would only supplement where needed.

9. Floor Covering for Pine Meadow Elementary School (Maintenance)

Dr. Mason asked if in-house personnel could be utilized to lay carpet. Dr. Epperson advised that there were no in-house personnel for that and utilizing state contract was more effective and efficient.

10. Gateway Microcomputers for Ransom Middle School

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Boyer stated that this purchase included 15-inch

color monitors. Dr. Mason asked that staff advise him if any monitors larger than 17-inch are purchased.

16. Annual Contract Renewal: Legal Services - School Board Labor Counsel (Employee Services)

Upon inquiry from Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Boyer advised that this was based on the need for

special labor counsel so that the contract would be in place to be discharged at the discretion of the Board Attorney. Dr. Douglas Garber, Director of Employee Services, stated that he will confer with the Board Attorney to address contract issues and legal services. He noted this is a Tallahassee firm and the contract allows the firm to be on call if the Board Attorney so chooses to use them. Mrs. George expressed that she has expertise in the labor area as well and that there may be local firms which could be considered next year.

18. Annual Agreement Renewal: CAFS Point of Service Software Support (School Food Services)

Dr. Mason asked if this was a new agreement. Mr. Boyer noted this is for the CAFS

cafeteria software which is not new.

19. Final Payment of Navigator Software License Fee (Instructional Technology)

Dr. DeWitt inquired concerning the evaluation component and contractual

requirements. Mr. Kellum commented that the contract requirements were met and exceeded with items such as staff development, software, engineering services for developing programs to fully automate the attendance and grading process, and follow-up.

35. Bid Award: Property, Automotive/General Liability & Workers' Compensation Insurance, RFP #44-99 (Risk Management)

Dr. Mason asked staff to provide further explanation. Mr. Joe Bernard, Risk Management, advised that only one bid was received for workers compensation ($350,000 deductible for $119,000 worth of premium). He noted that in the twenty-year history of workers compensation claims, the $350,000 was only approached three times. Since that was not cost effective, the decision was made to reject the bid and maintain self-insured and self-administered status. Dr. Mason requested that a written explanation be provided in the future.

36. Annual Agreement Renewal: Maintenance and Support for IBM Mainframe Hardware and Software (Technological Systems/MIS)

Dr. DeWitt reported that the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) on Technology will review this item.

40. Change Order #27 to Purchase Order #162826 (Whitesell-Green Inc.) (Facilities Planning)

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, advised that the $2,000 figure is for the entire door, door frame and installation and involves masonry, reworking ceilings, and painting as well as the door itself to provide access to the bathroom in the Media Center. Dr. DeWitt asked if this involved the architect's oversight relative to a state mandate. Mr. Kirchharr stated that was the case in

that the state mandate had been in effect for a couple of years, and he stated that he would add this to a list of things related to oversight on the part of the architect.

49. Bid Award: Crossing Guards Services (Risk Management)

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. May clarified that this was not a new item, but did reflect a new company.

50. Change Order #2 to Purchase Order #170231 (Richard G. Lee) (Facilities Planning)

Dr. Mason asked if this involved a clerk of the works and how much money had been spent. Mr. Boyer replied that the figure was at $96,372. Dr. Mason asked if a clerk of the works was anticipated for the new west side school. Mr. Kirchharr stated that was not anticipated. Dr. Epperson clarified that utilizing a clerk of the works on future projects would also depend on the complexity of the project.

54. Bid Award: Maintenance Agreement for Refrigeration Equipment, Bid #59-99 (Central Warehouse)

Mrs. Gilley requested clarification concerning the low bid. Mr. Boyer advised that the low bidder was not responsive to one of the bid criteria (to have two certified technicians on staff capable of servicing this equipment). Based on failure to demonstrate that, the low bidder was disqualified and staff had recommended award to the second low bidder.

Mrs. Stidham left the workshop at 10:40 a.m.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

2. MISCELLANEOUS

c. TATE HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM BLEACHERS

Request Board approval to proceed with the repair work on the Tate High School stadium bleachers on an emergency basis

Dr. DeWitt discussed concerns that proceeding with this work on an

emergency basis would go against prior Board philosophy noting that bleachers at Woodham High School had been condemned and the district had loaned the money last year (to be repaid in one year) for bleacher replacement. Dr. Mason commented that the recommendation was made subsequent to Risk Management Department inspections as well as Maintenance. Dr. Epperson stated that safety inspection reports concerning the need for bleacher work were presented to the Board about three years ago as well as a budget request which the Board rejected and the situation had continued to deteriorate. Mrs. Gilley inquired concerning estimated replacement costs instead of repairs. Mr. Kirchharr stated that replacement would run at least $500,000. Dr. Epperson noted that the estimate for structural repair was $80,000. Mr. Greg Gibbs, Coordinator, Safety, Health and Environmental Operations, Risk Management, advised that the bleachers at Tate were primarily a concrete structure with seating capacity of about 2,000, compared to metal bleachers (which was much less in cost) for the work at Woodham. Dr. DeWitt spoke in favor of consistency as these projects have been treated in the past, and he suggested that the Board rank such projects with the rest of the capital improvement items and look at budgeting for tracks and tennis courts to provide consistency for all of the sports programs. Dr. Epperson stated that the bleachers could not be utilized in the condition they are in now and it would be the Board's discretion as to making a decision to proceed with the project to keep the bleachers open and have them for fall term or close down the bleachers from a safety standpoint. Mr. Kirchharr commented that closing down the bleachers would provide 2500 less seats at Tate High School for the football program next year. Mr. May added that the entire school uses the stadium as a part of total school programs.

PULLED: d. CITY AGREEMENT ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION

Request Board approval of City Agreement on Intergovernmental Coordination and Citizen Participation with the Escambia County School District.

e. JUDY ANDREWS PROPERTY EXCHANGE AGREEMENT

Request Board approval of proposed Exchange Agreement between the

Escambia County School Board and Community Equity Investments, Inc., pending receipt of legal description.

Dr. Mason requested further explanation on this item. Dr. Epperson reported that work had been done to establish clear title to the property and the county had requested that the district quit claim a parcel of land (dedicated to the School District as a park and playground area) to the county to do a housing project. Dr. Epperson stated that he and Mr. Bob Kievit, real estate attorney, had met with the representatives of this company and came to agreement that the property could be squared off and this arrangement would give the means to clear all of the title and give the School District a better utilization of property contiguous to the Judy Andrews property. There will be no cost to the district, with the attorney fees to be paid by the county. Mrs. George commented that the county had prepared a legal description referring to Judy Andrews School property as a "Negro" school property. Dr. Epperson noted that was the old legal description. Mrs. George requested that staff ask the county to rerun the legal description and take out that reference. Dr. Epperson stated that he would contact the county, and he requested Board approval subject to those changes.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

1. Cooperative agreement between the School District of Escambia County Florida and Escambia County Public Health Unit. (Dental Hygienist for all Pre-K)

2. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the Department of Juvenile Justice.

3. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Gulf Wind Council of Camp Fire, Inc.

4. Contract between the District School Board of Escambia County and Linda Harris, Consultant dba LCH Consultants.

5. Contract for Charter Agreement between Beulah Academy of Science, Inc., and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida.

6. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County and P.A.C.E. Center for Girls/Pensacola (Practical and Cultural Education).

7. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County and 100 Black Men of Pensacola, Inc.

8. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the Community Drug and Alcohol Council. (One Middle School)

9. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the Community Drug and Alcohol Council. (Two Elementary Schools)

10. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the Community Drug and Alcohol Council. (After-school Alternative to Suspension Program)

11. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the Community Drug and Alcohol Council. (Life Skills Program for adjudicated students)

12. Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the Intervention Group, Inc., dba Pensacola Academy of Success.

13. Cooperative Agreement between the School District of Escambia County Florida and Escambia County Public Health Unit. (Pre-K Early Intervention, Title I Pre-K, FRAME, Migrant Pre-K, ESE Pre-K, Florida First Start, Even Start Family Literacy and Neighborhood Network Adult Literacy/Child Care in Pensacola Village and Escambia Arms)

14. Contract between The Escambia County School Board, Florida and West Florida Child Care & Education Services, Inc. D/B/A Children's Services Center.

15. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the Community Drug and Alcohol Commission. (Substance abuse and violence prevention program)

16. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County and the Lakeview Center (The Center for Personal and Family Development).

17. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County and Pensacola Junior College (College Night).

18. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County and Winter Grace Guidance Center.

19. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County Florida & Chris A. Bailey, LMHC.

20. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County Florida & Judith Kolinsky, LMHC.

21. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County Florida and Youth Assistance Program of Northwest Florida, Inc. (Fran and Newman Gersin)

22. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County Florida and the Bay Centre for Counseling and Educational Services.

23. Charter Agreement between Escambia Charter School, Inc., and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida.

24. Contract between the District School Board of Escambia County and Altacare of Pensacola.

25. Improved Student Achievement.

26. Louis T. Camp Creative Teaching Grant Application.

27. Tobacco Prevention/Intervention Teacher Training Project.

28. Title II Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program Application.

29. Project-based Learning in High School Science and Mathematics: Building Teacher Skills and Providing Student Opportunities in Data Collection, Analysis, and Presentation.

30. School Advisory Council Guidelines Revised Edition June, 1999.

31. Educational Innovation Grant.

32. Parents to Kids.

33. Coordinated School Health Program Pilot Schools Project.

34. Florida Prekindergarten Early Intervention Program.

35. Florida First Start.

36. Title I Targeted Assistance & Schoolwide Project Grant and Title I Project Grant for Delinquent or At-Risk Students.

37. Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Grant Application.

38. Jobs and Education Partnership Region #1 ESCAROSA Career Center Memorandum of Understanding between the ESCAROSA Regional Workforce Development Board,

39. School District of Escambia County 1999-2000 Vocational Certificate, Continuing Workforce Education and Adult General Education Fees.

40. Contract Between ESCAROSA RWDB and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida Career Management Services JTPA/WIA 00-02.

Mrs. George noted that a clause in the contract may be required by the Florida

Department of Labor and that has not yet been resolved. Mrs. George expressed concern regarding another clause in the contract which would require follow-up with staff. Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director of Applied Technology and Adult Education, stated that he would confer with the Board Attorney in that regard.

41. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County and Childhood Dreams Learning Center, Inc.

42. Escambia County School District Construction Trades Youth Apprenticeship Sponsor Agreement renewal contract for Baroco Electric.

43. Supplementary Adult Education 231 Allocations-Geographical Basis.

44. Florida Department of Education, Division of Applied Technology and Adult Education Project Application Summary Carl D. Perkins Vocational & Applied Technology Education Funds.

45. 1999-2000 School Advisory Council Update.

46. School Advisory Council Nominations.

47. Escambia County (Limited English Proficient) LEP Plan.

48. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County and Hurricane Island Outward Bound School.

49. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Escambia Bay Marine Institute.

50. Start up Grant for Intervention Group, Inc. dba Pensacola Academy of Success.

51. Memorandum of Understanding between the School Board of Escambia County and CAP Head Start Program 1999-2000.

52. Memorandum of Understanding between the School Board of Escambia County and Silent Success/A Program of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Northwest Florida, Inc.

53. Amendment to Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Association for Retarded Citizens/Escambia 1998-99.

54. Cooperative Agreement between Escambia County School Board Exceptional Student Education and the Department of labor and Employment Security Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 1999-2000.

55. Cooperative Agreement between Escambia Westgate/Escambia County School Board and Special Populations/Lakeview Center, Inc. 1999-2000.

56. Parental Awareness/Knowledge of Sunshine State Standards, Local Education Reform Goals 2000 Continuation Grant Application.

57. Innovative Education Program Strategies and the New Federal Class Size Reduction of the Improving America's Schools Act, 1995 (Title VI).

58. Exceptional Student Education Federal Entitlement Grants Application: IDEA, Part B; IDEA, Part B Preschool; IDEA, Part B Discretionary.

Dr. DeWitt asked if the contracts with CDAC could be combined. He asked staff for clarification concerning overlap in services and to give a total picture of services for the benefit of the Board prior to making the budgetary commitment. Dr. Mason inquired concerning the number of contracts for drug and alcohol services and requested the evaluation component from last year. Mr. Pettis advised that the evaluations were submitted to the Board office as previously requested by the Board. He noted that not all services can be provided in-house and many of the services are funded through grant dollars. Dr. DeWitt discussed concerns regarding spending district monies (outside of grants) noting that the guidance counselors are overworked and additional staff are needed to assist with paperwork. Mr. Pettis concurred and stated that help was particularly needed at the high school level in terms of meeting mandates and fulfilling counseling needs; however, hiring the additional staff would be expensive. Mr. Pettis noted the terms of the contracts and for the following year staff could negotiate one or two months earlier if that is what the Board directed. Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, spoke concerning safe and drug-free schools grant components noting these monies are not discretionary and have to be spent on prevention programs related to alcohol, tobacco, drug, and violence prevention, and there is some overlap in services. He clarified that there are separate contracts with CDAC due to separate services and different fund sources. He noted that more complete evaluations are due to be submitted by June 30, and those will be provided to the Board. Dr. Garth Grove, Guidance, spoke concerning the need for multiple providers in order to address needs involving families and psychiatric services which can be a very involved process. Before doing outpatient services now, a school is required to provide documentation that a counselor has seen that child, a child study team is involved and interventions are being done within school confines and then any appropriate outpatient services would be recommended. He noted that success stories have been documented of intervention through outpatient services.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

There was no discussion on this item.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Jenkins noted that as of July 1, Mr. Elvin McCorvey will have a different title related to EEO and Affirmative Action, and as such it would be preferable that he report to the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent rather than an Assistant Superintendent. Mr. May asked Ms. Sims to address changing to whom Mr. McCorvey reports, preferably to the Superintendent.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

NOTES: Item Number 16 (student number 99-230-281), Request Formal Hearing

Item Number 33 (student number 99-255-411), Request Formal Hearing

Mr. May noted recommendations for 31 total expulsions, with 2 requesting formal hearing. Mrs. Gilley requested clarification on the Board's ability to modify recommendations, noting that these numbers can go up if the Board changes the Zero Tolerance Policy. Mr. May discussed due process procedures and conveyed that Mr. Darriel White, Court Liaison, was also available to address any specific questions.

34. Report concerning research/designation of honorary Student School Board Member or Student Advisory Committee.

Mrs. Linda English, Secretary to the Superintendent, informed the Board that 25 out of 67 Florida counties had provided input and 22 of the counties did not have a student sitting on the School Board. Three counties did and copies of the related policies and regulations were distributed to Board Members. Mr. May advised that students have provided input recommending a Student Advisory Council that meets with the School Board instead of having one student representative.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

This item was not discussed.

XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

2. Voucher Program

Mrs. George requested information as to requirements. Mr. May stated that we have worked with the State Department and letters signed by he and the Commissioner of Education were sent out which notified parents that by law, should the A+ plan be signed at 1:00 p.m. today, they will have right to apply for these vouchers. Mr. Pettis stated that he will meet tomorrow with the Commissioner's Office concerning the voucher issue. Some parents have expressed interest in choice within the public sector rather than choice within the private sector. Mrs. George advised that the state has written into their bill that the state will have no liability resulting from the voucher program, and she advised that working very closely with the state would be very prudent in this matter.

Dr. Jenkins requested input from the Board Attorney relative to developments in the

Augustus court case. Mrs. George advised that the judge had sent out an order saying this case had been pending since 1960, and at that time some discriminatory practices had been found in Escambia County, so a desegregation order had been issued which the district has been laboring under until this time. In 1996, the court found that in most of the areas, desegregation practices had been eliminated to the maximum extent practical, and they had dropped their supervision of transportation, community facilities, and everything except student assignments. They retained control over the student assignments. The judge has issued an order to the parties in the case that the time has come for the court to dismiss this case or get more involved. Dr. Jenkins spoke in favor of keeping the student assignment part of the court case until we can eliminate those concerns relative to schools being racially identifiable.

3. Risk Management Policy

Mrs. George stated that she would follow up at the Board meeting regarding a memorandum which was provided at the last Board meeting from Mr. Edward Fleming, former interim Board Attorney.

The following items were taken out of agenda order:

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

PRESENTATIONS:

1) OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS (OCR) SELF-EVALUATION UPDATE

Mr. John Bouchard, On-the-job Training Coordinator, Exceptional Student Education

Department, provided handouts and gave an overview concerning Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and School District compliance with ADA.

2) MEDICAID UPDATE

Ms. Sandra Ward, Shared Services Network Coordinator, gave an overview reporting that the first billing was made in March and through June 15, the district has received $11,644, with another billing for May in the amount of $5,000 for direct services for three months ending June 30. Administrative claim activities (provided by the School District to work with preventing costly or long term health problems for at-risk populations - January through March, 1999, in the amount of $149,193) were submitted on June 2, 1999, and will probably take six to weeks before it is received. The estimate for the first six months of actual billing was $315,000 for coordinating services needed by at-risk students.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

XIV. PUBLIC FORUM

There were no speakers.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Prior to adjournment, Mr. May presented information regarding the School Accountability Report Guide, ranking of schools, and Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) requirements for reading, math, and Florida Writes. Dr. Mason requested an executive summary. Mr. Pettis advised that evaluative statements would be provided. Mr. May stated that the Florida Department of Education was expecting 600 to 1000 of the 2500 public schools on a statewide basis to have a D or F rating, which shows how much the criteria has changed. He conveyed that plans are being made for all of the schools to make improvements.

The workshop adjourned at 12:30 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

________________________ __________________________

Superintendent Chairman