The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Budget Workshop Meeting at 9:00 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

School Board Attorney: Mrs. Maureen George

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jerome Watson, Deputy Superintendent, was present representing Mr. Jim May

I. CALL TO ORDER

Dr. Mason called the workshop to order at 9:00 a.m. Mrs. Janice Gilley was not in

attendance. Mrs. George announced that Ms. Sheila Jondro, Legal Assistant, had been hired and that the Superintendent had assigned a student aide, Miss Julie Hindsman, for the Office of School Board Attorney.

II. FINANCE

1) 1999-2000 PROPOSED BUDGET

Ms. Barbara Linker, Director of Budgeting, reviewed the tentative budget, tentative millage, and School District time lines. Ms. Linker commented that the budget process had started in January, and the process has been on-going. She noted that September 9, 1999, was the date for the final public hearing for adoption of the final millage and budget and added that the Board can have further input into the budget in workshops or Board Meetings up until September 1 to allow any changes to be incorporated. Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, stated that a budget presentation was given to the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Facilities, including all of the facilities requests. Said committee will meet next month and discuss proposed changes to have their input to the Board by the August Board Meeting.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Mr. Harry Evans, Pensacola, Florida, obtained clarification concerning the One-Half Cent Sales Tax and tentative millage rates.

2) Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, noted that Lee County had an instance where 250 teachers were laid off related to budgeting, and he asked that the Board maintain a reasonable budgeting schedule.

Mrs. Rita Scallan, Financial Analyst, provided a summary of the capital outlay budget. She presented an update to the Two-Mil budget noting total estimated Two-Mil revenue in the amount of $13,900,000, amount committed to debt service of $5,600,000, and continuous replacement cycle category of $3,000,000. Dr. Jenkins inquired concerning recommended purchase of 34 school buses in that category. Mr. Jerry Caine, Director, Warehouse Operations, advised that 360 buses are running daily in regular session and the age of the buses goes back to 1983 models. Mrs. Scallan also noted previously committed items through Board action including $1,100,000 for the Technical High School. Dr. Mason inquired concerning that allocation, and Mr. Kirchharr advised that involves initial planning money, architectural fees, and construction manager fees.

Mrs. Scallan noted proposed school level projects and/or equipment including asbestos abatement, air duct system, PC's, as well as a recommended track and tennis court replacement cycle and bleacher repair and replacement cycle. Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Mr. Kirchharr advised that would include resurfacing the Pine Forest High School track; however, a schedule will be developed for planning purposes as to which tracks and the order of projects, and that will be provided to the Board. Dr. Jenkins inquired concerning safety factors, and Mr. Manny Harageones, Specialist, Physical Education, Health and Wellness, discussed the need for track work at Pine Forest High School, as well as Bellview and Ferry Pass Middle School tracks. He noted that those tennis courts or tracks determined to be in the worst condition will be prioritized to address first.

Mrs. Scallan commented concerning departmental budgets. Dr. Mason asked how many portable generators were budgeted. Mr. Mark Pursell, Director of Maintenance Services, advised that two generators were designated for use primarily related to hurricane plans. Mr. Kirchharr added that efforts will be made to try to get all facilities to have generators and will be addressed in new construction. Dr. Mason inquired concerning power outages, and Mr. Joe Bernard, Risk Management, advised that the district has an agreement with Emergency Management, and schools are used as emergency shelters for the shortest amount of time possible.

Mrs. Scallan advised concerning Two-Mil dollars that special legislation had implemented some restrictions on those dollars and by the year 2003, those dollars can only be spent on educational facilities or items that are directly related to the delivery of instruction; therefore, in discussions of equipment and vehicles, the percentage is decreasing each year and if those items are not bought from this fund source while there is opportunity, they will have to be shifted to the General Fund in future years.

Dr. Jenkins asked how additional projects would be determined if there turns out to be a surplus in the One-Half Cent Sales Tax. Dr. Clarence Ladner, Special Assistant for School/Community Services, noted the $70,000,000 figure that was advertised anticipated completion of all of the projects before adding another project, at which time the Board's input would be sought.

Dr. Mason inquired concerning vehicle replacement procedures. Mr. Pursell stated that some of the vehicles that are being replaced will be kept in a spare fleet whereby each department may have one spare vehicle it can pull from and the total number of vehicles is probably going to decrease.

Ms. Linker asked if the Board wished to propose any changes today. Dr. Jenkins obtained clarification regarding Phase 3 plans at Pensacola High School. Mr. Kirchharr advised that the section for buses is a sales tax project and property acquisition is being addressed by Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance. He noted the track was finished, the tennis court was already remodeled, and the second floor was finished last summer.

Dr. DeWitt suggested eliminating the lapse factor for teachers starting in 1999-2000 (first semester) that any vacancies for teachers who quit or have emergency leave or sick leave after October 1, be filled by hiring a regular classroom teacher instead of utilizing substitute teachers. He suggested retaining substitute teachers at the second semester. Ms. Linker commented that the lapse picks up dramatically in the second semester and it would be hard to say what the monetary impact would be.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Ms. Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education,

advised that every school is required to have a School Improvement Plan (SIP) which addresses academic excellence. Concerning schools on the D and F list, Dr. Mason asked if the other schools are treated the same as Dixon and Bibbs Elementary Schools.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, stated that the monies in supplemental allocations in a school that is in a low performing category must be used for rededication purposes and can have no other function. He further noted that the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has yet to provide the district with rules and regulations.

Ms. McArthur noted that the schools have been given their supplemental budgets. With reference to specific plans and financial impact, Dr. DeWitt requested that the Superintendent schedule a presentation at a future Special (Presentations) Workshop as to what is being done at the D and F schools other than Dixon and Bibbs Elementary Schools. Dr. DeWitt suggested that the Board consider implementing a policy related to the five F category schools, that the class size for K-3 be no more than twenty (20) students. Ms. McArthur noted that there were two middle schools and five additional elementary schools for a total of nine. Dr. Mason requested that options also be provided at the Special (Presentations) Workshop related to cost data. Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, advised that we did continue district-wide class size reduction out of the supplemental instructional allocations, and every school in the district received some of that money. Ms. McArthur noted that the majority of these are Title I schools and also get additional Title I dollars to reduce class size.

The Board recognized the following speaker

Ms. Arlene Costello, President, Escambia Education Association, concurred with Dr. DeWitt on emphasizing quality education and that the School Board implement policy to achieve that.

Dr. Mason referred to an E-Mail from a parent to the Board regarding specific schools as to their grade designations and the criteria for determining their status. After discussion, the Deputy Superintendent noted that request would be referred to the directors to provide that information. It was noted that part of the criteria included school attendance and visiting teachers may need to take a more proactive role.

After discussion concerning legal expenses, Dr. Mason requested that the $130,000 legal services be transferred to the Board Attorney. Mrs. George stated that she had previously conferred with the Superintendent and he had expressed that he wanted to retain his budget for legal advice as in cases where independent legal advice is needed in that he is charged with student discipline and employee discipline. The Deputy Superintendent concurred with retaining that amount for legal services - Superintendent.

Dr. Mason emphasized that the Board Attorney is responsible for reviewing attorney bills and cost containment.

Dr. DeWitt noted $18,000 under Employee Services for legal fees; i.e., contracted services with Allen Norton and Blue. After discussion, Dr. Mason stated there was consensus for Ms. Linker to move that item to the Board Attorney cost center for purposes of tracking legal fees.

Upon inquiry from Dr. Jenkins, Ms. Linker advised that a new cost center (4014) was created for Affirmative Action in the amount of $22,700, and if additional dollars are needed, a request can be brought back to the Board as a budget amendment.

Dr. Mason asked if future budget amendments could be set it up in such a way as to see the original budget amount. Ms. Linker stated that she would look at that possibility.

Mrs. Stidham inquired concerning the possibility of coming out of Civil Service, noting pay out of nearly $500,000 for Civil Service Board.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, commented that employees have to vote to come out of Civil Service, which involves approximately 2,900 employees.

Dr. DeWitt requested explanation concerning $13,500 - (other vehicle) as listed in regular operations - School/ Community Services. Ms. Linker stated that vehicle was listed for the Court Liaison, and that Dr. Clarence Ladner, Special Assistant for School/Community Services, had asked that the item be pulled.

Dr. DeWitt commented that out-of-county travel had increased from $133,000 this year to a request for 1999-2000 of $180,000. He stated that he would encourage use of technology such as video conferencing to help reduce travel costs. After discussion, Dr. Mason stated that there was consensus to support cutting out-of-county travel back to the same amount as last year. Ms. Linker noted addition of Affirmative Action which reflected additional travel needs, as well as the Board Attorney. Training needs were also discussed. Dr. Mason suggested having one person attend training sessions and bring the information back and share it, opposed to attendance by several staff members. He also suggested that subscriptions to professional journals be limited due to greater need for activities in the classroom. Dr. DeWitt noted the availability of professional journals on-line via Professional Library, and he suggested that it may be cheaper to expand the license than to purchase subscriptions to journals. Ms. Linker stated that she would confer with Mr. Don Manderson, Director of Instructional Technology, concerning that possibility. Dr. DeWitt discussed the need to retain technology employees as well. Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technological Systems and MIS, stated that minimal training is provided and the district does not provide certification for employees.

Dr. Mason asked that administration look at computed entitled department by department or site by site. Mrs. Stidham emphasized that the Board needs to set budgetary priorities; i.e., obtain more detail on out-of-county travel such as number of attendees at conferences (from each department). She suggested starting the budget process in March (using the Deming model), to go through workshop to establish priorities and turn that over to the staff in developing the budget. After discussion, Dr. Mason noted there was consensus to add that as an agenda item to address at the July 20 Board Meeting.

III. ADJOURNMENT

Prior to adjournment, Mrs. George announced an Executive Session to be held at 1:00 p.m. today, July 14, 1999, in the Superintendent's Conference Room, to discuss pending litigation. The workshop adjourned at 11:46 a.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

_________________________ ___________________________

Superintendent Chairman