The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 1:00 p.m., in Room 160, Hall Center, 30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, Florida, 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 1:00 p.m.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent listed additions and deletions to the agenda. Mrs. George

presented follow-up information on the Judy Andrews School property exchange agreement approved at the June Board meeting (pending change of language in the legal description), and she advised that the pending language had been corrected and the document completed. Mrs. Gilley stated that she would add a Resolution (related to VIII.4 -- Interlocal Agreement with Escambia County).

PRESENTATIONS

TRUANCY/HOUSE BILL 751 - MARCI GOODMAN, ASSISTANT STATE ATTORNEY

Ms. Goodman advised that House Bill 751 came into effect July 1, 1999, and allows

the Superintendent to file a truancy petition which would go to Circuit Court to be heard within thirty (30) days. She stated that this has been coordinated after having conferred with the State Attorney's office, school system, law enforcement officers, and Judge Terry Terrell has agreed to the truancy petition, which would be a truancy court at least one day per month. Ms. Goodman stated that the Superintendent has agreed to file the petition and that truancy court should start in September. She noted this was presented for information and to ensure that the School Board approved of it. Ms. Goodman stated that she had recommended maintaining the program and noted that Escambia County is considered to be the foremost authority on truancy in the State of Florida. Mr. May thanked Ms. Goodman and the State Attorney's office for their initiatives and partnership with the School District. He expressed support for the program and asked if there was general Board approval on this issue. Dr. Mason expressed commendations on moving forward and implementing this program, and he asked that the Board be provided subsequent reports as implementation proceeds.

YOUTH AWARENESS PROGRAM - DIANE AND LARRY FORDHAM

Mr. Larry Fordham stated that Youth Awareness, Inc., a Florida nonprofit corporation based in Pensacola, implemented workshops in the schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties several years ago to help young people learn the importance of core values, respect, responsibility, patriotism, trustworthiness, and honesty. Youth Awareness, Inc. was formed in

1996 by founder, Larry Fordham, Jr., inmate in Santa Rosa County Correctional Institution, to help teach young people how to avoid making wrong decisions and encourage them to make positive choices in their lives. Three programs are offered in the schools: "Choose Your Friends Wisely" which was taught in summer school workshop at ReDirections II and III, as well as "Be A Respectable Example" and "Be A Responsible Example" (BARE) Programs. Mr. Fordham stated that they wish to offer these programs in other counties and states, and he asked for endorsement from the Superintendent and School Board, noting that the programs have also been endorsed by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

REPORT CONCERNING CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT/WORKSHOP - ANNETTE MCARTHUR AND ROBIN LARGUE

Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, advised that for a number of years the state has required that each school develop a School Improvement Plan (SIP) with the school faculty, administration, and School Advisory Councils. Each winter representatives from each site have given oral presentations to the Board as to status of the implementation plan and expectations for the following year. In summer the School Improvement Plans (SIPs) and End of Year Reports are provided to the Board Office for review. This year the state mandated that a new procedure be included for schools that are Level I and Level II, specifically that the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) would work with the School District in developing an individual plan for those schools. Mr. Pettis noted that Ms. Sheree Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning, is in the process of meeting with teachers and administrators to address additional strategies for working with the School Board in terms of the presentations. He noted that the Board had approved a plan that was presented to the Governor and Cabinet (sitting as the State Board of Education) related to the School Improvement Plans for Spencer Bibbs and A. A. Dixon Elementary Schools.

Ms. Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, provided handouts entitled "Strategies for Improvement for Level One Schools" and School Improvement Plan (SIP) summaries for Spencer Bibbs and A. A. Dixon Elementary Schools. Mr. Pettis noted that Ms. McArthur, principals, and staff members had taken the plan as presented and attached dollars to the plans and strategies. He emphasized that no part of the plan was put into place without dollars being there and without a measurable instrument for accounting for those funds. Ms. McArthur advised that more data will be provided once staffing is done. Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, advised that strong emphasis is being placed on what is happening each day in the classroom and for Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade, the goal is to provide each student with the knowledge necessary to be successful and to ultimately gain a high school diploma. She noted that each teacher was asked to look at his or her grade level to determine fourteen (14) Essential Curriculum Requirements (ECRs) for each grade level. At the secondary level (middle schools), that was done by the four major academic areas. At the high school level, that breakdown was by subject. The emphasis was placed on concepts or skills that are essential for students to be successful at the next level; i.e., moving from kindergarten to first grade. Ms. McArthur advised that this is a work in progress and essential concepts and applications will be reinforced to students over and over during the year, and there will be opportunities to obtain additional input. She noted that Sunshine State Standards were utilized as well as Grade Level Expectations (GLE) which the state developed. Upon inquiry from Dr. Jenkins, Ms. McArthur stated that most textbooks are now keyed to Sunshine State Standards. Dr. Jenkins stated that students at Bibbs and Dixon had expressed that some of the test problems had not been taught. Dr. Largue noted that specialists are currently developing matrices that show concepts that are being tested on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and adjustments can be made to curriculum.

SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT GUIDE (1999) - DR. WES DAVIS AND LINDA HARAGEONES

Dr. Wes Davis, Director, Evaluation Services, provided a test calendar and gave an overhead presentation of the School Accountability Report including executive summary reporting performance of each school at all levels including student achievement data, school indicator data, and grade assignments. He noted the grade assignments as follows: Elementary level -- one A school, four B schools, sixteen C schools, ten D schools, and seven F schools (or Level I considered critically low); Middle School level -- two B schools, six C schools, two D schools, and two F schools. All seven high schools graded C. He noted that the grades are determined by student achievement data including Florida Writes!, and the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) reading and math requirements. School indicator data requirements (for a school to move from level B to level A) involve dropout rates, absenteeism, and out of school suspension rate.

Mrs. Linda Harageones, Program Evaluator, reviewed school grading criteria noting that all principals and schools were provided summary sheets indicating areas where they need improvement; i.e., the school would move from a B to an A school with less suspensions. Mr. May thanked staff for providing information to the Board in terms of what each school needed to move up to the next one or two levels. He stated that he had conferred with the Commissioner of Education who had indicated that there will be more variables introduced next year in terms of criteria for A and B grade assignment formulas. Mr. May noted a number of schools that would have qualified as A schools based on academics. Dr. Davis stated that there are areas under review and adjustments will be made in the future.

Dr. Clarence Ladner, Special Assistant for School/Community Services, reported that the Governor had visited Spencer Bibbs, A. A. Dixon, and Brownsville Academy earlier today and had indicated that he will visit again in the spring when the schools come off of the Level I schools list. He added that the Governor had also indicated the possibility of changing the way evaluations occur so that students will be not be tested against where they should be, but against their individual track records to monitor progress individually.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

There was no discussion on this item.

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

There was no discussion on this item.

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

A. Instructional

1. Appointments

Dr. DeWitt expressed concern regarding instances where fourth year contracts

were designated opposed to placing individuals on professional services contract after three years. He emphasized the responsibility of principals to be accountable to the Board and provide a history based on evaluations and documentation as to why individuals are on fourth year contract. Dr. Jenkins also suggested taking into consideration the ethnic makeup of individuals on fourth year contract. Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, provided a breakdown on racial and gender information. She added that a format will be developed to present information to the Board concerning individuals not recommended for professional contract.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, stated that the new evaluation system will require a greater amount of documentation, and he noted one reason given for fourth year annual status is that the unit has been cut several places so the administrator has a partial track record with that person. Another factor involves administrative changes where someone has been promoted or retired and the incoming administrator is given an opportunity to evaluate the individual. He noted that gender and racial breakdown is approximately the same as for all employees in the system.

2) Ms. Arlene Costello, President, Escambia Education Association, stated that evaluations take into consideration that teachers who have good evaluations for three consecutive

years in the district should be recognized in terms of granting professional contract.

Ms. Sims stated that principals need an opportunity to evaluate teachers and the new assessment instrument will provide for on-going assessment. After discussion, Dr. Mason spoke in favor of addressing this matter as one of the first things to consider in redoing the entire School District policy book.

Dr. Mason requested explanation from staff regarding a number of out-of-field teachers. Ms. Sims advised that most are in areas where the state as well as the district are experiencing teacher shortages; i.e., exceptional education, middle school mathematics and science.

Regarding the School Resource Officer contract, Dr. Mason inquired as to why the School District pays 100 percent at Northview High School and Bailey Middle School, with a split at other schools. Mr. May advised that the Sheriff's Department is funded at a certain level and those schools are not included in that level. In order to provide the protection, the School District covers the the whole cost; however, the Sheriff's Department has written a grant for additional dollars as well.

VI. FINANCE

Dr. Mason requested that an extra column be added to budget amendments to

indicate the original amount budgeted. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, advised that after approval of the budget in September, the new budget will be reflected in the first column of the budget amendment. Each month the increases and decreases will be reflected in a revised budget. Mrs. Gilley suggested that staff provide one page (with original budget numbers) which could be laminated and kept in the agenda notebooks each month.

5. Statement from Florida School Board Attorney's Association, Inc., for 1999 membership dues.

Dr. Mason suggested that the School Board cover membership dues for the in-house attorney only and not any of the contract attorneys. Mrs. George noted that membership dues are included in the contract for Mr. Joe Hammons, Attorney to the Superintendent, and Mr. Hammons' contract would be addressed for renewal in November.

VII. PURCHASING

5. Unauthorized Purchase: Student and Teacher Planners for Pine Forest High School

Mr. Jim Moore, Principal, stated that this expenditure involved utilization of grant

monies prior to the deadline on expenditure of grant funds. He noted that approval had not been obtained relative to transferring funds from football monies; however, the grant monies are part of the School-to-Work grant and will provide a planner for every student and teacher in the school.

6. Bid Award: Charter Bus Service, Bid #67-99

Dr. Jenkins noted that this bid was awarded to a minority firm.

14. Professional Services to Provide Comprehensive NRSI Staff Development Training for

Navy Point Elementary School

Dr. DeWitt requested explanation concerning $50,000 designated for training costs.

Ms. Patsy Goolsby, Principal, advised that a Reading Teacher was hired as lead teacher for this program. Out of the $50,000 budgeted, $28,500 is for books, materials and cost for consultants to provide eleven (11) days of training for the entire staff of thirty (30) teachers. She noted this training is referenced in the School Improvement Plan (SIP), and they will utilize half days and days between semesters which will not involve sending children home. They will also have a team of four people that will receive extra training and could perhaps share with other schools and teachers. Ms. Goolsby noted this program is recommended for Title I schools and will raise test scores and provide baseline data.

26. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order # 186790 (A. E. New, Jr., Inc.)

Dr. Mason inquired concerning removal of old concrete at the site of the new

media center at Hallmark Elementary School. Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, advised that 25 calendar days were added and the concrete was an unforeseen condition in that this is an old school site. He stated that he would ask the architect to review this item again as to a reasonable amount of time with the contractor.

34. Xerox 5365 Copier and Annual Maintenance for ESE Department

Mrs. Stidham commented that one of the recommendations cited in the MGT

Management/Organizational Study of the School District was to try to go to a district-wide copier program. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director, Exceptional Student Education, advised that the copier serves the Hospital/Homebound Department, itinerant personnel, and parent requests for records. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, advised that for legal reasons the district must provide ready access to records. Mrs. George concurred stating that in the ESE area, timely records procedures are extremely important in terms of providing due process. Mrs. Stidham asked if there was another copier which could be utilized in the interim. Mr. Pettis stated that he would check into the availability of another copier or a short-term convertible lease; however, obtaining another copier is crucial.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

Mrs. Gilley requested clarification concerning the Performance Contracting - Master

Contract with Bosek, Gibson & Associates/TECO which was previously approved by the

Board. It was noted that the work for the entire district was to be done in four phases. Dr. Epperson advised that the Board has the opportunity at any of the phases to stop the contract. He noted that additional work was performed gratis by the company and identified additional schools that could come under this contract. He stated that Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, had advised that Bosek Gibson is meeting their contractual requirements. Mrs. Stidham advised that the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) on Facilities will meet next month at Pine Forest High School to review some work that has been done. Mrs. Gilley inquired concerning the possibility of comparing energy savings since the previous year (after implementation). Mr. May noted this involves energy savings as well as lighting at A. A. Dixon Elementary School for Phase I which is currently under construction.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Mr. Frank Lovelace, Program Manager, Bosek Gibson and Associates, stated that the firm will provide summary reports of schools reviewed in the first phase noting they have developed a matrix of different energy conservation measures based on some walk-throughs.

2) Mr. Frank Bosek, Bosek Gibson and Associates, advised that many of the F level schools have some of the poorest lighting in the district. He commented that survey work they performed gratis was preliminary work and they will still come back to the Board with detailed studies for the selected schools. He stated that they had wanted to give the Board more information on the types of projects in the buildings in order to provide costs and payback.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

3. Spot Survey on the old N. B. Cook Elementary School

Dr. Mason commented concerning the possibility of moving ReDirections to

the old N. B. Cook Elementary School, and he inquired concerning the property appraisal. Dr. Epperson stated that staff is in the process of getting appraisals and that staff had met with the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) on Facilities recently

concerning moving the ReDirections Program noting that the program would have to move from the Beggs facility within two years and this would provide a temporary solution and allow time to evaluate uses of the Cook facility. Mrs. Stidham noted that the Board had not made the decision yet. Concerning Item XI.9 (Items from the Superintendent -- Proposed use of old N. B. Cook School site for ReDirections), Mr. May expressed support of the recommendations cited in the MGT Management/Organization Study concerning moving the ReDirections program. He discussed potential cost savings as far as taking three teachers-in-charge and reducing it down to one building administrator. Mrs. Stidham reported that the committee had considered the $500,000 Capital Outlay Budget and arrived at a figure of $175,000 as a minimum amount to put the school in place. She noted that the committee had asked that the Board budget that amount and move forward with obtaining the property appraisal to make a final determination, and by the September Board meeting make the decision whether or not to utilize the $175,000 (whereby the two programs could be moved by the first of the year if that is what the Board decides to do).

Dr. DeWitt discussed the issue of Category I schools and getting children ready for school. He stated that based on research, it would be a much better investment of resources to make Cook school a Preschool Center taking the children (3-and 4-year-olds) from the high risk areas of the five Level I schools to get them ready to enter school. He suggested the possibility of making that a model Preschool Program. The Petree Pre-Kindergarten Center already has a waiting list for next year. He informed the Board that a School Readiness Coalition is being formed to determine funding and that the School Board will have no control over those funds. Dr. Mason stated that possibility would need to be considered on the basis of research, data and cost analysis. He noted that proposal would not preclude the appraisal. Dr. Epperson stated that if the Board asked for ReDirections to be moved, staff would request that the Board set aside an amount in the budget to cover the spot survey that would be required.

4. Interlocal Agreement with Escambia County

Mrs. Gilley suggested presenting a resolution to the county in conjunction with the Interlocal Agreement. After discussion, there was consensus that Mrs. Gilley work with the Board Attorney to develop a resolution from the School Board to the Board of County Commissioners to request that the School District be taken into consideration regarding growth and planning deliberations.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

2. Contract for Services between the Escambia County School Board and Cang Pham for ESOL/Migrant Family and Title I Eligible Children Services.

Dr. DeWitt requested clarification from staff as to whether this individual was a

full-time contractor in order to meet Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, recommended that Ms. Gloria Johnson, Director of Payroll, review the contract to ensure that it meets the criteria for contractor rather than employee and make appropriate suggestions if necessary.

6. 1998-1999 End of Year Reports.

Mrs. Gilley noted that seventeen (17) different formats were utilized in the reports

and asked if there could be more uniformity. After discussion, Ms. Sheree Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning, stated that the reports would be presented in a uniform format next year.

8. Contract between the ESCAROSA RWDB and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida for Youth Placements #WIA-2000-03.

Mrs. Gilley inquired concerning designation by the Applied Technical Specialist

of job placements (of economically disadvantaged) for 34 students. Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director, Applied Technology and Adult Education, stated that last year the placements were successful and met the placement rate cited in the contract.

9. Contract between the Children's Services Center (CSC) and the School District of Escambia County, Florida.

Mrs. Gilley asked if the rate changes included school employees and staff. Ms. Anne Freeman, Applied Technology, replied that this did not include school employees and staff and this is the contract for the Children's Services Center (CSC), as agent of the Department of Children and Families, for families in need of financial assistance for child care. Mr. Pettis noted this is on a reimbursement basis from CSC to the School District.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

There was no discussion on this item.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

1. Approval of administrative appointments.

Dr. Mason asked if the Assistant Principals are all at the first step of the salary

schedule. Mr. May noted that if they went into a salary (less than the amount they were making before), he or she would be moved up a step.

2. Approval of Board Member appointments to The Foundation for Excellence in Education, in compliance with Section 237.40 of the Florida Statutes.

Mrs. Peggy Pilcher, Director of Volunteer/Business Partnerships, advised that

Ms. Patti Hightower had resigned as Chairman because she is on the payroll now as part of the mentoring program, and Ms. Rita Finkbone is serving as Chairman of the Foundation.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Mr. May noted that Item Number XI.4 (Student Number 99-151-601) had presented a request for formal hearing relative to the following recommendation (that the indefinite suspension of Student Number 99-151-601 pursuant to Section 232.26(2) Florida Statutes, be terminated in consideration of the Court having declined to adjudicate the student delinquent

of a felony offense. I further recommend that the student 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 with the option to continue in alternative school placement).

7. Recommendation of Dr. Garber as liaison for MGT survey.

Mr. May stated that he had recommended Dr. Douglas Garber, Director, Employee Services, to serve as liaison due to his background, experience, and knowledge of all facets of the school system. Dr. Mason stated that he had considered recommending a teacher from Escambia High School, and that he and Dr. Garber could perhaps co-chair. Dr. DeWitt spoke in favor of assigning Dr. Garber as staff person and appointing a committee to support him. Mrs. Gilley referred to Item XII.7 (Items from the Board - MGT Implementation of Recommendations), where she proposed the concept of an implementation team, such as a citizens' watch committee, and she also suggested that a former administrator or faculty member (who knows intricacies of the school system or someone who has some free time to volunteer) might serve during the implementation process. She added that a community representative could serve on the committee and staggered terms could be considered. Dr. Jenkins suggested grouping the recommendations as to how soon they can be implemented (immediately, in one year, and longer than a year). Dr. Mason commented that the Board needs to determine an implementation procedure and will hold Special Board meetings as needed to make a determination on each recommendation. Dr. Garber stated that in the collaborative process he works with the four divisions in the school system all of the time with the goal of an efficient and effective system of operation and enhancing the workforce. He noted the MGT study involves not only employees implementing recommendations, but also major changes that result for the contract and workforce, and he stated that he would be comfortable in administering to the contracts regarding necessary changes. Dr. Mason stated that the Board needs to determine an implementation process that will be objective. After discussion, Mr. May stated that he will request that the Board vote on this item at the Board meeting.

8. Administrative and Professional salary issues.

Mr. May noted that he would defer comment pending presentation of Dr. DeWitt's proposal on salary issues.

10. ESP Negotiation Issues/Approval of Contract Amendments.

Mr. May advised that the Contract Amendments were presented for Board consideration and vote at the Board meeting.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Escambia NEA UniServ, reported that an agreement was reached with the School District about ten days ago for salaries for Educational Support Personnel that covers three of the bargaining units (EESPA, EEC/CA, and EASE). The process was collaborative, and the agreement was for an average increase of 3.5 percent that was distributed on the current salary schedule by providing a 1.65 percent general improvement to the salary schedule and a step movement of 2 percent. The only problem associated with that settlement was in not providing step movement for employees at the top, and the committee proposed working this year to address realignment of the salary schedule so that those employees get the same increase as others. Another issue was to get ESP employees on equity with other employees regarding 100 percent payout of unused sick leave at retirement. She stated that the Collaborative Bargaining Council supports approval of the contract amendments.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

2. Curriculum & Instruction & Transportation:

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

Dr. Jenkins reported that the committee is addressing the feasibility

study of the year-round calendar and will divide into two groups to volunteer to work with the principals and staff at Spencer Bibbs and A. A. Dixon Elementary Schools. He commented that Griffin Middle School in Tallahassee has 56 percent black and 35 percent other minority populations, as well as low socioeconomic factors and that school was designated an A level school. He stated that he will obtain research and data on what they did to achieve that.

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

Dr. DeWitt advised that the committee will meet on August 16 and

provide recommendations on the Board agenda items. He stated that he hopes to present a proposal at the Board meeting regarding electronic record keeping of E-Mail and public record documents for scanning and cataloging purposes.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

4. Items from the Board - Establishment of Committee to Review Administrative and Professional Salary Schedule and Classification Guide - Dr. DeWitt

Dr. DeWitt stated that he would present a motion at the Board meeting after

review of the Superintendent's proposal and recent new legislation, to support the Superintendent's recommendation regarding establishing a committee to do an in-depth study of salary inequities. The study should review job promotion incentives, alignment of job responsibilities, salary-related issues addressed in the MGT study and most importantly the new legislation in Florida Statutes, Section 230.23(5) and 24.121.5, dealing with performance-based pay incentives as well as other related issues the committee may deem appropriate. This committee shall include community and educational leaders, and a report shall be brought back to the Board for implementation next fiscal school year which will put us one year ahead of the state mandate on the incentive pay issue. He stated that he felt that it is critical to move forward in the realignment of salary schedules; however, due to the

new information received and the recommendation of the Superintendent it would be preferable to move a little slower so that we do not have to come back in a few years to start all over again. He stated that at this time he would not support the Superintendent's recommendation to give salary increases for administrative and professional personnel until the negotiations are completed with the bargaining units. Mr. May noted that his recommendation was for implementation upon completion of all other bargaining unit negotiations (collaboratively) for the 3.5 percent increase for this year and that a committee be formed to do the study which would include citizen representation for implementation for next fiscal year including incentives. He stated that this is an issue of compliance with state law. He added that he is opposed to incentives, and that he would want to involve those who would be most closely affected by incentives with each of the professional and technical areas to have at least one representative. He withdrew his recommendation and accepted Dr. DeWitt's proposal.

5. Items from the Board - Lighting of Woodham High School Baseball Field - Dr. DeWitt

Dr. DeWitt stated that the parents' group had come up with $30,000 in additional monies to go toward this project, and he stated that he will present a motion at the Board meeting that 1998-99 PECO maintenance funds in the amount of $15,000 be transferred from the Woodham High School electrical renovation project to the undistributed asbestos abatement project. Bids received for the electrical renovation project came in lower than projected; therefore, transfer of these funds would not endanger the electrical renovation project. Dr. DeWitt stated that part of the motion would be that the 1999-2000 Tentative Two-Mil Budget be modified as follows: A) reduce the undistributed asbestos

abatement project by $15,000; and B) use the $15,000 to establish a baseball field lighting project at Woodham High School. Dr. Mason inquired concerning the bid amounts and was advised that Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, would provide information as to how much lower the bids came in than projected.

DELETE: 6. Items from the Board - Transportation for Pensacola Beach Students Attending the Magnet Program at Brown Barge Middle & IB Program at Pensacola High School - Dr. DeWitt

8. Items from the Board - Modification in the Structure of the Risk Management Department - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he had provided a memorandum in support of following the

Board Attorney's recommendation on Risk Management for the benefit of more efficient management to change it from its present structure to another department coming under the same guidelines as all other departments. Mrs. George stated that would provide more oversight and accountability on the part of the Board relative to Risk Management operations. Mr. Joe Bernard, Risk Management, stated that the trust had been in effect since 1986 and was patterned after the School Board Insurance Trust and that trust is still working today. Mr. Bernard discussed concerns that signature limits and time frames (required by law to ensure rapid payment of claims) would be unrealistic to work with if some of the recommendations cited in the memorandum were implemented. Mr. Bernard provided clarification concerning workers compensation law time frames and requirements for payment. Mrs. George stated that only tort or negligence car accident-type cases were cited in the the memorandum and that she would look further at workers compensation before making a recommendation. Mr. Bernard noted that Florida Statute 230 allows Risk Management authorization to handle claims beyond $15,000 and that is under the direction of the School Board, and the procedures are Board approved and follow Board policy. Mr. May stated that one of the recommendations from the MGT Management/Organizational Study was that the Board Attorney go through Board policy and any items could be updated, but under current operations, authority was given as part of the trust fund. Mrs. George stated that it is not a trust; it is a program. Dr. Mason stated that the Board needed to give direction to the Board Attorney on how to proceed. Mrs. George stated that the Board could consider different money limits. It was noted that the Board had authorized Risk Management to go above the $15,000. Mrs. George stated that the Board could request monthly reports (before the money is expended).

After discussion, Mrs. Wascom stated that should the Board choose to change it from the Risk Management Trust Fund, it would still be considered an Internal Service Fund for the district since it does provide services for both the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds

and other special revenue situations. Mrs. Wascom suggested that consideration might be given to hiring a CPA firm to help with dissolution of the trust and proper transfer of assets back into the regular Internal Service Fund and to determine proper IRS reporting. Mr. Bernard provided copies of the State Audit and Audit from Jacoby and Thornton, CPAs, who audited the Risk Management Trust Fund and the Employee Benefit Trust Fund. After discussion, Dr. DeWitt stated that more information was needed and he was not convinced that the procedures should be changed after many years of operation.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, stated that the association has been comfortable with the current Risk Management operation, and he added that if there is any change in the operation, the association will request spot bargaining about the primary issue being the right of employee confidentiality.

9. Items from the Board - Automobile Reimbursement Procedure for All Administrators - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason expressed that he planned to present a motion at the Board meeting

that ten (10) administrators conform to the same automobile reimbursement procedures as all other employees. Mrs. Wascom noted that these employees present three months actual travel which is then revised on an annual basis in accordance with School Board Rule and authorized by Florida Statute, which provides a much more efficient payment methodology. Mr. May expressed concern that the employees put in extra hours each week and that changing procedures would require more time spent in documentation to fill out extra travel claims. He also noted that the proposal would involve changing Board policy.

10. Items from the Board - Employees Driving Vehicles Home - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he would prefer that fewer employees (two or three key

personnel) be allowed to drive vehicles home. Mr. Mark Pursell, Director of Maintenance Services, provided clarification that listing two locksmiths was inaccurate. He noted that there is only one locksmith on the list, as well as one carpenter, and a glass expert. He explained that emergency duty is authorized by Board policy in order to be able to respond to emergency situations after regular work hours. There is language in the Master Union Contract which dictates this type of duty. Mr. Chuck Peterson, Assistant Director of Maintenance Services, added that the School District is subject to fines by the City of Pensacola Fire Department and State Fire Marshall if fire alarms are not silenced and immediate response is required. Ruptured water and sewer lines can also cause extensive damage if there is not immediate response. Mrs. Gilley inquired as to the number of calls. Mr. Pursell advised that there were two hundred (200) after-hour service calls last fiscal year. Mrs. Stidham inquired concerning duplication of service. Mr. Pursell stated that Maintenance employees are not required to wear their beepers or take radios home after hours, except those on the emergency duty roster who are on call and are required to have their beepers and phones for response after regular work hours.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Escambia NEA UniServ, stated that this matter is a bargaining issue, and these employees are not required to wear beepers or pagers if they are not working. The scope of this issue would also go beyond contract to Fair Labor Standards guidelines. Ms. Lawrence referred to a memorandum from Dr. Mason regarding a Maintenance Mechanic working in Facilities Planning. She advised that the mechanic was in a vacant position that was vacated during the hiring freeze. She noted they could not fill that position and they filled it with a temporary promotion that followed contractual procedures for temporary promotion.

12. Items from the Board - Computer Purchasing Procedures - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he will offer a motion at the Board Meeting to award purchase

of computers (referenced as Bid #21-99) to the apparent low responsible bidder which is

a local firm. Mr. May asked if Dr. Mason had gone to the vendor with the figures and request that he submit a new price. Dr. Mason stated no, that he had asked the bidder on the phone if he had received the bid and he had sent it to him. Mr. May stated that there appeared to be a new submittal from the bidder, and he expressed concerns regarding the legalities. Dr. DeWitt stated that as Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) on Technology, the committee has approved the recommendations that have come from Purchasing on every item and there has been unanimous approval on every computer purchase. He noted last month the committee reviewed all of the minimum specifications for computer hardware (which was addressed by the District Technology Committee to set new standards) and accepted their recommendations. Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technological Systems and MIS, added that the Technology Committee had already approved the award process and the vendors used.

XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

These items were not discussed.

XIV. PUBLIC FORUM

There were no speakers.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

Prior to adjournment, Mr. May requested that an Executive Session be held on

Tuesday, August 17, 1999, at 8:00 a.m. to discuss collaborative bargaining issues. The workshop adjourned at 5:47 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

________________________ __________________________

Superintendent Chairman