The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 8:03 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 8:03 a.m. Dr. DeWitt reported that he had the privilege of meeting President Bill Clinton during his recent trip to New Zealand.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

PRESENTATION - PINE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL - PROPOSAL FOR A DISTRICT CHOICE PROGRAM, TRAVEL AND TOURISM ACADEMY

Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary Education, and Mr. Jim Moore, Principal,

Pine Forest High School, gave an overview of the program and presented the proposal to expand the program and provide district-wide choice. Mr. Tom Bradley, IMAX Director, Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum, addressed the Board in support of expanding the program. Dr. Sally Crenshaw, Coordinator, and Ms. Kathy Gilmore, Counselor, provided information concerning work experience offered in the program. Mrs. Gilley inquired as to the number of students enrolled and was advised that 65 students are currently enrolled (in-house). Expansion of the program would provide for enrollment of 50-75 students per year in grades 9-12. Dr. Jenkins requested explanation concerning the method of selecting students and was advised that the requirements include minimum grade point average of 2.0 and teacher recommendation.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

There was no discussion on this item.

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

Dr. Jenkins inquired concerning the student population by ethnic breakdown for N. B. Cook Elementary School. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, stated that he would provide the information and reported later in the meeting that 636 students are enrolled at N. B. Cook (195 African American - 29%; 417 Caucasian - 65%; and 5% Asian, Hispanic, American Indian or other).

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

A. Instructional/Professional

1. Appointments

Mrs. Stidham requested explanation concerning a vacant teaching position at

Wedgewood Middle School. She expressed concern that the class should not be left

without a full-time teacher. Ms. Mary Helen Fryman, Director of Human Resources, advised that the teacher had been on paid sick leave and later resigned, and a permanent teacher will be hired as a replacement. Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, advised that vacant teaching positions can be filled immediately. Upon inquiry from Mrs. Gilley, Ms. Fryman advised that six replacements (of teachers) had been made since the beginning of the school year.

2. Reappointments

A. Annual

B. Professional Service Contract

C. Fourth Year Annual

Dr. DeWitt commented that the Board took action last month requesting that justification be provided on all recommendations for fourth year contracts; therefore, he would not support the recommendation for fourth year contract for an individual who was originally hired at ReDirections and later transferred to Beggs Educational Center. Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, stated that he would have recommended the individual for continuing contract; however, the individual had to be released from ReDirections due to loss of a teaching unit, and the principal at Beggs was not able to recommend professional services contract without having had an opportunity to observe the individual. Dr. DeWitt stated that he would recommend that the individual receive continuing professional services contract based on his service as a good employee of the district for three years.

4. Out-of-Field

Dr. DeWitt discussed concerns about the number of out-of-field teachers,

especially in Special Education. Ms. Sims commented concerning the shortage of Special Education teachers throughout the state, and she suggested that Mr. Elvin McCorvey, Director of Affirmative Action, could provide information to the Board concerning recruitment efforts. Dr. DeWitt commented that paperwork responsibilities have increased related to Special Education, and he suggested that the Board consider reducing class sizes and other ways to provide additional support to help ease the burden on Special Education teachers. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director, Exceptional Student Education, noted that efforts are made to prevent duplication of paperwork. After discussion, Dr. DeWitt suggested that the Board also consider offering bonuses, incentives, extra staff, or new staffing patterns to recruit and retain Special Education teachers.

B. Educational Support Personnel

5. Dismissals

Ms. Sims stated that a correction to backup materials will be submitted to reflect language that a school bus operator dismissed "in bad standing" will be corrected to read "in good standing."

The following items were moved forward:

VII. PURCHASING

7. Unauthorized purchase of professional educational services for Carver Middle School

Mrs. Gilley recognized Dr. Dianne Leiterman-Busbee, Principal, Carver Middle

School, who verified that this purchase was taken out of grant funds for training purposes.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

8. Reading Initiative Grant Dollars.

Mrs. Connie Farish, Principal, Century Elementary School, verified that she had requested monthly coaching visits by the SRA Consultant for five months as part of the grant. Concerning the Lightspan program, Dr. DeWitt reported that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Technology had asked for documentation on the success of the programs that had been implemented. Ms. Laura Colo, Reading Specialist, stated that she would attend the next committee meeting to provide information in that regard. Mrs. Gilley inquired concerning use of Sony play stations in the Lightspan program. Ms. Colo advised that the grant provides for an in-home reading program, and not all students have access to computers at home; therefore, Sony play stations are provided to accommodate CD ROM technology whereby disks (with homework) are sent home with students to supplement curriculum that is taught in the classroom.

Dr. Jenkins reported that he serves on a state committee for reading readiness

and that he and others had assisted in writing a grant worth $27,000,000. He stated that Spencer Bibbs and A. A. Dixon Elementary Schools could apply for part of the grant funds to be allocated for low-achieving schools.

9. Targeted School and Instructional Enhancement.

Dr. DeWitt requested further explanation, and Mr. May noted this involves the

David Langford quality seminars for the Level D and F schools. Mr. Pettis added that the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) had worked with the district in developing this effort and grant dollars were provided for this year.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

V. HUMAN RESOURCES

D. Staff Development

Dr. DeWitt requested explanation concerning $15,000 for consulting services.

Mr. May advised that based on Board approval of the agreement, Mr. Jim McKinley, Consultant, would conduct workshops to coach principals and teachers concerning quality concepts and tools. Ms. Sims noted this would expand upon training presented in a previous workshop conducted by David Langford at Workman Middle School. Ms. Karen Owen, Principal, C. A. Weis Elementary School, spoke concerning the importance of applying quality concepts at the classroom level. Ms. John Dell Hucabee, Principal, Ensley Elementary School, spoke in favor of incorporating quality concepts in the learning process. Mr. May verified that Mr. McKinley would serve as county coach and work with any schools in the county.

VI. FINANCE

Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs,

reported concerning two items (not on the agenda) as follows:

1) The Office of Program and Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) surveyed Superintendents and School Board Chairpersons to determine which districts plan to apply for a Best Financial Practices Review. Mrs. Wascom advised

that Dr. Tim McDougal and staff from OPPAGA gave a presentation to the Citizens'

Advisory Committee (CAC) on Finance regarding their services to assist districts, and the committee had indicated they were not interested. She asked if the Board wished to obtain a comprehensive review, which could cost from $80,000 to $96,000. Dr. Mason stated that as the Board starts implementing recommendations from the MGT Management/Organizational Study for the School District, there may be components that the Board may wish to take a deeper look at, such as data processing; however, he would not suggest initiating another big project so soon after the MGT study.

2) Local legislators have requested that they be informed of any funding issues or other issues related to the upcoming legislative session. Mrs. Gilley advised that the deadline for submission of Legislative Budget Requests (LBRs) was September 1, 1999; however, the legislative delegation meeting will not take place until October 26, 1999.

Dr. Mason asked if funding for legal services had been transferred from the various cost centers to the Board Attorney's cost center. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, stated that based on previous Board direction, all budgeted funds under legal services (except cost estimates for the Superintendent's Attorney) were transferred to the Board Attorney. She advised that an object code report, showing all expenditures by cost center, would be provided to the Board Attorney.

VII. PURCHASING

5. Professional education services for "Direct Instruction" comprehensive School Management Training

Dr. DeWitt requested further explanation concerning this item. Mrs. Stidham noted

that a volunteer Reading Specialist at Spencer Bibbs Elementary School had expressed

support for this training. Mr. Pettis advised that the Board previously approved the grant. Mrs. Gilley spoke in favor of uniformity in training and teaching reading programs. Mr. Pettis advised that programs are undergoing consolidation, and direct instruction is one of the key models. Ms. Sarah Armstrong, Coordinator of Florida Diagnostic Learning Resource Services (FDLRS), noted that SRA consultants provide feedback and ongoing support to teachers. Mr. Wayne Odom, Director of Title I, added that the grant requires that the schools have a source of technical assistance from outside of the district.

9. Change Notice #36 to Purchase Order #162826 (Whitesell-Green,Inc.)

Mrs. Gilley asked if any additional change orders were anticipated relative to N. B. Cook Elementary School. After discussion, Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, advised that there are pending issues which may result in additional change orders.

16. Bid Award: Diesel Fuel and Gasoline for Motor Vehicles. Bid #64-99 (amended)

Mrs. Gilley asked if this involved re-awarding the bid. Mr. Barry Boyer, Director of Purchasing, advised that the bid was awarded a couple of months ago and the vendor had noted that the bid did not reference "above ground" equipment requirements. He stated that the district acknowledged the error and made a minor adjustment; however, the vendor has since stated that there was not sufficient volume to make the work economically feasible. Staff subsequently recommended going to the second bidder, which would be lower in cost.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

Dr. Jenkins inquired concerning the status of the cafeteria addition and renovation

at Pensacola High School. Mr. Kirchharr advised that the Phase III drawings were provided this month, and the majority of the work will be done next summer.

4. Myrtle Grove Center property

Mrs. Gilley asked for clarification concerning readvertisement of this property for $80,000. Dr. Mason commented that a church had previously offered $105,000 for the property, and the Board had chosen to go with a lease purchase. Dr. Clarence Ladner, Special Assistant for School/Community Services, advised that Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, was out of town due to a family emergency. Dr. Ladner stated that the contract for the lease purchase was approved by the Board prior to submission of the offer by the church. He explained that when the lease purchase agreement fell through, contact was made with the church but no subsequent offer was made. It was noted that the property was later advertised for a minimum of $100,000; however, there were no offers. After discussion, Dr. Mason pulled this item based on consensus of the Board.

Mrs. Stidham reported that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Facilities

had discussed possible uses of the old N. B. Cook Elementary School, and alternatives included a Pre-Kindergarten program, magnet school, and the ReDirections program; however, more information was needed to determine the best financial use for that facility.

After discussion, Dr. DeWitt stated that he would present a motion at the Board meeting to begin reconstruction on a time line so that by March, the Board could decide to go with either ReDirections or Pre-K. The Board could approach the new Readiness Coalition Board in March to determine if they would support the Pre-K program; if so, the Board could move forward with Pre-K; and if not, go forward with ReDirections. He noted that Mr. Kirchharr had verified that there is enough construction that could be done until March (that would serve a common purpose for either program which the Board may choose). Mrs. Stidham asked for information on funding sources. Dr. Mason requested that staff provide a cost analysis and calendar of the proposed time line. Mrs. Gilley inquired concerning the number of portables needed for ReDirections. Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, stated that they are not using portables. ReDirections is currently housed at the Saufley Field Naval Facility - Building 851; however, that building must be vacated by June, 2000 and a different location will be needed for ReDirections by August, 2000.

Mrs. Stidham reported that the Facilities Committee also discussed a proposal regarding possible use of the Pickens facility for ReDirections; however, there were not enough portables and information would be needed on costs to provide security, sidewalks for portables, bus ramps, and parking space for teachers. The proposal included converting part of the Pickens facility into administrative offices; however, no cost estimates were provided.

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

4. Professional Agreement between the Escambia County School District and Mary Elizabeth Morton.

Mrs. Gilley requested input from staff. Dr. Robin Largue, Director of Secondary

Education, advised that the Board had approved the Safe and Drug Free Schools grant, and the state recommends that assessments be done periodically to support findings in safe and drug free schools. Mrs. Gilley commented that the MGT Management/ Organizational Study of the School District had cited having a climate survey of parents, teachers, and schools concerning safety. Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, stated that was not the direct intent of this agreement, but some of the information may relate. Dr. Largue noted that the district is developing a generic climate survey that speaks to safety issues.

13. Even Start Family Literacy Program.

Upon inquiry from Mrs. Gilley, Mr. Wayne Odom, Director of Title I, stated that he would provide information to the Board concerning program evaluations.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

Concerning items listed under property control for cannibalization and scrap, Mrs. Gilley obtained clarification from Mr. Sam Scallan, Director of Internal Auditing, that any surplus property items that are no longer of value to the district (and that are deemed suitable for auction) are referred for auction. Mr. Ray Donnelly, Property Control Manager, advised that an auction is scheduled in October. It was noted that an auction schedule has been posted on the web site.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. May listed additions and deletions to the agenda noting this would normally be

done at the beginning of the workshop.

1. Recommendation to Adopt Controlled Choice as the District's Method of School Assignment.

Dr. Mason expressed concern regarding the size of the proposed 75-member

committee and stated that he would rather see a smaller committee study this issue with public hearings to be held in each school or each zone. Mrs. Gilley discussed concerns regarding redistricting and time factors involved. Mr. May emphasized that time will be needed to involve parents in the process and to address pertinent issues such as transportation. Mr. Ireland Brock, Director, Pupil Instructional Support Services, informed the Board concerning a potential planning grant in the amount of $100,000. He noted that input from the Florida Department of Education indicated support for the proposed time line in order to allow input from parents and community members. Dr. Jenkins suggested that the Board give instructions to the committee as to what factors to address, and he stated that he hoped that any choice system would do away with schools in the district that are racially identifiable. Dr. Mason suggested that Dr. Jenkins and the Board Attorney may wish to attend one of the early committee meetings to address legalities.

2. Approval of Annual Contract Renewal for Head Start.

Dr. Jenkins stated that he would abstain from voting on this item noting that he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Action Program.

4. Response to Correspondence, E-Mail, etc.

Mr. May stated that he had provided backup correspondence/E-Mails to make the

Board aware of items that may be considered political in some cases or defaming to staff. He stated that he was not asking for any action to be taken. After discussion, Dr. Jenkins expressed that each Board Member should adhere to the Board Members' code of conduct.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, reported concerning ratification of the tentative agreement between EEA and the district.

Dr. Mason discussed information contained in the collaborative progress report concerning unrestricted balance funds, and Dr. Douglas Garber, Director, Employee Services, provided clarification concerning increased health costs. Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, stated that a related item was on the Board agenda for this month and an estimate was included in the budget to provide for the necessary increase in insurance premiums.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

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

Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Escambia NEA UniServ, obtained clarification that the Citizens' Advisory Committee meetings are advertised and open to the public. She asked if a recommendation concerning transportation had been referred from committee for

Board action. Dr. Mason advised that the Finance committee heard a presentation from Laidlaw Transportation and that matter will probably be presented to the Board at a future date. It was noted that the Board had previously referred a recommendation concerning transportation (referenced in the MGT Management/Organizational Study of the School District) to the MGT Implementation Committee for review.

6. Items from the Board - WinOcular Public Archiver for E-Mail - Dr. DeWitt

Dr. DeWitt stated that the Board had asked him to submit a proposal through the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Technology to provide a means for scanning and electronic backup of documents and E-Mail. It was noted that a computer could be set up and documents would be easily accessible to the public for research purposes. Mr. Barry Boyer, Director of Purchasing, advised that a company is currently under annual contract to set up a system for Human Resources, and that system could be expanded.

7. Items from the Board - Discussion Regarding Visitors at Schools - Dr. DeWitt

Dr. DeWitt discussed concerns that excessive media attention in schools is disruptive to the instructional process, and he asked if the Board wished to consider adopting a policy to designate one day per month as media day (for outside media). He noted the Superintendent's policy that all visitors have to be cleared through the Information Services Office. After discussion, Dr. Mason asked that the Board consider asking administration to bring a policy back for review.

8. Items from the Board - Report from MGT Implementation Committee - Dr. Mason

Dr. Doug Garber, Director, Employee Services, advised that the committee will

meet at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 1999, in Room 130 at the Hall Center.

9. Items from the Board - Report from Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Finance - Dr. Mason (See discussion under XII.1)

10. Items from the Board - Resolutions for a Ballot Measure to be considered for Board

Adoption - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he would present two resolutions for Board consideration, with the first resolution proposing placement of a ballot measure (for presidential primary in March) concerning appointed versus elected Superintendent. The second resolution would propose placing a ballot measure (if the first measure passes), to increase the number of School Board Members from five (5) to seven (7) by adding two (2) at-large members. Dr. Jenkins commented that very few blacks have been elected district wide, and he expressed that the issue of increasing the number of Board Members would have to be referred to the federal courts. Dr. Jenkins requested input from the Board Attorney, and Mrs. George commented concerning the Voting Rights Act that geographical and historical factors would have to be considered in looking at whether minorities (or candidates preferred by minorities) get elected.

11. Items from the Board - Resolution regarding Civil Service Legislation - Mrs. Stidham

Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Escambia NEA UniServ, expressed that Escambia NEA would

object to what seemed to be an attempt by this resolution to circumvent employees in the decision-making process regarding withdrawal from civil service. She noted there is nothing in the Civil Service Act that prohibits the Board from voting to withdraw from civil service; however, the legislative delegation has required employee vote. She suggested amending the resolution to address the Escambia Association of Supervisory Employees (EASE) and Escambia Education Clerical/Classroom Association (EEC/CA). She noted that a number of years ago, the Board approved and ratified a settlement with

the three unions regarding collaborative bargaining to provide collaborative resolution of problems and issues. She asked that the Board continue to honor that agreement with regard to civil service and with regard to subcontracting.

XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

2. Risk Management

Mrs. George advised that MGT had asked her to study the structure of Risk

Management, and she stated that much of the controversy among Board Members has been the idea that it is a trust. She stated that she does not believe that it is a trust, but her main concern involves a governmental agency delegating that much authority to nonelected individuals without enough oversight over the program. She proposed submitting the trust agreement and explanation of Risk Management operations in order to seek the Attorney General's opinion. Dr. Mason stated that the Board will address this matter at the Board Meeting.

XIV. PUBLIC FORUM

There were no speakers.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

The workshop adjourned at 11:25 a.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

________________________ __________________________

Superintendent Chairman