ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA
The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened for the Public Forum at 6:00 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
Dr. Mason called the Public Forum to order at 6:00 p.m. and announced that the Regular Board Meeting would immediately follow the Public Forum. He advised that Mrs. Stidham had pulled Item XII.11 (Items from the Board - Resolution regarding Civil Service Legislation) from the agenda.
The Board recognized the following speakers:
1) Mr. Ed Marsh, 3515 Silver Tree Lane, Pensacola, Florida, spoke in support of Item XII.10 (resolution requesting a ballot measure to consider appointed versus elected Superintendent).
2) Ms. Cathy Roche, President of Escambia County Council of PTAs, introduced Ms. Judy Doucette, representing Ferry Pass Elementary School. Ms. Doucette reported on school activities involving the GLOBE program which provides learning opportunities in environmental education and science.
3) Mr. Harry Evans, 13711 Canal Drive, Pensacola, Florida, spoke concerning the Escambia County School District Management/Organizational Study performed by MGT.
4) Mr. Michael Kouns, 1223 North 13th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida, expressed concerns related to a notice that he had received indicating that certain houses along Lloyd Street are slated for purchase and demolition in order to build a parking lot for the new N. B. Cook Elementary School. After discussion, Dr. Mason asked that Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, follow up with Mr. Kouns concerning this matter.
5) Ms. Tonya Jackson-Broome, Pensacola, Florida, expressed her concerns that property owners who live near N. B. Cook Elementary School were not properly informed regarding proposed demolition of homes along Lloyd Street.
6) Mr. Robert Cantwell, 1311 East Lloyd Street, Pensacola, Florida, advised that he owns one of the houses under consideration for purchase and demolition near N. B. Cook Elementary School. He stated that he wished to confer with staff, and Dr. Mason referred him to the Superintendent for follow up with staff.
7) Ms. Gloria Taylor, Pensacola, Florida, asked that the Board adopt the proposed resolution (under Item XII.10) in support of a ballot measure for consideration of appointed versus elected Superintendent.
8) Ms. Martha Scott, Pensacola, Florida, spoke in support of Item XII.10 (resolution requesting a ballot measure to consider appointed versus elected Superintendent).
9) Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Escambia NEA UniServ, advised that a number of Educational Support Personnel (ESP) employees were present to address concerns regarding information they had received indicating that the School Board was interested in subcontracting their jobs. Ms. Lawrence stated that these employees wish to remain employees of Escambia County District Schools, and they do not want to be employees of a private for-profit corporation that may take over some of the functions of the schools.
10) Mr. Walt Vincenz, Pensacola, Florida, spoke in support of the district mission and aims. He asked that the Board support the resolution under Item XII.10 for a ballot measure to consider appointed Superintendent.
11) Mr. Timothy Ingram, Pensacola, Florida, stated that his son, who attends Brownsville Middle School, has not been receiving breakfast because his school bus does not arrive at the school until 9:05 a.m. He also expressed concern that he was not allowed to visit his son's class without an appointment. He stated that he would like to find out why and follow up on these issues.
12) Mrs. Gail Husbands, 1055 Farmington Place, Pensacola, Florida, stated that she is a teacher at Ensley Elementary School. She expressed opposition to a proposal to privatize bus transportation (as proposed in the MGT Management/Organizational Study and Citizens' Advisory Committee on Finance).
13) Mr. John Wyche, 861 Maplewood Drive, Pensacola, Florida, spoke concerning school choice, and he expressed opposition to adding two at-large School Board Members.
14) Mr. Paul Cope, 1211 North 14th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida, 32503, expressed concerns that buying and demolishing homes along Lloyd Street (to provide parking at N. B. Cook Elementary School) would be detrimental to property values in the area.
15) Mr. Richard Christine, 1326 East Lloyd Street, Pensacola, Florida, 32503, stated that he owns a home near N. B. Cook Elementary, and he discussed concerns related to noise, parking problems, and driveways blocked by school traffic.
16) Ms. Leslie Miller, 5790 Avenida Marina, Pensacola, Florida, 32504, stated that she is a volunteer at N. B. Cook Elementary, and she suggested the possibility of sending a memorandum to remind parents that they should not block residential driveways when picking up their children from school.
17) Mr. Francis Jackson, 1316 East Lloyd Street, Pensacola, Florida, 32503, stated that he had sent a letter to Board Members last month to express concerns regarding planning issues and noise at N. B. Cook Elementary School.
18) Mr. Bill Davison, 5642 Esperanto Drive, Pensacola, Florida, 32526, spoke in support of Item XII.10 (resolution requesting a ballot measure to consider appointed versus elected Superintendent).
19) Mr. Bob DiMonte, 7474 Wymart Road, Pensacola, Florida, 32526, expressed support for Item XII.10 (resolution requesting a ballot measure to consider appointed versus elected Superintendent).
20) Mr. Ken Norris, 4400 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola, Florida, 32503, spoke in support of
Item XII.10 (resolution requesting a ballot measure to consider appointed versus
elected Superintendent).
21) Mr. Art Gottily, 3303 Durney Drive, Cantonment, Florida, 32533, appeared in support of Item XII.10 (resolution requesting a ballot measure to consider appointed versus elected Superintendent).
22) Ms. Noelle Banser, 17119 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, Florida, 32507, spoke in support of Item XII.10 (resolution requesting a ballot measure to consider appointed versus elected Superintendent).
23) Mr. Jack Moses, 1662 Dogwood Place, Pensacola, Florida, asked that the Board support Item XII.10 (resolution requesting a ballot measure to consider appointed versus elected Superintendent).
24) Ms. Dorothy Davis, 8300 Wilde Lake Road, Pensacola, Florida, 32526, read a statement from Dr. Bill Maloy, former Superintendent of Schools, expressing support for Item XII.10 (resolution to consider appointed Superintendent and resolution to expand the School Board to seven by adding two at-large members).
25) Mr. William Miller, 19 Star Lake Drive, Pensacola, Florida, 32507, asked that the School Board focus on educational issues.
26) Mr. Bob Husbands, 1055 Farmington Place, Pensacola, Florida, 32504, asked if requests to speak (presented by bus operators) had been overlooked. Dr. Mason indicated that the individuals would be called upon to speak.
27) Dr. John Lanza, Director of Escambia County Health Department, 1295 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, Florida, 32501, spoke in support of utilizing the old N. B. Cook Elementary School facility to augment existing Pre-Kindergarten facilities in the community.
28) Mr. Jack Smith, Pensacola, Florida, requested that the Board consider establishing a teacher dress code policy to present to the Superintendent for negotiation purposes.
29) Ms. Anne McDowell, 4239 Brookside Drive, Pensacola, Florida, requested that the Board consider hiring an interpreter in American Sign Language to attend the Board meetings to sign for the hearing impaired.
30) Mr. George Harrison, 3931 North "S" Street, Pensacola, Florida, spoke in opposition to privatizing services in the schools.
31) Ms. Linda Giannotti, 5613 Pipeline Road, Pensacola, Florida, 32505, stated that she is a bus driver for the district. She noted the experience of the bus drivers and expressed opposition to privatization of services.
32) Ms. Donna Nezovich, 4030 Gobbler Road, Century, Florida, 32535, spoke in opposition to any proposal to move the Pensacola High School Health Academy to the Technical High School.
33) Mr. James M. Johnson, Jr., 231 Drew Circle, Pensacola, Florida, 32003, stated that he is a bus driver for the district. He commended the Superintendent and School Board Members for their leadership and he emphasized the need to work together.
34) Mr. Jonathan Lewis, Pensacola, Florida, stated that he was against demolition of property to provide parking for N. B. Cook Elementary School. He commented that there is adequate parking in the neighborhood.
35) Mr. Jack Hayes, Pensacola, Florida, spoke in support of the resolutions under Item XII.10 concerning appointed Superintendent and School Board expansion.
36) Mr. Chris Wagley, 414 North Guillemard Street, Pensacola, Florida, 32501, asked that the Board stop any plans to purchase and demolish nine homes along Lloyd Street to build a parking lot for N. B. Cook Elementary School.
37) Mr. George White, Walnut Hill, Florida, appeared in support of Item XII.10 (resolutions requesting ballot measures concerning appointed Superintendent and School Board
expansion).
38) Mr. John Jerralds, 101 Escalona Avenue, Pensacola, Florida, 32503, expressed support for Item XII.10 (resolution concerning appointed Superintendent). He asked that the Board consider establishing a committee to study school choice before adopting a policy. He also asked that Affirmative Action issues be submitted on the meeting agendas for Board consideration and appropriate action.
39) Mr. Frank Cutrone, President, Escambia County Citizens Coalition, urged the Board to support Item XII.10 (resolution concerning appointed Superintendent).
40) Mr. Louie Vallant, representing the Executive Committee of Students for Education, reported that students have been mentoring children at Spencer Bibbs Elementary School, and he invited Board Members to visit the school on "Make A Difference Day" in October.
41) Ms. Rebecca Rudicell, Pensacola, Florida, spoke in support of expanding the School Board.
42) Ms. Jenny Dyess, 4321 La Mirage, Pensacola, Florida, asked that the School Board focus on issues of educating children and safety issues. She spoke in favor of giving the voters a chance to expand the School Board before addressing the question of appointed verus elected Superintendent.
43) Mr. Roger Goldberg, 2675 Tambridge Circle, Pensacola, Florida, 32503, spoke in opposition to having an appointed Superintendent, and he noted that the question of appointed Superintendent had been defeated by the voters in several elections.
44) Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director, Exceptional Student Education, joined the Superintendent and Board Members in recognizing ESE teachers and support personnel, noting the week of October 17-23, 1999, as Exceptional Student Education Week in Escambia County.
45) Ms. Arlene Costello, President, Escambia Education Association, spoke regarding concerns about public criticism of teachers as published in E-Mail by a Board Member. She asked that this unprofessional practice stop and that consequences be added to the Board Members' code of conduct. She later clarified that her comments pertained to one Board Member (citing the Chairman's E-Mail address), and not the School Board as a whole. Dr. Mason responded that the majority of the comments were credited to Brevard County.
Upon inquiry from Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Escambia NEA UniServ, Dr. Mason verified that Item XII.11 (Items from the Board - Resolution regarding Civil Service Legislation) had been pulled from the agenda, and that outsourcing of transportation would not be addressed in this meeting. It was also noted that there would not be a report from the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Finance.
There being no further speakers, Dr. Mason called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. The invocation was given by Dr. Elmer Jenkins, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Walt Vincenz.
Superintendent May listed additions and deletions to the agenda as follows:
RESOLUTIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
ADD: 4) Twelth Annual Food For Families Campaign/World Food Day - Timothy Evans,
Executive Director, Manna Food Bank
V. HUMAN RESOURCES
A. Instructional/Professional
6. Special Requests
SEE: AMENDED BACKUP
C. Risk Management
SEE: AMENDED BACKUP
VII. PURCHASING
19. Bid Award: Kitchen Equipment for Pine Forest High School. Bid#00-03-01
SEE: AMENDED BACKUP
VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE
A. FACILITIES PLANNING
PULLED: 4. Myrtle Grove Center
Property
XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
4. Response to Correspondence, E-Mail, etc.
SEE: BACKUP PROVIDED
XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD
PULLED: 1. Informational Report
from Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) for Finance
5. Items from the Board - Conversion of Former Cook Facility to a Pre-K Center - Dr. DeWitt
SEE: ADDITIONAL BACKUP
PULLED: 9. Items from the Board -
Report from Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Finance -
Dr. Mason
10. Items from the Board - Resolution for a Ballot Measure to be considered for Board
Adoption - Dr. Mason
SEE: BACKUP PROVIDED
PULLED: 11. Items from the Board -
Resolution regarding Civil Service Legislation -
Mrs. Stidham
XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY
PULLED: 1. Law Office
Organization
PULLED: 3. Approval of Settlement
Agreement
PULLED: 4. Watson
Litigation
STELLAR EMPLOYEE
Mr. May asked Mr. Hank Greeson to come forward to be recognized as the Stellar Employee for the month of September. Mr. May stated that Mr. Greeson, Shop Leaderman, Maintenance Department, has been an employee of the School District for 28 years and has contributed professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. Mr. May congratulated Mr. Greeson for this honor and presented him with a plaque, a pin, and a check for $100 donated by Members First Credit Union.
RESOLUTIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1) Certificate of Appreciation for Dan Wooten, Band Director, Woodham High School - Cary Stidham
Mrs. Stidham asked Mr. Dan Wooten and Mr. Bill Slayton, Principal, Woodham High School, to come forward. Mrs. Stidham presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Wooten, on behalf of the School Board, for his courageous and fast action to save the life of Shamika Smith, and for having completed the CPR class to be better prepared to render assistance in emergency situations. Dr. Mason also commended a parent, Ms. Martha Scott, for her concern and support in promoting CPR in schools.
2) National Techies Day
Mr. May asked Mr. Don Manderson, Director of Instructional Technology, and Mr. Bill Bush, Director of Technological Systems and MIS, to come forward as he read the resolution.
WHEREAS, technology plays an important role in all our lives and can be expected
to become integral to all aspects of our educational, professional, and personal existence
in the twenty-first century; and
WHEREAS, in the last ten years, the School District of Escambia County has made great progress to automate student data, administrative functions, and some classroom instruction; and
WHEREAS, the School District currently employs 111 school-based technology contacts, instructional technology support staff, and data processing personnel, who, through hard work and dedication, provide guidance and daily support in computer technology and automated systems; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates demand for technology professionals to double over the next four years, and further projects that the number of graduates with technical degrees will not keep pace;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County declares October 5, 1999, as
NATIONAL TECHIES DAY
and does further take this means to recognize the importance of science, math, and technology education, and to express appreciation for the professionalism and dedicated efforts of the employees working in the field of technology.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the
minutes of the regular meeting of said Board and a copy be tendered to Bill Bush, Director
of Technological Systems and Management Information, and Don Manderson, Director
of Instructional Technology. Adopted this 21st day of September, 1999.
Motion by Dr. Jenkins, second by Dr. DeWitt, to adopt the resolution, was unanimously
approved.
3) PTA Presentation
Ms. Cathy Roche, President, Escambia County Council of PTAs, congratulated students of Escambia County for their outstanding SAT scores, which were up 20 points over last year, 60 points above state average, and 42 points above the national average. Ms. Roche reported concerning PTA training activities and noted there are now 55 active PTA/PTSA schools and three new PTAs are being started. She noted that September is PTA membership month.
4) Twelth Annual Food For Families Campaign/World Food Day - Timothy Evans, Executive
Director, Manna Food Bank
Mr. May asked Mr. Timothy Evans, Executive Director, Manna Food Bank, to come forward as he read the resolution.
WHEREAS, the welfare of our citizens, and of young people in particular, is a
concern of all Americans; and
WHEREAS, the School Board of Escambia County recognizes the need for voluntary efforts by citizens to provide for the welfare of others, as well as to supplement the efforts of government to promote the general welfare; and
WHEREAS, the School Board of Escambia County wishes to recognize and to assist the Manna Food Bank in its efforts to relieve hunger in our community; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby recognize the month of October as
WORLD FOOD MONTH - FOOD FOR FAMILIES
and does hereby encourage administrators, teachers and school children to recognize and support this event.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County
does hereby order a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the
regular meeting of said Board and a copy be tendered to Timothy Evans,
Executive Director, Manna Food Bank. Adopted this 21st day of September,
1999.
Motion by Dr. DeWitt, second by Dr. Jenkins, to adopt the resolution, was unanimously approved.
I. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion by Dr. Jenkins, second by Dr. DeWitt, to adopt the agenda as amended, was unanimously approved.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion was made by Dr. Jenkins and seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve the minutes for the August 10, 1999, Special Meeting; August 13, 1999, Special Meeting; August 13, 1999, Regular Workshop; August 17, 1999, Regular Meeting; and September 1, 1999, Special Meeting. Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt and seconded by Mrs. Gilley, to approve the following amendments:
August 13, 1999, Workshop - Page 6, Item VIII.A.3 - Spot Survey on the old N.B. Cook
Elementary School, second paragraph, third sentence should be changed to read "He suggested the possibility of making that a model Preschool Program."
August 17, 1999, Regular Meeting - Page 23, Item IV-X. - Consent Agenda
The minutes as submitted indicate that the consent agenda was unanimously approved, with the exception of Item V.A.1 (regarding fourth year contracts). That statement is a little misleading in that upon first reading it seems as if we did not approve the awarding of some fourth year annual contracts. There were no fourth year annual contract positions on the agenda, but because of a growing concern, I pulled the item and made a motion regarding justification of fourth year annual contracts which was approved unanimously. Item V.A.1 was for all appointments being recommended by the Superintendent, for which my motion had no effect, and which were approved under Consent Agenda. I would suggest that the minutes be corrected to reflect that "The consent agenda was unanimously approved, with the addition of a separate motion under Item V.A.1, pertaining to having justification provided to the Board for all future requests for awarding a fourth year annual contract..."
Dr. Mason called for the vote and the amendments were unanimously approved. Dr. Mason called for the vote on the original motion as amended and the motion was unanimously approved.
III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES
A. Permission to Advertise
"No items submitted"
B. Permission to Adopt
"No items submitted"
The following items were moved forward:
XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD
4. Items from the Board - Resolution Endorsing Youth Awareness, Inc. Programs "B.A.R.E." and "Choose Your Friends Wisely" - Mrs. Stidham
Mrs. Stidham asked Mr. Larry Fordham, President of Youth Awareness, Inc.,
and Mrs. Diane Fordham, Executive Director, to come forward as she read the resolution. WHEREAS, the School Board of Escambia County recognizes the need for young people to make wise and responsible choices in the face of temptations provided by the media and their peers; and
WHEREAS, the School Board of Escambia County wants to help young people resist peer and media pressure by choosing friends wisely and serving as examples to other youth; and
WHEREAS, Youth Awareness, Inc., a non-profit corporation, inspired by the experiences of a young man who did not choose wisely and is consequently serving a prison sentence, conducts programs to encourage young people to make positive choices in life, to avoid false friends and reject negative peer pressure; and
WHEREAS, Youth Awareness, Inc., has conducted valuable programs in several Escambia County Schools; and
WHEREAS, representatives of Youth Awareness, Inc. appeared at the August 13, 1999 School Board workshop to seek the endorsement of the Escambia County School Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ESCAMBIA COUNTY
SCHOOL BOARD: The Escambia County School Board hereby endorses the Youth
Awareness, Inc. programs "B.A.R.E." (Be A Respectful and Responsible Example)
and "Choose Your Friends Wisely." The School Board encourages principals to invite
Youth Awareness, Inc. to their schools for the aforementioned prevention
programs. Adopted by the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, in official
session on September 21, 1999.
Motion by Mrs. Stidham, second by Dr. DeWitt, to adopt the resolution, was
unanimously approved.
The meeting returned to the regular agenda.
IV.-X. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, and seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the consent agenda. Dr. DeWitt pulled V.A.2.c for discussion. Mrs. Gilley registered a NO vote on V.A.6 (Item Number 4). Dr. DeWitt pulled V.A.6 (Item Numbers 4, 5, and 6) to address separately. Dr. Jenkins pulled V.F for discussion. Dr. Mason pulled VII.5, VIII.A.3 and IX.8 for discussion.
IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS
This item was approved as submitted.
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit A)
V. HUMAN RESOURCES
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit B)
A. Instructional/Professional
1. Appointments
Name Position Date Work Location
Adams, Anna Teacher 8/09/99 Ferry Pass Mid
Amentler, Deidra Teacher 9/07/99 Pine Meadow
Anderson, Kiera Teacher 9/07/99 Hellen Caro
Anderson, Renae Teacher 9/07/99 Bailey
Barnes, Paul ROTC 8/09/99 Tate
Barnett, Catherine Counselor 9/27/99 Redirections
Battaglia, Alana Teacher 9/07/99 Escambia
Blalock, David Teacher 8/10/99 Cook
Bondurant, Monica Teacher 8/09/99 Woodham
Bowen, Deborah Teacher 8/09/99 ESEAL
Bradley, Jina Teacher 9/07/99 Spencer Bibbs
Broach, Barbara Teacher 8/10/99 Bellview Mid
Clark, Shirley Teacher 9/09/99 Tate
Coker, Lee Teacher 9/10/99 Century Elem
Colston, Frank Teacher 8/13/99 Escambia
Contreras, Janelle Teacher 8/20/99 Pine Forest
Cooksey, Martine Teacher 9/07/99 Brentwood Mid
Cope, Amy Teacher 8/09/99 Bellview Elem
Creamer, Karen Teacher 8/12/99 Pensacola
Crews, Victoria Teacher 9/07/99 Scenic Heights
Davey, Mieko Teacher 8/13/99 Escambia
Dawson, Mary Teacher 9/07/99 West Pensacola
Dewise, Maria Teacher 9/07/99 Spencer Bibbs
DeWitt, Gillis Teacher 9/07/99 Hellen Caro
Dixon, Ada Social Worker 9/20/99 Title I
Drew, Eric Teacher 8/12/99 Brentwood Mid
Eichelberger, Abigail Teacher 8/11/99 Cook
Ferguson, Connie Teacher 8/09/99 Ferry Pass Elem
Finn, Barbara Teacher 8/09/99 Pensacola
Foster, Shari Teacher 8/09/99 Bellview Mid
Garvey, Angela Teacher 8/16/99 Beggs
Gibson, Linda Teacher 8/13/99 Hallmark
Goggans, Cary Teacher 8/09/99 Warrington Elem
Gonzalez, Martha Teacher 8/09/99 Beggs
Griffin, Marnie Teacher 8/13/99 Navy Point
Groton, Lisa Teacher 8/10/99 Bellview Mid
Haas, Michael (Prom) Coord/Aquatic Sports 9/03/99 Washington
Hester, Natalie Teacher 8/09/99 Century Elem
Hubbard, Melanie Teacher 8/09/99 Edgewater
Johnson-Williams, R Teacher 9/08/99 Ensley
Jones, Susan Teacher 8/12/99 Escambia
Keating, Pamela Teacher 9/10/99 Semmes
Kelly, Karyn Teacher 9/07/99 Edgewater
Kidder, Cynthia Teacher 8/09/99 Bailey
Lawson, Michael Teacher 8/09/99 Pine Forest
Lee, Scheshin Teacher 8/09/99 Warrington Elem
Lindstrom, Jill Teacher 8/09/99 Edgewater
Luna, Kimberly Teacher 9/07/99 Edgewater
Malpica, Robyn Teacher 9/07/99 Edgewater
Manning, Barbara Teacher 8/30/99 Workman
McHenry, Christina Teacher 8/09/99 McArthur
Meredith, David Teacher 9/09/99 Tate
Metty, Robert Counselor 8/09/99 Lipscomb
Milstead, Charles Teacher 8/09/99 Tate
Milsted, James Teacher 8/30/99 George Stone
Nicolet, Jean Teacher 8/12/99 Escambia
O'Connell, Tricia Teacher 8/09/99 Montclair
Parrish, Clara Teacher 9/07/99 Washington
Peacock, Velda Teacher 9/09/99 Ferry Pass Elem
Penton, Angelia Teacher 8/13/99 Brentwood Mid
Peuler, Marney Teacher 8/09/99 Edgewater
Pfister, Betty Teacher 8/30/99 Brownsville
Pitman, Tammy Teacher 8/16/99 Semmes
Pridgen, Janet Teacher 8/13/99 Century Elem
Ralph, Andrea Teacher 8/19/99 Brentwood Mid
Reynolds, John Teacher 8/24/99 Woodham
Risch, Elizabeth Teacher 9/07/99 Yniestra
Robichaud, Johanne Teacher 8/30/99 George Stone
Robison, Mark Teacher 8/16/99 Warrington Elem
Rogers, Russell Teacher 8/11/99 Northview
Short, Tamara Teacher 8/12/99 Woodham
Simons, Julia Teacher 8/09/99 Pleasant Grove
Smith, Christi Teacher 9/13/99 Tate
Smith, Gina Teacher 8/11/99 Warrington Elem
Smith, Jacquelyn Teacher 8/09/99 Byrneville
Sorokolit-Stencel, B Teacher 8/09/99 Spencer Bibbs
Stanton, Edwin Teacher 8/09/99 Northview
Strother, Cody Teacher 8/09/99 Pine Forest
Suhrheinrich, Gina Teacher 9/07/99 Scenic Heights
Surreman, Heidi Teacher 8/09/99 Scenic Heights
Tomko, Charles Teacher 8/09/99 Brentwood Mid
Tyrrell, Suzanne Teacher 9/07/99 Hallmark
Walker, Hazel Teacher 8/09/99 Bailey
Weller, Phebe Teacher 7/12/99 George Stone (part-time)
Willoughby, Teresa Teacher 9/07/99 Hallmark
Yecker, Stacy Teacher 8/19/99 Pine Forest
2. Reappointments
- Annual
Bryant, David Teacher 8/10/99 Brownsville
Coleman, Christine Teacher 8/12/99 Pensacola
Dykes, Herbert Teacher 8/16/99 Washington
Gibson, Melissa Teacher 8/09/99 Woodham
Gonzalez, Melissa Teacher 8/09/99 Pensacola
Heiney, Glinda Teacher 8/12/99 Warrington Mid
Kierstead, Katy Teacher 8/16/99 Montclair
Markham, John Teacher 8/09/99 Escambia
McDonald, John Teacher 8/16/99 Ernest Ward (Part-time)
Owens, Laura Teacher 8/16/99 Washington
Penton, Randi Teacher 8/13/99 Escambia
Pride, Edith Teacher 8/09/99 Longleaf
Segrest, Paula Teacher 8/09/99 Oakcrest
Simon, Patches Teacher 8/12/99 Tate
VanMeter, Virginia Teacher 8/09/99 Sherwood
- Professional Service Contract
Brinson, Sheldon Teacher 8/09/99 Petree
- 4th Year Annual Contract
Brown, William Teacher 8/09/99 Beggs
Dr. DeWitt stated that he supported the Superintendent's recommendation but
would like the Board to develop a policy which puts resrictions on what it takes to get a fourth year contract, because a fourth year appointment is unfair to an employee who has been a good employee for three years and happens to change schools. This item was approved as part of the consent agenda.
From To Date
Anderson, Peggy Yniestra Cook 8/09/99
Bolling, Donna Brentwood Mid Neighborhood Ctr 8/09/99
Brittain, James Brownsville ReDirections 8/09/99
Bzdick, Terri West Pensacola McArthur 8/09/99
Daniels, Gena Navy Point Molino 8/25/99
Fowler, Rhonda Escambia Brentwood Elem 8/11/99
Haytaian, Tina Brown Barge Escambia 8/09/99
Henderson, Debra Semmes Hellen Caro 8/13/99
Johnson, Martha Workman Brownsville 8/09/99
Kaufke, Jeanne Escambia Bailey 8/09/99
Lawson-Sellers, J Bellview Mid Ferry Pass Mid 8/09/99
Maines, Susan Warrington Elem Jim Allen 8/09/99
McLaughlin, Theresa Dixon Lincoln Park 9/01/99
McNair, Donna Ferry Pass Elem Lipscomb 8/09/99
Roberts, Michael Yniestra Tate 9/01/99
Roberts, Roy George Stone Bellview Mid 8/09/99
Ward, Brenda Brentwood Mid Workman 9/01/99
(a) Appointments
Baggett, Angelyn Teacher 8/09/99 Woodham
Bingham, Alan Teacher 8/09/99 Brownsville
Blair, Michael Teacher 8/11/99 Brentwood Mid
Hardin, Jenni Teacher 8/16/99 Bellview Mid
Hommel, Marie Teacher 9/08/99 Escambia
Key, Charlotte Counselor 8/09/99 Ferry Pass Mid
Malone, Tammy Media Spec 8/24/99 Montclair
Riley, Ann DCT Coord 8/19/99 Escambia
Ringo, Gayle Teacher 8/09/99 Bellview Mid
Sanstead, William Teacher 8/12/99 Escambia
Seeman, Corinne Teacher 9/07/99 Bailey
Vincent, Beverly Teacher 8/09/99 Warrington Mid
(b) Reappointments
Kleiman, Indrea Teacher 8/09/99 ESE/Hall Ctr
Lutrick, Patricia Teacher 9/07/99 Escambia
(c) Transfers From To Date
Woodard, Janie Spencer Bibbs VT 8/06/99
(d) Other
Braswell, Constance Teacher Oakcrest
Catalani, Katherine Teacher Edgewater
Crenshaw, Gloria VT Hall Ctr
Crisson, Mary Teacher Barrineau Park
Ewing, David Teacher Bellview Mid
Hayes, Karleen Teacher PATS
Hugus, Martha Teacher Woodham
Humphreys, Mark Teacher Pine Forest
Jordan, John Teacher Escambia
Kramerich, Maurine Teacher PATS
Lupton, Dana Teacher Pine Forest
Martin, Karen Teacher Escambia
McLeod, Ben VT Hall Ctr
Pate, Natalie Media Spec Hallmark
Robinson, Deborah VT Hall Ctr
Segers, Nelda VT Hall Ctr
Shilling, Sam Teacher Brownsville
Slay, Suzanne Teacher Carver
Stringfellow, Dodi Media Spec Pensacola Beach
Thedford, Ruth Teacher Pleasant Grove
Thompson, Charlie VT Hall Ctr
Veach, Janice Teacher Pine Forest
Welch, George DCT Coord Northview
Bennett, Sandra Teacher 8/18/99 Bratt
Celestine, Theresa Teacher 8/31/99 Warrington Mid (Ret)
Crawford, Linda Teacher 8/27/99 Brownsville
Crowson, Thomas Teacher 8/11/99 Brentwood Mid
Dixon, Donna Teacher 7/31/99 Cordova Park
Edwards, Anne Teacher 7/31/99 ESE/Speech
Fretwell, Sandra Teacher 8/18/99 Warrington Mid
Gatwood, Ashley Teacher 8/02/99 Navy Point
Harman, Elizabeth Teacher 8/25/99 Oakcrest
Hodges, Melany Teacher 9/03/99 Hellen Caro
Paul, Denise Teacher 8/25/99 Bailey
Simmons, Mona Teacher 8/13/99 Brownsville (Ret)
Vasser, Anne Teacher 7/31/99 Brownsville
Williams, Cynthia Teacher 7/31/99 Woodham
Wise, Richard Coord/Aquatic Sports 8/31/99 Washington (Ret)
(1) Request approval for leave of absences for the following personnel:
*Bachmeier, Lilian Warrington Elem 11/2-12/17/99 Maternity
*Herring, Kiersten Brown Barge 8/20-10/1/99 Maternity
*Johnson, Johnie Bratt 8/24-11/17/99 Illness
Johnson, Susan Brentwood Elem 8/9/99-5/30/2000 Childrearing
*Powers, Pamela Pleasant Grove 9/7-17/99 Illness
Randall, Jeffrey Brownsville 8/9/99-1/02/2000 Military
*FMLA
(2) Rescind appointments of the following persons who declined teaching positions in Escambia County:
Bethea, Joyce Pine Forest
Cofield, Diane Escambia
Sorrento, Cynthia Warrington Elem
(3) The following instructional personnel was terminated in accordance with Florida Statutes 231.36:
Certificate #689631 Escambia High 9/07/99
(4) Request approval to establish a position to be entitled Webmaster Specialist on the Professional Salary Schedule.
After discussion, motion by Dr. DeWitt, second by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the
establishment of a new position called Webmaster, failed 3-2 with Mrs. Gilley, Dr. Mason, and Mrs. Stidham voting NO.
(5) Request to rescind motion which was approved at the
July 27, 1999 Board Meeting regarding the elimination of the lapse
factor for teachers for the first semester.
See related discussion under Item (6).
(6) Request approval to implement the hiring freeze effective October 1, 1999.
It was noted that Item (5) had been pulled (regarding motion approved at the July 27, 1999, Board meeting - elimination of lapse factor for teachers for the first semester). Dr. DeWitt clarified that the motion he made was that we not have the freeze. After discussion, motion by Dr. DeWitt, second by Mrs. Gilley, to implement the hiring freeze effective October 1, 1999, with the exception of George Stone Center, grant positions, and instructional personnel (classroom teachers) for the first semester, was unanimously approved.
B. Human Resources/Educational Support Personnel
(1) Appointments
NAME CLASSIFICATION EFF DATE LOCATION
Adkins, Cynthia (Prom) Admin Clerk II 8/24/99 Tate
Aksouh, Teresa Teacher Assistant 8/10/99 Ferry Pass Elem
Andrews, Cindy (Prom) Admin Secretary I 8/9/99 Risk Management
Ash, Shannon Teacher Asst (Computer Lab) 8/16/99 Bellview Elem
Austin, Susan Teacher Assistant Special 8/30/99 Lakeview
Ball, Annie Custodial Worker I 8/5/99 Tate
Barton, Larelda (Prom) Admin School Secretary I 8/24/99 Tate
Bell, Jane Teacher Assistant Special 9/8/99 Cordova Park
Bergstrom, Cynthia Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Bailey
Berry, Rebecca Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Escambia Westgate
Betts, Wanda Food Service Asst I 8/16/99 Myrtle Grove
Bodree, Brad (Prom) Construction Mechanic II 9/7/99 Facilities
Born, Catherine Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Escambia Westgate
Bussey, Angela Custodial Worker I 8/6/99 Sherwood
Cornish, Tonetle Custodial Worker I 8/12/99 Myrtle Grove
Deas, Mershun (Prom) Admin Secretary II 9/7/99 Affirmative Action
DeLorm, Tonya Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Bailey
Dixon, Edward Custodial Worker I 9/7/99 Washington
Finney, Phyliss Custodial Worker I 8/6/99 ESEAL
Gent, Charlotte Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Myrtle Grove
Goldsmith, Terrance (Prom) Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Holm
Hardy, Yolanda Food Service Assistant I 9/1/99 Lincoln Park
Harrison, Leslie Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Hellen Caro
Harrison, Sharon Food Service Assistant I 8/13/99 Wedgewood
Hendrix, Susan Teacher Assistant 9/3/99 Woodham
Holland, Sheila (Prom) Admin Clerk II 8/9/99 Northview
Horne, Sharon Food Service Assistant I 8/16/99 Ransom
Hudson, Dorothy Early Childhood Asst 8/16/99 Ensley
Huff, Cynthia (Prom) Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Special Ed (ARC)
Ikner, Jean (Prom) Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Holm
Kilgen, Victoria (Prom) School Data Specialist II 8/13/99 Lipscomb
Killam, Rhonda Teacher Assistant Special 8/30/99 Northview
King, Henry Custodial Worker I 8/12/99 Ferry Pass Middle
Knight, Augustine Custodial Worker I 9/2/99 Pensacola High
Ladd, Barbara (Prom) Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Holm
Lake, Kathleen (Prom) Admin Clerk II 8/16/99 Oakcrest
Lindstrom, Jo Anne Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Bailey
Lucas, Charlotte (Prom) School Data Specialist II 8/20/99 Northview
Mandel, Rhonda (Prom) Food Service Assistant II 8/13/99 Hellen Caro
McClure, Judy Food Service Assistantt I 8/13/99 Bailey
McKendrick, Jennifer Food Service Assistant I 8/30/99 Warrington Elem
Milton, Joan (Prom) Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Holm
Padilla, Joan (Prom) Food Service Assistant II 8/30/99 West Pensacola
Peavy, Vicky (Prom) Admin Clerk II 8/25/99 Pleasant Grove
Quarles, Cynthia Food Service Assistant I 8/30/99 Washington
Reuben, Sheila Food Service Assistant I 8/13/99 Workman
Richardson, Woodrow Jr Custodial Worker I 8/5/99 Tate
Robbins, Marsha Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Century Elem
Rogers, Joyce Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Lakeview
Saucier, Sarah Admin Clerk II 8/16/99 Bailey
Sigourney, William Teacher Assistant Special 9/2/99 Carver
Simpson, Beverly Custodial Worker I 8/2/99 Northview
Smith, Lisa (Prom) Early Childhood Assistant 8/16/99 Bellview Elem
Smith, Tammie Teacher Assistant Special 8/16/99 Escambia Westgate
Spencer, Kawanza Admin Clerk II 8/24/99 Sherwood
Stricker, Ruth (Prom) Food Service Assistant II 8/30/99 Sherwood
Tebbs, Paula Teacher Assistant 8/16/99 Woodham
Thompkins, Rose Custodial Worker I 9/3/99 Escambia Westgate
Vu, Lang Thi Early Childhood Assistant 8/16/99 McMillan
Ward, April Educational Interpreter 8/23/99 West Pensacola
Watson, Jacquelyn Custodial Worker I 9/3/99 Holm
Westmoreland, Cynthia Custodial Worker I 8/20/99 Ransom
Wilks, Vernender (Prom) Admin Clerk II 8/19/99 Oakcrest
Woods, Cynthia (Prom) Food Service Assistant II 8/16/99 Hallmark
Bray, Norma (Ret) Early Childhood Assistant 8/31/99 Molino
Creighton, Bertha (Ret) Teacher Assistant Special 8/31/99 Transportation
Dixon, Wanda Teacher Assistant Special 9/3/99 Escambia Westgate
Emmons, Kimberly Admin Clerk II 9/3/99 Title I
Henderson, Lillie Food Service Assistant I 8/12/99 Woodham
Henderson, Nancy Admin Clerk II 8/24/99 Longleaf
Jackson, Sonja Teacher Assistant 8/16/99 Redirections
Knighten, Willie (Ret) Custodial Supervisor 8/27/99 Bellview Middle
Lovelace, Linda Teacher Assistant 8/31/99 Bellview Elem
Malone, Robin Food Service Assistant I 8/12/99 Woodham
McKee, Ralph School Bus Operator 9/3/99 Transportation
Morgan, Ruben Custodial Worker I 8/18/99 Myrtle Grove
Morris, Sandra Food Service Assistant I 8/12/99 Bratt
Neal, Gary (DisRet) Custodial Worker I 7/30/99 Hall Center
Resmondo, Pamela Teacher Assistant Special 8/26/99 Longleaf
Arriaga, Maria Food Service Assistant I 8/23/99 McArthur
Crenshaw, Laterra School Bus Operator 8/17/99 Transportation
Hudson, Charles (Death) Storekeeper W'house Tech I 8/23/99 Central Warehouse
Eddie Pierce, Custodial Worker I at Scenic Heights, suspended for ten (10) work days without pay effective 8/13/99.
Mabel Ephraim, School Bus Operator in Transportation, dismissed in bad standing effective 8/11/99.
NAME CLASSIFICATION/WK LOC EFF DATE REASON
Adams, Helen Teacher Asst Special/Dixon 8/23/99-6/30/2000 Professional
Dixon, Wanda Teacher Asst Special/Westgate 8/16/99-9/24/99Personal
Frye, Ollie Teacher Asst Special/Westgate 8/16/99-10/1/99 Personal
Godwin, Tamara (Ext) Food Service Asst I/Bratt 8/13/99-11/5/99 Medical
Goodman, George Ann Teacher Assistant/E Ward 8/19/99-12/31/99 Professional
Griffin, Catherine (Ext) School Bus Oper/Transportation 8/16/99-10/31/99 Medical
Hall, Juanita (Ext) Early Childhood Asst/J Andrews 5/4/99-5/25/2000 Medical
Jones, Ira School Bus Oper/Transportation 8/20/99-12/18/99 *Medical
Nichols, Evelyn Teacher Asst/Bellview Elem 8/23/99-11/30/99 Medical
Self, Patricia Teacher Asst/Molino 8/16/99-5/25/2000 Personal
Thomas, Sylvia Teacher Asst/Woodham 8/16/99-12/31/99 Professional
*Request for FMLA
C. Risk Management
Approved the following agreements/contracts/leases:
(1) Premium and Co-pay Health and Rx Program
(2) United HealthCare Administrative Service Agreement
(3) Trailer Resident Lease
(4) School Resource Officer Contract (City)
D. Staff Development
Approved the following agreement:
(1) Agreement for Consultant Services between Escambia County and Excellence in Leadership (Jim McKinley)
E. Employee Services
"No items submitted"
F. Affirmative Action
Dr. Jenkins noted that the Board had designated Mr. Elvin McCorvey to serve as
Director of Affirmative Action, and he asked that the Superintendent and Board make sure that Mr. McCorvey is given all of the resources that he needs in order to provide support and strengthen Affirmative Action efforts.
VI. FINANCE
Approved:
1. Authorization for payrolls and vouchers for the month of October, 1999.
(Housed in Finance Department)
2. Check Register for the month of August, 1999.
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit C)
3. Financial Report for the month of July, 1999.
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit D)
4. Statements for Legal Services:
a) Edward P. Fleming, P. A. $ 40.00
b) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. 2,033.34
c) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. 6,021.00
d) John Allbritton, P. A. 450.00
e) John Arthur Shimek, P. A. 420.00
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit E)
5. Miscellaneous Salary Schedule for 1999-2000.
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit F)
VII. PURCHASING
Backup filed in Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit G
Approved:
1. Bid Award: Student Desks, Bid #00-02-03
2. Apple Microcomputers for Montclair Elementary School
3. Annual SACS Accreditation for various schools
4. Covered walkways for Helen Caro Elementary School
5. Professional education services for "Direct Instruction" comprehensive School Management Training
After discussion, this item was approved under the consent agenda.
6. Apple Microcomputer equipment and software for Bellview Elementary School
7. Unauthorized purchase of professional educational services for Carver Middle School
8. Change Notice #2 to Purchase Order #189780 (Ventilated Awnings)
9. Change Notice #36 to Purchase Order #162826 (Whitesell-Green,Inc.)
10. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #192334 (A.E. New, Jr., Inc.)
11. Change Notice #3 to Purchase Order #186749 (Brown Construction of NWFLA, Inc.)
12. Concrete Sports Lighting Poles for Woodham High School
13. Apple Microcomputers for Brownsville Middle School
14. Novell SAA Software/Licenses
15. Lease/purchase of an IBM TLC Computer Lab for Holm Elementary School
16. Bid Award: Diesel Fuel and Gasoline for Motor Vehicles. Bid #64-99 (amended)
17. Bid Award: Maintenance and Service Contract for Milkshake Machines and Holding Cases. Bid #00-04-03
18. Lightspan Equipment and Software Licenses for Weis Elementary School
19. Bid Award: Kitchen Equipment for Pine Forest High School. Bid #00-03-01
20. Bid Award: Annual Agreement for Paper. Bid #00-05-02
21. Microcomputer Clones for various Schools and Departments
VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE
Approved:
Backup filed in Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit H
A. FACILITIES PLANNING
1. Cafeteria Additions/Renovations at Pensacola High School
2. Classroom Addition at Longleaf Elementary School
3. Judy Andrews Pre-K Center
Upon inquiry from Dr. Mason, Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, advised that the attorney had recommended
approval of quit claim deeds for exchange of property (less than one acre) which will enhance the playground area for the Judy Andrews Pre-K Center. This item was approved as part of the consent agenda.
PULLED:
4. Myrtle Grove Center Property (Pulled by Board in
Workshop)
B. MAINTENANCE
"No Items Submitted"
IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION
Backup filed in Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit I
Approved:
1. 1999-2000 School Advisory Council Corrections for Ransom Middle, Woodham High, and George Stone Center.
2. 1999-2000 School Improvement Plans for Spencer Bibbs Advanced Learning Academy and Pensacola High School, and 1998-1999 End of Year School Reports for Escambia and Pensacola High Schools.
3. 1999-2000 School Advisory Council Revisions for Longleaf, Pleasant Grove and Scenic Heights Elementary Schools and George Stone Center.
4. Professional Agreement between the Escambia County School District and Mary Elizabeth Morton.
5. Transportation Reimbursement Request.
6. Amendment to the Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, and Intervention Group, Inc., dba Pensacola Academy of Success.
7. Contract for Services between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, and Deaf Communications Specialists and Business Accounting Services, Inc., 1999-2000.
8. Reading Initiative Grant Dollars.
Dr. DeWitt advised that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Technology
reviewed and supported this. After discussion, this item was approved as part of the consent agenda.
9. Targeted School and Instructional Enhancement.
10. Travel and Tourism Academy.
11. School Health Services Plan.
12. Cooperative Agreement between the Adult & Community Education Department of the School Board of Escambia County and the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC).
13. Even Start Family Literacy Program.
X. INTERNAL AUDITING
Backup filed in Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit J
Approved:
A. INTERNAL FUNDS
"No Items Submitted"
B. PROPERTY CONTROL
1. Inventory Adjustment Reports
2. Request permission to sell by sealed bid
3. Request permission to donate school buses to Escambia Charter School, Inc.
4. Request permission to remove stock items from record
5. Maintenance items for cannibalization and scrap
6. Surplus property items for cannibalization and scrap
7. Request permission to sell to the highest bidder and/or scrap
IV.-X. CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda was unanimously approved, with the exception of V.A.6 (Item Number 5) which was pulled, and V.A.6 (Item Numbers 4 and 6) were addressed by separate motion. Mrs. Gilley, Dr. Mason, and Mrs. Stidham registered NO votes on V.A.6 (Item Number 4).
XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Backup filed in Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit K
1. Recommendation to Adopt Controlled Choice as the District's Method of School Assignment.
Mr. May presented the recommendation to form a committee to be composed of School Advisory Committee chairpersons and the Student Attendance Zone Advisory Committee to do a study and make a recommendation to the Board concerning controlled school choice. Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham to approve the Superintendent's recommendation. Dr. DeWitt seconded the motion for purposes of discussion. Mrs. Gilley commented that schools that are on low-performing lists are going to have options for open enrollment next year, and those options may differ from what the committee brings to the Board later in the summer. Discussion was held regarding proposed time lines, size of the committee, impact of open enrollment on neighborhood schools, and transportation issues. Dr. Jenkins stated his concerns would be to determine which methods would be used to divide the district into zones to ensure that inner city schools are placed in all zones. He suggested the possibility of having a magnet school in each of the zones to make each zone attractive to a majority of the people in the district.
After discussion, Dr. DeWitt offered an amendment to the motion to approve the
study of controlled choice, with the committee and time lines (as recommended by the Superintendent), with the committee to come back to the Board with recommendations as to how controlled choice would work. Dr. Jenkins seconded the motion. He asked the Board Attorney if the district is still operating under the student placement dictates of the Augustus court case. Mrs. George responded in the affirmative. Dr. Jenkins asked if free choice would interfere with that legally, and Mrs. George advised that it would depend on how the districts are drawn and set up. Dr. Jenkins asked if going to free choice could contribute to keeping some of the schools racially identifiable. Mrs. George stated that choice usually leads to more racial balance. Dr. DeWitt commented that under the court order, any child in a total
majority school has the choice to transfer to any school in the district. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, stated since the district will be addressing choice issues already (concerning low-performing schools), it may be prudent for the committee to address demographics and potential boundaries for those areas as part of the committee's recommendation to be brought back to the Board. He stated that staff could provide technical assistance to the committee. He advised that input from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) had indicated that the time lines are appropriate. Mr. Ireland Brock, Director, Pupil Instructional Support Services, advised that the Superintendent's recommendation emphasized the importance of parental involvement in the process of developing a controlled choice plan. Concerning the size of the committee, he noted that subcommittees could be formed to work on specific issues. He stated that in order to comply with the court order, demographics will continue to be a factor in determining zones. Mrs. Stidham requested input concerning redistricting. Mr. Brock stated that part of the controlled choice plan could be development of the attendance zones.
The Board recognized the following speakers:
1) Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, spoke concerning the function of the Student Attendance Zone Advisory Committee.
2) Ms. Ellen Lawrence, Pensacola, Florida, commented concerning membership of the proposed committee, and she expressed support for including each School Advisory Committee chairperson or designee.
3) Mr. Steven Tuley, 7375 Glidden Lane, Pensacola, Florida, 32526, commented that Escambia County has had school choice for eight years on a controlled basis under a zone system called the eastern corridor. He noted when this program was implemented at N. B. Cook Elementary School eight years ago, the student population was 98% minority, and the student population is currently 70% majority and 30% minority.
4) Mr. Harry Evans, 13711 Canal Drive, Pensacola, Florida, spoke concerning guidelines referenced in Florida Statutes regarding assignment of students to schools.
Dr. DeWitt restated the amendment to the motion to adopt the Superintendent's recommendation (not to study the pros and cons of school choice), but to develop a plan for school choice. The committee would be comprised of the Student Attendance Zone Advisory Committee and the chairperson or designee of each School Advisory Committee. A plan would be presented to the Board based on the recommended time line (June, 2000). After discussion, Mrs. Gilley called the question. No vote was taken on the question. Dr. Mason called for the vote on the amendment and the motion failed 3-2 with Mrs. Gilley, Dr. Mason, and Mrs. Stidham voting NO.
Dr. Mason called for the vote on the original motion. Mrs. Stidham offered an amendment concerning committee membership to include "a School Advisory Committee member or designee." Mrs. Gilley seconded the amendment. Dr. Mason called for the vote on the amendment and the motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. May stated that the Board would receive regular reports from the Student
Attendance Zone Advisory Committee, and he added that the Board may wish to receive monthly presentations at the workshops. Mrs. Gilley moved to amend the original motion to add that the Board would appreciate the addition of a monthly report during this process. Dr. Jenkins seconded the motion. Dr. Mason called for the vote and the amendment was unanimously approved. After discussion, Dr. Mason called for the v