The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 10:10 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 10:10 a.m.

The following items were moved forward:

VII. PURCHASING

1. Unauthorized purchase of Elementary School Level Agendas.

Ms. Linda Doelker, Principal, Scenic Heights Elementary School, explained that

she had placed a phone order about two weeks before school began in order to provide student planners for fourth and fifth grades. She stated that she will follow purchasing card guidelines for any subsequent orders.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

2. Items from the Board - Litigation Avoidance - Special Education - Dr. Mason

Ms. Yonna Diggs, Naval Reserve Ombudsman-At-Large, advised that she serves as appointed official to the Naval Reserve Commanding Officer, and her function is to work with command offices throughout the nation and overseas to deal with military family issues. She advised that ombudsmen are trained in the helping process and confidentiality in order to work in a liaison capacity regarding health care, housing, and other issues. Dr. Mason discussed the possibility of utilizing ombudsmen in volunteer roles regarding Special Education to help resolve issues, educate parents as to how the system works, and establish an informal process which could be employed prior to a formal disagreement or litigation between parents of a Special Education child and the School District. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director, Exceptional Student Education, noted that parent advocate volunteers are currently utilized. Staff has also been trained in mediation and facilitative leadership skills to assist families. Ms. Gray informed the Board concerning current Special Education processes that correlate with state and federal law and methods to keep parents informed utilizing the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Advisory Council, advocacy groups, and others. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, noted that over the last four years, only two Special Education cases have gone to the due process level. Ms. Patti Hoagland, Parent Advocate, stressed the importance of communication between parents and school officials, and she expressed that more help with families would be beneficial. After discussion, Dr. Mason asked that Ms. Diggs meet with Mr. Pettis to address any possible enhancements to the process.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

2. Miscellaneous

e. Property Purchase - 4501 Bellview Avenue

Ms. Becky Hewitt, Principal, Bellview Elementary School, and Ms. Lynn

Paine, President, Bellview Elementary PTA and School Advisory Council member, addressed the Board in support of acquiring the property located behind Bellview Elementary School. Ms. Hewitt commented on overcrowded conditions at the school as well as parking and traffic problems. She reviewed a diagram of the site and spoke concerning the proposed building addition to provide the space that is needed in order to ensure the safety and security of students. Mrs. Stidham reported that the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on Facilities had expressed that the purchase price was too high and had suggested that a master plan be done in order to utilize contiguous lands. Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, stated that the cost of the master plan would range from $20,000 to $40,000. Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, advised that staff was not recommending purchase due to the excessive asking price of $50,000 an acre (noting the appraised valued of $16,000 per acre). He verified that the elementary school site has eleven (11) acres and the contiguous property (Bellview Middle School) has twenty-five (25) acres. He advised that proper site planning would allow rearrangement of parking areas and traffic patterns. After discussion, Dr. Mason noted there was consensus of the Board to proceed with a master plan.

The meeting returned to the regular agenda.

II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. May reviewed the additions and deletions to the agenda. Mr. May noted that

a request was made at the last meeting that the Board consider hiring an interpreter in American Sign Language to attend the Board meetings to sign for the hearing impaired. Ms. Joni Caraway, President, and Ms. Stacy Lawrence, Vice President, Panhandle

Sign Language Services, presented a proposal (Item IX.14 -- Contract for Services between School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Sign Language Services, Inc.) to provide interpreters at each Regular Board meeting, based on a three-hour meeting. After discussion, Mr. May stated that with Board consensus, this service will be provided in the most economical manner possible.

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

"No Items Submitted"

IV. STUDENT TRANSFERS

Dr. DeWitt requested explanation concerning five students from Santa Rosa County attending Holm Elementary School. Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, advised that Mr. Ireland Brock, Director, Pupil Instructional Support Services, was not present due to a family emergency. Mr. Pettis verified that the School District is accommodating those familieswho live in Santa Rosa County because the parents work in Escambia County. He noted that the Special Education student is coming as a convenience to the parent, who is employed in Escambia County.

Dr. DeWitt inquired regarding a student at Hellen Caro Elementary School. Mr. Pettis explained that the mother had relinquished custodial guardianship to the father, who resides in the Caro district.

V. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

A. Instructional/Professional

4. Out-of-Field

Dr. DeWitt discussed concerns regarding the critical need to recruit Special

Education teachers, and he suggested that the Board consider providing incentives to reward teachers coming into Special Education or reduce case loads and class sizes. He asked that staff look into alternatives such as providing each Special Education teacher with a clerical person to assist with paperwork. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director, Exceptional Student Education, discussed the statewide shortage of ESE teachers, noting it is a quick burnout field, and legislators need to address reduction of class sizes as well as the paperwork issue. Dr. Mason asked that staff contact the Naval Air Station, Saufley Field, and Whiting Field as part of their recruitment efforts. It was noted that Ms. Yonna Diggs, Naval Reserve Ombudsman-At-Large, had commented earlier in the workshop, that the School District may be interested in employing military spouses (with certification in early elementary education and special education) through the Family Services Center at Naval Air Station, Pensacola. Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, stated that she would follow up on that possibility. Ms. Teenie Wehmeier, Certification Officer, commented that School Districts across the state are having the same problems recruiting Special Education applicants, and networking efforts have increased. Mr. May reported that an announcement was made at the Florida Association of District Superintendents (FADS) conference that a national online service will be established with teacher education departments at universities, and students will have the opportunity to post their resumes. Pools of applicants will be developed to enhance recruiting efforts, particularly in areas where teacher shortages have been documented.

VI. FINANCE

There was no discussion concerning this item.

VII. PURCHASING

14. Band Uniforms for Escambia High School

Mrs. Gilley asked if the school internal account would be utilized for this expense. Mr. May advised that band uniforms wear out over a period of six or seven years, and the Board previously made an agreement with the band boosters that the School District would pay half of the replacement costs if the band boosters raised the other half of the expenses.

18. Contribution to cover health insurance for uninsured children

Dr. Mason requested explanation concerning this item. Mr. May noted this has been an annual agreement since the Healthy Kids Program started.

VIII. FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE

A. FACILITIES PLANNING

1. Final Payments

d. Upgrade of Certain Petroleum Handling Facilities and Equipment at Carver Middle, Tate High, Ernest Ward Middle and J. E. Hall Center

Upon inquiry from Dr. Jenkins, Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, advised that this is mostly underground equipment, and this item was submitted for final payment.

2. Miscellaneous

a. Spot Survey on the Old N. B. Cook Elementary School Site

Dr. DeWitt noted that the site survey indicates a total of three acres, and

he inquired concerning the recommended site expansion by two acres. Mr. Kirchharr replied that the initial site recommendation in June, 1998, proposed

addition of two acres. Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, stated that the spot survey would have to be sent to Tallahassee for approval. Mr. May noted there was no intention of adding two acres; however, the spot survey must be approved in order to do the construction work required to bring ReDirections to the site.

c. Pine Meadow Elementary School/ECUA

Dr. Mason requested input from staff, and Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Director of Facilities Planning, noted this involves the sewer line connection that the district paid to have installed a number of years ago. Dr. Epperson advised that ECUA would take over full authority and maintenance of the lines. After discussion, Dr. Mason stated that there was Board consensus for staff to negotiate with ECUA to recover any part of the costs or services that would be equitable as pay back to the School District and also provide an estimate of potential tie-in income (hookup fees) for ECUA.

d. Design/Build Schematic Package

Dr. Mason inquired concerning selection of the architect. Mr. Kirchharr stated that an architect would be hired to prepare the design/build schematic plans; however, the architect selected for this project cannot participate in the actual construction related to the design build projects.

e. Property Purchase 4501 Bellview Avenue

This item was addressed earlier in the workshop.

B. MAINTENANCE

"No Items Submitted"

IX. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION

3. Progress Reports to State Commissioner of Education by Spencer Bibbs and A.A. Dixon Elementary Schools.

Dr. Mason asked if after-school tutorial services were provided for K-3 students.

Ms. Annette McArthur, Director of Elementary Education, advised that fourth and fifth grades are targeted for Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and Florida Writes! testing, and support services have been implemented as written in the original plans; however, K-3 students who are in need of additional assistance are being paired with tutors during the school day.

4. 1999-2000 School Advisory Council Revisions.

Dr. Jenkins asked if the Student Advisory Councils are representative of the ethnic and economic status of the people they represent. Ms. Sheree Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning, verified that all of the advisory council memberships have been approved by the Board and are in compliance with state law.

9. For Information: Controlled Choice Monthly Progress Report.

Mr. May asked if the Board would like to schedule a Special Meeting in order to develop guidelines related to school choice and advise the committees as to the values of the School Board in that regard. Mr. Pettis advised that Mr. Brock had submitted this item based on the Board's request for monthly updates and committee reports will be provided as data collection and demographic work is done. After discussion, Dr. Mason asked that a Special Meeting be called within the next couple of weeks.

10. Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County and Olsten Health Services (Certified), Inc.

Mrs. Stidham requested further explanation, and Mr. Tommy Taylor, Director of

Applied Technology and Adult Education, advised that the students (in the Patient

Care Technician Program at George Stone Center) are adults, and not high school

students, and must provide their own liability insurance in order to participate.

14. Contract for Services between School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Sign Language Services, Inc., 1999-2000.

This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.

16. Contract between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and David M. Griffith & Associates, LTD.

Concerning Medicaid collection, Mrs. Stidham asked if there had been any report as to when they would start cutting allowables. Ms. Yvonne Gray, Director, Exceptional Student Education, advised that the contract provides a sixty-day termination clause. Mr. Pettis noted that when this does not continue to be profitable, the recommendation to the Board would be for nonrenewal of the contract.

17. School Health Staff for Exceptional Student Education Program Contract Amendment.

Mrs. Stidham asked if Woodham or any high schools other than Washington

planned to implement a health support technician position. Ms. Gray commented that the only request was from Washington, which has the highest number of medically fragile children, and the position is funded by federal and school dollars. Mr. Pettis noted that any other schools could contact Ms. Gray, but funding would depend on what the school could finance and the number of ESE students served in that student population.

X. INTERNAL AUDITING

There was no discussion concerning this item.

XI. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

2. Ratification of Instructional Salary and Supplemental Salary Schedules, Fiscal Year 1999-2000, Funding Source: General Funds, Amount: $3,531,717. Ratification vote conducted by Escambia Education Association on September 24, 1999: 85.5% Yes; 14.3% No.

The Board recognized the following speaker:

Mr. Robert Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServ, reported the following ratification results based on 2,063 total ballots cast: 1,764 yes votes (85.50%); 297 no votes (14.39%); and 2 invalid votes based on inappropriate markings.

3. Recommendation concerning Suspension of Employee #735697.

4. Recommendation concerning Suspension of Employee #274627.

Concerning Item Numbers 3 and 4, Mrs. George asked if the Superintendent

planned to table an item related to disciplinary action and a one-day suspension. Mr. May stated that he did not intend to pull these items.

XII. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1. Items from the Board - Request from Citizens' Advisory Committee for Curriculum to Refer the Study on Year Round Education/Extended School Year to the Curriculum/Instruction Department - Dr. Jenkins

Dr. Jenkins stated that the Board had previously assigned the study to

committee; however, due to time constraints, the committee voted to give this to Mr. Gene Pettis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, to let the district spearhead the study. Mr. May noted that several factors concerning year round education will require fairly quick examination and decision on the part of the Board:

a. Senator Sullivan has a proposed plan for extended (210 day) school year. Two schools (Spencer Bibbs and A. A. Dixon Elementary Schools) will be on that for two years based on the agreement with the State Board of Education and the Cabinet. Sullivan's plan is for $80,000 per school in planning dollars, but before applying, the School Board would have to commit to go to a 210-day school year. If it is the Board's pleasure to extend other schools, that decision would have to be made and

a proposal submitted to Senator Sullivan's committee by December or January in order to be considered for any of those dollars.

b. Running two schedules would involve significant costs which the state does not cover. It will be critical for the Board to look at the funding issue and related contractual and personnel issues. It would cost $3,000,000 to $6,000,000 to run year round for this district.

Mr. May asked if the Board wished to pursue the study in light of critical funding issues. Mr. Pettis commented that if the Board referred the study to Curriculum and Instruction, staff would request specificity as to the expectations on time constraints and whether to contract out for the study. Dr. DeWitt noted the original intent of the Board that the study (as to whether the School District would go year round or not) was to come back in December. It was noted that the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Curriculum had provided an RFP for Board consideration, and Dr. Mason asked that Board Members review the RFP and make a decision at the Board meeting.

Dr. Jenkins reported that the Principal of Griffin Middle School, Tallahassee, Florida, had extended an invitation to committee members to visit the school to discuss their strategies in achieving a Level A grading category. Dr. Jenkins noted that the school is located in a poverty-stricken area with a 94% minority student population.

3. Items from the Board - Proposed Risk Management Changes - Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason stated that he will present a motion at the Board meeting regarding the structure of Risk Management, to remove the word "Trust" in order to make it a "Department" under the Superintendent rather than the "Risk Management Trustees." He noted that Ed Fleming, former interim Board Attorney, originally presented this recommendation in order to provide greater oversight.

Dr. Mason stated that a citizen had brought to his attention an audit discrepancy ((from the June, 1998, Risk Management Audit of about $300,000 in assets) between what the contract audit provided and what the Auditor General provided.

Mr. Ben Bell, Financial Analyst, Risk Management, clarified that this item involved the audited financial statements of the Employee Benefit Trust Fund, and not the Risk Management Trust Fund. Due to employee monies in the Employee Benefit Trust Fund, such as deductions for health care, the trustees had elected to have an additional audit on said fund; however, there was no discrepancy. Mr. Bell explained that the two auditors (the Auditor General; and Thornton and Pacenta, the independent CPA firm) had received the same final adjusted trial balance, and each auditor would have to advise as to the difference in financial statement presentation.

Mr. Mike Thornton, CPA, with Brown, Thornton, and Pacenta, formerly known as Thornton and Pacenta, Independent Auditors, gave a brief overview of the audit noting the $300,000 is a difference in the balance sheet for the Employee Benefit Trust Fund. He referred to Dr. Mason's memorandum (requesting an audit by a firm from outside of the county), and he suggested that when the Board approves auditors for next year, the Board could be more involved in the planning process, advise the auditors of any special areas or procedures to address, and the scope of services could be amended accordingly. Dr. Mason asked Mr. May to confer with Mrs. Patricia Wascom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, about starting that procedure for next year.

Dr. Mason expressed his concern regarding reconciliations from the company in the past. Mr. Bell provided verification concerning account reconciliations related to United Health Care (employee health care claims).

Mrs. George noted that two items (referenced in Dr. Mason's memorandum) are in litigation and should not be addressed: 1) attorneys defending the civil action; and 2) the Sunshine Law issue. Dr. Mason stated that he would leave those items out.

XIII. ITEMS FROM THE ATTORNEY

1. The University of West Florida Student Teacher Agreement

Mrs. George pulled this item related to the intern program through The

University of West Florida. She advised that she was working with Ms. Ella Sims, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, concerning this matter.

XIV. PUBLIC FORUM

There were no speakers at this time.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

The workshop adjourned at 12:45 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

________________________ __________________________

Superintendent Chairman