The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Workshop Meeting at 2:00 p.m., in Room 160, Hall Center, 30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:

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

Mrs. Stidham chaired the workshop which was called to order at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Hal

Mason, School Board Chairman, was not present.

II. COMMENTS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

PRESENTATIONS FROM MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

Mr. May noted that the Board asked for this meeting to address concerns of the Maintenance Department regarding the MGT Management/Organizational Study - Escambia County School District and how it may affect their department. Mr. Mark Pursell, Director of Maintenance Services, presented the aim to share information regarding Maintenance Department quality improvements to better meet the needs of the customer. He reviewed an organizational chart noting the Maintenance Department has 120 employees who maintain facilities of over 6,000,000 square feet and accommodates over 43,000 students. A high customer satisfaction rating has been achieved over the last three years; however, the department is refocusing on customer needs and ways to improve processes. Mr. Pursell introduced members of the Maintenance Improvement Committee/Employee Improvement Team including Chuck Peterson, Assistant Director of Maintenance; Doug Thompson, Supervisor, Heating/Vent Shop and Escambia Association of Supervisory Employees (EASE) representative; Sheldon Dykes, Welder and Escambia Education Support Personnel Association (EESPA) President; and Hank Greeson, Team Chairman. Dr. David Epperson, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Planning and Maintenance, noted that employee teams were created with the goal of obtaining input from the customer (students, principals, teachers, and the community) and to improve maintenance services.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

Mr. Danny Heckman, Electrician, reported on behalf of the customer group dealing with students, that six schools were surveyed last week including Molino, Bellview, Scenic Heights, and Spencer Bibbs Elementary Schools; Washington High School; and Ferry Pass Middle School to obtain input from students about school facilities. Dr. Jenkins inquired concerning the maintenance schedule for older buildings. Mr. Pursell advised that projects are not prioritized by age of buildings; however, there is a process through the Facilities Department to evaluate capital outlay projects based on input from school-based personnel, Curriculum and Instruction, and Maintenance. Dr. Epperson noted that a preventative maintenance program is also needed for newer buildings. He stated that staff plans to present a request to the Board to obtain a computerized work order process which could also be integrated with the Warehouse, Transportation, and Facilities in order to increase efficiency. Dr. DeWitt noted that the MGT study recommended that the School Board consider separating out maintenance functions in different locations (zones). Mr. Pursell stated that he had responded to the MGT study that the proposed cost savings would not be realized. He emphasized that efforts are being made to improve the department and if customer requirements indicate the need for changes, any changes would need to be made with employees involvement. Dr. DeWitt stated that the Board would support the department taking initiative to make any changes or realignments needed. Dr. DeWitt expressed concerns about renewing the annual landscaping contract. Mr. Pursell stated that projected numbers indicate that the department can do a better job and more economically.

Mrs. Stidham noted that the recommendation concerning zones went to the MGT Implementation Committee. She asked that Maintenance Department staff also make a presentation to the MGT Implementation Committee regarding the information they have gathered and benefits to the district.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

1) Mr. Terry Teets, Carpenter Shop/Locksmith Shop, advised that a door replacement schedule was implemented two years ago. He stated that if there are services which cannot be maintained any longer, such as roof repairs, those are turned over to Facilities for contracted services.

2) Mr. Danny Heckman, Electrician, commented regarding MGT study recommendations, that there are safety and liability issues which would affect the electrical shop, plumbing shop, and carpentry shop.

3) Mr. Larry Bivens, Paint Department, spoke concerning the efficiency of Maintenance Department operations.

Dr. Jenkins inquired as to how the School Board could assist the Maintenance Department. Mr. Teets responded that new trucks would be of assistance. Mr. Pursell stated that it would be helpful to expand services to provide either contract services with project managers or do more in-house, such as grass cutting, door replacement, flooring replacement, painting, and fire alarm projects.

III. ADJOURNMENT

The workshop adjourned at 3:15 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest: Approved:

_________________________ ___________________________

Superintendent Chairman