THE SCHOOL BOARD OF
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA
MINUTES, MARCH 12, 2004
The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Workshop Meeting at 9:00 a.m., in Room 160, at the J.E. Hall Educational Services Center, 30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:
Chairman: Mrs. Cary Stidham Vice Chairman: Dr. John DeWitt
Board Members: Mr. Gary Bergosh
Mr. Ronnie L. Clark
Ms. Linda Finkelstein
School Board Attorney: Mr. Francisco M. Negron, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim Paul
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mrs. Stidham called the Regular Workshop to order at 9:00 a.m.
A. Open Discussion
West Florida High School of Advanced Technology - Athletic Facilities
Upon inquiry by Mr. Bergosh, Mr. Ron Peacock, Director of Facilities Planning, indicated that the following improvements/upgrades were currently being performed at WFHSAT: construction of a football practice field, a softball/soccer practice play field, preparation for a future paved running track, male/female restrooms at the athletic fields, a complete irrigation system for the fields and storm water/drainage improvements for the athletic field and future track. [All work was approved by the Board at the September 23, 2003 Regular Meeting, Item V.D.31, “Change Notice #14 to Purchase Order #196648 (Larry Hall Construction).”]
Update on District-Wide Beverage Contract
Upon inquiry by Ms. Finkelstein, Mr. John Dombroskie, Director of Purchasing and Business Services, advised that the district-wide beverage contract had been submitted to Mr. Negron for his review and approval.
II. COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT
The Superintendent listed the additions, deletions, corrections and amendments to the agenda.
III. COMMITTEE/DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
1. Special Presentation
This presentation was given later in the meeting.
2. Presentation by Dell Financial – Leasing of Technology
This presentation was given later in the meeting.
3. Update on School Choice Office
This update was given later in the meeting.
4. Update on Budget Process
This update was given later in the meeting.
5. Update on Strategic Planning Process
This update was given later in the meeting.
ADD 6. Update on Safety Inspection Risk Ranking System
This update was given later in the meeting.
ADD 7. Update on Snoezelan Project
This update was given later in the meeting.
ADD 8. Update from Superintendent’s Council on Teacher Recruitment and Retention
This update was given later in the meeting.
ADD 9. Charter School Quarterly Report
This report was given later in the meeting.
IV. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES
No discussion was held.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Curriculum and Instruction
1. Reading Endorsement Add-on Program
Upon inquiry by Ms. Finkelstein, Mr. Wayne Odom, Director of Title I, explained that this particular item would be funded with Title I funds that were earmarked for meeting the requirements of No Child Left Behind (Funding Source: ‘Title I NCLB Reserve Funds’).
3. Reading First Grant
Upon inquiry by Mrs. Stidham, Ms. Laura Colo, Reading Specialist, confirmed that this grant was based on a declining fund balance.
7. Florida Department of Education Project Application (Even Start Project for Century)
Mr. Wayne Odom, Director of Title I, explained that this project envisioned a close cooperation with New Life Baptist Church (NLBC) regarding use of space in the former Carver Middle School (700 East Hecker Road), should the proposed lease of that facility to NLBC come to pass.
B. Finance
9. Financial Status Report on Projects and Grants
Upon inquiry by Ms. Finkelstein, Mrs. Laura Shaud, Director of Budgeting, indicated that periodic meetings with grant administrators continued to be held, to review the available amount of funds for each grant/project and the timelines for spending those funds.
10. Resolution authorizing the issuance of Refunding Certificates of Participation, Series 2004
Dr. Dewitt and Mr. Bergosh indicated that several underwriting firms had contacted each of them to express their desire to assist the District in this refinancing transaction. Dr. DeWitt questioned “why not put this out for an RFP (Request for Proposal) as to who wants to handle it?” Mrs. Barbara Linker, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Services, indicated that once this transaction was accomplished, the District could issue an RFP to solicit a long-term underwriting team to carryout future financing transactions. However, she believed that the timeliness of this particular transaction, in that tax-exempt interest rates were currently near their absolute lows for the past twenty years, necessitated continuing with the current underwriting team.
C. Human Resource Services
1. Instructional/Professional
f. Special Requests
4. Information Only – Superintendent has directed a two-step increase for the following personnel who have increased job responsibilities:
Jennie Lynn Murphy Financial Analyst/Budgeting
At the request of Mrs. Stidham, Mrs. Laura Shaud, Director of Budgeting, indicated that this item would be amended to include the “effective date” of the request.
The Board and Superintendent joined together in wishing Mr. Bergosh a “happy birthday.”
The Regular Workshop recessed at 10:00 a.m. and reconvened at 10:15 a.m., with all Board Members, the Superintendent and Mr. Negron present.
Update on Snoezelan Project (Item III.7)
Mr. Bill Greenhut, Greenhut Construction Company, Inc. and Ms. Susan Berry, Escambia Westgate Center, gave a brief update regarding the construction of the Snoezelan/Escambia Westgate Sensory Center.
Presentation by Dell Financial – Leasing Technology (Item III.2)
Mr. Gerry Coffee, Dell Financial Services, gave a brief presentation regarding the concept of leasing technology and its possible benefits to the District. He indicated that while the District may not necessarily need to be involved in leasing technology on a 100% basis, it could be a viable option for specific schools/programs (i.e., West Florida High School of Advanced Technology), departments (i.e., End User Support), and/or products (i.e., laptops). Dr. DeWitt reiterated his past support of the concept of leasing technology for specific schools/programs and departments that required “latest and greatest technology”. At the request of Mrs. Stidham, Mr. Shawn Dennis, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, indicated that staff would identify those users whose application demands required “latest and greatest” technology and forward that information to the Board. Mr. Clark believed that the concept of leasing should also be explored with regard to copy machines.
D. Purchasing
4. Permission to Negotiate: Energy Conservation Consulting Services
Mrs. Stidham requested to see the “big plan” on how the consultant’s District-wide behavior based energy management/conservation program would be implemented. Ms. Finkelstein requested historical information on how this consultant’s program had been implemented in other school districts.
E. Operations
No discussion was held.
F. Student Transfers
No discussion was held.
G. Internal Auditing
No discussion was held.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No items submitted.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Items from the Board
1. Request Approval of Revised Job Description for Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource Services – Cary Stidham
Upon inquiry by Mr. Bergosh, Mrs. Stidham indicated that she had drafted this revised job description herself, based on information she had obtained from other large employers and governmental entities in Escambia County, regarding their requirements for similar positions. Mr. Bergosh believed that a request should have been made to the Superintendent and his staff to revise the job description and present to the Board for their review. He was concerned that there might be a perception that the Board was trying to “micromanage” by drafting job descriptions themselves.
2. Request Approval of Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Francisco M. Negron, Jr., General Counsel – Cary Stidham
Upon inquiry by Mr. Bergosh, Mrs. Stidham indicated that she had contacted other governmental entities in Escambia County regarding the salary of their general counsel. She noted that the salary of the Board’s general counsel was “far less than those entities.” Mr. Bergosh stated that for comparison, he had solicited information from school districts of comparable size, regarding the salary and responsibilities of their general counsel. He indicated that he would compile that information and present it to the Board prior to the March Regular Meeting. While he knew that Mr. Negron was facing the possibility of higher income elsewhere, he indicated that he would not support this item, as he wanted to be fair and equitable to all employees and not just “single people out” when it came to salary increases. Dr. DeWitt was concerned that this proposal was being brought forth simply because there was “another job offer on the table.” He indicated that he would not support this item, until the salaries of all employees could be addressed.
3. Recommendations from the Task Force to Study Childhood Obesity Issues – John DeWitt
(NOTE: At the November 18, 2003 Regular Meeting, the Board approved the establishment of this Task Force with the charge of developing recommendations for solutions to problems related to childhood obesity.) Dr. DeWitt indicated that he would propose a motion at the March Regular Meeting, that the Board accept the Task Force’s Final Report and that it be sent to the Superintendent for the development of an implementation plan.
4. Resolution in Support of the Prohibition Against Alcohol Sales Near Education Facilities – John DeWitt
Dr. DeWitt placed this item on the agenda in response Pensacola Christian School’s request for the Board’s assistance in encouraging the Board of County Commissioners not to override existing local provisions that restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages near educational facilities.
B. Items from the Superintendent
2. Information Requests and Communication Protocol
Dr. DeWitt indicated that he would not support this item, as he did not believe there was currently a “problem” regarding information requests and communication.
C. Items from the General Counsel
No items submitted.
The Regular Workshop recessed at 12:40 p.m. and reconvened at 12:45 p.m., with all Board Members, Mr. Negron and Mr. Norm Ross, Deputy Superintendent (representing Mr. Jim Paul).
Mrs. Shereè Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning and Grants Management, gave a brief update of the recent and upcoming activities of the School Choice Office. Upon inquiry by Mrs. Cagle, the Board agreed that in the future, quarterly updates on the School Choice Office would be sufficient.
Mrs. Laura Shaud, Director of Budgeting, gave a brief update on the budget process by reviewing handouts regarding the following information:
· FY 2003-04 3rd FEFP Calculation Comparison to FY 2004-05 Governor’s Recommendation
· Estimated Cost of 2004-2005 Step & 1% Increases
· 2004-2005 Projected Budget
· Zero Based Budget Cycle for Departments & Projects
Mr. Don Manderson, Director of Instructional Technology, gave a brief presentation entitled:
Progress on Objectives and Strategies
Update on Safety Inspection Risk Ranking System (Item III.6)
Mr. Steve Sharp, Coordinator of Safety, Health and Environmental Operations, gave a brief update regarding the implementation of the new safety inspection risk ranking system.
Update on Superintendent’s Council on Teacher Recruitment and Retention (Item III.8)
Mrs. Mary Helen Fryman, Director of Instructional, Professional/Technical and Administrative Personnel, briefly reviewed information provided to the Board, regarding minority employee demographics.
Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, provided the Board with a copy of the “Charter School Quarterly Report” for March 2004. He stated that all charter schools were in full compliance in all areas, with the exception of Byrneville Elementary, Pensacola Beach Elementary and Ruby J. Gainer. He indicated that those particular schools were out of compliance in the area of “financial reporting”, as they had not completed their financial audit for the 2002-2003 school year.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Regular Workshop adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
Attest: Approved:
________________________________ ________________________________
Superintendent Chairman