THE SCHOOL BOARD OF

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

MINUTES, MARCH 23, 2004

            The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Meeting at 1:30 p.m., in the Board Room, at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel Building, 215 West Garden Street, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:

            Chairman:                     Mrs. Cary Stidham                    Vice Chairman:             Dr. John DeWitt           

            Board Members:           Mr. Gary Bergosh 

                                                Mr. Ronnie L. Clark (was not present)

                                                Ms. Linda Finkelstein 

            School Board Attorney:              Mr. Francisco M. Negron, Jr. (was not present)

            Superintendent of Schools:         Mr. Jim Paul   

                    I.               CALL TO ORDER/ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Mrs. Stidham called the Special Meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.  Motion by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to adopt the agenda, was approved 4 to 0, with Mr. Clark absent for vote.

                 II.               BUDGET/STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)

Budget/Strategic Planning Prioritization

Staff Members reviewed financial data relevant to each of the following budget priorities, which were established by the Board and the Superintendent at the March 9, 2004 Special Meeting:

Technology

Priority #1 – Protect Technology budget 

Priority #2 – 1:5 ratio for all schools (modern computers)

Priority #3 – Parent access to student information 

     Ms. Finkelstein requested a cost estimate of phased grade-book implementation (with all high schools being included in first phase) as opposed to district-wide implementation (all high/middle/elementary schools). 

Priority #4 – Teacher training and support staff

Qualified Staff

Priority #1 – Technology training for all levels of staff (applications, data access, etc.)

Priority #2 – IT support for each school

Priority #3 - Maintain staff levels  (educational level): Pre-K

The following Title I School Allocation Options (2004-2005) were listed in the backup documentation for this particular budget priority: 

§         Option Number 1 reflects no change in the per-pupil allocation to Title I schools over that of 2003-2004.

§         Option Number 2 reduces the per-pupil allocation to all schools by 11.5%, resulting in a $705,642 reduction in the total schools allocation, compared to Option number 1. 

§         Option Number 3 eliminates Title I funding to all 17 schools below 60% F/R (the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced price meals.)  This option results in a $713,129 reduction in the total school allocation, compared to option number 1.

§         Option Number 4 eliminates Title I funding to all 12 secondary (grades 6-12) schools below 74% F/R (the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced price meals).  This option results in a $719,849 reduction in the total school allocation, compared to option 1. 

Dr. DeWitt moved to approve “Option Number 2” for planning purposes.  Mr. Bergosh seconded the motion for discussion.    Mrs. Stidham and Ms. Finkelstein indicated that before they could make a decision on the motion, they would need additional information regarding its impact on schools.  Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Bergosh, to table this motion until additional information was received later in the meeting, was approved 3 to 1, with Ms. Finkelstein voting “No” and Mr. Clark absent for vote. 

Later in the meeting, additional information regarding “Option Number 2” was provided to the Board.  Upon inquiry by Board Members, the Superintendent stated that he was not ready to offer a recommendation regarding Title I school allocations at that time, as he would need an opportunity to further discuss all the options with his staff and principals.  Motion to approve “Option Number 2” for planning purposes, failed 2 to 2, with Ms. Finkelstein and Mrs. Stidham voting “No” and Mr. Clark absent for vote.     

Priority #4 – Ensure appropriate staff for programs (in school suspension)

Mrs. Stidham requested that staff develop an evaluation matrix for use in determining which schools/centers had an actual need for an In-School Suspension (ISS) program.   

Facilities/Equipment

Priority #1 (Tie) – Adequate facilities for class size reduction                 

Priority #1 (Tie) – Plan for growth and educate public

Priority #3 – Additional facilities (open/close)

Priority #4 – Research secure campus (fencing)

Materials/Contract Services

Priority #1 – Develop technology matrix with evaluation

Compensation/Benefits

Priority #1 – Greater teacher salary according to Task Force Plan

Priority #2 – Compensate teachers for in service

Priority #3 – Wellness Program

Priority #4 – Job Study (year 2)

Curriculum & Instruction

Priority #1 – Maintain Title I funds as allowed

Priority #2 – Maintain ESE budget

Priority #3 – Enhance evaluation process and react accordingly (Vocational Middle School)

Priority #4 – Enhance effort to improve student wellness

For the record, Mr. Bergosh advised that meetings held after 3:00 p.m. were more convenient for him.  The Board agreed to schedule a Special Meeting (Re: Budget/Strategic Planning Process) for April 1, 2004, at 3:30 p.m., in the Board Room, at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel Building. 

               III.               ADJOURNMENT

     Motion by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to adjourn the Special Meeting at 4:15 p.m., was approved 4 to 0, with Mr. Clark absent for vote. 

     Attest:                                                              Approved:

________________________________                    ________________________________

Superintendent                                                  Chairman