The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened as a legislative body for the Resolution of Impasse pursuant to section 447.403(4)9(d), Florida Statutes (2000) at 6:00 p.m., in Room 160, J.E. Hall Educational Services Center, 30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:

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

Members: Mr. Gary L. Bergosh

Ms. Linda Finkelstein

Dr. Elmer Jenkins

School Board Attorney: Mr. Francisco Negron, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim Paul

Dr. DeWitt called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Father Jack Murray gave the Invocation, and Mr. Mike Burns, Coordinator of Community and Legislative Affairs, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

I.. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

There being no objection, adoption of the agenda, with the deletion of II.A.1, was unanimously approved.  Dr. DeWitt outlined the procedures to be used during the meeting.

II.PRESENTATIONS & DISCUSSION

A. PRESENTATION OF PROPOSALS

DELETE: 1. Kathy Terrell, EEA Bargaining Committee Chair (Taken out of order at EEA’s request due to a prior conflict; minutes used deducted from total EEA time).

2. Superintendent – The District’s proposal for resolution of impasse for the instructional personnel collective bargaining agreement was presented by Mr. Wallace Odom, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, Mr. Gene Pettis, Director of Employee Services, and Ms. Barbara Linker, Director of Budgeting.  (Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)

3. EEA – The Escambia Education Association’s proposal for resolution of impasse for the instructional personnel collective bargaining agreement was presented by EEA representatives, Ms. Arlene Costello and Mr. Bob Husbands. (Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “B”)

B. REBUTTAL

1. Superintendent – Mr. Gene Pettis reiterated the District’s proposal.

2. EEA – Ms. Arlene Costello reiterated the Association’s proposal.

C. BOARD QUESTIONS & COMMENTS

The Board addressed the following issues:

1) pending health insurance claims and their input on the budget

2)  whether or not the District’s proposal was more than the Association’s over a two-year period

3)the District’s benefit package compared to other school districts

4) the need to change the tax structure

5) completion of the bargaining process with three other employee units

6) the possibility of an inadequate reserve fund balance

D. PUBLIC FORUM

The Board recognized the following speakers:

Jeannie Medlin                          Pam Schwartz

Bonnie Exner                            Lori Huggins

Suzanne Bosso                          Glen Thompson

Ron Knowlton                           Mary Durant

Kent Rettig                               Ellen Lawrence

Bill Vincent                               Gail Husbands

Lynda LaCoste                         Louis O’Rear

Cathy Roche’                            Linda Harris

Kathy Breakall                          Madonna Jackson-Williams

Cecilia Gentry                           Michelle Rea

Maureen Dinnen                       Kathy Terrell

Harry Tripp                               Joyce Watts

Phyllis Garrett

III. BOARD ACTION – MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION REGARDING IMPASSE

Mr. Bergosh moved to accept the District’s proposal for a step roll retroactive for one-half year for the 2000-2001 fiscal year; continuation of the step roll from the prior year and an additional full step for the 2001-2002 fiscal year based on the appropriate schedule and index at that time; and increase instructional supplements for one-half year for 2000-2001 and for a full year for 2001-2002 with the change in base pay.  Mrs. Stidham seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. (Official recordings of this meeting are filed in the Information Services Department.)

Attest:                                                      Approved:

_____________________________     ________________________________

Superintendent                                         Chairman