The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Meeting at 8:00 a.m., in the Board Room, at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel (Administration) Building, 215 West Garden Street, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:

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

Board Members: Mr. Gary L. Bergosh  (was present via speakerphone)

Ms. Linda Finkelstein

Dr. Elmer Jenkins  (entered the meeting at 8:20 a.m.)

School Board Attorney:  Mr. Francisco Negron, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools:  Mr. Jim Paul

I. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Dr. DeWitt stated that the purpose of the special meeting was to allow the Board, the Superintendent’s Staff, Insurance Committee representatives, Dental Association representatives, and union representatives, the opportunity to discuss the School District’s dental plan.  There being no objection the agenda as outlined, was followed.

II. DISCUSSION OF THE ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S DENTAL PLAN

Mr. Barry Boyer, Director of Purchasing, gave a summary of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, and briefly explained the process of direct negotiation. 

Mr. Bob MacDonald, representative, Florida Dental Association, presented handouts regarding the School District’s current dental plan and a suggested modification of that plan. (Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)  He also responded to various questions from the Board regarding direct reimbursement plans in general and the School District’s current dental plan.  Mr. Bergosh stated that based on concerns expressed to him by District employees, his suggestion was to maintain the existing dental plan and to outsource the processing of claims.  Mr. Bob Husbands, representative, Insurance Committee, addressed various concerns of the committee.  Upon questioning from Mrs. Stidham, Mr. Joe Bernard, Director of Risk Management, addressed the issue of dental exclusions.

The Board recognized the following speakers who stated their viewpoints and recommendations regarding the School District’s Dental Plan:  Bob Husbands, Greg Wood, Tricia Bradley, Donna Governor and Linda Pate.

Motion was made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Mr. Bergosh, to maintain the existing dental plan, solicit bids for outsourcing the administration of claims through June 30, 2002 and conduct an audit of claims, and bring back to the Board in April, 2002 for review.

The Board recognized Ellen Lawrence and Ron Knowlton, who expressed their concerns regarding the motion on the floor. 

Motion was unanimously approved.

III. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the special meeting was adjourned at 9:20 a.m.

Attest:                                                Approved:

____________________________ ____________________________

Superintendent                                    Chairman