THE SCHOOL BOARD OF

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

MINUTES, AUGUST 21, 2001

 

The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in public forum at 6:00 p.m., in Room 160, at the 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

Dr. Elmer Jenkins

School Board Attorney:  Mr. Francisco Negron, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools:  Mr. Jim Paul

 

Chairman DeWitt called the Public Forum to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

The Board recognized the following speakers who addressed various subjects:

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)

Name                                 Issue

Carol Barber                       Salary Increase for Educational Support Personnel

James Sederis                     Taxes/Derivative Resolution to Obtain Funds

Louis O’Rear                      Teachers’ Salaries

Brenda Williams                  Teachers’ Salaries

Bonnie Exner                      Teachers’ Salaries

Laura Snow                        Teachers’ Salaries

Nicole Brandon                   School Closure

Ron Knowlton                     Teachers’ Salaries

Joyce Arnold                       Request Usage/Purchase of Vacant School Building

Sheldon Dykes                    Salary Increase for Education Support Personnel

Harry Evans                       Appointed Superintendent/Addition of At-Large School Board Members

Arlene Costello                   PATS Center

Tammy Cooper                   *Resolution for Escambia Physical Education Association (EPEA)

Linda Harris                        Teacher of the Year Round-Table Meeting

Glen Thompson                   Teachers’ Salaries

Marvin Pawless                  Appointed Superintendent/Addition of At-Large School Board Members

Gail Husbands                     Teachers’ Salaries

 

(*Dr. DeWitt noted that this resolution would be added under Consent Agenda for approval)

 

I. CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Dr. DeWitt called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.  Mrs. Peggy Pilcher gave the invocation and Mr. Marlon Bullock led the pledge of allegiance.

 

II. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

The Superintendent listed the additions, deletions and amendments to the agenda. (see margin notes)  On motion made by Mrs. Stidham and seconded by Dr. Jenkins, adoption of the agenda as amended, was unanimously approved.

 

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. 07-16-01 SPECIAL MEETING

2. 07-16-01 REGULAR WORKSHOP

3. 07-17-01 SPECIAL MEETING

4. 07-17-01 REGULAR MEETING

5. 07-20-01 SPECIAL MEETING

6. 07-20-01 PRESS CONFERENCE

7. 07-24-01 SPECIAL MEETING

8. 07-30-01 SPECIAL MEETING

 

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham and seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve the minutes for the month of July (Items 1-8).  Motion was unanimously approved.

 

IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Finance – Gary Bergosh

Mr. Bergosh stated that the committee met on August 13th and discussed various issues.  He stated that he had obtained additional information from the Superintendent, regarding those issues and he would provide that information to the committee at their next meeting.

 

2. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Facilities – Cary Stidham

The committee met on August 14th at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel (Administration) Building.  Mrs. Stidham stated that the committee had reviewed and approved the 2001-2002 Capital Outlay Budget.  She noted that the committee also recommends the selling of the McReynolds Center.

 

3. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Technology and Curriculum – John DeWitt and Linda Finkelstein

Dr. DeWitt stated that the committee had discussed items relating to technology that were pending for this meeting and noted that the committee recommends approval of those items.  He also noted that Mr. Don Manderson, Director of Instructional Technology, gave a report regarding procedures by which staff would review all purchase orders for technology items to ensure the most economical purchases. 

 

Ms. Finkelstein stated that the committee had discussed items relating to curriculum that were pending for this meeting and noted that the committee recommends approval of those items.  She stated that the committee had concerns regarding several of the charter school contracts, and noted that Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, would be providing information to the committee regarding those concerns.  She also stated that the committee had concerns regarding grants, and noted that the committee would be working with Ms. Sheree’ Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning regarding those concerns.

 

Dr. DeWitt stated that as requested by staff, the Board had appointed a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Human Resources.  He noted that Dr. Jenkins would chair the committee and that each Board Member would appoint two (2) members to the committee.

 

4. PTA Presentation

(Resolution regarding PTA Membership Enrollment Month)

Ms. Karen Pope, President, Escambia County Council PTA (ECCPTA), gave a brief update of the recent activities of the PTA and noted the successful start of the new school year.  She also requested approval of the following resolution:

 

ADD:   RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was organized more than one hundred years ago to promote the welfare of children and youth and to serve as an advocate for education, health and safety in the school environment; and

 

WHEREAS, the PTA has utilized volunteer resources to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth, and to bring about cooperation between parents and teachers to develop excellence in education; and

 

WHEREAS, in Escambia County, PTA volunteers have accomplished many tasks which have enhanced the school environment and helped facilitate achieving the highest goals possible for the educational system; and

 

WHEREAS, September has been designated as a time to seek out and enroll new members in local PTA units to support the PTA mission and objects and to assist in the many activities and programs of the PTA.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby proclaim the month of September as

 

PTA MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT MONTH

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the regular meeting of said Board and a copy be tendered to Karen Pope, President of the Escambia County Council of PTAs and to the PTA President of each Escambia County, Florida public school.

 

Motion was made by Dr. Jenkins and seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve the resolution for PTA Membership Enrollment Month.  Motion was unanimously approved.

 

V. CONSENT AGENDA

 

Board Members pulled the following items from the Consent Agenda for separate vote:  V.C.1.f.6 by Mrs. Stidham; V.D.1 by Dr. Jenkins and V.E.1.B.9 by Mrs. Stidham.  Without objection, Dr. DeWitt added the following resolution to the Consent Agenda as agenda Item V.A.19 for approval:

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the health and well-being of students and employees are vitally important to the school district;  and

 

WHEREAS, the mission of the Physical Education, Health, and Wellness Programs in the schools is to promote highest student achievement and a lifelong commitment to wellness through a healthy and physically active lifestyle;  and

 

WHEREAS, the key finding of the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health is that people of all ages can improve the quality of their lives through a lifelong practice of moderate physical activity;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby recognize the month of October as

 

LIVING WELL IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOLS MONTH

and Friday, October 5, 2001 as

FIT TO ACHIEVE DAY

and encourages all schools to join the Department of Physical Education, Health, and Wellness and the Escambia Physical Education Association to promote the concepts of living well to students and employees during the month of October and to provide students and employees with 15 minutes of physical activity on October 5th, thus calling attention to the importance of Physical Education, Health and Wellness Programs in our schools.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the regular meeting of said Board and a copy be tendered to Tammy Cooper, President of the Escambia Physical Education Association and to each Escambia County, Florida public school and appropriate school district personnel.

On motion by Dr. Jenkins and second by Mrs. Stidham, the Consent Agenda, except for items pulled, was unanimously approved. 

 

A. Curriculum and Instruction

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “B”)

Approved:

1. Learning for Life Character Education Program Grant

2. 2001-2002 School Improvement Plans and 2000-2001 End of Year Reports

3. Targeted School and Instructional Enhancement Grant

4. Teaching American History Grant

5. Florida Inclusion Network Grant

6. Contract between The Escambia County School Board, Florida and HOSTS Corporation

7. Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County and the Escambia Charter School

8.  Amendment to the Charter Agreement between The School Board of Escambia County, New Road to Learning, Inc., dba Jackie Harris Pyramid School of Learning

9. Amendment to the Charter Agreement between The School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Intervention Group, Inc., dba Pensacola Academy for Success

10.  Amendment to the Charter Agreement between The School Board of Escambia County, Reaching Your Dream, Inc., dba Ruby J. Gainer School for Reaching Your Dreams

11. Cooperative Agreement between Escambia Westgate/Escambia County School Board and Special Populations/Lakeview Center, Inc. 2001-2002

12. Memorandum of Understanding between School Board of Escambia County and Silent Success/A Program of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Northwest Florida, Inc. 2001-2002

13. Contract for Services between School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Sign Language Services, Inc. 2001-2002

14.  Memorandum of Understanding between ESCAROSA Regional Workforce Development Board, Inc. and School Board of Escambia County, Florida Modification #1

15. Amendment to the Contract between the School Board of Escambia County and the Young Men’s Christian Association, Inc.

16. Number assigned – not used

17. Contract between The School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Think First of Northwest Florida

18. Amendment to Contract between The School Board of Escambia County and PACE Center for Girls/Pensacola (Practical and Cultural Education)

ADD19. Living Well in Escambia County Schools Month/Fit to Achieve Day Resolution

 

B.  Finance

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “C”)

Approved:

1.  Authorization for payrolls and vouchers for the month of September 2001

2. Check Register for the month of June 2001

3. Approval of additional payroll deduction for Escambia NEA members to purchase economic services through PESCO

4. Legal Services:

Summary of all legal fees

5. Legal Services:

General Fund

a) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. , $2,794.50

b) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A., $ 175.50

c) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A., $ 202.50

d) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A. , $ 27.00

e) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A., $ 934.70

f)  Hammons & Whittaker, P. A., $373.92

g) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A., $1,197.78

h) Kievit, Kelly & Odom , $290.25

i) Robert Heath, P. A., $465.43

j) George Loomis, P. A.,  $171.20

k) George Loomis, P. A., $171.20

l) Allbritton & Gant, $350.00

 

6. Legal Services:

Risk Management Trust Fund

a) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A., $ 18,319.59

b) Hammons & Whittaker, P. A., $999.00

 

7. Budget Amendments

AMENDED  a) Resolution 11:  General Operating Fund

AMENDED  b) Resolution 11:  Other Special Revenue Fund

AMENDED  c) Resolution   1: Debt Service

d) Resolution 12:  Capital Projects Funds

 

DELETED 8. Approval of payment to Florida Association of District School Superintendents for Compensation Study and Performance Appraisal

 

9. Disposal of Capitalized and Non-Capitalized Assets:

a) Auction Lists I, II, III & IV for August 2001

b) Scrap Lists I & II for August 2001

c) Disposal and Demolition of Nine Portable Classrooms

 

10. Education Lottery Bond Effect Index Grants Resolution

 

C. HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES

Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “D”)

Approved:

1. Instructional/Professional

AMENDED  a. Appointments

AMENDED  b. Reappointments

c. Transfers

d. Out-of-field

e. Resignations/Retirements

f. Special Requests

AMENDED  6. Request approval of revised administrative and professional job descriptions to include evaluations associated with each position. 

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein to change the pay grade for the position of Legal Assistant, from pay grade six (6) to pay grade eleven (11) on the Professional Classification Guide 2000-2001.  Mrs. Stidham stated that the pay grade change for the position of Legal Assistant would place that position on level with other administrative secretarial positions that provide similar job functions.  Mrs. Stidham further stated that the only method the Board has to change salary was by assigning pay grades.  They cannot set pay steps, as that is responsibility of the Superintendent.  Mr. Bergosh asked for explanation as to why the position was currently at pay grade six (6) and not pay grade eleven (11).  Mr. Negron explained that the position was previously believed to function primarily as a receptionist, although it was given the title of Legal Assistant.  He further explained that the position does not function as a receptionist, but rather as a junior associate.  He noted that the position of Legal Assistant does require a paralegal degree and in fact, performs more professional type duties than administrative assistants.  Mr. Bergosh noted from the Professional Salary Schedule, the amount of salary increase for a change from pay grade six (6) to pay grade eleven (11).  Mr. Bergosh expressed concerns regarding such a drastic increase in salary at a time when the district was making many budget reductions.  He stated that while in the future perhaps all salaries can move in a more equitable direction, he could not support a motion to increase the salary of this position so drastically at this time.  Motion was approved 4 to 1, with Mr. Bergosh voting “No.”

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve the remainder of the revised administrative and professional job descriptions and the revised administrative and professional salary schedules.  Motion was approved unanimously.

 

2. Educational Support Personnel

a. Appointments

b. Resignations/Retirements

c. Terminations 

d. Suspensions

-No items submitted

AMENDED  e. Dismissals  

f. Leave of Absence

f. Special Requests

-No items submitted

 

3.  Risk Management

a. Proposal for Environmental Consulting Services – Law Gibb Group to assess environmental issues associated with George Stone Firing Range at Perdido Landfill and to develop any resulting remediation plan

 

4. Employee Services

-No items submitted

 

5. Affirmative Action

-No items submitted

 

D. Purchasing

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “E”)

Approved:

1. Bid Award:  Charter Bus Services, Bid # 015703

Motion was made by Dr. Jenkins, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve the bid award for Charter Bus Services.  Dr. Jenkins reiterated the concerns that he expressed at the workshop, regarding equitable treatment of minority companies.Motion was approved 4 to 1, with Mr. Bergosh voting “No.”

 

2. Bid Award:  Annual Purchasing Agreement for Brake Parts, Bid # 015303

3. Bid Award:  Annual Purchasing Agreement for Recapping Tires, Bid # 015403

4. Bid Award:  Annual Purchasing Agreement for Storage Batteries, Bid # 015503

5. Bid Award:  Annual Purchasing Agreement for Bus Seat Covers & Foam, Bid # 015603

6. Bid Award:  Annual Agreement for Baked Goods, Bid # 014303

7. Annual Agreement Renewal:  Maintenance for Meridian SL 1 Phone and Voice Mail Systems

8. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #213855 (Corvel Corporation)

9. Annual Agreement Renewal:  Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, Bid #64-99

10. Annual Agreement:  Drivers’ Education Vehicles Lease

11. Failure Free Reading Program for Escambia Bay Marine Institute

12. Instructional Television System for West Florida High School of Advanced Technology

13. Annual Agreement:  Project Learn Mentoring Program

14. Unauthorized Purchase of Professional Educational Services

DELETED 15. AT&T Master Agreement Approval

16. Award Bid:  Pumping of Grease Traps, Bid # 020102

17. Cargo Van w/Tommy Lift for Food Services

18. Bid Award:  Office and Print Shop Paper, Bid # 020202

19. Video Conferencing Equipment for TLCF Grant Schools

20. Internet Math and Science Course Subscriptions for TLCF Grant Schools

21. Data Switch Equipment for Vernon McDaniel Building

22. Apple Computers Equipment for TLCF Grant Schools

23. Wireless Computer Networking Equipment for TLCF Grant Schools

24. Apple Computer Equipment for Montclair Elementary School

25. Weight Training Equipment for West Florida High School of Advanced Technology

26. Professional Educational Services Agreement:  Learning for Life Institute

27. Professional Services Agreement:  Sundi Williams

28. Professional Services Agreement:  Michele Dinsmoore

29. Professional Services Agreement Addendum:  J/P Associates, Inc.

30.Ramps, Landings and Stairs for Portable Classrooms

31. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #218624 (Sam Marshall, Architect)

32. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #210150 (Law Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.)

33. Bid Award:  New Media Center at Montclair Elementary School

34. Bid Award:  Replacement and Expansion of the Fire Alarm System at Ensley Elementary School

35. Bid Award:  Power Revisions for Stadium Lighting at Escambia High School

36. Change Notice #1 (C/O # 1&2) to Purchase Order #224074 (ESA South, Inc.)

37. Change Notice #3 to Purchase Order #209142 (Larry Hall Construction, Inc.)

38.Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #224068 (R.W. Born Mechanical)

39. Change Notices #1 (C/O # 1&2) to Purchase Order #220131 (A.E. New, Jr., Inc.)

40. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #221500 (Gulfside Mechanical, Inc.)

41. Change Notices #6 (C/O # 6,7&8) to Purchase Order #196648 (Larry Hall Construction, Inc.)

42. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #224072 (Sunchase Construction, Inc.)

43. Change Notice #1 (C/O # 1&2) to Purchase Order #222587 (R.D. Ward Construction, Inc.)

44. Change Notice #3 to Purchase Order #220132 (Reynolds Construction Co., Inc.)

45. Change Notice #4 to Purchase Order #220133 (A.E. New, Jr., Inc.)

46. Change Notice #2 to Purchase Order #221503 (A.E. New, Jr., Inc.)

47. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #225644 (Sanders Brothers Electric, Inc.)

48. Change Notice #5 to Purchase Order #218621 (Caldwell & Associates)

ADD 49. Professional Services Agreement for Occupational Therapy Services to be provided by Sandra L. Feroce

ADD 50. Professional Services Agreement for Physical Therapy Services to be provided by Rita Parsley

 

E. Facilities, Maintenance and Operations

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “F”)

Approved:

1. Facilities Planning

A. Final Payments

1. Additions at Brentwood Middle School

2. Addition of Classrooms at Escambia Westgate Center

 

B. Miscellaneous

1. Addition of Classrooms at Jim Allen Elementary

2. Addition of Classrooms at Sherwood Elementary

3. Addition of Classrooms at Spencer Bibbs Elementary

4. Additions at O.J. Semmes Elementary

5.Carver Middle School Spot Survey

6.Century Elementary School Spot Survey

7. Sales Tax Extension

DELETED 8.  McDaniel/Hall Center Consolidation Study

9. McReynolds Property

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to sell the McReynolds Property based on the results obtained from a property appraisal.  Mrs. Stidham stated that money received from the sale of this property could be used for other capital outlay projects.  She noted that the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Facilities had also recommended the sale of the property.  Dr. Jenkins reiterated his concerns expressed at the workshop, regarding the programs that are currently housed in the McReynolds building (Beggs Educational Program, George Stone High School Completion Program and George Stone Jobs and Diploma Program).  He believed that the McReynolds property should not be sold, until another facility was obtained to permanently house the Beggs and George Stone programs.  Upon question from Mr. Bergosh, Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, gave approximate figures regarding the cost of leasing another facility to house the Beggs and George Stone programs. 

The Board recognized Arlene Costello, teacher, who reminded the Board that discussion regarding the housing for the Beggs and George Stone programs began over two years ago and expressed her concerns that the Board needed to consider doing more long-range planning on all issues.

Dr. DeWitt stated that he believed that the motion simply begins the process to sell the property, and noted that it could be quite some time before the property is actually purchased.  Mrs. Stidham amended her motion to include a caveat, that the property would not be available until May 2002, and to include a request to the Superintendent, to develop a long-range plan for the Beggs and George Stone programs and to present that plan to the Board, at the October Regular Meeting.  Dr. DeWitt accepted that amendment, and the motion as amended was approved 3 to 2, with Dr. Jenkins and Ms. Finkelstein voting “No.”

 

2. Maintenance

-No items submitted

 

3. Transportation

-No items submitted

 

AMENDED  F. Student Transfers

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “G”)

 

G. Internal Auditing

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “H”)

Approved: 

1. Internal Funds

-No items submitted

2. Inventory Adjustment Reports

3. Other

-No items submitted

 

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (PREVIOUSLY TABLED ITEMS OR ITEMS POSTPONED UNTIL CURRENT MEETING)

-No items submitted

 

VII. NEW BUSINESS

A. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “I”)

a. Permission to Advertise

DELETED  1.  School Board Rules Revisions/Additions to selected Chapters of the Rules and Procedures of the Escambia County School District – Policy Book, 6Gx17 Chapters 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7             

 

ADD 2.  School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2) – ELIGIBILITY FOR TRANSPORTATION

 

Motion made by Dr. Jenkins, seconded by Mr. Bergosh, to approve for advertising, School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2) – Eligibility for Transportation, was unanimous.

 

ADD  3. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – GROOMING AND DRESS OF STUDENTS

 

Motion made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve for advertising, School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Grooming and Dress of Students, was unanimous. 

 

ADD 4.   School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2)(a) – ELIGIBILITY FOR TRANSPORTATION

Motion was made by Mr. Bergosh, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve for advertising, School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2)(a) – Eligibility for Transportation.Mrs. Stidham stated that while she believed that this rule would satisfy parents for a short-term, she did have concerns regarding the long-term impact of this rule.  Motion was approved 3 to 2, with Dr. Jenkins and Mrs. Stidham voting “No.”

 

b. Permission to Adopt     

1. Notice of Intent to Name the William J. Woodham High School Football Field the Marlon Bullock Football Field

Motion made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to adopt the Notice of Intent to Name the William J. Woodham High School Football Field the Marlon Bullock Football Field, was unanimous.

The Board recognized Mr. Marlon Bullock, who expressed his appreciation to the Board for their approval of this item.

 

ADD 2. School Board Rule 6Gx17-5.07(5)(h) – PERSONAL USE OF RENTAL VEHICLES PROHIBITED

Motion made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to adopt School Board Rule 6Gx17-5.07(5)(h) – Personal Use of Rental Vehicles, was unanimous. 

 

c. Permission to Adopt Emergency Rule Change

ADD 1.  School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2)(a) – ELIGIBILITY FOR TRANSPORTATION

Motion made by Mr. Bergosh, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to adopt Emergency Rule Change, School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2)(a) – Eligibility for Transportation, was approved 4 to 1, with Mrs. Stidham voting “No.”

 

B. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD        

DELETED  1.   Review of the Brown Barge Middle School Program – Linda Finkelstein

DELETED  2.  School Board Policy Regarding the Disposition of Surplus School Buses –Cary Stidham

3. Resolutions Regarding Appointed Superintendent and Addition of At-Large School Board Members – John DeWitt

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve the resolution regarding Appointed Superintendent.  Mr. Bergosh stated that he could not support the motion and expressed his concerns regarding an appointed versus an elected Superintendent.  Ms. Finkelstein expressed her reasons for favoring an appointed Superintendent.  Dr. DeWitt stated that he believed that the voters should have the right to decide whether a Superintendent is elected or appointed.   Mrs. Stidham stated that while she does favor an appointed Superintendent, she would not support the motion at this time and suggested that the Board gather additional information on this issue and revisit the issue again at a later time.

The Board recognized the following speakers:

Gail Husbands, who stated that while she does favor an appointed Superintendent, she believed that the timing was wrong.

Sylvia Kicklighter, who expressed her opposition to the resolution for an Appointed Superintendent.

Harry Evans, who expressed his concerns that the voters have the right to decide whether a Superintendent is appointed or elected.

James Sederis, who expressed his opposition to both the Appointed Superintendent and At-Large School Board Member resolutions. 

Motion failed 3 to 2, with Dr. Jenkins, Mrs. Stidham, and Mr. Bergosh voting “No.”

Dr. DeWitt withdrew his resolution regarding Addition of At-Large Board Members.

At the request of Dr. DeWitt, the Board collectively agreed to develop a committee, comprised of community leaders, to research the pros and cons of an appointed versus elected Superintendent and also research the issue of the Addition of At-Large Board Members.

 

C.  ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “J”)

AMENDED 1. Request approval of Administrative Appointments/Transfers

The Superintendent presented his recommendations to the Board, for Administrative Appointments.  The Superintendent’s recommendations are as follows: 

Dennis, Shawn, Director/Transportation, 7/26/01

Fox, Beverly, Subject Area Specialist/PI, OT, PT/Adaptive PE, 7/25/01

Henderson, Willis, Subject Area Specialist/Gifted, 7/30/01

Peacock, Ronald, Director/Facilities Planning, 8/22/01

Winters, Susan,  Community School Coordinator/Northend,  8/22/01

 

Mrs. Stidham moved to accept the Superintendent’s recommendations for Administrative Appointments.  Motion was seconded by Dr. Jenkins and unanimously approved.  At the request of the Superintendent, those individuals came forward to be recognized by the Board. 

 

The Superintendent presented his recommendations to the Board, for Administrative Transfers.  The Superintendent’s recommendations are as follows:

 

FROM                         TO                               DATE

Farish, Connie, Principal/Century Elem, Principal/Hallmark, 7/02/01

Fox, Joan, Principal/Hallmark, Principal/Spencer Bibbs,  7/02/01

Green, Linda,  Asst Elem Prin/Montclair, Asst Elem Prin/W Pensacola, 8/01/01

Vannerson, Ruth, Principal/Ernest Ward, Principal/E Ward/Byrneville, 7/02/01

 

The Superintendent also presented his recommendation for the following correction on an item approved by the Board at a previous meeting:

 

Russell Queen, Prinicpal/Century/Carver appointment date to read 7/02/01 insteadof 7/18/01

 

Mrs. Stidham moved to accept the Superintendent’s recommendations for Administrative Transfers and the correction of the appointment date for Russell Queen.  Motion was seconded by Dr. Jenkins and approved unanimously. 

 

2. Request approval of Board Members for the Foundation for Excellence in Education

 

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, second by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendations for the following Board Members for the Foundation for Excellence in Education:

 

Michael Frimenko, (Elected), July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2004

Madonna Jackson-Williams, (Elected), July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2004  

Susan Jaffe, (Elected), July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002

Gary Sammons, (Elected), July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2003

Rita Finkbone, (Re-Elected), July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2004

Jill Hubbs, (Re-Elected), July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2004

David Lister, (Re-Elected), July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2004

Mary E. Smith, (Re-Elected), July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2004

Jeffrey A. Stone, (Re-Elected), July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2003

 

Motion was unanimously approved. 

 

3. Student Recommendations

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, second by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendations for student expulsion, Items 1,3,4,5 and 6, was unanimous.

 

1)  Recommend that the indefinite suspension be terminated and that student number01-87-951 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year.

2) Recommend that the Board rescind its previous approval of the Superintendent's continuing recommendation for expulsion for student number 01-100-521 and that the student be granted the right to request a formal hearing.

 

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to reject the Superintendent’s recommendation for Item 2.

The Board recognized Bill Richburg, Attorney, who spoke on behalf of the parents and student referred to in Item 2 (student number 01-100-521).  He urged the Board to rescind its previous approval of the Superintendent’s continuing recommendation for expulsion of the student and asked that the student be granted the right to request a formal hearing.  Mr. Negron noted that the students’ parents had previously waived their opportunity to request a formal hearing.  He advised the Board to reject the parent’s request for a formal hearing.  Motion was approved 4 to 1, with Dr. Jenkins voting “No.”

 

3)  Recommend that the previous decision of the Board approving the Superintendent's recommendation for expulsion for student number 01-132-862 for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year and all of the 2001-2002 school year be amended.  Because of the student's exemplary effort to remediate the student's conduct and upon various endorsements and recommendations confirming the student's efforts, it is recommended that the original recommendation for 2001-2002 school year be amended to eliminate expulsion for the 2001-2002 school year and that the student be allowed to return to regular school enrollment.

4)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the formal hearing officer, student number 01-194-121 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year and all of the 2001-2002 school year.  It is further recommended that the student be given the option to enroll, if qualified and if space is available, in an alternative educational program exclusive of regular school placement.  Placement to be at the discretion of the Superintendent and to be available as an alternative during the full expulsion time frame. 

5) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the formal hearing officer, student number 01-203-281 not be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County.

6) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the formal hearing officer, student number 01-204-281 not be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County.

 

D. ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL COUNSEL

-No items submitted

 

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

 

Attest:                                                              Approved:

__________________________                    ___________________________

Superintendent                                                  Chairman