ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA
MINUTES, JANUARY 15, 2002
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: Ms. Linda Finkelstein
Board Members: Mr. Gary L. Bergosh
Mrs. Cary Stidham
Dr. Elmer Jenkins
School Board Attorney: Mr. Francisco M. Negron, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim Paul
Dr. DeWitt called the Public Forum to order at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Charles Thomas gave the invocation and Dr. DeWitt led the pledge of allegiance.
The Board recognized the following speakers who addressed various subjects:
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)
Name Issue
Annie McDowell Observation of Board Meetings
Robert Husbands “Rumors” among School District employees
Madonna Jackson-Williams “Public Education Rally”
I. CALL TO ORDER
Dr. DeWitt called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
II. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The Superintendent listed the additions, deletions and amendments to the agenda. (see margin notes) On motion made by Dr. Jenkins and seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, adoption of the agenda as amended, was unanimously approved.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. 11-16-01 REGULAR WORKSHOP
2. 12-05-01 SPECIAL MEETING [Executive Session (Collaborative Bargaining)]
3. 12-05-01 PUBLIC HEARING/INFORMATIONAL MEETING
4. 12-06-01 PUBLIC HEARING/INFORMATIONAL MEETING
5. 12-10-01 PUBLIC HEARING/INFORMATIONAL MEETING
6. 12-14-01 REGULAR WORKSHOP
7. 12-18-01 REGULAR MEETING
Motion made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the minutes as listed (Items 1-7), was unanimously approved.
IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Stellar Employee Recognition
The Superintendent announced that Mr. Tony Malone, Custodian at the J.E. Hall Educational Services Center, was the Stellar Employee for the month of January. Mr. Malone was given a plaque and pin from the School District and a check in the amount of $100 donated by Members First Credit Union.
2. PTA Presentation
Ms. Karen Pope, President, Escambia County Council PTA (ECCPTA), gave a brief update of the recent and upcoming activities of the PTA and expressed her appreciation to the Board for their support.
3. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Finance – Gary Bergosh
Mr. Bergosh stated that the committee had discussed the budget for the upcoming school year and proposed legislation that will be presented at the next legislative session.
4. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Facilities – Cary Stidham
Mrs. Stidham stated that the committee had discussed items relating to facilities that were pending for this meeting and recommends approval of those items. She stated that the committee had also discussed issues regarding the possibility of an extension on the “One-Half Cent Sales Tax” and noted that a presentation was given regarding performance contracting.
5. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Human Resources and Minority Recruitment/Retention – Elmer Jenkins
Dr. Jenkins stated that the committee had discussed items relating to human resource services that were pending for this meeting and recommends approval of those items. He stated that the committee had also discussed issues regarding the recruitment of teachers and the recruitment of minority contractors.
DELETE
6. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)
for Technology and Curriculum – John DeWitt and Linda
Finkelstein
V. CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate vote: Item V.C.1.f.4 (due to speakers who had requested to address the Board concerning that item) and Item V.C.2.d (which was pulled by Dr. Jenkins). On motion by Mrs. Stidham and second by Ms. Finkelstein, the Consent Agenda, except for items pulled was unanimously approved.
A. Curriculum and Instruction
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “B”)
Approved:
1. EPA Environmental Education Grants Program, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Youth
2. School Advisory Council Additions/Deletions for Ensley Elementary School, Petree and Sid Nelson Pre-K programs and Tate High School
3. Service Agreement between the Escambia County School District and the University of West Florida for Annual School Climate Surveys
4. Cooperative Agreement between the School District of Escambia County and Pensacola Electrical Apprenticeship
5. FDOE Project Application Summary Law Enforcement Officer
6. FDOE Project Application Summary Automotive Technology
B. Finance
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “C”)
Approved:
1. Authorization for payrolls and vouchers for the month of February 2002
2. Check Registers
a) Check Register for the month of November 2001
b) Check Register for the month of December 2001
3. Financial Statements
a) Financial Statement for the month of November 2001
b) Financial Statement for the month of December 2001
DELETE 4.
(This item intentionally omitted)
DELETE
5. (This item intentionally omitted)
6. Legal Services
Risk Management Fund
a) Hammons & Whittaker, P.A. $ 7,189.59
b) Hammons & Whittaker, P.A. $ 4,872.00
7. Budget Amendments
a) Resolution 4: General Operating Fund
b) Resolution 4: Other Special Revenue Fund
c) Resolution 4: Capital Projects Fund
8. Disposal of Capitalized and Non-Capitalized Assets:
a) Auction Lists I & II for January 2002
b) Scrap Lists I & II for January 2002
c) Removal of Stock Items from Record
AMENDED d) Memorandum of Understanding for Electronic Equipment Recycling
9. Miscellaneous Authorizing Agreements
DELETE 10. Refunding
Certificates of Participation, Series 2002
C. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “D”)
Approved:
1. Instructional/Professional
a. Appointments
NAME POSITION DATE WORK LOCATION
Ard,
Howard teacher (part
time) 01/07/02 AMENDED: George Stone
West FL High
Bechtold, Terri teacher 01/03/02 Cordova Park
Evans, Mona teacher 01/03/02 Bellview Mid
b. Reappointments
1. annual
-none
2. professional
-none
3. 4th year annual
-none
c. Transfers
-none
d. Out-of-field
1. appointments
ADD Cregut, Shawnis teacher Bellview Mid 01/11/02
Morgan, Emily teacher Special Education 01/03/02
Thornhill, Mark teacher Bellview Mid 12/18/01
2. reappointments
-none
3. transfers
-none
4. other
-none
e. Resignations/Retirements
Butler, Jacquelyn Data Control Clerk Maintenance 12/07/01
Conley, Mary Asst Elem Principal McArthur 12/31/01 (Ret)
Elliott, Stephanie teacher Brentwood Mid 01/04/02
Johnson, Joseph Systems Analyst Data Center 01/31/02 (Ret)
Kust, Sharon teacher Semmes 01/31/02 (Ret)
Loewen, Marlene teacher Bellview Mid 01/11/02
Milton, Berna teacher Escambia Westgate 12/18/01
Smith, Gay teacher Edgewater 12/18/01
Tello, Caroline teacher Special Ed 12/14/01
Wilson, Gena teacher Scenic Heights 12/18/01
Wise, Amber teacher Ferry Pass Mid 01/11/02
f. Special Requests
1. Request approval for leave of absence without pay for the following personnel:
*Bamonte, Holly teacher/Bellview Elem 01/24/02-03/01/02
ADD *Bobe, Karen Jernigan teacher/EscambiaHigh 01/07/02-05/28/02
*Futch, Whitney teacher/Myrtle Grove Elem 01/10/02-02/08/02
Jackson, Lisa teacher/Semmes 01/03/02-02/28/02
*Pote, Margaret teacher/Myrtle Grove Elem 01/07/02-05/28/02
Ruffin, Lashawnda teacher/Escambia High 01/07/02-02/08/02
Shuman, Lynda teacher/Cordova Park 01/03/02-05/28/02
*Torres, Lisa teacher/Bailey Mid 10/17/01-11/20/01
*FMLA
ADD 2. Rescind resignation on Christine Gardner, teacher at Pine Forest High effective December 18, 2001 and transfer her to Pensacola High effective January 11, 2002
AMENDED/ADD 3. Accept
resignation of Stacy Lawrence, Certified Educational Interpreter III,
Educational Support Personnel at Washington High and appoint her as
an American Sign Language instructional employee at Escambia High
effective January 22 15, 2002 for the remainder of
the 2001-2002 school year
ADD 4. Request approval of the final School District Calendar for the 2002-2003 school year
Motion was made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve the final School District Calendar for the 2002-2003 school year.
The Board recognized the following speakers:
Ellen Lawrence, UniServe Director, expressed appreciation to the Board and Superintendent for their acknowledgement of the Educational Support Personnel (ESP) contractual obligations and expectations for the proposed school calendar. Madonna Jackson-Williams, President of Escambia Education Association (EEA), expressed concerns regarding in-service training days for teachers. Motion was unanimously approved.
2. Educational Support Personnel
a. Appointments
NAME JOB TITLE EFF DATE LOCATION
Carson, Willie (Promo) Maintenance Mech I 12/10/01 Maintenance
b. Resignations/Retirements
NAME JOB TITLE EFF DATE LOCATION
ADD Abbott, Augustin Custodial Supervisor 12/21/01 Pine Forest
Bowman, Lawrence (Ret) Facilities Resource Mgr 01/02/02 Facilities
Garrison, Dorothy (Ret) FS Mgr IV 12/31/01 Tate
Grimes, Joyce (Ret) Cust Wkr I 12/31/01 Weis
Hall, Carol (Ret) School Finance Spec 12/31/01 Ferry Pass Mid
Hornsby, Martha (Ret) FS Mgr IV 12/31/01 Cook
James, Betty (Ret) FS Asst I 12/31/01 Bellview Elem
Jones, Christopher Auto Equip Mech 12/28/01 Transportation
Lister, Shelby J. (Ret) Admin Clk II 12/31/01 Bellview Ele
Nicholls, Rita (Ret) Admin Clk II 12/31/01 Workman
Parker, Shirley (Ret) FS Asst I 11/21/01 Bibbs
Randall, Verdell (Ret) Cust Wkr I 12/31/01 Washington
Reeder, Catherine School Data Spec 01/04/02 Lincoln Park
Riley, Nancy (Ret) Cust Wkr II 12/31/01 Century
Simmons, Jerilyn (Ret) Admin School Sec I 12/31/01 Century
Watson, Mattie (Ret) School Bus Op 12/31/01 Transportation
White, Jane (Ret) School Bus Op 11/30/01 Transportation
White, Shelly (Ret) FS Asst Mgr 12/31/01 Woodham
c. Terminations
NAME JOB TITLE EFF DATE LOCATION
DELETE Abbot,
Augustin Cust
Supv 12/21/01 Pine
Forest
Addison, Thomas Maint Wkr 11/28/01 Maintenance
Foster, Frank Cust Wkr I 12/14/01 Pine Forest
Hennington, Betty School Bus Op 12/21/01 Transportation
Johnson, Zedie Cust Wkr I 12/17/01 Spencer Bibbs
Lyons, Shirley FS Asst I 12/13/01 Oakcrest
McPherson, Janice Cust Wkr I 12/13/01 Ransom
Smith, Betty FS Asst I 01/02/02 Bellview Mid
Williams, Shirley School Bus Op 12/17/01 Transportation
d. Suspensions
-Employee #5501-0061-6, Custodial Worker I at Bellview Middle, suspended without pay for three (3) work days effective January 16, 2002 for misconduct.
Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to accept the recommendation that employee #5501-0061-6, Custodial Worker I at Bellview Middle, be suspended without pay for three (3) work days effective January 16, 2002 for misconduct. Dr. Jenkins reiterated concerns he had expressed at the Workshop (January 11, 2002) regarding the process for recommendations of “suspensions without pay.” Motion was approved 4 to 1, with Dr. Jenkins voting “No.”
DELETE -Employee
#8601-9620-263, School Bus Operator at Transporation, suspended
without pay for three (3) work days effective January 16, 2002 for
neglect of duty and unsatisfactory work performance
e. Dismissals
AMENDED -Employee
#8831-9360-165 #8331-9360-165, Teacher Aide,
Special at Transportation, terminated as of January 16, 2002 for
misconduct
f. Leave of Absence
Fanella, Marilyn (Ext) Tea Asst/Navy Pt 01/01/02-12/31/02 Professional
McClure, Judy (Ext) FS Asst I/Bailey 11/12/01-02/28/02 Medical
Walker, Lorraine Cust Wkr I/Sherwood 12/11/01-01/11/0 Personal*
Williams, Annie Ruth (Ext) Cust Wkr/Pine Forest 01/01/02-02/28/02 Medical
Young, Kennedy (Ext) S/K Whsell/Whse 01/01/02-02/28/02 Medical
*FMLA
g. Special Requests
-Correction requested from December 2001 agenda. Victoria Brown and D. January-Williams were inadvertently reported under b., Resignations/Retirements as retirements. These two employees should have been shown on the agenda as resignations.
3. Risk Management
a. Trailer Resident – Security at Escambia High School
4. Employee Services
-No items submitted
5. Affirmative Action
-No items submitted
D. Purchasing
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “E”)
Approved:
1. Bid Award: Annual Art Supply, Bid #020704
AMENDED 2. Bid
Award: Rooftop Air Unit, Bid #020903
#021003
3. Bid Award: Elevated Aluminum Bleachers, Bid #021301
4. Bid Award: Smallwares, Bid #020903
5. Annual Agreements: Fresh Pizza for Various Schools
6. Dell Microcomputers for Holm Elementary School
7. Network Routers for School Based Weather Stations
8. Floor Covering for Various Schools
9. Agricultural Tractors for Various Schools
10. Dell Microcomputers for High School Career Labs
11. Weight Training Equipment for Woodham High School
12. Bid Award: Fire Alarm Improvements at Montclair and Brentwood Elementary Schools
13. Bid Award: New Cafeteria at Navy Point Elementary School
14. Annual Agreement Renewal/Extension: Architectural Services
15. Annual Agreement Renewal/Extension: Structural Engineering Services
16. Annual Agreement Renewal/Extension: Electrical Engineering Services
17. Annual Agreement Renewal/Extension: Mechanical Engineering Services
18. Annual Agreement Renewal/Extension: Civil Engineering Services
19. Annual Agreement Renewal/Extension: Environmental Services
20. Annual Agreement Renewal/Extension: Geotechnical and Subsurface Investigation Services
21. Annual Agreement Renewal/Extension: Land Surveying Services
22. Instructional Television System Headend for Escambia High School
23. Storm Shutters for West Florida High School of Advanced Technology
24. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #226634 (A.E. New, Jr., Inc.)
25. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #224067 (A.E. New, Jr., Inc.)
26. Change Notice #9 to Purchase Order #196648 (Larry Hall Construction, Inc.)
27. Change Notice #5 to Purchase Order #222587 (R.D. Ward Construction, Inc.)
E. Operations
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “F”)
Approved:
1. Facilities Planning
A. Final Payments
1. Bleacher Repair at Washington High School
2. Cafeteria Additions and Renovations at Pensacola High School
3. Kitchen A/C and Range Hood Replacement at Bellview and Brownsville
4. Additions and Renovations at Holm Elementary
5. Additions and Renovations at Holm Elementary
6. Electrical Infrastructure Improvements at Bellview, Beulah and West Pensacola
7. Replacement and Expansion of Fire Alarm System at Workman Middle
8. Group 2 Design Build Classroom Additions at Bellview, Beulah and West Pensacola Elementary Schools
B. Miscellaneous
1. Installation of Storm Shutters at Jim Allen, Bellview and Ernest Ward
2. Phase II Renovations at Longleaf and McArthur Elementary Schools
2. Maintenance
-No items submitted
3. Transportation
-No items submitted
4. School Food Services
-No items submitted
F. Student Transfers
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “G”)
G. Internal Auditing
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “H”)
1. Internal Funds
*1. Barrineau Park Elementary School for fiscal year 2000-01
2. Century Elementary School for fiscal year 2000-01
3. Pensacola Beach Elementary School for fiscal year 2000-01
4. Pensacola High School for fiscal year 2000-01
5. Scenic Heights Elementary School for fiscal year 2000-01
6. Suter Elementary School for fiscal year 2000-01
7. West Pensacola Elementary School for fiscal year 2000-01
*Audits with findings
2. Inventory Adjustment Reports
3. Other
-No items submitted
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (PREVIOUSLY TABLED ITEMS OR ITEMS POSTPONED UNTIL CURRENT MEETING)
NOTE: Approval of final School District Calendar for the 2002-2003 school year was tabled from the December 18, 2001 Regular Board Meeting and is listed under V.C.1.f. “Special Requests”
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “I”)
a. Permission to Advertise
ADD . School Board Rule 6Gx17-3.02(4) - ATTENDANCE ZONE GRANDPARENTING PROVISIONS
Motion was made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve for advertising, School Board Rule 6Gx17-3.02(4) – Attendance Zone Grandparenting Provisions. Motion was unanimously approved.
b. Permission to Adopt
-No items submitted
c. Permission to Adopt Emergency Rule
ADD 1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-3.02(4) – ATTENDANCE ZONE GRANPARENTING PROVISIONS
Motion was made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to adopt emergency School Board Rule 6Gx17-3.02(4) – Attendance Zone Grandparenting Provisions. Motion was unanimously approved.
B. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “J”)
1. “Escambia County Dads in School Week” Resolution – Elmer Jenkins Resolution
WHEREAS, Escambia County’s Chief Judges Council has a focused Fatherhood Initiative which seeks to increase the awareness of the importance of fathers in the lives of their children; and
WHEREAS, research has indicated that, while both parents provided needed support in the lives of their children, father play a vital role in their children’s development as well as their educational success; and
WHEREAS, fathers are too often not in the picture when it comes to providing the essentials for the healthy development of their children; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby recognize the week of February 4-8, 2002 as
and urges fathers and father figures to meet with their children for lunch or other school activity during the week. Volunteer dads, mentors, and other community members are also encouraged to participate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby order a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the regular meeting of said Board.
Motion was made by Dr. Jenkins and seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to adopt the “Escambia County Dads in School Week” Resolution.
The Board recognized Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServe, who expressed support of the resolution.
Motion was unanimously approved.
DELETE 2.
Allocation of Federal Funds – John DeWitt
C. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “K”)
1. Student Recommendations
Motion was made by Dr. Jenkins, seconded by Mr. Bergosh, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendations for student expulsions, Items 1 through 9.
The Board recognized Ms. Pierce who addressed the Board regarding Item 3 (Student Number 02-38-411) to not vote in favor of the recommended order from the hearing officer as presented by the Superintendent.
Upon inquiry by Dr. Jenkins, Mr. Negron stated that if the desire of the Board was to consider whether the penalty for this particular student was appropriate, then he advised that they not engage in any discussion at that point, but rather table the matter until the entire record was reviewed. Motion was made by Dr. Jenkins to table the approval of the Superintendent’s recommendation for Item 3 (Student Number 02-38-411), to give Board Members the opportunity to review the entire transcript(s) of the informal/formal hearings regarding this student. Motion died for lack of second. Original motion was approved 4 to 1, with Dr. Jenkins voting “No.”
NOTE: ITEM NUMBER 3 (Student Number 02-38-411), Request to Address the Board
1) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the formal hearing officer, student number 02-28-851 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2001-2002 school year with the option to enroll in alternative placement.
2) Recommend that the indefinite suspension of student number 02-36-561 be terminated in consideration of the Court having dismissed pending felony charges and that the student be allowed to return to regular school of enrollment.
REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE BOARD 3) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the formal hearing officer, student number 02-38-411 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2001-2002 school year and all of the 2002-2003 school year with the option to enroll in alternative placement.
4) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 02-70-1221 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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 due process committee, student number 02-71-671 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.
6) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 02-72-671 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.
7) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 02-73-061 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.
8) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 02-78-281 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.
9) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 02-80-591 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.
ADD 2. Recommend that employee number 395431 be suspended without pay effective Wednesday, January 16, 2002 pending further recommendation regarding termination of employment to be presented to the Board at its regular meeting on February 19, 2002
Motion by Mrs. Stidham, second by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation that employee number 395431 be suspended without pay effective January 16, 2002 pending further recommendation regarding termination of employment to be presented to the Board at its regular meeting on February 19, 2002, was unanimous.
D. ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL COUNSEL
-No items submitted
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Attest:
_______________ Approved:
_______________
Superintendent Chairman