ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA
MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 18, 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
Ms. Linda Finkelstein
School Board Attorney: Mr. Francisco M. Negron, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim Paul
Chairman DeWitt called the Public Forum to order at 6:00 p.m. A brief meditation was led by Thomas Philpot, Student Council President, Pensacola High School, and the pledge of allegiance was led by Ensign Sabrina Stedman, Naval Air Station Pensacola, along with Ensign Kyle McWhirter and Ensign Laura Hunter.
The Board recognized the following speakers who addressed various subjects:
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)
Name Issue
Nancy Ward Transportation for Brown Barge Students
Lora Crook School Closure (A.A. Dixon Elementary School)
Quientella Bonner School Closure (A.A. Dixon Elementary School)
Hollie Wilkins School Closure (A.A. Dixon Elementary School)
Mike McCracken School Closure
Tony Boling School Closure (A.A. Dixon Elementary School)
Robert Husbands Recap of the Opening of the School Year
Debbie Carroll School Closures (Allie Yniestra Elementary School)
Madonna Jackson-Williams Request Change of Reason Code on “Leave Request Form”
Theresa DelSignore School Closure (Allie Yniestra Elementary School)
Travis Swann School Closure (Allie Yniestra Elementary School)
Saunders Cone Bomb Threats
Doris Hayes Bomb Threats
The following item was moved forward on the agenda under public forum:
The Board recognized Steven Exner and Pat Wright, representatives of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association Foundation, who presented Mr. Bill Slayton, principal, Woodham High School with a check in the amount of $3,375.00 for the Woodham High School Law Academy program.
The Superintendent discussed the following concerns regarding the recent re-occurring bomb threats: prohibiting cellular phones on school campuses; loss of academic processes due to the recent threats; evacuation procedures and prosecution issues. He stated that he had met with various law enforcement officials and noted that the above issues were discussed at length. On behalf of the Board, Dr. DeWitt expressed appreciation to law enforcement and staff members for their work in dealing with the recent bomb threats and their continued commitment to student safety. He also noted that the Board does support the Superintendent’s decisions on evacuation of school facilities.
I. CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Dr. DeWitt called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. The pledge of allegiance and a meditation was given earlier in the meeting, prior to public forum.
II. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The Superintendent listed the additions, deletions and amendments to the agenda. (see margin notes) Dr. DeWitt noted that Item VII.D.2 was handled under public forum and therefore would be deleted from the agenda. 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. 08-02-01 SPECIAL MEETING
2. 08-14-01 SPECIAL MEETING
3. 08-14-01 SPECIAL MEETING
4. 08-15-01 SPECIAL MEETING
5. 08-20-01 WORKSHOP
6. 08-21-01 REGULAR MEETING
7. 08-27-01 SPECIAL MEETING
8. 08-31-01 RETREAT
Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham and seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve the minutes for the month of August (Items 1-8). Motion was unanimously approved.
IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Stellar Employee Recognition
The Superintendent announced that Mrs. Dee Price-Williams, Guidance Counselor for N.B. Cook Elementary, was the Stellar Employee for the month of September. He stated that Mrs. Price-Williams is known as the “Pickle Lady,” because of her guidance program, (which won the Little Red School House Award)- “Life is like a pickle, sometimes it is sweet, sometimes it is sour.” He further stated that Mrs. Price-Williams had created several programs to help parents with their children, such as a Divorced Parents Group, Grief Group, Parent Pickle Lunches, and one-on-one counseling with parents. Mrs. Price-Williams was given a plaque, pin, and a check in the amount of $100 donated by Members First Credit Union.
2. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Finance – Gary Bergosh
Mr. Bergosh stated that the meeting for September was canceled, due to lack of a quorum, and stated that no concerns had been expressed regarding the finance items that were pending for this meeting.
3. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Facilities – Cary Stidham
Mrs. Stidham stated that the meeting for September was canceled and that the committee will meet at their regularly scheduled time in October.
4. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Technology and Curriculum – John DeWitt and Linda Finkelstein
Dr. DeWitt stated that the committee met at the new West Florida High School for Advanced Technology and noted that the committee was very impressed with the new facility. Dr. DeWitt further stated that the committee had discussed items relating to technology that were pending for this meeting and that the committee recommended approval.
Ms. Finkelstein stated that the committee had reviewed items relating to curriculum that were pending for this meeting. She further stated that the committee had received a memorandum from Ms. Sheree’ Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning, regarding the new process for drafting and submitting grants. She also noted that Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, had provided the committee with an update on the status of charter schools.
5. PTA Presentation
Ms. Karen Pope, President, Escambia County Council PTA (ECCPTA), expressed appreciation to all teachers and guidance counselors for their help with students and parents regarding issues that had risen from the tragic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. She noted that the web site for National PTA (www.pta.org) has provided a variety of on-line resources for helping children cope with tragedy. She also expressed appreciation to district staff for their work in dealing with the recent bomb threats and their commitment to student safety. She stated that the Superintendent and his staff would be meeting with the PTA on Thursday, September 27, 2001 for a question and answer forum and noted that a regular PTA meeting would immediately follow that forum.
ADD 6. Update from School Attendance Zone Advisory Committee (SAZAC)
Dr. DeWitt advised that this item was added to the Regular Meeting agenda, to give the Board an opportunity to respond to the update given by SAZAC at the September 14, 2001 Regular Workshop. Dr. Jenkins reiterated his concerns expressed at the workshop, regarding the establishment of a new state-of-the-art elementary school in the inner city and the possibility of having 6th graders remain in certain elementary schools.
Mrs. Finkelstein moved to direct SAZAC to redraw boundaries, so that middle school students in the current Ransom Middle School attendance zone, north of Quintette Road on the east side, the boundary on the west side to be determined by SAZAC, and move to Ernest Ward Middle School and to Carver Middle School, beginning the 2002-2003 school year, taking into account the exception that rising eight graders may continue to attend their current school should they so choose. Motion was seconded by Dr. Jenkins. Ms. Finkelstein stated, that based on information received from SAZAC, “total district wide available, unutilized permanent capacity is 677 and 448 of those available student stations are in Century and Walnut Hill.” She noted that it makes sense to look at the boundaries for Ransom Middle School, since they are currently above permanent capacity. Dr. Jenkins stated that this motion would also help to increase the racial diversity at those schools. Motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. DeWitt expressed his support of the ideas expressed by Dr. Jenkins, regarding the establishment of a new state-of-the-art elementary school in the inner city and the possibility of having 6th graders remain in certain elementary schools. The Board agreed to have the Superintendent provide information regarding those issues. Dr. DeWitt noted that SAZAC would present a preliminary report in October but may delay their final report until November, if needed.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
Board Members pulled no items from the Consent Agenda for separate vote. Dr. DeWitt stated that approval of items submitted under Curriculum and Instruction would be pending correction of certain errors pointed out at the Regular Workshop (i.e., dates, titles). On motion by Mrs. Stidham and second by Dr. Jenkins, the Consent Agenda, pending corrections to certain Curriculum and Instruction items, was unanimously approved.
A. Curriculum and Instruction
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “B”)
Approved:
DELETED 1.
Update Grading Scale in Pupil Progression Plan
DELETED 2.
Twenty-four (24) Credit Requirement for Graduation from Alternative
High Schools on Non-Traditional Campuses
3. Amendment #1 to Contract with the Escambia County School Readiness Coalition Amendment
4. Contract for Services: ESCAROSA Coalition on the Homeless
DELETED 5. Homework
for Suspended Students
6. Annual School Health Services Report
7. School Health Services Plan Update 2001-2002
AMENDED 8. Master In-Service Plan
9. Amendment to the Contract between the School Board and the Young Men’s Christian Association, Inc.
DELETED 10.
National Standardization of Psycho-educational Instruments by
Selected Members of the Psychological Services
Department
11. For Information: Charter School Criteria Standards & Review Process Document
12. Cooperative Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County and the Department of Juvenile Justice
13. ESCAROSA Regional Workforce Development Board, Inc., Individual Training Account
14. Memorandum of Understanding – Senior School-to-Career Program, Jobs for Florida’s Graduates and Escambia County School District, Pensacola and Escambia High Schools (Renewal)
15. Correction to 2000-2001 End of the Year Report for Lincoln Park Elementary & Washington High Schools
16. Agreement between Sunbelt Staffing Solutions, Inc., and the School District of Escambia County, Florida 2001-2002
17. Contract for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology Services between the Escambia County School Board and Rehab Works, Inc., 2001-2002
DELETED 18.
Permission to Release Outcome Report for Escambia County School
District Fast ForWord Language and Fast ForWord Middle & High
School Project July 2001
DELETED 19.
Semester Test Requirement for Students Who Are In School Less Than
135 Hours
B. Finance
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “C”)
Approved:
1. Authorization for payrolls and vouchers for the month of October 2001
2. Check Register for the month of July 2001
3. Authorizing Agreement and Resolution for District Risk Management Fund 7110
4. Disposal of Capitalized and Non-Capitalized Assets:
a) Auction Lists I, II, III & IV for September 2001
b) Scrap Lists I, II, III & IV for September 2001
5. Legal Services:
Summary of all legal fees
6. Legal Services:
General Fund
a) Kievit, Kelly & Odom $34.50
b) Robert Heath, P.A. $365.50
c) Arthur Shimek, P.A. $ 350.00
d) Hammons & Whittaker, P.A. $ 1,483.24
e) Hammons & Whittaker, P.A. $ 297.00
f) Hammons & Whittaker, P.A. $ 108.00
g) Hammons & Whittaker, P.A. $189.00
h) Hammons & Whittaker, P.A. $308.30
i) Hammons & Whittaker, P.A. $ 742.50
j) Hammons & Whittaker, P.A. $ 1,224.90
C. HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “D”)
Approved:
1. Instructional/Professional
a. Appointments
b. Reappointments
c. Transfers
AMENDED d. Out-of-field
AMENDED e. Resignations/Retirements
AMENDED f. Special Requests
2. Educational Support Personnel
a. Appointments
b. Resignations/Retirements
c. Terminations
d. Suspensions
-No items submitted
e. Dismissals
-No items submitted
f. Leave of Absence
g. Special Requests
-No items submitted
3. Risk Management
a. Sigma Actuarial Analysis 2000-2001 – Sigma Actuarial Consulting Group, Inc. audited AL/GL and Worker’s Compensation
b. School Resource Officers – Escambia County
c. Trailer Resident – George Stone/West Florida Technical High School
4. Employee Services
-No items submitted
5. Affirmative Action
-No items submitted
D. Purchasing
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “E”)
1. Annual Agreement Renewal: Maintenance and Service Contract for Milkshake Machines and Holding Cases, Bid # 000403
DELETED 2. Annual
Agreement Renewal: Security Services, Bid # 53-99
3. Annual Agreement Renewal: GEAC Software Maintenance and Support Services
4. Annual Agreement Renewal: Decision Analyzer Software Maintenance and Support Services
5. Graphing Calculators and Overhead Graphing View Screens
6. Professional Services Agreement: R&J Associates, Inc.
DELETED 7. Compass
Learning Educational Software for Brentwood Elementary
School
8. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order # 227397 (RCM Technologies, Inc.)
9. Apple Microcomputers Equipment for Brentwood Elementary School
10. Computer Network Equipment at Oakcrest Elementary School
11. Patio Furniture for Escambia High School Food Court
12. Dell Microcomputer Equipment for Ransom Middle School
13. Dell Microcomputer Equipment for Applied Technology
14. Dell Microcomputer Equipment for Bellview Middle School
15. Letter of Election: BellSouth Frame Relay Services
16. Library Furniture for Ferry Pass Elementary School
17. Library Furniture for Escambia High School
18. Change Notice #7 (C/O #9) to Purchase Order # 196648 (Larry Hall Construction, Inc.)
19. Change Notice #2 (C/O #3) to Purchase Order # 224074 (ESA South, Inc.)
20. Change Notice #3 to Purchase Order # 221503 (A.E. New, Jr. Inc.)
21. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order # 221501 (R.D. Ward Construction, Inc.)
22. Change Notice #2 (C/O #3 & 4) to Purchase Order # 222587 (R.D. Ward Construction, Inc.)
23. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order # 222588 (Southeastern Abatement Co., Inc.)
24. School Buses
E. Facilities, Maintenance and Operations
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “F”)
Approval:
1. Facilities Planning
A. Final Payments
1. Replacement and expansion of Fire Alarms System at Pine Meadow Elementary
2. Asbestos abatement at Cordova Park, Brownsville and Brown Barge
3. Asbestos abatement, Building 1 at Escambia High School
B. Miscellaneous
1. Escambia High School Music Suite
2. Addition of Media Center at Brentwood Elementary School
AMENDED 3. McReynolds PATS Program
4. School District Property/International Paper Land
2. Maintenance
-No items submitted
3. Transportation
A. Information to the Board
1. Surplus Bus Information
4. School Food Services
A. Miscellaneous
1. Child Care Food Program Meal Service Agreement with District School Board, School Food Services
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
Discussion
of report on Booster Clubs and PTAs (handled at
workshop)
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
AMENDED/ADD 1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – CODE OF CONDUCT: ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Motion made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve for advertising, School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Code of Conduct: Elementary and Secondary Rights and Responsibilities, was unanimous.
AMENDED/ADD
2. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.09 – PUPIL
PROGRESSION AND PROMOTION – GRADING
SYSTEM UPDATE GRADING SCALE
Motion made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve for advertising, School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.09 – Pupil Progression and Promotion – Update Grading Scale, was unanimous.
AMENDED/ADD 3. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.09 – PUPIL PROGRESSION AND PROMOTION – ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS ON NON-TRADITIONAL CAMPUSES
Motion made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve for advertising, School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.09 – Pupil Progression and Promotion – Alternative High School Programs on Non-Traditional Campuses, was unanimous.
AMENDED/ADD 4. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.09 – PUPIL PROGRESSION AND PROMOTION – STUDENTS WHO ARE IN SCHOOL LESS THAN 135 HOURS
Motion made by Ms. Finkelstein, second by Dr. Jenkins, to approve for advertising, School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.09 – Pupil Progression and Promotion – Students Who Are In School Less Than 135 Hours, was unanimous.
ADD 5. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.15 – CELL PHONES & OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES PROHIBITED
Motion made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve for advertising, School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.15 – Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices Prohibited, was unanimous.
b. Permission to Adopt
1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2) – ELIGIBILITY FOR TRANSPORTATION
Motion was made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to adopt School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2) – Eligibility for Transportation.
Dr. DeWitt called for public hearing regarding the adoption of School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2) – Eligibility for Transportation, however there were no speakers.
Motion was unanimously approved.
2. School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2)(a) – ELIGIBILITY FOR TRANSPORTATION
Motion was made by Dr. Jenkins, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to adopt School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2)(a) – Eligibility for Transportation.
Dr. DeWitt called for public hearing regarding the adoption of School Board Rule 6Gx17-6.02(2)(a) – Eligibility for Transportation. The Board recognized Tammy Buzbee, School Bus Driver, who expressed her concerns regarding this rule.
Motion was unanimously approved.
3. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – GROOMING AND DRESS OF STUDENTS
Motion was made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to adopt School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Grooming and Dress of Students.
Dr. DeWitt called for public hearing regarding the adoption of School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Grooming and Dress of Students. The Board recognized Glen Thompson, teacher, who expressed her concerns regarding the dress of students. Dr. DeWitt noted that this rule specifically deals with the issue of rolling backpacks and asked that Ms. Thompson discuss her concerns regarding the dress of students with her school principal.
Motion was unanimously approved.
c. Permission to Adopt Emergency Rule Change
ADD 1. School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.15 – CELL PHONES & OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES PROHIBITED
Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to adopt emergency rule change, School Board Rule 6Gx17-7.15 – Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices Prohibited.
Dr. DeWitt explained that this rule prohibits students from possessing electronic devices, and provides for the confiscation of such contraband for the entire school year unless a parent/guardian meets with the school administrator and acknowledges this rule and its consequences in writing. The rule also permits confiscation of contraband for the remainder of a school year for subsequent infractions, and removes liability from the district for lost, stolen or destroyed contraband. He stated that this rule simply gives more weight to a state law already in place regarding the prohibition of cell phones and other electronic devices.
Motion was unanimously approved.
B. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD
-No items submitted
C. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “J”)
1. Student Recommendations
Motion by Mrs. Stidham, second by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendations for student expulsion, Items 1 through 6, was unanimous.
1) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the formal hearing officer, student number 01-190-521 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.
2) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 01-213-281 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.
3) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 01-214-851 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.
4) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, pursuant to the authority of Section 232.26(2), Florida Statutes, student number 02-01-951 be suspended from all classes of instruction on public school grounds during regular classroom hours until such time as the pending criminal charges are concluded, at which time the Superintendent will make further recommendation regarding suspension, expulsion, or re-enrollment of this student. The indefinite suspension provided herein shall not affect the delivery of educational services to the pupil, and the pupil should be immediately enrolled in a day-time alternative educational program.
5) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 02-02-221 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. 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 02-05-951 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. Request Approval of Administrative Transfer
The Superintendent presented his recommendation to the Board, for Administrative Transfer. The Superintendent’s recommendation was as follows:
“Due to the decrease in enrollment at Weis Elementary and an increase in enrollment at Myrtle Grove Elementary, I am requesting that Mary “Aggie” Bauer be transferred from Weis Elementary to Myrtle Grove Elementary as Assistant Principal effective September 10, 2001.”
Mrs. Stidham moved to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for Administrative Transfer of Mary “Aggie” Bauer from Weis Elementary to Myrtle Grove Elementary as Assistant Principal effective September 10, 2001. Motion was seconded by Dr. Jenkins and unanimously approved.
ADD 3. Recommend Termination of Instructional Employee, Employee Number 624089, effective
September 19, 2001
Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation for termination of instructional employee number 624089, effective September 19, 2001. Motion was approved unanimously.
ADD 4. Request Approval for payment of Retention Bonus to All Qualified Instructional Personnel
Motion was made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation for payment of the Retention Bonus to all qualified instructional personnel.
The Board recognized Bob Husbands, Executive Director of Escambia NEA UniServe, who urged the Board to approve this item but noted that two groups of instructional personnel, Regular Education Pre-K and Adult Basic Education, would not receive the Retention Bonus due to program funding issues.
Motion was unanimously approved.
D. ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL COUNSEL
DELETED
1.
S.J.S v. School Board – Mediation Agreement
2. Presentation by Pat Wright and the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association Foundation to the Law Academy
This item was handled during Public Forum.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Attest: ____________________________
Superintendent
Approved:_______________________________
Chairman