THE SCHOOL BOARD OF

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

MINUTES, DECEMBER 17, 2002

 

The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Public Forum at 5:30 p.m., in Room 160, at the J.E. Hall Educational Services Center, 30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:

 

Chair:  Ms. Linda Finkelstein               

Vice Chair: Mr. Gary L. Bergosh   

 

Board Members:  Mrs. Cary Stidham

Mr. Ronnie L. Clark

Dr. John DeWitt

 

School Board Attorney:  Mr. Francisco M. Negron, Jr.

 

Superintendent of Schools:   Mr. Jim Paul

 

Ms. Finkelstein called the Public Forum to order at 5:30 p.m.

 

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 Prior to the invocation and pledge of allegiance, the Board observed a “moment of silence” in remembrance of Ms. Jennifer Pierce, principal of Holm Elementary, who had recently passed away. Ms. Finkelstein gave the invocation and Mr. Bergosh led the pledge of allegiance.

 

PUBLIC FORUM

The Board recognized the following speakers who addressed various subjects:

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)

 

The following item was moved forward on the agenda under public forum:

 

IV.3   2002 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Presentation  

The Board recognized Steve Burgess, Volunteer Chairman, Relay for Life (for the State of Florida), who presented a plaque to the Superintendent, in appreciation of the District’s participation in the 2002 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

 

Name                           Issue

David Fitzgerald           Hiring of Teachers/Student Dress Code

Marie Gossman            Woodham High School (response to negative comments made at a previous meeting during public forum)

Heather Varvi             Woodham High School (response to negative comments made at a previous meeting during public forum)

Chris Evans                  Woodham High School (response to negative comments made at a previous meeting during public forum)

 Brandon Johnson         Woodham High School       (response to negative comments made at a previous meeting during public forum)

Mary Stanton               Need for Additional Minority (African-American) Employees

Walter Gulley, Jr.          Need for Qualified Teachers/Process for Recruitment of Teachers/Need for More Timely Process of Settling Salary Issues

Jerry McIntosh            Wedgewood Middle School (concerns regarding a specific situation)/Hiring of Teachers/Qualified Teacher Criteria

LeRoy Boyd*              Need for Additional Minority (African-American) Employees/Recruitment and Retention Plan (October 3, 2002 Special Meeting)/Various Personnel Issues

Doris Hayes                Student Dress Code (expressed support for school uniforms)

 *Mr. Negron advised Mr. Boyd to discuss his concerns regarding personnel issues with the Superintendent, as it was inappropriate for him to raise such issues before the Board. 

 

I.   CALL TO ORDER

 Ms. Finkelstein called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

II.   ADOPTION OF AGENDA

 The Superintendent listed the additions, deletions, amendments and corrections to the agenda. (see margin notes) Mrs. Stidham requested that an item entitled, “Change in Scheduling of Board Workshop,” be added under section VII.B “Items from the Board.”  On motion made by Dr. DeWitt and seconded by Mrs. Stidham, adoption of the agenda as amended, was unanimously approved.

 

III.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1.  11-01-02 SPECIAL MEETING (EXECUTIVE SESSION)

2.  11-07-02 SPECIAL MEETING (EXECUTIVE SESSION)

3.  11-13-02 SPECIAL WORKSHOP

4.  11-15-02 REGULAR WORKSHOP

5.   11-19-02 INSTALLATION CEREMONY

6.   11-19-02 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

7.   11-19-02 REGULAR MEETING

8.    11-25-02 SPECIAL MEETING (EXECUTIVE SESSION)

 

Motion made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve the minutes as listed (Items 1 through 8), was unanimous.

 

IV.   COMMITTEE/DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

1. Stellar Employee Recognition

 The Superintendent announced that Ms. Janet Diaz, Administrative Secretary I for the Exceptional Student Education Department, was the Stellar Employee for the month of December.  Ms. Diaz received 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 and the Superintendent for their support.

 

3.  2002 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Presentation

 This presentation was made during Public Forum.

 

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

 Mr. Bergosh stated that the committee had discussed items relating to “finance” and “purchasing” that were pending for this meeting.

 

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

 Mrs. Stidham stated that the committee met at O.J. Semmes Elementary School to review facility renovations that were made with funds from the ‘One-Half Cent Sales Tax’.  The committee discussed the Office of Program and Governmental Accountability (OPPAGA) report, in addition to “facilities” items that were pending for this meeting. 

 

6.  Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Human Resources and Minority Recruitment/Retention – Ronnie Clark

 Mr. Clark stated that he was in the process of “revamping” the committee and requested that each Board Member submit a list of their appointees.   

 

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

Dr. DeWitt noted that the committee had previously requested that they be involved in the review of all magnet school programs.  He stated that at the last meeting, the committee received magnet school program updates from N.B. Cook Elementary, Brown Barge Middle and Brentwood Middle Schools.   

 

V.  CONSENT AGENDA

The following items were pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate vote: Item V.C.2.d. by Mr. Clark; Item V.E.1.A.8 by Ms. Finkelstein.  On motion by Mrs. Stidham and second by Dr. DeWitt, the Consent Agenda, except for items pulled, was unanimously approved.

A. Curriculum and Instruction

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “B”)

Approved:

1.  Panhandle Area Educational Consortium Agreement (Migrant/ESOL Counselor)

2.  School Advisory Council Additions/Deletions for Ensley, McArthur and Oakcrest Elementary Schools, Warrington & Wedgewood Middle Schools and Pine Forest and Tate High Schools

3.  Panhandle Area Educational Consortium Reimbursement Agreement (Migrant Pre-K)

4.  Contract between Workforce Escarosa, Inc., and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, for Youth Services WIA-2003-2004 Modification #1

DELETED    5. Renaming A. A. Dixon Elementary School to Dixon Educational Center

 

B.  FINANCE

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “C”)

Approved:

1. Authorization for payrolls and vouchers for the month of January 2003

2. Check Register for the month of November 2002

3.  Financial Statement for the month of November 2002

4. Financial Status Report on Projects and Grants as of November 30, 2002

5. Legal Services:

Summary of all legal expenses

6.  Legal Services:

General Fund

a) Hammons, Longoria & Whittaker, P.A. $ 2,241.00

b) Hammons, Longoria & Whittaker, P.A. $ 2,584.19

c) Kievit, Kelly & Odom $513.00

d) Eric C. Eggen $200.00

7. Legal Services:

Risk Management Fund

a)  Hammons, Longoria & Whittaker, P.A.      $15,575.58

b)  Hammons, Longoria & Whittaker, P.A.      $962.28      

8.  Budget Amendments

a)  Resolution 2: General Operating Fund

AMENDED         b)  Resolution 2: Other Special Revenue Fund

AMENDED         c) Resolution 3: Capital Projects Fund

9. Disposal of Capitalized and Non-Capitalized Assets:

a)  Auction Lists I and II for December 2002

b)   Scrap Lists I, II, III and IV for December 2002

c)  Request authorization to scrap and/or auction six (6) portable classrooms at Jim Allen Elementary

d)   Request authorization to scrap and transfer to IBM (for disposal) disk and tape drives

10.  School Food Service NSF Checks

11.  Miscellaneous Banking Resolutions and Authorizing Agreements

 

C.  HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “D”)

Approved:

1.  Instructional/Professional

a.  Appointments

NAME         POSITION         DATE               WORK LOCATION

Armstrong, Robin            teacher        10/04/02          Brentwood Mid           

Campbell, Mark            teacher            12/03/02          Carver

Fuehler, Kevin            teacher            08/05/02           Bellview Mid

Thomas, Kirby     Mgr-Central Shipping & Rec       11/25/02      Central Warehouse

 

b.  Reappointments

1. Annual

NAME                      LOCATION                        DATE         

Roberson, Felicia       Beulah                                 10/28/02

 

2.  Professional

-None

 

3.   4th Year Annual

-None

c. Transfers

NAME              FROM                 TO             DATE

Collier, Lisa       Brownsville            Pensacola        11/04/02

Hosack, Katherine       Westgate Ctr           Bellview Mid        11/18/02

 

d.  Out-of-Field

1.  Appointments

Barrett, Billie                teacher                   West Florida High          11/01/02

Blue, Sandra           teacher                  Wedgewood         11/06/02

Chaffee, Amanda        teacher              Sherwood             11/26/02

Snyder, Susan           teacher               Pine Forest            11/18/02

 

2.   Reappointments

-None

 

3.  Transfers

-None

 

4.  Other

-None

 

e.   Resignations/Retirements

Bridges, Marilyn            teacher                 Ransom            01/07/03  (Ret)

Campbell, Allison          teacher                  Brentwood Elem    11/22/02

Centaure, Heather         teacher                  Westgate Ctr          11/15/02

Crowder, Jean           speech therapist          Warrington Elem    12/02/02

Dodge, Norma          teacher                  Weis        12/20/02(Ret)

Filmore-Powell, A         teacher                  Carver                 11/15/02

Lamar, Angela            teacher                  Tate                 11/21/02  (Dis Ret)

Mattern, Elizabeth          teacher                Tate                 12/13/02  (Ret)

Mims, Sherri           teacher                  Ransom            11/27/02

Nejad, Peggy           teacher                  Pensacola           11/15/02

Parker, Daniel            teacher                 Bellview Elem       12/02/02

Watkins, Anne           teacher                 Ransom           01/10/03

Wilson, Julie            teacher                 Ferry Pass Mid        12/20/02

Wouters, Amy           teacher                 West FL High            11/08/02

 

f.  Special Requests

1.  Request approval for leave of absence without pay for the following personnel

*Hawk, Lisa        teacher/Pensacola        01/06/03-02/21/03

DELETED       Medeiros, Carol                     teacher/Holm             12/05/02-05/28/03

*Stanley, Michelle     teacher/Bailey           12/10/02-12/20/02

 

*FMLA

 

2.  Request approval for the following employees to be awarded professional service contract for the 2002-2003 school year:

Conti, Marc        West Florida High

DeWitt, Gillis       Bratt

 

3.     Request approval for the following educational support employees to be transferred to the professional salary schedule effective October 23, 2002:

 

McCants, Theresa                       Financial Analyst

Murphy, Jennie Lynn                   Financial Analyst

Rome, Hynda                              Financial Analyst

 

4. Request approval for the following Speech Language Pathologists to be transferred from the instructional salary schedule to the professional salary schedule effective December 1, 2002:

Andreoli, Kimberly                       Rowe, Desiree

Carter, Vicki                            Pope, April

DELETED     Romano, Nancy       Linda Collins

Davis, Virginia                      Simmons, Ricki

Dwight, Kathleen                  Smith, Peggy

Eligio, Angela                        Teals, Roslyn

Emery, Nancy                       Vannerson, Judy

Gudaitis, Patti                        Voeltz, Amy

DELETED   DeLisle, Shirley

Harris, Paula                Hill, Sondra

DELETED                    Odom-Winn, Danni                 Mosko, Sarah

 

5.    For Board Information: Report the death of Jennifer Pierce, Principal, Holm Elementary on November 27, 2002.

 

2.   Educational Support Personnel

a.  Appointments

NAME      JOB TITLE      EFF DATE      LOCATION

Allen, Eddie    Fd Srvc Asst I      10/21/02      Lincoln Park

Barnes, Josie            Tchr Asst Spec            12/10/02          Transportation

Brown, Theresa (Prom)      Cust Worker II        10/31/02*            Beggs Ed Cntr

Colley, Patricia            Tchr Asst Spec           11/20/02        Transportation

Craig, Geneva            Tchr Asst Spec            12/17/02         Transportation

Dario, Christina          Tchr Asst Spec            12/18/02        Transportation

Donald, Carlee           Tchr Asst Spec            11/21/02        Transportation

Gaines, Rhonda          Tchr Asst Spec            12/06/02        Transportation

Haro, Marion            Tchr Asst Spec            12/12/02           Transportation

Harrison, Janice         Tchr Asst Spec            11/26/02          Transportation

Hewston, Demetris    Tchr Asst Spec            12/19/02          Transportation

Higdon, Marita          Tchr Asst Spec            12/11/02           Transportation

Howard, Edward (Prom)      Paint/Body Rep’r         11/05/02      Transportation

Humphrey, Antionette     Erly Childhood Asst            11/21/02      Holm

Johnson, Stephanie       Tchr Asst Spec            11/22/02          Transportation

King, James            Painter I                       11/18/02          Maintenance

Legidakes, Cynthia            Adm Clerk II            11/26/02          Escambia Hi

Levins, April            Tchr Asst Spec            12/13/02            Transportation

Lowe, Marilynn            Tchr Asst Spec           12/03/02          Transportation

Lyons, Trovanise            Tchr Asst Spec          12/16/02        Transportation

Mask, Patricia  (Prom)        Fd Serv Asst II         11/26/02           Montclair           

Mayfield, Stephanie         Tchr Asst Spec           12/20/02         Tramsportation

Mullins, Jo Ann            Tchr Asst Spec            11/25/02           Transportation

Oliver, Angela (Prom)     Erly Childhood Asst        11/12/02      McMillian/Frame

Peterson, Frances        Cust Wrker I            11/13/02           Weis

Robinson, Lysonia            Tchr Asst Spec           12/09/02            Transportation

Sims, Kimberly         Tchr Asst Spec            11/27/02          Transportation           

Prim, Pauline            Tchr Asst Spec            12/02/02            Transportation

Watson, David         Tchr Asst Spec            12/05/02            Transportation

Whaley, Jacqueline      Fd Srvc Asst I          11/08/02            Ferry Pass El

Williams, Charlie Mae        Tchr Asst Spec          12/04/02          Transportation

Williams, Juanita (Prom)     Tchr Asst Spec        11/04/02*         Bellview Md

Williams, Rebecca      Adm Clerk II      11/15/02      Ferry Pass El

 

(NOTE: All positions were advertised prior to the hiring freeze and approved to be filled. Transportation employees’ dates were staggered for seniority purposes.)

 

*Documents delivered to Human Resources 11/13/02.

 

b.  Resignations/Retirements

NAME                           JOB TITLE                  EFF DATE            LOCATION

Barfield, Trudy (Ret)       Acctg Spec IV            11/29/02            General Acctg

Barge, Arthur (Ret)         Cust Wrkr I            11/25/02            Woodham

Chase, Elizabeth (Ret)      Tch Asst Spec          12/01/02            Weis Elem

Daniels, Maxine G          Tchr Asst Spec          11/21/02            Transportation

Dukes, Diana (Ret)         Fd Srvc Asst I            11/20/02            Beulah El

Ewing, Bonnie            Tchr Asst Spec           12/04/02            Esc Westgate

Hayes, Ellen            Fd Srvc Asst I            10/23/02            Semmes

Pitts, Heila L            Fd Srvc Asst I           11/01/02*            Bellview El

Simpson, Beverly       Cust Wrkr I           11/08/02            Northview

Snow, Rosa (Ret)        Adm Clerk II          07/01/02        Pensacola Hi

Snyder, Susan D         Tchr Asst Spec        11/15/02          Pine Forest

Underwood, Retina      Cust Wrkr I          11/13/02            Warrington El

 

*Documents delivered to Human Resources 11/6/02.

 

c.    Terminations

Goodloe, Raymond     Tchr Asst Spec          11/14/02           Esc Westgate

Honeycutt, John       Cust Wrkr I        11/22/02        W Pensacola

McNealy, Patrick         Cust Wrkr I         11/05/02       Woodham

Muse, Bennie (Deceased)          Tch Asst Spec           11/10/02*    Brentwood Md

Stewart, Emily       Fd Srvc Asst I       11/04/02*       Workman

 

*Documents received after November Agenda deadline.

 

d.  Suspensions

-  Employee #5501-0581-3, Custodial Worker I, West Pensacola Elementary be suspended without pay for three (3) working days effective December 18, 2002 through December 20, 2002 for misconduct.

CORRECTED/ADD  -  Employee #5501-0581-3, Custodial Worker I, Washington High Warrington Elementary School be suspended without pay for ten (10) working days effective January 6, 2002, for misconduct. 

 (NOTEThis item was pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate vote by Mr. Clark, as he needed an opportunity to review additional information regarding the ‘added’ suspension.)  Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendations for ‘suspensions’, was unanimous.

 

e.  Dismissals    

-None

 

f. Leave of Absence    

Anderson, Cathy         ECA/Bellview El       11/15/02-01/17/03       Personal

Essex, Casey          CWI/Bailey         12/02/02-02/21/03           Medical*

Findley, Linda        TAS/Trans         11/19/02-01/17/03          Personal

Moore, Vivien       Sch Bus Oper/Trans        11/25/02-01/07/03        Medical

Sanders, Chad         Const Mech II/Facil       12/03/02-12/20/02    Personal

Wiggins, Patrick          CWI/Brentwood El          11/27/02-01/31/03    Medical

 *FMLA

 

g.  Special Requests

-  Rescind appointment on the October Agenda for Antanita Frye as School Bus Operator, effective 09/20/02.

-  Reinstate Randy Whiting, Auto Equipment Mechanic, Transportation Department to satisfy return to work agreement effective 11/18/02.

 

3. Risk Management

a.  Request approval to authorize the mediated settlement of General Liability Claim #9700135

DELETED  b.  Request approval for Jeanne Graham, teacher assistant at Oakcrest to be the trailer resident at that school

c. Request approval for Paul Guy, employed at the Central Warehouse to be the trailer resident at Escambia Westgate

 

4.   Employee Services

-No items submitted

 

5.   Affirmative Action

-No items submitted     

 

D.  Purchasing

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “E”)

Approved:

1.   Bid Award: Vehicle Purchase, Bid #031403

2.   Bid Award: Custodial Supplies, Bid #031302

3.   Bid Award: Diesel Fuel and Gasoline for Motor Vehicles, Bid #030703

4.   Bid Renewal: Communications Cabling, Bid #001814

5.   Copiers for Jim Allen Elementary School

6.   Lockers for Bellview Middle School

7.   Veterinarian Technology Laboratory Equipment for West Florida High School of Advanced Technology

8.   Materials for Installation of Bathroom Partitions at Brown Barge and Bellview Middle Schools

9.   Roofing Repairs for Various Schools

10.    Asbestos Consulting Services for Ensley and Jim Allen Elementary Schools

11.   Cafeteria Convertible Bench Tables for Navy Point Elementary School

12.   Change Notice #3 to Purchase Order #212602 (Graves & Carlos Architects)

13.   Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #240216 (Sunbelt Staffing Solutions)

14.   Change Notice #2 to Purchase Order #235750 (Greenhut Construction Co., Inc.)

15.   Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #237116 (Environmental Safety Awareness & Construction)

16.   Vendor Change for ODP Purchase Order #3062021

AMENDED   17.   Press Box Renovations at Pensacola High School

18.   Bid Award: Warrington Middle School Screen Wall Replacement

19.   Bid Award: Century/Carver K-8 School Additions & Renovations (Classrooms And Media Center

Addition & Administration Suite Renovations

20.   Bid Award: Removal of Asbestos Tile & Adhesive at Jim Allen and Ensley Elementary Schools

 

E.     Operations

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “F”)

Approved:

1.  Facilities Planning

A.   Final Payments

1.  Media Center at Ensley and Montclair Elementary Schools

2.  Ensley Elementary School Media Center

3.  Sherwood Elementary School Parking Lot Improvements

4.  Sherwood Elementary School Parking Lot Improvements

5.  Escambia High School Building #1, Phase I Renovations

6.  Asbestos Abatement at Montclair, Navy Point and Pine Meadow Elementary Schools

7.  Brentwood Elementary Media Center and Escambia High School Music Suite

AMENDED     8.  Pine Meadow Elementary, Bratt Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High School

General Renovations

 

Motion was made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve “Pine Meadow Elementary, Bratt Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High School General Renovations.”  Ms. Finkelstein questioned whether comments and requests made by the principal of Northview High School on the “Final Payment Approval Sheet,” had been addressed.  Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, stated that the principals’ requests (and comments) were “not germane to the scope of the project,” however, the District would address those concerns “through some other vehicle.”  Motion was unanimously approved.

 

At this point, the Superintendent advised that an item entitled “Instructional Salary Schedule (Escambia Education Association)” had been inadvertently left off the agenda.   Motion was made by Mr. Bergosh, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to amend the agenda with the addition of an item entitled “Instructional Salary Schedule (Escambia Education Association)” under section VII.C. “Items from the Superintendent.”  Motion was seconded by Dr. DeWitt and unanimously approved.

 

 

9.   O.J. Semmes Elementary School Additions and Renovations

10.  Sherwood Elementary School Classroom Additions

B.   Miscellaneous

1.    Pre-Qualification of Contractors

AMENDED   2.   Lease Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the Association for Retarded Citizens-Gateway, Inc.

3. Crystal Ice House Property

2.  Transportation

A.  Miscellaneous

1.   Contract Summary Third Party Administrators for Florida Driver License Testing

3.   Maintenance

-No items submitted

4.    School Food Services

-No items submitted

 

F. Student Transfers

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “G”)

 

G.  Internal Auditing

1.  internal Funds

-No items submitted

2.  Inventory Adjustment Reports

-No items submitted

3.  Other

-No items submitted

 

VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

-No items submitted

 

VII. NEW BUSINESS

A.   PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “H”)

a.   Permission to Advertise   

1.   Notice of Intent to Advertise Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-5.05(10)Auditorium Rental (*backup information pending)  N.B. Cook Elementary School Auditorium and Cafeteria Rental for Non-School Use of Educational Facilities

 

(NOTE: This rule defines the terms and sets the fees for use of the N.B. Cook Elementary School Auditorium and Cafeteria for non-school functions.) Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Bergosh, to approve for advertising, School District Rule 6Gx17-5.05(10) – N.B. Cook Elementary School Auditorium and Cafeteria Rental for Non-School Use of Educational Facilities. Upon inquiry by Dr. DeWitt, Mrs. Barbara Linker, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, stated that the funds collected from fees charged for the rental of the N.B. Cook Elementary School auditorium and cafeteria, would revert to the District’s general fund.  Dr. DeWitt believed that the funds collected from those fees should revert to the School’s internal accounts to cover costs resulting from use of the facility.  He noted that some school facilities such as Washington High School’s auditorium (Katherine Monroe Auditorium), which are consistently rented by the community, continuously “run out” of certain paper products such as toilet paper.  He was concerned that if the funds collected from those fees reverted to the District’s general fund, the school would “be spending a lot of money” resulting from the use of the facility by the community.  In response to Dr. DeWitt’s concerns, Mrs. Linker stated that she believed a special provision had been made for Washington High School whereby, funds collected from fees charged for the rental of the Katherine Monroe Auditorium were retained at the school through their internal accounts.  She believed that a similar provision could possibly be included for the policy regarding N.B. Cook Elementary.  She stated that she would research the issue and then advise the Board.  Mrs. Stidham stated that while she understood the concerns expressed by Dr. DeWitt, the “flip-side” was that the District “foots the bill” for all costs associated with electricity used at the school, which she noted would far exceed the cost of any paper products (i.e., toilet paper).  Motion was unanimously approved.    

 

2.    Notice of Intent to Advertise Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Code of Conduct; Elementary and Secondary Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, Student Dress Code (*backup information pending) 

 (NOTEThis issue was previously discussed at the December 12, 2002 Regular WorkshopDr. DeWitt provided the Board with two additional versions of this particular proposed rule, in addition to the first version originally provided in the backup documentation.  The first version (discussed at the December 12, 2002 Regular Workshop) would require schools to either adopt a district-wide student dress code or to establish school uniforms if sixty percent (60%) of parents and teachers indicate that they desire uniforms be adopted by the school.  The second version would require schools to establish school uniforms and enforce a district-wide student dress code.  The third version would require schools to establish a school uniform.)  Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve the first version of School District Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Code of Conduct; Elementary and Secondary Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, Student Dress Code for discussion purposes.  Mrs. Stidham stated that her concern with the first version of this rule, was that the student dress codes currently in effect at schools, already prohibit the same inappropriate clothing as listed in the general student dress code requirements, but were apparently not being enforced in a consistent manner.  She also was concerned that the student dress code (as outlined in the first version) would put an extra burden on teachers, noting that “ultimately it’s going to be the teachers who are going to have to enforce it.”  She noted that “uniforms seemed to be they way that people really want to go.”  She also noted that there was a high rate of student mobility in the District and was concerned with different schools having different uniforms.  She wanted to “be sure if kids move from one school to another they don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe.”  She suggested and Mr. Clark agreed that if district-wide uniforms were mandated, there should be consistency with regard to uniform ‘bottoms’ (i.e., pants) and choice among schools with regard to uniform ’tops’ (i.e., shirts).  Mr. Bergosh and Mr. Clark both expressed support of uniforms and stated that their constituents also favored uniforms.  Mr. Bergosh stated that he favored the first version of the proposed rule amendment, as it would give schools choice to either adopt a district-wide student dress code or to establish school uniforms. The Superintendent supported the “idea of uniforms” noting that research indicated that it can help to improve student behavior and even student grades.  He noted however, that uniforms would not be a “panacea.”  He believed that it should be his responsibility to discuss the issue of district-wide uniforms with principals and then present a recommendation to the Board.  He stated that he would implement “whatever policy the Board dictates,” but noted that he would appreciate an opportunity for additional input from principals, teachers, parents and students.

The Board recognized the following speakers, who expressed their thoughts regarding various aspects of this issue: Lisa McKinney, John Jerralds and Marcia McCreary. 

Ms. Finkelstein stated that because so much information had been provided at the table, she believed that it would be best to table the item, in order to allow the Board the opportunity to review the information and to seek additional input from all stakeholders.  Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve the third version (which would require schools to establish a school uniform) of School District Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Code of Conduct; Elementary and Secondary Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, Student Dress Code.  Mrs. Stidham believed that there was ample time available to follow the process already in place, which incorporates this issue into the annual review of the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook and to allow for additional input from all stakeholders.  Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to table this item, was approved 3 to 2, with Mr. Bergosh and Dr. DeWitt voting “No.”  [NOTE: No vote was taken on the previous motions.]

 

3.   Notice by the School Board of Escambia County, Florida to Name the Football Field at Escambia High School’s McArthur Stadium the “Emmitt Smith Field” – Cary Stidham

 (NOTE: This item was previously addressed at the December 12, 2002 Regular Workshop.) Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Bergosh, to approve for advertising, “Notice by the School Board of Escambia County, Florida to Name the Football Field at Escambia High School’s McArthur Stadium the “Emmitt Smith Field.”  Upon inquiry by Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Carl Leiterman, principal of Escambia High School, stated that to his knowledge, the McArthur family had not been contacted regarding this item.  Mrs. Stidham noted that the McArthur family could be contacted prior to the January Regular Meeting, at which time this rule would be presented for adoption.  Motion was unanimously approved.  

 

ADD      4.  Notice of Intent to Rename A.A. Dixon Elementary School to Dixon Educational Center

 Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve for advertising, “Notice of Intent to Rename A.A. Dixon Elementary School to Dixon Educational Center,” was unanimous.  

 

b.  Permission to Adopt 

AMENDED     1. Notice of Intent to Adopt Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-2.04(4) – Recruitment and Selection of Administrative/Professional Personnel.

 

(NOTE: This rule authorizes the Superintendent to recommend positions be filled with step placement not exceeding five (5) steps above the lowest step for the position’s grade level.)  Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to adopt School District Rule 6Gx17-2.04(4) – Recruitment and Selection of Administrative/Professional Personnel.  Mr. Bergosh believed that this particular rule amendment could affect the Superintendent’s ability to recruit qualified personnel to the District and therefore, would not support the motion on the floor.  Mrs. Stidham noted that if the grade level for a particular position was determined to be insufficient, then it would be appropriate for the Superintendent to recommend an increase in grade level for that position.  Upon inquiry by Ms. Finkelstein, the Superintendent stated that he was “okay” with this rule amendment.  Ms. Finkelstein called for public hearing, however there were no speakers.  Motion was approved 4 to 1, with Mr. Bergosh voting “No.”

 

B.   ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1.   Update on Task Force on Diversity in Employment – Linda Finkelstein

 (NOTE: The following discussion refers to a resolution adopted at the November 19, 2002 Regular Meeting to establish a Community Task Force on Diversity to develop a plan of action to address the lack of diversity in the school system and to recommend in writing to the Board and Superintendent, remedies no later than December 17, 2002.)  Ms. Rita Jones, Chairperson of the Community Task Force on Diversity, presented the following recommendations (made by the Task Force) to the Board and Superintendent:

 

1) There must be a centralized hiring system to ensure that all qualified applicants have equal access to employment opportunities;

2) The School District must utilize aggressive recruitment strategies with incentives to attract a diverse group of applicants for the candidates pool;

3)  Diversity development training for all employees, the School Board and the Superintendent must be planned and implemented to address diversity issues and to provide assistance on how to achieve specific school and district diversity goals;

4)   Performance goals and reviews must be instituted by the district and must include a diversity objective in the evaluation process for principals and in the school improvement plans;

5)  A new charge of the Community Task Force on Diversity should include its reconvening in one year to measure progress made on the above recommendations.

 

The Superintendent questioned whether the “union” was in agreement with the recommendations made by the Task Force.  Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director of Escambia NEA UniServe, stated that while there were recommendations that could have bargaining implications, there was “nothing (in the recommendations) that cannot be accommodated through contract or Board policy.”  Mr. Bergosh noted that Ms. Jones had mentioned in her presentation, that the Task Force was not given any data about the District’s present situation in the District and questioned whether “that was by choice or had there not been enough time for staff to get that information?”  Ms. Jones stated that while the Task Force was originally not provided with any information, she had later requested information but it was not received until after the last meeting of the Task Force, after the report was already completed.  Dr. DeWitt noted that he had been requested information over the past several months, regarding qualified African-American individuals who were denied employment in the District.  He noted however, that to date, he had not received any information at all.  He stated that he had “no problem” with the recommendations made by the Task Force, “but sometimes a little concrete data helps justify those recommendations.”   Mr. Bergosh believed that information regarding such instances (where qualified African-American individuals were denied employment in the District) was needed so that any “improper” situation could be investigated.  Motion was made by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Mr. Clark, “to send these recommendations (made by the Task Force) to the Superintendent’s committee for them to review and come back with their recommendations to the Board.”  Mrs. Stidham was unsure as to why a motion was needed to send the recommendations on to the Superintendent, noting that the resolution stated that the recommendations would be made to the Board and the Superintendent.  Ms. Finkelstein noted that the resolution only stated that the recommendations would be presented to the Board and Superintendent, not forwarded to the Superintendent’s committee.

The Board recognized the following speakers, who expressed their thoughts regarding various aspects of this issue:  Walter Gulley, Jr., Jerry McIntosh, LeRoy Boyd, Mary Stanton, Kenneth Lamb, Brenda Tremball, Johnnie Crosby, Doris Hayes, John Jerralds, Roger Goldberg, John Rigsby and Gail Husbands. 

Mrs. Stidham was concerned that the motion on the floor might “confuse people into thinking that we (the Board) are adopting them (the recommendations).”  She also had concerns that the recommendations “mainly deal with the African-American community and not really other minorities.”  Dr. DeWitt was also unsure as to why a motion was needed to send the recommendations on to the Superintendent, noting that the resolution (approved at the November 19, 2002 Regular Meeting) stated that the recommendations would be made to the Board and the Superintendent.  He was concerned that the motion on the floor, if adopted, might imply that the Board had adopted those recommendations and therefore, he would not support the motion on the floor.  In response to concerns expressed by Mrs. Stidham and Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Negron advised that the motion did not include the word ‘approve’ so there is no implication that the Board is ‘approving’ anything.”  Motion was approved 3 to 2, with Dr. DeWitt and Mrs. Stidham voting “No.”

 

2.   Request Approval of Legislative Consultant Agreement – Gary L. Bergosh

 (NOTE: This item was previously discussed at the December 12, 2002 Regular Workshop.) Motion was made by Mr. Bergosh, seconded by Mrs. Stidham to approve the agreement with Mr. Mike Burns, for a period of six (6) months in the amount of $20,000 for legislative consultant services.  Mr. Clark offered a substitute motion, which was seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to prepare and advertise a “Request for Proposal” (RFP) for legislative consultant services.  Although Mr. Bergosh was not opposed to the issuance of an RFP, he believed that the District would need legislative consultant services during the time needed to complete the RFP process.  He suggested that the Board approve the agreement with Mr. Burns for a period of six (6) months and also issue an RFP for legislative consultant services.  He also believed that “if the Board was not going to renew a person’s contract (in this case, Mr. Burns’), that it would be better to give that person some type of notice.”  Mr. Negron advised Mr. Bergosh that no legal notice was required as Mr. Burns had “entered into a contract with this Board and he was clear that the contract had a beginning and an ending date.”  Upon inquiry by Dr. DeWitt, Ms. Allison Watson, Senior Purchasing Agent, briefly explained the RFP process (writing, posting and evaluating the proposal and writing award recommendations) and noted that the normal timeframe to complete the process was sixty (60) days.  Ms. Finkelstein noted that it was necessary to begin the RFP process immediately, as the current agreement with Mr. Burns would expire on December 31, 2002.  Mr. Negron advised that because the “terms of contract” were already outlined in the current agreement with Mr. Burns, the writing of the proposal’s ‘scope of services’ could be done the following day and therefore, would reduce the overall RFP process timeframe.  The Superintendent was unclear as to the Board’s “rush” to issue an RFP for legislative consulting services.  He believed that it would be best to approve the agreement with Mr. Burns during the time needed to complete the RFP process, as he believed that the District would need legislative consultant services during that time.

The Board recognized Doug Waters, who expressed his thoughts regarding this issue.

Dr. DeWitt offered a “friendly amendment” to the substitute motion to “try to have a contract awarded by the end of January with an effective date of February 1, 2003.”  Mr. Clark accepted the “friendly amendment.”  Substitute motion (as amended) was approved 3 to 2, with Mr. Bergosh and Mrs. Stidham, voting “No.”

 

ADD  3.   Substitute Teacher Issues – John DeWitt

 (NOTE: This item was previously discussed at the December 12, 2002 Regular Workshop.)  Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt to “lift the hiring freeze for teachers for the next three (3) days, to allow principals to hire any long-term substitute (teacher) who is properly certified in the area they are teaching and who would have been recommended by the principal for employment, thus assuring 1) the consistency in the child’s education for the second semester and 2) help retain good teachers for next (school) year.”  Ms. Finkelstein seconded the motion for discussion purposes.  Dr. DeWitt reiterated concerns expressed at the December 12, 2002 Regular Workshop.  He noted that he had heard concerns from several parents regarding the number of classes that were currently occupied by long-term substitutes. Dr. DeWitt stated that he had heard concerns from several parents regarding the number of classes that were currently occupied by long-term substitutes.  He explained that due to the hiring freeze, the District had been unable to hire new teachers to replace those that had resigned and therefore, many classes were now occupied by long-term substitute, with several classes actually on their third or fourth substitute this school year. The Superintendent stated that although he was concerned about the quality of teachers in the classrooms, he was not sure that the District could afford to implement the proposed motion.  Mrs. Stidham stated that she understood Dr. DeWitt’s concern, however, according to information received from Mrs. Barbara Linker, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, the motion on the floor (if approved), would cost the District an additional $217,200 to implement.  She believed that this was an issue that the Board would need to review during the budgeting process for the next year as it was “too late this year.”  Mr. Bergosh stated that he would not support the motion on the floor and questioned “how can we continue to spend what we don’t have?”

The Board recognized Mr. Bob Husbands, Executive Director of NEA UniServe, who stated that while he appreciated Dr. DeWitt’s concern, there were serious contractual issues with regard to his motion.

After discussion, Dr. DeWitt withdrew his motion and Ms. Finkelstein withdrew her second.

 

ADD   4.   Change in Scheduling of Board Workshops – Cary Stidham

 [NOTE: This following discussion refers to a motion (made by Mr. Bergosh) approved at the November 19, 2002 Organizational Meeting, “to designate the third Tuesday of each month as the date for the Regular Meetings (with Public Forum beginning at 5:30 p.m. to be immediately followed by the Regular Meeting) and to designate the Thursday before the Regular Meeting as the date for the Regular Workshops (beginning at 3:00 p.m.).]  Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to designate the Friday before the Regular Meeting, as the date for the Regular Workshops (beginning at 9:00 a.m.).  Mr. Bergosh stated that he had previously suggested that Regular Workshops be held on Thursday afternoons (beginning at 3:00 p.m.) rather than Friday mornings (beginning at 9:00 a.m.) because he believed that would allow the public a better opportunity to attend. Mrs. Stidham noted that normally, the public was not allowed to address the Board at workshops, as the workshop was simply an opportunity for the Board to discuss agenda items and to receive input and additional information from staff.  She noted that the public would be provided with ample time to address the Board at the Regular Meetings (during Public Forum), during Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings or by contacting Board Members directly. Motion was approved 3 to 2, with Mr. Bergosh and Mr. Clark voting “No.”

 

C.  ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

1.   Student Recommendations

 (NOTE: The following statements refer to an approved motion from the November 19, 2002 Organizational Meeting, that “if requested, students can be immediately granted access to a formal hearing without having to appear before the Board.”  This issue was also discussed at the October 21, 2002 Regular Workshop under Item I.A.1. “Procedures for Handling Formal Hearing Requests.”)  Mrs. Stidham questioned why the Board “was being asked to approve formal hearing requests,” noting that the Board had approved a motion at the November 19, 2002 Organizational Meeting, that if requested, students can be immediately granted access to a formal hearing without having to appear before the Board.  Mr. Darriel White, Court Liaison, stated that the District was following the procedure for handling formal hearing requests as previously approved by the Board at the November 19, 2002 Organization Meeting, and noted that the “requests for formal hearings” were simply provided as a “point of information.”  Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Bergosh, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendations for student expulsions, Items 1 and 2, Items 4 through 6, Item 8, Item 10, Items 11 though 23, with Item 3, Item 7, Item 9 and Item 12 requesting formal hearings, was unanimous.

 

NOTE:    ITEM NUMBER   3 (Student Number 03-49-951), Requests Formal Hearing

ITEM NUMBER   7 (Student Number 03-54-411), Requests Formal Hearing

ITEM NUMBER   9 (Student Number 03-56-862), Requests Formal Hearing

ITEM NUMBER 12 (Student Number 03-59-851), Requests Formal Hearing

 

(1)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the formal hearing officer, student number 03-31-411, be adopted as the order of the Escambia County School Board.

(2)  Recommend that the indefinite suspension of student number 03-42-411 be terminated and that student be expelled from the public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year with the option to continue in alternative placement.

REQUESTS FORMAL HEARING   (3)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-49-951 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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, student number 03-51-281 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.

(5) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-52-281 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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 03-53-411 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

REQUESTS FORMAL HEARING    (7)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-54-411 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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 03-55-862 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

REQUESTS FORMAL HEARING   (9)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-56-862 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

(10)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-57-951 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

(11)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-58-301 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.

REQUESTS FORMAL HEARING   (12) Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-59-851 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

(13)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-60-851 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

(14)   Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-61-061 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.

(15)   Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-63-061 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

(16)   Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-64-061 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

(17)   Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-65-1231 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.

(18)   Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-68-221 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.

(19)   Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-69-301 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.

(20)   Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-70-601 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

(21)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-71-601 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.

(22)   Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-72-1251 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder 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.

(23)  Recommend that, consistent with the decision of the due process committee, student number 03-73-851 be expelled from all public schools of Escambia County for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year and all of the 2003-2004 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.  Instructional Salary Schedule (Escambia Education Association)

 Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for approval of the Instructional Salary Schedule (Escambia Education Association) as presented, was unanimously approved.

 

D. ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL COUNSEL

-No items submitted

 

VIII.   ADJOURNMENT

 There being no further business, the Regular Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. 

 

Attest:           Approved:

 

Superintendent     Chair