The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Meeting at 5:30 p.m., in the Board Room, at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel (Administration) Building, 215 West Garden Street, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:

Chairman: Dr. John DeWitt           

Vice Chairman:  Ms. Linda Finkelstein

Board Members: Mr. Gary L. Bergosh

Mrs. Cary Stidham

Dr. Elmer Jenkins

School Board Attorney: Mr. Francisco M. Negron, Jr. (was not present)

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim Paul

I. CALL TO ORDER

Dr. DeWitt called the Special Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II.   ADOPTION OF AGENDA

The Superintendent listed the additions, amendments and corrections to the agenda.  On motion by Mrs. Stidham, second by Dr. Jenkins, adoption of the agenda (as amended), was unanimous.

III. FINANCE

1.   Presentation of 2002-2003 Budget

Mrs. Barbara Linker, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, provided handouts prior to the meeting, outlining the 2002-2003 Budget (Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”).  Mrs. Laura Shaud, Director of Budgeting, recapped the budget materials and Mrs. Linker briefly discussed “rolled back rate.”

IV.  CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING FOR INPUT ON 2002-2003 BUDGET

Dr. DeWitt called for public hearing on the ‘2002-2003 Budget’ however, there were no speakers.

V.  ADOPTION OF 2002-2003 MILLAGE

1.   Required Local Effort [6.127]

On motion by Mr. Bergosh, second by Dr. Jenkins, adoption of the Required Local Effort [6.127], was unanimously approved. 

2.   Discretionary – Basic [0.510]

On motion by Mrs. Stidham, second by Dr. Jenkins, adoption of the Discretionary – Basic [0.510], was unanimously approved.

3. Discretionary – Supplemental [0.250]

On motion by Dr. Jenkins, second by Ms. Finkelstein, adoption of the Discretionary – Supplemental [0.250], was unanimously approved.

4.  Capital Outlay [2.000]

On motion by Ms. Finkelstein, second by Dr. Jenkins, adoption of the Capital Outlay [2.000], was unanimously approved.

5.  Total Millage [8.887]

On motion by Mr. Bergosh, second by Dr. Jenkins, adoption of the Total Millage [8.887], was unanimously approved.

VI. ADOPTION OF 2002-2003 TENTATIVE BUDGET

1.  General Fund [$240,984,248.14]

On motion by Mrs. Stidham, second by Ms. Finkelstein, adoption of the General Fund [$240,984,248.14], was unanimously approved.

2.  Special Revenue – Food Service [$21,596,069.93]

On motion by Dr. Jenkins, second by Ms. Finkelstein, adoption of the Special Revenue – Food Service [$21,596,069.93], was unanimously approved.

3.  Special Revenue – Other [$32,998,971.98]

On motion by Ms. Finkelstein, second by Dr. Jenkins, adoption of the Special Revenue – Other [$32,998,971.98], was unanimously approved.

4.   Debt Service Funds [$11,943,484.54]

On motion by Mr. Bergosh, second by Dr. Jenkins, adoption of the Debt Service Funds [$11,943,484.54], was unanimously approved.

5.   Capital Project Funds [$95,321,710.51]

On motion by Mrs. Stidham, second by Ms. Finkelstein, adoption of the Capital Project Funds [$95,321,710.51], was unanimously approved.

6.    Internal Service Funds [$44,189,624.43]

On motion by Dr. Jenkins, second by Ms. Finkelstein, adoption of the Internal Service Funds [$44,189,624.43], was unanimously approved.

7.    Total Budget (excluding transfers) [$437,370,285.49]

On motion by Ms. Finkelstein, second by Dr. Jenkins, adoption of the Total Budget, excluding transfers [$437,370,285.49], was unanimously approved.

VII.  SET DATE FOR FINAL BUDGET HEARING

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to set the final Budget Hearing for Tuesday, September 17, 2002, 5:30 p.m., at the J.E. Hall Educational Services Center, was unanimously approved.  

VIII.   CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “B”)

1.   Agreement between Sunbelt Staffing Solutions, Inc. and School Board of Escambia County, Florida 2002-2003  

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Bergosh, to approve the ‘Agreement between Sunbelt Staffing Solutions, Inc. and School Board of Escambia County, Florida 2002-2003’ was unanimous.

2.  Agreement between Educational Based Services, Inc. and School Board of Escambia County, Florida 2002-2003  

Motion by Dr. Jenkins, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve the ‘Agreement between Educational Based Services, Inc. and School Board of Escambia County, Florida 2002-2003’ was unanimous.

3.   Supplemental Academic Instruction Plan 2002-2003

Motion by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the ‘Supplemental Academic Instruction Plan 2002-2003’ was unanimous.  

CORRECTED/ADD  4.   2002-2003 School Improvement Plan for Century Elementary School

Dr. DeWitt explained that as required by the Legislature, the 2002-2003 School Improvement Plan for Century Elementary School would be sent to Tallahassee for the State Cabinet to review.  He noted that he, along with the Superintendent and the principal of Century Elementary School, would appear before the State Cabinet on August 13, 2002, to explain the Plan. Motion by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the ‘2002-2003 School Improvement Plan for Century Elementary School’ was unanimous.

IX.    PURCHASING

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “C”)

AMENDED  1.   Purchasing Agreement: “Academy of Reading” Software (United Marketing Associates)

 Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. Jenkins, to approve the ‘Purchasing Agreement: “Academy of Reading” Software (United Marketing Associates)’.  Upon inquiry by Dr. DeWitt, Dr. Alan Scott, Director of Secondary Education, stated that “no additional staff” would be needed to implement this program.  Dr. Scott explained that the program would be incorporated “in different ways at different levels (i.e., elementary, middle, high).”  Dr. DeWitt stated that “in checking with other school districts nation-wide who have used the program, they have indicated that training of the teachers was critical.”  Upon inquiry by Dr. DeWitt, Dr. Scott stated that training dates of August 12, 2002 through August 16, 2002 were included in the contract.  He noted that teachers and educators (i.e., reading specialist, technology coordinator) involved with the implementation of the program, would be “pulled out of the classroom” to complete the one-day introductory training.  In answer to Dr. DeWitt’s question, Dr. Scott stated that (as required by the contract) a hardware analysis and inventory, showing that the schools involved were capable of running the Academy program effectively had been completed.  He noted that two of those schools would need “updates to their servers” and that there was “a plan in place to take care of those needs.”  Ms. Laura Colo, Reading Specialist, believed that the addition of this program “is going to make sure that we address those high level comprehension strategies, as well as give teachers direct scripted diagnostic information that they in turn can use to deliver instruction.”  Ms. Finkelstein noted that the contract indicated that “Students must have 30 minutes a day of training time 3 to 5 days a week.  Consistency on the Academy training is key for its success.  This would be sustained for at least 17 weeks in order to get the minimum 25 hours of training time in the subskills module (Article 14, Item 9).”  In response to Ms. Finkelstein’s question as to whether there was “a place in the school year that would allow time enough to give the teachers training and then have a 17 week block of time during the year to devote to this program from start to finish,” Dr. Scott stated that indeed there was.  Dr. Scott noted that the program would be incorporated “different ways at different levels.”  He explained that “while 30 minutes may be appropriate for the elementary level, most of the middle and high school sessions will be approximately 40 to 42 minutes, as that is a full class period.”  He noted that “if you increase the time limit from 30 to 42 minutes a day, then you do not need the full 17 weeks.”  Ms. Finkelstein noted that the contract indicated that “A mutually agreed upon pre-test will be administered by the school and/or school district prior to training on the Academy.  The post-test will be administered once all students (or a minimum of 50 students) have achieved the minimum 25 hours of training time in the subskills portion of the Academy.  Failure to administer a pre and post-test renders void the guarantee (Article 14, Item 6).”  In answer to Ms. Finkelstein’s question, Dr. Scott advised that the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) would be used as the pre and post-test.  At the request of Mrs. Stidham, Dr. Scott stated that a “full diagnosis report based on FCAT scores, would be provided to the Board next year.”  He noted that the District would be entitled to a full refund of program cost if the program was not successful.  Mrs. Stidham believed that the District “needs to make sure that all programs that are kept, are successful and start weeding out those that are not.”

The Board recognized Bob Husbands, Executive Director, Escambia NEA UniServe, who expressed his concerns that this program may be a “curriculum strategy imposed.” 

Dr. DeWitt expressed concern that “on the sixth day of school for students, a critical time for students to be with their teachers, the teachers are being pulled out of the classroom for training.” 

He noted that the contract “certainly is specific and holds to the standard that we have set, but certainly puts a lot of responsibility on the District to ensure the success of this program.”  Mr. Bergosh stated that while he had concerns regarding ‘timing’ and ‘costs’, he did believe that the program would help students with reading.  Ms. Finkelstein stated that there were many “stipulations in the contract that says if we don’t do this, then the guarantee is null and void” and “while I think that is good, it also makes me a little nervous.”  Mrs. Stidham noted that the schools involved “are the schools that really need it” and believed that if the program was successful, then “it would be a worthwhile investment.” 

The Board recognized Mr. Eric Loom, representative of United Marketing Associates, who responded to concerns expressed by Board Members regarding this issue. 

Motion to approve the ‘Purchasing Agreement: “Academy of Reading” Software (United Marketing Associates)’ was unanimous. 

X.ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

1.  Proposed Sale of the McReynolds Building - John DeWitt

 Dr. DeWitt stated that Ms. Celestine Lewis, Executive Director of Jacqueline Harris Pyramid School of Learning (JHPSL), requested (by way of letter) that the Board discuss the proposed sale of the McReynolds building.  Upon inquiry by Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Ted Kirchharr, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, stated that while there had been inquiries by several real estate agents about the property, no firm commitment had been made.  He explained that “traditionally, the first step in the disposing of property of this value (appraised value of $520,000), would be to go out for sealed bids and request that the minimum bid be the appraised value.”  Dr. DeWitt questioned whether the Board “has the right to sell the property above the appraised value to any anyone it chooses?” He also questioned whether a clause requiring that the property be used for educational purposes could be included in the property deed.  Dr. Jenkins questioned whether the Board “could sell the property without receiving public bids if there is someone interested in buying the property at the appraised value?” He stated that he would “hate to see an educational building become a commercial type facility, when it could be used for an educational purpose to help someone who really wants and needs it.” 

The Board recognized Celestine Lewis, who requested that the Board consider negotiating the sale of the property to the Jacqueline Harris Pyramid School of Learning (JHPSL).  She noted that the school (JHPSL) was “looking for a piece of property and that this building (McReynolds) was ideal.” 

While she understood that the school (JHPSL) “really needs and wants the building,” Mrs. Stidham believed that the disposal of the McReynolds property should be done properly, to ensure that “everyone has an equal opportunity” to purchase the property.

The Board collectively agreed to ask Mr. Negron (who was not in attendance) to explore all available options for disposal of the McReynolds property and that a Special Board meeting be scheduled, to consider those options. 

XI.   ADJOURNMENT

 Prior to adjournment, Dr. DeWitt requested that the October Regular Workshop (October 11) and Regular Meeting (October 15) be rescheduled due to the Fall Break (October 14 through October 18).  The Board collectively agreed to reschedule the Regular Workshop to October 21 and the Regular Meeting to October 22.  There being no further business, the Special Meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.

Attest:                          Approved:

Superintendent     Chairman