THE SCHOOL BOARD OF

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

MINUTES, DECEMBER 11, 2003

            The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Meeting at 1:30 p.m., in the Board Room, at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel Building, 215 West Garden Street, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:

            Chair:                           Mrs. Cary Stidham                    Vice Chair:                   Dr. John DeWitt           

            Board Members:           Mrs. Carissa Bergosh (was not present)

                                                Mr. Ronnie L. Clark

                                                Ms. Linda Finkelstein

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

            Superintendent of Schools:         Mr. Norm Ross, Deputy Superintendent (representing Mr. Jim Paul)  

                                                            (NOTE: The Superintendent entered at 1:32 p.m.)

                    I.               CALL TO ORDER/ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Mrs. Stidham called the Special Meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.  On motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, adoption of the agenda, passed 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote. 

                 II.               PROPOSED ADDITIONS AND REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)

(NOTE: The following discussion refers to Board action from the April 17, 2003 Regular Meeting, whereby staff was to review and revise school board policies based on a specific schedule.  Chapter Seven of School Board Policy was to be reviewed and revised during the month of December.)  Mrs. Stidham noted that “Revisions to School District Rules, Chapter 7” was not included on the agenda for the December 16, 2003 Regular Meeting.  (NOTE: The Superintendent entered at 1:32 p.m.)  Mr. Paul Fetsko, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, gave a brief explanation as to why the information had not been included.  He noted that the information was “ready to present to the Board,” however, because the Board would not have enough time to thoroughly review it prior to the December 16, 2003 Regular Meeting, Mrs. Stidham suggested that it be presented the following month instead.  

1.    Notice of Intent to Adopt Revisions to School District Rules, Chapter 5

     Although discussion on several sections of this rule took place, no changes were made. 

2.       Notice of Intent to Adopt mandated revisions by the Florida Legislature to the prescribed publication “Special Programs and Procedures for Exceptional Students” as implemented by School District Rule 6Gx17-4.02

                              No discussion was held. 

3.       Notice of Intent to Advertise Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-1.17 - Non-Discrimination

     Board Members agreed to delete this particular item from the December 16, 2003 Regular Meeting agenda, as Ms. Wanda Whipple, Legal Assistant, had advised that Mr. Negron would be making several changes to it.   

ADD           III.       DEVELOPMENT OF POLICY REGARDING CRITERIA FOR STUDENT ADMITTANCE FOR ALL MAGNET SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS (as requested by Board action from the November 10, 2003 Special Meeting)

                                    (NOTE: At the November 10, 2003 Special Meeting, the Board requested “that the Superintendent develop criteria for student admittance for all magnet schools and programs to be presented for advertisement on the December Regular Meeting agenda.”)  Mrs. Leslie Travis, Office of School Choice Coordinator, reviewed a “draft” policy, which outlined the criteria for student admittance for all magnet schools and programs.  She stated that the “draft” policy had been submitted to magnet school representatives for their review and feedback and based on initial feedback, staff was convinced that developing a very comprehensive and specific policy could not occur within the timeframe requested by the Board.  After discussion regarding the ‘draft” policy, Mrs. Travis, suggested that staff be given the next few months to continue developing the policy with the magnet school representatives.  Board Members however, indicated that they wished to have “something” presented for advertisement in December (December Regular Meeting agenda), noting that “changes” could still be made to the policy prior to presentation for adoption in January (January Regular Meeting agenda). 

     The Board recognized Sheila Romaine, who expressed her thoughts regarding Item III.2, “Notice of Intent to Adopt mandated revisions by the Florida Legislature to the prescribed publication ‘Special Programs and Procedures for Exceptional Students’ as implemented by School District Rule 6Gx17-4.02.”              

IV.              ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the Special Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Attest:                                                             Approved:

________________________________       ________________________________

Superintendent                                                 Chairman