The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Meeting at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Room, at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel (Administration) Building, 215 West Garden Street, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:

Chair: Ms. Linda Finkelstein

Vice Chair: Mrs. Cary Stidham

Board Members: Mrs. Carissa Bergosh

Mr. Ronnie L. Clark

Dr. John DeWitt

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

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim Paul

I. CALL TO ORDER/ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Ms. Finkelstein called the Special Meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.   The Superintendent listed the additions, deletions (including Section VI “Human Resource Services” in its entirety), and amendments to the agenda. (see margin notes)  He also requested that Section IX, “Items from the Superintendent” be handled first on the agenda.  Motion was made by Mrs. Bergosh, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to adopt the agenda (as amended).  Mrs. Stidham had concerns with the voluminous nature of the agenda, noting that this was a ‘special’ not ‘regular’ meeting.  She noted that there had not been enough time to thoroughly review all the items, due to the lateness of receiving the information. Dr. DeWitt shared Mrs. Stidham’s concerns and suggested that the Board “table those items that additional information is needed on, but those that can be approved today, approve.”  Ms. Finkelstein noted that in the future, it might be necessary to schedule two ‘regular’ meetings during the month of June in order to “deal with the many contracts that come about during that time.” Motion to adopt the agenda (as amended) was unanimously approved.

As requested by the Superintendent, the following items were moved forward on the agenda:

Administrative/Professional Appointment  (Item IX.1)

Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for the professional appointment of Steve Sharp to Coordinator of Health, Safety, and Environmental Operations (one-year contract for the 2003-2004 school year), was unanimous.

Motion was made by Mrs. Bergosh, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for the administrative appointment of Kevin Windham to Director of Risk Management (effective June 25, 2003).  In response to concerns expressed by Mrs. Stidham, Mrs. Mary Helen Fryman, Director of Instructional, Professional/Technical and Administrative Personnel, briefly reviewed the advertising process and the interview process that had resulted in the selection of Mr. Windham.  She noted in fact, that neither Mr. Windham nor any of the applicants met all the qualifications listed in the job description for this position.  She noted however, that the Interview Committee felt that “by far, Mr. Windham was the top candidate as he was the best qualified of all applicants.”  She advised that Mr. Windham had already began looking into ways to acquire the Associate of Risk Management designation, which was the qualification that he did not meet at that time.  Mrs. Stidham noted that she had no concerns with Mr. Windham’s ability to perform the duties of that position, as she believed he was “very capable,” however, she did have concerns that all of the qualifications of the job description were not met.

The Board recognized Bob Husbands, Executive Director of Escambia NEA UniServe, who stated that the Union was “comfortable” with this appointment, as they believed that Mr. Windham would “serve the District well.” 

Motion was approved 4 to 1, with Mrs. Stidham voting “No.”  At the request of the Superintendent, Mr. Windham came forward to be recognized by the Board. 

Contract Recommendation for Gulf Coast High School (Item IX.2)

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate the contract for The Intervention Group Inc., d/b/a/ Gulf Coast High School (GCHS), effective June 30, 2003.  Mr. Charles Thomas, Director of Alternative Education, reviewed the backup documentation, which outlined the rationale for said recommendation.

Mr. Darnell Simms, President and CEO of The Intervention Group, Inc., d/b/a/ Gulf Coast High School (GCHS), responded to the issues provided by the District as rationale, specifically those concerning the ‘financial reporting” of GCHS.

Mrs. Edith Kurt, accountant for The Intervention Group, Inc., d/b/a Gulf Coast High School (GCHS), also addressed the District’s concerns regarding the “financial reporting” of GCHS.

Mrs. Bergosh, Mrs. Stidham and Dr. DeWitt had concerns regarding student safety issues (as outlined in the rationale) and therefore, would support the Superintendent’s recommendation.

Ms. Finkelstein also expressed concerns regarding student safety issues (as outlined in the rationale) however, she noted that “it may be premature to make a decision” as she did not believe that enough information had been provided.

The Special Meeting recessed at 10:30 a.m., and reconvened at 10:40 a.m., with all Board Members the Superintendent and Mr. Negron present.

Mr. Clark expressed concerns regarding student safety issues (as outlined in the rationale) however, due to the “financial reporting” issues raised at the table, he was uncomfortable supporting the Superintendent’s recommendation at that time.

Motion was approved 3 to 2, with Ms. Finkelstein and Mr. Clark voting “No.”

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Bencor 401(A) Defined Contribution Plan (Item V.2)

(NOTE: Mrs. Barbara Linker, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and  Business Affairs, requested that this item be moved forward on the agenda, as representatives from Bencor, Inc. were in attendance at that time.)  Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to move Item V.2, “Bencor 401(A) Defined Contribution Plan” forward on the agenda, was approved unanimously.  Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, to approve the “Bencor 401(A) Defined Contribution Plan.”  Mr. Clark seconded the motion for discussion purposes.  Mrs. Linker gave a brief review of the proposed “401(A) Defined Contribution Plan.”  Ms. Finkelstein suggested that a ‘special meeting’ be scheduled to address this item, as neither she nor Mr. Negron, had had an opportunity to thoroughly review this item.  The Board collectively agreed to schedule a Special Meeting for Monday, June 30, 2003 at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Room at the Dr. Vernon McDaniel Building.  (NOTE: Dr. DeWitt left the Special Meeting at 10:57 a.m.)  Motion by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to postpone this item until the June 30, 2003 Special Meeting, was approved 4 to 0, with Dr. DeWitt absent for vote.  Ms. Finkelstein noted that the agenda for the June 30, 2003 Special Meeting should include only items that the Board chose to postpone during this particular meeting.  

The Special Meeting recessed at 11:00 a.m. and reconvened at 11:30 a.m., with all Board Members, Mr. Norm Ross, Deputy Superintendent (representing Mr. Jim Paul) and Mr. Negron present.   

II. BUDGET PROCESS

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)

Mrs. Barbara Linker, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Affairs, gave a brief update on the “budget situation” by reviewing handouts provided to the Board, entitled “Impact of Funding Changes” and “4^th FEFP Calculation Comparison to Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Final Conference Report.” 

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

At the request of Ms. Finkelstein, Mrs. Sheree’ Cagle, Director of Comprehensive Planning, reviewed information provided to the Board, regarding the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).  She noted that because Carver/Century had failed to make AYP for two consecutive school years, the District was required to give students the option to transfer to a higher-performing school.  She advised that an informational meeting had been scheduled with the parents of Carver/Century students regarding this issue. 

Books I and II of the 2003-2004 Budget

Dr. DeWitt noted that the Board had received Books I and II of the 2003-2004 Budget, however, an attached memorandum indicated that adjustments had not been made to reflect changes made at the June 9, 2003 Special Meeting.  Mrs. Laura Shaud, Director of Budgeting, stated that a revised copies of Books I and II could be provided on June 25, 2003. 

The Board recognized Sheila Romaine, who asked the Board to reconsider their approval (from the June 9, 2003 Special Meeting) of the Superintendent’s recommendation to “Reduce 2004 Summer School (Seniors Only).”   

III. PROPOSED ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “B”)

A. Permission to Adopt

-No items submitted

B. Permission to Advertise

1. Notice of Intent to Advertise Revisions to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Code of Conduct; Elementary Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for 2003-2004 School Year (item was postponed from the June 16, 2003 Regular Meeting)

Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to approve for advertising, revisions to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Code of Conduct; Elementary Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for 2003-2004 School Year, was unanimous.

2. Notice of Intent to Advertise Revisions to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Code of Conduct; Secondary Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for 2003-2004 School Year (item was postponed from the June 16, 2003 Regular Meeting)

Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve for advertising, revisions to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.02 – Code of Conduct; Secondary Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for 2003-2004 School Year, was unanimous.

3. Notice of Intent to Advertise Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.09 - Pupil Progression Plan [Elementary Grading]

Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to approve for advertising, amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.09 – Pupil Progression Plan [Elementary Grading], was unanimous.

4. Notice of Intent to Advertise Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.15 – Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices Prohibited

Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve for advertising, amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.15 – Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices Prohibited.  Upon inquiry by Dr. Dewitt, Dr. Alan Scott, Director of Secondary Education, stated that both he and secondary principals were “comfortable” with this amendment.  Motion was approved unanimously. 

(NOTE: Mrs. Bergosh left the meeting at 12:35 p.m.)

IV. CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “C”)

1. Facility Availability Agreement between Experior Assessment, LLC, and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the George Stone Area Vocational Center

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve “Facility Availability Agreement between Experior Assessment, LLC, and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and the George Stone Area Vocational Center.”  Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote. 

2. Contract between Workforce Escarosa, Inc. and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, for Youth Services WIA 2003-2004-04

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Contract between Workforce Escarosa, Inc. and the School Board of Escambia County Florida, for Youth Services WIA 2003-2004-04.”  Mrs. Stidham stated that she had not had an opportunity to thoroughly review this item and suggested that it be postponed.  Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to postpone this item to the June 30, 2003 Special Meeting, was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote. 

3. The School Board of Escambia County 2003-2004 Vocational Certificate, Continuing Workforce Education and Adult General Education Fees

Motion was made by Mr. Clark, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to approve “The School Board of Escambia County 2003-2004 Vocational Certificate, Continuing Workforce Education and Adult General Education Fees.”  Dr. DeWitt had concerns with “firing range fees” that were included in the schedule, noting that it was his understanding that the District was “getting out of the firing range business.”  Mr. Ross stated that the Superintendent would bring forth a recommendation regarding the firing range in July.

Motion failed 2 to 2 with Dr. DeWitt and Mrs. Stidham voting “No” and Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.  Mr. Taylor advised that the “firing range fees” could be deleted if the Board desired, however, by law, a fee schedule for post secondary adult and community education students, had to be in place by July 1^st.  Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to reconsider the vote on this item, was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.  Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve “The School Board of Escambia County 2003-2004 Vocational Certificate, Continuing Workforce Education and Adult General Education Fees,” with the deletion of the “firing range fees,” was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

4. Photovoltaic Solar Panel Array Agreement between Gulf Power Company and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve the “Photovoltaic Solar Panel Array Agreement between Gulf Power Company and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida.”  Upon inquiry by Mrs. Stidham, Mr. Negron advised that he had not approved this agreement.  He stated that while there was “nothing illegal” about the agreement, he did have concerns with regard to the District’s liability and exposure.

Brian Cotear, Gulf Power Company, and Lesa Morgan, West Florida Technical High School (WFTHS), gave a brief explanation of the “panel” would be utilized by science students in the Gulf Power Academy at WFTHS. 

Motion was approved 3 to 1, with Mrs. Stidham voting “No” and Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

5. The Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Beulah Academy of Science, Inc.

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “The Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Beulah Academy of Science, Inc.,” was approved 4 to 0, with Bergosh absent for vote.   

6. The Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Byrneville Conversion Charter School

Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve “The Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Byrneville Conversion Charter School,” was approved 4 to 0, with Mr. Bergosh absent for vote.

7. The Charter Agreement between the District School Board of Escambia County and Reaching Your Dream, Inc. d/b/a Ruby J. Gainer School for Reaching Your Dream

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “The Charter Agreement between the District School Board of Escambia County and Reaching Your Dream, Inc. d/b/a Ruby J. Gainer School for Reaching Your Dream.”  Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Bergosh absent for vote.

8. Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and New Road to Learning, Inc. d/b/a Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve the “Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and New Road to Learning, Inc. d/b/a Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy.”  Mrs. Stidham had concerns with various “financial” issues and stated that she would not support the charter agreement until those issues were resolved.  Motion was approved 3 to 1, with Mrs. Stidham voting “No” and Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.  

9. The Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Pensacola Beach Elementary Charter School

Motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve “The Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Pensacola Beach Elementary Charter School,” was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.  

10. Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Escambia Charter School, Inc.

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve the “Charter Agreement between the School Board of Escambia County, Florida and Escambia Charter School, Inc.”  

The Board recognized Stan Callender, who addressed ‘charter school contracts’ in general.

Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Bergosh absent for vote. 

11. The Cooperative Agreement between the Community Action Program Committee, Inc., and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “The Cooperative Agreement between the Community Action Program Committee, Inc., and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida.”  Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Bergosh absent for vote.

12. Project Touch (Tutoring Outreach for Children of the Homeless)

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Project Touch.”  Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote. 

13. Title I – No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 – Parts A and D – 2003-2004 Application (item was postponed from the June 16, 2003 Regular Meeting)

(NOTE: The following motion refers to a handout entitled “2003-2004 Pre-K Site Planning Document” that was provided at the table by Mr. Wayne Odom, Director of Title I.)  Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Title I – No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 – Parts A and D – 2003-2004 Application,” along with the information provided in the handout entitled “2003-2004 Pre-K Site Planning Document.”  

The Board recognized the following speakers who addressed various aspects of this issue: Judy Pippen, Babs Patterson, Bill Slayton, Dave Williams, Marcia Nowlin, Nancy Gindl, Kathy Breakall and Jeff Pomeroy.

Motion failed 2 to 2, with Mrs. Stidham and Ms. Finkelstein voting “No” and Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.  Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to approve “Title I – No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 – Parts A and D – 2003-2004 Application,” was approved 3 to 1, with Mr. Clark voting “No” and Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.   

Motion by Ms. Finkelstein, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to postpone the remainder of the agenda, until June 30, 2003 Special meeting, was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote. 

V. FINANCE

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “D”)

1. Budget Amendments

a. Resolution 9: General Operating Fund

b. Resolution 9: Other Special Revenue Fund     

These items were postponed to the June 30, 2003 Special Meeting.   

2. Bencor 401(A) Defined Contribution Plan

This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.

VI. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

A. Instructional/Professional

DELETED/AMENDED 1. Request approval for the following instructional personnel to work summer school at various schools the month of June and to be paid at their regular hourly rate of pay from Title I funds:

TITLE I FUNDS  TITLE II FUNDS

Adams, Jackie                  Bogan, Elea

Avery, Penny               Brady, Adrienne

Baker, Brandi                Dean, Rosa

Bower, Victoria             Ferrell, Patricia

Cronk, Lora                     Garber, Patsy

Edwards, Mary                Hendrieth, Alethea

Franklin, Bakari           Jones, Susan

Hayes, Yaneickia           Lentine, Marilyn

Hendrix, Deanna           McQueen, Patricia

Jenkins, Pamela             Morris, Dawn

Kerr, Judy                  Phillips, Clydie

Kuenn, Kristin               Stanton, Carolyn

Lamar, Ordeane                      Uriz, Karen

Lazauskas, Tina                 Williams, Sharon

McCandless, Lisa           Williams, Stella

Padgett, Dynita                      Yates, LaTrandrial

Peasant, Mary                      Rowell, Theresa

Rudd, Christine                      Sellier, Beverly

Timms, Betty                      Wansley, Judy

Webb, Janice

DELETED  2. Request approval for Perry Ustick, Technology Coordinator at Pine Forest High, to work 20 days the month of July to set up the school’s computer lab and to be paid at his regular hourly rate of pay from Title I funds.

DELETED 3. Request approval for Daniel Arndt and Clyde Eddins, teachers at Pyramid, to work the month of June and to be paid at their regular hourly rate of pay from the Disabilities Grant.

DELETED 4. Request approval for Carolyn Rohr, Technology Coordinator at Pensacola High, to work 28 days the months of June and July to set up the school’s computer lab and to be paid at her regular hourly rate of pay from the Technology Budget.

DELETED 5. Request approval for Monica Wilhelm, FRAME Teacher, to work summer school with the three year old class.  She is to be paid at her regular hourly rate of pay from Title I funds.

DELETED 6. Request approval for Mary Anderson, teacher-in-charge of the FRAME Program, to work through June 27, 2003 to supervise the home visitors and the three year old class.  She is to be paid her regular hourly rate of pay from Title I funds.

DELETED 7. Request reinstatement of employee #784522 from suspension without pay to a full-time employee with back pay and benefits.

DELETED 8. Request approval for Denise Dean, Counselor at Northview High, to work five (5) days the month of July to help complete the master schedule and to be paid at her regular hourly rate of pay.

B. Risk Management

DELETED 1. Employee Benefit Trust Fund Consulting Services

DELETED 2. Lump-Sum Settlement Workers Compensation

DELETED 3. Universal Life Letter of Intent for Employees

VII. PURCHASING

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “E”)

1. Bid Renewal: Insurance Brokerage & Consulting Services, RFP #021101

2. Agreement Extension/Change Notice: Purchase Order #249874 (Gallagher Benefits Services Inc.)

3. Don Johnston Reading Software for Exceptional Student Education

DELETED 4. Item pulled after number assigned

5. Maintenance and Support Agreement for Enterasys Network Core Switches

6. Annual Fee for SACS

7. Media Center Furniture for West Florida High School of Advanced Technology

8. Dell Computers for Escambia High School

9. Office and Classroom Furniture for West Florida High School of Advanced Technology

10. Change Notice #2 to Purchase Order #240216 (Sunbelt Staffing Solutions)

11. Electrical Engineering Services for Pensacola High School

12. Change Notice #2 to Purchase Order #247572 (R.W. Born Mechanical, Inc.)

13. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #246335 (R.W. Born Mechanical, Inc.)

14. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #246336 (Air Design Systems, Inc.)

15. Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #247567 (Bayou Mechanical, Inc.)

16. AMENDED Change Notice to Purchase Order (Purchasing Item #60 of June 16, 2003 Agenda)

These items were postponed to the June 30, 2003 Special Meeting.

VIII. OPERATIONS

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “F”)

1. Tate High Surplus Portable Conveyance

2. Request for Additional Maintenance Position

These items were postponed to the June 30, 2003 Special Meeting.

IX. ITEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “G”)

AMENDED 1. Administrative/Professional Appointment

ADD 2. Contract Recommendation for Gulf Coast High School

These items were address earlier in the meeting.

X. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the Special Meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.

Attest:                                                         Approved:

____________________________         ______________________________

Superintendent                                            Chair