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 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. She noted that she had added a “discussion only” item entitled “Controlled Choice Plan Proposal” under “Items from the Board” (section IX). At the request of Ms. Finkelstein, the Board collectively agreed to address the “Controlled Choice Plan Proposal” under “Items from the Board” (section IX), prior to the “Reinstatement of Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services” under “Items from the Superintendent” (section VIII). On motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, adoption of the agenda (as amended) was approved unanimously.

II. BUDGET PROCESS

This item was discussed later in the meeting.

III. CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)

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

Motion by Mrs. Bergosh, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to approve the “Contract between Workforce Escarosa, Inc. and the School Board of Escambia County, Florida, for Youth Services WIA 2003-2004-04,” was unanimous.

IV. FINANCE

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “B”)

1. Budget Amendments

a. Resolution 9: General Operating Fund

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to approve “Resolution 9: General Operating Fund,” was unanimous.

b. Resolution 9: Other Special Revenue Fund

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Resolution 9: Other Special Revenue Fund,” was unanimous.

2. Bencor 401(A) Defined Contribution Plan

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark to approve the “Bencor 401(A) Defined Contribution Plan.” Mr. Corky Taylor, President and CEO of Bencor, Inc., gave a brief review of the proposed “401(A) Defined Contribution Plan.”

The Board recognized Bob Husbands, Executive Director of Escambia NEA UniServe, who stated that the Union would work in concert with the District, to educate all employees regarding this plan, if it was approved.

Motion was approved unanimously.

V. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “C”)

A. Instructional/Professional

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Instructional/Professional” (Items 1 through 9), was unanimous.

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:

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                Overby, Tracey

Rudd, Christine                 York, Sue

Timms, Betty                   Webb, Janice

Rowell, Theresa Wansley, Judy

Rowell, Theresa              Hendrieth, Paula

Sellier, Beverly

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

9. Request approval to add one additional position of Maintenance Worker I in the Maintenance Department to the Department Personnel Planning Document.  This one additional position will supplement our grass cutting crews for the North End Schools.

B. Risk Management

1. Catastrophic Student/Athletic Insurance

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Catastrophic Student/Athletic Insurance,” was unanimous.   

2. Lump-Sum Settlement Workers Compensation

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Lump-Sum Settlement Workers Compensation,” was unanimous.  

3. Universal Life Letter of Intent for Employees

Mrs. Stidham moved to reject the “Universal Life Letter of Intent for Employees.”  Motion was seconded by Ms. Finkelstein for discussion purposes.  Mrs. Stidham believed that the Universal Life policy (as outlined in the backup documentation) was “just not good insurance.”  She was of the opinion that “anything offered to employees should actually be beneficial for them.”  She stated that she would be more comfortable if there were more than one option available for employees to choose from.   Upon inquiry by Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Kevin Windham, Director of Risk Management, advised that the “Universal Life Letter of Intent for Employees” was reviewed and approved by the Insurance Committee.  In response to Mrs. Stidham’s concerns, Mr. Windham, explained that the Board had already approved (at the January 21, 2003 Regular Meeting), a contract with Fringe Benefit Management Company (FBMC) which entitled them (FBMC) to market and enroll District employees in a Universal Life Insurance Policy as well as a Critical Illness Policy.  He noted that both polices would be strictly on an “optional basis” to the employee, with no cost to the District.  Dr. DeWitt shared Mrs. Stidham’s concerns and noted that by approving the Universal Life policy, it would appear as if the Board was “putting it’s stamp of approval on it.” 

The Board recognized Bob Husbands, Executive Director of Escambia NEA UniServe and Insurance Committee member, who stated that he appreciated the concerns expressed, however, these policies (Universal Life and Critical Illness) were a part of the contract already approved by the Board at the January 21, 2003 Regular Meeting.  

Motion to reject the “Universal Life Letter of Intent for Employees,” was approved 4 to 1, with Mrs. Bergosh voting “No.”  Mr. Windham advised that the “Universal Life Letter of Intent for Employees,” also included the Critical Illness policy.  Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve the Critical Illness Policy, was unanimous. 

VI. PURCHASING

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “D”)

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

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Bid Renewal: Insurance Brokerage and Consulting Services, RFP #021101,” was approved unanimously. 

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

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to approve “Agreement Extension/Change Notice: Purchase Order #249874 (Gallagher Benefits Services, Inc.),” was unanimous.

3. Don Johnston Reading Software for Exceptional Student Education

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Don Johnston Reading Software for Exceptional Student Eduction,” was unanimous. 

4. Maintenance and Support Agreement for Enterasys Network Core Switches

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to approve “Maintenance and Support Agreement for Enterasys Network Core Switches,” was unanimous.  

5. Annual Fee for SACS

Motion by Mrs. Bergosh, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Annual Fee for SACS,” was unanimous.   

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

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to approve “Media Center Furniture for West Florida High School of Advanced Technology,” was unanimous.

7. Dell Computers for Escambia High School

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to approve “Dell Computers for Escambia High School,” was unanimous.   

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

Motion by Mr. Clark, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve “Office and Classroom Furniture for West Florida High School of Advanced Technology,” was unanimous.   

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

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to approve “Change Notice #2 to Purchase Order #240216 (Sunbelt Staffing Solutions),” was unanimous.

10. Electrical Engineering Services for Pensacola High School

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to approve “Electrical Engineering Services for Pensacola High School,” was unanimous.

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

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Change Notice #2 to Purchase Order #247572 (R.W. Born Mechanical, Inc.), was unanimous.

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

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #246335 (R.W. Born Mechanical, Inc.),” was unanimous.

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

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #246336 (Air Design Systems, Inc.),” was unanimous.

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

Motion by Mr. Clark, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to approve “Change Notice #1 to Purchase Order #247567 (Bayou Mechanical, Inc.),” was unanimous.

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

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to approve “AMENDED Change Notice to Purchase Order (Purchasing Item #60 of June 16, 2003 Agenda), was unanimous.

DELETED 16. Scientific Learning “Fast ForWord” Software for Various Schools

VII. OPERATIONS

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “E”)

1. Tate High Surplus Portable Conveyance

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to approve “Tate High Surplus Portable Conveyance,” was unanimous.

VIII. TEMS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

1. Reinstatement of Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services

This item was addressed later in the meeting.

IX. ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “F”)

ADD 1. Controlled Choice Plan Proposal – Linda Finkelstein (discussion only)

Ms. Finkelstein reviewed her proposal for the creation of a “School Choice Office” (not to be confused with a district-wide “school choice” plan), which she believed would create a “strong marketing tool for all public schools, allowing the District to have a one-stop office that gives parents information on all District schools (i.e., school programs, magnet schools, geographical location and racial diversity).”  The Superintendent stated that if the Board desired, he could use the proposal submitted by Ms. Finkelstein as a “guideline” in developing his own proposal for a “School Choice Office” to be implemented in the future.  Dr. DeWitt questioned whether a “hold” would be placed on hiring for the position of Director of Evaluation Services, noting that the proposal submitted by Ms. Finkelstein called for a downgrade of that position to a Coordinator level.  The Superintendent stated that it was his desire to “go ahead” with the hiring for the position of Director of Evaluation Services and it was also his recommendation to reinstate the Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services position.  He believed that any proposal for a “School Choice Office” should be considered for the next school year.  Ms. Finkelstein noted that her intent was to have a “School Choice Office” submitted for approval at the July Regular Meeting.  Mrs. Bergosh expressed her support for the Superintendent’s recommendation to reinstate the Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services position and to postpone any proposal for a “School Choice Office” to the next school year.  The Superintendent expressed his concerns with “doing things so quickly,” noting that he was not sure there would be enough time to develop a proposal by the July Regular Meeting.    

Reinstatement of Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services (Item VIII.1)

Motion by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to reject the Superintendent’s recommendation for the “Reinstatement of Director of Pupil Instructional Support Services,” was approved 3 to 2, with Mrs. Bergosh and Mr. Clark voting “No.”

Budget Process (Item II)

Print Shop

Upon inquiry by Dr. DeWitt, the Superintendent stated that while the Print Shop would be “closing” there were “a number of things in the pipeline that have to be wrapped up and the people have to stay there until they finish what they have to complete.” 

The Board recognized Ellen Lawrence, Director of Escambia NEA UniServe, who addressed her concerns regarding the “placement” of the Print Shop employees.

Mr. Norm Ross, Deputy Superintendent, advised that the Print Shop employees were notified of the timeline for “closing” and stated that he would also have that information provided to the Board.

X. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

Attest:                         Approved:

________________  __________________

Superintendent           Chair