THE SCHOOL BOARD OF

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

MINUTES, JULY 31, 2003

The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in Special Meeting at 5:15 p.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 (was present via speakerphone)

Dr. John DeWitt

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

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim Paul

I. CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Finkelstein called the Special Meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.

II. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

On motion by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, adoption of the agenda was approved unanimously.

III. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

(Supplementary Minute Book, Exhibit “A”)

A. Risk Management

1. Employer/Employee Health Premiums for 2003-2004 Plan Year

(NOTE: The Board approved Health/Prescription Plan changes and rates (for the plan year beginning October 1, 2003) at the July 22, 2003 Regular Meeting (Item V.C.3.e “Health/Prescription Plan”). Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mrs. Bergosh, to approve “Employer/Employee Health Premiums for 2003-2004 Plan Year.” Mr. Kevin Windham, Director of Risk Management, explained that the employer/employee health rates (approved at the July 22, 2003 Regular Meeting) were being re-submitted for Board approval, in order to round rates to the nearest whole dollar (as had been done in the past), to define rates based on both 12 and 20 (pay periods) premium deductions and to better identify the new description “tiers” to correspond with the new descriptions listed in the payroll system. [NOTE: The following statements refer to “open enrollment” services which would be conducted by Fringe Benefit Management Company (Item V.C.3.b approved at the January 21, 2003 Regular Meeting) during the month of August.] In response to concerns expressed by several Board Members, Mr. Windham explained that due to printing deadlines (in order to distribute to all employees by “open enrollment” time), all health rates listed in the comprehensive benefits manual would be outdated as of October 1, 2003 (as the rates listed were those currently in effect through September 30, 2003). He stated that via email message and at “open enrollment,” each employee would be provided copies of the new Health and Prescription Plan changes, and the new employee premiums that would go in effect October 1, 2003. Motion was approved unanimously.

IV. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the Special Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

Attest: Approved:

________________________________ ________________________________

Superintendent Chair