THE SCHOOL BOARD OF

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 18, 2003

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 (entered the Special Meeting at 9:15 a.m.)

Vice Chair: Mrs. Cary Stidham

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

Mr. Ronnie L. Clark

Dr. John DeWitt

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

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Norm Ross, Deputy Superintendent, represented Mr. Jim Paul

I. CALL TO ORDER/ADOPTION OF AGENDA

(NOTE: The purpose of this Special Meeting was to address issues on policies to be presented for advertising and/or adoption at the September Regular Meeting.) Mrs. Stidham called the Special Meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.

II. PROPOSED ADDITIONS AND REVISIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

1. Notice of Intent to Adopt Revisions to School District Rules, Chapter 3

(NOTE: Ms. Finkelstein entered the Special Meeting at 9:15 a.m.)

Upon discussion of “Revisions to School District Rules, Chapter 3” motions were made concerning the following sections:

3.02(7)(b)(5) – Participating in the development of the student selection criteria for enrollment in district magnet schools and programs.

3.02(7)(b)(6) – Overseeing student selection process used to determine acceptance into the district magnet schools/programs.

3.02(7)(b)(7) – Coordinating activities pertaining to the placement of foreign students including those students participating in exchange programs as identified by the Advisory List from the International Educational Travel and Exchange Program.

3.02(7)(b)(8) – Facilitating school assignment and transportation for families with school age children identified as homeless.

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to make the following revisions: 3.02(7)(b)(5) – Coordination ~~Participating in the development~~ of ~~the~~ student selection ~~criteria for~~ and enrollment in district magnet schools and programs.

~~3.02(7)(b)(6) – Overseeing student selection process used to determine acceptance into the district magnet schools/programs.~~

3.02(7)(b)~~(7)~~(6) – Coordinating activities pertaining to the placement of foreign students including those students participating in exchange programs as identified by the Advisory List from the International Educational Travel and Exchange Program.

3.02(7)(b)~~(8)~~(7) – Facilitating school assignment and transportation for families with school age children identified as homeless.

3.02(7)(b)(8) – Designate a permanent location at the J.E. Hall Center of adequate size and space, as the Office of School Choice.

Mr. Negron believed that the phrase “adequate size and space” was too vague. He requested a short recess in order to work on the appropriate language for that section.

The Special Meeting recessed at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 9:55 a.m., with the following present: Ms. Finkelstein, Mrs. Stidham, Mr. Clark, Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Negron and Mr. Norm Ross, Deputy Superintendent (representing Mr. Jim Paul). (NOTE: Mrs. Bergosh was not present.)

As suggested by Mr. Negron, Mrs. Stidham withdrew the motion on the floor and Mr. Clark withdrew the second.

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to make the following revisions:

3.02(7)(b)(5) – Coordination ~~Participating in the development~~ of ~~the~~ student selection ~~criteria for~~ and enrollment in district magnet schools and programs.

~~3.02(7)(b)(6) – Overseeing student selection process used to determine acceptance into the district magnet schools/programs.~~

3.02(7)(b)~~(8)~~(7) – Facilitating school assignment and transportation for families with school age children identified as homeless.

3.02(7)(b)(8) – Designate a permanent child friendly environment at the J.E. Hall Center of adequate size and space to accommodate thirty-five (35) to forty (40) members of the public as the Office of School Choice. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

3.02(7)(c)(5) – A notarized affidavit signed by the individual stating the person(s) reside(s) at the address on the document, that the information is true and correct, and that the information is not provided to circumvent or frustrate district assignment rules. The affidavit shall contain an acknowledgement that false or misleading statements may subject the signer to criminal penalties under Florida Law.

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to make the following revision:

3.02(7)(c)(5) – ~~A notarized affidavit signed by the individual stating the person(s) reside(s)~~ A form signed by the parent/guardian stating that he/she and the student reside at the address on the document, that the information is true and correct, and that the information is not provided to circumvent or frustrate district assignment rules. The affidavit shall contain an acknowledgement that false or misleading statements may subject the signer to criminal penalties under Florida Law. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to make the following revision:

3.02(7)(e)(1)(a) – Facility Capacity – Physical space must be available at the requested school prior to transfer. Transfers shall not be granted into schools if the current enrollment equals ~~100%~~ 105% of the facility’s permanent capacity. Motion failed 3 to 1, with Ms. Finkelstein, Mrs. Stidham and Mr. Clark voting “NO” and Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

3.02(7)(f)(1)(a) – Transfers may be granted for eligible students to participate in approved District academic or technical programs. “District” status must be recommended by the Curriculum and Instruction Staff and approved by the Board. Programs must be a minimum of two years in duration and include two or more related courses. Students granted a transfer to participate in an academic or technical program must maintain passing grades, acceptable behavior, and attendance. Transfers for students who withdraw from the program prior to completion should be recommended for rescission.

3.02(7)(f)(1)(b) – Requests for transfers to enroll in approved District academic or technical programs must be submitted no later than June 30^th, prior to the year the student wishes to enroll.

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mr. Clark, to make the following revisions:

3.02(7)(f)(1)(a) – Transfers may be granted for eligible students to participate in approved District academic or technical ~~programs~~ courses. “District” status must be recommended by the Curriculum and Instruction Staff and approved by the Board. Programs must be a minimum of two years in duration and include two or more related courses. Students granted a transfer ~~to participate in an academic or technical program~~ must maintain passing grades, acceptable behavior, and attendance. Transfers for students who withdraw from the ~~program~~ course prior to completion should be recommended for rescission. The Office of School Choice will monitor each transfer request for academic reasons and notify the home school of the numbers and academic reasons. Should the principal of the home school decide to add the specific course(s), then all students who requested a transfer shall be denied.

3.02(7)(f)(1)(b) – Requests for transfers to enroll in ~~approved District academic~~ other schools or technical programs must be submitted no later than ~~June 30^th~~ April 30^th, prior to the year the student wishes to enroll. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

3.02(7)(f)(1)(c) – Requests for students of new residences may be considered after June 30^th.

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to make the following revision:

3.02(7)(f)(1)(c) – Requests for students of new residences may be considered after ~~June 30^th~~ at any time. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to add the following items under 3.02(7)(f)(4): (c) Any elementary school or secondary school that fails, for 2 consecutive years, to make adequate yearly progress as defined in the State’s plan shall be identified as a school in need of school improvement. The school district will provide all students enrolled in the school with the option to transfer to another public school within the Escambia School District, which may include a public charter school that has not been identified for school improvement. Transportation must be provided by the district. (d) Students who use the option to transfer shall be enrolled in classes and other activities in the public school to which the students transfer in the same manner as all other children at the public school. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

3.02(7)(f)(5)(a) – Illness or physical disability – Transfer request based on an illness or physical disability of a non ESE Student shall be supported by a written recommendation by the attending physician.

3.02(7)(f)(5)(b) – Students not eligible to receive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services but experience emotional, mental or other psychological disorders may be granted a transfer to another school. Transfer requests shall be supported by a letter from a licensed mental health professional recommending a transfer.

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to make the following revisions:

3.02(7)(f)(5)(a) – Illness or physical disability – Transfer request based on an illness or physical disability of a non ESE Student shall be supported by a written recommendation by the attending physician and/or a 504 Plan.

The Special Meeting recessed at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 1:00 p.m., with the following present: Ms. Finkelstein, Mrs. Stidham, Mr. Clark, Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Negron and Mr. Norm Ross, Deputy Superintendent (representing Mr. Jim Paul). (NOTE: Mrs. Bergosh was not present.)

2. Notice of Intent to Adopt Revisions to School District Rules, Chapter 2

Upon discussion of “Revisions to School District Rules, Chapter 2” motions were made concerning the following sections:

2.04(7)(i) – The Superintendent shall report in writing to the School Board on a quarterly basis data by school and by each critical shortage area identified herein, detailing the number of critical shortage candidates/applicants for the previous month and setting forth the number of critical shortage applicants as a percentage of the total candidates in the Instructional Candidates Pool submitted for consideration by each principal.

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to make the following revision:

2.04(7)(i) – The Superintendent shall report in writing to the School Board ~~on a quarterly basis~~ in March, June, September and December, data by school and by each critical shortage area identified herein, detailing the number of critical shortage candidates/applicants for the previous month and setting forth the number of critical shortage applicants as a percentage of the total candidates in the Instructional Candidates Pool submitted for consideration by each principal. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

2.06(2)(b)(3) – The period of probationary service may be extended to four years when prescribed by the School Board and agreed to in writing by the employee at the time of reappointment.

Motion was made by Dr. DeWitt, seconded by Mrs. Stidham, to make the following revisions:

2.06(2)(b)(3) – The period of probationary service ~~may~~ shall not be extended ~~to four years when prescribed by the School Board and agreed to in writing by the employee at the time of reappointment~~ beyond the third year. Motion was approved 3 to 1, with Mr. Clark voting “NO” and Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

The Special Meeting recessed at 2:15 p.m. and reconvened at 2:20 p.m., with the following present: Ms. Finkelstein, Mrs. Stidham, Mr. Clark, Dr. DeWitt, Mr. Negron and Mr. Norm Ross, Deputy Superintendent (representing Mr. Jim Paul). (NOTE: Mrs. Bergosh was not present.)

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to make the following revisions:

2.09(2) – Only those persons who have complied with the applicable recruitment and selection rules of the School Board and who hold or have applied for a valid Florida teaching certificate issued on at least a Bachelor’s degree or who hold or have applied for a local certificate issued by this School Board or another School Board in the State of Florida which has equivalent requirements for substitute teachers are eligible to be placed on the roster. If no substitute is available from the roster, alternative substitutes may be utilized provided such persons are first approved by the Human Resources Department. Alternative substitutes are defined as individuals who have an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree or the equivalent of sixty (60) credit hours of coursework from an academically accredited college or university. An alternate substitute may also have a high school diploma with a minimum of five-hundred (500) hours of volunteer or aide work in a classroom setting and a principal’s recommendation.

2.09(4) – The principal shall be responsible for obtaining substitutes for instructional personnel who have to be absent. This responsibility shall not be delegated to instructional personnel without prior agreement between the employee and the principal. In core courses of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, and in other subject areas where a substitute teacher is required for more than five consecutive days, only a regular substitute teacher can be used. In courses other than English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, where a substitute teacher is needed, alternative substitute teachers may be used after the principal has unsuccessfully attempted to secure a regular substitute, or the automated system (SEMS) priority listing is used to secure a substitute. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

2.15 ANNUAL LEAVE – Administrative, professional, and other eligible personnel employed twelve months per school year shall be entitled to annual leave. Instructional personnel whose normal assignments are extended to either eleven or twelve months may be eligible, if recommended by the Superintendent, to accrue annual leave on the same basis with the same restrictions and limitations as administrative and professional personnel; provided however, that they shall not be entitled to the release holidays granted to ten month instructional personnel.

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Ms. Finkelstein, to make the following revisions:

2.15 ANNUAL LEAVE – Administrative, professional, and other eligible personnel employed twelve months per school year shall be entitled to annual leave. Instructional personnel whose normal assignments are extended to ~~either eleven or~~ twelve months ~~may be~~ are eligible, ~~if recommended by the Superintendent~~, to accrue annual leave on the same basis with the same restrictions and limitations as administrative and professional personnel; provided however, that they shall not be entitled to the release holidays granted to ten month instructional personnel. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

2.30 RETIREMENT INCENTIVE – Personnel, who retire by the end of the fiscal year in which they first become eligible under any retirement plan sponsored by a unit of Florida municipal, local or state government, shall be paid a retirement incentive of 25 percent of their gross annual salary provided they have a minimum of 15 years of services with the Escambia School District. This incentive shall be paid no later than June 30 of the fiscal year of retirement. For purposes of calculating this incentive, gross annual salary shall be the salary actually paid, excluding supplements or extra pay, during the fiscal year in which the retirement occurs or the 12 months preceding the date of retirement if the retirement occurs prior to the end of a fiscal year.

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to make the following revision:

2.30 RETIREMENT INCENTIVE – Personnel, who retire by the end of the fiscal year in which they first become eligible under any retirement plan sponsored by a unit of Florida municipal, local or state government, shall be paid a retirement incentive of 25 percent of their gross annual salary provided they have a minimum of 15 years of services with the Escambia School District. This incentive shall be paid no later than ~~June 30~~ July 31 of the fiscal year of retirement. For purposes of calculating this incentive, gross annual salary shall be the salary actually paid, excluding supplements or extra pay, during the fiscal year in which the retirement occurs or the 12 months preceding the date of retirement if the retirement occurs prior to the end of a fiscal year. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

2.32(9) – Nothing in this rule shall preclude the use of school district property as a polling place for any public election. Nothing in this rule shall preclude school district personnel from serving as poll workers during any election in which a polling place is located on school district property.

Motion was made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Clark, to make the following revisions:

2.32(9) - Nothing in this rule shall preclude the use of school district property as a polling place for any public election. Nothing in this rule shall preclude school district personnel from serving as poll workers during any election in which a polling place is located on school district property, or employees acting as a polling place advocate on election day for candidates, issues or initiatives provided that said employees shall take the appropriate leave from their regular duties.

2.32(13) - Administrators for each facility are responsible to ensure that this policy is enforced. Administrators failing to enforce said policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Motion was approved 4 to 0, with Mrs. Bergosh absent for vote.

3. Notice of Intent to Adopt Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-7.11(1) – Students with Serious Communicable Diseases

No discussion was held.

4. Notice of Intent to Adopt “The Jennifer W. Pierce Media and Technology Center” as the name of the Holm Elementary Media Center

No discussion was held.

5. Notice of Intent to Adopt Emergency Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-1.07(2) – Audit Committee

No discussion was held.

6. Notice of Intent to Advertise Revisions to School District Rules, Chapter 4

No discussion was held.

7. Notice of Intent to Advertise Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-(4)A.2 – Student Dress Code

No discussion was held.

8. Notice of Intent to Advertise Amendment to School District Rule 6Gx17-1.07(2) – Audit Committee

No discussion was held.

III. DISCUSSION REGARDING BUDGET POLICIES

Ms. Finkelstein requested that this item be discussed at a future meeting.

IV. AGENDA AND SCHOOL BOARD MEETING PROTOCOL

The Board discussed agenda deadlines and Board meeting protocol. They also discussed the possibility of scheduling two regular meetings per month (one during the day and one in the evening) and the possible development of a policy to ensure that staff reviews all agenda materials for accuracy, prior to submission to the Board.

The Board recognized Sheila Romaine, who addressed her thoughts regarding the issue of two regular meetings per month.

V. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the Special Meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

Attest: Approved:

________________________________ ________________________________

Superintendent Chairman