Call Meeting to Order

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
   Minutes: The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
   
   
2. APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 6, 2007, AGENDA
   Vote Results: PASS
   
     Motion: Nancy Broner
     Second: Kristanna Barnes
   
     Martha Barrett - Aye
     Kristanna Barnes - Aye
     Nancy Broner - Aye
     Vicki Drake - Aye
     Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
     Betty Burney - Aye
     Tommy Hazouri - Aye
   

Invocation

1. INVOCATION
   Minutes: Chairman Vicki Drake gave the Invocation this evening.
   
   
   

Pledge of Allegiance

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Comments from Audience

1. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
   Minutes: Mr. Dave Nelson, a former teacher, spoke with a heavy heart. We need a goal to change the multi-cultural society that we currently live in. There is a good man who is deceased is being slandered in public. He was of high character and unblemished. The historical facts are true regarding Nathan Bedford Forrest. He was a good man and a good choice to name a school after.
   
   Mr. Dave Siebert spoke about kids who disrespect authority. Mr. Siebert isw running for City Council 14 and needs the Board's help. There are political signs on the right-of-way which is trash. We're not supposed to put signs on the roadway and every single year, political signs are there, which is trash, and illegal. This is wrong and anyone in who is in an education position knows it is wrong. You must abandon campaign signs and you should tell your students they are trash and to throw them away.
   
   Ms. Susan Kelley, president of the Jacksonville Symphony Guild, said that music is an important part of our lives. Ms. Kelley also spoke about the AICE program and we're proud of working closely with the Duval County Public Schools. A booklet has been designed to introduce students to the symphony. Ms. Kelley spoke about the recent conference in Tampa whereby they were recognized with a plaque. We actively support the music teachers and the guild would like to thank you for the arts program.
   
   Mr. Stanley Scott addressed an article about Ribault High School rebounding. Mr. Scott requested a breakdown on the $4,000,000 dollars/18 programs. He graduated from Ribault High and is very involved with the partents at the school. The parental involvement and community leadership is not there. Dr. Wise needs to move his office to the school 5 days a week. We need help and more administrators to be there daily. We need consistent meetings with the community and we must not micro-manage the people there.
   
   Dr. Regina Young, representing the Democratic Party, Executive Committee and we want to thank Ms. Burney and Ms. Jackson and show our support for the efforts you are making in District 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 dealing with educational equity. You have our support and we're right behind you. We want to see a difference in the education of youth in all of Jacksonville.
   
   Mr. Edward Exson spoke about being a "contrarian." I have far less patience with deceit, bigots, deducers, black preachers that are blood suckers, black leaders that place an invisible barrier over their people that cannot be broken, insidious ones and capriciousness. Those, I despise with vengeance. Some dysfunctions are pathologies that we cannot control and some were born that way and some are in categories that I despise. My compassion for Ribault may be abnormal. When I see all the capriciousness, I make inquiries and the preponderance of evidence collected shows that the District continues to fail Ribault. What happened to Project Pride and the Reading coaches? Why do you need both a principal and a "managing" principal? Is that a ploy? As I listened to the capital outlays for a new school to be built at your last meeting, huge sums of money, etc., while we languish at Ribault. It is truly amazing. One of Dr. King's seldom used quotes is, "Nothing is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and and conscientious stupidity." When will my people stand up for their children and stop electing to be stupid? White privilege gets all rules waived for them, as is being done for Brad Thoburn who will be named Planning Director, City of Jacksonville. His whiteness trumped all other criteria and it's unbelievable what the powerful can do and get away with. Thank you.
   
   Ms. Ruby Moore-George said her heart was heavy tonight I she spoke with the Board because she knows that every word that proceeded out of the mouths of those that are elected, selected or appointed will determine how well you work with people and how much you want to help children. We can not overgeneralize and we can't make general statements such as, "Don't they all drive Mercedes?" or "Are they all preachers?". We must think about what we say before we say it. Words can hurt or they can heal and we must have a conscious and be cognizant of the fact that the road out of poverty runs by the schoolhouse NOT the jailhouse. It is more important what happens on the greaseboard (we used to say chalkboard) than what happens on the School Board. Yes, we're all so very proud of Brandon tonight and what he has accomplished but I'm reminded of a young man that was murdered in December who was identified as "gifted" in the Duval County Public Schools in grade 3 - murdered at the age of 19. Look what we've lost. I'm reminded of two young men that are now incarcerated that were identified as "gifted" in the Duval County Public Schools in elementary school and now they are incarcerated. My heart is very heavy because we have to do more as your sign says, "Inspiring Dreams". We have so many children in Duval County that are hurting and they aspire to be at the top, also. I was recently in Memphis, Tennessee and I did a presentation for the National Educational Association. Their message is, "One message, many voices...a great public school for every child is a basic light." We need to be on board with that. Yes, we need to put as much money as is necessary in Ribault to turn it around, but we need to look at other children in other schools that are hurting, also. Do we really care? Are we really doing everything that we can do to help all of our children that are in public school? Yes, I'm a product of public schools and I think I turned out rather well. Did I like all of my teachers? No. Did I like all of the administrators? No, but my mother's motto was, "Obviously, you liked them very well because if you don't get your work, you will fail and see them, again." I did not want that to happen but tonight, I must say to you, words can hurt and words can heal and every word that proceedth out of the mouths of our officials should be to let the public know we are for children and we will help children - all children. Thank you.
   
   Mr. Reginald Brown, executive director for Project Reach Foundation. I come tonight to share with you a bit of good news and to extend an invitation to everyone. We have a lot of work to do and we have programs going on in our city that are noteworthy. We need to take out time to use as a reference point of good things happening in our community. I've heard about parents not being involved. The program I'm here to talk to you about this evening is Project PASS. This is the fifth year we've been doing Project PASS - Parents And Students Succeeding. This is a six-week learning academy. To date, we've had an average of over 250 kids to come out on a Saturday with over 100 concerned parents. We do have people in our community that care about our children and care about education. I'd like to extend an invitation to everyone. We're without any school resource officers and no disciplinary actions taking place. We are for Language Arts and Math and we use certified teachers. We have volunteers from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the community and the City of Jacksonville. Parents participate in workshops such as Financial Literacy and we've had the Title I office to come out - Dr. Young, to speak with the parents. We do have some good things happening in Jacksonville and I believe that education will reduce the crime in our city. If we strengthen and put a strong emphasis on education, then we will reduce crime...education is the key. Project Reach benefits the entire community and affects everyone. Please stop by for a few minutes on a Saturday, unnanounced and talk with the parents.
   
   Mr. John Turner said that the high school dropout rate in Jacksonville is 6.6% which is one of the worst dropout rates in the state. A study shows that students who are denied a high school diploma often end up in a life of poverty and crime. Currently, 80% of the people in jail are high school dropouts. Jacksonville is also known as the "murder capital" in Florida. The School Board should be concerned enough to put together a team of experts to address the high school dropout crisis but instead, it gives excuses. You seem to blame the students and not the teachers. The teachers are most to blame and hiding behind your so-called Safety Net programs don't work. Safety Nets should be inspected from time to time or they become useless. SOS - Students Option for Success - when was the last time the Board or Superintendent took a look at this program? As a parent with first-hand experience with this program, I've told you that students were being sent to this program that didn't fit the criteria. The SOS program was being abused by high school principals. When I notified the appropriate school officials of my concern, I was told someone would look into it and get back to me. After two months and still no reply, I called back. My complaint was never look into. Sadly, this scenario is all too common. That is senior staff members, when dealing with parents' complaints, fake concern and do nothing. Why not??? You set the example. I am requesting a report showing whether or not the SOS program is funded by taxpayers and if so, how much does the program cost? Among other things, how many students attended? How many eventually dropped out of high school? Thank you for listening.
   
   Mr. Bodie Catlin responded to the three talking points given to the Board previously about a desire to rename Forrest High School. I felt compelled to be here tonight to respond to the inaccurate portrayal of history. As a Civil War historian, I take pride in defending the honor of Civil War veterans and an issue with three points. The first point was brought up that Forrest was a slave trader and made his fortune that way. This is totally untrue. Forrest became a success by dealing in real estate, cotton and slave sales and as we remember historically in both the North and South, slavery was a way of life with black as well as white slave traders. It should be noted by principle that he never separated slave families and he would not sell his slaves to men of known cruelty. The second point was that General Forrest was a war criminal at the battle of Fort Pillow. The truth of history is that after the war, Union General Sherman chaired a congressional committee to investigate the supposed allegations of the so-called massacre at Fort Pillow. Sherman was quoted before the hearing to saying, "We are here to investigate Forrest, charge Forrest, convict Forrest and hang Forrest." After interviewing hundreds of our witnesses, the committee exonerated Forrest of all charges brought against him. They found no evidence of a massacre and no wrongdoing by Forrest. In truth, Forrest asked for the surrender three times before he ordered the assault. The Union committee concluded that the Fort Pillow disaster was largely do to the incompetence of the Union command and in truth, Forrest acted honorably towards the prisoners that were captured. His third point was that Forrest founded the Klan and became its first Grand Wizard. Once again, his opinion does not line up with the truth of history. He did not found the Klan nor was he the first Grand Wizard, instead he was seeking to have the Klan disband, which he did. Please note that these facts were part of the 1871 congressional investigation into Forrest's alleged wrongdoings. In closing, I'd like to say that Forrest's conduct exemplified the highest standard of morals which young people could emulate today. He did not drink alcohol or use tobacco. He was a hero to the South. He was the only soldier North or South to rise from the rand of private to general. After the war, in an address in Memphis in 1875, Forrest said to a black organization, "We were born on the same soil, live in the same land and why should we not be brothers and sisters? I want to elevate every man and to see you take your places in your shops and offices. I feel that you are free men. I am a free man. I came here as a friend and when I can serve any of you, I will." All that said in history to edify this great man, why would you even consider changing the name of Forrest High School? Thank for your time.
   
   Ms. Eunice Barnum spoke about her grandchildren's test scores. They are receiving a poor education and I need these children to get a good education. I have begged for help before and I'm begging now. Please give my children an education in the community where we reside.
   
   Ms. Sheila Andrews spoke about the lack of what is being labeled as "education" at her child's school - Ribault Senior High. On paper, you told the state you prepared a Success Plan for every freshman. I haven't seen one and can't get in touch with my child's guidance counselor - no response. I'm raising two boys who need to be educated to become self-employed and prepared. My son took Keystone they did not map out a plan for him. I have faith in our Superintendent and we need him to take up residence at Ribault. Saturday school is not working. Our future is now on the streets with the highest murder rate in Florida. I don't want my children to become statistics.
   
   Ms. Ayesha Covington has a teenage daughter attending Robert E. Lee High School and she is struggling to get her graduated. Please don't tell the black students that they can drop out of school. They are telling black kids they can quit school but they're telling white kids they can go to college. The guidance counselor is trying to engage my daughter but the school is so outdated and in need of resources. Mr. Hazouri, I graduated when you were mayor and you gave us things back then. I can't get anyone to mentor my daughter in the inner city. The communities are is disarray there. Our Superintendent needs to get in the trenches. The kids do not get breakfast at Lee High School and the buses are late all the time. Please look into these areas of concern.
   
   Mr. Todd Thompson said he proposes to put Forrest's speech to the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers Association, July 5, 1875 inside the school at a place of prominence (the entrance). See Attachment
   
   Ysryl said that fathers must be involved with their sons and daughters. We need a strategic plan and we must work with education and receive true love. Everyone must accept the responsibility and get away from racism and the KKK and Black Panthers, etc. We can fix this if we work together. It is a full time job.
   
   

Comments from Parent Organizations

1. COMMENTS FROM PARENT ORGANIZATIONS
   Minutes: District Advisory Council:
   
   Chairman Rachel Raneri said the DAC met on January 22, 2007 and we had an outstanding attendance. Chief Officer Jonathan Brice updated us on how schools are preparing for FCAT and how teachers and administrators are helping students reduce their anxiety. We reviewed the DAC Bylaws and they were amended.
   
   Several members said their areas are having problems with food service staff. This appears to be in areas that lack public transportation. Part of the problem is that these are part-time, low paying positions. Without transportation, they are hard to fill. This also holds true for custodial positions. It was suggested that Aramark try to work with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority to see if routes could be added or scheduled to accommodate these areas. Wiley Swanson will follow-up.
   
   What do juniors and seniors do during FCAT testing? Several areas reported that these students do not attend school on those days. There was much concern about high school truancy.
   
   Parents have expressed interest in changes that will be made concerning ESE students. The public has not been informed about how these changes will be implemented. If all ESE students are to attend their neighborhood schools, how will the district ensure there are proper resources for all students? We need to make certain the public is informed before any changes occur.
   
   Now, a moment of personal privilege. I mentioned to you previously that the DAC, in trying to be proactive, has put together a task force to look at the increase in violence in our city and the affect it has on our students and schools. I would like to introduce Ysryl. He has been appointed to the District Advisory Council and has agreed to chair the task force. He is working with the Mayor's office on this issue, as well.
   
   My hope is that this will be a catalyst for cooperation between the city and the schools in an effort to reduce violence.
   
   The next DAC meeting will be Monday, February 26, 2007, 6:00 p.m. in the 6th floor conference room.
   
   PTA
   
   Pam Kinevan, president of the Duval County Council of PTA's/PTSA's said our next general meeting will be held Tuesday, February 20 in the Cline Auditorium. Hospitality begins at 9:30 am with our business meeting beginning propmptly at 10:00 am. This meeting is open to all PTA members.
   
   On January 30, Council Council held an "End of Year Workshop". Information was presented on nominating committees, election of officers, procedure books, auditing financial records, and many other topics for PTA's to end their year successfully.
   
   In November, 2006, PTA participated in Take Your Legislator to School Day. As a result in meeting with some of our state senators and representatives, a Law Studies class at Stanton College Preparatory School researched the impact of a new law mandating a school start date of no sooner than two weeks prior to Labor Day. Two weeks ago, a group of six students traveled to Tallahassee to speak to the Senate Education Committee. We are hopeful that the Stanton students will serve as an inspiration to other students to invite their legislators to school and to get involved in the legislative process.
   
   On February 28, we will hold a legislative workshop int he 6th floor conference room. This workshop is open to all PTA members. We will cover edudcational issues currently pending in the legislature as well as issues we would like to bring to the attention of the legislature.
   
   Again, this month, many of our members are working to prepare for the next opening of the Teacher Supply Depot, February 8, 3:00-6:00 p.m. We encourage all teachers and principals to take advantage of all the Teacher Supply Depot has to offer. Thank you.
   
   

Comments from Employee Organizations

1. COMMENTS FROM EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS
   Minutes: Ms. Terrie Brady, president, Duval Teachers United, addressed four issues:
   
   (1) Legislative Program
   (2) Under-Performing Teachers
   (3) Employee Pay
   (4) STAR Plan
   
   Legislative Package:
   
   We're currently going through a ratification process
   
   I have for you a copy of FEA, our state organization's legislative package for this upcoming session (distributed brochure). FEA represents 189,000 employees throughout the state of Florida and we worked collaboratively for three months leading up to the Legislative Plan and we want to share with you our package for this year. Our state president, is our former DTU president, Andy Ford.
   
   Highlight this year, we're going to focus on retirement at 1.6% of our school employees. We are the lowest in contributory retirement in the entire southern states for our retirement package. Our retirement bill for increase for 1.8%, 2.0% and 2.5% contribution has already been agendaed both in the House and Senate, first time ever. We, also, have a working group in the House and Senate regarding health care subsidies with cost containment for employees of state and municipalities.
   
   Other recommendations you see throughout this under the tax policy, changes in FCAT, universal pre-K, high quality workforce and under "More Recommendations", are additional recommendations that we are making here for our employees. None of this is in conflict with what you and we've worked collaboratively through the School Board and Duval Teachers United and we look forward to an exciting session and we feel we are prepared to go in and win some great victories during the legislative session. I do have some additional programs if any of the leadership would like to have them.
   
   Under-Performing Teachers:
   
   It is my understanding that the Superintendent met with his Leadership Team to discuss some research. In any business or organization, you have the top 10% performers and then you have those that might be satisfactory, but then in the lower realm, they need assistance and help. From this meeting, I've been told, there was not a challenge but a strong encouragement that principals really look at their faculties and staff to see who lies in the bottom percentiles, and they're satisfactory employees, so there could be some assistance made either through the Success Plan or, which is specified in the contract, or maybe some creative raise in which to give them some additional training and assistance, to kick them up a notch and make them outstanding teachers. That was a pure concept of wanting to lend support and assistance to teachers who wanted always to better themselves. That's not the way it has happened in the district.
   
   What's happened in the district is we now have two weeks before FCAT, principals giving Success Plans, invalid letters of intent of unsatisfactory evaluations with no observations and I do want to make note that every time we've brought this to the attention of either Ms. Reynolds or Mr. Sundstrom, the matter has been investigated and taken care of if there has not been valid approaches. So, something good and pure to assist and help teachers, we think, has gotten out of control.
   
   One other thing, that maybe through bargaining, very soon, Ms. Reynolds, and if the Superintendent and Board would agree, we could sit down and address exactly what the intent of that meeting was...maybe we could do some instructional enhancement programs in lieu of Success Plans, which sounds so damaging and unsatisfactory, to give these teachers who are satisfactory, that extra training or that extra kick to help them reach that "outstanding" level and we would be willing to come to the table through research to develop this form very quickly so our principals can start off the year utilizing that tool to enhance their faculties and staff so that everybody on their faculty is outstanding.
   
   I do want to make note that on those excited new Nationally Board Certified Teachers, two had been given Success Plans by different principals since the supposed directive came down and we found that out today. It doesn't make sense and we're going to bring it up to your attention tomorrow.
   
   Employee Pay:
   
   We've discussed this repeatedly and in the past years, about seven years ago, through Collective Bargaining, there used to be two salary schedules with United Office Personnel. One for the "exempts" and one for the "bargaining unit". We felt that it was a deterioration of morale in this bargaining unit so through trust and a restructuring of a salary schedule and a lot of collaboration, we merged the two salary schedules to help morale, to help validate workers' commitment to the district and to make it work.
   
   Guess what? I think we're back to where we were. Back in November, seven individual Secretary III's and Secretary IV's were given two raises over several months that totaled over 17% pay raises. All these individuals are Civil Service and they are all of the exempt status, so anything can be done without collective bargaining, but, there were no new job specs created, no new reclassifications were made and it had been stated that these individuals had "added responsibilities."
   
   So do all the other employees in this unit in this district. Of course, we at DTU, have many concerns over the salary increases. You, as a Board, have just changed past practice for collective bargaining by approving those raises. As it relates to bargaining, not only with DTU but all the other bargaining units that are non-certificated, you, the Board, always sets a priority that the employees that work directly with students would get the largest percentage of a raise like principals, teachers, para-professionals and those that directly work with the academic instruction of our students...but, now you have just given the largest increase of any employee in this district to individuals who don't work in schools nor do they work with students. Now, as a union, we want everyone to receive quality pay for the work that they perform. I'm sure all of these individuals are worthy of a 17% pay raise which was in two different raises and not all at one time. I'm sure these individuals are worthy and they work very hard but so do the other members in our district. To only single out seven is a slap in the face of other exempt employees...every school-based bookkeeper, HR clerk, accounts payable and payroll employee that we, as a union and the other bargaining units, represent. People work their hardest when they feel they are being valued for their work that they perform.
   
   There is no way that only seven people deserve that healthy of a pay raise. The inequities will be addressed at the bargaining table in the very near future. Please don't keep chipping away at the morale problem in this district by such blatant disregard to the majority that works hard to keep this district moving.
   
   STAR Performance Plan
   
   We're currently going through a ratification process which is set forth by collective bargaining. We've mailed out the packets; we've mailed out ballots and we will be having a Ratification Meeting on February 20.
   
   I will share with the Board that now, as stated when we first addressed this, that it pits teacher against teacher and that, in this county, we have a greater population of high performing teachers than just that 25% that is set forth by the state law. This plan is set forth by the state and does not build collaboration or learning communities for our schools or students. We, at DTU, feel strongly that the state should have allowed districts and unions to write their own Performance Plan to include everyone. I feel that it has been the state's desire to pit the school districts against their unions and they have done that in most cases. We know what works in our county better than anyone else because we do it every day. We have had Performance Plans approved by the state, the joint plan that we've written, fits the formation of Performance Plans. We've stepped up; we've bargained; we've sent the plans and they've been approved by the DOE and all of a sudden, what we've done in the past, wasn't good enough and it was all based on student learning gains.
   
   Please join with me in lobbying the legislature this upcoming year to continue to send the Performance Pay to counties but to allow us to collaborate and to write our own plans because no one knows our students and our benchmarks and our needs better than those here in this district. Thank you very much.
   
   

Presentations

1. PRESENTATION - OUTSTANDING SCHOOL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
   Minutes: The Outstanding School Volunteer Award is presented annually by the Florida Department of Education to school volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to quality education.
   
   An award is given in three categories:
    A youth award for volunteers who are 20 years of age and younger;
    An adult award for volunteers who are 21 to 61 years of age; and
    A senior award for volunteers who are 62 years of age or older.
   
   And, the winners are…
   
   Youth Volunteer of the Year
    Claire Futo is the Youth Volunteer of the Year. Claire attends Douglas Anderson School of the Arts where she has volunteered over 130 hours of service in the past year and a half.
   
    Claire has helped to coordinate many projects, from fundraising campaigns to enhance areas of the school—to watering plants and flowers in the courtyard during the summer break.
   
    In the words of the person who nominated her, “Claire is one of the best examples of volunteerism in the history of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Claire faithfully gives her time, effort and thought to make her school and community the best they can possibly be. Claire truly embodies the spirit and consistent effort of volunteerism.”
   
   Congratulations, Claire! Thank you for working so tirelessly to help your school and your community. You inspire us all.
   
   Adult Volunteer of the Year
    John Hilling is the Adult Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Hilling has volunteered 900 hours of his time within the last year and a half at Sallye Mathis and Norwood Elementary schools.
   
    A ten-year Duval County Public Schools’ volunteer, Mr. Hilling helps with anything and everything. No task is too small or unimportant. He changes the marquee in front of the school, answers phone calls in the schools’ offices and chaperones field trips. He is well-known and well-respected by the students and staff at Sallye Mathis and Norwood Elementary schools.
   
    In fact, the students call him Uncle John demonstrating that they recognize him as a member of their families.
   
    As stated in his nomination form, “John has the ability to bring out the best in everyone. He has all of the attributes of a great volunteer. Volunteers care. Not just plain care, but deep-down, bottom of the heart kind of care.”
   
    Mr. Hilling, we honor you today for all the wonderful things you do to help make our schools a warm, friendly and supportive place for children to learn! Thank you for everything you have done!
   
   Senior Volunteer of the Year Award
    Kenneth N. Hatcher is the Senior Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Hatcher has volunteered 650 hours at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in the last year and a half.
   
    While he began volunteering in the Visual Arts Department, Mr. Hatcher helps everyone at Douglas Anderson. He coordinates exhibitions of students’, alumni and community artists.
   
    “Mr. Hatcher cares about the school and its campus whether he is trimming the bamboo in the sculpture garden, picking up trash in the parking lot, helping teachers move furniture in their classrooms or putting together and hanging an exhibition.”
   
    Thank you, Mr. Hatcher, for volunteering your time to inspire excellence in the students, teachers and staff of Douglas Anderson!
   
   On behalf of everyone at Duval County Public Schools, we would like to thank each of you for your dedication to helping others—Claire, Mr. Hilling and Mr. Hatcher—we appreciate you!
   
   
2. PRESENTATION - WILLIE GARY/MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ESSAY CONTEST WINNER
   Minutes:  Two Duval County Public Schools’ students participated in and won the Willie Gary/Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest, which was held last month.
   
    Each student participant was required to write a 250-word essay expressing what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream meant to him or her.
   
    Congratulations to Tyrone Morgan, a fifth grader at R.L. Brown Elementary School. Tyrone wrote that King’s legacy means that he has many freedoms, including “an opportunity to have friends from different races.”
   
    We would also like to congratulate Obioma Ezinwa, an eighth grader at James Weldon Johnson Middle School, for her winning essay. Obioma (Oh-bee-ohma) expressed that she keeps Dr. King’s dream alive “by preaching the good book of tolerance, advocating the proverb of equality, and ministering on the merits of every man’s rights.”
   
    Both Tyrone and Obioma attended the Fourth Annual Willie Gary/Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon, which was held in January, and they read their essays on stage as part of the luncheon’s program.
   
    In addition to participating in the luncheon, both students will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta to visit the King Center.
   
   
3. PRESENTATION - CAMBRIDGE SCHOLAR AWARD
   Minutes:  Congratulations to Nnenna Theresa Opara from Mandarin High School for being named a 2006 Cambridge Scholar.
   
    This honor is awarded to students who have achieved excellence on the Cambridge International Examinations. The examinations are given to students participating in the AICE Diploma Program. Students must score extremely well to be considered for the award.
   
    Theresa has worked tirelessly, and with great determination, to accommodate the stringent requirements for participation in the AICE Diploma Program. Her hard work has paid off.
   
   AICE Program
    We also would like to recognize the inaugural AICE Diploma class from Mandarin High School who are here with us tonight to lend support to their classmate, Theresa. They all deserve recognition for their participation in the AICE Diploma program—an international pre-university curriculum and examination system that emphasizes the value of broad and balanced study for students.
   
    Will each of the students from the inaugural AICE Diploma class please stand now, so we may recognize you?
   
    Let’s give them all a round of applause for accepting and excelling in the challenging AICE Diploma program.
   
    Congratulations, Theresa, and all of your AICE classmates! We look forward to hearing more about your future successes!
   
   
4. PRESENTATION - EDWIN A. HOEY AWARD WINNER
   Minutes:  Mandarin Middle School Teacher Jane Feber has won the 2006 Edwin A. Hoey Award for Outstanding Educator in English Language Arts.
   
    This award is presented annually by the National Council of Teachers of English to an exceptional English language arts teacher of grades 5 – 8 who has demonstrated excellence in teaching English language arts by inspiring a spirit of inquiry and a love of learning in students.
   
    Jane has been teaching for more than 30 years and earned her National Board Certification in 2001. She is no stranger to us. At a recent board meeting, we recognized Jane as the brainchild of the Guinness Book of World Records’ state-wide reading initiative.
   
    Jane teaches a 6 - 8 grade language arts class for gifted students and a 6th grade intensive reading class for high need students at Mandarin Middle School.
   
    Jane has won several other awards including the 2003 Teacher of the Year for FCTE and the 2002 Gladys Prior Award for Teaching Excellence.
   
    Congratulations, Jane! We are so lucky to have talented and inspiring teachers like you on our team.
   
   
5. PRESENTATION - FLORIDA TIMES-UNION SUPER 24 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
   Minutes:  Very few teenagers make headlines like our next honoree. Please welcome Forrest High School Linebacker Brandon Hicks, who is the most heavily-recruited player in the history of the school.
   
    Brandon has an impressive resume, both academically and athletically, and he hasn’t even graduated from high school, yet.
   
    He has made headlines in the past year by being the first Forrest player in the history of the school to be offered an athletic football scholarship from the University of Miami, Florida State University AND the University of Florida.
   
    Brandon has been named the 2006 Times-Union Super 24 Player of the Year, and he was featured in a Florida Times-Union article on Sunday, February 4 announcing his commitment to stay in Florida to play college football.
   
    Congratulations, Brandon! We are proud of your success, both on and off, the gridiron. Remember to come back and mentor in Duval County Public Schools when you make it to the NFL!
   
   
6. PRESENTATION - NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS
   Minutes:  Congratulations to the more than 60 Duval County Public Schools’ teachers who recently earned National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
   
    Achieving National Board Certification is the highest symbol of professional teaching excellence.
   
    Each of these individuals worked hard to achieve this important designation, and we applaud your commitment and achievement!
   
    We also would like to acknowledge our partner, Duval Teachers United, who works equally-hard throughout the entire certification process. Duval Teachers United helps to coordinate every aspect of the National Board Certification process from coordinating and facilitating trainings for the candidates to distributing information to the candidates, and a little bit of everything in between.
   
    We thank Duval Teachers United for their dedication and support in assisting our newly-appointed National Board Certified Teachers achieve this important designation, and for helping Duval County Public Schools achieve national leadership status in National Board Certification!
   
    As I call out the names of the National Board Certified teachers, each of you please come up to the front to accept your certificate, and be recognized for your achievement?
   
   (First Group)
    Nancy Ballard - Baldwin Middle/Senior
    Elizabeth Bassett —Alimacani Elementary
    Mary Bergan —Loretto Elementary
    Donna Bonk—Southside Estates Elementary
    Nancy Brehm —Greenland Pines Elementary
    Jerri Brown — Twin Lakes Academy Middle
    Gola Cherney - Chet's Creek Elementary
    Laura Cochran —Sabal Palm Elementary
    Elena Collins — Alden Road Middle/High
    Amber Cooley—Dinsmore Elementary
   
   (Second Group)
    Kitty Copper—Loretto Elementary
    Jennifer Corsano —Landmark Middle
    Erin Crider —Stanton College Prep
    Leah Cygan —Jacksonville Heights Elementary
    Brenda Davis—Sallye Mathis Elementary
    Lynn Doiron —Merrill Road Elementary
    Rebecca Durkin —Sandalwood High
    Sandra Fountain—Loretto Elementary
    Angela Gardner—Wolfson High
    Mariah Gaskins—Arlington Heights Elementary
   
   (Third Group)
    Ellen Golden—Lake Shore Middle
    Mary Grove—Alden Road Middle/High
    Lou Hartley—Beauclerc Elementary
    Mary Harvey—Ribault High
    Kathy Highsmith—Sheffield Elementary
    Kristie Holley—Loretto Elementary
    Judy Howard—Annie R. Morgan Elementary
    Amy Johns—Stanton College Prep
    Dana Johnson—Landmark Middle
    Deborah Kapples —Mount Herman ESE
   
   (Fourth Group)
    Harriett Kisilinsky —First Coast High
    Vanessa Knight —Mandarin High
    Donald Kraichely —Garden City Elementary
    Amber Krisciunas —Kernan Middle
    Saveta Le —Alimacani Elementary
    Tonya Marx—Paxon School for Advanced Studies
    Brenda Mathisen —Garden City Elementary
    Susan McCullough —Highlands Middle
    Connie McDonald—Kirby-Smith Middle
    Katherine McIntyre —LaVilla School of the Arts
   
   (Fifth Group)
    Melissa McKinney—San Mateo Elementary
    Carmen Meyer - Fletcher High
    Jill Newhouse—Timucuan Elementary
    Jayne Phillips—Frank H. Peterson High
    Frances Plappert —Sandalwood High
    Ana Redding Shepard—Stanton College Prep
    Sandra Reeder—Greenland Pines Elementary
    Tonya Rowan—Beauclerc Elementary
    Kelly Sedell —Merrill Road Elementary
    Melissa Shaw—San Mateo Elementary
   
   (Sixth Group)
    Ronda Simmonds —San Mateo Elementary
    Elizabeth Stansel —Darnell-Cookman Middle
    Carol Staup —First Coast High
    Terry Stuckey—Greenland Pines Elementary
    Stacy Terrazzano —Timucuan Elementary
    Barbara Thompson—Alimacani Elementary
    Linda Tompkins—Garden City Elementary
    Edith Vanderhoek —Terry Parker High
    Nicholas Vasiliades —Twin Lakes Academy Middle
    Grace Wilhelm—Darnell-Cookman Middle
    Judith Williams—Fort Caroline Middle
    Charmaine Wood—Sheffield Elementary
    Chandra Wooden Solis —Oceanway Middle
   
   
7. REPORT - MR. JERRY HOLLAND - SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS - UPDATE ON STUDENT VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE
   Minutes: Thank you for letting us come and report on how successful our students have been. Two weeks ago, we had the county-wide school registration drive and it was the first time we did it in two days. Last year we broke the record with 3,400 students, let's do 5,000 this year. The students stepped up and accepted responsibility and we registered 5,213 students in two days. That is in all public, private, colleges and university. In your school system was 3,954 students which was outstanding.
   
   We had a little contest going among all the schools in both the public and private side. On the public side, the schools that were more than 500 students of the age 17 or older that were eligible to be registered or in the category of less than 500. The two winners tonight are: category of 500 or less was Paxon School for Advanced Studies and they registerd 70% of their eligible students out of the 415 students, they registred 289 students. We're very proud of them.
   
   In our category of above 500, was Fletcher High School, which had eligible 914 students and they registered of 452 students which was outstanding. We'll be going out to those two schools and present them their award. This award will move around each year. Many thanks to Dr. Worley. Thank you, Dr. Wise, for giving us someone to work with as he did an excellent job in helping us and we really appreciate that. We look forward to doing it next year. Thank you!
   
   Speaker:
   Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
   
   
8. REPORT - SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - DR. JOSEPH WISE
   Minutes: Obviously, this is FCAT season and I want to spend the bulk of the time on that tonight. In fact, I wish in my heart we could have the private schools, the church schools and other non-public schools go through the same FCAT scrutiny that we do because, I think we'd be pretty pleased as to what we saw in comparison. That won't happen in our life time, I don't think, but it is FCAT season that started today with 4th grade writing and more and more, I'm thinking that this really has become a March-to-March school district. We have a school opening and a school closing and it doesn't start or end in March, but I think our lunar cycle and academic cycle is really March-to-March. The more we look at finishing FCAT, we're going to have to be thoughtful about things like getting on with the next grade level, get started with the new standards, etc. because that really is more strategic when you think about we have to do as adults to support students in what they have to do.
   
   Tonight, I want to let you know first-hand some of the things I have seen. I'm going to call some school examples that might get me in trouble with some colleagues, but probably only temporarily, but some things I've seen first-hand and heard about first-hand because there is backbreaking work going on. Because FCAT started today, we're actually finish FCAT March 9. Everybody doesn't go through it all those days, you know, it is sort of staggered so there are rest periods and things like that but it is the high season academically and it's important.
   
   First of all, I want to talk about Holiday Hill Elementary School. I told the Executive staff yesterday, I understand flexible grouping and I push flexible grouping. I have never seen flexible grouping where they don't even know a classroom wall exists. They've got kids in the cafeteria, kids in the hallway, on the floors in the office, kids in little huddles all over the place. Mr. Sundstrom and I went out there last week; it's truly exemplary when you look at what they're doing right in the high season.
   
   I traded emails with George Maxey over the weekend...240 students at Ribault Middle School in the Saturday academy. That's a voluntary academy, unbelievable, when you think about adults, students, parents stepping up to do this last minute extra work.
   
   I was at Ribault High School at the end of last week, you might think this is a little morose, but dealing with dead verbs is important in writing and so they've got this tombstone deal dangling from the ceiling in the Languarge Arts classroom to be reminded about dead verbs and retiring them so they can juice up their writing, so to speak.
   
   Raines High School and Butler Middle School are two of the schools (we have others) where they had a lock-in all night long, writing camps...in pajamas, doing the sloppy copy and going over and keying it into the computer so they can get the holistic score on the 6 point scale. It was amazing how many parents and students participated in all of that.
   
   Reggie mentioned the Champs Walk this weekend in the Raines and Ribault neighborhoods to remind parents that special things have to happen at home to get ready for this. I heard and I won't steal any of Mr. Brice's thunder, but I heard of extra cell phones being passed out and people targeting, as an example, at Pearson Elementary School. Those we think are prone to be late or those prone to miss based on their record, picking up the phone saying, "You've got to be here! We've got to have you here!"
   
   Jeff Davis Middle School, the media specialist, also happens to be certified in science and is taking 60 students off and working with them. I'll tell you, I did talk really firmly with principals at the beginning of this year and at the end of last year, FCAT is an important measure. It's not the only measure and so I want us to be thoughtful about what year-round looks like, what March-to-March looks like. I want us to be thoughtful about test-taking strategies and heightening awareness of this because it's something that we have to do as a community, but I don't want us living and dying by it in terms of how it affects...I think as soon as this is over on March 9th then we've got to get back into helping kids get a little bit of breathing time, a little bit of psychological renewal because it is draining...what we all go through with this.
   
   Lastly, I know that former sheriff Nat Glover, even though he was a Stanton grad, he was at Forrest High School to talk about the importance of focusing on the test and making academics a priority. I'm watching this back-breaking work going on. Board members, I hope you are, too, and I know that you are in each of your districts. Those are a few of the things that I've watched as I had a chance to be in schools this last week.
   
   Finally, I want to report to you that I did have a really productive session with 22 faith-based leaders at a working breakfast last week and we've committed that those 22 will turn this into 44, I'm hoping. The mayor's new faith-based, outreach staff member is going to host the next one where we're connecting school to parents through the churches, synagogues and mosques so that we can have better touch points with parents to help them stay informed and help them stay in tune with what's happening with their children.
   
   Lastly, I want to talk this evening about maybe some misnomers as you see the media coverage and as you hear from the speakers tonight this graduation and drop-out rate issue. There just aren't higher priorities in this district than graduation and drop-out issues which is a persistent problem in our school district, and the reading issues. They have to remain the top two areas of focus because they are the foundation for everything else. You can say, "Well, our math scores surpass our reading scores..." or some of you may have heard me say, "That's a false indicator...it has to do with the cut score game at the state." You can't out-perform your math record if you don't bolster your reading record. You can't do any of that if the students aren't in school.
   
   Ms. Brady and I talked today about a joint platform. We've got to push the legislature to make 17 the mandatory age to stay in school and not 16. We can't have legislators say, "We can't afford it" which has been their alibi. That's a huge piece of our getting the law to help us, but more importantly, we've expanded menu options because you've allowed us to this year. You know, we've launched the "Drop Back In" academy; we've gone from six to seven centers all over the county; we've launched through FCCJ the new charter school, The Pathways Academy, another type of Drop Back In academy. Mr. Pratt-Dannals, Dr. Larsen, Dr. Lingren and I interviewed Ombudsmen, another group that might be providing some services to us in sort of a Drop Back In, although a different play. You started before I got here the Pre GI (Graduation Initiative) and the Graduation Initiative in middle and high schools, so expanding the menu is an important thing and we're doing that, but more importantly, I want it to be really clear...I do not own this problem alone. This Board does not own this problem alone and my 14,000 staff members, we do not own this problem alone. This problem has persisted for decades in this city and it will not get solved until of us work together to take this down, and I'm sorry Mr. Hazouri, to a kid-by-kid-by-kid basis because that ultimately...the research is really clear, you solve that when you engage kids one at a time...and it might be a teacher, principal, superintendent, faith-based leader, mayor, another volunteer, or business person, but we've simply got to take ownership of this, across the city and I'll promise you that we'll do everything we need to do to get this done, but we will not solve this alone. I'm anxious for us to continue the dialogue. I'm anxious for us to continue the agreement, the disagreement, the knashing of the teeth, all of those things, frankly, that make this Board a great Board and, also, a pretty hard one to work for, but we've just simply got to get ownership throughout the city for this issue because it is the thing that holds the city back and we know the economic development imperative. We know how it ties to murder rate and jail rate and all of those things. I look forward for us continuing this work and actually intensifying this work. Thanks for what you have allowed us to do to help build on the options...lots and lots of work ahead, so thank you for the time tonight and thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve this important district.
   
   
9. REPORT - READING UPDATE - DR. AMY LINGREN
   Minutes: The Reading Adoption Committee launched a second teacher survey to 2,715 K-5 teachers and received a 38% response (over 1,000 teachers). A Coach survey on professional practice and professional development will be launched in February.
   
   All elementary, middle and high schools have established the state Department of Education required Reading Leadership Teams. These teams are charged to analyze school reading data, make recommendations for improvement and monitor reading at their school sites.
   
   The New Reading and Language Arts Standards are now available on the Florida Department of Education's website: www.flstandards.org The number and scope of the benchmarks have been reduced; the revision increases critical thinking skills and includes skills necessary for post secondary work. A committee has been formed to plan the district implementation of the new standards and will make a recommendation for the roll-out by April.
   
   The Secondary Intensive Reading Committee is wrapping up its review of the current Intensive Reading course. 835 Intensive Reading students participated in a survey and student focus groups were conducted at Jackson High and Fort Caroline Middle with Level 1 and Level 2 students from all grade levels in each school. Recommendations will be made to the office of Curriculum & Instructional Services by mid February. A revised Secondary Intensive Reading program will be implemented 2007-2008 academic year.
   
   Spelling Bee Update:
   
   85 Spelling Bee school champs including private and home-schooled students participated in a 100 Word Challenge written competition resultin in the top 20 students advancing to the Duval County Public Schools Spelling Bee this Thursday, February 8th at 6:00 p.m. at Landon Middle School.
   
   We are pleased to invite the commuity to join with the School Board in celebrating this occasion.
   
   Speakers:
   Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
   Dr. Joseph Wise, Superintendent of Schools
   Ms. Betty Burney, Vice Chairman
   Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Board Member
   Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
   Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Member
   Ms. Vicki Drake, Board Chairman
   
   
10. REPORT - FACILITIES UPDATE - MR. DOUG AYARS
    Minutes: We had a successful groundbreaking ceremony about a week ago for the new K-8 at North Shore Elementary. Many people are looking forward to the opening of this school and it should be a great school when we're done.
    
    The other issue is the high school and the property. It continues to look promising. I think, verbally, and all the right terms with the Davis family, with the help of counsel, Karen Chastain, and their attorney, are reviewing those terms. We have the survey and the property identified. You approved for us to move forward on the cost, etc. I hope soon we'll have that signed contract and then we can lay out the timeline. We're still committed to the summer of 2010 and we'll continue to pursue that.
    
    Speaker:
    Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Board Member
    
    
    
11. SUPERINTENDENT'S STANDARD BEARER & ACCELERATION SCHOOLS UPDATE - MR. JONATHAN BRICE
    Minutes: 1. Today students throughout our district took the “FCAT Writes” assessment.
    
    • We visited 10 cluster schools and were impressed with the focus that our students exhibited.
    • I believe that all schools provided students with opportunities to prepare and most students felt prepared for their writing prompts.
    • Attendance is important for all students each day but certainly more so on during FCAT
    a. Rutledge Pearson had 100% of 4th graders present (52)
    b. Lake Forest had 96.7% of 4th graders present (2 out of 60)
    c. Jean Ribault had 92% of 10th graders present (17 out 196)
    
    Every student who was absent at these three schools received a personal telephone call and we look forward to their completing FCAT Writes tomorrow.
    
    2. One of the schools I visited today was Mattie V. Rutherford. I witnessed first hand students deeply engaged in the writing process. I am proud of the efforts of these students. I am also proud to report that the Board of Education’s and Superintendent’s action have led to a decrease in enrollment at the alternative schools and provided secondary assistant principals with the professional development opportunity to review suspension packets from schools district-wide.
    o At the direction of the Superintendent staff briefed the board on a new review process for enrollment into district alternative schools and early data confirm what we expected.
    o Enrollment at Mattie V. Rutherford based on the 98 day count shows that in the 2005-2006 school year 261 students were enrolled at the school compared to 173 students enrolled at the same time in 2006-2007. A decrease in enrollment of 33%
    o Enrollment at Lackawanna based on the 98 day count shows that in the 2005-2006 school year 124 students were enrolled at the school compared to 118 students enrolled at the same time in 2006-2007. A decrease in enrollment of 5%
    o Enrollment at Grand Park based on the 98 day count shows that in the 2005-2006 school year 143 students were enrolled at the school compared to 110 students enrolled at the same time in 2006-2007. A decrease in enrollment of 23%
    o The total decrease in enrollment is 24% district-wide.
    
    3. Finally I have provided an update to the Board through the Superintendent about the additional steps, “Take the Mountain to Muhammed” process underway at Jean Ribault High School. I recognized that board members have not had time to review this information so I will address one key action from each area.
    • In the area of teaching and learning Jean Ribault has mailed to each parent a work sheet explaining the mini-assessments that provides overall results and identifies student strengths and weaknesses.
    • Communication efforts have included the purchase and use of 12 cell phones so that teachers can call parents immediately when a student is absent from school. We also enlisted the support of the NAACP education committee who conduct a phone-a-thon to encourage parents to attend community meetings and assist the school in preparing students for FCAT.
    • Attendance efforts continue as an additional 30 students and parents have met with school truancy officers and been placed on agreements to attend school regularly.
    • In terms of support for student during the day we have added an additional full-time science teacher to assist 11th grade student with FCAT science, and additional temporary staff to conduct individualized reading and mathematics instruction. Thank you!
    
    Speakers:
    Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
    Mr. Royce Turner, Principal, Ribault High School
    Dr. Joseph Wise, Superintendent of Schools
    Ms. Betty Burney, Board Member
    Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Chief Academic Officer
    Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Member
    Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
    Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Board Member
    Ms. Martha Barrett, Board Member
    
    
12. REPORT - MATH-SCIENCE UPDATE - MR. TIM BALLENTINE & MS. RUTH SENFTLEBER
    Minutes: Science:
    
    Tonight the science update will focus on three areas:
    professional development,
    instructional materials, and
    the Science FCAT.
    
    District-level professional development
    
    The following percentages of teachers have participated in professional development this school year.
    
    High school
     37% of earth science teachers (n=27);
     21% of biology teachers (17);
     30% of chemistry teachers (21); and
     23 % of physics teachers (8).
    
    Middle school
     20% of middle school teachers (n=55).
    
    In June 2006 and Fall 2006 elementary teachers participated in grade level workshops.
     21% of fifth grade teachers (n=79);
     10% of fourth grade teachers (39); and
     9 % of third grade teachers (39).
    
    In addition 12% of middle and high school teachers participated in inquiry workshops that support science projects (n=30).
    
    Science instructional materials
    
    The supplementary modules to assist fifth grade teachers in teaching the nature of matter standards and benchmarks have been received in schools and are being used.
    
    The State Categorical Science Instructional Materials funds are being spent by middle and high schools for science supplies to support the Science FCAT. It is critical that students participate in activities that teach science concepts and processes. Later this year you will receive a report on the plan for elementary funding for next year.
    Science FCAT
    
    All schools should be preparing their students for the Science FCAT for this year and in the future by implementing the district science curricula in grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11. It is vital that all teachers teach their grade level or course standards and benchmarks so students do not develop gaps in learning.
    
    On the Science FCAT the four equally weighted clusters are:
     Physical sciences,
     Earth and space sciences
     Life and environmental sciences, and
     Scientific thinking.
    
    Scientific thinking involves doing science in the context of a content area.
    
    The format of the science FCAT Includes
     Multiple choice,
     Gridded response (grades 8 and 11 only), and
     Short and extended responses.
    
    Items are scenario-based so students must read and understand the situation before answering. This requires higher level thinking.
    
    The short and extended response performance tasks must be answered differently from those in the Reading FCAT. Students should not repeat the prompt but should directly respond to it. If a diagram is needed, students should clearly label the parts of the diagram.
    
    This concludes my report.
    
    Speakers:
    Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Member
    Ms. Betty Burney, Vice Chairman
    Dr. Joseph Wise, Superintendent of Schools
    Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
    Mr. Tim Ballentine, General Director, Instructional
    Improvement and Support
    
    Math:
    
    1. The FCAT Writing assessment began today with the essay portion of the test. This will be followed tomorrow with the multiple choice, or Writing +, portion of the FCAT. The Reading, Mathematics, and Science tests begin February 26th and continue through Tuesday, March 6th with a few additional days for make-ups, repackaging, and return of the testing materials to Bulls Bay.
    
    2. This item I can’t take any credit for, but it is something you all need to know about . . . An exciting new professional development opportunity has been made available for elementary teachers at the Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership. The Mathematics Academy, which is scheduled to be held monthly, provides elementary teachers of mathematics an opportunity to engage in observation of live mathematics instruction via videoconferencing. Each month, four teachers from Carter G. Woodson and Chet’s Creek Elementary Schools present lessons to students while other district teachers assemble at the Schultz Center to observe the best practices being utilized in those mathematics classrooms. Each session has a unique focus and participants also receive information about current research in the field of mathematics instruction. Participants also have the opportunity to engage in discussion with colleagues around what they observed in the lesson.
    
    The first Mathematics Academy session was held last Friday, January 26th and, from all appearances, was extremely successful. More than 100 teachers, math coaches, and school administrators participated and the feedback from the participants has been extremely positive.
    
    I would personally like to commend the Teacher Leaders from Chet’s Creek, Carter G. Woodson, and West Riverside Elementary Schools, as well as the Mathematics training staff from the Schultz Center and the district Mathematics Resource staff, for their hard work and their contribution to the professional growth of our Elementary teachers. You should make every effort to attend the next session. You will be very impressed.
    
    3. We have invited a number of the district’s high school mathematics teachers to assist us in the identification of additional mathematics courses that can be added to the high school course offerings. This will allow high school students greater choice beyond Algebra II and will also facilitate those schools that wish to offer students the opportunity to “major” in Mathematics.
    
    4. As many of you are aware, the Florida Department of Education is in the process of modifying the Florida Sunshine State Standards in Mathematics. The nearly final draft has been made available for the State’s Mathematics Supervisors and selected others to review and make suggestions for modifications. Once this part of the process has been completed, an updated draft should be made available for all to review . . . Most likely before the end of February. The recommended standards would then go to the State Board of Education for approval.
    
    Once approved, the new standards will require a phase-in of several years before being fully implemented because of modifications that will need to be made to the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, district curricula, and identification of appropriate instructional materials for all grade levels and courses.
    
    5. The Advancing Mathematics and Science: 2010 and Beyond project charter kickoff celebration was held January 11th at the district’s Science Resource Center. Members of the Service Integration Team gave a presentation to attendees about the goals and future outcomes of the project charter. Attendees were offered the opportunity to sign up to work on the various outcome committees. Those committees are still being formed to allow for participation by anyone who might wish to do so but was unable to attend the kickoff.
    
    6. Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify a couple of issues that have apparently created a little confusion of late since if there is confusion among some there may be confusion among others:
    
    a. First, as Board members are aware, studies were conducted last spring by two independent teams of experts who were brought in from outside the district. These teams were charged with taking an in-depth look at all aspects of the district's mathematics programs including the curriculum, course offerings, instructional materials, teacher training, and many other related issues. Their reviews included not only an extensive look at student performance data, but also visits to schools, interviews with teachers and staff, and focus group sessions with parents, students, teachers, and other members of the local community. We received the reports from these two studies during the summer of 2006 and, although the results were not widely distributed, the information was used extensively to drive the development of the Advancing Mathematics and Science: 2010 and Beyond project charter. Information from these studies was included in the presentation made to the School Board in workshop session in November of 2006. The studies were also discussed briefly at the “kickoff” session for the Advancing Mathematics and Science 2010 and Beyond project charter.
    
    b. Second, although no full-scale overhaul of the district’s mathematics curriculum is planned at this time, the Advancing Mathematics and Science: 2010 and Beyond project charter calls for modification, expansion, and enhancement of the existing curriculum at each grade level so as to create a better alignment with the Florida Sunshine State Standards. Also . . . same topic . . . there is no plan to purchase traditional textbooks at this time. However, also as a component of the project charter, we will be working with teams of district teachers to identify and/or develop supplementary materials that cover those standards that may not be covered as thoroughly in our adopted instructional materials as we would like them to be. It is anticipated that the supplementary materials will be available for distribution to district teachers prior to the beginning of the 2007-08 school year.
    
    c. Third, the district has never required that any student moving from fifth grade to 6th grade be placed into Pre-Algebra rather than in the standard 6th grade mathematics course (M/J Mathematics 1). However, a recommendation was made that schools encourage students who earned a level 5 score on the FCAT Mathematics test in 5th grade, or who are in the gifted program, take Pre-Algebra in the 6th grade. This is completely voluntary, and a parent can choose to opt his/her child out. There is an underlying assumption here that if a student earns a Level 5 on the 5th grade FCAT, the student has a sufficient foundation for success in Pre-Algebra. This includes the demonstrated ability to multiply fractions and decimals as those topics are a part of the Florida Sunshine State Standards for mathematics in the 5th grade and tested on the FCAT in grade 5.
    
    d. And last, the End of Course exams for all courses in the district have been created through an extensive development and review process by veteran, experienced teachers of those courses. The End of Course exam for M/J Mathematics 1, the standard mathematics course in 6th grade, is completely different from the End of Course exam for Pre-Algebra as each of these exams were developed to measure student mastery of the standards for each specific course. A student in M/J Mathematics 1 is never required to take the End of Course exam for Pre-Algebra.
    
    7. Thank you for allowing me to spend this time with you up to date on what’s happening in mathematics in Duval County Public Schools.
    
    Speakers:
    Ms. Betty Burney, Vice Chairman
    Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Chief Academic Officer
    Dr. Joseph Wise, Superintendent of Schools
    Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
    Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Member
    
    
13. REPORT - SUPERINTENDENT'S EVALUATION UPDATE - MS. VICKI DRAKE
    Minutes: Just wanted to give the public a quick update on the Superintendent’s evaluation. As you know, Dr. Wise joined us in mid- November of 2005. He was the first superintendent to ask for a performance based contract.
    
    Since working with a performance based contract was new to all of us, we knew there would probably be items that would need to be readdressed along the way. We realized that evaluating the superintendent in June of 2006 would not provide for a valid assessment since Dr Wise had only been in the county for two months prior to the administration of the FCAT. As the board evaluated this information, we decided that the first formal, written assessment of the superintendent should occur in June of 2007, following the receipt of the 2007 FCAT data.
    
    In May of 2006, the Board met in a retreat, the purpose of which was to have in depth discussion with the superintendent concerning the performance of the school district. We discussed the 100 day plan, receiving updates on what items had been addressed and what items still needed work. We evaluated the things that we saw that were working or not working in the district as a whole and in the individual districts that we each represent.. We directed the superintendent as to the things we felt needed continuing work, the things that needed to move faster and the things that needed to be discontinued. In the ensuing months, we continued to meet with Dr. Wise in one-on-one meetings to evaluate the progress of the district and to give input on its movement.
    
    As a board we recognized that in order to do a proper evaluation of the superintendent in June of 2007, that we would need a new evaluation instrument.
    One that was tied to his performance contract and that would measure statistical achievements as well as leadership skills. To achieve this goal, we appointed a committee consisting of Nancy Broner, Brenda Priestly Jackson, Betty Burney and Kris Barnes. This committee, which will be chaired by Nancy Broner, has been charged with creating a valid evaluation instrument with which to measure the superintendent’s progress by using the parameters outlined in his contract.
    
    Since Dr. Wise arrived in Duval County, he has been under constant evaluation by not only the board, but by parents, principals, teachers and the community as a whole. Hindsight being as clear as it is, we recognize that we should have done a better job in keeping the community informed of the formal and informal evaluation processes in which the board has been involved. In evaluating the superintendent’s performance in light of our Core Beliefs and Commitments as well as our Theory of Action of Aligned Instruction, the seven board members have given the superintendent’s performance thus far, a rating of satisfactory.
    
    We will move ahead with all due speed to complete the new evaluation instrument and will do a written evaluation of the superintendent in June of 2007, as soon after receiving the FCAT data as is reasonably possible. I would remind the community that this board has been and will continue to hold community meetings around the district. The purpose of these meetings is to allow the board and the superintendent to hear from you, the community. Our next community meeting will be February 22 at Fletcher High School at 6:00 p.m. We hope you will join us.
    
    
    

Approval of Minutes

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
   Minutes: That the Duval County School Board approve the following minutes:
   
   November 13, 2006 - Grievance Hearings
   November 16, 2006 - Board Workshop
   November 20, 2006 - Professional Services Subcommittee
   November 20, 2006 - Joint Meeting with City Council
   November 21, 2006 - Board Workshop
   
   December 5, 2006 - Regular Board Meeting
   December 11, 2006 - Grievance Hearings
   December 12, 2006 - Student Expulsion Hearing
   December 12, 2006 - Board Workshop
   December 18, 2006 - Professional Services Subcommittee
   
   January 2, 2007 - Regular Board Meeting
   January 18, 2007 - Board Workshop
   January 22, 2007 - Professional Services Subcommittee
   
   
   
   Vote Results: PASS
   
     Motion: Nancy Broner
     Second: Kristanna Barnes
   
     Martha Barrett - Aye
     Kristanna Barnes - Aye
     Nancy Broner - Aye
     Vicki Drake - Aye
     Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
     Betty Burney - Aye
     Tommy Hazouri - Aye
   

Approval of Consent Agenda
 Vote Results: PASS

  Motion: Martha Barrett
  Second: Kristanna Barnes

  Martha Barrett - Aye
  Kristanna Barnes - Aye
  Nancy Broner - Aye
  Vicki Drake - Aye
  Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
  Betty Burney - Aye
  Tommy Hazouri - Aye

1. Curriculum and Instructional Services

1. VOLUNTARY PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE (VPSC) GRANT
   Minutes: Ms. Priestly Jackson stated that some parents don't have internet capacity at home. It is good that our libraries are open to assist our students.
   
   
2. BUDGET AMENDMENT: NEW TEACHERS GRANT
3. AGREEMENT BETWEEN DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND CARLTON PALMS EDUCATIONAL CENTER, IN
4. OUT-OF-COUNTRY FIELD TRIP REQUEST— LAVILLA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS TOUR CHOIR
   Minutes: Ms. Burney asked that we support these students who are headed to Italy...congratulations!
   
   

1. APPROVAL OF BUDGET RESOLUTIONS
2. MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3. SURPLUS PROPERTY RETIREMENT REPORT

1. CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES

1. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES EMPLOYEE TRANSACTIONS
2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
3. APPROVAL OF OUT-OF-FIELD TEACHERS

1. EASEMENT TO FDOT AT MAYPORT MS NO. 254
2. DECLARE SURPLUS 4.5-ACRE PARCEL AT PICKETVILLE RD AND OLD KINGS RD
3. ANNUAL CONTRACT - DISTRICTWIDE BLDG SYS FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE ASSURANCE SERVICES
4. NEW K-8 SCHOOL NO. 274 (103RD ST & CONNIE JEAN RD.) DP AWARD
5. FOR INFORMATION ONLY: FACILITIES CONSTRUC. CHANGE ORDER RPT.

Agenda
1. Curriculum and Instructional Services

1. STRUGGLING READERS GRANT
   Minutes: Speakers:
   Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
   Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Chief Academic Officer
   Dr. Joseph Wise, Superintendent of Schools
   Dr. Terrie Stahlman, Chief Technology Officer
   Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Member
   Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
   Ms. Betty Burney, Vice Chairman
   
   
   Vote Results: PASS
   
     Motion: Nancy Broner
     Second: Kristanna Barnes
   
     Martha Barrett - Aye
     Kristanna Barnes - Aye
     Nancy Broner - Aye
     Vicki Drake - Aye
     Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
     Betty Burney - Aye
     Tommy Hazouri - Aye
   
2. PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGE FOR GARDEN CITY ELEMENTARY #59 AND PINE ESTATES ELEMENTA
   Minutes: The Chairman declared the public hearing open on the following item:
   
   Proposed Boundary Change for Garden City and
   Pine Estates Elementary Schools
   
   The Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak to the Board regarding this item. There being no response, the Chairman closed the public hearing. This item will be voted on at the next regular meeting.
   
   Speaker:
   Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson
   
   
3. PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGE FOR KERNAN MIDDLE #279 AND LANDMARK MIDDLE #256.
   Minutes: The Chairman declared the public hearing open on the following item:
   
   Proposed Boundary Change for Kernan and Landmark
   Middle Schools
   
   The Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak to the Board regarding this item. There being no response, the Chairman closed the public hearing. This item will be voted on at the next regular meeting.
   
   Speakers:
   Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Member
   Ms. Martha Barrett, Board Member
   
   
4. PUBLIC HEARING FOR ELEMENTARY “B” (CHAFFEE ROAD) #142 BOUNDARY AND PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGES FOR #51
   Minutes: The Chairman declared the public hearing open on the following item:
   
   Proposed Boundary for Elementary "B" Chaffee
   Road, #142 and Proposed Boundary Changes for
   Whitehouse Elementary, #51
   
   The Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak to the Board regarding this item. There being no response, the Chairman closed the public hearing. This item will be voted on at the next regular meeting.
   
   

1. SPECIAL TEACHERS ARE REWARDED (STAR)
   2.1 Motion to Defer
   Vote Results:PASS
   
     Motion: Brenda Priestly Jackson
     Second: Nancy Broner
   
     Martha Barrett - Aye
     Kristanna Barnes - Aye
     Nancy Broner - Aye
     Vicki Drake - Aye
     Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
     Betty Burney - Aye
     Tommy Hazouri - Aye
   
   Motion as Amended:SPECIAL TEACHERS ARE REWARDED (STAR)
   Minutes: Speakers:
   Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
   Ms. Vicki Reynolds, Chief Human Resources Officer
   Ms. Betty Burney, Vice Chairman
   Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Board Member
   Dr. Joseph Wise, Superintendent of Schools
   Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
   Ms. Thresa Giles, Chief Financial Officer
   Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Member
   Ms. Vicki Drake, Board Chairman
   Ms. Nancy Broner, Boared Member
   Ms. Karen Chastain, Office of General Counsel
   
   Ms. Priestly Jackson offered a motion to defer this item until February 27, 2007. Ms. Broner seconded the motion.
   
   Speaker:
   Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
   
   

Travel

1. BOARD MEMBER & SUPERINTENDENT TRAVEL
   Minutes: Board Travel:
   
   January 24, 2007 - Senate Committee on School Start Time Bill - Tallahassee, FL - Drake
   
   February-May, 2007 - 2007 Legislative Session - Tallahassee, FL - Barnes, Barrett, Broner, Burney, Drake, Hazouri, Priestly Jackson
   
   Superintendent's Travel:
   
   February-May, 2007 - 2007 Legislative Session - Tallahassee, FL
   
   February 15-16, 2007 - Leadership Team Retreat - Steinhatchee, FL
   
   March 2-3, 2007 - AASA - New Orleans, LA
   
   March 8-9, 2007 - College Board Cohort II - Mandatory Principals and Superintendents Meeting - Naples, FL
   (Travel funded by the College Board - No Cost to the District)
   
   March 9-11, 2007 - NWEA - Portland, OR (Travel Funded by NWEA - No Cost to the District)
   
   
   Vote Results: PASS
   
     Motion: Nancy Broner
     Second: Brenda Priestly Jackson
   
     Martha Barrett - Aye
     Kristanna Barnes - Aye
     Nancy Broner - Aye
     Vicki Drake - Aye
     Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
     Betty Burney - Aye
     Tommy Hazouri - Aye
   

For the Record

1. FOR THE RECORD
   Minutes: Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson said she had a wonderful time at the groundbreaking for North Shore K-8 Elementary School. It was very refreshing to see a new school built in the core city and we were sharing this Board's commitment to putting development throughout the city. This was a model process for community involvement and engagement through the structure design. Dr. McDowell-Sutton she wrote lyrics to "Imagine" and her students sang it...it was beautiful! It would be a wonderful opportunity for them to present it at some point in time.
   
   Ms. Kris Barnes said she is spending every Wednesday afternoon, 3:00-5:00 pm, at City Hall as part of Planning Committee which is discussing the schools' concurrency piece of the Growth Management Bill with the Interlocal Agreement that has to be reached between the city, County of Duval, and the Duval County Public Schools system. It is very interesting and the first time we've had something like this in Duval County. Ms. Barnes complimented Mr. Ayars' staff tremendously.
   
   Ms. Martha Barrett said that the Bank of America hosted student leaders and principals last Thursday at 12:00 noon for a luncheon. These leaders were from: First Coast, Ribault, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Sandalwood and Andrew Jackson High Schools. These students are absolutely outstanding and the principals were most engaged. The students were able to meet our fine associates. This program is doing very well and we look forward to continuing it. We're very proud of these young people.
   
   Ms. Betty Burney commended Mr. Alvin Brown and the Willie Gary Classic. This organization, for the past four years, has paid for a trip for kids and their parents to go to Atlanta to the M. L. King Center. Martin Luther King Elementary School shared a video presentation where the teachers did an acting skit to teach kids how to use FCAT Writes and I'll share this with our Superintendent. The first 9 weeks I was concerned about the number of students at Eugene Butler Middle School who made the "A/B" Honor Roll
   and they stepped up to the plate durint the second 9 weeks and have doubled the number of kids on the Honor Roll. A member of the community, Mr. Johnnie Gaffney, participated in a drawing and gave one of the students $500.00 for stepping up to the plate.
   
   Ms. Nancy Broner stated that our next Town meeting with the School Board and Superintendent is Thursday, February 22, 2007, at Fletcher High School at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is invited.
   
   Mr. Tommy Hazouri acknowledged the passing of a 96 year old lady on January 13th. She was the last graduate of the Class of 1928 from Andrew Jackson. She was in the first class of 1927 - Sarah Collins Rosenquist. She taught at Brentwood Elementary for 36 years and had every mayor but me. She'll be missed by many and she was a very dedicated soldier in the teaching profession. Mr. Hazouri congratulated the Choice Office. Many of us were at the "Magnets and More" event a couple of weeks ago. It was a very successful event and continues to improve - they do a great job and I appreciate them and how they push through our magnet program.
   
   Ms. Vicki Drake said that six Board members had a very successful visit to Washington, DC for the Federal Relations Network Conference. It was an opportunity to hear from some legislators and learn more about the changes in "No Child Left Behind." We did get the opportunity to visit all four of the federal legislators that represent Duval County. We were invited to have lunch with Congresswoman Corrine Brown. It was wonderful sharing our thoughts and ideas with these folks as we continue our conversations with them as we try to get legislation passed to benefit children.
   
   
   
   

Adjournment

1. ADJOURNMENT
   Minutes: The meeting adjourned at 10:51 p.m.
   
   lsd