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 DECEMBER 3, 2007, AGENDA
   Vote Results: PASS
   
     Motion: Nancy Broner
     Second: Tommy Hazouri
   
     Kristanna Barnes - Aye
     Nancy Broner - Aye
     Vicki Drake - Aye
     Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
     Betty Burney - Aye
     Tommy Hazouri - Aye
   

Invocation

1. INVOCATION
   Minutes: Chaplain David MacNamara
   Christ the King Catholic Church
   
   

Pledge of Allegiance

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Comments from Audience

1. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
   Minutes: Mr. John Turner reminded the School Board about the five things that need to be done in order to reform our school district from the worst in the state to the best in the state: (1) Go back to the basics; (2) Indiscrimination in the classroom; (3)Audit the the school district; (4) Provide clean and safe schools; and (5) Build more schools where they are needed. It's well known that the first few years of a school are the most important in the learning process of a child and the most important skill a child can learn during this time is how to read. In Jacksonville, the School Board places the importance of reading very low on the priority list. The truth of this is found in the FCAT scores which show that 20% of our third graders can hardly read at all. By the time they reach 10th grade, 40% of all students will be at the lowest reading level. Yet, the School Board demands that the high school students take a Advanced Placement courses which is absurd. Clearly, the reading techniques used now are not working. We need to go back to the basics and teach reading with phonics and test for learning disorders.
   
   Mr. Marshall Adams, new director of Education at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville and a representative of ACE - the Arts for a Complete Education Coalition. We believe the arts are important as they foster creativity - it allows us to see new possibilities in either painting, drawing, sculpting, dancing, or music. It allows a student to be exposed to new ways of thinking. MOCA believes in families and every Sunday is Art Fusion. We thank you for your commitment and support.
   
   Mr. Cleve Warren said in 2002, two professors from the Harvard Business School collaborated in what was to become a best-selling book on the perils of leadership. The book was called "Leadership on the Line". The book is about the risk inherent to leadership and the attending courage it takes to lead while under assault from the risk of unpopular decision making. The risk associated with "going it alone" or the risk that comes from being a proponent of adaptive change. Personally, I place a high value on courage. I never want to leave home without it and I applaud it in other people when I see it in them. I want to commend the Board for its election of my friend, Betty Burney, as its chair person. I want Mrs. Burney to know how proud I am of her and how that pride is shared by every Viking from Raines High School who is a product of the excellence of Dr. Andrew Agustus Robinson, and by every member of her former church family at the First Baptist Church of Oakland. Mrs. Burney, or Betty, as we affectionately refer to her in the "village", is a little short on stature, but she is very, very long on courage. In fact, it is her courage that earns her membership in the elite society of effective leaders in our community. Betty, I applaud you for your willingness to accept the sword of leadership for this group and I exhort you to continue to show courage where peril rather would otherwise would persuade you to do otherwise. Congratulations to you, Betty, and may the Lord continue to bless and keep you.
   
   Mr. Dogan Tozoglu, principal of the River City Science Academy, a new charter school in Duval County. It's a pleasure to work with Duval County schools and an honor to speak before you tonight. All of the district's staff, especially Dr. Hague's office and the Charter Office, have been very helpful to us for our successful opening and throughout the first semester. River City Science Academy was a dream for our Board of Directors when they first started this project. This dream came true on August 20th when we opened our doors to students on the corner of Beach and Southside Boulevards. As of now, we have 162 students - 109 6th graders and 53 7th graders. The student/teacher ratio is 1/13. We have 14 full-time teachers. In addition to core courses and electives, we offer 12 after school clubs, after school tutoring and Saturday study hall for struggling students. We keep our community informed by sending newsletters every day. Our parents can monitor their child's progress online and we encourage parental involvement. Our goal is to build and educate and we thank you for your support.
   
   Mr. Maurice Hamilton said he was at his wits end and not present about school education. This is a personal matter and I've been very patient. I'm a Jehovah Witness and we are very patient people. I've been trying to cope with this over the years. I don't know what you can do about it because I've gone to your Maintenance department and they helped me occasionally, but every year, I have these pictures...I want you to see them. All of this garbage and trash is in front of my door. You own the property. You rent it to JEA and JTA. It is your responsibility to clean this up and not leave it for me to clean it up all of the time. It costs me money and I'm 81 years old and I'm not able to clean it up, myself. I have people to help me. Please, can you help me? This has been going on ever since John Gorrie closed.
   
   The Superintendent asked Mr. Hamilton to give the pictures to Mr. Ayars and he will follow up with you. Please give him your contact information.
   
   
   

Comments from Parent Organizations

1. COMMENTS FROM PARENT ORGANIZATIONS
   Minutes: PTA - by Rachel Raneri:
   
   County Council does not meet during the month of December. Our next general meeting will be held January 15th here in the Cline Auditorium. Hospitality begins at 9:30, with our business meeting beginning promptly at 10:00. This meeting is open to all PTA members.
   
   Our End of Year Workshop will be held here in the Cline Auditorium on January 22. Information will be presented on nominating committees, election of officers, procedure books, auditing financial records, and many other topics for PTAs to end their year successfully.
   
   The DCCPTA has worked out an agreement with the Jacksonville Suns to have PTA Night on Tuesday, May 6th which is also Family Feast Night. PTA members will be admitted for half price by showing their PTA membership card. Admission for children of PTA members will be $1.00. And, as an extra bonus, anyone who has volunteered 50 hours at their child’s school will be admitted free with a verifying certificate. PTAs of the Year will be recognized during a pre-game show.
   
   If there are any issues that the School Board or Superintendent would like PTA to address, please call on us.
   
   DAC - by Rachel Raneri:
   
   The District Advisory Council met on November 26th. We had a great turn out with only 2 Areas not represented. A quorum was established and a vote was taken on the chair and vice chair of the Council. I will serve again as chair and Mary Lobello, of Baldwin, will serve as vice chair.
   
   Dr. Sally Hague presented information on changes in the magnet programs which include new grant monies and how they will be used. She also explained some boundary changes for different magnet programs. There will be town meetings to inform parents of upcoming changes.
   
   Doug Ayars shared plans to look at the current condition of school facilities and where there are empty seats and where schools are over crowded. He explained that there will be community focus groups and the importance of parental involvement.
   
   Myrna Amos gave us an update on curriculum and instruction. She explained the process of the reading adoption and where the committee is now. She also addressed concerns about Connected Math, explaining about Calendar Math as a supplement. There was also concern about math courses that are available to high school students. It was suggested that Kathy LeRoy be contacted about that issue.
   
   Mr. Hazouri gave an update on legislative issues that will affect public schools.
   
   Most of the Area concerns were about facility issues and Doug explained the protocol on how to have these handled. There were a lot of safety concerns mentioned as well.
   
   The DAC members have been asked to help with the District Accreditation process. They have been asked look at 2 questions and send their Area answers back to me to take to the Standard 6 committee.
   
   I would like to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. The next District Advisory Council meeting will be Monday, January 28th at 6:00 pm in the 6th floor conference room. Mrs. Burney, we look forward to seeing you then!
   
   

Comments from Employee Organizations

1. COMMENTS FROM EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS
   Minutes: Ms. Terrie Brady, Duval Teachers United, president:
   
   The January 29, 2008 Ballot Initiative is going to be a devastating blow if it passes. This year our district alone lost $12.8 million dollars in the revenue shortfall. Next year for 2008-09, the state is estimating a $1.2 billion dollar loss of finances. If the Ballot Initiative were to pass on January 29 by 60% of the popular votes since it is a constitutional amendment, the state of Florida will lose billions of dollars, but to Duval County, the first year, $6.2 million and over a five year period, this county will lose $74 million dollars of revenue that we could be utilizing to raise the standard of education for our students. The DTU Board of Directors tonight passed a resolution in opposition to the January 29, 2008 Ballot Initiative and we will be setting forth a major campaign in the month of January for Early Voting for building the knowledge base of what it is we're about to do because they think it's just an increase of $25,000 dollars of homestead exemption, not knowing that the cap has been raised from 3% to 10%. They don't know about the portability of the homestead to another existing properties. So, we're going to do our turn in educating our members and non-members locally about the devastation -not only in our school district, but in our community. It's about quality of life that we've all become accustomed to that we won't be able to continue to build on, not only in our school system, but our communities. I look forward to working with you at any press conferences or adoptions of any future resolutions or any activities that we might can take as a group to help defeat something that sounds good on the surface but underneath versions, could be devastating to everyone in our community. It's not a quick fix. Everyone says it's a way to make quick money. Any time you make quick money, it's never as easy as it looks. The cost savings on an average homeowner would only be around $20.00 a month or a savings of $220-$270 per year. I would be willing to write a check back to our school system for $270.00 for next year and every year after if this amendment were to pass to make sure our children and students get what they need to do their jobs and many in this community don't know the limited dollar savings that it could be as it relates to the community savings and what we need to do with our dollars.
   
   The Legislative Workshop and the Delegation meeting - Madam Chair and our new Superintendent, Ed Pratt-Dannals - you did a great job and Ms. Drake - I knew you were there. You laid it out very concisely as to where we need to go, what our concerns are and I think they felt very open and very welcoming to come to any of you and use this district as a resource to help. Everywhere I go among state meetings, everyone is singing the "Woe, is Me" song, but no one is saying we have a revenue estimating conference shortfall -What are we going to do to make up the lost dollars? There are ways to make up lost dollars but no one is willing to be a state's person to step up and say, "We've had enough." We need to generate new revenue and the legislature has the ability and should have the desire.
   
   Safe Schools - we're doing a good job but not a great job - we can do better. We're a very large district with diverse concerns. We need possibly a Safe School Summit among some of the teachers and principals. What is going on outside our schools is being brought inside. The rates are going down and I'd like to work with the district on this.
   
   The Future of the Construction Academy - we have a meeting tomorrow with the Chief of that district. This is my eighth time speaking at this podium to talk about the future of the academies and where construction fits in. I hope we'll be meeting to really lay out a plan about where we go to meet the demands and needs of the market in this community and state when it comes to true construction. We have Englewood which is a magnet construction center and we have articulate, knowledgeable, capable construction instructors at the academies and we need to expand the programs and grow the programs. If it's not where it needs to be, then we need to help make it where we want it to go. Just to sit there and continuously cut the program and reduce classes to me, is unacceptable and it is unacceptable to our business partners and to the trades. I look forward to the meeting tomorrow and I hope we can walk away with a given plan. Thank you.
   
   Before you, we provided you with a book. It was written by a gentleman who is a futurist. He's been hired by four presidents to sit there and do an analysis on what's going to happen to the future of our country...whether it's through our workforce development, public education, economy, crisis management or whatever. The key to everything - is public education. We in Duval County have already begun to do most of what's in the book. We already get Performance Pay, incentives for higher degrees, we are trying to allow our teachers and our support people to garner the ability to move our students. We can do more to prepare our students for a global society. Instead of teaching them everything in the past, we need to build on teaching them what they need for the future. Please start scanning the different sections of the book. Who stands before the classroom, how the parents can help their students ready for school and what it is we can do as a community to make it better every day in the lives of our children? I found the book to be fascinating. The author is right on target with the majority of these initiatives. I just wanted to bring this book to your attention and read it. I believe you will leave there with some new and innovative ideas. As always, we're ready to work with the Board in any way possible. We look forward to an exciting legislative session and let's get out there and educate our community on the January 29th initiative. Thank you.
   
   
   

Presentations

1. PRESENTATION - 2007 FIVE STAR SCHOOLS
   Minutes: This year, 16 Duval County public schools were named Five Star Schools by the Florida Department of Education. This symbol of achievement is presented annually to those schools that have shown evidence of exemplary community involvement. This designation is the highest award for community participation.
   
   --In order to earn Five Star school recognition, a school must have earned a grade of “C” or above for the 2006-2007 school year and must show documentation that it has achieved 100% of the established criteria in the categories of: Business partnerships, Family Involvement, Volunteerism, Student Community Service and School Advisory Councils.
   
   --Congratulations to the following schools for being named 2007 Five Star schools.
   
   --As your school’s name is called, would the principal or designee please come up to receive your certificate:
   
   
   Elementary Schools:
   Beauclerc
   Chets Creek
   Crown Point
   Enterprise
   Fishweir
   Ft. Caroline
   Greenland Pines
   Greenfield
   Jacksonville Beach
   Mandarin Oaks
   Merrill Road
   Normandy Village
   Oak Hill
   Sabal Palm
   
   Middle School:
   Mandarin Middle School
   
   High School:
   Mandarin High School
   
   
2. PRESENTATION - ROCK 'N' WRITE SONG CHALLENGE WINNERS (LANDMARK AND MANDARIN MIDDLE)
   Minutes: 38 students from Mandarin and Landmark Middle Schools were winners in the 2007 Rock n’ Write Song Writing Challenge.
   
   --Rock n’Write is a writing program open to students in grades 5-12. Its purpose is to promote acceptance among peers and to encourage students to express voice in their writing, expand their expressive language, further poetry appreciation and to provide a different venue for teachers and students to reinforce skills and standards.
   
   --On October 30, a team from Hewlett Packard and Rock n’Write hosted a celebration for the 30 winners from Mandarin Middle. These top winners and their language arts teacher Jane Feber received prizes that included computers, printers and digital cameras.
   
   --Six 8th graders from Landmark Middle School also received awards for this competition.
   
   --Mandarin Middle had three of the 12 national winners, 15 medal winners and 12 certificate winners. Landmark Middle School had six 8th grade students who won three medals and three certificates winners.
   
   --Would the principal (Joy Recla), teacher and students representing Mandarin Middle come up front and be recognized.
   
   (Wait for Mandarin participants to leave)
   
   --Would the principal (Dr. Michael Henry), teacher and students representing Landmark Middle come up front and be recognized.
   
   --Congratulations to both schools for their achievement and best wishes to all the student winners on their future writing endeavors.
   
   
3. PRESENTATION - PAUL ROBESON SCHOLAR ATHLETE SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS
   Minutes: In September, more than 300 Duval County Public School students had the privilege of attending the Paul Robeson Scholar Athlete Summit. The purpose of the summit was to engage students, families and athletic coaches from Duval County Public Schools and the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department in conversation about leveraging athletic involvement to achieve academic excellence in the global market.
   
   --Paul Robeson was an accomplished athlete, actor, singer, cultural scholar, author, political activist, and a perfect example of a 20th century Renaissance man.
   
   --District four school board member, Brenda Priestly Jackson was one of the members of the Summit Planning Committee. Joining Mrs. Priestly Jackson on the planning committee were Dr. Carolyn Girardeau and Larry Roziers of our High School Office, Jon Fox with District Athletics and Pam Payne of the Special Projects Office.
   
   --I would like to acknowledge Senator Tony Hill and his assistant Valarie Crispan who were also members of the planning committee. Because of contributions solicited by Senator Hill, we were able to pay each school a cash prize.
   
   --We would like to recognize those schools that had the largest number of students present at the summit.
   
   --Would the following schools and their representatives please come up front to receive their certificates:
   
   o Fourth Place – Forrest High School with 23 participants
   o Third Place – Fletcher High School with 24 participants
   o Second Place – Ribault High School with 29 participants and
   o First Place – Highlands Middle School, who came in first place with 36 participants
   
   --Congratulations to each school for having outstanding participation at this event and best wishes to all of the athletes as they follow in Robeson’s footsteps of becoming the Renaissance people of the 21st century.
   
   The Chairman said the Honorable Senator Tony Hill has arrived and we appreciate his coming.
   
   Ms. Priestly Jackson said she wanted to very publicly thank Senator Hill for his support and vision for the Paul Robeson Scholar Summit. The young people came earlier this evening and it's a school night, so we'd like to thank the ones who showed up and had to get back. Senator Hill had a delegation meeting in St. Augustine that delayed his ability to join us earlier.
   
   I want to publicly thank him for his support not only in time and labor and his assistant, Valarie Crispan, but also his financial support. I think it's very important...Senator Hill is a fomer scholar athlete, himself, from Ribault Senior High School, and has risen through the ranks in our community and now serves as a leader of our community in the Senate, and so to that end, when initially having the idea, discussing with Senator Hill, how do we have something that helps our young people...particularly, the students that are sometimes left behind...how do we have something to engage them? That athletic involvement and move it towards academics? He jumped all over it and what is most fascinating about him, he calls and gets people galvanized and moving towards it. He was able to give us financial support as well as time resources that were invaluable to that. It was a blessed event with well over 300 young people on that Saturday to participate.
   
   The other component that was very important...we have what we call "resource stewards", so Senator Hill and I are going to send letters out. The resource stewards were folks who finished from schools here in Jacksonville and have played sports. The vast majority of them were male, particularly, African American males, that came back and gave of their time and talents with these young people. We had individuals such from Judge Brian Davis on to former other athletes that we have here in the city. I'm sure Senator Hill will give you some of those names in a moment. What was so important was that they gave first-hand experience. We had preachers and teachers and other business persons there. Former Sheriff Nat Glover joined us for that day, as well as Darnell Smith, Senior Vice President of Blue Cross Blue Shield. They had a working lunch with these young people and engaged them and by and large, that was probably one of the most rewarding and beneficial things. They said, "I'm here to help you." There's a new song out by JayZ that says you can't be "ordinary", you have to be "extraordinary". That was basically the tenor and climate that came from that day. My time on the Board, this was by far the most blessed and rewarding thing I could ever participate in and so I want to thank you publicly, because at no point in time, did you doubt...you put the resoures in.
   
   We're planning to have the Paul Robeson Scholar Summit II in April because many of the professional athletes from this area that wanted to participate were engaged in their sport so they said if we would come back in April, we promise to help. I want the public to know that he may be in Tallahassee a little bit, but he's all over the community and wants to help people and leads by example.
   
   Senator Hill apologized that he was late but we had to extend our meeting. When School Board Member Priestly Jackson came to me about this idea, we had just finished in Tampa, the first signing date for academic students. In other words, we had the colleges to come in and sign up those kids for academic scholarships. I thought this would play on the same lines that Ms. Jackson was talking about when she came to me with the idea.
   
   I grew up on the Eastside and then moved to the Northside and in those two communities, there is not a talent deficit. It's just an opportunity deficit. All we had to do is to provide the resources and dollars to get that done. This Summit will make a difference in those students lives because they had the chance to hear professionals...not see them on television, but actually see them in person. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play a small part in that and we look forward to Summit II in April.
   
   
4. PRESENTATION - SEPTEMBER BOOK OF THE MONTH QUILT PROJECT
   Minutes: For the last five years, Duval County Public Schools has partnered with the Jacksonville Agricultural Fair for the annual September Book of the Month Quilt Project where students have an opportunity to create a quilt that represents the story line of one of the books they read during the month of September.
   
   --This year, under the direction of their teachers, students in grades Pre-K through 5th submitted 45 quilts that connected the book The Tin Forest by Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson, visually or morally.
   
   --Judging of the quilts was done in two categories, a Juried Process and Community Voting, which takes place at the Jacksonville Fair. Each category has first, second and third place, as well as honorable mention.
   
   --Maureen Ritter is here from the Greater Jacksonville Fair Association to help present the awards.
   
   --When I announce the winners, will all of the school’s representatives please come up to the front to receive your awards.
   
   --The Schools receiving the Jurors’ Awards are as follows:
   o Honorable Mention - $50 – Windy Hill Elementary
   o Third Place - $150 – Love Grove Elementary
   o Second Place - $300 – Chaffee Trail Elementary
   o First Place - $500 – R.L. Brown
   
   --The Schools receiving the Community Awards are:
   o Honorable Mention - $50 – R.L. Brown Elementary
   o Third Place - $150 – Chaffee Trail Elementary
   o Second Place - $300 – Loretto Elementary
   o First Place - $500 – Louis Sheffield Elementary
   
   --In addition to these awards, the jurors selected the following 10 schools to receive Merit Award Ribbons for distinguished quilt designs and applications. These schools are not present tonight but we’d like to acknowledge them during this presentation.
   
   o Brentwood Elementary
   o Greenland Pines Elementary
   o Hyde Grove Elementary
   o Lone Star Elementary
   o Louis Sheffield Elementary
   o Mayport Elementary
   o Mount Herman Elementary
   o New Berlin Elementary
   o Normandy Village Elementary
   o Whitehouse Elementary
   
   --Congratulations to each of you! The principals, teachers and students from each winning school should be extremely proud.
   
   
5. PRESENTATION - CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
   Minutes: -- For the sixth year in a row, Duval County Public Schools has been awarded both the Governmental Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Association of School Business Officials International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for their Comprehensive annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.
   
   --Being a recipient of both of these prestigious awards has a positive impact on the district’s debt issuance and provides the District with a stronger investor confidence. These awards reflect the professionalism and commitment of numerous individuals. It also reflects a high degree of dedication and leadership on the part of the Business Services staff on behalf of the District.
   
   --Would Carolyn Parker and Cindy Hill please come up to be presented with the Association of School Business Officials International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.
   
   --Here to present the district with this year’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the year ending June 30, 2006 is Christine Francis, Assistant Finance Director, Leon County Clerk of Courts. Christine is presenting this award on behalf of the Government Finance Officers Association.
   
   --Congratulations on a job well done!
   
   
6. PRESENTATION - PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE TO BOARD MEMBER VICKI DRAKE BY BOARD
   Minutes: The Board presented Ms. Vicki Drake with a plaque in appreciation of her dedication and service as Chairman of the Duval County School Board from November, 2006 through November, 2007.
   
   The Chairman said we have a new Superintendent and as this Board has been together for the last 3 1/2 years, one of the things that we decided to do which was already decided before Mr. Hazouri and I joined the Board, was to focus on academic achievement and we've been able to do that. One of the most important things that we have done is to sit down together as a group and craft our Core Beliefs and Commitments and that is why we're here tonight because we're doing it for children and we also have a belief that all children can learn and we're committed to the academic success of every student in Duval County. What I want to do is to pass out to each of you...an individual Core Beliefs and Commitments that you can keep at your desk so that every time we make a decision, we remember what it's about and who it's for. I'd like to invite everyone in the audience and anyone who is not familiar with our Core Beliefs and Commitments, to please visit our website so that you can understand that we are a Board that is focused on academic achievement and making sure that all students excel.
   
   
7. REPORT - SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - MR. ED PRATT-DANNALS
   Minutes: The Superintendent said there are two Cabinet level appointments on the agenda this evening that I'd like to highlight at this point: (1) Ms. Pat Willis, Deputy Superintendent which is a fairly new position. Ms. Willis' responsibilities will be primarily the supervision of the schools ensuring that all of our resources from all divisions are focused on supporting our teachers and principals to make sure they are focused on the students. Additionally, she will continue to be the lead person with our Professional Development activities. Ms. Willis has an extensive background in public education in Jacksonville...we both have 31 years, as a high school assistant principal, an elementary principal, middle school principal, and most recently, as the Chief Operating Officer of The Schultz Center whereby she was co-supervised by both Dr. Susan Wilkinson and me, so that alone says she's a very good diplomat and is able to negotiate amongst all the various parties here in Duval. She also has great connections with the community and is one of the most highly regarded educators in Jacksonville and it's a pleaure to have Pat assume this #2 role in the district and we wish her well.
   
   In addition to that is Dr. Amy Lingren who has come to us about a decade ago from out of state and has served as an elementary principal and most recently, in the division of Curriculum and Instruction and is assuming a new role called the Chief of Academic Services. Dr. Lingren will have all of the academic arena other than those that Ms. Willis is taking, and also brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our district. Both of them have extensive background experience in helping challenged schools and low-performing students exceed the kind of performance they were having before and they will provide great leadership in these two critical areas as far as our district moving forward. So, I welcome them as colleagues and look forward to them working together with our Board to fulfill the Core Beliefs and Commitments of our district.
   
   We are in the process of beginning our Strategic Planning process. We will be meeting with some consultants and then with the Board in January, 2008 to structure this and highlight those key strategic areas the Board has supported. We'll continue with the specifics and bring it back to the Board in draft form for review in March, 2008 with some community participation, with final approval by the Board in April, 2008. We're on a fairly rapid timeline because we want to hit the next budget cycle for the district. We will have further community engagement and we look at this as Strategic Plan 1.0 - there will be amendments, changes, and modifications - all to forward the district's Core Beliefs and Commitments and Theory of Action. The strategies may change over time and we do want to have a continuing, robust and on-going dialogue with the district and community stakeholders in terms of their participation in helping shape and frame and most of all, participate in our fulfilling our Core Beliefs as far as all students reaching high academic goals. I look forward to working with the School Board on that as we move forward in crafting that plan and the task of the Superintendent and staff to fulfill that.
   
   Some good news related to our graduation rate which has increased by almost 4% this year, rising to 64.3%. We are in no way saying that that is exemplary in terms of where we want to end up, but it is heading in the right direction and fairly, rapidly and we know that this is a big concern to our community, business community in particular, and take this very seriously in terms of moving us forward with intervening with students earlier and being promoted and not being over-age by the time they reach high school, and then intervening with those middle and high school students who do find themselves over-age with more robust and more effective programming.
   
   In addition to the rise in the graduation rate, there was a drop in the drop-out rate which is kind of the opposite figure and that dropped from 6.6% down to 5.2% - a drop of 1.4%. Again, still too high but moving in the right direction and I commend our staff and particularly, our principals and teachers for the work they're doing to head us in the right direction.
   
   This is National Inclusive Schools Week - December 3-7, 2007. We have a proclamation that recognizes the tremendous efforts of our teachers, parents and students. In having greater participation in general education a reality in Duval County Public Schools. At the start of this year, we celebrated the homecoming of 1,838 elementary students to their neighborhood schools. In many ways, this was a risky and daring thing to do and we are now receiving feedback from schools showing that their efforts and expectations are paying off. It has not been without challenge but the benefits will be tremendous for our students.
   
   I have provided you with a recent article from the Resident which is a local neighborhood publication that spotlights a positive, inclusive efforts developed at Fishweir Elementary School. This story of acceptance and achievement is being repeated at many of our schools. The box that you received is a copy of the ESE Tool Box that is being distributed to every school in Duval County during this week. In this box, are a variety of resources and materials that are designed to directly assist teachers as they move all students forward. I want to congratulate Mr. Jonathan Brice and his staff, Mr. Ken Sutton and others, for moving this forward and truly working with teachers as we transition continuing through this year to make sure that this is effective for our students.
   
   The financial challenge that is before us and the School Board has on it's agenda this evening, a proclamation presenting the concerns with the Tax Payer Referendum that is in January, 2008 and we're very interested in hearing the Board members weigh in on this. As far as my part, this is a very real concern on the part of our district. Sometimes we hear that money is not the answer in terms of proving education and what I would say is, that money well spent is part of the answer that needs to happen. We're in competition for recruiting and retaining the highest quality of teachers and principals in the country. Right across the border in Georgia, they offer about $5,000 more per teacher. That is important, particularly, for beginning teachers and that makes a big difference in terms of being able to buy a car or house and we're losing that battle and need those dollars for our classrooms. In order to make progress in some of our other areas...our over-age students...need more time, attention and help. Our students who are behind academically...more time, attention and help and all of these things cost money. It's very important that we make the public aware of the situation. Many of these initiatives are driven by the inequities of taxation in southeast Florida and while I'm sympathetic about their issues, it's once again, north Florida being the recipient of some of the problems in the south in terms of these initiatives. I join the Board in their concern and commend you for taking a stand on this.
   
   Thank you to teachers, principals, community members that I've had the opportunity to interact with over the past few weeks - by phone, email, meetings including one at a local church - I'd like to thank you for the support you've provided me, but most importantly, for your commitment to the school district and our students. We'll need all of that commitment and more to reach our goals and want to thank you, once again, for all the efforts to date and encourage you to stay with us as our plans roll out and find ways in connecting as we create the best schools in America!
   
   
8. REPORT - MATH-SCIENCE REPORT - MS. KATHY LEROY
   Minutes: I.New Standards
   
   • The State of Florida has adopted new Mathematics Standards as of September of this school year and is in the process of taking final comments from the public for the proposed new science standards at the FLDOE homepage until December 14, 2007.
   
   • The new math standards have gone from approximately 83 discrete math topics per grade level in kindergarten through grade 8 to approximately 18 which are very similar to the highest performing countries in math such as Singapore (15). This means fewer topics per grade with less repetition from year-to-year and moving from just covering topics to in-depth mathematical understanding for both teachers and students.
   
   • The proposed timeline for the 2008-09 school year will be to incorporate the new math and science standards into our Learning Schedules to begin the process of awareness for all Duval County Public School stakeholders. Extensive professional development will be offered to provide information about these new standards. Additionally, there will be new course descriptions for high school, standards crosswalks to show where the new standards are aligned and not aligned with the current standards, and textbook alignment. However, the new math standards will not be incorporated into the Math FCAT until 2010-2011 and the science FCAT until 2011-2012.
   
   • The adoption cycle of new mathematics instructional materials will occur in the 2009-10 school year and for science will occur in 2010-11.
   
   • Finally, a DOE Town Hall meeting will be occurring here in Jacksonville on January 3rd from 5:30 until 7:00 at the Shultz Center to discuss the proposed science standards.
   
   II. Elementary Math Focus Group Meetings
   
   • We have been holding elementary math focus groups to provide a forum for parent discussions around elementary mathematics and to discuss how the staff can provide more support for mathematics homework and additional practice in math skills.
   
   • Elementary Mathematics Newsletters have been developed for kindergarten through grade 5 for every unit of the core program to provide information about unit objectives, support for homework, definitions of math vocabulary; and to provide additional math practice.
   
   • As the new math and science standards are being implemented, parent focus groups will be able to share input into the adoption process that will be forthcoming.
   
   • Additionally, many schools are having Math and Science Nights in which the staff has played a significant role in both the planning and implementation.
   
   III. Every Day Counts Calendar Math
   
   • We have received very positive feedback with the incorporation of the Every Day Counts Calendar Math program that has been implemented to supplement the core elementary math program. This program provides additional practice through repetition of computational skills to help develop math fluency. A State Title I grant provided us the opportunity to purchase the Calendar Math workbooks for all of the Title I school to provide additional practice for intervention and homework.
   
   IV. Turn Around School Professional Development
   
   • We are providing extensive professional development that is ongoing to focus on the most critical assessed areas of mathematics and science that is tested by the state.
   
   • There are elementary math and science workshops that are occurring from now until March every two weeks providing teachers with crucial curriculum support on the assessed benchmarks.
   
   • We are providing grade level -specific workshops that target student success with short and extended responses.
   
   • We have developed an implementation plan and professional development that is ongoing to target student success with the annually-assessed benchmarks on the Grade 11 Science FCAT.
   
   • We are providing professional development to ensure that those students enrolled in Intensive Math are receiving additional support on the tested benchmarks.
   
   • Finally, we are developing specific math and science curriculum tools that will provide additional FCAT support that can be given to students, exposing them to additional practice activities. All of these documents will be available before the beginning of the holiday on our website.
   
   
9. REPORT - TURNAROUND SCHOOLS REPORT - MS. NICHELLE STONE - WITHDRAWN
10. REPORT - FACILITIES REPORT - MR. DOUG AYARS
    Minutes: Mr. Ayars spoke about the environment in our schools, academic performance and community service. I briefed you last week and an article in the Florida Times-Union to take a district-wide look at our facilities. Over the years as we've grown and moved around and accommodated our students, it's time to take a comprehensive look at all of our schools, see where the seats are, how we're serving students and how we're providing service to the community.
    
    A fundamental part of this would be to an assessment, a process that would run for several month, with public input to hear what their desires for education is and what is going on in the neighborhoods, develop options and discuss alternatives, and ultimately, make recommendations to the Superintendent to field to the Board in order to perform alignment and adjustments. We want to take a slow and deliberate approach to this with you. I want to emphasize about the homework, data, statistics and information of value. The idea is to have district-wide series of meetings which are published and those locations and dates will be worked on between now and January. We'd like to get the word out and have the public join us, take input at that first meeting, and then come back several weeks later and provide ideas and, ultimately, have a third meeting and develop recommendations.
    
    We have had changes in the last couple of years especially with the Class Size Amendment and some requirements for growth. We have a great staff and I look forward to that.
    
    Speaker:
    Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Vice Chairman
    
    

Approval of Minutes

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
   Minutes: That the Duval County School Board approve the following minutes:
   
   October 29, 2007 - Board Workshop
   November 6, 2007 - Regular Board Meeting
   November 20, 2007 - Organizational Meeting
   November 20, 2007 - Special Meeting - Leasing Corps (COPs)
   
   
   Vote Results: PASS
   
     Motion: Nancy Broner
     Second: Tommy Hazouri
   
     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: Nancy Broner
  Second: Tommy Hazouri

  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. 2007-08 SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCILS
2. AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS AND HEALTH TECH, INCORPORATED
3. COURSE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPROVAL TO THE DISTRICT COURSE TITLE FILE
4. CONTINUATION AGREEMENT-COMMUNITY TRAINING & ASSISTANCE CENTER - WITHDRAWN

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

1. WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS

1. HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES EMPLOYEE TRANSACTIONS
   Minutes: The Chairman wanted to share with the Superintendent that we are now on the academic side of the house, if you will, complete, with three critical positions. We're talking about the Deputy Superintendent's position, the Chief of Academic Services, and the Executive Director of Reading and Language Arts. These are three critical positions to the life blood of our district. We know that in 2006-2007 we had some academic challenges. Our district's grade dropped from a "B" to a "C"; our "A" schools increased by 5 but they were overshadowed by the fact that our "B" and "C" schools decreased by 18 and the number of "D" and "F" schools increased by 14. Why is this a concern? It's because we don't want to see our schools slip. We want to make sure our school continue on an upward spiral. I'd like to see, as a Board member, for you, Mr. Superintendent, to provide us at a later date, what are the expected goals of each of these positions. What can, at the end of the year, a school hope to see with the addition of this Deputy Superintendent, Chief of Academic Services and Executive Director of Reading? We have the FCAT that is coming; a number of students at Levels I and II; and the impact of reading is critical. I know this is separate and different from a Strategic Plan, but this would be the Academic Plan.
   
   The Superintendent said he would be glad to provide this information to the Board.
   
   

1. LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR CISV AT FLETCHER MS
2. PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH COJ AT FIRST COAST HS NO.265
3. NEW SCHOOL K-8 NO. 274 (103RD ST & CONNIE JEAN RD.)
4. NEW HIGH SCHOOL "AAA" NO. 268: REVISED PROJECT AND BUDGET
5. NEW NORTH SHORE K-8 SCHOOL NO. 70: REVISED PROJECT & BUDGET
6. ATHLETIC FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS AT ANDREW JACKSON HS
7. RENOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT MT. HERMAN AND ALDEN ROAD
8. HURRICANE GRANT: SABAL PALM, MANDARIN OAKS, ABESS PK AND CHETS CREEK
   Minutes: The Chairman wanted to discuss where our hurricane shelters are now in regards to schools in Duval County. There may be some questions as to why there are no shelters in certain sections of our city.
   
   Mr. Doug Ayars, Chief of Operations, said there are approximately 21 schools that are shelters in the city. Also, we have a large river that runs right through the middle of Jacksonville and when we have some large storms, we could have incredible flooding with 10+ feet of water. The shelters are positioned in low lying areas that flood quickly. It's a joint process between my office, the city's Emergency Management Office and the state's Emergency Management Office. We look at the flood plans, evacuations, roads, etc. and agree where we want to have schools that can withstand 150 mph winds and not flood. The reason we have certain new schools designated as shelters is based on the geography on where they are being constructed based on the analysis of the flood potential.
   
   
9. HURRICANE GRANT: LANDMARK MS AND TWIN LAKES ES
   Minutes:
   
10. SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION AND CERTIFICATE OF FINAL INSPECTION
11. PARTICIPATION IN THE 2007-2008 CLASSROOMS FOR KIDS PROGRAM ALLOCATION
    Minutes: The Chairman pulled this item so that Mr. Ayars can share with the public what this entails.
    
    Mr. Doug Ayars, Chief Officer of Operations, Classroom for Kids Funds and the Class Size Amendment, when we had Amendment 9 kick in a few years ago and the state is required to fund the seats we need to meet that class size compliance, this is another increment of funding. We received with this $12 million dollars - about $58 million dollars in total, Class Size dollars. Those funds come to us for construction of new seats. We can use those dollars as long as we're building new seats. These funds are going to be dedicated for the new wing at Darnell Cookman...of the $46 million dollars previously, there were five other projects that were funded, as well...new construction, new seats. This is another funding for us and, of course, we get taxes and millage that go onthe Five Year Plan. These are dollars that help us get there. This is part of the solution to really get things in balance.
    
    
12. AMEND 2007-2008/2011-2012 LONG RANGE FACILITIES CAPITAL PLAN:
13. PLACEMENT: AMENDED SPOT SURVEYS FOR VARIOUS SCHOOLS - WITHDRAWN
14. APPROVE AMENDED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR FAC PLANNING
    Minutes: Ms. Barnes thanked her fellow Board members for putting this item on the Consent Agenda. The City thanks you, I thank you, Facilities thanks you, the developers thank you...just for the public's knowledge, this is an amendment to our Interlocal Agreement which has been in existence since 2003. In the 2005 Legislative session, Senate Bill 360 amended the Competence of Growth Management Act of 1985 and it put public school facilities into the Act. Now, we're considered state-wide. All public school districts are part of Concurrency in their respective counties and so it took us back to the drawing table with our City government to put this piece into their Comprehensive Plan and it's taken almost a year of working together and I wanted to make sure everyone understands how hard our district Planning staff worked on making this all come together.
    
    I wanted to thank Ron Fagan, Karen Kuhlmann, Richard Beaudoin and Patricia Connors because every Wednesday, 3:00-5:00, we met along with the City's Planning Department who was incredibly diligent in working with us. We've come along way with the City since 2000 when I came on the Board. I can't say enough how much I appreciate their help.
    
    We also had on the staff side, representatives from all the beaches communities and cities and Baldwin. We had Jason Teal from the General Counsel's Office and Shannon Eller who did an outstanding job. Mr. T. R. Hainline was the chair of the Joint Planning Committee which was made up of representatives from City Council, School Board, the business community, as mostly in the development community, expressing their different goals. We were able to compromise on all sides and come together as one. During this process, the Department of Community Affairs, which is part of our state government, was able to decide whether plans were going right or wrong and at times, no one had a succinct answer for us. Our planning department, at the district level, and the City's department drove to Tallahassee together and met with the Department of Community Affairs face-to-face. It was the first time in history that the a city government and school district came together. They were most impressed and proud and that our plan has gone through very easily, so far. Again, we have a great staff on both the school district side and city side and how much we appreciate the developers working with us.
    
    The Chairman thanked Ms. Barnes for her due diligence in representing us.
    
    Ms. Broner said that Ms. Barnes made a huge commitment to represent the Board for a year, every Wednesday, working through this and that was beyond the call of duty and we appreciate you.
    
    Ms. Drake said she greatly appreciates Ms. Barnes' dedication in taking this on. I did attend some of those meetings with her and I appreciate the hard work that went into this. It was a monumental task and the growth may have slowed down in some parts of the city, but not in the northeast quadrant. All of my schools are bursting at the seams and we need more schools to be built in that area as we have reached capacity.
    
    Ms. Barnes said it is important that we look at this county-wide and see what can be done to alleviate the problems.
    
    
15. PREQUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS FOR ED. FAC. CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
16. FACILITIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDER RPT (NOVEMBER 2007)
17. REVISED: PATTERSON ACADEMY OF THE ARTS APPLICATION FOR CHARTER SCHOOL STATUS

Agenda
1. Curriculum and Instructional Services

1. DISTRICT CALENDARS FOR 2008-09, 2009-10, AND 2010-11
   Minutes: Speakers:
   Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
   Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
   Ms. Vicki Drake, Board Member
   Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Member
   Ms. Betty Burney, Board Chairman
   Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Superintendent of Schools
   Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Vice Chairman
   
   
   
   Vote Results: PASS
   
     Motion: Vicki Drake
     Second: Kristanna Barnes
   
     Kristanna Barnes - Aye
     Nancy Broner - Aye
     Vicki Drake - Aye
     Brenda Priestly Jackson - Nay
     Betty Burney - Aye
     Tommy Hazouri - Aye
   

1. SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY
   Minutes: Speakers:
   Ms. Brenda Priestly Jackson, Board Member
   Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Superintendent of Schools
   Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
   Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Vice Chairman
   Ms. Betty Burney, Board Chairman
   
   Mr. Pratt-Dannals introduced the following personnel:
   
   Ms. Patricia Willis, Deputy Superintendent
   Dr. Amy Lingren, Chief of Academic Services
   Ms. Sharon Sanders, Executive Director for Reading and Language Arts
   
   
   Vote Results: PASS
   
     Motion: Nancy Broner
     Second: Vicki Drake
   
     Kristanna Barnes - Aye
     Nancy Broner - Aye
     Vicki Drake - Aye
     Brenda Priestly Jackson - Nay
     Betty Burney - Nay
     Tommy Hazouri - Aye
   
2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
   Minutes: Mr. Hazouri said this is the item of creating the Internal Board Auditor. We've been discussing this over a period of time. After the approval tonight, then the position will be posted for two weeks, viewed online, a subcommittee of the Board, then a recommendation by the Board for the person for this position. This audit position is separate from the other audit position that is already in existence within the district pertaining with the budget. Hopefully, this new position will compliment with what the Budget Office is doing. We'll be able to identify issues and programs of interest to us, review those issues and make recommendations to the Superintendent and staff. Our Chairperson will be working hand-in-hand with the audit committee that we adopted in 2005 - that will be activated which will be a committee of the whole. The supervisor of the Internal Auditor will be the Chairman, whomever that may be at any given time. We have two appointments that we can make: (1) The Superintendent of Schools; and (2) Internal Board Auditor and that's what this position is.
   
   The Chairman said she also pulled this item for discussion and she wants to share that one of the major reasons that she feels this position is needed is because as a Board, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. We heard Ms. Brady talk about property tax and we're going to address that during our Emergency item. We're looking at less money coming into the district each year and because we're a billion dollar business, it's our duty as a School Board to make sure that we do all we can to ensure that our district is solvent; that we can effect savings where possible and show the public our dollars are being maximized. This goes hand-in hand with what we've been speaking about our forum governance and this is one of those things we need to do as a Board.
   
   

1. RESOLUTION REGARDING PROPERTY TAX
   Minutes: The Chairman declared the following item as an emergency because failure to do so would have a significant adverse effect on the welfare of Duval County students:
   
   Item 1: Resolution Regarding Property Tax
   
   That the Duval County School Board approve a Resolution opposing the Property Tax Reform Amendment (Amendment 1).
   
   Speakers:
   Ms. Nancy Broner, Board Member
   Ms. Vicki Drake, Board Member
   Ms. Betty Burney, Board Chairman
   Mr. Tommy Hazouri, Vice Chairman
   Ms. Kris Barnes, Board Member
   Mr. Ed Pratt-Dannals, Superintendent of Schools
   
   
   Vote Results: PASS
   
     Motion: Vicki Drake
     Second: Kristanna Barnes
   
     Kristanna Barnes - Aye
     Nancy Broner - Aye
     Vicki Drake - Aye
     Brenda Priestly Jackson - Aye
     Betty Burney - Aye
     Tommy Hazouri - Aye
   

Travel

1. BOARD MEMBERS TRAVEL
   Minutes: No travel on this agenda.
2. SUPERINTENDENT'S TRAVEL
   Minutes: No travel on this agenda.

For the Record

1. FOR THE RECORD
   Minutes: Ms. Priestly Jackson recently spoke with a group of young ladies at Northwestern Middle School - a mentoring program. These young ladies were very positive and engaging. They were just awesome.
   
   The Superintendent and I had an opportunity to speak with both students and parents at a Town Meeting which was held last Saturday, December 1 at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church. We received input and heard recommendations.
   
   Wished everyone a peaceful holiday season!
   
   Ms. Broner commented about the wonderful reception at The Schultz Center for our new Superintendent, Ed Pratt-Dannals. She, too, wished everyone Happy Holidays.
   
   Mr. Hazouri thanked the media, especially Tia Mitchell, when we speak about the balance in our schools. We know we need to do a much better job and, hopefully, we will be blessed for the next few years. This is our last Board meeting before the New Year. Wish everyone a very blessed holiday and a Happy New Year.
   
   Ms. Drake said the reception at The Schultz Center was a great opportunity to appreciate the work that our principals are doing and to welcome our new Superintendent.
   
   I had the opportunity to read last week at Lone Star Elementary School to a great group of children. That is always alot of fun and we enjoy doing that. I want to wish everybody a happy holiday season.
   
   Ms. Barnes recently attended a play "Look Homeward Angel" that was put on by the students at Douglas Anderson. It was a serious topic and it was amazing.
   
   I read to 5th graders at Greenfield Elementary School and I read to four different classes. We really are in good hands and they are such a diverse group of children.
   
   We've been getting newsletters from the schools this year and I appreciate that so very much. It makes me aware of what is going on. One of the letters from Greenfield Elementary, the principal put in a part about truancy awareness and she points out in their community, how many children missed school (absent and tardy) and how the total would equate the entire student body being out for 1 1/2 days in one month. I thought that was great.
   
   Last Saturday night, Ms. Barrett, Mr. Pratt-Dannals and I attended the Flamingo Fete that was put on by the Duval County Teacher Art Association and it was held at Twisted Sisters. I bought a photograph that Mr. Pratt-Dannals took in his younger years for my daughter. We had a great time and it's amazing to see what our teachers can do artistically and our Superintendent and the artists in the community who donate pieces to be auctioned at this event. The saddest part is that it is mostly our teachers. We need to help get this word out to the community and get folks there.
   
   Ms. Priestly Jackson added that Ribault Middle School had their first Saturday School and had 249 students there. I want to commend them and I'll give you a report later on.
   
   Also, I, along with my two younger children, attended the Black Stallion Literacy Project at the Equestrian Center. It was wonderful and I'd like to see more of our schools participating. It was a very rich, oral tradition, outstanding and very engaging. I am hopeful that it will be flooded next year with our young people attending.
   
   Ms. Burney said she, Mr. Jonathan Brice and Mr. Ken Sutton, had the opportunity on Friday to take part in the parade that was put on by Palm Avenue Exceptional Center. It was the most phenomenal parade that I've ever seen in my life. The principal teaches kids that there are no boundaries...the sky is the limit and they feel they can do anything and they did. Each and every class participated and wheel chairs were decorated as sleighs, etc. Santa arrived in a candy-apple red Rolls Royce. It was absolutely wonderful.
   
   We would like to wish everyone a happy holiday!
   
   

Adjournment

1. ADJOURNMENT
   Minutes: The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
   
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