The School Board of Santa Rosa County met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present Mrs. Jennifer Granse, Chairperson, Mr. Scott Peden, Vice Chairman, Dr. Diane Scott, Mrs. Carol Boston and Mr. Hugh Winkles.  Also present was Timothy S. Wyrosdick, Superintendent of Schools and Secretary and Paul R. Green, Board Attorney.

The Chairman called the meeting to order and Mr. Joey Harrell led us in the Pledge of Alliance to the Flag and in a moment of silence.

Mr. Wyrosdick asked Mike Thorpe and Shelly Mann to come forward and explain the "Hour of Code" program.   Mr. Thorpe shared with the board that we are joining in the celebration of Computer Science Week, Dec. 7th-11th.  He explained that since the program began in 2013, we have had pockets of schools and classes participate but he was happy to inform them that 100% of our schools have signed on to participate in various ways.  There are 600,000 jobs that have gone unfilled.  It is almost an epidemic and Santa Rosa County is doing their part to help fill the void.  Currently only 38,000 students are graduating with a Computer Science degree.  Coding touches all aspects of our life.

Ms. Mann explained that 27 states now require a class in Computer Science before graduation.  She is very excited to introduce the "Hour of Code" program and played a video for the board members which really showed how much the students enjoyed the program.  She offered to answer any questions the board had regarding the program.

The board approved the advertisement for a public hearing to be conducted at the regular scheduled School Board meeting on January 21, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. for the approval of the 2015-16 Adoption of Instructional Materials for Art.

The Board reviewed the status of the current DAG Architects construction project.

The Board approved the corrected amount of the final payment for the Hobbs Middle School Kitchen/Cafeteria project. 

The Board reviewed the status of the current Pinder-Martin Associates, Inc. construction projects.

The Board approved the Gulf Breeze High School Phase II Final Payment for A. E. New., Jr., Inc.  in the amount of $141,375.86 and Schmidt Consulting Group (including Commissioning) $21,739.22.

The Board reviewed the status of the current Schmidt construction projects.

Mr. Harrell explained that every 5 years a facilities survey is required of all the district facilities, including schools and administrative buildings.  The last time it was done was 2012 and there was no need that we could see for a remodeling of the Berryhill Administrative Complex.   

Anytime during that 5 years we can request a "spot survey" on a facilities if we see a need.  Mr. Harrell is asking for board approval to conduct a spot survey on the Berryhill Administrative Complex.  He explained that we have noticed deterioration, especially on the south end of the building.  The offices that were located in that session of the building have been relocated. 

Mr. Harrell explained the procedure the district has to go through.  After the spot survey, the Castaidi analysis helps us determine whether the building is viable (it was built in 1929) and we can save it or if it needs to be torn down.   We are required to hold a public meeting with the various stakeholders in the community and then conduct another spot survey.  Following this procedure opens up the opportunity to check on other forms of financing.

Mr. Harrell is putting together a team to work together to determine what needs to be done at

the Berryhill Administrative complex and asked if a board member would volunteer to serve on the committee.  Dr. Diane Scott said she would serve as a member of the Community Membership Team.

The board approved the following change orders decreasing the projects payable below to the appropriate contractor by the amounts shown.  These decreases are to reflect recent payments made to suppliers and the associated tax savings acquired through direct purchasing.

*Central School - Gym/HVAC/Locker Room; A. E. New, Jr., $61,259.69

*Gulf Breeze High School-Ciller Ph. II; A. E. New Jr., $212,000.00

*Gulf Breeze Middle School - Kitchen/Cafeteria; A. E. New Jr. $77,343.34

*Holley Navarre Middle School - Kitchen/Cafeteria; Jack Moore & Company $15,977.59

*Navarre High School - Technology Lab; A. E. New Jr., $23,717.07

Mr. Wyrosdick asked Ms. Ashley Flowers and Mr. Bill Emerson to come forward to provide an update to the board on the status of the Gifted Program.

Ms. Flowers shared with the board the number of gifted students is currently up to 971 students as of November, 2015.  This is up from 869 in August, 2015.  An advocacy group for gifted education began meeting in November and will be meeting on the second Thursday of each month to discuss various topics related to gifted education.  She invited the board members to join them.

Four of our teachers of gifted students and Program Facilitator for Gifted Services will be working with Mr. Jeff Baugus, Math and Science Coordinator to facilitate in the STEAM summer camp program.  Seventh grade gifted students will participate in the National Flight Academy in the spring (the official date has not been determined).

Kathleen Casper, Gifted Specialist, FLDOE plans to visit Santa Rosa County School District on January 14th and 15th.  Ms. Casper will visit Santa Rosa County classrooms of gifted students on the 14th and the 15th, and on the evening of the 14", Ms. Casper will speak to parents, teachers, and administrators regarding the needs of gifted individuals and the education of gifted individuals.  The gifted program is beginning to collaborate with local businesses and are currently working towards:

*Developing consistency in the identification process at all schools. (i.e. training teachers,    evaluate the current screening tool, use of assessment scores, timeline)

*Developing a comprehensive district Gifted Education Plan

*Developing a quarterly district wide high school gifted student community of innovative   learning and problem solving

*Investigating feasible tools to allow for screening of all second grade students

*Training for general education in differentiating education for gifted students

Mrs. Boston mentioned it has been a busy couple of weeks for her.  She attended the Florida School Board Association/Florida Association of District School Superintendent's meeting last week.  She mentioned there is a lot of great stuff going on in Santa Rosa County and throughout the state.

Dr. Scott mentioned that she would like to attend this year's Florida School Board Association Annual Day in the Legislature in February.  There was a short discussion regarding who would like to attend.  We have already reserved three rooms at the hotel where the conference is being held and at the direction of the board, will attempt to reserve two more rooms so that all five board members can attend.

Mr. Wyrosdick explained that WEAR Channel 3 would like to expand their coverage of our sports program and begin to broadcast our basketball games.  Mr. Wyrosdick recommends approval and has asked Mr. Paul Green to review the contract for us.  As soon as it is ready, the contract will be signed and executed.

The Superintendent reminded the board of the January 21, 2016 workshop with the Board of County Commissioners at noon time in the Russell Center.

Mr. Wyrosdick shared with the board that some of our administrators will be at work over the upcoming holidays but for safety reasons the facilities will be closed.

The Superintendent mentioned that he knows the board has noticed Melanie Pattullo sitting behind us during the board meeting and sometimes taking the minute of the meetings.  He talked about other school boards our size have their own secretary separate from the Superintendent's secretary.  In Santa Rosa County we have one secretary that takes care of both positions.  Melanie has been willing to train and work with us (he also thanked Mrs. Carnley for allowing Melanie the opportunity) and it has certainly been a big help in our office.   

Mr. Wyrosdick wished everyone a wonderful Christmas season. 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

DONE AND ORDERED IN LEGAL SESSION BY THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SANTA ROSA COUNTY THIS 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2015 A.D.

                                                                          SCHOOL BOARD OF

                                                                          SANTA ROSA COUNTY

                                                                          ______________________________

                                                                           Chairman

ATTEST:

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Superintendent of Schools