School District: Online Superintendent Candidate Survey Is ‘Bogus’, But Organizers Say It’s Just Public Input
July 20, 2020
The Escambia County School District says an online superintendent survey is “bogus”, but the creators say it’s just a chance for public input.
Posts on social media are asking people to read about the six finalists for the Escambia school superintendent job and take a survey. The ECSD said in a Facebook post of their own — in all caps — that the “SURVEY IS BOGUS”.
The creators of the survey updated their posts Monday morning to clarify that the “community based” survey is not endorsed by the school district. They said the results and comments will be emailed to school board members as form of public comment on who is “a great candidate”.
“It was created by community members to provide everyone a voice pertaining to the hiring process. It does not guarantee a certain candidate will be hired,” Donte Sheppard said in an updated Facebook post. As of about 9 a.m. Monday, he said about 200 people had completed the survey, which does not ask for any personally identifiable information.
Voters decided the next school superintendent in Escambia County will be appointed. Last week, the Superintendent Search Citizens Advisory Committee narrowed a field of 27 applicants to their top six. Next, the school board will name their semi-finalists.
Read more about the candidates by clicking or tapping here.
Homes Briefly Evacuated In Cantonment Due To Gas Leak
July 20, 2020
A few homes in Cantonment were reportedly evacuated for a brief time Sunday night due to a natural gas leak.
The leak was reported about 9:35 p.m. in the 100 block of Mintz Lane, just north of Muscogee Road.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Pensacola Energy responded, securing the leak by 10 p.m. There was damage of any kind and no injuries.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Community Health COVID-19 Testing Tuesday In Cantonment For Any Age
July 20, 2020
Community Health Northwest Florida is bringing COVID-19 testing back to Cantonment this week.
The drive-thru testing will be available Tuesday, July 21 from 8-11 a.m. at Community Health Northwest Florida Cantonment Pediatrics at 470 South Highway 29.
The testing is for Escambia County (FL) residents only. There is no pre-screening required, and the testing is available for any age regardless of symptoms.
Testing will be provided weather permitting while supplies last. Participants should bring a photo identification and an insurance card (if insured).
Pictured: Community Health Northwest Florida COVID-19 testing in Century on May 13. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FDC Offering $1,000 Hiring Bonuses At Century And Santa Rosa Correctional Institutions
July 20, 2020
The Florida Department of Corrections has announced $1,000 hiring bonuses at prisons across the state, including Century Correctional Institution and the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution.
The bonuses are available for new hires who complete their correctional officer certification through either FDC or certain state colleges will be eligible for the bonus. Paid training is available.
FDC has expanded the applicant base for correctional officers within the state prison system. The minimum age requirement for a correctional officer is 18 years of age.
For more information, visit FLDOCjobs.com.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Move Lower, Shaping Up To Be Cheapest July In 16 Years
July 20, 2020
Florida gas prices slipped lower last week by about three cents over the last 11 days.
Florida gas prices reached a summertime high of $2.11 per gallon on Independence Day. Since that time, gas prices have mostly faced downward pressure. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Florida is now $2.08. That’s 2 cents per gallon less than a week ago, and 61 cents less than this time last year.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $2.07. Sunday night, the lowest price in the Cantonment area was $2.04, while a couple of Pensacola stations were at $1.88.
This is shaping up to be the cheapest July at the pump since 2004, according to AAA. So far this month, Florida gas prices have averaged $2.10 per gallon. That’s 13 cents per gallon more than the monthly average price in June 2020, and 29 cents per gallon more than the monthly average in May. Pump prices are higher than recent months, as Floridians returned to the road for the summer.
“Fuel market watchers remain concerned about the overall impact that elevated cases of COVID-19 could have on future fuel demand,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “As a result, wholesale gasoline prices dropped nearly 10 cents last week. This could allow retail pump prices to slip even lower in the coming days.”
Century Cancels CRA Meeting, Will Appoint New Chairman To Oversee Blighted Area Improvement
July 20, 2020
The Town of Century CRA meeting planned for Monday has been canceled as the town council has been tasked with appointing a new chairperson.
Ben Boutwell had served as the CRA chairman, but he resigned his council seat in order to run for mayor. The town council is set to appoint another council member as CRA chair during their meeting Monday night.
The council sits as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board.
The CRA area is 510 acres, bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, East High 4 to the north and the center line of North Century Boulevard to the west. It also extends north on the east side of North Century Boulevard to include commercial properties up to, and including, the former Burger King. Click here for a detailed map (pdf).
The town previously declared a portion of Century as “blighted” as part of the process to form the CRA.
The CRA is tasked with working to improve conditions within the area. As property tax values rise, most of the increase is funneled back into the redevelopment area for further improvements.
Eagles In The Outfield: Blue Wahoos Stadium To Be Transformed Into Golf Course
July 20, 2020
Blue Wahoos Stadium will be transformed into a golf course and fans will be able to book tee times to compete for the top score in the new Eagles In The Outfield stadium golf experience from July 30-August 2.
The course will feature one dozen targets set up at varying distances across the outfield. Golfers, teeing off from beyond the outfield fence, will compete to earn points by hitting the targets with their tee shots. Each tee time will give golfers an hour of unlimited shots from their tee box. In addition to the on-field golf course, all golfers will also receive a free round of mini golf on a brand new concourse putt-putt course.
Both right-handed and left-handed clubs will be available for participants to use, but golfers may bring their own clubs. Clubs that hit farther than 100 yards are not permitted for safety reasons.
A full schedule of available tee times can be found at MiLB.com/Pensacola/Events/Golf.
Five from every booking will be donated to the First Tee of Northwest Florida to help youth across the Panhandle learn life lessons and develop their character while gaining access to the game of golf.
No Injuries In Fiery North Century Boulevard Wreck
July 19, 2020
There were no injuries in a fiery two vehicle at sunrise Sunday morning in Century.
The crash happened about 6 a.m. in the 8300 block of North Century Boulevard at the Whataburger A pickup truck involved in the crash burst into flames in the restaurant driveway and was completely destroyed.
Everyone in the crash escaped without injury.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated the crash. The Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Monday Is The Deadline For Escambia County Parents To Choose School Option For Their Child
July 19, 2020
Monday is the deadline for parents to choose what education option is best for their child when Escambia County School reopen at full capacity in August.
Complete deatils on the choices and a FAQ are below.
Three Choices for Each Student
Parents will choose between a traditional return to campus with in-person instruction, virtual learning with a connection to enrolled school and online virtual school through Escambia Virtual Academy.
Those options, in more detail, are:
Traditional -
This model represents a return to the school campus and the classroom where students will interact directly with their teacher(s) and classmates. If an option is not selected in FOCUS for a student, then this will be the default selection. The school day will follow the standard bell times and standard schedule that includes all the core classes and other subject areas. In short, it represents a return to the traditional school environment – with several significant changes involving enhanced health and safety precautions.
Remote Learning -
The remote learning model is designed for families who would like to maintain their connection to their enrolled school, but don’t yet feel comfortable sending their student(s) back to school in August. Students will attend school remotely, following the standard school schedule and bell times. The lessons, assignments and grading will be similar to traditional school.
Virtual School -
The virtual model is ideal for students who wish to have more control over their learning path and pace, and for whom a flexible daily schedule is important. In this learning model, students often work on assignments in a virtual environment during non-traditional hours and maintain contact with their teacher and classmates using web-based class sessions, email, text messages and telephone calls.
Once parents have reviewed the options available, a selection must be made to choose an option which best meets their student’s needs by a deadline of Monday, July 20, 2020. Parents and guardians will utilize their parent/student FOCUS account to choose this selection. It is important to note that the instructional model chosen will place the student within the selected learning option for an entire (9-week) grading period. Every effort will be made to ensure students will start the 2020-2021 school year ready for success.
Parents will have until Monday, July 20 to choose the option that is best for their student by clicking or tapping here. If no selection is made, the student will be placed in the traditional option.
Back to School Safety
Students will be encouraged, but not required, to wear masks, and they will be expected to socially distance. At the elementary school level where social distancing is difficult at best. Students will spend most of their day only interacting with students in their class.
Dining will take place in the classroom, cafeteria, and outdoors. Dining in the cafeteria will be limited in an effort to promote social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available at all points of meal service.
School bus operators, school bus assistants, and students will all be encouraged to wear masks while aboard the bus. All buses will undergo disinfection of commonly touched surfaces at least twice per day as per District guidelines. Hand sanitizer will be available on buses for students and staff.
Most sporting events will have a smaller, “more select crowd” with less exposure. Certain gatherings will not be allowed during the first semester but will be reevaluated for the second semester. Crowd sizes will be governed by state and local and state guideless. All sports will be offered during the 2020-2021 school year, but with restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
Now that we know what the options are, what comes next?
Take time to familiarize yourself with the options, and then choose the option that works best for your student. After reading the descriptions of the options, you can review the Frequently Asked Questions. When you are ready to make your choice, go to the blue Select an Option button. You will be directed to the Focus login page where you will login to your parent/student account to make your selection. If you have more than one student, you will have the opportunity to make a selection for each one. The deadline for making your choice is Monday, July 20.
Will parents and volunteers be allowed on campus?
For quarter 1 parents, volunteers, mentors, and visitors will not be present on campus. This will be reevaluated each quarter.
Will students be expected to take FSA?
Yes. At this time the Florida DOE has indicated plans to test in the spring. All options (Traditional, Remote, Virtual) will be expected to participate.
Will there be an open house this year?
No, there will not be an open house this year.
Will students be able to go on field trips?
There will be no field trips in the 1st quarter. This decision will be reevaluated each quarter.
Will parents be allowed to attend conferences on campus?
Yes. Face to Face conferences are permitted, however, parents may also request virtual conferences.
Will parents be permitted to walk their student(s) to class?
No. For the safety of students and staff, no visitors will be allowed on campus.
Will there be orientations this year?
Orientations will be performed on a limited basis. Consult your school’s website for specific information regarding orientation.
If I do not make a selection for my student, in which option will they be placed?
The Traditional Option will be the default selection.
LEARNING MODEL OPTIONS
Once I choose an option, can I change my mind later?
A continuous and consistent learning environment is best for student success. However, parents and students might have compelling reasons to seek a transition from one option to another. For the sake of continuity, transfers from one learning option to another may only occur after the completion of a grading period.
Will each option offer the same classes?
Core classes will be available under all three options. The Escambia Virtual Academy (EVA) and Remote Learning options will have a limited selection of electives. These will differ from courses available in the Traditional model.
Is the Remote Learning option identical to the distance learning we experienced during the final months of the school year?
No. It will feature a robust curriculum with an assignment load similar to the Traditional model. Based on feedback from students and parents, there is a clearer idea of which factors contribute to greater student success. Those factors include more frequent real-time interaction between students and teachers. Also, the Remote Learning model will incorporate standard school schedules and bell times, leading to a learning experience more connected to teachers.
Under the Traditional model, will elementary students be able to have recess?
Yes. Recess will be organized to emphasize social distancing. Playground equipment will be sanitized between use.
What options are available to children in the Voluntary Pre-K program?
The Traditional model is the only option available to children in the Voluntary Pre-K program.
If I choose the Escambia Virtual Academy (EVA) or Remote Learning option will my student be able to participate in athletics?
Yes, students will have the same opportunities to participate in athletics at their zoned school.
Will IB be offered through one of the online learning models?
Yes. IB will be available through the Remote Learning model, as well as the Traditional model.
Has the start date for the 2020-2021 school year changed?
No. The first day of school for students for all options/models will be on August 10.
If my student is enrolled in Dual Enrollment part/full time what option should I choose?
You will select the Traditional Option.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Will students wear masks in classrooms?
Students are encouraged to wear masks or cloth face coverings.
Will students be expected to socially distance?
Students will be socially distanced to the extent possible. At the elementary school level, where social distancing will be extremely difficult, students will spend most of the school day interacting only with students in their class. By limiting their exposure to a small number of students, the chance of infection is reduced.
What steps will be taken to ensure that surfaces are clean in classrooms?
Maintenance workers and school custodians will clean frequently touched surfaces throughout the day and conduct overall cleanings at the conclusion of every day. Other non-custodial staff members will be expected to do their part keeping surfaces clean and will be provided spray bottles and microfiber cloths for additional cleaning. Teachers will have access to cleaning supplies for their classrooms. Student hand washing will be frequent.
What other steps are being taken to ensure a healthy environment?
Escambia Schools will partner with parents in educating students on the importance of handwashing, hygiene, and social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be made available in classrooms and workplaces. The schedule for changing air conditioning filters has been accelerated. Water fountains are being retrofitted to be bottle fillers. Temperature checks will be performed on staff and students as appropriate.
What will my student’s school do if a classmate or staff member is infected with COVID-19?
Communication will be sent to parents and staff that if they are exhibiting symptoms, they should not come to school or report to work. If a student exhibits symptoms at school he/she will be taken to the school clinic and the parent or guardian will be notified.
What if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County will notify the district if a student or staff member tests positive. Parents of students in the affected class will be notified, while not specifically identifying the student or staff member. The Health Department will conduct the appropriate notifications of individuals who have been in contact with the person infected. The Reopening plan is designed to limit the chances of infection and to limit the disruption to a school or workplace in the event of an infection.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Will the district be completing Child Find and evaluation when school reopens?
Escambia County Schools will continue to identify, locate, and evaluate students suspected of having a disability and needing special education and related services. At the same time, being mindful that students have been displaced from their typical learning environment when initiating the referral process. Some evaluation procedures can be completed in remote learning situations. Some evaluations require in-person contact with students or observations of students in school settings. Escambia County Schools is conducting evaluations remotely and in-person while adhering to public health guidelines for the safety of students and staff.
How will Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings take place in the Fall?
Escambia County Schools is committed to providing families an opportunity to have meaningful participation in the special education process. Whether in-person or an alternative format, such as videoconferencing or by phone, IEP teams will partner with families to determine the most practical format to conduct IEP meetings.
Will students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans receive accommodations in EVA and Remote Learning?
All students attending EVA and Remote Learning will have access to many accommodations that naturally occur in the virtual setting. In addition, EVA and Remote Learning may be able to provide additional accommodations per a student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan if the accommodation(s) is/are applicable to the online educational environment. Please note that some accommodations may not be possible to implement in the online educational setting.
MEALS
What steps will be taken to limit exposure in the school cafeteria?
Dining will take place in the classroom, cafeteria, and outdoors. Dining in the cafeteria will be limited in an effort to promote social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available at all points of meal service.
What steps will be taken to minimize frequent contact to surfaces during meal service?
All items will be individually packaged to minimize frequent contact to surfaces and facilitate grab and go meal service. This will allow students to eat throughout the campus as appropriate.
TRANSPORTATION
What steps will be taken to limit exposure on school buses?
School bus operators, school bus assistants, and students will all be encouraged to wear masks while aboard the bus. All buses will undergo disinfection of commonly touched surfaces at least twice per day as per District guidelines. Hand sanitizer will be available on buses for students and staff.
Why are sporting events allowed and not pep rallies, dances, and back to school nights?
Most sporting events have a smaller, more select crowd, and therefore involve less exposure. At this time only certain gatherings will not be allowed 1st semester and will be re-evaluated for 2nd semester.
ATHLETICS
Will athletes be required to wear masks?
Not during competition or practice, but they will be encouraged to wear masks or cloth face coverings while riding the bus to and from the game.
Will parents still be allowed to attend games?
Yes. Crowd capacity will be determined based on state and local guidelines.
Will sports still be offered next school year?
Yes. Sports will be offered in the 2020-2021 school year. The same sports will be offered as usual with some restrictions on social distancing, cleaning procedures, and masks (optional for athletes). Students will be encouraged to wear a mask on any bus trips to games.
If a student chooses the EVA or Remote Learning option are they able to try out for school sports?
Yes. If you choose the EVA option you can participate at your zoned school. If you choose the Remote Learning option, you will be able to participate in sports at your enrolled school.
Will volunteer coaches be permitted?
Yes. However, they will be subject to temperature checks and encouraged to wear a mask.
BAND
Will students wear masks in the band room?
Students will be encouraged to wear masks or face coverings when not playing instruments.
Will students be expected to socially distance in the band room?
Yes. The band room will be arranged for social distancing and band students will adhere to the guidelines for social distancing as much as possible. Rehearsals will be outdoors when appropriate.
Will band students travel to away football games?
During the first quarter, restricted travel to Escambia County and Santa Rosa County football games and band events can take place. In some cases, only a pep band may be at the game. This decision will be reevaluated each quarter.
Will students participate in concerts and performances?
Yes. Performance opportunities are key to a student’s band experience. For the first quarter, outdoor performances and live stream performances can occur. This decision will be reevaluated each quarter.
Will band parents be able to chaperone and volunteer in the band?
Volunteers are not permitted during the school day. After school, parents can be part of the band booster program if they have completed the ECSD volunteer paperwork and participate in a band COVID19 parent orientation. Band booster parents will be encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing, and volunteer with the same small group every time to limit exposure.
How have band uniforms been sanitized?
Band uniforms have been cleaned and sanitized following the manufacturers’ guidelines.
Century Finds Way To Cut Two-Thirds Off Their AT&T Bill. It’s Going To Save Them $16K In A Year.
July 19, 2020
The Town of Century found that their telephone and internet expenses were getting out of hand and consistently over budget. Thanks to a self-audit, they’ve cut their AT&T bill by nearly two-thirds.
The town was spending $2,135.97 per month with AT&T. They discovered unneeded services, and found they were out of any contract with increase annual costs as a result.
The town was paying $72.66 per month for a phone line at Showalter Park for a fire alarm system that the town council previously voted to remove. And they found three accounts associated with sewage lift stations that could be removed for another savings of $433.35 per month.
An AT&T representative worked with the town and determined they could save $52 per month by renewing a contract for services at their maintenance shop.
But the biggest savings came at town hall by signing a two-year contract for service with 20 Mbps internet and up to 10 concurrent phone calls for $555 a month. That will take $797.57 off the monthly bill.
All total, the town will save $1,353.73 each month (give or take a little for fees) off their previous $2,135.97 rate. That will amount to an annual savings of about $16,000.
The town did not consider any alternatives to renewing an AT&T contract. Specifically, they did not seek a quote or information from Uniti Fiber, which provides fiber optic internet and phone service to Escambia County for the adjacent Century Branch Library.
File photo.