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PLEASE STAND FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. [PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE] Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. MEMBER PEREZ, WILL YOU PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR STUDENT ENTERTAINMENT? Karen Perez: THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ WITH PRINCIPAL VALERIE NEWTON AND INSTRUCTOR CARMEN GRIFFITH. THESE WONDERFUL STUDENTS ENTERTAINED US PRIOR TO THE START OF OUR BOARD MEETING. AT THIS TIME, WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE THE STUDENTS UP TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES. MY NAME IS WILLIAM. I PLAY THE DRUMS AND I'M IN THE 12th GRADE. HELLO. I'M MAXWELL HAMMOND. I PLAY I GO TORE AND I'M IN -- GUITAR AND I'M IN THE 12th GRADE. I'M WADE RICHARDS. I PLAY VIBES. I'M IN 11th GRADE. MY NAME IS CALVIN. I PLAY TRUMPET. I'M IN THE 11th GRADE. MY NAME IS HALEY LOPEZ. I PLAY ALTO SAX AND I AM IN THE 12th GRADE. HI. MY NAME IS AVA.

THE BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 3, 2024, IS CALLED TO ORDER. MEMBER PEREZ WILL NOW LEAD US IN -- WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO CALL IT? MEMBER PEREZ WILL NOW GIVE US A QUOTE FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Karen Perez: THANK YOU. THIS QUOTE IS NOT ATTRIBUTED TO A SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL. IT IS A REFLECTION ON THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF OUR WELL-BEING AND THE WORLD AROUND US. IT SERVES AS A REMINDER OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CARING FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS FOR HARMONIOUS AND DRIVING COMMUNITY. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY AND YOUR MIND WILL THANK YOU. TAKE CARE OF YOUR SOUL, THE UNIVERSE WILL THANK YOU. TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, AND WE WILL ALL THRIVE TOGETHER.

I PLAY TRUMPET AND IN THE 11th GRADE. HI. MY NAME IS LEON. I PLAY GUITAR. I'M IN THE 12th GRADE. HI. CALVIN WILLIAMS. I PLAY THE DRUMS. I'M IN 10th GRADE. HI. MY NAME IS LEWIS LOPEZ. I PLAY BASS. I'M IN THE 11th GRADE. HI. I'M DIRECTOR CARMEN GRIFFIN. MARCHING BAND DIRECTOR AND JAZZ BAND DIRECTOR AT BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL. I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH THESE STUDENTS. I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE AND INVITE YOU ALL TO COME TO OUR PERFORMANCE ON JANUARY 8 AT THE CONVENTION CENTER. IT IS THE FLORIDA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION FOR WHICH WE'VE BEEN INVITED TO PERFORM FOR THE PRESIDENT'S CONCERT, WHICH IS QUITE THE HONOR. 7:30 P.M. I WOULD BE REMISS NOT TO NOTE THIS LOVELY PICTURE ON THE WALL. THANK YOU FOR HAVING THE MARCHING YELLOW JACKETS POSTED IN THE ROOM. WE APPRECIATE YOU GUYS. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

PLEASE STAND FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. [PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE] Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. MEMBER PEREZ, WILL YOU PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR STUDENT ENTERTAINMENT? Karen Perez: THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ WITH PRINCIPAL VALERIE NEWTON AND INSTRUCTOR CARMEN GRIFFITH. THESE WONDERFUL STUDENTS ENTERTAINED US PRIOR TO THE START OF OUR BOARD MEETING. AT THIS TIME, WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE THE STUDENTS UP TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES. MY NAME IS WILLIAM. I PLAY THE DRUMS AND I'M IN THE 12th GRADE. HELLO. I'M MAXWELL HAMMOND. I PLAY I GO TORE AND I'M IN -- GUITAR AND I'M IN THE 12th GRADE. I'M WADE RICHARDS. I PLAY VIBES. I'M IN 11th GRADE. MY NAME IS CALVIN. I PLAY TRUMPET. I'M IN THE 11th GRADE. MY NAME IS HALEY LOPEZ. I PLAY ALTO SAX AND I AM IN THE 12th GRADE. HI. MY NAME IS AVA.

GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM VALERIE NEWTON, THE PROUD PRINCIPAL FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO SERVE THESE FINE STUDENTS. THANK YOU. Jessica Vaughn: IF ANYONE WANTS TO COME TAKE A PICTURE. Jessica Vaughn: FANTASTIC. SUCH AN AMAZING JOB. SO GOOD. PEOPLE WERE DANCING IN THEIR SEATS. WE HAVE NO WITHDRAWN ITEMS TODAY. IT I NEED A MOTION -- I NEED A MOTION AND SECOND TO ADOPT THE AGENDA.

I PLAY TRUMPET AND IN THE 11th GRADE. HI. MY NAME IS LEON. I PLAY GUITAR. I'M IN THE 12th GRADE. HI. CALVIN WILLIAMS. I PLAY THE DRUMS. I'M IN 10th GRADE. HI. MY NAME IS LEWIS LOPEZ. I PLAY BASS. I'M IN THE 11th GRADE. HI. I'M DIRECTOR CARMEN GRIFFIN. MARCHING BAND DIRECTOR AND JAZZ BAND DIRECTOR AT BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL. I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH THESE STUDENTS. I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE AND INVITE YOU ALL TO COME TO OUR PERFORMANCE ON JANUARY 8 AT THE CONVENTION CENTER. IT IS THE FLORIDA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION FOR WHICH WE'VE BEEN INVITED TO PERFORM FOR THE PRESIDENT'S CONCERT, WHICH IS QUITE THE HONOR. 7:30 P.M. I WOULD BE REMISS NOT TO NOTE THIS LOVELY PICTURE ON THE WALL. THANK YOU FOR HAVING THE MARCHING YELLOW JACKETS POSTED IN THE ROOM. WE APPRECIATE YOU GUYS. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

I HAVE A MOTION BY MEMBER GRAY AND A SECOND BY MEMBER WASHINGTON. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, PLEASE VOTE WHEN YOUR LIGHTS APPEAR. THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT ALL BOARD MEMBERS ARE PRESENT. WE HAVE THREE SETS OF MINUTES TO BE APPROVED TODAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024, SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOP. OCTOBER 1st, 2024 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. NOVEMBER 11, 2024, SCHOOL BOARD REORGANIZATION MEETING. I NEED A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM VALERIE NEWTON, THE PROUD PRINCIPAL FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO SERVE THESE FINE STUDENTS. THANK YOU. Jessica Vaughn: IF ANYONE WANTS TO COME TAKE A PICTURE. Jessica Vaughn: FANTASTIC. SUCH AN AMAZING JOB. SO GOOD. PEOPLE WERE DANCING IN THEIR SEATS. WE HAVE NO WITHDRAWN ITEMS TODAY. IT I NEED A MOTION -- I NEED A MOTION AND SECOND TO ADOPT THE AGENDA.

I HAVE A MOTION BY MEMBER PEREZ AND A SECOND BY MEMBER WASHINGTON. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, PLEASE VOTE WHEN YOUR LIGHTS APPEAR. THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. BOARD MEMBERS, I'D LIKE TO GO OVER THE FORMAT OF TODAY'S MEETING. AS A REMINDER, WE ARE A NONPARTISAN BOARD WHO BELIEVE ALL CHILDREN CAN BE EMPOWERED TO LEARN TO SUCCEED AND OUR DECISIONS WILL BE MADE WITH THAT UNDERSTANDING. TO PAVE THE WAY FOR EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE AGENDA, STATEMENTS OR QUESTIONS, BOARD MEMBERS WILL HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO SPEAK WITH 30 SECONDS FOR FINAL THOUGHTS. AFTERWARDS THE SUPERINTENDENT CAN RESPOND. IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS, YOU'RE ASKED TO GET BACK IN THE QUEUE.

I HAVE A MOTION BY MEMBER GRAY AND A SECOND BY MEMBER WASHINGTON. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, PLEASE VOTE WHEN YOUR LIGHTS APPEAR. THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT ALL BOARD MEMBERS ARE PRESENT. WE HAVE THREE SETS OF MINUTES TO BE APPROVED TODAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024, SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOP. OCTOBER 1st, 2024 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. NOVEMBER 11, 2024, SCHOOL BOARD REORGANIZATION MEETING. I NEED A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

MEMBER PEREZ WILL NOW READ THE BOARD GUIDELINES. Karen Perez: AS WE BEGIN THIS AFTERNOON'S MEETING, PLEASE ALLOW ME TO QUICKLY REVIEW THE FORMAT OF OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS. PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES. THERE ARE SPEAKERS IN THE ROOM BEHIND ME THAT ALLOW THE BOARD MEMBERS TO HEAR THE MEETING UPON STEPPING AWAY FROM THE DAIS. THIS MEETING CAN BE VIEWED WITH CLOSED CAPTIONING ON THE LIVE WEBCAST AND ON CABLE TV AND ON VIDEO MONITORS HERE IN THE AUDITORIUM. IT ALSO CAN BE VIEWED WITH CLOSED CAPTIONING ON THE ONLINE VIDEO ARCHIVE.

I HAVE A MOTION BY MEMBER PEREZ AND A SECOND BY MEMBER WASHINGTON. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, PLEASE VOTE WHEN YOUR LIGHTS APPEAR. THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. BOARD MEMBERS, I'D LIKE TO GO OVER THE FORMAT OF TODAY'S MEETING. AS A REMINDER, WE ARE A NONPARTISAN BOARD WHO BELIEVE ALL CHILDREN CAN BE EMPOWERED TO LEARN TO SUCCEED AND OUR DECISIONS WILL BE MADE WITH THAT UNDERSTANDING. TO PAVE THE WAY FOR EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE AGENDA, STATEMENTS OR QUESTIONS, BOARD MEMBERS WILL HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO SPEAK WITH 30 SECONDS FOR FINAL THOUGHTS. AFTERWARDS THE SUPERINTENDENT CAN RESPOND. IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS, YOU'RE ASKED TO GET BACK IN THE QUEUE.

Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU, MEMBER PEREZ. WE HAVE TWO ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR TIME CERTAIN. AT 5:01, A PUBLIC HEARING AND 6 P.M., EMPLOYEE INPUT. NOW WE'LL MOVE ON TO RECOGNITIONS. A 01, RECOGNITION OF THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS BEST KREWE AWARD. AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO CALL UP ANNMARIE COURTNEY, DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS, ENGAGEMENT, PHILANTHROPY, AND OUTREACH. GOOD AFTERNOON, BOARD MEMBERS, SUPERINTENDENT, CABINET MEMBERS, AND GUESTS. THE BUCS BEST KREWE PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY OUR AMAZING PARTNER, THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, RECOGNIZES STAND OUT HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND SUPPORT STAFF FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE, OVERALL IMPACT ON STUDENTS, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE BRIAN FORD, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, HERE TONIGHT TO ANNOUNCE THIS MONTH'S RECIPIENTS. MR. FORD. GOOD AFTERNOON AND THANK YOU FOR THAT WARM WELCOME. GOOD AFTERNOON, BOARD MEMBERS. HAPPY HOLIDAYS. HOPE EVERYBODY IS WELL, SUPERINTENDENT, FACULTY, AND STAFF.

MEMBER PEREZ WILL NOW READ THE BOARD GUIDELINES. Karen Perez: AS WE BEGIN THIS AFTERNOON'S MEETING, PLEASE ALLOW ME TO QUICKLY REVIEW THE FORMAT OF OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS. PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES. THERE ARE SPEAKERS IN THE ROOM BEHIND ME THAT ALLOW THE BOARD MEMBERS TO HEAR THE MEETING UPON STEPPING AWAY FROM THE DAIS. THIS MEETING CAN BE VIEWED WITH CLOSED CAPTIONING ON THE LIVE WEBCAST AND ON CABLE TV AND ON VIDEO MONITORS HERE IN THE AUDITORIUM. IT ALSO CAN BE VIEWED WITH CLOSED CAPTIONING ON THE ONLINE VIDEO ARCHIVE.

AS WAS MENTIONED, I'M BRIAN FORD. I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND CONTINUING IT. I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND MAKING IT WHAT IT IS. WE HAVE THREE UNBELIEVABLE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE SO DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO TO RECOGNIZE HERE TODAY. I'M HUMBLED TO BE HERE TO DO SO. FIRST, WE'RE GOING TO RECOGNIZE OUR TEACHER. WE'VE GOT THE WRONG BALL. GOT TO HAVE THE RIGHT BALL, RIGHT? TO KIND OF EXPLAIN THIS PROGRAM TO ANYBODY THAT'S NEW, WE HAVE A TRADITION THAT THE GLAZER FAMILY STARTED. ANYBODY THAT GOES OVER AND ABOVE IN OUR ORGANIZATION GETS A GAME BALL. WHEN YOU HEAR THE STORIES THAT I'M ABOUT TO READ, YOU'LL UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. BUT THEY GO OVER AND ABOVE EACH AND EVERY DAY AND MAKE IT VERY EASY FOR US TO OFFER THIS RECOGNITION. SO WITH THAT, WOULD ELIZABETH ALEXANDER COME ON OVER HERE?

Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU, MEMBER PEREZ. WE HAVE TWO ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR TIME CERTAIN. AT 5:01, A PUBLIC HEARING AND 6 P.M., EMPLOYEE INPUT. NOW WE'LL MOVE ON TO RECOGNITIONS. A 01, RECOGNITION OF THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS BEST KREWE AWARD. AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO CALL UP ANNMARIE COURTNEY, DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS, ENGAGEMENT, PHILANTHROPY, AND OUTREACH. GOOD AFTERNOON, BOARD MEMBERS, SUPERINTENDENT, CABINET MEMBERS, AND GUESTS. THE BUCS BEST KREWE PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY OUR AMAZING PARTNER, THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, RECOGNIZES STAND OUT HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND SUPPORT STAFF FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE, OVERALL IMPACT ON STUDENTS, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE BRIAN FORD, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, HERE TONIGHT TO ANNOUNCE THIS MONTH'S RECIPIENTS. MR. FORD. GOOD AFTERNOON AND THANK YOU FOR THAT WARM WELCOME. GOOD AFTERNOON, BOARD MEMBERS. HAPPY HOLIDAYS. HOPE EVERYBODY IS WELL, SUPERINTENDENT, FACULTY, AND STAFF.

CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU SO MUCH. OUR BUCCANEERS BEST KREWE AWARD FOR EDUCATOR THIS MONTH IS FOR SOMEONE WHO ALWAYS KNOWN FOR SURPASSING ALL STANDARDS TO SUPPORT EVERY STUDENT, NOT JUST THEIR OWN. THESE ARE COMMENTS THAT YOUR PEERS HAVE GIVEN. SHE'S CONSTANTLY ORGANIZING SCHOOLWIDE EVENTS SO STUDENTS CAN COME PARTICIPATE IN EXPERIENCES THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO SO AT HOME. HALLOWEEN, SHE PROVIDED CANDY FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE TRICK OR TREATING. CHRISTMAS SHE PURCHASES AND ORGANIZES DONATIONS FOR ALL THE STUDENTS TO RECEIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN DECEMBER. SHE EVEN PROVIDES FOOD FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF WHO ARE HUNGRY. SHE ENSURES THAT THE CULTURE OF THE SCHOOL IS ALWAYS POSITIVE AND PROMOTES EXCELLENCE EVERY SINGLE DAY. MS. ELIZABETH ALEXANDER FROM PIZZO K-8 IS A PREMIER EDUCATOR IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM WHO SETS THE STANDARDS IN EDUCATION AND EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF THE TAMPA COMMUNITY.

AS WAS MENTIONED, I'M BRIAN FORD. I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND CONTINUING IT. I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND MAKING IT WHAT IT IS. WE HAVE THREE UNBELIEVABLE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE SO DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO TO RECOGNIZE HERE TODAY. I'M HUMBLED TO BE HERE TO DO SO. FIRST, WE'RE GOING TO RECOGNIZE OUR TEACHER. WE'VE GOT THE WRONG BALL. GOT TO HAVE THE RIGHT BALL, RIGHT? TO KIND OF EXPLAIN THIS PROGRAM TO ANYBODY THAT'S NEW, WE HAVE A TRADITION THAT THE GLAZER FAMILY STARTED. ANYBODY THAT GOES OVER AND ABOVE IN OUR ORGANIZATION GETS A GAME BALL. WHEN YOU HEAR THE STORIES THAT I'M ABOUT TO READ, YOU'LL UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. BUT THEY GO OVER AND ABOVE EACH AND EVERY DAY AND MAKE IT VERY EASY FOR US TO OFFER THIS RECOGNITION. SO WITH THAT, WOULD ELIZABETH ALEXANDER COME ON OVER HERE?

WE ARE HONORED TO GIVE THIS RECOGNITION SHE DESERVES WITH THIS BUCCANEER BEST KREWE AWARD. THAT MAKES IT EVEN BETTER. GIVE ME A HUG. GET A PICTURE OVER HERE AND I HAVE A CERTIFICATE FOR YOU AS WELL. SOMETHING TO HANG UP THERE. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO EACH AND EVERY DAY. THAT STORY IS REMARKABLE. NEXT WE HAVE SERGEANT ERIC COLLINS DISTRICT, SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. OUR SECOND AWARD IS FOR ESSENTIAL MEMBER OF THE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT WHO IS ALWAYS SEEKING CREATIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS. HE HAS COORDINATED A COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS FOR TRANSFORMATION SCHOOL CAMPUSES PLAYING A VITAL ROLE IN THE DEPARTMENT'S COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS. EACH YEAR LEADING UP TO WINTER BREAK, HE ORGANIZATION THE DELIVERY OF CHRISTMAS TOYS TO 15 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ON BEHALF OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SECURITY AND EM, A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU SO MUCH. OUR BUCCANEERS BEST KREWE AWARD FOR EDUCATOR THIS MONTH IS FOR SOMEONE WHO ALWAYS KNOWN FOR SURPASSING ALL STANDARDS TO SUPPORT EVERY STUDENT, NOT JUST THEIR OWN. THESE ARE COMMENTS THAT YOUR PEERS HAVE GIVEN. SHE'S CONSTANTLY ORGANIZING SCHOOLWIDE EVENTS SO STUDENTS CAN COME PARTICIPATE IN EXPERIENCES THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO SO AT HOME. HALLOWEEN, SHE PROVIDED CANDY FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE TRICK OR TREATING. CHRISTMAS SHE PURCHASES AND ORGANIZES DONATIONS FOR ALL THE STUDENTS TO RECEIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN DECEMBER. SHE EVEN PROVIDES FOOD FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF WHO ARE HUNGRY. SHE ENSURES THAT THE CULTURE OF THE SCHOOL IS ALWAYS POSITIVE AND PROMOTES EXCELLENCE EVERY SINGLE DAY. MS. ELIZABETH ALEXANDER FROM PIZZO K-8 IS A PREMIER EDUCATOR IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM WHO SETS THE STANDARDS IN EDUCATION AND EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF THE TAMPA COMMUNITY.

HIS EFFORTS HELP ENSURE OUR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS RECEIVE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON. IN ADDITION, HE IS ALSO A HUGE SUPPORTER OF THE DISTRICT'S ANNUAL CEREAL FOR SUMMER CAMPAIGN WHICH PROVIDES BREAKFAST FOR CHILDREN OVER THE SUMMER WHO WOULD OTHERWISE FACE HUNGER WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT OF SESSION. REMARKABLE. HE GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND HIS CALL OF DUTY EVERY DAY. ON BEHALF OF THE BUCCANEERS, THE GLAZER FAMILY AND OUR ENTIRE ORGANIZATION, PLEASE HELP ME CONGRATULATE SERGEANT ERIC COLLINS. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, COME ON OVER HERE. ERIN, PRINCIPAL IMPOE LETO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. EVEN WORE BUC RED AND THE EARRINGS. OVER A DOZEN STAFF MEMBERS REQUESTED OUR LAST AWARD RECIPIENT. EXEMPLIFIES PILLARS OF LEADERSHIP, COMMUNITY AND EXCELLENCE. SHE'S BEEN DESCRIBED AS THE LEADER THAT PEOPLE WANT TO WORK FOR. APPROACHABLE, EMPATHETIC AND DETERMINED. THROUGHOUT HER CAREER IN EDUCATION SPANS DECADES. IT IS HER FIRST YEAR AS A PRINCIPAL AT THIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

WE ARE HONORED TO GIVE THIS RECOGNITION SHE DESERVES WITH THIS BUCCANEER BEST KREWE AWARD. THAT MAKES IT EVEN BETTER. GIVE ME A HUG. GET A PICTURE OVER HERE AND I HAVE A CERTIFICATE FOR YOU AS WELL. SOMETHING TO HANG UP THERE. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO EACH AND EVERY DAY. THAT STORY IS REMARKABLE. NEXT WE HAVE SERGEANT ERIC COLLINS DISTRICT, SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. OUR SECOND AWARD IS FOR ESSENTIAL MEMBER OF THE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT WHO IS ALWAYS SEEKING CREATIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS. HE HAS COORDINATED A COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS FOR TRANSFORMATION SCHOOL CAMPUSES PLAYING A VITAL ROLE IN THE DEPARTMENT'S COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS. EACH YEAR LEADING UP TO WINTER BREAK, HE ORGANIZATION THE DELIVERY OF CHRISTMAS TOYS TO 15 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ON BEHALF OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SECURITY AND EM, A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

SHE'S ALSO INSPIRED THE ENTIRE SCHOOL. THANK YOU. OVER THE SUMMER SHE WORKED 12-HOUR DAYS OVER THE SUMMER TO GET THE SCHOOL READY, PHYSICALLY CLEANING, REARRANGING AND LANDSCAPING HERSELF. DURING HURRICANE MILTON SHE CHECKED IN ON ALL HER STAFF PERSONALLY TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE WAS OKAY. SHE WORKS TIRELESSLY EVERY DAY TO ENSURE THAT PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND STAFF FEEL CONNECTED AND HEARD FOR PROVIDING INVALUABLE GUIDANCE AND MENTORSHIP ALONG THE WAY. IN FACT, COUNTLESS TEACHERS SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A MORE DRIVEN OR EFFECTIVE PRINCIPAL IN THEIR ENTIRE CAREERS MAKING HER ONE OF THE BEST ADMINISTRATORS THAT THEY EVER WORKED FOR. ON TOP OF THAT, SHE'S A DIE-HARD BUCS FAN. CONGRATULATIONS. COME ON OVER HERE. WE HAVE A CERTIFICATE. THIS MAKES MY JOB. THIS IS THE BEST PART OF MY JOB. YOU ARE A SEASON TICKET HOLDER. WE WANT TO INVITE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES TO UPCOMING GAME, THIS SUNDAY, GAME ON THE 29th DECEMBER OR JANUARY 5.

HIS EFFORTS HELP ENSURE OUR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS RECEIVE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON. IN ADDITION, HE IS ALSO A HUGE SUPPORTER OF THE DISTRICT'S ANNUAL CEREAL FOR SUMMER CAMPAIGN WHICH PROVIDES BREAKFAST FOR CHILDREN OVER THE SUMMER WHO WOULD OTHERWISE FACE HUNGER WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT OF SESSION. REMARKABLE. HE GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND HIS CALL OF DUTY EVERY DAY. ON BEHALF OF THE BUCCANEERS, THE GLAZER FAMILY AND OUR ENTIRE ORGANIZATION, PLEASE HELP ME CONGRATULATE SERGEANT ERIC COLLINS. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, COME ON OVER HERE. ERIN, PRINCIPAL IMPOE LETO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. EVEN WORE BUC RED AND THE EARRINGS. OVER A DOZEN STAFF MEMBERS REQUESTED OUR LAST AWARD RECIPIENT. EXEMPLIFIES PILLARS OF LEADERSHIP, COMMUNITY AND EXCELLENCE. SHE'S BEEN DESCRIBED AS THE LEADER THAT PEOPLE WANT TO WORK FOR. APPROACHABLE, EMPATHETIC AND DETERMINED. THROUGHOUT HER CAREER IN EDUCATION SPANS DECADES. IT IS HER FIRST YEAR AS A PRINCIPAL AT THIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

YOU'LL GET MY INFORMATION AND FOLLOW UP WITH ME PERSONALLY AND LOVE TO HAVE YOU AS OUR GUEST TO CHEER ON THE BUCS. Jessica Vaughn: ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE. THANK YOU TO THE BUCCANEERS FOR THESE RECOGNITIONS. THE BOARD WELCOMES -- THANK YOU ALL. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. WHOO. THE BOARD WELCOMES COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS AND VALUES YOUR INPUT TO THE BOARD. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSES TO YOUR COMMENTS, OUR STAFF WILL FOLLOW UP WITH YOU AND KEEP OUR BOARD INFORMED ABOUT THE RESPONSES. OUR SCHOOL BOARD RESPECTS THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD AND WE APPRECIATE YOU TAKING YOUR TIME TO BE HERE. HOWEVER, IT IS REQUESTED THAT WHEN YOU ADDRESS THE BOARD, COMMENTS ARE NOT DIRECTED PERSONALLY AGAINST A BOARD MEMBER OR STAFF MEMBER, BUT RATHER DIRECTED AT THE ISSUES. ANY BEHAVIOR INTENDED TO INTERRUPT THE ORDERLY CONDUCT OF THIS MEETING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

SHE'S ALSO INSPIRED THE ENTIRE SCHOOL. THANK YOU. OVER THE SUMMER SHE WORKED 12-HOUR DAYS OVER THE SUMMER TO GET THE SCHOOL READY, PHYSICALLY CLEANING, REARRANGING AND LANDSCAPING HERSELF. DURING HURRICANE MILTON SHE CHECKED IN ON ALL HER STAFF PERSONALLY TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE WAS OKAY. SHE WORKS TIRELESSLY EVERY DAY TO ENSURE THAT PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND STAFF FEEL CONNECTED AND HEARD FOR PROVIDING INVALUABLE GUIDANCE AND MENTORSHIP ALONG THE WAY. IN FACT, COUNTLESS TEACHERS SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A MORE DRIVEN OR EFFECTIVE PRINCIPAL IN THEIR ENTIRE CAREERS MAKING HER ONE OF THE BEST ADMINISTRATORS THAT THEY EVER WORKED FOR. ON TOP OF THAT, SHE'S A DIE-HARD BUCS FAN. CONGRATULATIONS. COME ON OVER HERE. WE HAVE A CERTIFICATE. THIS MAKES MY JOB. THIS IS THE BEST PART OF MY JOB. YOU ARE A SEASON TICKET HOLDER. WE WANT TO INVITE EACH OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES TO UPCOMING GAME, THIS SUNDAY, GAME ON THE 29th DECEMBER OR JANUARY 5.

OUR CIVILITY POLICY IS IN PLACE. WHEN ADDRESSING THE BOARD, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND SPEAK CLEARLY INTO THE MICROPHONE. THIS AFTERNOON, EACH SPEAKER WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES. REMINDER THAT YOUR THREE MINUTES START WHEN YOU BEGIN SPEAKING. WHEN THERE ARE 30 SECONDS LEFT, YOU'LL SEE A YELLOW LIGHT ON THE LECTERN AND A RED LIGHT WILL CHIME TO INDICATE WHEN YOUR TIME IS UP. I'LL NOW CALL UP OUR FIVE SPEAKERS. GOOD AFTERNOON. I'M JASON MARLOWE. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTHEAST SEMINOLE HEIGHTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION. WHILE I'M HERE AS ONE, I STAND BEFORE YOU AS MANY. I AM REPRESENTING AND SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS OF UNIVERSITY SCARE, LOWRY PARK CENTRAL, OLD SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, SOUTHEAST SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, AS WELL AS YBOR AND TAMPA HEIGHTS. ALL HAVE GIVEN THEIR OFFICIAL BLESSING TO THIS EFFORT. I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF HOMEOWNERS WHO RESIDE WITHIN TAMPA'S URBAN CORE WHO OPPOSE THE EXPANSION OF 275 AND OPPOSE THIS BOARD'S STANCE ON IT AS WELL.

YOU'LL GET MY INFORMATION AND FOLLOW UP WITH ME PERSONALLY AND LOVE TO HAVE YOU AS OUR GUEST TO CHEER ON THE BUCS. Jessica Vaughn: ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE. THANK YOU TO THE BUCCANEERS FOR THESE RECOGNITIONS. THE BOARD WELCOMES -- THANK YOU ALL. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. WHOO. THE BOARD WELCOMES COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS AND VALUES YOUR INPUT TO THE BOARD. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSES TO YOUR COMMENTS, OUR STAFF WILL FOLLOW UP WITH YOU AND KEEP OUR BOARD INFORMED ABOUT THE RESPONSES. OUR SCHOOL BOARD RESPECTS THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD AND WE APPRECIATE YOU TAKING YOUR TIME TO BE HERE. HOWEVER, IT IS REQUESTED THAT WHEN YOU ADDRESS THE BOARD, COMMENTS ARE NOT DIRECTED PERSONALLY AGAINST A BOARD MEMBER OR STAFF MEMBER, BUT RATHER DIRECTED AT THE ISSUES. ANY BEHAVIOR INTENDED TO INTERRUPT THE ORDERLY CONDUCT OF THIS MEETING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

I WANT TO BE CLEAR. TAMPA'S URBAN CORE IS VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED TO THIS POTENTIAL $5 MILLION PROPOSAL THAT WOULD DIMINISH OUR QUALITY OF LIFE. SCHOOL BOARD HAS A VOTING REPRESENTATIVE AT THE TPO, WE POLITELY ASK THIS BOARD TO REVISIT THEIR STANCE AND TAKE AN OFFICIAL POSITION ON THIS ISSUE AS A BOARD. TO THOSE UNAWARE, THE COMMUNITIES OF TAMPA SPENT WELL OVER A DECADE COMBATING BAD TRANSPORTATION POLICY AND REMAIN STEADFAST IN OUR OPPOSITION TO THIS PROJECT. THIS ISSUE UNITES INDIVIDUALS ACROSS EVERY SPECTRUM, PARTISAN, RACIAL, SOCIOECONOMIC. THAT'S WHY ON OCTOBER 30th, NEARLY 100 OF US PACKED COUNTY CENTER IN OPPOSITION AND MAKING THAT OPPOSITION LOUD AND CLEAR, WHICH WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO.

OUR CIVILITY POLICY IS IN PLACE. WHEN ADDRESSING THE BOARD, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND SPEAK CLEARLY INTO THE MICROPHONE. THIS AFTERNOON, EACH SPEAKER WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES. REMINDER THAT YOUR THREE MINUTES START WHEN YOU BEGIN SPEAKING. WHEN THERE ARE 30 SECONDS LEFT, YOU'LL SEE A YELLOW LIGHT ON THE LECTERN AND A RED LIGHT WILL CHIME TO INDICATE WHEN YOUR TIME IS UP. I'LL NOW CALL UP OUR FIVE SPEAKERS. GOOD AFTERNOON. I'M JASON MARLOWE. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTHEAST SEMINOLE HEIGHTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION. WHILE I'M HERE AS ONE, I STAND BEFORE YOU AS MANY. I AM REPRESENTING AND SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS OF UNIVERSITY SCARE, LOWRY PARK CENTRAL, OLD SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, SOUTHEAST SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, AS WELL AS YBOR AND TAMPA HEIGHTS. ALL HAVE GIVEN THEIR OFFICIAL BLESSING TO THIS EFFORT. I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF HOMEOWNERS WHO RESIDE WITHIN TAMPA'S URBAN CORE WHO OPPOSE THE EXPANSION OF 275 AND OPPOSE THIS BOARD'S STANCE ON IT AS WELL.

IF ANYBODY HAS ANY QUESTIONS FROM THIS BOARD ABOUT THE WHO, THE WHAT, THE WHEN, THE WHERE, OR THE WHY AS TO WHY WE STAND LIKE THIS, I'M HAPPY TO MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE TO EACH AND ALL OF YOU. AGAIN, FORMALLY REQUEST THIS BOARD REVIEW ITS OFFICIAL STANCE ON THE I-275 EXPANSION AND COME TO A CONCLUSION ON THIS PROPOSAL AS A BOARD. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. NEXT SPEAKER, PLEASE. GOOD EVENING, BOARD MEMBERS, SUPERINTENDENT. I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES AT GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL, BUT I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU A FEW HIGHLIGHTS. NUMBER ONE, THE SHERIFF AT THAT SCHOOL, HIS BEHAVIOR WAS SO ATROCIOUS TOWARDS THE PARENTS WHEN THE SCHOOL COUNSELORS WAS GIVING A CEREMONY FOR THE JUNIORS AND THE SENIORS FOR THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS. I WAS FLABBERGASTED THE WAY HE WAS TALKING TO THE PARENTS. TWO WEEKS AGO, MY WIFE HAD VOLUNTEERED AT GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL TO FEED THE FOOTBALL PLAYERS BEFORE THEIR PLAYOFF GAME.

I WANT TO BE CLEAR. TAMPA'S URBAN CORE IS VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED TO THIS POTENTIAL $5 MILLION PROPOSAL THAT WOULD DIMINISH OUR QUALITY OF LIFE. SCHOOL BOARD HAS A VOTING REPRESENTATIVE AT THE TPO, WE POLITELY ASK THIS BOARD TO REVISIT THEIR STANCE AND TAKE AN OFFICIAL POSITION ON THIS ISSUE AS A BOARD. TO THOSE UNAWARE, THE COMMUNITIES OF TAMPA SPENT WELL OVER A DECADE COMBATING BAD TRANSPORTATION POLICY AND REMAIN STEADFAST IN OUR OPPOSITION TO THIS PROJECT. THIS ISSUE UNITES INDIVIDUALS ACROSS EVERY SPECTRUM, PARTISAN, RACIAL, SOCIOECONOMIC. THAT'S WHY ON OCTOBER 30th, NEARLY 100 OF US PACKED COUNTY CENTER IN OPPOSITION AND MAKING THAT OPPOSITION LOUD AND CLEAR, WHICH WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO.

SHE SAID SHE WALKED IN ON HIM TALKING DOWN TO A PARENT. I SPOKE WITH THE PRINCIPAL. HE BELIEVE IT OFF BECAUSE HIM AND THAT SHERIFF IS LIKE THIS. HE BELIEVE IT OFF. SECONDLY, MY WIFE IS IN SCHOOL GETTING HER MASTER'S DEGREE IN EDUCATION. SHE WAS ASSIGNED TO GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL, BUT SHE WENT UNDER HER MAIDEN NAME. BUT WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL, THE PERSON THAT SHE WAS TO MEET WITH TOLD THE FRONT STAFF TO TELL MY WIFE THAT SHE WAS UNAVAILABLE FOR TODAY, THAT DAY AND TOLD HER TO COME BACK THE NEXT DAY. LATER ON THAT EVENING, MY WIFE RECEIVED AN E-MAIL FROM THE PROFESSOR TELLING HER SHE WASN'T ALLOWED TO DO HER PRACTICUM AT GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE OF THE HILLSBOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS POLICY THAT SHE HAS STUDENTS THERE. NOW, I WANT TO ASK THIS: WHAT TYPE OF MESSAGE IS THIS SCHOOL DISTRICT SENDING TO A PARENT THAT'S BETTERING THEMSELVES?

IF ANYBODY HAS ANY QUESTIONS FROM THIS BOARD ABOUT THE WHO, THE WHAT, THE WHEN, THE WHERE, OR THE WHY AS TO WHY WE STAND LIKE THIS, I'M HAPPY TO MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE TO EACH AND ALL OF YOU. AGAIN, FORMALLY REQUEST THIS BOARD REVIEW ITS OFFICIAL STANCE ON THE I-275 EXPANSION AND COME TO A CONCLUSION ON THIS PROPOSAL AS A BOARD. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. NEXT SPEAKER, PLEASE. GOOD EVENING, BOARD MEMBERS, SUPERINTENDENT. I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES AT GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL, BUT I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU A FEW HIGHLIGHTS. NUMBER ONE, THE SHERIFF AT THAT SCHOOL, HIS BEHAVIOR WAS SO ATROCIOUS TOWARDS THE PARENTS WHEN THE SCHOOL COUNSELORS WAS GIVING A CEREMONY FOR THE JUNIORS AND THE SENIORS FOR THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS. I WAS FLABBERGASTED THE WAY HE WAS TALKING TO THE PARENTS. TWO WEEKS AGO, MY WIFE HAD VOLUNTEERED AT GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL TO FEED THE FOOTBALL PLAYERS BEFORE THEIR PLAYOFF GAME.

AND THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THAT PARENT, WHAT MESSAGE ARE YOU SENDING TO THE CHILDREN OF THAT PARENT? WHAT TYPE OF MESSAGE IS THAT? WHAT TYPE OF MESSAGE IS THAT SENDING TO THOSE CHILDREN? WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY THINK? THERE WAS ALREADY HEIGHTENED ISSUES AT THAT SCHOOL WITH MY DAUGHTER. SO YOU TELL ME. BEFORE I CAME HERE, I REACHED OUT TO NELSON. FOR SOME REASON, HE WANTED TO CALL ME 7:30 IN THE MORNING. I NEVER TOLD HIM THAT. BUT THIS HAS BEEN A MONTH AGO AND I STILL HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING FROM HIM. I REACHED OUT TO RICK GRAVES. HE CALLED ME FROM AN ANONYMOUS NUMBER. I TOLD THE SECRETARY TO LET ME KNOW WHAT HOUR HE WAS GOING TO CALL SO I COULD RECEIVE THE CALL. I DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING ELSE BACK FROM HIM. I KNOW WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WHEN THEY DON'T WANT TO TALK TO A PARENT.

SHE SAID SHE WALKED IN ON HIM TALKING DOWN TO A PARENT. I SPOKE WITH THE PRINCIPAL. HE BELIEVE IT OFF BECAUSE HIM AND THAT SHERIFF IS LIKE THIS. HE BELIEVE IT OFF. SECONDLY, MY WIFE IS IN SCHOOL GETTING HER MASTER'S DEGREE IN EDUCATION. SHE WAS ASSIGNED TO GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL, BUT SHE WENT UNDER HER MAIDEN NAME. BUT WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL, THE PERSON THAT SHE WAS TO MEET WITH TOLD THE FRONT STAFF TO TELL MY WIFE THAT SHE WAS UNAVAILABLE FOR TODAY, THAT DAY AND TOLD HER TO COME BACK THE NEXT DAY. LATER ON THAT EVENING, MY WIFE RECEIVED AN E-MAIL FROM THE PROFESSOR TELLING HER SHE WASN'T ALLOWED TO DO HER PRACTICUM AT GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE OF THE HILLSBOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS POLICY THAT SHE HAS STUDENTS THERE. NOW, I WANT TO ASK THIS: WHAT TYPE OF MESSAGE IS THIS SCHOOL DISTRICT SENDING TO A PARENT THAT'S BETTERING THEMSELVES?

ONCE AGAIN, WHAT TYPE OF MESSAGE IS THAT SENDING TO THESE CHILDREN? Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. NEXT SPEAKER. HELLO. ARGENT MANOHEART. I'M A STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA STUDYING POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERDISCIPLINARY SOCIAL SCIENCE. I HAPPEN TO BE TAKING A COURSE RIGHT NOW WITH COMMISSIONER COHEN FOCUSING ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND POLICY WHERE WE WERE ENCOURAGED TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROCESS. I'M HERE TODAY. I'M ALSO A LONGTIME RESIDENT OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, BORN AND RAISED, AS WELL AS A GRADUATE OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH, CLASS OF 2022. I'M HERE TODAY TO SIMPLY EXPRESS MY SUPPORT AND EMPHASIZE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. AS I KNOW ONE OF THE ITEMS BEING VOTED ON LATER TODAY IS THE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE BOARD AND SOMETHING IN THERE IS ASKING FOR AN INCREASE IN THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ALLOCATION.

AND THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THAT PARENT, WHAT MESSAGE ARE YOU SENDING TO THE CHILDREN OF THAT PARENT? WHAT TYPE OF MESSAGE IS THAT? WHAT TYPE OF MESSAGE IS THAT SENDING TO THOSE CHILDREN? WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY THINK? THERE WAS ALREADY HEIGHTENED ISSUES AT THAT SCHOOL WITH MY DAUGHTER. SO YOU TELL ME. BEFORE I CAME HERE, I REACHED OUT TO NELSON. FOR SOME REASON, HE WANTED TO CALL ME 7:30 IN THE MORNING. I NEVER TOLD HIM THAT. BUT THIS HAS BEEN A MONTH AGO AND I STILL HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING FROM HIM. I REACHED OUT TO RICK GRAVES. HE CALLED ME FROM AN ANONYMOUS NUMBER. I TOLD THE SECRETARY TO LET ME KNOW WHAT HOUR HE WAS GOING TO CALL SO I COULD RECEIVE THE CALL. I DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING ELSE BACK FROM HIM. I KNOW WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WHEN THEY DON'T WANT TO TALK TO A PARENT.

I'M SIMPLY HERE TO EXPRESS MY SUPPORT FOR THIS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN OUR SCHOOLS. MENTAL HEALTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN KIND OF SWEPT UNDER THE CARPET BUT IN RECENT YEARS I THINK THERE'S BEEN A LOT MORE IMPORTANCE PLACED ON THE ISSUE AND RIGHTFULLY SO. AS A FORMER STUDENT OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, I CAN ATTEST TO THE CONTINUE NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN TODAY'S DAY AND AGE, STUDENTS ARE TASKED WITH NUMEROUS RESPONSIBILITIES AND OFTENTIMES STUDENTS WILL BECOME SO FOCUSED ON ALL THE DIFFERENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND END UP NOT PRIORITIZING THEIR OWN MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. LIKEWISE, RESOURCES PROVIDED IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAY BE THE ONLY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES THAT STUDENTS MAY HAVE ACCESS TO. AND THIS FURTHER EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE AND NEED FOR RESOURCES LIKE THE MENTAL HEALTH ALLOCATION THAT IS PROVIDED THROUGH THE STATE. I HOPE THE INCREASE, THAT IS SOMETHING INCLUDED IN THE PRIORITIES FOR THE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES, IS SOMETHING THAT THE BOARD WILL SUPPORT AND ALSO CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR AS THIS UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS.