Reader

MEETINGS ARE ALSO STREAMED LIVE ON OUR WEBSITE AT HillsboroughSchools.org. CLOSED CAPTIONING IS PROVIDED ON ALL BROADCASTS AND PAST MEETINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR ONLINE ARCHIVE. WE ARE INTERESTED IN WHAT THE PUBLIC HAS TO SAY. WE'LL INCLUDE TIME FOR AUDIENCE COMMENTS BEFORE WE ADDRESS OUR BUSINESS ITEMS. OUR AGENDA AND ANY SUPPORTING MATERIALS CAN BE VIEWED ONLINE IN ADVANCE. THEY ARE POSTED SEVEN DAYS BEFORE EACH MEETING ON OUR WEBSITE AT HillsboroughSchools.org. OUR VISION IS PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE, AND THAT MEANS ALL STUDENTS, EVERY DAY. TODOS LOS ESTUDIANTES, TODOS LOS DIAS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN EDUCATION. WITH YOUR HELP, WE ARE MAKING DECISIONS THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY'S FUTURE. Jessica Vaughn: THE BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, IS CALLED TO ORDER.

I'M JESSICA VAUGHN, CHAIR OF THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD. I WANT TO WELCOME YOU TO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. WE SERVE MORE THAN 200,000 STUDENTS, INCLUDING CHILDREN STARTING WITH OUR EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM AND CONTINUING WITH ADULTS THROUGH OUR WORKFORCE PROGRAMS. I'M KAREN PEREZ, THE SCHOOL BOARD'S VICE-CHAIR. OUR DISTRICT IS THE 7th LARGEST IN AMERICA AND OUR TEAM IS MADE UP OF 24,000 PEOPLE WORKING AT CLOSE TO 250 SITES ACROSS THE COUNTY. OUR DISTRICT IS DIVERSE AND DEDICATED. OUR BOARD MEETINGS ARE HELD IN OUR BOARD AUDITORIUM ON SELECT TUESDAYS AT 4 P.M. THE BEST WAY TO SERVE OUR STUDENTS AND OUR COMMUNITY IS TO INVOLVE YOU, THE PUBLIC, IN WHAT WE DO. YOU ARE WELCOME TO MEET OR E-MAIL ANY OF OUR BOARD MEMBERS AND FOLLOW OUR DISTRICT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS ARE COVERED LIVE BY HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS TV ON SPECTRUM 635 AND FRONTIER CHANNEL 32.

MEMBER PEREZ WILL NOW LEAD US IN A MOMENT OF REFLECTION FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Karen Perez: I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THE CRITICAL ISSUE OF MENTAL HEALTH. IN A WORLD WHERE CHALLENGES ARE CONSTANT COMPANION, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE PRIORITIZE THE WELL-BEING OF OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF. LET US CONSIDER THE WEIGHT THAT THEY CARRY EACH DAY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING THEM WITH THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO THRIVE. AS LEADERS IN EDUCATION, LET US ALWAYS REMEMBER THE POWER OF KINDNESS, EMPATHY, AND UNDERSTANDING IN NURTURING STRONG MENTAL HEALTH. I INVITE YOU ALL TO TAKE A BRIEF MOMENT OF REFLECTION TO CENTER OUR THOUGHTS ON THE WELL-BEING OF THOSE WE SERVE AND REAFFIRM OUR COMMITMENT TO CREATING A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL. TOGETHER, LET US BE A GUIDING LIGHT OF HOPE AND COMPASSION FOR EVERY MEMBER OF OUR EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY.

MEETINGS ARE ALSO STREAMED LIVE ON OUR WEBSITE AT HillsboroughSchools.org. CLOSED CAPTIONING IS PROVIDED ON ALL BROADCASTS AND PAST MEETINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR ONLINE ARCHIVE. WE ARE INTERESTED IN WHAT THE PUBLIC HAS TO SAY. WE'LL INCLUDE TIME FOR AUDIENCE COMMENTS BEFORE WE ADDRESS OUR BUSINESS ITEMS. OUR AGENDA AND ANY SUPPORTING MATERIALS CAN BE VIEWED ONLINE IN ADVANCE. THEY ARE POSTED SEVEN DAYS BEFORE EACH MEETING ON OUR WEBSITE AT HillsboroughSchools.org. OUR VISION IS PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE, AND THAT MEANS ALL STUDENTS, EVERY DAY. TODOS LOS ESTUDIANTES, TODOS LOS DIAS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN EDUCATION. WITH YOUR HELP, WE ARE MAKING DECISIONS THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY'S FUTURE. Jessica Vaughn: THE BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, IS CALLED TO ORDER.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND THIS NOBLE CAUSE, AND MAY OUR SHARED EFFORTS LEAD TO A BRIGHTER TOMORROW FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENT IN OUR CARE. PLEASE JOIN ME IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

MEMBER PEREZ WILL NOW LEAD US IN A MOMENT OF REFLECTION FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Karen Perez: I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THE CRITICAL ISSUE OF MENTAL HEALTH. IN A WORLD WHERE CHALLENGES ARE CONSTANT COMPANION, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE PRIORITIZE THE WELL-BEING OF OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF. LET US CONSIDER THE WEIGHT THAT THEY CARRY EACH DAY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING THEM WITH THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO THRIVE. AS LEADERS IN EDUCATION, LET US ALWAYS REMEMBER THE POWER OF KINDNESS, EMPATHY, AND UNDERSTANDING IN NURTURING STRONG MENTAL HEALTH. I INVITE YOU ALL TO TAKE A BRIEF MOMENT OF REFLECTION TO CENTER OUR THOUGHTS ON THE WELL-BEING OF THOSE WE SERVE AND REAFFIRM OUR COMMITMENT TO CREATING A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL. TOGETHER, LET US BE A GUIDING LIGHT OF HOPE AND COMPASSION FOR EVERY MEMBER OF OUR EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY.

[PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE] Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. MEMBER PEREZ, WILL YOU NOW PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR STUDENT ENTERTAINMENT? Karen Perez: I WOULD LOVE TO, MADAM CHAIR. I WANT TO THANK THE PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA, ALONG WITH PRINCIPAL HEATHER HOLLOWAY AND DIRECTOR STEVE FOSSERT. THOSE WONDERFUL STUDENTS ENTERTAINED US PRIOR TO THE START OF OUR BOARD MEETING. AND AT THIS TIME, WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE THE STUDENTS UP TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES. MY NAME IS NICKEL. I AM IN 12th GRADE AND PLAY THE VIOLIN. MY NAME IS KELL. JUNIOR, CELLO. JACKSON, PLAY BASS, 11th GRADE. JOSEPH, 10th GRADE, CELLO. COLIN. JUNIOR. CELLO. QUINN, VIOLIN, SENIOR. ESKAY, SENIOR, PLAY THE DOUBLE BASS. FELIX, VIOLIN, SENIOR. CHARLIE, SENIOR, PLAY THE VIOLIN. HENRY SLAUGHTER. SENIOR, PLAY THE VIOLA. JOSEPH, SENIOR, PLAY VIOLIN. SOPHIA. JUNIOR. I PLAY THE VIOLIN. JUNIOR, PLAY THE VIOLIN. EMERY. JUNIOR, PLAY THE DOUBLE BASS. KYLIE. SENIOR. PLAY THE VIOLIN.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND THIS NOBLE CAUSE, AND MAY OUR SHARED EFFORTS LEAD TO A BRIGHTER TOMORROW FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENT IN OUR CARE. PLEASE JOIN ME IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

NINA. SENIOR, PLAY THE VIOLA. SAMANTHA, JUNIOR, PLAY THE VIOLIN. MEGAN. SENIOR, PLAY THE VIOLIN. MY NAME IS MELANIA, JUNIOR, PLAY THE CELLO. I'M A JUNIOR AND I PLAY THE VIOLIN. MY NAME IS AVA. I'M A JUNIOR AND PLAY THE VIOLA. MY NAME IS AMAL IA, SENIOR, VIOLIN. ANA, SENIOR, VIOLIN. GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS STEVEN BOSSERT. I SERVE AS THE DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRA AT HB PLANT HIGH SCHOOL. IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE THE HB PLANT ORCHESTRA. THIS IS OUR TOP STRING ENSEMBLE. THIS GROUP HAS ACHIEVED A HIGH LEVEL OF MUSICAL EXCELLENCE AND PORTIONS WILL BE PERFORMED AT BOSTON SYMPHONY HALL AS PART OF THE BOSTON INSTRUMENTAL FESTIVAL. WE ARE HONORED TO REPRESENT NOT ONLY HB PLANT HIGH SCHOOL, BUT ALSO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ON THIS NATIONAL STAGE. I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT OF MUSIC EDUCATION.

[PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE] Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. MEMBER PEREZ, WILL YOU NOW PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR STUDENT ENTERTAINMENT? Karen Perez: I WOULD LOVE TO, MADAM CHAIR. I WANT TO THANK THE PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA, ALONG WITH PRINCIPAL HEATHER HOLLOWAY AND DIRECTOR STEVE FOSSERT. THOSE WONDERFUL STUDENTS ENTERTAINED US PRIOR TO THE START OF OUR BOARD MEETING. AND AT THIS TIME, WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE THE STUDENTS UP TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES. MY NAME IS NICKEL. I AM IN 12th GRADE AND PLAY THE VIOLIN. MY NAME IS KELL. JUNIOR, CELLO. JACKSON, PLAY BASS, 11th GRADE. JOSEPH, 10th GRADE, CELLO. COLIN. JUNIOR. CELLO. QUINN, VIOLIN, SENIOR. ESKAY, SENIOR, PLAY THE DOUBLE BASS. FELIX, VIOLIN, SENIOR. CHARLIE, SENIOR, PLAY THE VIOLIN. HENRY SLAUGHTER. SENIOR, PLAY THE VIOLA. JOSEPH, SENIOR, PLAY VIOLIN. SOPHIA. JUNIOR. I PLAY THE VIOLIN. JUNIOR, PLAY THE VIOLIN. EMERY. JUNIOR, PLAY THE DOUBLE BASS. KYLIE. SENIOR. PLAY THE VIOLIN.

OPPORTUNITIES, LIKE THESE, ARE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS AND TO OUR STUDENTS. WITH YOUR CONTINUED LEADERSHIP, I HOPE WE ARE ABLE TO SUSTAIN OUR DISTRICT'S RECOGNITION AS ONE OF THE TOP 100 COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES. THANK YOU. Karen Perez: PARENTS, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PICTURES, PLEASE COME UP. Jessica Vaughn: ALL RIGHT, BOARD MEMBERS. I NEED A MOTION AND SECOND TO ADOPT THE AGENDA.

NINA. SENIOR, PLAY THE VIOLA. SAMANTHA, JUNIOR, PLAY THE VIOLIN. MEGAN. SENIOR, PLAY THE VIOLIN. MY NAME IS MELANIA, JUNIOR, PLAY THE CELLO. I'M A JUNIOR AND I PLAY THE VIOLIN. MY NAME IS AVA. I'M A JUNIOR AND PLAY THE VIOLA. MY NAME IS AMAL IA, SENIOR, VIOLIN. ANA, SENIOR, VIOLIN. GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS STEVEN BOSSERT. I SERVE AS THE DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRA AT HB PLANT HIGH SCHOOL. IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE THE HB PLANT ORCHESTRA. THIS IS OUR TOP STRING ENSEMBLE. THIS GROUP HAS ACHIEVED A HIGH LEVEL OF MUSICAL EXCELLENCE AND PORTIONS WILL BE PERFORMED AT BOSTON SYMPHONY HALL AS PART OF THE BOSTON INSTRUMENTAL FESTIVAL. WE ARE HONORED TO REPRESENT NOT ONLY HB PLANT HIGH SCHOOL, BUT ALSO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ON THIS NATIONAL STAGE. I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT OF MUSIC EDUCATION.

I HAVE A MOTION BY MEMBER GRAY AND A SECOND BY MEMBER COMBS. 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 ONE SET OF MINUTES TO BE APPROVED TODAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. I NEED A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

OPPORTUNITIES, LIKE THESE, ARE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS AND TO OUR STUDENTS. WITH YOUR CONTINUED LEADERSHIP, I HOPE WE ARE ABLE TO SUSTAIN OUR DISTRICT'S RECOGNITION AS ONE OF THE TOP 100 COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES. THANK YOU. Karen Perez: PARENTS, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PICTURES, PLEASE COME UP. Jessica Vaughn: ALL RIGHT, BOARD MEMBERS. I NEED A MOTION AND SECOND TO ADOPT THE AGENDA.

I HAVE A MOTION BY MEMBER COMBS AND A SECOND BY MEMBER GRAY. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, PLEASE VOTE WHEN YOUR LIGHTS APPEAR. THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. BOARD MEMBERS, I WOULD 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 AGENDA STATEMENTS AND 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 COMBS. 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 ONE SET OF MINUTES TO BE APPROVED TODAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. I NEED A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

MEMBER PEREZ WILL NOW READ THE BOARD GUIDELINES. Karen Perez: THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. 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 BOARD MEMBERS TO HEAR THE MEETING UPON STEPPING AWAY FROM THE DAIS. THIS MEETING CAN BE VIEWED WITH CLOSED CAPTIONING ON LIVE WEBCASTS, ON CABLE TV, AND ON VIDEO MONITORS HERE IN THE AUDITORIUM. IT ALSO CAN BE VIEWED WITH CLOSED CAPTIONING ON ONLINE VIDEO ARCHIVE. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. WE HAVE TWO ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR TIME CERTAIN. AT 5:01, WE HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED POLICIES. AT 6 P.M., WE HAVE EMPLOYEE AND STUDENT INPUT. WE WILL NOW DO A RECOGNITION A 01, RECOGNITION OF DISABILITY HISTORY AND AWARENESS WEEKS. I'LL HIGHLIGHT THIS RECOGNITION. FLORIDA RECOGNIZES THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF OCTOBER AS DISABILITY HISTORY AND AWARENESS WEEKS.

I HAVE A MOTION BY MEMBER COMBS AND A SECOND BY MEMBER GRAY. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, PLEASE VOTE WHEN YOUR LIGHTS APPEAR. THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. BOARD MEMBERS, I WOULD 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 AGENDA STATEMENTS AND 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.

THIS RECOGNITION ENCOURAGES SCHOOLS TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISABILITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS PROUD TO SERVE MORE THAN 30,000 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, AND WE ARE EQUALLY PROUD AND GRATEFUL OF THE HUNDREDS OF TEACHERS, STAFF, AND AIDES WHO DEDICATE THEIR LIVES TO THESE STUDENTS. INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE BEEN HISTORICALLY FACED SIGNIFICANT BARRIERS TO ACCESS, EQUITY, AND OPPORTUNITY, YET HAVE MADE SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO EVERY FACET OF SOCIETY. INCLUDING EDUCATION, SCIENCE, AND THE ART. DISABILITY HISTORY AND AWARENESS WEEKS REMIND US OF THE PROGRESS MADE AND THE WORK STILL AHEAD TO ENSURE ACCESS, OPPORTUNITY, AND DIGNITY FOR EVERYONE. THANK YOU. WE'LL NOW MOVE ON TO PUBLIC COMMENT. 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 WILL KEEP BOARD MEMBERS INFORMED ABOUT THE RESPONSES.

MEMBER PEREZ WILL NOW READ THE BOARD GUIDELINES. Karen Perez: THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. 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 BOARD MEMBERS TO HEAR THE MEETING UPON STEPPING AWAY FROM THE DAIS. THIS MEETING CAN BE VIEWED WITH CLOSED CAPTIONING ON LIVE WEBCASTS, ON CABLE TV, AND ON VIDEO MONITORS HERE IN THE AUDITORIUM. IT ALSO CAN BE VIEWED WITH CLOSED CAPTIONING ON ONLINE VIDEO ARCHIVE. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. WE HAVE TWO ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR TIME CERTAIN. AT 5:01, WE HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED POLICIES. AT 6 P.M., WE HAVE EMPLOYEE AND STUDENT INPUT. WE WILL NOW DO A RECOGNITION A 01, RECOGNITION OF DISABILITY HISTORY AND AWARENESS WEEKS. I'LL HIGHLIGHT THIS RECOGNITION. FLORIDA RECOGNIZES THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF OCTOBER AS DISABILITY HISTORY AND AWARENESS WEEKS.

OUR SCHOOL BOARD RESPECTS THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD AND WHICH APPRECIATE YOU TAKING YOUR TIME TO BE HERE. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK ABOUT ANY ISSUE YOU WOULD LIKE, AND YOU WILL NOT BE INTERRUPTED. HOWEVER, ANY BEHAVIOR INTENDED TO INTERRUPT THE ORDERLY CONDUCT OF THE MEETING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED, AND WE DO REQUEST THAT YOU FOCUS ON THE ISSUES. WHEN ADDRESSING THE BOARD, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND SPEAK CLEARLY INTO THE MICROPHONE.

THIS RECOGNITION ENCOURAGES SCHOOLS TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISABILITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS PROUD TO SERVE MORE THAN 30,000 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, AND WE ARE EQUALLY PROUD AND GRATEFUL OF THE HUNDREDS OF TEACHERS, STAFF, AND AIDES WHO DEDICATE THEIR LIVES TO THESE STUDENTS. INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE BEEN HISTORICALLY FACED SIGNIFICANT BARRIERS TO ACCESS, EQUITY, AND OPPORTUNITY, YET HAVE MADE SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO EVERY FACET OF SOCIETY. INCLUDING EDUCATION, SCIENCE, AND THE ART. DISABILITY HISTORY AND AWARENESS WEEKS REMIND US OF THE PROGRESS MADE AND THE WORK STILL AHEAD TO ENSURE ACCESS, OPPORTUNITY, AND DIGNITY FOR EVERYONE. THANK YOU. WE'LL NOW MOVE ON TO PUBLIC COMMENT. 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 WILL KEEP BOARD MEMBERS INFORMED ABOUT THE RESPONSES.

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 HEAR A CHIME. A RED LIGHT AND CHIME WILL INDICATE WHEN YOUR TIME IS UP. I WILL NOW CALL UP THE FIRST FIVE SPEAKERS. YES, YOU MAY APPROACH AND SPEAK. HI. MY NAME IS MICHAEL.ANN De MAYO. I AM A HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RESIDENT, GRANDMOTHER OF A LOCAL SCHOOL STUDENT, PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT AND ALSO WITH MAGNIFIED VOICES. I APPRECIATE ALL THE HARD WORK THAT YOU DO AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ABOUT NEW FLORIDA LAW HB 1105, SIGNED BY GOVERNOR DESANTIS IN MAY THAT ELIMINATES CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. THROUGHOUT MY LIFE, I HAVE SEEN TOO MANY PEOPLE FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS, INCLUDING MY OWN SON, YEARS AGO WHEN THE RULES OR LAWS WERE SUDDENLY CHANGED.

OUR SCHOOL BOARD RESPECTS THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD AND WHICH APPRECIATE YOU TAKING YOUR TIME TO BE HERE. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK ABOUT ANY ISSUE YOU WOULD LIKE, AND YOU WILL NOT BE INTERRUPTED. HOWEVER, ANY BEHAVIOR INTENDED TO INTERRUPT THE ORDERLY CONDUCT OF THE MEETING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED, AND WE DO REQUEST THAT YOU FOCUS ON THE ISSUES. WHEN ADDRESSING THE BOARD, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND SPEAK CLEARLY INTO THE MICROPHONE.

THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES THIS YEAR. THEY HAVE WORKED HARD TO RECEIVE THEIR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION WHICH NOW HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. BUT THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO GET INTO POSTSECONDARY VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS WHICH STILL REQUIRES A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION, NOT A STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA. SINCE THERE WON'T BE ANY GUIDANCE FOR AT LEAST A YEAR, WHY CAN'T THESE STUDENTS BE GRANDFATHERED IN, INSTEAD OF LEFT TO FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS. I HAVE SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS THAT THESE CHANGES COULD AFFECT, AND IT WARMS MY HEART TO SEE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SO PROUD TO BE WORKING AS PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS. I ASK THAT THESE STUDENTS BE GRANDFATHERED IN, AND IF FOR SOME REASON YOU CANNOT DO THIS, PLEASE TELL US WHY. AND WHILE I'M HERE, I MUST ALSO SPEAK OUT AGAINST PROPOSED POLICY CHANGE THAT WOULD STRIP OUR ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD OF ITS AUTHORITY OVER BOOK CHALLENGES.

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 HEAR A CHIME. A RED LIGHT AND CHIME WILL INDICATE WHEN YOUR TIME IS UP. I WILL NOW CALL UP THE FIRST FIVE SPEAKERS. YES, YOU MAY APPROACH AND SPEAK. HI. MY NAME IS MICHAEL.ANN De MAYO. I AM A HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RESIDENT, GRANDMOTHER OF A LOCAL SCHOOL STUDENT, PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT AND ALSO WITH MAGNIFIED VOICES. I APPRECIATE ALL THE HARD WORK THAT YOU DO AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ABOUT NEW FLORIDA LAW HB 1105, SIGNED BY GOVERNOR DESANTIS IN MAY THAT ELIMINATES CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. THROUGHOUT MY LIFE, I HAVE SEEN TOO MANY PEOPLE FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS, INCLUDING MY OWN SON, YEARS AGO WHEN THE RULES OR LAWS WERE SUDDENLY CHANGED.

THIS IS YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF STATE OVERREACH AND IT THREATENS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE TRANSPARENCY OF OUR PROGRESS AND THE RIGHT OF EVERY STUDENT AND RESIDENT OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. I HOPE YOU FEEL THE SAME AS I DO, AND WILL TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. AGAIN, I THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ON THESE MATTERS. THANK YOU. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. NEXT SPEAKER, PLEASE. I'M RACHAEL DOYLE, PARENT OF TWO IN YOUR SCHOOLS. I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT DISABILITY ACCESS, BUT YOU ARE DOING MORE NONSENSE REGARDING BOOKS AGAIN. THE CHANGES TO POLICY 9130 ELIMINATE TRANSPARENCY, DEMOCRATIC CHOICES AND STUDENTS' RIGHTS AND THAT WAS INTENTIONAL SO SHAME ON YOU. THE ADDITION OF POLICY 2520 IS UNNECESSARY FOR LIBRARY MATERIALS. THE DISTRICT ALREADY HAS A FRONT FACING CATALOG AND OBJECTION PROCEDURE AND THE BOARD DOCUMENT POLICY 2520 DOES NOT INCLUDE THE OBJECTION FORM AND PROCEDURES. THIS SHOULD BE TABLED UNTIL ALL PARTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC OR ADMIT THAT YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT PARENTS AND STUDENTS AND PROCEED I GUESS.

THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES THIS YEAR. THEY HAVE WORKED HARD TO RECEIVE THEIR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION WHICH NOW HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. BUT THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO GET INTO POSTSECONDARY VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS WHICH STILL REQUIRES A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION, NOT A STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA. SINCE THERE WON'T BE ANY GUIDANCE FOR AT LEAST A YEAR, WHY CAN'T THESE STUDENTS BE GRANDFATHERED IN, INSTEAD OF LEFT TO FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS. I HAVE SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS THAT THESE CHANGES COULD AFFECT, AND IT WARMS MY HEART TO SEE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SO PROUD TO BE WORKING AS PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS. I ASK THAT THESE STUDENTS BE GRANDFATHERED IN, AND IF FOR SOME REASON YOU CANNOT DO THIS, PLEASE TELL US WHY. AND WHILE I'M HERE, I MUST ALSO SPEAK OUT AGAINST PROPOSED POLICY CHANGE THAT WOULD STRIP OUR ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD OF ITS AUTHORITY OVER BOOK CHALLENGES.

IT'S NOT LOST ON ME THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE CHAMPIONED BY THE SAME PERSON WHO CAN'T STOP TALKING ON THE DAIS DURING PARENT COMMENT TIME CONSISTENTLY. IT'S WRONG TO MAKE CHANGES TO OUR LIBRARY MATERIALS POLICY THAT TAKE COMMUNITY DECISIONS AWAY FROM THE COMMUNITY'S ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVES. I HAVE EXPLAINED TO YOU I ALREADY HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE CHOICES FOR MY KIDS SO DO NOT TELL ME THIS IS ABOUT AFFORDABLE RIGHTS IN EDUCATION. I WON'T LET YOU LIE TO MY FACE AND SAY OTHERWISE. SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS AND THE STATE WHO DO NOT HAVE KIDS IN HCPS. I'M HERE TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING NOBODY CARES ABOUT WHICH IS SUMMER PROGRAMMING. GREAT IF THE JOBLESS WEIRDOS, JULIE GEBHARDS COULD TAKE AN INTEREST IN THIS AS IT IS NEGATIVELY AFFECTING STUDENTS. STUDENTS PLACED AT TWO DIFFERENT PROGRAMS FURTHER AWAY FROM HOME. ONE FOR ESE -- ONE FOR HOST.

THIS IS YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF STATE OVERREACH AND IT THREATENS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE TRANSPARENCY OF OUR PROGRESS AND THE RIGHT OF EVERY STUDENT AND RESIDENT OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. I HOPE YOU FEEL THE SAME AS I DO, AND WILL TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION. AGAIN, I THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ON THESE MATTERS. THANK YOU. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. NEXT SPEAKER, PLEASE. I'M RACHAEL DOYLE, PARENT OF TWO IN YOUR SCHOOLS. I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT DISABILITY ACCESS, BUT YOU ARE DOING MORE NONSENSE REGARDING BOOKS AGAIN. THE CHANGES TO POLICY 9130 ELIMINATE TRANSPARENCY, DEMOCRATIC CHOICES AND STUDENTS' RIGHTS AND THAT WAS INTENTIONAL SO SHAME ON YOU. THE ADDITION OF POLICY 2520 IS UNNECESSARY FOR LIBRARY MATERIALS. THE DISTRICT ALREADY HAS A FRONT FACING CATALOG AND OBJECTION PROCEDURE AND THE BOARD DOCUMENT POLICY 2520 DOES NOT INCLUDE THE OBJECTION FORM AND PROCEDURES. THIS SHOULD BE TABLED UNTIL ALL PARTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC OR ADMIT THAT YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT PARENTS AND STUDENTS AND PROCEED I GUESS.

MY KID WOULD HAVE BEEN IN HOST AT THE SCHOOL WHO EMPLOYED THE TEACHER POSTING POLITICAL PARTICULAR TOPICS FROM THE -- TIKTOKS FROM THE CLASSROOM. MY HUSBAND LEFT LAST MINUTE FOR WORK. NO BUSING WAS OFFERED. ATTEMPTED TO SIGN UP FOR BUSING FOR MY ESY KID ONLY TO TELL ME I WOULD HAVE TO PICK UP TWO HOURS, WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE AT THE TIME MY SIX-YEAR-OLD WOULD HAVE TO TAKE HIS TIME-SENSITIVE MEDICATION HE WOULD BE ON A BUS. I DROVE MY ESY KID DAILY WHICH CAME AROUND TO TWO HOURS IN A DAY SO I WOULD ENSURE HE WOULD TAKE HIS MEDS AND STILL ATTEND SO HE DOESN'T FAIL IEP GOALS. MANY OF YOUR PARENTS OF DISABLED STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THIS PRIVILEGE OR THE ABILITY TO TAKE OFF TWO HOURS OF WORK EVERY DAY. WE ARE THE FAMILIES THAT YOU LEAVE TO FALL THROUGH THE GAPS WHILE YOU WASTE TIME TAKING BOOK BAN ORDERS ON TWITTER, ONLY MAKING TIME FOR PHOTO OPS AND NEVER CALLING THE PARENTS BACK.

IT'S NOT LOST ON ME THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE CHAMPIONED BY THE SAME PERSON WHO CAN'T STOP TALKING ON THE DAIS DURING PARENT COMMENT TIME CONSISTENTLY. IT'S WRONG TO MAKE CHANGES TO OUR LIBRARY MATERIALS POLICY THAT TAKE COMMUNITY DECISIONS AWAY FROM THE COMMUNITY'S ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVES. I HAVE EXPLAINED TO YOU I ALREADY HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE CHOICES FOR MY KIDS SO DO NOT TELL ME THIS IS ABOUT AFFORDABLE RIGHTS IN EDUCATION. I WON'T LET YOU LIE TO MY FACE AND SAY OTHERWISE. SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS AND THE STATE WHO DO NOT HAVE KIDS IN HCPS. I'M HERE TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING NOBODY CARES ABOUT WHICH IS SUMMER PROGRAMMING. GREAT IF THE JOBLESS WEIRDOS, JULIE GEBHARDS COULD TAKE AN INTEREST IN THIS AS IT IS NEGATIVELY AFFECTING STUDENTS. STUDENTS PLACED AT TWO DIFFERENT PROGRAMS FURTHER AWAY FROM HOME. ONE FOR ESE -- ONE FOR HOST.

I AM THE ACTUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW THAT YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT. I AM TELLING YOU THAT YOU DO NOT PASS. YOU OWE MY KIDS MORE THAN YOUR POLITICAL THEATER. IT IS DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH. THANKS, JESSICA. TIME TO GIVE A DAMN ABOUT YOUR DISABLED STUDENTS. YOU ARE NOT BEHOLDEN TO SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS. YOU ARE BEHOLDEN TO ME. HISTORY MAY NOT BE KIND TO YOU. I ASSURE YOU I WILL BE MEANER ON BEHALF OF MY KIDS. IF YOU WANT ME TO STOP TREATING THIS LIKE A CIRCUS, THEN STOP ACTING LIKE HIRED CLOWNS. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. NEXT SPEAKER, PLEASE. HELLO. FINLEY ALLEN. I AM FROM MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL. I LIVE IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. I'M HERE TO ADDRESS THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOL STUDENT DRESS CODE. THE MAIN PART OF THE DRESS CODE POLICY THAT I WILL BE FOCUSING ON TODAY IS THE SHORTS LENGTH RULE. THE CURRENT LENGTH REQUIREMENT IS THAT SHORTS MUST BE NO SHORTER THAN FINGERTIP LENGTH RULE.

MY KID WOULD HAVE BEEN IN HOST AT THE SCHOOL WHO EMPLOYED THE TEACHER POSTING POLITICAL PARTICULAR TOPICS FROM THE -- TIKTOKS FROM THE CLASSROOM. MY HUSBAND LEFT LAST MINUTE FOR WORK. NO BUSING WAS OFFERED. ATTEMPTED TO SIGN UP FOR BUSING FOR MY ESY KID ONLY TO TELL ME I WOULD HAVE TO PICK UP TWO HOURS, WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE AT THE TIME MY SIX-YEAR-OLD WOULD HAVE TO TAKE HIS TIME-SENSITIVE MEDICATION HE WOULD BE ON A BUS. I DROVE MY ESY KID DAILY WHICH CAME AROUND TO TWO HOURS IN A DAY SO I WOULD ENSURE HE WOULD TAKE HIS MEDS AND STILL ATTEND SO HE DOESN'T FAIL IEP GOALS. MANY OF YOUR PARENTS OF DISABLED STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE THIS PRIVILEGE OR THE ABILITY TO TAKE OFF TWO HOURS OF WORK EVERY DAY. WE ARE THE FAMILIES THAT YOU LEAVE TO FALL THROUGH THE GAPS WHILE YOU WASTE TIME TAKING BOOK BAN ORDERS ON TWITTER, ONLY MAKING TIME FOR PHOTO OPS AND NEVER CALLING THE PARENTS BACK.

I AM PROPOSING THAT THIS RULE IS CHANGED TO MEASURE FROM THE TOP OF THE KNEE. WHILE FINGERTIP RULE IS FOR STANDARDS, IT IS NOT. TWO STUDENTS WEARING TWO DIFFERENT SIZES OF SHORTS CAN BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY. ONE PERSON COULD GET DRESS CODE WHILE ANOTHER GETS NO REPERCUSSIONS. THIS CREATES A SENSE OF UNFAIRNESS AND FRUSTRATIONS BETWEEN STUDENTS. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE MY PEERS HAVE SPOKEN TO ME ABOUT IT. EARLIER THIS WEEK I CONSTRUCTED A PETITION FOR PEOPLE TO SIGN. IN TOTAL I COLLECTED 81 SIGNATURES. I BROUGHT IT TODAY TO SHOW YOU. AS I PASS IT AROUND TO PEOPLE, THEY TOLD ME ABOUT HOW THEY FELT ABOUT THE DRESS CODE. SOME PEOPLE SAID THEY HAVE BEEN DRESS CODE THREE TIMES IN THE SAME WEEK BECAUSE OF ARM LENGTH. SOME TOLD ME ABOUT FRIENDS DRESS CODED AND OTHERS HAVE TOLD ME ABOUT HOW PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DRESS CODED BECAUSE THEY HAVE LONG ARMS.

I AM THE ACTUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW THAT YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT. I AM TELLING YOU THAT YOU DO NOT PASS. YOU OWE MY KIDS MORE THAN YOUR POLITICAL THEATER. IT IS DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH. THANKS, JESSICA. TIME TO GIVE A DAMN ABOUT YOUR DISABLED STUDENTS. YOU ARE NOT BEHOLDEN TO SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS. YOU ARE BEHOLDEN TO ME. HISTORY MAY NOT BE KIND TO YOU. I ASSURE YOU I WILL BE MEANER ON BEHALF OF MY KIDS. IF YOU WANT ME TO STOP TREATING THIS LIKE A CIRCUS, THEN STOP ACTING LIKE HIRED CLOWNS. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. NEXT SPEAKER, PLEASE. HELLO. FINLEY ALLEN. I AM FROM MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL. I LIVE IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. I'M HERE TO ADDRESS THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOL STUDENT DRESS CODE. THE MAIN PART OF THE DRESS CODE POLICY THAT I WILL BE FOCUSING ON TODAY IS THE SHORTS LENGTH RULE. THE CURRENT LENGTH REQUIREMENT IS THAT SHORTS MUST BE NO SHORTER THAN FINGERTIP LENGTH RULE.

MY OWN EXPERIENCE, I'VE BEEN DRESS CODED FOR MY FINGERS BEING LESS THAN AN INCH OVER THE HEM LINE. MY FINGERS WERE FOUR INCHES ABOVE MY KNEE, OTHERWISE COMPLETELY APPROPRIATE. AT THE SAME TIME I'VE SEEN FOLKS WEARING SHORTS SHORTER THAN MINE. I'M NOT ASKING FOR A DRESS CODE TO BE UNTIMELY REMOVED. I UNDERSTAND THAT REASONABLE GUIDELINES ARE IMPORTANT WHICH IS WHY I PROPOSE THAT THE DRESS CODE POLICIES UPDATED AND REQUIRE SHORTS HEM NO SHORTER THAN 7 INCHES ABOVE THE KNEE. MEASURING FROM THE TOP OF THE KNEE MAKES A CLEAR AND MORE CONSISTENT WAY OF MEASURING LENGTH TO SEE IF SHORTS ARE APPROPRIATE OR NOT.

I AM PROPOSING THAT THIS RULE IS CHANGED TO MEASURE FROM THE TOP OF THE KNEE. WHILE FINGERTIP RULE IS FOR STANDARDS, IT IS NOT. TWO STUDENTS WEARING TWO DIFFERENT SIZES OF SHORTS CAN BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY. ONE PERSON COULD GET DRESS CODE WHILE ANOTHER GETS NO REPERCUSSIONS. THIS CREATES A SENSE OF UNFAIRNESS AND FRUSTRATIONS BETWEEN STUDENTS. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE MY PEERS HAVE SPOKEN TO ME ABOUT IT. EARLIER THIS WEEK I CONSTRUCTED A PETITION FOR PEOPLE TO SIGN. IN TOTAL I COLLECTED 81 SIGNATURES. I BROUGHT IT TODAY TO SHOW YOU. AS I PASS IT AROUND TO PEOPLE, THEY TOLD ME ABOUT HOW THEY FELT ABOUT THE DRESS CODE. SOME PEOPLE SAID THEY HAVE BEEN DRESS CODE THREE TIMES IN THE SAME WEEK BECAUSE OF ARM LENGTH. SOME TOLD ME ABOUT FRIENDS DRESS CODED AND OTHERS HAVE TOLD ME ABOUT HOW PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DRESS CODED BECAUSE THEY HAVE LONG ARMS.

I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. Jessica Vaughn: THANK YOU. NEXT SPEAKER, PLEASE. GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS BETSY BRADEN. MY TWO KIDS GRADUATED FROM HB PLANT HIGH SCHOOL, THE SAME AS THE BEAUTIFUL ORCHESTRA WE HAD TODAY. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK. TODAY, I'M SPEAKING AGAINST THE NEW POLICY 2520, WHERE ONLY THE SUPERINTENDENT CHOOSES WHAT BOOKS AND MATERIALS ARE APPROPRIATE BASED ON STATE RECOMMENDATIONS. I'M ALSO SPEAKING TO KEEP 9130 WHERE THE SCHOOL BOARD DECIDES WHICH BOOKS AND MATERIALS ARE APPROPRIATE. WE VOTED FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS, NOT THE STATE. THE STATE SHOULDN'T HAVE PREEMPTION OVER THE SCHOOL BOARD. PREEMPTION BY THE STATE OVER HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS BOOKS AND MATERIALS IS UNDEMOCRATIC. WE NEED TO STAND UP FOR OUR STUDENTS AND NOT CAVE TO THE AUTHORITARIANS. BOOK BANS ARE UNPOPULAR. THEY HURT MARGINALIZED STUDENTS WHO CAN'T GET IN THE CAR AND GO BUY A BOOK AT A BOOKSTORE.