001Good morning. I call this meeting of the Penllis County School Board December 16, 2025 to order. Please note there are six board members in person. Miss Meyer is appearing via Zoom. Miss Meyer, can you hear us? Okay, I will check again later. next we will have a moment of silence followed by the presentation of colors for from Northeast High School's JOTC US Army unit with instructure instructor Lieutenant Connell Kevin Miller and the pledge of pledge of allegiance led by vice chair Don Peters and the national anthem and landslide will be sung by Valacre AC capella choir under the direction of Devon Joyce. Please stand and remain standing until the colors have retired and the color guard has exited. Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early so we at the twilight last stripes and
002bright stars through The perilous fight or the we were so gallently streaming and the rockets red the bombs bursting in gave proof through the night. Oh, say does that star spangle yet for the land of the free and the home of the I love to climb a mountain and I turn around and I saw my reflection. In the snow in the sky above the changing ocean of Well, I' been afraid of changing my life around getting old. Well, I' been afraid of changing my life around you. But you blection in See my reflection in the snow covered hills. Bring it down. Bring it down. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Mrs. Meyers. Can you hear us? Okay. while while we figure out if Mrs. Myers can hear us and respond during our meeting, I will go ahead
003and move on to the next agenda item. We will now share a video with a recap of experience PCS which was held earlier this month. our experience PCS. What an opportunity today to showcase the great things we have in Penelis County schools. You see the arts behind me. You see lots of academic areas. it is truly amazing to see how many things our students have access to in Penelis County schools. The indoor soccer is incredibly competitive. We're the best in the city, bro. We have esports going on in the arena inside. It's very fun, you know, because we get to have we get to come out here and face all these other schools and we get to have fun. Lots of academic games that are fun. And so it doesn't matter if you're indoors, outdoors,
004academics, athletics, arts, everything is all geared towards this idea that students need to have fun in what they do and you're seeing it everywhere. Today we are making trail mix. You want to show him the bag you made? We are making whipped cream. So we have little cups of powdered sugar with vanilla. And you take a mason jar with heavy cream and you shake, shake, shake. It's cool. I mean, I'm able to make whipped cream. It was really fun and exciting. I like the CPR where you got to learn how to do CPR. I thought it was very cool. I was helping the guy survive and I could be a doctor. Oh, I think it's wonderful. I love that he decided to do that. I didn't even see it until I looked and seen him
005doing the compressions. Glad to see what the school district has to offer. You got it. You got it. It was fun. Really sweaty. So, we're going to tap. Will you tap where it says? I thought today was fun and educational that you could come here to like look at what they offer. It was fun to learn about the different liquids and what they can stop and what can it stick to. I saw a lot of robotics. It was like very fun. This is amazing. I mean, these are high school students. I'm impressed. Very impressed. This is also learning imagination and all that stuff. Here at Gibbs, we have an incredible team where we build robots and we compete in an international competition. It's very exciting. It's educational. It's informative. It's very fun. The kids are
006having a great time. They get to see what Penllis County Schools actually has to offer at every level. All right, it was pretty great today. We learned about so many different programs. As my daughter, who is an artist, got to participate in the chalk mural. We got to see a lot of the arts. There's a lot going on in Penllis County, and there's something for everybody. Experience PCS continues to offer a sampling of the choices and opportunities available to students and families throughout the district. And you heard from a few of them in this video today. I attended the event and must also recognize district staff and businesses that were also present and helped make the event successful. PCS continues to offer hands-on, engaging activities to help students prepare for college, career, and life. Next
007on our agenda, introduction of professional and community organizations. Mrs. Mascaranis. Good morning, Madame Chair, members of the board, Mr. Hendrik, and staff. It is my pleasure to introduce the following representatives of community and professional organizations. Representing the North Panelis League of Women Voters, Marty Fwell and Jean Reynolds. from the Penelis Arts for a Complete Education Coalition, Maria Cantonis and Ronda Hillso. Today we have a presentation from the Student Rights and Responsibility Committee. Please welcome Abby Bonti Savat Valdez and James Blackman from Northeast High School and their principal, Michael Hernandez. Okay. So, okay, it's ready. Okay, cool. Okay. good morning. My name is James Blackman and I'm a senior in the Academy of Finance at Northeast High School. I'm the president of National Honor Society, the president of future business leaders of America, the executive vice
008president of the student government, as well as the thespian marketing co-manager and the secretary of crew. in my time at Northeast, I have participated in many events, extracurriculars, and spirit days while remaining on track to graduate with my pre-bachelor's associate of arts from St. Petersburg College. As a member of SGA, I have helped plan and run three homecomings. I have ra helped raise over $3,000 for my class. And I have used my position to help other clubs and enrich student life on campus. As a member of FBA, I have competed and made it to states three times. I have competed at the national level once at right here at home in Florida at the Orlando the Orange County Convention Center. Sorry. As a member of Yakru, I have helped transition freshmen from middle school to
009high school. I have helped them also just get you know engaged and whatnot. And Northeast like has helped me like a lot in my journey as well and like from internships and other networking opportunities. Northeast has truly been like a launching pad into college and career for me with the support of admins like Mr. Hernandez and Dr. Rogers teachers like Mr. Hvela and Miss Holder and support staff like Miss Thomas and Ra Pedex and my counselor Miss Perry. I have been able to not only succeed but thrive in school. After this year, I am in looking to attend Stson Law and pursuing my master's in business administration while also attaining a jurist doctor degree in law in conjunction with it. Sorry. And I am incredibly thankful for everything Northeast has done for me. And I'd
010like to offer a final thank you to Mr. Hernandez. Thank you all. It is my pleasure to also share with you some great achievements at Northeast that helped to meet the vision of 100% student success. The class of 2025 posted a 99% graduation rate, the highest graduation rate in in North in school history. Northeast has maintained a 90% or better graduation rate since the 2018 school year. students annually complete more than 10,000 hours for Florida's bike feature programs and you know working with the scholarship. Our automotive and culinary programs both have established partnerships with Nellis Technical College to offer dual enrollment opportunities on our campus. 21 varsity sports teams have qualified for FHSAA academic recognition earning a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and Northeast has won eight state academic titles in athletics since 2020. Our
011volleyball, flag football, and girls track and field teams were 2025 district runner-ups. We had state qualifiers in cross country, bowling, and track and field. Our ladies bowling team finished fifth in the state and boys 11 in states for softball won the 2025 district title and softball has won three district championships over the past four years. Our performing arts have earned superior and excellent ratings in competition. While our arts students have had their work displayed in the Dolly Museum and the Denedian Fine Arts Center. JRTC Raiders are back-to-back District 9 champions and finished second in states and are the Rope Bridge state champions. We are a 2024 and 2025 America's Healthiest Schools Awards winners. and we are the only Penllis County schools to be recognized as a Florida Purple Star campus to serve our incoming military
012families for educational opportunities. Thank you all and now we'll turn over to Abi Batisa Valdez to share our point of pride. Good morning everyone. My name is Abby Buntise Valdez and I am proud to represent Northeast High School today as a student government president. Outside of student government, I am an active member of a variety of other clubs such as National Honor Society, Year Crew, Asian Culture Association, PMAC, and FBLA. This year, I also established a new club at my school called Health Occupation Students of America where we help students explore careers and develop skills in the medical field. Through these organizations at Northeast, I've been able to explore my interests in not only leadership, but also healthcare, business, and culture, while also being able to give back to my community. During school, I currently
013hold a 4.52 weighted GPA and have been awarded an AP Scholar Award in my junior year. After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Connecticut, where I will continue pursuing my passion for nursing. I am very grateful for the opportunities that Northeast has provided to me, such as being able to connect with others and make a positive impact at my school. I would like to thank Principal Hernandez as well as the teachers and staff for their constant support and dedication to make Northeast High School a welcoming and inspiring place to learn and grow every day. Once a Viking, always a Viking. And now for points of pride. Northeast is a national AVID demonstration school, placing in the top 1% of over 5,000 schools that offer AVID nationwide. The Academy of Finance is one of
014just four programs nationwide to earn Model Academy status 18 years in a row from the Academy National Academy Foundation. The Academy of Finance is a diet Penllis County program of distinction, the highest honor possible for themies. The Academy of Information Technology is booming with students earning a multitude of industry certifications to be prepared for college and career and is currently working with Dell to provide a county service to repair student onetoone devices across PCS schools. Local businesses annually support Northeast with over 20,000 volunteer hours. This includes partnerships with Achieve Credit Union, Dell, Penllis Technical College, and Raymond James to name a few. Over 100 FB students qualified for state competitions and five students qualified for national competition and we have been rated a B-rated school since 2017. And to close, our school has spirit, a
015positive culture, and pride. Northeast has been recognized by the state of Florida as a PBIS model school. We believe all students can succeed with the three A's, outstanding attendance, a positive attitude, and a hunger for achievement. As a Viking, we build strong ships. Scholarship, relationship, leadership, partnership, citizenship, and sportsmanship are embedded in all that we do. Once a Viking and always a Viking. We thank you for your leadership and support. Thank you, Abby James, and Mr. Hernandez. What a wonderful update on Northeast High as well as your personal accomplishments. Thank you. before moving on to amendments to of the to the agenda, can we see if Mrs. Myers can hear us? Miss Meyers, can you hear us? Yes, I can hear you. Thank you. Wonderful. All right. agenda item two. Mr. Hendrick, are there any
016recommended amendments to the agenda? Madam chair, there are no amendments to the agenda today. Board members. Thank you. May I have a motion to adopt the agenda? Motion by Mrs. Kaine, second by Mrs. Black for Blackburg. All those in favor? Any oppose? Mrs. Meyer. I the motion to adopt the agenda carries 70. Now moving on to agenda item five, public comments on the agenda. Mrs. Hal, do we have any speakers for agenda items? Yes, Madam Chair, there is one speaker this morning. Thank you. Members of the public have three separate opportunities to address the board when we gather for a business meeting. The first is public comment on agenda items. The second is a public hearing, most of which are policies. The last is after our meeting when speakers may address the general business of
017the district. At each opportunity for public input, board members are here to listen to you. This is not a time for interaction, but the board will take your comments into consideration before it votes on the agenda items. The board is committed to a standard of civility and decorum in conducting our meetings. This includes reframing from clapping or making audible noises during or after a speaker's comment. We appreciate you assisting us in maintaining a civil and constructive environment. Lastly, please note that this meeting and all public comments will be broadcast live on the internet and the video will be publicly archived. Members of the public may always communicate with the board through our email address boardpcsb.org or by calling the board office at 5886300. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Our speaker this morning is Mark
018Clutho. He's speaking to items 7.17 and 7.18. Mark Clutho Largo bids. Yes. Oh yeah, the your bids. Oh, I brought in the wrong Oh, no, I didn't. Here it is. your bids and policies. What does it give us? These same stupid buildings. Clear story windows in the wrong place. Buildings oriented the wrong way like that Clearwater High School building with all that West Glass. It never changes. And then 718, this building right over here, a monument to ignorance, $16,29,000. and your goal fiscal and operational responsibility. Not no. What happens when you keep doing that? Our world is unavoidably toxic. You have West facing glass going down to the ground. That's asinine as you can be. I mean that western sun bearing down We have this recent article here about the researchers trying to determine whether
019or not the water flowing up from the tropics is going to stop. And if it does, it means the hurricanes here are going to get worse. And your stupid buildings that you keep doing are going to help that along. You keep Thank you, Madam Chair. There are no other speakers for agenda items. Thank you. Next is unfinished business. May I have a motion to approve agenda item 6.1 public hearing to consider to consider the amendments to policy standards of ethical conduct for administrative staff 3210 standards of ethical conduct for instructional staff 4210 standards of ethical conduct for support staff and 5460 graduation requirements. This is the second reading. There are no changes. Second. I have a motion from Mrs. Hind and a second from Mrs. Peter. Mr. Hendrick, please. Thank you, Madam Chair. As the
020board knows, these updates are in alignment with changes in state law. And we've discussed these at workshops. And here to give the board and the public a little more background is our director of strategic planning and policy, Lyanna. Mrs. Is. Good morning, Madame Chair, board members, Superintendent Hendrick, staff, and community. The policy amendments reflect updated laws from the 2025 legislative session. These policy amendments were discussed at the October workshop, and the details were shared during the first reading on November 11th. They can also be found included in the agenda item today. The first set of policies are policies 1210, 3210, and 4210, standards of ethical conduct for administrative staff, instructional staff, and support staff, respectively. We've updated these policies to comply with Senate Bill 1374, which now requires temporarily removing instructional personnel under certain circumstances.
021The law also adds a 48 hour self-reporting requirement after an arrest, which is something PCS has required for years and remains in place. The next policy is policy 5460, graduation requirements, and it's been updated to align with House Bill 11:05. The key changes include the state's removal of the certificate of completion and the addition of marching band as an approved substitute for either PE or performing arts credit. We recommend approving these amendments. Mrs. Hal, are there any speakers for this agenda item? Yes, Madam Chair. Mark Clu speaking to item 6.1. ethical conduct here at this school board meeting. It's an absolute joke. I received this and that this is a force. This is a force. had a had a meeting yesterday with my lawyer and after my meeting he was going to have a meeting
022with his first amendment lawyers association and he would be here today except he had a doctor's appointment. Now, you people don't know what ethics are. And when I show him this, the first thing he'll do is laugh. But this is completely devoid of ethics. I don't know if it was reviewed by the lawyer here, but to hold a book and to simply say read a book. for that to equate with harassment. You people don't know what that what ethics means. I mean, you are really, really in trouble. But I'll be going later today to meet with the lawyer and we'll be talking about how wonderful your ethics are here. Madam Chair, there are no other speakers for this item. Board members, is there any discussion? I would just like to thank Miss and team for
023bringing these policies forward. We have discussed them at the workshops in length as well as she just provided a brief update regarding the changes. One of the things I want to say regarding the ethical conduct policies and that I am proud of as it relates to our district is that all investigations will follow district policies and procedures including those in the blue book. So outside forces who are trying to dictate what the district does as it relates to employee discipline, we're going to follow our policy. And then regarding graduation requirements, I would just like to acknowledge all of our high school staff and Dr. Vazquez and her team who continue to meet to make sure that every child is aware of the new graduation requirements and encouraging them to take the steps they need to
024get across the finish line. At about this at this time there are approximately 500 seniors who are not meeting the graduation requirements. Their parents have been notified. They have been notified and much of the feedback from parents is that they appreciate the early notification. So again, thank you to everyone who are working hard and dilig diligently to get all of our students across the finish line. We have a motion and a second to approve item 61 6.1. All in favor say I. I. Any oppose? The motion passes. 70. Next we have agenda item 6.2. May I have a motion to approve agenda item 6.2 2 public hearing to consider to consider the amendment to policies 2423.01 career and professional education 5500.07 code of student conduct discipline and school safety. This is the second reading. There
025are no changes. Second. I have a motion for Mrs. Blackburg and a second from Mrs. Peters. Mr. Hendrick. Thank you, Madam Chair. Similar to the last set of policies, these are in response to updates to state law and state board rule. And so I'll pass it back to Mrs. Eison for the details. The policies in item 6.2 2 were amended and discussed at the September workshop and the details were shared during the first reading on October 14th and they are included in the agenda item today of course 2423.01 career and professional education was reviewed in alignment with house bill 1145 and it primarily streamlines the policy as much of that policy just restated law policy 5500.07 07 code of student conduct discipline only amends the wireless communication device section in accordance with house bill 1105
026and the new law they are restricts student use of wireless communication devices in elementary and middle schools during the school day. Last is policy 8405 school safety which is updated in alignment with Senate Bill 1470 and adds the requirement for afteraction reports following emergency drills. We recommend approving these amendments. Thank you, Mrs. Eisen. Mrs. Hal, are there any speakers for this agenda item? Madam Chair, there are no speakers. Board members, is there any discussion? We have a motion and a second to approve item 6.2. All in favor say I. I. Any oppose? The motion passes. 70. Thank you. Next on our agenda is the consent. May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? I have I have a motion from Mrs. Long and a second from Mrs. Peters. All in favor say I.
027I. Any oppose? The motion passes 70. Next on our agenda is the non-consent. May I have a motion to approve agenda item 8.1 request approval of the salary increases for Panelis Educational Support Professionals Association. I have a motion from Mrs. Blackburg and a second from Mrs. Hine. Mr. Hendendrick. Thank you, Madam Chair. Board members, as you know, we previously brought to you and you approved salary increases through negotiations with both PCTA and SEIU. And today, we are bringing to you the remainder of our employee bargaining groups and those that are not represented. And the first group is the Penllis Educational Support Professionals Association or PESPA. And here to give the details of that agreement is our chief human resources officer, Michael Bigu. Mr. Bigu, thank you. Good morning, Madam Chair, board members, Superintendent Hendrick, and
028staff. PESPA successfully ratified our tenative agreement on November 18th. Included in the agenda item is an average of 12.74% or $3,487 salary increase which is inclusive of the referendum and an additional 1% increase retroactive to July 1st, 2025 applied to pay starting on January 16, 2026. anou to provide an additional non-reoccurring payment of $300 for full-time employees. Half applied to pay on December 19th, 2025 and half applied to pay on May 22nd, 2026. Healthcare plan changes effective January 1st, 2026. an update to article 11 language to allow access to student IEP and 504 information to PESPA employees who directly support these accommodations and an update to article 23 extending required licensing fee costs to be paid by the district through June 30th, 2027. Thank you for your consideration of this agenda item. Mrs. Hul, are
029there any speakers for this agenda item? Madame Chair, there are no separate speakers for this item and non-consent. There were speakers under the unfinished business because they were public hearings, second reading of policies. Thank you. Board members, any discussion? We have a motion and a second to approve item 8.1. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion passes. 70 agenda item 8.2 May I have a motion to approve agenda item 8.2 request approval of negotiated agre agreement with the federal order of police. I have a motion from Mrs. Long and a second from Mrs. Blackburg. Mr. Hinder. Thank you Madam Chair. Mr. Vigu will again share the details of this agreement with FOP the Fraternal Order of Police. Mr. Vigu, they successfully ratified our tenative agreement on November 20th. Included in the agenda item is an
030average of 7.34% or 3,754 salary increase inclusive of the referendum and an additional 1% increase retroactive to July 1st, 2025 applied to pay starting on January 16, 2026. anou to provide an additional non-reoccurring payment of $300 for full-time employees. Half applied to pay on December 19th, 2025 and half applied to pay on May 22nd, 2026. Healthcare plan changes effective January 1st, 2026. Thank you for your consideration of this. Board members, any discussion? Mrs. I just think it shouldn't go without saying for all four of these items where we're talking about salary increases. While this is something we've been talking about for for for quite some time, but just now today it's on the agenda. Again, I don't think it should go without saying that we're able to give these increases only because the citizens of
031Penllis County passed overwhelmingly our referendum in the last election. It is the only reason because if you look at the increases to salaries that are that are given to K12 education across the state, they don't come even close to this. They're less than 1%. So, I just want to say thank you. And to all of those of you, some of you sitting here with us today who work so hard on getting that referendum passed because you understand what it does for our people, for our arts, for our technology, for our teachers. Thank you so much. So, and Mr. Figuia, Mr. Hendrick, you've worked hard on all the negotiations. Mrs. Woodford. So again, it shouldn't go without saying thank you both to the citizens and our staff who have worked so hard to do our very
032best to pay our people as best as we can. And I hope there's there's more we can do in the future. Thank you, Mrs. Hine. We have a motion and a second to approve item 8.2. All in favor say I. I. Any oppose? The motion passes 70. May I have a motion to approve agenda item 8.3 request approval of the salary increase for professional technical supervisory staff. Have a motion from Mrs. Peters and a sec second from Mrs. Blackford. Mr. Hind. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Vigu will walk us through the details for this group as well. the professional technical supervisory or PTS staff. Mr. Biggie, for our PTS employees, including the agenda item is an average of 5.05% or $4,36 salary increase, which is inclusive of the referendum and an additional 1% increase retroactive
033to July 1st of 2025 applied to pay starting on January 23rd, 2026. Staff who worked continuously in the same pay grade since December 2024 are eligible for this increase. An additional non-reoccurring payment of $300 for full-time employees, half applied to pay on December 26th, 2025 and half applied to pay on May 29th, 2026. Healthcare plan changes effective January 1st, 2026. And again, thank you for your consideration of this item. Board members, is there any discussion? We have a motion and a second to approve item 8.3. All in favor say I. I. Any oppose? The motion passes. 70. May I have a motion to approve agenda item 8.4? Request approval of the salary increase for administrators. A motion from Mrs. Peters. A second from Mrs. Blackburg. Superintendent. Thank you, Madam Chair. Our last group of employees
034are our administrators. And for the details here once again, Mr. Big. Yes. For our administrators, including the agenda item is a salary increase of $3,210 retroactive to July 1st, 2025 for full-time employees applied to pay starting on January 23rd, 2026. Staff who work continuously in the same pay grade since December of 2024 are eligible for this increase. Healthcare plan changes effective January 1st, 2026. And again, thank you for your consideration of this item. Board members, any discussion this time? I just want to raise this up one more time. Mr. Hendra, can you share with us the range of percent increase across the board to all the employees in Penelis County Schools? Sure. anywhere between 3% and 13% on average. So within those bands, some may be a little higher than that, some may be a
035little lower depending on their current salary. but as you correctly pointed out before, that's only possible because of the referendum. Only possible because of the referendum. So thank you so much. We have a motion in a second to approve item 8.4. All in favor say I. I. I. Any oppose? The motion passes 70. Next on our agenda is the Oh, May I have a motion to approve agenda item 8.5, request adoption of the proposed Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards 2026 Federal Legislative Program. A motion from Mrs. Long and a second from Mrs. Peters. I will have the honor of doing the introduction for this item. I am the president of the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards and we represent 12 districts. U one of the things that we're going to vote on today
036is the federal legislative program of the consortium which is the result of our approved meeting from December 4th. This is the first time that the consortium will have a federal program and it was developed by a subcommittee chaired by Dr. Sue Waltansky in coordination with Palm Beach lobbyists and other district lobbyists. This item before us is a item that we must vote on in its entirety. If any board rejects an issue, that issue will automatically be removed from the program. No item may be amended but must be accepted or rejected. At our last workshop, Tabitha Fazino joined us to provide some highlights regarding the program as well as some federal updates. Board members, is there any discussion? Okay, we have a motion and a second to approve item 8.5. All in favor say I. I.
037Any oppose? The motion passes 70. Next on our agenda is items introduced by the superintendent. Thank you, Madam Chair. Board members, as you saw the video on experience PCS at the start of the meeting, I just want to thank all of the staff who put that together for about 5,000 community members, parents, students who came out to enjoy STEM activities, musical performances, a junior chef showcase, the indoor soccer tournament, arts competitions, and much more. In addition, it was our first time to have an esports competition. We've launched that in part through the referendum and the support of technology. and we had a number of schools compete. Lakewood and East Lake high schools were the winners in their respective categories. But it was great to see so many students showcasing their abilities and parents coming to
038see what our school district has to offer. Recently, Aelia Middle School also hosted the fifth annual Sunshine State Drone Expo, and it was a soaring success once again. The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron brought together top drone experts from across the nation and state to showcase the latest in drone technology and safety. I want to thank the students and leadership at Aelia Middle School for doing this. Once again, for our families and members of the public, our annual stakeholder survey is just about closed. This is the last week. to fill out that survey, you can do so at pcsb.org/servey. if you filled it out when it first launched in November. I know we keep sending you those emails, but just ignore those, but fill it out if you haven't done so. Also, recently, the exceptional
039student education fair for college, career, and life was held, attracting nearly 200 students and families to explore resources for planning their future. For middle school students, the event helped plan for high school and explore career options. and for our high school students looking at extended transition options, college and career options as well. I want to thank Gibbs High School for hosting the event and also thank Clearwater High School for hosting experience PCS. Recently, we put out on social media a video of our top 10 teacher of the year finalist through a break series of breakins. I want to congratulate Bobby Cen Jr. from Campbell Park Elementary, Kathleen Earl from Dun or Dunded Middle School, Kira Goyette from John Hopkins Middle School, Adam Kersy from Palm Harbor University High School, Christine Maher Shore Acres Elementary, Brian
040Minkin from PTC St. Petersburg, Jennifer Narier from Ozona Elementary, Gina Scoliono from Pon Still Leone Elementary, Margelina Vasquez Leennis from Garrison Jones Elementary, and Denise White from Sanderland PreK8 School on being selected as top 10 finalists. They are truly exceptional educators and we look forward to honoring all of the top 10 at the evening of excellence in January where we will also choose Penelis County Schools teacher of the year. And speaking of employees of the year, we recently recognized Carlos Childs, the family and community liaison at Campbell Park Elementary School as the 2526 Penelis County Schools Support Employee of the Year. Mr. Mr. Childs has worked in a variety of roles in Penelis County schools for over 20 years and has actively supported students all along the way in literacy and achievement programs as well
041as bringing in community support. He will be our representative in the statewide competition for support employee of the year. And before I do the superintendent standout today, I want to acknowledge, of course, that this is our last board meeting before the holidays. And I want to thank all of our students, families, our staff, district leadership, our school board, and all of the stakeholders for helping Penelis County Schools through a great 2025 year, another year as an a district. I'm also proud as I've visited schools the last several days to see the holiday spirit alive in our schools. Students having fun even while taking, yes, their high school exams and taking the progress monitoring assessments from the state. And included in that is a number of service projects all across our district helping out those in
042need this holiday season, including Seldon Elementary with over a thousand items donated for a local food pantry, Starky Elementary School, which just ran their 39th annual Salvation Army canned food drive and Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School that packed 20,000 meals with Rotary International and Rise Against Hunger. These are just a few examples of the great work our students are doing across the community. I do wish our students best of luck on those middle school and high school exams and certainly a safe and peaceful winter break and look forward to all that we can accomplish together in 2026. And finally, the superintendent standout this meeting emphasizing the district's core values is Miss Sua Vega, the data management technician at Skyrest Elementary School. she was recently recognized by a staff member for the incredible work she
043does each day as the DMT. She consistently ensur ensures that our student data is accurate, organized, and up-to-date, including before and after school programs. She does all of this with a smile, assisting families regularly with registration, enrollment, and any other question in the front office. Thank you, Miss Vega, for the positive impact you make on our school, for always going above and beyond for our students and staff. I want to thank all of our employees for the work they do each and every day going above and beyond for our students, our families, and a great holiday for all Penelis County School stakeholders. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Superintendent Hendendrick. Agenda item 9.2, items introduced by school board attorney. I have no report today. Thank you very much. Agenda item 9.3, items introduced by the
044board. Mrs. Peters. Thank you, Madam Chair. well, happy holidays to everybody. I can't believe it's already here. first, I want to thank Superintendent Hendrickk and our district staff for, everything that you've been doing to communicate with the families of our district regarding well and the staff as well regarding some things that are going to be happening. two things in particular, the potential colllocation of charter schools in in our schools currently and then also the consolidation of schools. And that was something a conversation we've been having for years. This isn't something new. It's just something that has really come to the forefront of the conversation within our community as I visit schools and I've I actually got to go to one of our schools while they were having a parent tour for incoming students at a
045fundamental school. And I was surprised to hear from the dozen or so parents that were on this tour their questions regarding not just the consolidations which of course a lot of people have have questions about and by the way that's a long process. This isn't something that's happening tomorrow. So and we could talk more about that in the future. But also the collocation of charter schools. I was very surprised to hear the awareness of kindergarten parents of the potential of this within the schools within our district and across the state. So, I was actually asked by the principal on that tour to speak to it as he and I had talked about it before the tour and knew that I had some more specific information. So, I and I was happy to do so. I
046mean, if this is a conversation happening on school school tours with kindergarten parents, as school remembers, we're not always aware. We're in an echo chamber, right, of the things that we talk about and that we're aware of. It's not always as evident what the general public is aware of and what their questions are to us. So, I was actually happy to hear that they are questioning and they're engaging and they're wanting to know more about it and understand about it. And so, to that point, I always encourage people to speak out to their legislature. You don't just have to speak out to your legislators. You can speak out if you want to do the research and find out who's on the chair of all the committees that have to do with public education. but certainly
047just send an email, make a phone call. it. Our voices matter and not just our voices here on the board, but our voices within the community. Multiple voices matter and they do make an impact and difference. We have seen that throughout our state and even within the district. So, I do very strongly encourage people, we have a link on our website that was easier to find than ever on our new website for our communication to our legislators and who they are. I also wanted to say after an interesting presentation at our Florida Schoolboard Association on Thursday, we also got to attend the support employee of the year event on December 5th, Friday, December 5th. And I was actually really glad that followed that event because I was reinspired. It was such a warm encouraging and
048special event for our support staff. and it was great to hear how they didn't they're very humble people and they just felt like they were representing their school and just so proud to do that. And I just love seeing all the pride within our schools and the people who work there and how every single person inspires, affects, mentors and is somebody that our kids look up to. So, I just want to speak to those few things. it's very when you go to schools and you see where the real work is, that's that's what makes our job so wonderful. So, thank you to everybody. everybody have a happy holiday. And that is the end of my lengthy things to speak on. Thank you, Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Hyde. thank you. and thank you for raising the schools
049of hope issue. I know we've been discussing and we will continue discussing it. I also want to discuss some things involving the legislature. You know, when I became a schoolboard member and still today, the top two questions that run through my mind are kids learning and do we have responsible use of and public reporting of every tax dollar that comes through to to to us. And those are things that that we certainly apply here at Penelis County Schools. You know, the legislative session doesn't officially start until January, but I promise you it is well underway. There are there have been plenty of meetings and there are plenty of bills filed to include those impacting education. One I would like to mention to you, I've been in Tallahassee a couple of times this fall already on
050November 19th, if you want to look it up, it's a I I recommend watching it. It's the Senate PreK12 appropriations committee meeting, excuse me. The Auditor General's office gives a report. They had done a full assessment of the Florida Empowerment Scholarship Voucher Program that is now reaching a $5 billion taxpayer cost to our state and is putting us into a deficit. So they did a financial assessment of those of those of those dollars and they found a few key things that were highlighted. One is that they cannot account for about $270 million on any given day. The other is they can't locate about 30,000 students who they're funding on any given day. Another thing they found was that when surveys were sent to families who take the empowerment scholarship, as it calls, as it's called
051now, the voucher, 16,000 surveys were sent to verify where the student was in school. Only 3,000 people replied and yet many were still funded. The auditor general is quoted to have said, "Whatever can go wrong has gone wrong with that particular system." Senator Gates, who is on this Senate PreK12 appropriations committee, had a bill ready. It's called Senate Bill 318 that is around fiscal responsibility when it comes to the voucher program. Several other key conservative senators have joined him in that. Senator Simon, Senator Burgess are co-sponsors, as well as Senator Piso. The two key things that his bill does that I think we should advocate for, it's on our platform. One of them is separating that the Florida Empowerment Scholarship, separating that $5 billion out from behind the skirts of the bigger public education system.
052So, right now we have about 25 billion in total K12 education funding. That other five billion used to stand on its own way back when it was only one billion. And now that it's grown to five, it's hidden behind the skirts of the public education system. And once they put that money together, it's very difficult to pull apart. And that's what they're noticing and why there's this missing money and can't identify students. So number one, have to separate the fees they call it from the FEFP. And then the second thing is to actually verify where the student is prior to giving tax dollars. Pretty pretty simple. It's a it's a it's a very large bill. There's certainly much more to it. So I was also there on December 10th with the Senate Appropriations Committee who
053unanimously approved that bill and so it is moving moving forward. All three of of of our senators are on that group and so they all approved it and I certainly thanked them for for that. The trouble is the House seems uninterested in this voucher reform bill. The House seems uninterested specifically in separating the voucher funds out from the public education funds. And I guess I would just ask and I would ask you to ask them if we are very proud of Florida being number one in the nation of this program and it's the best voucher for all program then let it stand in the light. Let it stand on its own. Why not? Why wouldn't you have that be its own funded system? We saw this summer when we held that federal funding forum here
054and hundreds of people showed up. People care about their schools and they care about their tax dollars. And so this is something that you can contact, yes, our delegation we always say, but you can contact anybody on any of those education committees in Tallahassee, specifically the House budget committee would would would be great because again, these are your tax dollars and they are unsure where they are, where they're going, and this reform bill needs to come up in the House and get passed. So again, I ask myself, are kids learning and is there responsible use of and reporting of public tax dollars? We do that in our system, right? And so this voucher bill aims to curb the latter, aims to have some of those financial reforms. It does not address the former. It does
055not yet answer the question of are these kids learning? And so I do hope that kind of reform comes in the future because those are the things that I think we all care most about the children in Penelis County and the children of the state of Florida learning. I want to share with you a success story that I was pretty happy about. last week my husband and I were having breakfast with our kids and our and our middle schooler says, "I had the best day of middle school ever." And which was awesome. That's exactly what you want to hear. And he proceeded to take a piece of paper and show us exactly how his teacher had taught them all about Rub Rub Rub Rub Goldberg and then drew out what he and his other classmates
056had designed and built and how the ball would roll through and bounce and then knock this over and the dominoes would fall and the water would water the grass or something. But it was just amazing and it made me think of the student experience that Mr. Hendrick has stressed since he's been a leader here. And I just want you to know that yes, we as parents have our individual success stories with our kids, but there are so many every day. And I just want to encourage everybody to highlight their success stories in our schools because they are many. And then also take the opportunity to thank each of you who work to to that end in bringing success to our students across Penllis every single day. The last comment just on the holiday season. I
057just want to share with you that in this holiday season, it's my prayer that as we all light candles, whether that be the advent wreath or the manora or any other gestures of light, that those lights ignite the humanity that is in each of us and that we share and elevate that light in the world. I pray that we may care about other people's children as much as we care about our own. Imagine that. Imagine if we fought for other people's kids the way we fight for our own. And that we care about one another and that we care about people we don't know as much as we care about people that we do know. A prayer I say with my kids at night and I'll just share it with you is this is may
058all the people we know and all the people we don't know have health, happiness, and peace. Peace of the Lord. Amen. Many blessings this holiday season. Thank you, Mrs. Hine. I also have a few updates. I currently serve on the advocacy committee for Penllis Education Foundation and just two, they have several priorities that have not quite yet been approved by the board, but we did have our first meeting and schools of hope and vouchers which you mentioned, Mrs. Hine and you also mentioned, Miss Peters, are slated to be a priority of Panellis Education Foundation and their legislative advocacy. And when I think about legislative advocacy today, we voted on a federal platform, right? And to Mrs. Hines's point, we saw how community got engaged regarding the financial implications on a federal level and how that
059would impact our district. Many people are hearing about the restructuring of the department of education as well as other changes that are occurring and wondering how is that going to impact our district? How is that going to impact our state? There is a trickle down effect to it all. So I encourage you just like my colleague just said to contact representatives, the people who we all help elect whether they're representing our district or not. They have the power to make changes in legislation and to advocate for public schools on a local, state, and national level. So, let's encourage them to make a difference, to change their mindset, to change their hearts. something else I do want to add as it relates to schools of hope. Superintendent Hendrick has shared the past two schoolboard meetings some
060updates regarding schools of hope and where the district stands on on that process. And I want to just commend Mr. Kaperski and team as well as Superintendent Hendrick and staff in the way that they are handling the school of hope situation. whether we are receiving letters from operators who are not school of hope operators and they are addressing that appropriately by letting them know you're not a school of hope operator that law doesn't apply to you or addressing Mater Academy and advocating for our public schools against the collocation of them in a professional manner. with that, I do want to state that our district, our school board is a part of several organizations that are advocating against school hope. Florida School Board Association has an emergency platform item that they will be adding to their
061state platform and the consortium will also be sending letters to legislators regarding schools of hope which is in support of our platform. There are three specific items within the Greater Florida Consortium platform that addresses schools of hope and one of the items Mrs. Hine mentioned earlier which is that separation of funds of allocation is one of them. And then when we look at building usage there is a people have the opportunity to to state what they deem as underused. So getting clarification regarding that as well as ensuring we're all operating on a level playing field is very important. And I do just want to emphasize again, we have FSBA, the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards, and potentially the Education Foundation, as well as all of the outside organizations, the PTAs, your League of Women
062Voters, etc., a advocating against schools of hope. And yes, Senator Rousan did put forth a bill to repeal the Schools of Hope legislation. So there's a lot of advocacy occurring against the schools of hope or how to make it more manageable. So thank you superintendent and team for doing great work and making sure we're compliant with the law as well as protecting our students, employees, and public schools. Next, I would like to just talk about the planning for progress meetings. Madam Chair, real quick, just as a point of clarification with just for the general public as well, schools of hope, what we're advocating against is not so much schools of hope. We support that initial legislation. This expansion and collocation is what we're advocating against. So, I just wanted to clarify that real quick. So,
063thank you, Mrs. Blackburgs for providing your clarification. as I mentioned there are other organizations which are who are advocating in their own manner regarding schools of hope and as it relates to Panellis County schools. We have an approved platform which addresses specific items and that is what the consortium will be using to draft a letter regarding schools of hope. So what I just mentioned was various efforts and then regarding Florida school boards association their drafted proposal regarding schools of hope will also go to school boards. back to the other thing I was talking about the planning for progress meetings. The last one concluded on December 9th the day we had a workshop and received some of the preliminary feedback from the community. Thank you, Mrs. Dole, communications and team for continuing to put out that
064information as well as to invite people to have dialogue regarding what's going on. And it's clearly a topic of discussion as Mrs. Peters highlighted and it's important. It's important. There is a lot of news coverage regarding schools of hope and collocation and what schools may look like and just a lot of information that people are trying to absorb and navigate. So I do want to just share with the public the next steps based on the timeline that is easily accessible on the PCSB website pcsb.orgprogress. It includes the entire PowerPoint presentation as well as a survey that people can provide feedback to online. So next steps is January 20th. There will be a schoolboard workshop where we will receive limited recommendations for the 2026 27 school year. And then in the spring there will be engagement
065for the 202627 recommendations. And then during the summer engagement to inform the 2027 2028 school year. And then in the fall there will be some recommendations for 28 school year prior to the school choice window. Again, our district is open and accessible and we want to keep the community informed and invite you to ask questions, provide feedback and suggestions. So, thank you Mrs. Dole and team Superintendent Hendendrick for innovating right innovating. There are districts who are not even having these preliminary conversations and we are doing that. So, thank you very much for that. next I would just like to share a conversation or let you all know that Career Source is back up and running and board members, I'll share the flyers from Mrs. Con regarding the summer work and I'm sure Superintendent has those
066flyers as well and we'll pass them out as he deems appropriate. but Career Source is back up and running. And then last but not least, I do want to just reflect on something that Mrs. Peters highlighted after a very interesting conference and following up with the support employee of the year and seeing my former middle school my form me middle school right from John Hopkins Mr. green receive an award and seeing Mr. Carlos Childs who has been at Campbell Park for what seems like forever and has consist consistently hosted community drives, food food giveaways and different things to support the school to get the welldeserved recognition from our district. It was really a heartwarming moment from the kisses and hugs. it was it was really a different experience but welcomed. So thank you to all
067of our support professionals. You make a difference and as I mentioned at that meeting support professionals, you are the backbone of our district. So thank you for all that you do. And actually, I'm just gonna keep going. Senator Deigley and Representative Anderson have sponsored the appropriations for PTC St. Pete. And if you've been there, you know that some work and upgrades are needed. So, I just want to publicly thank them and acknowledge their their efforts to sponsor the appropriation for PTC St. Petersburg campus. And now I'll wrap up with happy holidays to everyone. I wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday and look forward to welcoming you back in the new year. And with that, are there any board requests? Thank you, Mrs. Whipper. I adjourn this meeting. All right, Mrs. Hul. Yes, Miss Yep.
068Mrs. Hul, are there any speakers for public comments? Madam Chair, we have three public comment this afternoon. Thank you. Oops. Oh, sorry. We will now move to public comment on the general business of the district. Please note that the views and comments of the public speakers are their own and not endorsed nor sponsored by the school board or district. We cannot ensure the accuracy of statements made but will review concerns that are raised and take appropriate action which may include clarifications or the referrals or speakers to the proper staff member for assistance. The board is committed to a standard of civility in the quorum in conducting our meetings. This includes refraining from clapping or making audible noises during a during or after a speaker's comments. We appreciate you assisting us in maintaining a civil and
069constructive environment. Additionally, please note that although board members or superintendent Hendrick may leave the dis briefly, there are speakers in the back room and we will continue to be able to hear your comments. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. The first two speakers are Kathy Ogara and Rebecca Duval. I'm gonna wipe myself down here. Okay. Thank you. I adore you guys. I see you in public meetings. I really appreciate it. my name is Kathy Oggera. I'm a retired 70-year-old registered nurse. I'm a member of the board, the PTA, not a board, I wish, of the state of Florida. But most importantly, I am the grandmother who adopted my grandchildren and I'm their mother and they are in Penllis County schools. I am a member of the organizations that are opposing the schools of hope. And
070I mean opposing because no public money should go for this. Before I did write something down, but I have I've been a little under the weather. I just wanted to let you guys know that I worked in a hospital the 20 first 25 years of my career and then again in separate organiz you know businesses. We never needed a law to create oversight within our businesses. It wasn't we didn't need a law. That's ridiculous. Thank you. Okay, back to the agenda. I'm sure you know that Hillsboro County School Board issued their own memorandum or proclamation last week. I just want to urge you to do the same thing. I realize there's safety in numbers. It's a lot easier for me to represent be represented as more than myself, but I want to urge you to
071do it as well because this is going to take a fight. for everyone in hearing distance that is not here, we have an empty room just about except for the hardcore people. There are thousands of people who have been in on the schoolboard meetings. Thank you. It's fantastic. I was asleep at the wheel. but have come up to speed and these people are against it. Why they are not here? I just want to scold you over the internet. You better be here every single time and call all of your legislators. What's wrong with you? Maybe fear of public speaking. Okay. I want to say again that Senator Daryl Rousson has written bill SP424. My understanding is that the legislators are acting like it's non-existent and that it hasn't even been seen by the education committee.
072we need to fight to protect education in our state and we need to call our all our electeds and talk to our friends. The internet the emails have been shut off in Tallahassee for over a week. I have not been able to send them an email. I want to say too that it was reported that test scores went up where they had co collocation. I have spoken directly with people New York they invest $33,000 per student and here they reluctantly spend $12,000. Obviously the state of Florida government and the federal government government they're sending a clear message that they do not value education. When I was in school, they said the children are our future. Thanks, guys. I really am crazy about Miss Duval. Good morning, guys. I'm just here today to address a situation
073that happened yesterday, and it wasn't the first time. My son was left on the school bus yesterday morning at 7:19 and called me and his father hysterically frantic. Sorry, it's emotional. He had to climb out of a school bus window. He could have broke bones. He could have went into an asthma attack. He's He has an IEP. He goes to Penelis High Innovation. Why the bus driver did not do his job and check the bus at the bus at the school like he was supposed to is beyond me. Him being fired is not good enough for me. Anything could have happened to my child. Thankfully, it wasn't hot out and he didn't have a heat stroke, but what are we going to do to make sure these bus drivers are doing their jobs? Last week,
074he passed my son's bus stop and had my son not looked up from talking to his friends. Who knows where he would have been then? This was in the afternoon time. And he's lucky that he let him off the school bus at his friend's bus stop. Thank you. The next speaker is Mark Clutho. Mark Cluardo, why are Confederate Civil War leaders honored with holidays in Florida? Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee. Are you ethical? Are you doing anything about this? Coral reefs a point of no return. Report warns worldwide dieback may already be beyond hope. Yeah, your buildings are and you are complicit in this problem. How close are the planet's climate tipping points? You realize that's a problem. So I get this. What a joke. This letter X's notice. Like I say, wait till
075my lawyer sees this one. intimidates, threatens, places a student or employee in reasonable fear of harm to their person. Is this scary? War is a racket. Oh boy. What do you think, lawyer? Show somebody a book. Is that threatening? See, what happened outside was I walked to the end of the portico and that little girl said something to me which I could not hear what she was saying. So what would somebody normally do? I had to walk back closer to where she was sitting so I could hear what she was saying. Now, I didn't get right up in her face, but I had to get closer to hear what she was saying. And I understand that some idiots said that I was in her face, which is a boldfaced lie. Now you people are going
076to regret this. I mean this is asinine and thank you madam chair. There are no other speakers.