001Good morning. I call this meeting of the Penllis County School Board, February 10th, 2026 to order. Please note, Miss Long and Mrs. Meyers are appearing via Zoom. Miss Long, can you hear us? Yes, I can. Miss Meyers, can you hear us? Yes. Good morning, Madam Chair. Thank you. Good morning. This morning, we will have an invocation by Zth Hill from International Mission Board, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Chair Don Peters in the National Anthem. Please stand and remain standing until the national anthem has ended. Good morning. grateful for the opportunity to be with you this morning. I spent my entire childhood education in Penelis County Schools. So, I'm very grateful for the important work that happens here. Would you join me in prayer? Most gracious God and heavenly father, we thank
002you for the opportunity to gather today. This morning, we ask for wisdom and guidance regarding the needs of our county students and schools. We know it is your will that our community thrives and that the next generation be raised up. Please grant the school board integrity, strength, and insight as they make crucial decisions for our county schools. Help them to foster an environment where all can thrive. And ultimately, we thank you for your great love for us that you sent Jesus Christ, your son, to die on a cross for our sin and to be raised again that through faith in him, we may have eternal life. guide our time today in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Can you see by the dawn early so proudly we held at the twilight lasting stripes and bright stars through
003the perilous fight or the hearts we were so red. The bombs bursting in gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangle better yet or the land of the free and the home of the brave. Thank you. You may be seated. We will now share a video from the Penllis County Schools STEM Expo. This is our annual STEM Explorer Festival. We've been doing this for four years now. We grow a little bit every year. What we want our Penllis County community to take from this event is an overview of the STEM skills that we encourage our students to develop. I think it's fun. We bring it brings people together and it brings us together to have our love for STEM and engineering and obviously outreach events like
004this we get to share that idea with other kids and the younger generation hopefully to inspire more people. I feel I like it. It's kind of like engineering setting up the things for the kids. We have several vendors for example county utilities, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and they also provide career information. What kind of career could you have at our job? And what do you need to do to get theirs? We also have touch truck. So, it's a great day. We have a hat made from cardboard and reproosed flower and clothing. We are so excited. This is our third annual trashing show. Every year at the STEM fest, we want to do it just a little bit bigger. As the kids say, level up. So, this year, we're turning trash into treasure. So, our students have
005spent the entire year repurposing materials to make accessories, thinking about the environment to make wearable trash fashion. We have 35 teams from 15 different schools, which is three times more than we've had in the past. And what we want all of our students to learn is STEM is everywhere and in everything that you do. My outfit represents space and it was made out of garbage bags, trash bags, cardboard, and a discarded Christmas ornament. So, what we did is we did a plastic like bag skirt and we did like a cardboard shirt. My outfit is based off one of my favorite video games. It's called Minecraft and I use mostly boxes because everything in Minecraft is basically just like cube. I think this is fun because we get to use our imagination, create stuff out of
006trash that might go in landfill, but saving me. There's like different like plastic bags. We had like a little cover up like from the shoulders. It's fun because I mean we got we got to design our own thing. Yeah, we got to design our own thing. It was really Yeah. really creative. It was really fun making all the art for this. We also want our community to know that we're really investing in our students futures so that when they are ready to join the workforce, come back from college, they know that there are positions right here in Penllis County available for them. And there you've heard it from students and staff. The impact of STEM Now we'll have Isabelle Mascarenes for the introduction of professional and community organizations. Thank you. Good morning, Madame Chair, members
007of 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. Nancy Cohen from the Penelis Arts for a Complete Education Coalition. Randy Hilliso. Today we have a presentation from the Student Rights and Responsibility Committee. Please welcome students Emily Calibris, Isabelle Schuler, and Alex Haley from Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School and its principal Josh Wolfendon. Good morning, Madame Chair, members of the board, Mr. Hendrick and staff. It is our pleasure pleasure to present the students rights and responsibilities committee report for Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School at Seinal. My name is Isabelle Schuler and I'm a senior in the veterinary assisting program at Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School. Hi, my name is Alex and I am
008a senior in the construction program at Jacobson Tech High. And I'm Emily Calibri and I am a senior in the veterinary assisting technical technical high school. Thank you very much for this opportunity to tell you a little bit about our school. We are a district application program high school that supports every student graduating not only with a high school diploma but with also one or more industry certification as well. Our school has earned a grade of A for the last four years and we are determined to earn an A for this year. We offer seven different career technical education programs and a variety of industry certifications as well. Our gaming students earn software certifications in C++ and Unity and commercial arts students earn certifications in Adobe products. Our veterinary students complete a 250 hour internship
009to earn their certified veterinary assistant certification, their CVA. At our school, we have six cows, four horses, seven goats, a pig, a lot of rabbits, and a couple of birds. We also have a partnership with Penelis County Animal Services. They bring dogs and cats to our school every Monday and pick them back up every Thursday. Our best students work in a state-of-the-art veterinary science building made possible through the partnership between the Penllis Education Foundation and the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation. Our construction and electric students earn certifications through the National Center for Construction Education and Research. And our marine mechanic students earn certifications to become Yamaha technicians. Our nursing students earn their EKG and medical assistant certifications working in our nursing lab which simulates a hospital unit. In 11th grade, they complete clinical hours working with
010residents at Oak Manor Assisted Living Facility. Nursing students who complete their high school graduation requirements by the end of their junior year can attend Penllis Technical College full-time as seniors and graduate high school with their licensed practical nurse certification. Each of our career programs has an active advisory board made up of business partners and professionals in the community. They help us make sure that our programs stay at the forefront of the industry. In 2021, Magnet Schools of America has recognized us as the number one emerging magnet school in America. Our veterary assisting, gaming, simulation, commercial arts, construction, and electrical programs have all been recognized by the career education board asmies of distinction with distinguished honors. Our nursing and marine mechanics programs are working hard to earn their academy of distinction recognition in the near future.
011Our school has had great success each year in the Skills USA competition. This event is like the Olympics of career technical education and students from each of our programs compete at the regional, state, and national levels. We have had students from our school win gold, silver, bronze medals in a variety of categories, and some have even been selected for Skills USA student leadership roles, serving as regional officers, state officers, and even the state high school president. The students from our veterinary assisting program make up the largest FFA chapter in Penllis County. Each year, our vet students show rabbits and dairy heers at the Florida State Fair. Two years ago, one of our students took fourth place in the state for rabbit showmanship. And last year, our solidarian took third place for the state for youth
012dairy show. This is pretty impressive because we get to go up against student students from rural counties where FFA and animal showmanship is really competitive. Our marine mechanics program partners with Yamaha, Suzuki, and Mercury, which provide the tools, curriculum, and resources such as motors, rigging equipment, and electrical systems. So, the students in this program get the experience they need to earn certifications and work in the marine industry. Through a partnership with Panelis County Animal Services, our veterinary students provide grooming and behavior training for the dogs and cats we work with each week. Our vet students take pictures of the animals and post them to the vet program's Instagram page to raise awareness of the adoption process. Almost every dog that has come through our doors has ended up finding their forever home. A few of
013them have been adopted by our students and teachers. In the spring semester of each year, our school hosts an annual capstone project presentation night where students come together to showcase the projects that they have been working on for the second semester. Our goal is to complete student led projects that make an impact on our campus and in our community. This is an awesome event and we would love for schoolboard members and district leaders to join us. On Tuesday, April 7th at 6 p.m. Our principal, Mr. Wolfendon, will send invitations as we get closer to the event. Our construction and electrical programs partner with Penllis County Mosquito Control to build chicken coops for the Sentinel chickens that use to identify bloodborne viruses in our community. We have also partnered with the PCS elementary science education office
014to build maker space carts for PCS elementary schools. This year we are working with Habitat for Humanity to provide students with experience working on a real job site. Our commercial arts students have designed marketing materials for a number a number of local businesses and community partners. Students from the commercial arts program were commissioned to design a highlighting wait commissioned to design a sign highlighting all of the service organizations in seminal including Kwani Rotary Elks and several others. The sign stands at a busy intersection outside of St. Petersburg College Seinal campus. One of our students even designed the logo for the PCS Office of Strategic Partnerships. We are current we currently have a group of seniors from our nursing program dual enrolled full-time at Penelis Technical College pursuing their LPN certifications. We are working with SPC's
015College of Nursing to develop a pathway for our for the students to pursue their bachelor's of science in nursing upon graduation. We are so proud of our school and the opportunities that we have available to us as students at Tech High. We believe in using our platform to serve our community. This year, we partnered with an organization called Rise Against Hunger for a meal packaging event where Tech High students packaged over 20,000 meals for people in need. Last year, we worked with a group called Sleeping Heavenly Peace, and Tech High students built over 50 bunk beds for kids in our community that don't have a bed of their own. Tech High families also donated two truckloads of mattresses, sheets, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, nightlights, and children's books for bedtime. Our school ensures that we graduate
016with industry certifications, dual enrollment credits, advanced placement credits, a network of business partners in our community, and the hands-on experience of working in our field, which will truly set us apart from the competition when we were applying for colleges and universities, applying for positions in our chosen industry, or enlisting in the military. Tech High has given us the skills to not only pursue our path after high school, but to be the leaders of the path we have chosen. We are excited to see what the future holds and are grateful to have the opportunity to be part of such a great school. We would like to say thank you to the school board, Mr. Hendrik, the Penllis Education Foundation and the Career Technical Education Office and everyone who has made it possible for Richard O. Jacobson
017Technical High School to be our school. As a result of our experiences at Tech High, we have a clear vision of where we are going and how we are going to make our impact on the world. We are Thank you, Alex, Isabelle, and Emily, Principal Wolfen, for providing so much great information about Tech High as well as how you give back to the community. Thank you. Next on our agenda, agenda item 2.1, Mr. Hendrick, are there any changes to the agenda? There are no changes, Madam Chair. Board members, are there any recommended changes? Okay. May I have a motion to adopt the agenda? I have a I have a motion by Mrs. Kaine and a second by Mrs. Hine. All those in favor? Any oppose? The motion to adopt the agenda carries. 70. Now for
018our agenda item 4.1. May I have a motion to approve item 4.1, presentation of the proclamation designating February 2026 as National Black History Month. Second. I have a motion by Mrs. Blackburg and a second by Mrs. Peters. Mr. Hendrick. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm excited to introduce Jessica Hassley, our 912 social studies supervisor, who will share more about this proclamation and designation with Florida's theme this year of celebrating black history in the 100th anniversary of national efforts to commemorate black history. Miss Hassley, thank you. Good morning, Madame Chair, school board members, Mr. Hendrick, and staff. I'm pleased to present today in recognition of February as Black History Month. African-American history related benchmarks and standards can be found throughout many of our social studies courses, and our teachers use instructional practices aligned with required instruction to
019infuse African-American history during the month of February and throughout the year. The Florida Commissioner of Education's African-American History Task Force supports districts across the state in teaching the history of African peoples and the contributions of African-Americans to society in full alignment with state statutes, rules, and standards. Since 2015, the African-American History Task Force has identified Penllis County Schools as an exemplary school district for our structured professional development, curriculum integration, and strong community partnerships. To date, only 12 school districts in Florida have earned this distinction. As we continue our efforts to remain exemplary, our schools are preparing a variety of celebrations and recognitions throughout the month of February. Florida's 2026 theme, celebrating black history, marks the 100th anniversary of national efforts to formally celebrate black history. This theme highlights the impact these public commemorations have had
020over the past century. It also provides an opportunity to spotlight the many achievements of African-Americans across all fields, including science, medicine, technology, the arts, politics, and education. Students will continue to learn about the struggles, successes, and contributions of African-Americans throughout our nation's history. And this work serves as a reminder that our country is strengthened by the many voices and stories that shape our shared past. We look forward to seeing how our schools and district offices recognize and celebrate black history throughout the month of February. Thank you, Miss Hassley. Miss Blackburg, would you please read the proclamation? Certainly. Whereas during Black History Month, we recognize the many achievements and contributions made by Black Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development. And whereas Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson initiated Black History Week, February 12th, 1926. And
021for many years, the second week of February, chosen so as to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, was celebrated by African-Americans. And whereas in 1976, as part of the nation's bicesentennial, Black History Week was expanded and became established as Black History Month. And it is now celebrated across the United States. And whereas Florida's 2026 theme is celebrating black history, also marking the 100th anniversary of national efforts to commemorate black history. Now, therefore, the school board of Penllis County does hereby recognize February 2026 as Black History Month and welcomes all citizens to celebrate excellence while honoring the lasting contributions of African-Americans to our rich history and culture. Signed this 10th day of February, 2026. Board members, any discussion? This year, I joined the St. Petersburg city council and community members for the
022raising of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson flag in honor of Black History Month. And I look forward to visiting schools and other community programs in recognition of Black History Month. Thank you. I have a motion and a second to approve item 4.1. All in favor? I. Any oppose? The motion passes. 70. Thank you. Thank you. Next on our agenda, item 4.2. May I have a motion to approve item 4.2, presentation of the proclamation designating February 2026 as career and technical education month. I have a motion from Mrs. Hine and a second from Mrs. Peters. Mr. Hendrick. Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't know if you noticed, but we have a few students here today all celebrating career technical education month. And I want to thank our students and our teachers and we have principles here,
023school staff for the great displays that we saw downstairs earlier today. I'd like to call up Dr. Dwayne Hines, the area 3 superintendent who oversees career technical and adult education to share more about this proclamation. Dr. Hines. Good morning, Madam Chair, schoolboard members, Mr. Hendrick, and staff. I want to thank you for the opportunity to present this proclamation in recognition of career technical education month. I would also like to acknowledge as Mr. Hendrick just me just did our teachers, our administrators, our students who are joining us today. And so I would like for those persons to please stand so that we can see who you are. Please stand so you can be recognized. Thank you. Little off my strip a little side commentary. There's a bet going around of who can do a man thing
024for my head. So, we'll see which one of those schools win. But Mr. Wolfin is going to go first. All right, let's get back on task. All right, so February is career technical education month and today today's displays recogn reflects the strength and the depth of career technical education programs we offer to our students. Correct technical education begins in elementary schools with our fifth grade students participating in Enterprise Village and developing foundational economic and business skills. In middle schools, students explore interest and begin occupational goals. At the middle school and high school level level, career ac care career academic connects to real world real real world pathways such as information technology, auto automotive technology, finance, health occupation, and robotics, helping students to build both technical skills and a sense of belonging. Last year, CTA students
025earned over three 13,000 industry certifications, many of which are eligible for college credits. Additionally, more than 900 high school students are dual enrolled in Penllis Technical Colleges College with completing college programs prior to high school graduation. This year, over 1,200 students will participate in u career technical education student organizations such as FBLA, HOSA, and Skills USA, demonstrating leadership tech demonstrate developing leadership and technical skills at state and national levels. We're excited that on April the 15th and 16th, we will be celebrating National Technical Signing Day, which recognize students who have who will continue their education at Panelis Technical College. These efforts reflect our commitments to preparing our students to meet the demand of today's workforce. Without a doubt, career technical education is not an optional pathway. It is a powerful pathway. Through throughout this month,
026we celebrate how CTAE equips our students for real world real real world real skills and real opportunities to lead in the direction that students may choose to go go in as well as supporting our local workforce. We're excited to celebrate this month and again we thank you for considerating considering this proclamation. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Hines. Miss Peters, would you please read the proclamation? Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. proclamation career and technical education month February 2026. Whereas the efforts of career and technical educators with business and industry stimulate the growth of and vitality of our local economy and that of the entire nation by preparing graduates for careers that are forecast to experience the largest and fastest growth in the next decade. And whereas there are over 27,000 high school students in the district
027with over 21,000 enrolled at in at least one course under the umbrella of career and technical education. While Panalis Technical College boasts an enrollment of 4,200 students in certificate and apprentichip programs, including nearly a thousand dual- enrolled high school students. And whereas the district offers 138 programs of study in secondary and post-secary schools which offer students career pathways opportunities leading to high skill, high wage, high demand careers. And whereas elementary, middle, and high school students earned 13,873 industry certifications and graduate career and college ready. And whereas career and technical education offers individuals lifelong opportunities to learn new skills, providing career choices and potential satisfaction. And now therefore, the school board of Penllis County does hereby recognize February 2026 as career and technical education month. Thank you. Any board discussion? Thank you, Madam Chair. You guys
028are our future. So, we really appreciate those of you who are enrolled. I would like to highlight a recent statistic that was released in November. For every five teachers trade CTE teachers that are leaving the industry, two are coming in. We need teachers. So, if we can spread the word on that, that would be really helpful. Thank you. And, Dr. Dr. Hines mentioned it earlier, but this morning we had an opportunity to see all of the displays and just having the opportunity to speak with students and teachers reminded me of the importance of CTE. I learned the difference between JavaScript and Java. Lakewood High School's CAT program is using VEX, which is similar to Java. And then Largo High and their in the child development program, the seniors have the cute cutest little babies back
029there. And they all are going the path to earn their CDA and attend college. So these are just a few of the CTE programs that high schools have on site. And I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to PTC, as I usually do. the dual enrollment and adult education programs that are at both the St. Pete and Clearwater campus are one of a kind. So, if you are looking to extend or expand your education or learn a trade, please consider Panella Technical Colleges as another option. So, at this time, I have a motion and a second to approve item 4.2. All in favor? I I. Any oppose? The motion passes. 70. Now, for agenda item 4.3, Mr. Hendendrick. Thank you, Madam Chair. Board members, you're going to go down front here
030so we can take a few pictures as we do item 4.3, which is the recognition of career academyy's earning academy of distinction designation by the Stavros Career Education Board. We have a number of individuals here today from the Penelis Education Foundation. Thank you for being here and supporting the Stavos Career Education Board for so long. I'd like to call up to the lectern Mr. Ron Schnell who oversees themies of distinction program with our career technical education program and today we are excited to honor four schools who are newly being designated asmies of distinction. Mr. Schnell. Thank you Superintendent Hendrick. Madame Chair, honorable members of the school board and welcome guests. I would like to recognize Miss Kate Smith with Penelis Education Foundation. We'd also like to recognize our business partner from DICE, Miss Melissa Lstraio.
031The process thesemies undertook on their journey to the Academy of Distinction Recognition includes three levels of administration. First, an overview from the CTE department. Next, each program provides evidentiary artifacts and finally the verification through site visits by community partners, industry representatives and members of the penelis education foundation. I assert to you that each program has risen to the highest performance levels required of our careermies. These are to be commended for their dedication to preparing our scholars for success after graduation. In addition to their public recognition today, each program earns a monetary reward to support program supplies, field trips, and/or equipment needs specific to their career cluster. Our first 2025 2026 Academy of Distinction for the school year is the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions, Bogusa High School, represented by Miss Jennifer Gil. Please come
032on up. Miss Danielle Spurgeon, assistant principal and instructors, Miss Delila McNeel, Miss Jane Highland, Miss June Kicklighter, and Miss Melissa Russell. Head on over. Congratulations. Our next academy to be recognized, the Academy of Architecture, Robotics, and Construction, Duneden High School. Principal James Kibinger, Academy Assistant Principal Chris Settle, represented by Miss Kim Leotold, Miss Laura Bodron, Dr. Judith Dy, and Mr. Brandon Samansky. Congratulations. Next, the Academy of Engineering, East Lake High School, represented by Dr. Eric Smith, principal, and Mr. Ryan Green, instructor. Congratulations. The Academy of Entertainment Arts at Hollands High School represented by Miss Candace Metaf, principal. Doc, excuse me, Mr. Nathan Lovelet, Academy Assistant Principal, and instructors, Mr. Elijah Meyer and Miss Juliana Row. Our school board members will come back up to the deis. Congratulations to all of ourmies that were recognized today
033and all of the students that are here. Students and staff members, you are certainly welcome to stay for the rest of the board meeting. We'd love to have you. But if you're interested in getting back to school, now is a perfect time to make your way out of the conference hall. Good to see everybody. Thank you very much. And now we are on to agenda item five. Mrs. Hal, are there any speakers for agenda items? Madam Chair, we have no speakers for agenda items this morning. Thank you. Now on to agenda item seven. May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? Motion. Second. I have a motion from Mrs. Peters and a second from Mrs. Blackburg to approve the consent agenda. All in favor say I. I. Any oppose? The motion passes 7
034to zero. Now on to agenda item 8.1. May I have a motion to approve agenda item 8.1 request approval of the agreement with WMaker Jensen Architects for architectural design and contract administration services for the new construction remodeling and renovations at Gust A. Straos Institute. I have a motion from Mrs. Peters and a second from Mrs. Hine. Mr. Hendrick. Thank you, Madam Chair. We are excited to share with the board and the public an update to the work that has begun to look at improving the Stavros Center to include a portion for STEM as an experience for our students. The board has advocated on this behalf with our legislature the last several years and to give more information on an update is our chief operating officer, Jennifer Dull. Miss D. Thank you, Mr. Hendrickk. Board members,
035I am very excited to bring for forward this item as it demonstrates the commitment of the board and this district to the student experience across Penelis County Schools. the impact of experiences at Gus Stavos are easy to see whether it be through Finance Park or Enterprise Village. Ask anyone who was a PCS student at any time what their job was at Enterprise Village and it is one of the core memories. the STEM innovation center will serve middlegrades and expand the impact of creating experiences around emerging technologies and is directly aligned to a key result in the 2023 2026 district strategic plan. the total cost to construct of construction and remodeling for this project is about $4 million and it is made possible through a number of different entities. One was through the 2024 and 2025
036legislative process. Specific appropriations of $2 million total in the form of PICO funds specifically for this project were given. additionally, there is $1 million in the district capital budget for this and the Penllis Education Foundation who did leave is also put forward a million dollars to ensure that this project can go forward. The agenda item before you today is to start the designs services for getting this started at Gustavos. Board members, do you have any questions or comments? Well, thank you very much, Miss Dole. I look forward to seeing the designs as well as this item come to fruition. I have a motion and a second to approve agenda item 8.1. All in favor? I Any oppose? The motion passes 70. Now for agenda item 9.1 items introduced by superintendent. Thank you, Madam Chair. this
037morning began the acceptance period for our district application programs and special assignment requests. Parents who have made either of those may log in beginning this morning at 9:00 am. And in fact, some of our students who are in 8th grade this morning were talking to me and counting down the minutes until 9:00 a.m. so they could see what programs they have been offered. So families have until February 20th at 5:00 p.m. to accept one of those offers. Last evening on our YouTube channel, we did a YouTube live event showing parents how to log in and accept those. As of this morning, there had been over 500 views. And so you can check that at any time in the next 10 days and log in and order those. This is the first time the district has
038offered both magnet and special assignment request at the same time, trying to provide families with as many choices as possible and the most amount of information as they make those choices. So parents, log into your focus account, not your child's focus account, but your focus account to do that in the next 10 days. I'm excited to share with the board today that we have two additional schools that won national merit awards from the magnet schools of America. That brings us up to 27 total schools with national merit awards, breaking the district's record for the most awards from magnet schools of America. Our two newest winners are Thood Marshall Fundamental Middle School and John Hopkins Middle School. Congratulations to both schools. Speaking of exciting news, I'm proud to share today that two Penelis County elementary schools
039have been selected to pilot chapters of the National Elementary Art Honor Society. These were the only two schools in Florida selected to pilot this new National Elementary Art Honor Society and both are Penelis County schools. Kuru Creek Elementary and Plum Elementary were selected for their tremendous art programs. It's almost time for families to log in and not only choose their schools, but start registering for summer camp. The application period for Penelis County School summer camps begins on February 18th and goes through March 8th. Families mark your calendars for more than 55 options, including STEM, career exploration, fitness, the arts, and academics. Many new programs will be available this summer, including fashion, theater, jazz, and new sports camps. The camps take place in June and July. And you can go to our website pcsb.org/summeramps to learn
040more about those. Upcoming in just a few weeks is our college and career fair on February 24th at Holland High School. We'll host a South County College and career fair to partner with that North County one that we had earlier in the year at Countryside High School. The fair will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 with more than 70 colleges and universities. technical school programs, military branches, all present to share opportunities for college, explore job opportunities, and internships. Learn more at pcsb.org/colfare. I want to wish best of luck to 30 Penllis County students who will compete this weekend in the regional spelling bee championship. 52 Penelis County schools hosted spelling bee competitions and 30 students were selected for the regional competition based on their qualifying score and the regional qualifier exam. There are 58 students
041from across the Tampa Bay area all the way down to Sarasota and over to Pulk and 30 are Penelis County School students. The fair or the B is open to the public. It's this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the University of South Florida Tampa. Good luck to our students. For parents who have students with disabilities, the annual state ESSE survey is now underway. You can find more information on our website and take that important survey to help guide the state to serve students with disabilities. And finally today, I'd like to recognize a superintendent standout, a high school teacher from Holland High School, Mr. Dan Volultz. Mr. Mr. Vultz was recognized and nominated by his principal for consistently going above and beyond to support students on their path to graduation. His attention to detail and thorough
042review of each student's academic progress and his follow-up support are truly remarkable. He's kind, polite, and deeply committed to the students he serves. Thank you, Mr. Voltz, and all of our high school educators for the work they do. supporting graduation rates as we know is our highest ever in Penelis County schools. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Superintendent Hendendrick. Next on our agenda, items introduced by the school board attorney. I have no report this morning. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. Agenda item 9.3, items introduced by the board. Mrs. Hine, thank you. I wanted to go back to the approval of the non-consent item with the Stavrose Center. and just acknowledge the long-term view, the long-term vision of the district and looking at the kinds of things that our students would benefit from. It's something we've
043been talking about for several years or more. It takes time to get those funds appropriated. It takes time with the community partners. so I just want to acknowledge that that really is very exciting news. It might just seem like a you know little one agenda item, but it's it's a big deal. Also, WMaker Jensen is a exceptional architecture firm. I've, you know, worked with them in the private sector and I'm excited to see their early early thoughts on that. So, thank you. I did want to mention, over the last couple weeks, I've had the opportunity to attend several of the, progress in Panellis meetings, Beav Vista Elementary, Distant Academy, and Cross Bayou, elementary as well. I saw some of my colleagues at those at those different meetings and I'm glad that schoolboard members are out
044there talking with the community about this big decision that lies ahead of us. some of my key takeaways from it, actually the key takeaway from it is that people love their schools. They absolutely love them and they feel dedicated and committed and connected and that is a good thing. It is a good thing. I do want to mention, you know, it at Dist which is one of our education al alternative schools. just to hear so powerfully those specific programs, and what they do for those kids and their families. And then we have a special consideration with Dist because the next educational alternative school is a bit away, right? I mean, I know that they were relocated to Leelman. during during the hurricane. So, it can feel like wow, we've we've we've we've done this. We
045know how to do this. yes, we do. And it's an impact on those families that live in South St. Pete and now that school that's very special and offer special programs is that much farther away. So just making sure that come February 24th you know should we you know depends on how the board votes of course but but should we pass the district's recommendations we are ready to immediately communicate and contact each and every one of those families. It's not many, right? It's not many. And so, and I know we already are. We already are talking with them about what the best option is, but it was a very powerful afternoon to be there and hear some of the very specific special considerations around that school. certainly crossed by you. similarly, I appreciated that the
046district enrollment folks were there, were present, were on site to answer parents immediate questions because some of them had didn't have the right idea about, you know, they thought, well, we have to go to this school or we have to go to that school, but but really they're they're able to look at the different application programs. So, I appreciated having people there to answer those questions. and then also both the administration from both the neighboring elementary schools were there. and parents too, Mr. Gerky, I see you're here today. Thank you. And you've been very present in this process and representing the number of families that this is impacting. And there was a lot of other feedback that night too about our schools more more broadly. I also wanted to mention at the Cokebs meeting last
047week, there was a presentation by Lakewood High School's principal, principal Garcia that was just extraordinary and she had students with her who were making the presentation and showing their progress in the last three years that she's been there. it was inspiring the people in the room. So, Cokebs is the community organization for the quality education of black students that has been established for a number of years now. And the pride in that room and was wonderful. I've I've been to a lot of those meetings for a lot of years and it was just it was just great to to be there for that. We can do this. We know how to do this exceptional education right here in Pis County for all of our students. And it was powerful to see that on display that
048day. That's all I have. Thank you. Any other comments from board members? Thank you. I would just like to share a few thoughts regarding the planning for progress and I'll speak more in depth at the workshop. kudos to the staff for coordinating the opportunity for families to get clarification on some of the questions and concerns that they had. I attended several of the planning for progress meetings as well. And the one at Cross Bayou really stood out to me for several reasons. And it was one the setup and two the opportunity to connect with families as a board member and hear directly from them. and knowing that we had staff in the room that would quickly be able to address their questions or concerns and misconceptions as well as to put in put plans in
049place for items that we have not or the district has not thought about as it relates to child care. so the again the parent feedback is very important moving forward with any recommendation as well as the intentionality from the staff to be present and supportive of the parents. So, so thank you staff, Superintendent Hendrick and the parents who have attended and have emailed to express either way their thoughts about the recommendations the district has provided. Also, I would like to just echo Mrs. Hyen sentiments regarding Lakewood High's m Miss Garcia's presentation at the cobb's meeting. one of the things that stood out to me outside of her bringing the students is that she said she learned something from another school. She took her teachers, her science teachers to seminal high and then brought back what
050they were doing to Lakewood High and her students are achieving. So to Mrs. Hines's point, the things that we are seeing across the county can be implemented in our South County schools with the right leadership, resources, and support. So, thank you, Miss Garcia and team, as well as Superintendent Hendendrick and staff. The next three items I want to talk about are related to the Ed Foundation. I now serve on the board of education foundation, panelis education foundation, and I do want to let you all know that they have written a letter to support our appropriations request, which is great. so I will be meeting with legislators and bringing their support of their appropriations request to them, among other things, our platform, the FSBA platform, as well as the consortium platform while I'm in Tallahassee the
051next two days. Also, just last week, Penelis Education Foundation celebrated the next cohort of the Take Stock and Children, and I had the honor of reciting the pledge with them. to see all the exciting and happy faces as well as the mentees that were there. It's really rewarding knowing that each student will have a mentor and the opportunity to earn a college scholarship through the partnership and relationships we have with Penllis Education Foundation. So, if you are interested in mentoring, please contact the district or the Ed Foundation to learn how you can support our students. It's greatly appreciated. And last but not least, I look forward to bringing back a full report on my trip to Tallahassee. It is definitely going to be productive. We already have visits with Senator Rousan and Senator Degley lined
052up as well as the program that the consortium will provide. as you know, we are well into the legislative session. Bills are passing committees and it is important that we continue to advocate. Those who are hearing or viewing the schoolboard meeting, please consider asking your legislators to support our local platform and your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Any review? Agenda item 9.4 review of board request. I did note one request and that is the immediate communication with families if the closure is voted on the 24th. And I did want to share that although we were at the community meeting that night, student assignment had been at cross by you and dist multiple times prior to that. So we are working very closely with all the families in case that happens or if it does
053not happen to make sure that their choices are known. Thank you, Mrs. Woodford. I hereby adjoin this meeting of Penllis County School Board. We will now move on to public participation. Mrs. H, are there any speakers this morning? Madam Chair, we have one speaker. Thank you. We will now move to the 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 referral of speakers to the proper staff member for assistance. The board is committed to a standard of civility and decorum in conducting our meetings. This includes
054refraining from clapping or making audible noises during or after speakers comments. We appreciate you assisting us in maintaining a civil and constructive environment. Additionally, please note that although board members or superintendent Hendrick may lead 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. Our speaker this morning is Marcia Palto. Good morning. Hello. My name is Marcia Pov and I'm here to speak to the board about the restrictions placed on therapy dogs in the Penllis County School System. Let me begin by stating that I have the utmost respect for your roles and understand the importance of developing policies and practices that ensure the safety of our students and staff. I was a high school educator for 35 years,
055the last 18 as a principal of two schools of over600 students. Therefore, I'm acutely aware of the challenges and complications that exist in our schools and I truly appreciate your work. Upon retirement, I wanted to remain active and volunteer in the school systems. While I was principal, we often had therapy dogs visit our school for special events, a school crisis, or to educate our students regarding the role of therapy dogs. Our students, especially those with unique challenges or behavioral issues, thrived when a therapy dog visited. Having a Labrador retriever myself, I decided to train and become a certified therapy dog team. This certification involved attending many sessions to learn the various responsibilities and commands as well as to allow the trainers to determine if Wrigley and I matched the necessary criteria. After passing the initial
056training, we also had to be observed together in the community four times to determine that we indeed implemented everything we learned. We became certified through a national organization called the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. To date, we have completed 98 community visits together. For three years, Wrigley and I volunteered at Sandy Lane Elementary School, primarily working with first graders in small groups, helping them improve their reading skills. Well, of course, Wrigley cannot teach reading. It's surprising how motivating reading to a therapy dog becomes, especially to reluctant readers. Wrigley shows interest in the students. She is patient and gives them her full attention. The students strive to teach Wrigley and love to show her the pictures, often explaining the story to her. We also attended the American teachin to demonstrate the importance of caring for and training
057dogs. We visited Sandy Lane approximately 30 times and never had a single negative experience. One of the problems currently is that many people confuse the titles and roles of service animals, therapy animals, and emotional support animals. While service dogs require extensive training to perform specific tasks for persons with disabilities, therapy dogs must gain certification to work for the general population. And an emotional support animal is a more recent label of a pet owner that requires no Thank you. That's time. Thank you, Madam Chair. There are no other speakers. Thank you. That concludes public participation for the day. Thank you all for attending.