001everyone and welcome to the Joe N. Idollet Jr. TEC and this evening school board awards and presentations for the school district of Indian River County. I ask out of respect to everyone, please silence all electronic devices. At this time, I would like to call the meeting to order. The time is 5:30 p.m. and I would like to recognize the superintendent for a series of awards and presentations. Dr. Moore. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, and I will turn it directly over to Dr. Shafty for those awards and presentations. >> Thank you, Dr. Moore. Honorable chair, board members, and esteemed guests. We begin this evening with a special recognition, honoring dedication and service to our community and environment. Tonight, we are pleased to recognize Mr. Bob Michael for his commitment and impact through his work with the
002Everglades program. To share more about this recognition, I would like to invite Mr. Timothy Breen, acting Everglades program supervisor with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to the podium. Please help me welcome Mr. Breen. >> Uh thank you. Thank you. Um happy to be here. Uh again, my name is Tim Breen. and I'm the Everglades program supervisor for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. We're actually here in Vero Beach. I don't know if you knew that or not. >> Um and and what I'm here to talk about is actually something that's uh unrelated to my job actually, but I have an interest in migratory birds being a biologist and uh this opportunity came up a few years ago. And so that's kind of how this story of Bob Michael and I working together started. And
003so, um, again, I'm here to recognize Bob for his cooperation and assistance to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for the past six years. So, it's taken me six years to get to the point that I recognize the guy for all the work that he's done. [laughter] So, um, so in March of 2019, I I started to uh reach out to the the district and and uh had this idea. I wanted to find a school that we could uh put one of these towers up on. And um the towers are called modus towers. It's a essentially an antenna that um is used to track migratory birds, bats, and insects. And so Modus is an international uh research community that works together to to study the movements and behaviors of those animals. And so how they
004do that is that all those animals are marked with uh transmitters. So they have tags on them either on their, you know, attached to their feathers or a backpack that then are picked up by these towers. As the animal passes a tower during migration, uh it transmits information to that tower that then is collected and we can look at that data after the fact. And so through this this um array of towers, thousands of them over, you know, throughout North America and the world, you can start to put together pictures of the migration of these individual animals. And so, um, again, um, you know, we we installed the the station at Vero Beach High School in 2019. It's currently an active part of this community and to date has detected 44 individually tagged birds representing
00517 different species. And to me, that doesn't sound like a lot in six years, but it really is. The the likelihood that a bird is going to pass by the tower close enough that it gets picked up is very, very small. And so that's actually a pretty significant number of of detections. So it's it's working very well. So I I I was trying to think about what I wanted to say here tonight and I I I guess I go to the letter that I had submitted to the superintendent because that captures some of the thoughts that I wanted to to bring forward today. So let me let me quote or let me read some of that. The process of obtaining approval from the district, finding an appropriate location, coordinating with the individual school, installing the
006equipment, and maintaining the functionality of the antenna system has required the genuine interest and dedication of a district employee. Fortunately, I was put in contact with Bob and his response to my initial inquiry was immediate and enthusiastic. Within 30 days of meeting with Bob, the antenna array was installed and operational at Vero Beach High School. And our first detection of a migr migrating bird occurred on August 29th, 2019. Since the initial installation, I've reached out to Bob on many occasions, probably too many, for assistance with resetting the system or fixing a connectivity issue. and he and his team have always responded promptly, usually within a matter of minutes. I'm grateful for the relationship that has developed between the service and the district over the years as we have cooperated on this meaningful endeavor and and
007I you know this is about Bob, but I think the data is important too. There's some cool things that we picked up and so you know because of Bob I can share some of these things. So, our first detection was from a a common nighthawk that had been tagged in Ontario, Canada, just three weeks prior to the detection here at Vero Beach. So, that's 1,200 miles north of Vero Beach that that bird was was transmitted. The latest detection that we've had was from a Swainson's thrush, a songbird that was tagged in New Jersey on September 28th, detected in Vero Beach in October on October 14th, two weeks later, and is currently wintering in Costa Rica. Kind of cool. I wish I was wintering in Costa Rica myself. Um, that's a flight. >> The farthest away
008that a bird was tagged that then was picked up in Vero Beach was 2,800 miles away in Vancouver, British Columbia. So all the way in the northwest and it migrated all the way across the country and was picked up at this station in Vero Beach. >> And the furthest wintering site, so the farthest that a bird went after it passed through Vero Beach was just south of Bogota, Columbia. >> And let me talk about Bob as I finish out what I wanted to say. And I just want to give an example of the type of customer service that he and his team does. I'm sure you're all aware, but let me give you an example. The first email that I sent to Bob for assistance was in November of 2019. I sent the email at
0093:28 p.m. Bob responded 9 minutes later at 3:37. And at 8:40 the next morning, I received an email from Bob that the issue had been resolved. And every single time that I've emailed him, that is the customer service that I get back from him. He responds quicker than anyone I've ever dealt with in customer service and he resolves the issue. So again, thank you, Bob, for all of your assistance. Really appreciate it. We're getting some really cool information and and without you and your team, we wouldn't have been able to do this. So, thank you. And [applause] and I've got a plaque for you. And I also have a um a challenge coin. We give out challenge coins um from the Fish and Wildlife Service to people that contribute significantly to the conservation of species
010or habitat. And so that's that's for you. >> Thank you. >> Sure. >> Okay. Next, we are proud to celebrate a student whose creativity has reached the state level. The Art in the Capital Competition is a voluntary statewide visual arts competition that gives middle school students in grades six through 8th the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents. Each district selects a winning piece to represent them. And this year's winner is William Chu. To present this recognition and honor our student artist, I would like to invite our district art lead, Miss Dana Matheni, to the podium. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Um Dr. Sha's already explained that our art in the capital is a very prestigious award and um aside from announcing Mr. William Shu from Storm Grove Middle School. Um he is under the direction
011of Miss Renee Bradley uh his art teacher. William's winning piece is a pencil drawing titled Statue. It stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and artistic maturity. His work reflects not only personal talent, but also the strength of arts and education in our district. Here tonight to present the award and a framed copy of Williams artwork is Sharon Stewart, the senior legislative aid to Senator Aaron Gro, District 29. Just yes. So, at this time, I would like to invite William Chu, his parents, along with his teacher, Renee Bradley, um, to please come forward to receive this recognition and join our schoolboard members for some photos. [applause] >> Congratulations. I'm going to have you walk right into the middle with your parents. We're going to take pictures. >> Come in front here. Let's see.
012Give us a good look. >> Terrific. [laughter] >> Okay, first we'll just button it away. [laughter] One, two, and >> congratulations. [applause] Fantastic. Now we turn to one of our student performances this evening from Indian River Academy. We are excited to welcome our music club and friends. Their music teacher, Miss Jennifer Royals, has been working with these students as they have prepared two fun selections for us tonight. They will perform the Heihei jam on xylophones and hot cross buns on recorders. These students have been practicing and are so excited to share their music with you. Please help me welcome the Indian River Academy music club and friends. [applause] >> [music] [music] [applause] >> You can stand. It's too low. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> What you doing? [music]
013>> [music] [music] [applause] >> Do you want to It's up to you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, we're not going to be joining us for performance just after. Tell me what to do. >> Thank you. >> Stay for your families. >> Maybe not. Great job. >> Great job. >> Good job. Thank you. Good job. Watch your toes. Great job, Indian River Academy. Our final performance of the evening comes from Gford Middle School. We are pleased to present a student string quintet featuring five, seventh, and eighth grade musicians led by Dr. Armis Ruiz, orchestra director at Gford Middle School and Vero Beach High School. This ensemble will perform four short selections designed to highlight the students developing fundamental skills, including a variety of bow articulations. Through these pieces, you will hear how individual parts come together
014as a cohesive ensemble, beginning with simple rhythms and foundational techniques and building toward more complex rhythms and harmonic structures. Please join me in welcoming the Gford Middle School Student String Quintet. [applause] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [applause] >> Glor. [music] Glory. Hallelujah. [music] >> [music] [applause] >> Hallelujah. [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] >> [applause] [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] >> [applause] >> a little closer. >> Yes. >> Biologist's daughters in the biotech program. She'll allow it. She'll [laughter] >> Good job, guys. Great. >> After more, this concludes awards and presentations. >> That's it. Right on time. >> All right, this will conclude our awards and presentation this evening. The time is 559. We'll start in 5 minutes with the invocation. Thank you. And I
015would like to call this meeting to order. The time is 6:04 p.m. I ask that out of respect for everyone, please silence all electronic devices. Also, if you have any material you wish to share with any board member, please give it to our education executive assistant, Mrs. Mor to my right. Would you please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance, which will be led by Vero Beach High School Air Force Junior ROC Detachment under the direction of Major Retired Dean Razdell and Senior Master Sergeant Retired Shawn RDE. Thank you. [snorts] To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> [snorts] >> Thank you, Ver. [applause] I want to make sure Miss Bearborg's online.
016I just don't see her up there. Good. All right, board members, we will go on to the next area of the meeting is the adoption of the orders of the day. Are there any items board members wish to move from consent to action or add to discussion? All right, seeing none, chairman calls for a motion to accept the adoption of the orders of the day. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. Pasca. Mario. All in favor, please say I. >> I. Okay. Carries. 5-0. Okay. At this time, I'd like to recognize Dr. Moore for any presentation. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. We do have the superintendence report. It is today, January 26, and it feels like it's already mid-March because we hit the ground running in the new year 2026. Uh we kicked off January 5th,
0172026 with a our principal and assistant principal meeting uh where we had the opportunity to engage with them, not only welcome them back from a a holiday break, but to ensure that they use January to implement the plans that they created towards the end of December. So, a little icebreaking, a little reconnecting, and then right to work and and being in the schools and seeing the principal's focus as along with our teachers focus. Uh, very excited for what we're going to accomplish towards the end of this year. Uh as you know we're doing a little innovation in our school system and the very next day we had the opportunity at multiple locations to bring together the various teams whether it is the Sebastian or Storm Grove Middle School and Rosewood faculty uh to connect with
018them in what would be their new space build them together as a faculty. It was just an absolutely well planned day. Um, and did the work necessary to ensure as we go through this complex process of of combining and enhancing and innovating our school system. We're doing it that innovation is done through the individuals who stand in front of our students each and every single day. Just yet another good example as to how we listen and work with our our staff. And this is going to be something that's going to be great as we move into next school year. Had the opportunity to present at the town of of orchid. um island and it was just an opportunity to give a quick update to our school system where we are and where we are going.
019Uh they may be on the beach and they may have zero schools in that uh specific neighborhood but they are strong supporters of public education. And then showcase of schools which was January 10th. Absolutely outstanding. And once again the volume of work that had to go into this uh showcase of schools shifting um uh environments, new locations, combined locations, brand new spaces. Uh you never would have known that some of these schools are have just come together and are now marketing and advertising for the next school year. They're very clear on their expectations. are very clear on their marketing plans and what they're selling in terms of the vocational or innovative programming at their particular schools. And then last week, just prior to our workshop, we had the opportunity to celebrate our board members during
020uh board member appreciation month. So that was a nice uh meal prepared by our culinary arts program at the technical college. It was delicious and it was a good time had by all. And then um our our our faith-based program uh they just have adopted us priority first. Uh they always come and celebrate our district office and those who are here and at the the other offices and make sure that we feel welcomed. We know that we're supported. It was yet another great meal and a great opportunity uh to to just hang out and be together. Uh Pastor Joe can't thank him enough for all he does not only for us at the district level but for our students. across um really the Treasure Coast. And then Stars of the Year Galla, which was one
021of the coolest events I've ever been to. Uh Napier and Rollins Law Firm uh did it up this year. Um what was the name of the place we were at? >> Ociola Farms. >> Oyola Farms. It was absolutely amazing the volume of work that those folks put in to create a space for our teachers of the year and our employees of the year. Um it was freezing cold, but it was uh a really really great night to celebrate uh the impact of those educators and support staff. And then equally cold on January 19th was the Martin Luther King uh junior parade. For some reason this year, the number of floats and the number of folks who came out larger than I've ever seen. It was an absolutely outstanding organized event and our float continues to
022look absolutely out outstanding. and we had a number of schools participate whether it be their cheerleaders or the band. So we were happy to be part of that event. And then uh getting out and connecting with the community. January 21st was our coffee and conversation at Dun Dunkin Donuts. So that was just a great informal [clears throat] opportunity to connect with parents and have conversations about u how they feel and what we can do better as a system. And then uh the morning's yacht and country club January 21st had the opportunity to provide the state of affairs for our public school system. The room was packed. The questions were intense. Uh that community truly supports public education. It was great uh to provide an update uh on behalf of the work that we do here
023at the school district of Indian River County. And then the very next day, uh, January 22nd, uh, most of us had the opportunity to to come and celebrate the Jimmy Grave Sports and Community Complex, uh, opening. And as we referenced during that event, so many different folks in the community, uh, had a key hand in making this a reality for our community. So, it was just an absolutely outstanding day. And then that that evening um one of the best events that we have the stars of the year gala where we were dressed in a yacht theme hence the bright pants that Dr. Shafty conveniently cropped out of this picture. Thank you. Um you know celebrating Miss McDaniel uh Miss Mcdonald from Vero Beach as our teacher of the year. Uh and then Miss Reid our
024transportation specialist who was our employee of the year. just a great celebration. I love that event. And then the very next day, we had two great events. The science fair, which I'm sure a number of board members will reference. Uh it was top class. It looked like you were going to a a regional science fair. Uh the innovation stations that they had, the experiments that were going on, and the quality and the depth of the experiments. Um just super impressed uh with with that team and what they were able to to do. And then a little bit later, uh, same day in the gym, we transformed the spa, transformed the space back into a, um, a drone, uh, competition event. We got a few drones still stuck in the roof right now, unless you got
025them, Bruce, but just so many schools competing and the depth of what those children were doing uh, with those devices. Uh, the science and the critical thinking that was being put to use. Uh yet again just another outstanding event done at the absolute highest level and that is our month in review. >> Thank you Dr. Moore. A lot of fun activities. Great. Now we go on to guidelines for public input and I will read those to you. These are the procedures for public input according to our schoolboard policy 01969.1. During regular business meetings of the board, the board offers the following two opportunities for the public to provide input on an agenda item consent agenda and or action agenda prior to the board taking official action on a proposition and two during the public input
026section for items not on the agenda. For those who are watching, please understand that though we have established proper decorum and expectations of professionalism when it comes to individuals who wish to provide public input, this is a live broadcast. Each individual speaker shall be allotted up to three minutes during public input and up to three minutes to an item on the consent agenda andor action agenda as indicated on the order of business as it exists at the time the meeting starts. The time period may be adjusted by the presiding officer. Individuals may only speak once about a given item. Individuals who have filled out the speakers form are allowed to address the board. Individuals may not delegate their allotted time to speak to other individuals. If an item is moved from either the consent agenda
027or discussion agenda to the action agenda, individuals will have the opportunity to speak to the item prior to a vote of the board. During the meeting, please refrain from clapping or outbursts of any sort so that we can proceed with dignity and with decorum by not infringing on any individual's first amendment rights in this limited public forum setting. As board members listen to individuals without interruption, individuals are asked to give board members the same respect. Board members may or may not address any individual statements at the end of all the public input comments. I will be recognizing and calling up individuals two at a time in the order in which the speaker forms were received. The first indivi individual will be called to the podium to speak and the second individual will be in line
028to speak. The executive assistant to the school board will be the official timekeeper and the time shall start when the speaker is at the podium. As you will see, the time clock is visible to your left on the deis. You will hear a beep at the end of your three minutes. If you have anything to give to board members or the superintendent, please do so through our executive assistant, Mrs. Mory. Okay, we have five speakers tonight. The first speaker is Zachary Wiggers, followed by Margaret Murray. I really got to put my forms in later. I was scr scrambling to write this. Um, one of the things that I I By the way, my name is Zachary. Um, I teach financial algebra and geometry at Sebastian River High School. Um, financial algebra is a class for
029seniors and it is designed by the state to make sure that they are ready to go out into the world after they graduate and become productive members of society. And I repeat it several times when I'm here because I find it most important um I encourage them for civil action to do what their duty is to go vote. Most of them are going to turn 18. 2026 is a midterm election. We're going to have our governorship is going to be up for uh a new position. Our uncle Ron is currently in his last term and I encourage everybody to go out and educate themselves. One of the things that strikes me is every time we we come to a meeting or we go to school, we say one sentence over and over and over again,
030180 times a year. And it's so innocuous to us because it's so repetitive. But we say, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We repeat this sentence so often that it just becomes background noise. And it's the thing that the thing that makes me wonder is if we really understand what those m what those words mean and how they affect us outside of these four walls. It is our responsibility. It's a pledge we take for 13 years through school that when we leave we will honor indivisibility and justice for all. That's all. Not you, not just you or maybe you but not her. Everyone. And it's that importance that when I
031met Dr. Moore for the first time I started teaching, one of the pledges that he makes is no matter your creed, no matter your pedigree, no matter your lineage, if you want to come here to Indian River County to get an education, our door is open to all to all. And it's with that that we teach that when you use words, you make them stand with purpose and fortitude. From the moment that you understand that, you can guarantee that you are going to be trusted to know and understand your word and what it means to the rest of us. And I hope I hope my hope is that for Indian River County and all of those that we take care of, we maintain our pledge to be steadfast in the vision that we maintain that
032all are welcome here for an education. So, thank you. Have a good day. Thank you very much, Margaret Murray, followed by Marilyn Levecia. >> Good evening. My name is Margaret Murray, vice chairman of Education Champions. The Schools of Hope law is still very much on the agenda in Tallahassee. And let's be clear about what this really means. Our legislators are preparing to hand over hundreds of public schools across Florida to a small group of charter school operators without community consent, without transparency, and without accountability. Here in Indian River County, we're being told just one school. But we all know how quickly one becomes many. We only need to look at our neighboring counties to see how fast this can escalate once the door is opened. Across the state, what we are seeing from students, parents,
033educators, and school districts is admirable. Student government delegations are traveling to Tallahassee to confront lawmakers directly. School board members and district leaders are calling, writing, and meeting face-toface with legislators. Parents are organizing, raising concerns about the chaos, the disruption to learning and the confusion this would bring to already strained school communities. But the question we must ask tonight is, is it enough? Because what people are beginning to see clearly and unmistakably is that this is not about helping students. This is a money grab, plain and simple. And Tallahassee is allowing it to happen in our public schools right in front of our eyes. Education champions have done our part. So what gets lost? Families for strong public schools said it best. Local control is being taken away. Public dollars are being used inefficiently. Community-led charter
034schools are harmed. Students safety and privacy are at risk. Neighborhood schools are uh disabled. Communities are excluded from the decision-making process. Our request to lawmakers, we respectfully urge the Florida legislature to fully repeal the schools of hope collocation provision. This policy cannot be fixed through rulemaking. Full repeal is necessary to restore local control, protect taxpayers, ensure transparency, and allow communities to decide how their public school buildings are used. Thank you. >> Marilyn Lcia followed by Thomas Kenny. >> Good evening. I'm Marilyn Levecia uh education champion member. Um yesterday I came across an article posted by Education for All featuring the words of Maya Angelou and I felt compelled to share it with you tonight. It's in honor of International Day of Education, which was this past Saturday, and in celebration of literacy week for the
035state of Florida and Indian River County Schools. It has a powerful message. Quote, I believe that education, and only education, is the key to which can open the dungeon of ignorance and allow our youth to share in the glory of a life lived joyously." Maya Angelo. Today on International Day of Education, we celebrate education as a fundamental human right and a powerful pathway to peace, dignity, and possibility for every student and every community. With millions of young people still out of schools worldwide, this day serves as both a reminder and a call to action. Education must be inclusive, equitable, and accessible for all. Dr. Mile Angelu understood this deeply. Her work reminds us that education is not just about information. It's about liberation, empathy, and the courage to rise. In her iconic poem, Still I
036Rise, Dr. Angelo demonstrates how knowledge and self-standing empower us to transcend adversity. And through her timeless guidance, quote, "When you learn, teach. when you get, give," unquote. She offers a blueprint for how education becomes a collective act of uplift and responsibility. As we honor this global day, may we recommmit to ensuring that every learner, regardless of background, geography, or circumstance has the opportunity to rise, to imagine, and to shape a work future worthy of their brilliance. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Thomas Kenny. And then our final speaker, Jennifer Pippet. >> Sorry. How y'all doing? Uh, your mics are a little soft, so just so you know. So, sometimes it sounds like you're mumbling. I'm sorry to say that, but you're usually very clear and loud out here. Um, first things first, uh, in
037regards to schools of hope, I think it's hopeless for them to apply here because this school system has been so proactive. And one of the things that you guys have done is created an innovation that's rarely rarely seen this state. Matter of fact, only one other county and started a classical school which has been championed for four years by Jacqueline Rosario and has finally come to fruition. So I don't think you have anything to worry about because the way you guys are that combats people try coming in to try and take over. Secondly, I want to talk about the DSAG order. Um yes, my favorite topic. Unfortunately, it is that uh last semester from August to December, you guys only met twice. You're supposed to meet once a month and I know you have new
038attorneys coming on board for both sides. Uh, it's my understanding that Amy Anov will be taking over for us and uh that Adrienne Harve, I can't really say her name too well, she will be taking over for Baker McKenzie and the NAACP. That's great. But get back onto that schedule of once a month. It's very important. Um, secondly, uh, there's this, uh, back in April, I want to say, or yeah, it was April, you guys had, uh, scheduled to go to mediation that still hasn't been taken care of over one KPI. Come on. Um, I know you guys have put out a lot of dates. Again, the other side, the other side has been hostile in ways that are, I don't think, are in good faith. And I'm going to read this. This was after
039the October meeting. You guys were discussing transportation and uh transportation led by Miss Idollet whose father and his sons were part of the original people who brought forth the desegregation order back when it was very important and had to happen. But I want to read this. This is from Mon Green, a member of the NAACP. She posted this on Facebook after that meeting. She says, "It's painful enough to see black people keep their heads down and remain silent as discrimination persists within the system, but it's far more troubling when those who hold power within the same system become the ones driving and sustaining the very discrimination they once endured. Black students don't stand a chance in the school district of Indian River County because only a handful of black administrators actually care about them. All
040others are clocking a check and tap dancing." SMH for shaking my head. this is who you're negotiating with. I find it disgusting. I really believe they should probably find some new people for their side of this work group. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Kenny. Final speaker, Jennifer Pippen. >> Good evening and happy new year. It's interesting, especially during election season, how much attention is given to whether candidates have children currently enrolled in our public schools. Let's be clear, none of the current school board members have children enrolled in SDIRC schools right now. And Mrs. Rosario's challenger, they do not have children in schools governed by this board either. So if by that standard, it applies to everyone equally. But here's the truth. What really matters is not whose children are in the
041district today, its values, decisions, and results matter. We should be asking questions about voting records, attendance and engagement, policy positions, outcomes for our students and our families and our taxpayers. For the challengers, the key question is simple. What would you do differently in a top five A-rated school district? Because under this board's leadership and thanks to engaged citizens like us in our organization, this district has risen from 38th in the state to fifth. So now we're a top five district. Challengers need to explain clearly while running for office what isn't working, what should change, how their ideas would improve on what is already succeeding. Elections should be about performance and vision, not distractions, not talking points. Let's focus on the questions that truly matter to this district and our students future. Many students in this
042room today. And I'll leave you with a fun fact. If all three incumbents are reelected this year, it will be their last terms. So by November of 2030, three brand new school board members will take office as these terms end. Thank you and have a good evening. >> Thank you. Thank you, Miss Pippa, and everyone who came out to speak tonight. Um Dr. Moore, any comments? Any board members like to say anything? Okay, we're good to go. Thank you again. All right. Now we go to approval of the consent agenda item and there were no amendments. I'd like to call for a motion to approve the consent agenda items. >> OSA. I'll second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Thank you. Um Dr. Moore, just a couple notes
043on the approved agenda. Um we have a lot of donations in this um in this agenda. I want to thank there are so many I know I would miss but a lot of PTAs Sebastian River High School donations Wasso and Fels mayor Dr. Pasca to the Treasure Coast Technical College. Uh Dodgertown have quite a few. The FDOE I think it's a workforce development grant with Treasure Coast Technical College over 500,000. So we're looking at that I think for the EMT um the new EMT program and um so thank you. Again, all these donations are listed. Um one thing I haven't said either is I know Mr. Dyer give us his salary and benefits. So again, thank you to everyone. When you look at what Dr. more um shared at the superintendent's report all of the
044meetings he's attending and they they don't have children in schools a lot of these people but they are there for us. I know you're there tomorrow with the learning alliance. You're speaking with United Way tomorrow um at Powered by Purpose. So um thank you for getting out to the community and letting them know about our schools. I think it's very very important. And one last thing if you don't mind because I've gotten a lot of questions on this obviously our capital outlay. We've all been um given information on that in workshops and in our individual meetings. But a couple questions that I get when we're making that move this year, all the moves, are we good to go with all the capital outlay plans? And um how's the timeline looking for that? >> So no
045shift or modification to the projects that were planned. We continue to work for uh forward w with that. Uh we were able to through efficiencies identify these funds and roll forward funds. So funds that we budgeted just in case something um went over in previous projects those that allowed us to fund uh the what we needed in order to have this transition. So we were working very hard to make sure we meet all those timelines. >> Thank you. And I know we'll have a safety issue like we had one this year with the bleachers of your beach high school on the visor side and we have a reserve for that. So >> um and you know as board members here I know that we have a lot of work to do as we move into
046that into this fall. I can't believe it's coming so quickly, but um we are obviously here to help. Okay. Um items pulled from consent to action. There were none on that. I'm sorry, Missario. Go ahead. >> That's okay. I'd just like to piggy back off of something that you just mentioned if that's okay. >> Sure. >> Um I'd just like to recognize Dr. Pusca. >> I know you're gonna I know you're not going to want it. >> You're too humble for this. Um but Dr. Pusca has uh not only has he refused a salary, but he's donated his entire salary for the last four years to Treasure Coast Technical College. So, he deserves I think [applause] he deserves a more than just a hand clap for that. Dr. Pusca, I know you're very humble and
047you don't want to >> I don't want >> I know you don't, but it's a lot of money and Treasure Coast Technical College and the students that are there are really benefiting from all of the donations that they receive, but certainly from a board member, I think it's incredibly honorable of you to do that. So, I just wanted to thank you. And I think at this point since it was mentioned, since the uh chair mentioned it, I think you deserve someone to say thank you so much for dedicating that to the to the school district and to the students here, to the adult students and to our students. >> I appreciate that. Thank you. >> That's all. [laughter] >> Let's just take >> No, I'm just >> I'll say the one thing I I really
048enjoyed hearing from Mrs. Shields was um there were literally students who couldn't afford the tuition and um didn't have a place to live and were literally living out of their car going to school with the funds I gave. Um and that really made me, you know, feel really great. And I've been praying um for all the students, any students who got my um my funds. I've been praying that God would bless them and give them um a great life and kind of lift them up. So, I hope they're all doing great and I'll I'll continue to uh to pray for them. >> Thank you. And I want to also acknowledge Mr. Dyer. Um thank you for your salary and your benefits to this school system. Um I just think it's wonderful that we have uh
049two board members here who do do this for our our system. It's probably not heard of and u I thank you very much. Okay. So, review poll consent to action items. None. So, we're good to go there. Um Oh, Moses. All right. Now, we're in the action agenda. Unbelievable. All right. Public hearing for adoption of revision to school board policies volume 26 number one. The item was presented at the superintendent's workshop on November 17th in compliance with policy 0171, policy 0131 legislative, and chapter 120 of the Florida administrative code. and the school board voted to hold a public hearing for adoption at the November 17th, 2025 business meeting. This update reflects changes from the 2025 Florida legislation, Department of Education guidance, state board rulemaking, Neiola client collaboration, and review of relevant federal and state laws,
050regulations, court decisions, and attorney general opinions. Policy were revised in conjunction with Niola volume 26 number one update. The changes update include a total of 55 policies. That's why I'm reading this. 54 policies with revisions and one new policy as listed below. Policy 1420 was amended based on recommendations from the schoolboard members at the November 17th superintendent workshop and these changes are highlighted in the agenda. Okay. So, this item deals with approval for adoption of revisions to schoolboard policies volume 26. Number one. Number one. Dr. Dr. Moore, have you documented that this public hearing was properly advertised in accordance with state statutes? >> I have. >> We now recess this meeting to conduct the public hearing as advertised. The public hearing is now in session. Time is 6:36. Dr. Moore, are there any written responses
051to the advertised public hearing to be read at this time? >> Not at this time. >> All right. The public is invited to address only this issue at this time. Is there anyone who'd like to address any of the revisions or the policy changes? Thank you so much. The announced public hearing for adoption revisions to schoolboard policies volume 26 number one has been concluded. Conducted pursuant to notice an ample opportunity to address this issue has been provided to all. The board meeting is reconvened at this time. The time is 6:36. Chair will call for a motion for adoption. Revisions to schoolboard policies volume 26 number one as noted. I need a motion. >> I make a motion. >> I'll give a motion. Miss Visario, Miss Barborg, second. Any discussion? Okay. All in favor of the
052adoption of the policies volume 26, number one, please say I. >> I. >> Thank [clears throat] you. I know we do that quickly, but that took a lot of time. >> Not only did it take a a lot of time for each and every single board member to review the 55 uh staff to review them, to work uh with their staffs. um this process has been completely reinvented and it is thorough, it is efficient and it is embedded into the our way of work. So I can't thank all of them enough. Miss Holmes who keeps us organized uh can't thank her enough as well. >> Thank you so much. Yeah, it's a lot of work, a lot of workshop discussion, individual meetings. Okay, so now we go into discussion and we had none. So now
053we will go into school board member matters. Mr. Zar, would you like to please begin? >> Sure. It's not coming up on my computer. Um, first, I'd just like to um thank everyone in the community for their donations and for all of their work in um helping to get the Jimmy Graves Sports uh complex up and running. Um, I think it is a beautiful space and every time I drive by there and I see people from the community playing in the uh playground, it's just so nice to see. Um, where we started off with just a plain empty piece of land um now we have um a sports field and a community um access to the to the playground. Um so all of it is just incredibly wonderful. I'm uh grateful for the Graves family
054uh first and foremost for this donation. Um I can't imagine how he feels when he walks onto that field and onto that playground. Um but it is um more than generous on his part to be able to do that um and share part of his uh family and Jimmy Graves legacy with the entire community of Indian River County. Um the stars of the year dinner uh last Thursday was a wonderful tribute to celebrate our teachers and our employees of the year. That was lots of fun. Uh so I just wanted to say uh publicly um as was was already mentioned by Dr. Moore. Um thank you to Napier and Roland uh Indian River Distillery Oyola Farms and Market Pepper and Salt uh Barbecue which is so good. their food is so good. Um, and everyone
055else involved in making that event happen. Um, also, which we haven't seen, um, and I'd love for us to be able to get it out, is happy National School Choice Week. So, this happens to be school choice week. Um, and the governor of Florida has signed a proclamation. Um, and so, uh, I just I I'll share it with I'll send it an email. I'll share it, but in case we haven't people haven't seen it, um the school choice week in Florida, uh it's very short and it says, "Whereas all children in Florida should have access to the highest quality education possible. And whereas Florida recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in Florida to be successful adults. And whereas quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of
056Florida. And whereas Florida is home to a multitude of highquality public and non-public schools from which parents can choose for their children in addition to families who educate their children in the home. And whereas educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community. And whereas Florida has many high quality teaching professions professionals in all types of school settings who are committed to educating our children. And whereas school choice week is celebrated across the c the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools, and organizations to raise awareness for the need for effective educational options. Now therefore, I, Governor Ronda Santis, do hereby recognize January 25th through January 31st, 2026 as Florida School Choice Week. And I call the observance of attention uh to the attention of all
057for all of our citizens. So, I think this is incredibly important, especially since we're, you know, obviously uh uh moving in the direction of innovation um and uh opening up our our options for school choice within our district and our community. And then lastly, I'd also like to just remind or I don't even know if it's out there yet, uh, but the classical material adoption process for, uh, Pelican Island, uh, Magnet, Pelican Island Classical Magnet School, um, will soon begin. Uh, the school district will consider instructional materials for Pelican Island Classical Magnet for their grades uh, 2 through eight. And so, uh, if anybody is interested in sitting on that committee, um, and helping through this process, I believe it is online, although I didn't see it, but I do believe online there is a
058survey to fill out, and you can, uh, and that survey, of course, will go to uh, Miss Anne Bieber, and uh, you will be uh, contacted by the district to participate in that option, you know, obviously to help us through um, the next curriculum. um process. Did I get it all? I got it. All right. Thank you, Miss Dr. Pasco. >> I got nothing. >> Okay. Uh Miss Baronburgg up in Tallahassee, is it getting cold up there? >> Getting cold here. >> Um I woke up to 22 degrees this morning. >> Oh my. >> Um it's not Vero Beach. [laughter] Uh we're supposed to get the lowest uh week they've ever had temperature- wise um for years. So, yay. Um, I did manage to get over to the capitol today and I was setting up
059my meetings and going in and meeting with AIDS and sure enough, uh, a rep and a senator that I wanted to see actually were there heard my voice and invited me in to speak. So, um, got some meetings already today. Uh, the first thing I saw when I walked into the cap was the art in the school's welcoming sign. So, it's great that I saw the um student that was um giving us our art and sending it to the capital and and it is neat to see it. Usually, I get to see it when I'm up here this week and uh it's nice to see the student art. So, I got to see Representative Tribolce and she is on several committees um about education and she's vice chair of one of them. So, it was
060really nice to have a conversation with her about our platform. uh she's very very positive about the things that we're asking for and um she got some insight a little bit of insight as to the collocation concerns that we have particularly. So um she was very um welcoming and wanted to hear that. So I I told her what was going on with our in our case because she's in St. Lucy. Um, then I went into uh Senator Mayfield's office and she was there and u invited me in and uh was so excited to hear about the Jimmy Graves complex opening and I told her all about it and I let her know that you know she was mentioned and the the her part was very important for what she did to help us get um
061the funding that we needed also. So um she was very excited about it. I invited her to the playground opening. Unfortunately, that's a Thursday and they are in session on those days, so she won't be able to come to that either. Um, but she wishes everyone well and um was so excited to hear how well our schools are doing. Um, asked me lots of questions about um why we've gone from 38th to 5th. Um, so I didn't have all the answers about that, but um I I gave her all the information I could about wonderful Dr. Moore and his team. So, um the platform items that we have are very different than I've ever brought up here before um because of the flexibility and um our high performing um schools that we have here and
062it's a little different ask this year. It's a little easier. So, that was nice. And um I just want to say that I did go to the showcase of schools that was great this year. Um it was nice to see our charter schools in with our public schools. So I thank you for that. Science fair was wonderful. I was a judge for the elementary school. Um I did fifth grade I believe and uh had two students from the high school that were um co-judges with me. [clears throat] Very very excited. One was their first time, the other was their second time. And uh they were just amazed at how well the fifth graders were doing with their science fair projects. MLK parade as usual was cold. Um, but it was a lot of fun and
063you're right, there were a lot of uh floats and the stars of the deer year dinner and the gayla were again probably the best. They get better every year. Thank you for that. And uh, of course I went to the Jimmy Graves complex opening and it was nice to talk to the Graves family. Um, you know, after everybody kind of walked in and on on a personal level, um, you know, tears in their eyes. So, it was it was hard to sometimes have a conversation about it, but it was really nice and they appreciated it so much. So, it was nice to go to that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Dyer. >> Yeah, it was uh pretty exciting month uh this month already coming back from uh from vacation and getting right at it.
064And I I must say that I also attended quite a few of these events. Uh some of the highlights for me was the MLK parade. That was absolutely fun. and uh terrific and to see the turnout and uh to to be on the float was uh was really uh quite fun and I enjoyed that event a lot. Uh also I think two other highlights were the recognition of our uh of our teachers at the dinner at Oyola Farms. Uh I uh did not see the email that it was outside. Uh so [laughter] luckily uh Mr. Roland uh was was able to lend me a hooded sweatshirt and I made it through the evening. It was I think one of the coldest nights we've had, but it was absolutely terrific and uh uh the distilleries and
065salt and pepper and uh uh Roland and Napier fantastic great event and lots of fun. Uh and then I I can tell you the uh stars gayla where they selected and announced the teacher of the year and the employee of the year. You're talking about high activity and high action at Sebastian High. That was again fantastic. I couldn't believe the energy uh in in in the room for the whole night. I too attended the Jimmy Graves uh opening and uh was very moved by Mr. Graves speech. Uh I think that it was it's just a great thing uh for the uh uh for the community having seen it done. Uh and I thank all the people who got behind it and and made it happen. Uh FPNL and all the uh contributors and uh uh
066all the people who really got behind it and and saw it to fruition. Uh and then uh lastly, the showcase of schools. Again, another terrific event. You know, you talk about choice. Dr. Moore when he came to this district five years ago said that every school was a school of choice in our district. And I I think to see the showcase of schools where all schools and charter schools are uh are are competing to uh educate the students was just terrific. And then the introduction of the new schools, I thought Vero Beach uh uh uh Middle was fantastic. Uh and to see people with the signs, I'm going to Vero Beach Middle was was was great. And I can see the curriculum streams that are going to start developing as we go through that to
067the high school and the synergy that we're going to get from those two. Uh just uh just just wonderful events and a lot going on and a lot more to go. Uh I think we'll be here next Monday night for another workshop. So it just keeps on it keeps on coming. >> Just a few things to add. U at the MLK parade I noticed students would see if their school sign wasn't up there. >> Yeah. >> And they'd say it's on the other side even Vero Beach Middle. So that was cool. I was at the uh dedication to the basketball court for coach Lowendic. That was wonderful. Thank you to uh Jody Idollet and Deb Long for leading that committee. really neat Esau parrot night at Storm Grove uh under the direction of Miss Malice
068and then Miss Green did the presentations. Wonderful. They were talking to the parents about focus and just getting into the system. It it was a fun night. The parade was great. And this year, Sebastian River High School stayed and played a little bit. The band did. Usually they leave right away and that was a hit in that area for um the kids. And then the Vero Beach cheerleaders were cheering. So that was cool. Um Oyola Farms, great food, music and bonfire. I think the the best part obviously Napier Rollins for sponsoring it, but the s'mores and the bonfire, I mean, it was just perfect night. >> How cool was that? >> Um, the turtle mural at Sebastian Elementary. I know Mr. Green was there and Miss Basura. Boy, you talk about community connection with uh
069the community with the drawing, how they worked with the students, how they presented it, how it got up on the wall. I mean, that's that's truly a a community partnership. Um I'm on the advocacy committee and the federal committee um with FSBA advocacy still talking about schools of hope and accountability. So hopefully that will turn around for us. Federal just seeing where the department of education components are going very concerned about IDA and where they will be going and how that will affect our students. Um it was mentioned in um the talking points tomorrow for Bob Susan. I'll be doing that. Janine Jones uh Oyola teacher, music teacher was Florida music educator of the year and that is a big thing there about 10,000 people that uh at that uh event and Janine Jones has
070been a wonderful wonderful teacher for this system and again the gala and um just having all the recognition and celebration. I'm just wondering when you're going to rest [laughter] when the next till I don't know through the summer. I don't know. But anyway, um just thank you for all the activi activities we've had since Christmas. It's you know we're moving forward every single day with getting ready for our innovation. Dr. Moore, anything from you? >> U just in terms of of closing remarks, I want to remind everybody that um February 6 is the closing of our choice window. Uh so if you have not applied yet, don't miss the opportunity to identify the school that best fits the needs of your family, your son or daughter, and apply because we'll be making decisions uh sooner
071than later. Uh also want to remind everybody that we will be having two major events coming up on the 11th and 12th. We'll be having our t a partnership with the learning alliance, our wire tolearn uh fast conference. And this is the opportunity for us to bring in over 300 people from literally across the nation, 14 different school districts, uh their executive teams coming really to try to engage in conversation not only about our public private partnership, but how you wire your system uh to learn to think and respond as fast as we do in the school district of Indian River County. So, it is an honor to host that. And the following Monday, which is on the 16th, we will be hosting our Moonshot series premiere. Uh so if you have not registered to
072come and get a glimpse of that Moonshot uh series premiere, uh now would be your opportunity to do so. It's on our web page. We're going to be viewing it at both 4 and 6 with like little refreshments in the middle. So whether you come early or come late, you can still uh have the opportunity to engage and connect and really figure out what it means to be part of this movement. Thank you, >> Morio. Sorry, >> at Riverside. >> Riverside. Morario. Uh Dr. Moore, you mentioned um school choice uh deadline to for parents uh enrollment which is February 6th. Uh but tomorrow evening and I don't know who might have those dates. I think it's tomorrow and Wednesday. Uh we have an open uh session with anyone from who in the community who has
073questions and needs assistance. Does anyone have those times and dates? You do. She's she's looking it up. >> Okay. Um and so if any of our community members, parents have any questions about school choice, whether they can or cannot attend a particular school or request, you know, whatever it is that they have questions about, we will have a staff member uh present on two days dates we're waiting for right now. >> Miss Christopher has it. >> They were here this morning. The team was here this morning in the in the multi-purpose room right here from 8 to 10. They'll be here tomorrow from 8:00 to 10:00 and then Thursday night is 5:00 to 7:00. >> So tomorrow here at the district office >> uh from 8 to 10 in the morning, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00
074a.m. in the morning and then on Friday >> Thursday from >> 5 to 7 p.m. Okay, >> thank you. Any other comments? Any other Okay, thank you for a wonderful evening. We are going to adjourn at 6:55 p.m. Thank you.