001due to technical difficulties. thank you. Board member cervera, has requested a moment of violence so maybe we can come back to that. The superintendent has released a revised agenda for this meeting and published it on the school website. 120525 florida statute that good cause exist for the revised agenda. MAY the chair have a motion and a second to close the agenda. so moved. moved by MR. Zeman, sektded by MS. Hixon. The jaentd is now closed. MAY the chair have a motion and a second to -- meet to approve the minutes annual organizational NOVEMBER 8th, 2025, 18, 2025, special school board meeting. so moved. second. moved by DR. Zeman seconded by MS. Alhadeff. Any discussion? Any in favor say aye. aye. any opposed say no. Minutes are approved. As we begin to begin our regular school
002board meetings we're reminded that our vision is 100 percent proficiency for all students. We will continue educating all students to reach their highest potential. Our theme this year is believe empower achieve one broward. Before we move to the agenda, I would like to mention that I'll be addressing the transition plans at today's end of the meeting. They polled the agenda items that they would like to address. The following consent items have been identified for discussion. H1, h2, h3, a 4, c1, c2, c3, f2, m1, 01, o4, and s3. At this time, MAY I have MAY the chair have a motion and a second to pass the consent items that have not been pulled for discussion. so moved. moved by DR. Zeman seconded by MS. Hixon. Are there any registered speakers for the items pulled for
003discussion. MADAM Chair, I don't need s-3. okay, so we'll move s3 from that. MS. Rupert. I don't need h1 anymore. So we don't need s1 or h3. Let me go over the items. H2, c1, c2, c3, f2 and f1, o1, o-2 and o4. MADAM Chair. DR. Holness. I will no longer need c2. I will remove c2 from that. MS. Bulman has c2. oh okay. H2, h1, h4, m1, o1, o-2, and o4 pulled for r scussion. Okaysoso, at this time I'll do this again. sorry, MADAM Chair. S1, and s2. so these items have been identified for discussion. H2, h3, a 4, c1, c3, o1, o-2 and o4 and so MS. Alhadeff. it's not me, but also s1 and s2. S1 and s2. it's on the second page. okay. MAY I have a motion and a second
004to pass the consent items that have not been pulled for discussion. so moved. second. moved by MS. Rupert seconded by MR. Zeman. Are there any registered speakers on the consent items that have not been pulled for discussion. no registered speakers. all in favor of pulling the items say aye. aye. those opposed say no. Do any of any colleagues have any remarks on the approved items? MS. Hixon. thank you. On h1, there is a large number of people retiring on this list, so I just want to wish them congratulations and hope they have a wonderful second part of their journey. So thank you. thank you, anyone else? MS. Alhadeff. yes, I would like to say good luck to the high school band to their trip to rome italy. amazing. at this time MAY the chair have
005a motion and a second, do we still have h1 pulled? Or no? we do not. okay. Whether ther, never mind. The chair would like to take a moment to recognize new enrollment. We value you and your families. If we can give the appointees a new round of applause. [Applause] Do any of my colleagues have any additional comments. dr. Hepburn, can you please share a few remarks and introduce our new leaders. yes, I just want to welcome those to B.C. Ps, if you're being promote today a new roll, welcome. Looking fateder to the family and looking forward to working with you and supporting you. That's my comment, MADAM Chair. thank you, at this time we will recess for a photo for the new appointments. this regularly school board meeting is now reconvened. Before we move back
006to the agenda, I would like to recognize mjrtc, soy wanted recognize and we have MR. Cervera on the line to do a moment of silence. Go ahead, MR. Cervera. thank you, MADAM Chair, it is with profound silence that I would like to have a moment of silence in honor of aher a 12th grade student at cypress bay high school and soccer player and quite good from my understanding. On behalf of the broward county, I would like to extend our condolence to see his parents, and sister and entire cypress bay family. We mourn this profound loss together and our thoughts are with his friends and family. We will pray for and you MAY have youer heart be healed with cherished memories of your loved one. Thank you, and chair if I MAY. We had another resent
007passing, matea slt traquest afrnlts pace middle school recently. Ma continued teas was an 8th grade student and again, we extend our thoughts to his parents, and his sister. There are no words to express sorrow such like this. And I pray that you feel GOD's arms around you during this difficult time. MAY the memories bring you so solace and peace. We offer you peace and comfort. thank you. At this time, MAY I have a motion and a second on h2. so moved. moved by DR. Zeman, seconded by MS. Hixon. Public comment? yes, we have 8 speakers will the following report to the podium. Josh, michelle banner, samuel's pink. Fabian smith. my name is josh, I don't come up to talk too often but every now and then, I come up and speak for a member. Today
008I'm speaking on behalf of theatering high school for who fabiana has been with tether in spring and she start today MISS Health with her health and her husband health. Started and she ran into some hurdles where she didn't understand the process, the process involved traveling when they had a hard time to traveling to doctor's offices, this fall whenever, I helped her, they recommended her for termination. As soon as we had the meeting, I start today work with her doctor's office and it was the surgeon's office that had two locations, the doctor split time, on days when they were not doing procedures, they did paperwork which was once or twice a week. i did help her get that paperwork together, it should be in consider. It t I'm asking that fabiana gets back to work. She
009would have intermittent leave and be paid on days she couldn't come to work. She wants to work for you guys, please give her a chance. thank you. Next speaker. Speaker: good morning, my name is michelle benner-smith, I have been teaching for over 27 years in private and then public school districts. The last ten, I've worked in broward county, school district, I have no history of discipline. I have been rated highly all the years in the district, never below proficient or highly proficient and worked at with high language learners population. I have generations of student parents request me as a teacher. Two example that I had her sister that is now in high school and one in middle school and now I have the kindergartner. Parents and students trust me and I've been given difficult students
010on many occasions that I've been very successful in my class due to the effort and dedication that I put in my job. My ability with students that have iep placing 8 students in my class two years ago with a 90 percent eil population. Two unidentified severely on a spectrum and two assistants that were excellent. My scores were comparable or even higher than other classes without iep or one or two special needs. This I guess is why it lead them last year to put 22 students in my class with 16IEPs and 90 AIs and a 2 ai l and very highly need students that were not identified that were severely on spectrum. In the beginning I was given a new assistant who did not want to do the job and spent most of her job on
011her cell phone and I have reports of her walking out of the classroom or even walking out on the testing. I knew that student did this student poked her in the eyes and bit us. Is attended the district and the mother, it was made clear that this child should be placed in a 1-3 or 1-5 ratio student teacher classroom. I was told that he would be removed by JANUARY. This did not occur. Mia sister ant refuse today do task even more. I have witnessed, okay, she left -- . just to summarize in a 30-year career, she had a student out of her door for 60 seconds where the student thought she was going home and now you're suspended her for 30 days without discipline. Thank you. thank you. next speaker. Speaker: not 30 days, 3
012days. Speaker: I have a degree for child hood education. I really engage teaching, I really enjoy seeing the children, the work progress, you know, become higher and higher. I work for a year and a half. I enjoy working with her she is nothing but an excellent teacher and saying thank you. And you're welcome. Saying thank you and asking you to do something, and we come bligh with it, and we work very well. Like all, I really enjoy the kids and I love work withing them, and that's all I have to say about that. next speaker. Speaker: good morning, I'm pink, my name was placed before you for a three-day suspension on a day that looks like this. On SEPTEMBER 18th, we had just goent a delivery of new science textbooks. In addition to other rules,
013I am the textbook coordinator. I gather 10 to 12 students to assist me with transporting and labeling and pack ing the books. When the bell rang I was called by one of my colleague who I usually have lunch with to plan with her with civics since he's not able to plan for the team. I spent my day as we left our class to go and retrieve the students from lunch as we both normally, would. It was continue a gold day. On gold days, I have a different lunch time? I was told that the security personnel, allowed my students to enter my classroom and 15 minutes later an ap showed up. It was evident that I was fully prepared to teach my students. Their assigned work was on my desk. And many of them had already
014completed it and began working on their items while the ap and the security was present in the room. i did not. Would not, willfully neglect or intentionally not monitor my students. Due to the hustle and bustle, I had made an honest mistake that was compounded with a lot of frequent changes in my teaching schedule with the beginning from the school where I was moved from class to class. And as well as having two different lunch times depending on whether it was a gold day or blue day. I apologized to my students, a p for mistakenly going to lunch but it was clear it was not enough because it was almost a month later that I was present withed papers which escalate today a demand for three-day suspension. I'm a teacher on campus and off campus,
015I've had ex emplar test scores. I'm very protective of my students and their learning. I was already embarrassed by the incident but now I'm traumatized with and confusion how I got here. The only man who never mistakes is a man who never does anything. Board memebers please vote no on this 3-day suspension and correct this awful mistake. will the next speakers proceed to the podium. Joshua, lillian, richard roche' followed by ana fusco. Speaker: welcome. attorney on behalf of harper. He's before you facing a ten-day suspension which we're going to plea that you vote no on and you return him to his original location at the main campus. my client has been working in this type of position and profession for around over 30 years without any previous incidents whatsoever it's my understanding, he's been there
016for approximately 8 years now. Again with no disciplinary action, no previous allegations, related to this or any for that matter. And the allegations at hand are completely false. We deny them, there is no statements to colob rate them or support them. There is no evidence to support the allegations against my client. He has no previous disciplinary action whatsoever. This is a process that has been dwrgd out for about 7 months. We came back to the board back in NOVEMBER with the same plea to vote no. Taking any action, especially the suspension against my client. And we're here before you as this basis drags an and cause my client substantial harm. Our plea is no action be taken against my client suspension or otherwise, he returned to his original location of employment which is is the
017main campus, of sherton technical. And again, that's based on the fact that these allegations are false, we deny them and there is nothing to substantiate them. And he has no prior disciplinary history or allegations whatsoever on his record as well. Thank you. thank you. Joshua j? Liliana? ana fusco. That concludes public speaking. board member comment?Z I didn't get the name of two of the speakers. Speaker: tomas harper was the last one. I have that one. Speaker: and salrene and fabiana. I have fabiana but there were two others. Brenner. Okay, and who was the other one? MR. Hill? shell brenner, josh jamenson. who is the field rep speaking on behalf. and who was the other person he spoke on behalf on? fabiana. I have fabiana. Okay, so MADAM Chair, I want to get clarification from staff
018for sellerene pink. She is receiving a 3-day suspension, let security to the room. Can you explain what happened? is that the correct name? I think that was a different name? MS. Pink? go ahead, MS. Parente. so thisisemplpleeeeattendeded duduprocess meing g on OCTOBER thth. She faeded to report to her 6th period class for more than ten minutes. She was provided with all copies of all statements. She acknowledged that she made a mistake. The date of the incident was 9/8, that schedule had been in place since AUGUST 11th. has she conformed to that schedule before? And would not be late for class, so she has followed that schedule before? so is the schedule in places as of AUGUST 11 and the incident occur on SEPTEMBER 18th. so she had followed that schedule prior to this incident? that
019is my understanding, otherwise we would have had other additional incidents listed. all right, MADAM Chair. I have another question for fabiana, I believe it's smith, tether elementary, the issue is attendance. Being absent. Could you, was this person, could you explain what exactly happened with this individual. Let me pull it up, fabiana smith, DR. Hepburn? I believe it's an absent issue, and let me just see. So it looks like there was an prior ten-day sus tension and another issue JUNE of 2024 and the attendance issue mentioned, she mentioned that she was ill for many of the days and confused about the process. Is that, could that be a possibility? MS. Funtes. so this with this employee it started prior history. We move into FEBRUARY of 2025, where allegation came forward for this employee's slapping a student.
020The employee attended the due process meeting and signed a stipulation agreement stating that they would not challenge the ten-day sus tension. That's what is here again you. Between MAY 19th and AUGUST 27, the employee continued to be out and we have a record from that point that they were absent for 4 days and also in plv status. When you're in plv, you're in violation of your contract and out without being paid. That occur for six days. During the due process meeting and feedback, they were being requested directed to bring in doctor's notes or any other information to verify the absences and they failed to do that. They are also advised to contact the lease department including on JUNE 7th and as of SEPTEMBER 5th, they had failed to do that as well. it's typical, I'm
021assuming that when a staff is absent, the process is to bring in a note from a doctor whatever the reason is for being excessively absent. that's correct. okay, so in 2024 when there was an attendance issue, I'm assuming that there was no doctor's note or anything for that particular situation is that correct? in 2024, that's when the employee started to get counseled about the a tented ans. so this dates back to 2024 with the attendance issue along with other issues. correct. okay, I have one last vinl, tom harper, receiving ten days. It's shown here that tom has no prior incidents before. Is that correct? according to the file, that's correct. okay. So, this particular, is this typical a ten-day suspension given to an individual with no prior offense? And it's a ten-day typical for this
022sort of concern? so if I MAY, this individual had a personnel investigation for the allegation of inappropriate conduct creating a -- I'm sorry for -- let me read it, displayed sexually harassing behavior. So the case was investigated by our eeo department and went through the professional commit tee and the decision from the committee was to issue a ten-day suspension based on inappropriate conduct and creating a hostile work environment. According to the detective, this employee was exhibiting unwelcomed and inappropriate behavior, I'm sorry, the investigator. The text messages that were exchanged in this case which is a very lengthy case, they were, the person who was making the allegations, her information that was shared as she shared with the investigator her statemented were credible and her allegations were sustained and taken a look at all the text
023message exchanges. Hold on for a moment, I wrote very tiny. In addition to that, during the investigation process anyone being investigated receives a notice that they are not to be contacting staff. They're removed from the work location to an investigation and in this investigation, this employee continued to contact staff and had to be directed to stop. Following the recommendation of a ten-day suspension once psc was closed, it's our understanding that the gentleman still had access to the videotaped that shared at technical college and still monitoring the videos that brought this to us. So coming out of a recommendation of a ten-day suspension as well as moving his work location and directed to not access videos that pertained to him. so DR. Hepburn, we had discussed some sort of a consistent con sequence for similar type
024of offenses. This ten-day consistent to what we've done in the past to individuals with similar cases? for these types of cases, yes, DR. Holness. I appreciate it. Thank you. thank you. MS. Rupert? thank you. My question was actually for clarification for MS. Smith and we just recently heard that, so I'm good for that. And then, I did want to comment as a preview on another item that we'll be discussing today, one of the names on this list is richard smith for falsification of time records. That is the new reality with ai and many other ways to do this. So, I will discussing that further as, as in a neutral way for the, the department later on, so thank you. thank you, any other board discussion on each two? MS. Hixon? thank you. I, like to
025ask about ms. samuels pink, was there any discipline other than automatically going to a three-day suspension? DR. Hepburn? MS. Parente. thank you, heather parente, when a staff member fails to supervise students, we have issued three-day suspensions. so my question, I guess just because as a teacher for a long time, I was a textbook coordinator, I can see where you can get involved in a moment. You can be doing that for five years in that lunch time and not, realize what day it is, I mean. Menopause is real. I'm struggling with this particular one and I know it's consistent but we also have to, I mean there are times when somebody obviously just chooses not to supervise students, that's different. And I don't know how to identify the different ones. This one just doesn't feel like
026we had go straight to three days, it feels like it should be a warning to me. would you like to make a motion. yes. I would like to make a motion to remove MS. Samuel-pink frz h2. second. moved and seconded by DR. Holness. MS. Hixon, would you like to move to a different date? so I, guess, I don't want to remove her, I want to make a suggestion to change, I guess I'll change my motion. Is would like to make a motion to change the discipline for MS. Samuels pink to a written reprimand. second. motion made a change the discipline from MS. Samuels-pinking. Speaker: DR. Nathalie, I support the motion. Listening to this, these are people with real jobs and having their behavior on display for the public when there is a lot of repetitive
027fwhaifrz I can think of that never get the discussion that they deserve but some are coming. So all of these little people are being raked over the coals and I believe her when she said she forgot. There are people that can't do the same thing that is in their job description twice a day. Anybody can make a mistake and forget where they're suppose to be. I think we've all done it and that does not rise to the sus tension, especially when they own it, apologized, apologized to the students even. So I support it, it's a reprimand, if it becomes habitual, that's a different story but it does not sound like that's anything this woman would do. Thank you. additional public comment. Speaker: thank you so much, for I've been a classroom teacher for almost 15
028years, is do an amazing job and I want to thank you for considering. And recognizing that I don't deserve this. Yeah. Thank you. any other public comment. Speaker: I'm standing before you, MR. Tomas hopper, I've been in this here school for 8 years. And what they're saying is not true. I'm given security clearance. pause his time. Sir, you need to speak on the motion which was to reduce the discipline for MS. Samuel-pink so on that motion, we're doing public comment. Speaker: ana fusco, this is prime example that we're trying to say that you have a system that they're still trying to build it as they flies. You don't have consistent. You have let me throw spaghetti at the wall and figure it out. We had a meeting a couple weeks ago, we're working through some
029kinks and we have other meeting scheduled to work through the kinks. Buzz to go from 0 to 1,000 bh we have a conversation of why this does not fit. The corrective actions don't fit if the allegations or punishment. It's continuous, and they pick and choose, on who they're going to investigate or hearsay or whispers or comments and we have real situation that's affect people's livelihood. I appreciate pu stepping in, MS. Hixon. thank you. Any other public comment on the motion? To reduce the discipline on that particular individual? Board discussion? DR. Zeman. thank you very much, chair. I'm curious if we can get a summary again of the investigation on MS. Pink, please. DR. Hepburn? MS. Parente? yes, one moment please. Attended a due process meeting. The concern was there that students were left unsupervised for
03030 minutes. For 12 minutes until they were allowed in by a campus monitor and she was not present. She had a schedule that was put in placed as of AUGUST 11th, she explained that she won fused by the schedule because at the school, they have rotation days between blue and gold. However the schedule had been SEPTEMBER 19th had been in place since AUGUST 11th. So other cases if they were left unsupervised, they suspended them for three days. just one more question, chair. Does this employee have any previous discipline? just a second, can I have -- in the audience. Thank you. I'm wondering about past behavior. Has there been any discipline in her career and how many years in her career. there is nothing on file, otherwise it would appear. And sxibl the employee stated she
031was working with us for 15 years, let me verify. We can look at that up. no worries. Thank you very much. thank you, any other board discussion on the motion? All in favor of the motion say aye. all opposed say no. no. one dissenting vote from MS. Thompson. Motion passes. Any other board discussion on h2. MS. Thompson. I think we need to, or at least, I would like to have a board discussion on our role in these matters because my recollection is that we directed staff to have con sifpt ant see in the way we are handling these issues. And then we tried to have consistency and now, we push back against staff. So I would like to hear from my general counsel, again what board member role is in hr. MS. Batista. thank you,
032MADAM Chair. The role of the board depending on what the different union and different collective agreement is for that particular individual. In this particular case, if there is something before you where the employee is given a particular amount of discipline and you believe that based on the facts that are presented, the discipline should be changed, you have a right to opine about that and vote about that. Again, keeping in mind that you know, you MAY not have the complete history of what is happened to other employees before that while the staff and superintendent does. and what is the next steps if when we approve these disciplinary measures, what is the next step that the employees have if they don't agree with the action we took? correct. So if the employees do not agree with the
033action taken, they have a right to due process. They can either go through the arbitration process based on their collective bargaining agreement or in this case, they can challenge the action before the division of administrative hearings at doa and have a judge look at the facts and opine. You have several cases on another item before you today where the, the aoj opined that the three-day suspension was appropriate. And in that case, the judge said that termination would be appropriate even though that's not what the board sought in case. so just to summarize an incident happens, hr investigates, they bring the recommendations to the board. The board's role in any opinion and what I believe you're saying, is to approve the matters, we have all rights to ask questions. If the employee disagrees with the process
034or the consequence, they have a judicial option and that could come back before us again? that's correct. okay mine. I would like my colleagues to reflect on what they want to see on this process. Actually before that, can we get a board update that MS. Fussco referenced on the things that are getting out kinked under kinked, fixed? DR. Hepburn. yes, I'll have DR. Lozano give us a knopp sis -- a synopsis. so we had a productive meet ing with all the representatives and we had our legal represent, DR. Hepburn attended, DR. Fulton, MR. Sullivan and myself and professional practices team. We discussed the current issues, we discussed looking at incidents and appropriate consequences, we discussed bringing consistency to processes in the areas that we disagree. And then at the end of the meeting, it was
035determined to put a work group together involving all individuals to address the situations that came up in that meet ing. So I can have, heather parente give you the specificsed on -- specifics on that development. so the first meeting is going to be this week on the 18th and we look forward to share with the supervisors and district continue to support their work. We want to the concern and meet and confer is consistency throughout the district. So guidelines are available when it comes to conducting such things but we want to hear any feedback and adjust any details that we need and make sure that we're consistent across the board. thanyoyo so I just waed ry quicickl expln n my -votote. I beeveve in this process, I believe we have hr professionals that review and do
036deep investigations and there is a role in a option for employees to take next steps if they don't agree with what we say. I also it's important that there are people on this list that are available unable to come to these meetings, and based on ot fact that they're able to physically come here in my view is problematic. That's all, thank you chair. thank you. Before I move to round two, is anyone want to speak to h2 before I move to board member second comments? All right, DR. Holness? thank you, MADAM Chair. So MADAM Chair, I would like to comment on a few things. And board member thompson, I do recognize the concern that you have. I know that when hr does an investigation, as a board member, I meet with hr before we have
037these meetings. In fact, I was talk to go hr for about an hour yesterday. So whether you show up or not show up, I'm familiar with everything that you're familiar with. So I'm not sure if you show up, I don't know if showing up gives an advantage. I try to meet with hr before we have is the meeting. But my understanding is that when hr does their investigation and they bring before us, what they recommend as consequences for particular offenses, the board has two options . The board has a latitude to decide if the punishment matches the offense or if it does not. if it does, then the board says, yes, move ahead. And then the employee has the option from that point to take the next steps to appeal and to try to, you
038know, to defend their case. If board does not agree, that the consequence matches the offense, then the board can do one of two things, the boateder can vote no on the item or the board can recommend different punishment for that particular offense. So MS. Batista, what I just stated, is there anything inaccurate in how I understand the process? no there isn't anything inaccurate. The board does have certain, I'm going to say latitude or discretion, if you understand the facts, you know, that the facts do not fit the punishment or the punishment does not fit the facts. Having said that, the law is clear for the role of the board, that this superintendent's recommendations should be taken, you know, seriously. And that, the main role of the board is to move the process forward so that
039the employee has an opportunity to appeal the issue or move through the due process if that is what they wish to do after the wish of the board on penalty. is it fair to say that another obligation on the board is based on the facts presented, not trying to change the facts is to determine if the particular punishment that we're voting on is reasonable for that particular offense? and it could be that the board, we've done it in the reverse as well, we've had cases that came before us, that we felt the punishment was not enough and we went in the office direction and changed it into even high her punishment. Isn't it tt responsibility to the board to determine if the punishment is not adequate or if the punishment is too much and mike
040a different recommendation. so the board feels the punishment is is not sufficient, you have asked time to go back and look at the facts again to try and give a different higher punishment. So when you do that, you know, the employee needs to receive new notice of that higher punish. -- punishment. From a due process stand point, you need to give notice to an employee if it's a higher punishment. Again, the, the superintendent and the superintendent staff is in the best position to make that determination because they have the whole history they're doing this on a daily basis so they would be given difference. understand. So the bottom line, the board does have the option to determine if they believe they, the punishment matches the offense and if they don't, they can vote no on
041item and then have the superintendent perceive further action if it's a higher punishment or make a recommendation. correct. okay. MS. Hixon? tuz. And, generally, I agree with what board member thompson said. But I think we also as a board gave direction to the staff about consistency and that's what they're doing. So I do appreciate that but there are instances that come up that we as board member have to look at whole situation and there is a human element that sometimes gets missed in that consistency part. And I couldn't want to make changes to everything and there is still discipline here, I just think that in this particular instance. I can see myself doing what this teacher did. I forget things on a daily basis, I walk in the grocery store with a list in hand,
042and I forget why I'm there. I think she did forget. But jumping into a three-days and maybe that's a discussion that we have in staff that they look at whole circumstances before they jump right to that initial 3-daze depending on what the circumstances were. You cannot just say that everything has to be consistent and not allow the human element but you can see yourself in that position. If somebody went to their car and left the kids to go to their car that's a different situation, than somebody else that got wrapped up who lost track of what was happening. Again, if it happens the second time, this is not a discussion, the second time tt just that it was her first time and I think that we all should put some human element in it. i
043don't think staff asked what they asked them to, 100 percent what we asked you but it comes back to us so we can look at it and decide if that's the route we want to go. So I don't necessarily disagree but I think every instance has some circumstances around it. So thank you. thank you, dr.Er zeman? do we have michelle benner from tether elementary school speak today? yes. that's the case that stuck with me a little bit. And to my read of this case, there was a teacher, who is on our list that asked an assistant teacher to watch a child. The assistant teacher did not hear and the child was left alone in the hallway. MR. Superintendent, do you think 3-day suspension is consistent with previous case. And again, these cases are not same
044to put in a bucket. They're not trim cases where you know how to do consistency. I find that very difficult. But I'm curious if the super due to not hearing the teacher asking to do something is consistent with what we've done in the past. DR. Hepburn? yes. and I'm curious if I have the summary correct, could I get staff summary for this case. yes, this teacher attended a due process AUGUST 12th and on MAY 28 in the first floor, a kinder gaernd class, it was reported when transitioning from one class to another, a student stepped out of line. that remained unsupervised to the in the hallway. When the teacher stated that they did not know the situation, they did not know how the situation occured. They did ask that the teacher assistant supervise the students,
045however a paerptly didn't hear her and there was video footage showing that the student was left out in the hallway. and am I right that it was one minute. DR. Hepburn. MS. Parente? the student was left in the hallway and after about one minute is a staff member observed the students and escorted them into the classroom is what the document reads. and chair, if I heard correctly, in the case record it says the teach asked the teacher assistant to superintendent a vice, is that correct? MS. Parente. tuz for tha. Let me continue to due. Read. Due process, the teacher did not know the incident occured. They had informed the teacher assistant to superintendent. However the teacher assistant was in the room 16:01 during that time. So is the teacher again, was transitioning the students, one
046student was left behind, she was not aware that they were left behind and another member noticed the student and then escorted in the classroom, but it was a brief period of time. I want to be clear, there is nothing in the case record that would suggest that the teacher did not ask the teacher assistant to supervisor this child. the only thing we have, the teacher assistant was in the classroom so it was not in the hallway during the transition. So is the teacher assistant was not in the hallway, so if she was asked to do it, she was not in the hallway to know the student was there. THISEs counter factual, if she didn't hear, she could have stayed in the classroom. I don't find this to be equivalent to a three-day sus tension, a
047minute is a minute. How many years of experience does this teacher have? we would have to look that tup, that is not part of the file we bring. does this teacher have any discipline history? the teacher was hired in 2016 and give me just a moment. Thank you. No. No prior discipline. terrific. I just want to be sensible about this and try to add to the consistency of what has been done before. I view leaving a child unattended a serious problem but if the evidence that was not found and the consequence is that the child was found one minute. Three days seems like a lot to me. So I don't think it's nothing though. I don't think this is like a previous motion. So I'm going to make a motion to move this 3 day
048to one day. moved by DR. Zeman, seconded by MS. Hixon. Public comment. Speaker: DR. Nathalie. I support the motion, and I think the reason you're having this problem is the issue is not consistency. The issue is a lack of context in the consistency. People are robotickly saying a-happens that means b-must be the punishment without entering other variables into the decision which requires some thought and that does not seem to be consistent with the process. Which we know processes are not consistent. Uz do have a due process process, you have ana and lisa to practically hold hands at the podium to tell you you have a due process problem and I can tell you and have, that you have a due process problem. And even when things are consistent, they make no sense. There was no
049intent. Intent, context, matters. Speaker: my name is DR. Trudy as a former first grade teacher I'm appalled by woo is happening here. That is, it's unbelievable thing that you would punish the teacher for this in any way. You can give her a reprimand. I don't agree with this h I think you should just give her a reprimand. any other public comment? Speaker: yes, there is a comment from. PRESIDENT Of the union. Is appreciate your understanding DR. Zeman that the actual punishment does not fit exact the situation. And that's the part, I heard you clear say, there is no evidence. That's one of my biggest problems that this group does. There is no evidence however, they move forward on how look like and/or what it sounds, that's part of due process, is having evidence that can
050lead to the situation. You have teachers that make 2000 or plus more decisions every day and they think they MAY have said it loued. You have to come before the board which is your responsibility to hear and understand and then make a decision. You are the decision-maker. I agree with trudy, there should not be a decision like this. thank you. which is a liability on the board. thank you. Any other public comment on the motion? Board comment on the motion? DR. Holness. thank you, MADAM Chair, so DR. Hepburn as we are talking about the consequences for discipline. I guess what I'm getting from the audience and thinking about, if a-happens, then, b must happen. But, is there a part of the process where if a happens, there are rational for why, b should happen? Or
051how b can be adjusted? Based upon a happening. For example. You know, just in, just in real life, if you're at a red light and it says you should stop at a red light, which means when you see a red light you must stop. However if you're at a red light and somebody is about to rob you you have to make a decision and run that red light. So a happens but is there a rational why b occured? And is that taken into consideration in determining the consequence. Is there a part of the process that is involved in terms of the if, if this particular defined, situation occured, that investigation takes into consideration why it occured and what the punishment should be as opposed to no matter why the reason occurs, this is the situation?
052yes, that's part of the process. There is a lot of dialogue that goes into this among staff just to make sure that the punishment fits the, the allegation or the outcome from pse and all of that. And also in addition to have one on one with board member to go through the cases. So there is additional thought partnership to ensure by the time it gets here, it's presented as best as possible for the actual incidents that happen with staff. but what seems to be happening or at least what is believed to be happening is that, if for example, a teacher left students unattended and this is the first oftens, it's a three-day suspension without considering any other situations surrounding what the teacher did. would you say that human resource moved directly to the punishment of
053the defined punishment if a public situation occured or do they have flexibility in, in determining why it occured and then adjust the punishment na is defined? absolutely. They exercise the flexibility all the time. okay, so in this particular case, and DR. Zeman thank you for bringing this back. This particular teacher had no prior history. There is no evidence that the teacher did continue tell the assistant to watch the kid and and then, you know, so I just, this is another case where the three-day suspension, yes, if you leave your kids unattend ited, you should get it. But there is another case where it appears that the three-day suspension MAY not be the right pun pishment for this particular situation because there is some rational as to why it occured. Now should the teacher be punished,
054yes, and DR. Zeman, I'm not sure the e da we're taing about the case wherere we're prprimanded. So before I make a substitute motion, are you, are you comfortable with a friendly amendment of a reprimand as opposed one day. I would rather you make a substitution motion. I'm going to be consistent with the board's decision before, where the board evaluated the punishment to determine whether it matches the offense which is what we're doing in this particular case and consequently, I would like to make a motion that consistency is the word and this is consistent with what we're doing before with the prior case, that the teacher receive a reprimand for this particular incident. is there a second? seconded by MS. Hixon. Motion has been made to reduce the discipline to a written reprimand. Public comment
055on the motion? DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh, plantation florida. Is would like to thank DR. Holness for his substitute motion, that's even better. I think there are larger forces that play when we talk about context. Tt important to understand context and since florida statute, says that the board provides for things like suspension and dismissal. You have a discipline matrix. I don't know if you've seen the discipline matrix for employees, because that's where you can fine tune this one time instead of every time we have these meetings where corrective action ads an hour to the meeting as you try to do the right thing. Because staff has taken content and intent out of the decision-making. If we saw the thought process, then we could trust it. But I support it the motion for a reprimand and I did
056ask last time that these things be audited and that did not happen and that's one of the reasons we're back again. tz batista. hold on one second. just a couple of points, so the any type of matrix disciplinary matrix needs to be negotiated with the union. So just wanted to make that point. And then, I just wanted to add to what DR. Holness had mentioned before about sort of look at the totality of the circumstances, that the the staff does that, that's what part of the due process is when the staff meets with the bloi he's so they can share their side of the story and that's what comes before you as well. thank you. Public comment. Speaker: my name is DR. Trudy, thank you DR. Holness. I believe that this is the right choice
057and I hope that your colleagues will also believe that it is. Thank you. Speaker: my name is sallen be, I broke down the last time I made the situation. I want to make a comment about the process with this particular teacher. I'm not sure if hr is exercising any flexibility recording the process. I can speak to my process where I believe that due process procedure, hr did not contact me. I was not presented with any witness statements during my process, no inquiries were made about than what was provided by the a p onsite. It was not a balanced inquiry. Again I don't know what this situation was about, but I do question the due process procedure having gone through it dramatically for the first time. I do appreciate MS. Hixon and MR. Holness and everybody's
058consideration regarding the matter in making the adjustment as needed. Thank you. Speaker: ana fusco, you got itment but you have board memebers saying, we want put the faith in the staff. We have asked with going forward with putting discipline on the board so we can get process pristine, but you didn't direct that. Because you want to have faith in the staff. I'm not stand iting up here saying things that are not happening if they're not happening, I've never done tha. You know me up there, I come with facts, myself. And I'm never been misleading. There is a process with new people that are trying to figure it out. And it is not consistent because they don't run the due process approximates. You do understand that. They do not. So I support that we change this
059discipline, and I'm asking for further to not have any disciplines come to the board until we get it under control. thank you. Any other public comment? Speaker: good morning, rachel daily pompano beach. I'm going to piggy back from the previous speakers, the process is flawed. They don't tell you why you're there, you don't know until you go and speak and then they give you information. there is no preparation so you're sitting there trying to figure out why you're there. The lack of communication with hr, is very minimum. They treat you like a criminal. 90 percent of the time, the people have done nothing wrong. So it's very flawed. So I support the situation on -- equity. It's definitely not equity. I'm speaking from personal experience, sometimes they sweep things under the rug and it takes
060regulars. Others it takes months. thank you. Any other comments? Board member discussion on the substitute motion? MS. Alhadeff. to the maker of the motion, confirm that he's speaking to michelle benner and it is a written reprimand and also training would also be a good idea to add. okay. Board member alhadeff, before I answer your question. DR. Hepburn, what kind of training is available if any as a part a consequence to an employee that has left students unattended. that's definitely school just going over the protocol acting vision, being in front of your door, knowing who to contact the classroom if you do have to leave the classroom. okay, and how do, how do the board or you receive document that this training occured? yeah, we can create a form and a doc for the employee and
061also the school leader to acknowledge that happened. board member, alhadeff, i will accept that friendly friendship that this employee have training to understand that kids are safe regardless of who you tell to watch them. substitution motion, there needs to be a second. second. seconded by DR. Zeman. ?Fm second-rule amendment. okay. MS. Alhadeff, you're done? Okay, MS. Thompson? thank you, chair. I have a question for the general counsel, is there any laws related to supervisor of our children? -- supervision of our children? through the chair, yes. There are several statutes and state board of education rules that do speak about supervision being appropriate as a teacher. thank you. And then, I'm assuming, we have video cameras in our schools, obviously. So did the staff review how long this child was left by themselves? yes. and I
062think again, I don't think this sets a good precedent and I think if something happened to this child even though it was 30 seconds, 60 seconds, this would be a very different discussion. I will be voting no on this item. any other board member comment on the substitute motion? All in favor of the substitute motion to reduce the written to a written reprimand with training as amended say aye. aye. all opposed say no. one descenting vote from MS. Tam son. We are back to the item as amended. DR. Zeman. that expired my comments, chair. MS. Thompson. MADAM Chair. okay, thank you. MS. Alhadeff. DR. Holness. as we move on to approve this as a whole, I don't is would prefer to have these things come back to us where, and this is not to discredit
063anyway, hr, I think hr is attempting to do the best job they can but I would love to see that these come to us where we don't have as many concerns as to whether the consequence matches the offense. So I am not sure if this requires a motion or direction to the superintendent, but I think that we would like to see this process possibly improve so we don't have so many questions. So, for me, I would like to direct the superintendent to review the hr process as it is as we look at consequences versus offense to determine if it can be improved and also, to ensure flexibility is provided in specific cases. So as to not have the consequence be fully be executed fully to the extent of the consequence as opposed to the ons.
064DR. Hepburn? thank you for the comment, DR. Holness. We're doing that to accomplish this with our work groups and figuring specific next steps for due process and any other gaps that we, that both parties have identified. So we're already in motion with that. so do you believe the process can be improved? absolute lie. There is always a continuous process. what I've noticed and I see the same with other members. There is a particular consequence when something happens. And I've seen that more often than, the contrary right. So if there is a three-day suspension for leaving kids outside of the classroom, it appears that the three-days would come to us, quite frequently as opposed to adjustment to three-days depending to how occur. Is there an area that can improve to determine if some flexibilities would be
065needed based on what the consequences should be? yes, I think work withing our partners in the union. We'll come up with a tight process. I do want, I would be remiss if I don't remind the board the sheer numbers. We only discussed two. We didn't discuss two or ten or twenty. The process is pretty tight, it has room for improvement we're working with our union members to fill-in the gaps. We're working together, yeah. and DR. Hepburn, just so clarify, if an employee is clearly violating something where they left the kids unattended, they went off campus or whatever they did, when it's a clear violation, yes, they should be punished to the full extent of how we can do it. But if there is clearly an unintentional or human error, then I think those cases should
066be viewed a little differently, and I'm not getting involved with it t I'm just saying that's why we have these lengthy discussion because we now start the question whether or not the employee des efshes the level of punishment that is prescribed. So I'm asking for the cases that was unintentional or assume an error thated something to happen, if tuck work with hr to have a little bit more flexibility so we don't have to spend as much time up here trying to figure out if we had agree to the punishment. thank you. noted. I have not been able to give comment. To a point that has been made today, we are within our rights as a board to make motions or decrease discipline. At no point has counsel said that we're not allowed to do that.
067I want to be clear what we're right for the board to do. I think it would be inappropriate if we were work withing hr staff to do the investigation, that's inappropriate. But we do have the right to make motions to amend the discipline. And then I just wanted ensure my colleagues, you know, hr used to reach out, they didn't for me at least, for this meeting but it's been a kind a caez' month to request a standing meet to go review the discipline. I think that's a helpful thing. I'm going to request foyer a standing meeting before we viewing with staff. Being able to have those conversations with staff and that's why you're not putting employee's business out in the public unless necessary. Is would encourage my colleagues to do the same. MS. Hixon. thank
068you, and I just want to end the discussion saying, I want to remind us and the public really, staff did exactly what we asked them to do. We said, be consistent in zero tolerance when it comes to students. I don't think this is about staff not following directive, tt just when certain things come up it makes you as a school board member pause to say does this really make sense. I want to to be clear that as bun school board member, I don't think staff is doing anything out of the ordinary. So I appreciate very much what you do, it's just when it comes to us and we look at it and even when people come up and tell their story it gives you a different perspective and then we have these discussions. I take
069advantage every month of the discussions with hr and a lot of the things that we discussed get changed before it comes here. so again, sometimes I MISS Those little pieces of it and somebody comes to share a story and says, oh yeah, it does not make sense. Thank you for doing what we have asked you to do. I just want to make sure that they're not going rouge. Thank you. any other board member discussion on h2? All in favor say aye. aye. all opposed say no. one descending vote from MS. Thompson. MS. Batista on voting no on h2. so this is about discipline, this is not about hiring. thank you. This is now is is the time of the agenda where we take public speakers. We have split is the general to incorporate a morning
070session. Each is reminded to present their agenda comments in policy with 1020. Nathalie lynch-walsh and then delvin king. Speaker: good morning, again, DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh, I changed my first name in granicus, my DR. Siemz to disappear when I get called. The doctor is there. Just a reminder. So last night as I was getting my thoughts together, I saw a post on concerned citizen that is is the reason I felt like dressing in black today because we seem to be trapped in some investigation of christmas carol or maybe the marquee is running joint. Did you direct the superintendent to send families, communications that their kids because of the meal charges, they can't participate in extracurricular events or activities if they don't pay up and pay up by when? Was this appropriate to send out before the
071holidays? Just a thought, because now you're getting beat up on concern citizens for being the scrooge. You still have not solved the problem so just a thought. So in other news, if you guys are not going to cover 1070 later today at your 10:45 time certain, let me know because I can only sign up for four items. Please let me know sooner rather than later, because I don't know when you're going to discuss the dd items and I don'n'know enenyore gointoto do t that. My name literately means christmas, and I send you a gift. I sent you mia nal sis updated on 1070 and it being an invalid exercise. Just because your superintendent has poor judgment does not mean you need to follow him into the abyss. Nobody put a head and said, please remove
072this woman from committee. He did that because of a flaw in your policy. A flaw that if you vote yets on to the language that the kids have added because they think they're so clever now that they're now going to add a-line that says, oh we're just going to create a process to informly when he's unilaterally done an approval. It's not a process that they provided you language with. this can all end, put the language from 2021 there and we can all go home and celebrate the holidays peacefully. next speaker, delvin king is the next speaker. DR. Wanza. Go ahead. okay, good morning. You know, it's nice, I see everybody taking a restroom breaks and all they free time when it's time for public speaking but I'll say what I have to say anyway. Good
073morning, school board of broward county and community. The concern about the legal use and personal rentals in facilities here in broward county did have some truths to it. But bigger issue is in real estate, under the direction of I see now it's just chris because rachel was removed r.Everything going on from the handy building leasing foolishness to the legal facility use comes out of that office. In my office opinion, she is the brother of somebody who was, she is a sister of somebody who was just arrested. She dropped off her son to participate in some of the basket agreement and was on the basket team, let alone, rachel operates multiple businesses that rent a facility here in broward county, which she took her name off of and put in her sister's name. Again, she tried
074to charge out school ampitheater events. She can't stand there and say she did nothing wrong. After seeing all of this it reminds me of metro booming, take me through there, take me through there, she don't know what she is doing, rachel daily just giving it out. Thank you so much. thank you, next speaker liliana rudo. Speaker: good morning, liliana rido, I'm here to bring you a message today during this holiday season, I would like you to reflect in many many points and one of the points is, please be kind to your members, to your employees in this case. And not only that, respect the process, it's embarrassing to bring people here with no history. I'm happy about the motion you put on the floor and it went through, how can you put people through this
075process when you don't have enough evidences. So that's one point that I want to ask you to reflect on the employees. You want to keep your employees in the classroom, you want to keep your employees happy, they already have enough pressure as it is. So another part that I would like you to reflect is, remember, to be so demanding and so strict and so so many areas, you need to act accordingly, because it is very obvious that you're bringing people here that has no record, the only thing that they have done is love, care, teach, and give and give and give and by you bringing them here, is an embarrassment. Everybody out there watches what you guys are doing to them. I am a teacher myself of 24 years and I taught every single grade
076level and you work with young kids, remember you're multitasking in the room, you're doing 200 things at the same time, but at the same time, they're human, they're not robots, so having conversations with employees before you expose them or before you suspend them, is a big deal. If you want to keep them in the classroom and you want them to continue this job or doing this job that it's very hard, you know to be done lately. So I'm going to ask you during this holiday season, to reflect and think before you act and before you take action against good humans, good people. They have family, they have people who are watching after them and ask yourself one thing, ask yourself, how would I feel if this was done to somebody in your family or to
077your own self. You don't know how rough it is until you're in it. So again I'm going to ask you to reflect on your employees and treat them with descent see, love and respect shall shall decency, love and respect. Thank you. ana fussco. Ana fusco I'm a broward county resident, union PRESIDENT. I am speaking as all of them, I'm happy to hear that my colleague asked you you to reflect. We do that all the time. We need you to care. That's a number one reason that things go ising. As I watch people slouch, don't understand what really happens, don't get to see all the evidence. Your name is on it t you sign off on things, why wobt you want to know everything that you put a mark on. You're elected business your constituents and
078every group that thank you represent in broward county. So to sit here and hear any of you make some of your comments, makes me cringe especially when you are form per broward county employee. Yes, we have cameras in all the schools, yes we can watch everything. We should a plentiful of security that walks the halls, that there should never be a moment where a teacher thought that they made a comment to watch somebody and they didn't hear, it walking around schools all the time. There are multiple facilities that thaoz situations don't happen. The number one reason that things are not happening, is because there is zero training on getting things done. Because everybody spent worried about the next time they're going to get an evaluation that they need to be perfect. Without time to be
079able to plan. That's it right there. Data chats. Lori and debbie, you sit up here. Say security is not the first priority happening, I can make that clear. Data chats are. Walking in people's classrooms with groups of ten people. Grade shares, coaches, support staff and admin, people visiting from out of schools. you take people out of their schools to sit in other schools, that's why we're getting the problems happening, because they're not in their schools taking care of their schools. They're being forced to get to other schools. Then they've got to do the breakfast thing ask the lunch thing. Did you not know that. You've got ten people sitting in the classroom instead of ten people walking in the school. Because you got a leadership sitting here, instead of making sure that there are people
080accountable. I say it every single time. Be preventative and we will not be sitting here every single board meet ing giving the scrutiny of why it's happening. thank you, trudy. Speaker: my name is DR. Traoutd' vermanvich. After I began looking for related items on social media. I'm reading a multi comment for a teacher who has multiple-jobs in order to make things ends meet. I'm in opposed to the amount of testing which is being required my name is joerdana I'm in the 19th year of 'eming indicate can go. Our current testing demands are not sustainable, not developmental appropriate, and not aligned with what we know about how children learn. This is not progress monitoring. This is instructional theft. Kinder garners, 5-year-olds are required to take 59 test. Research is clear, young children learn through play, exploration
081and conversation, not by skiting by computers clicking bubbles. They warn that, sorry. Warn that excessive pressure warrants cordsole. We're creating children who associate school with tres. Teachers want meaningful data but the data we're getting is unreliable glitches in scoring and rezesting our annual correction steal instructional time. Across the year, these interruption add up to months of loss teaching. The results are visible. Children overwhelmed, teachers exhausted and leaving, families frustrated enrollment declining and going to other charter or private schools. As somebody who trained feet teachers it's heart breaking that the message they receive is that teaching is now about collecting data points. That's not why they entered the profession or students deserve classrooms where curiosity is encouraged. They deserve teachers who have time to plan and teach. They deserve an educational experience grounded and sound and
082developmental practice, mental well being and authentic learning opportunities. I am asking you to reduce the testing load immediately and meaningfully return instructional time to the teachers in their classrooms. Prioritize mental headlight. Al law teachers to teach. Our students are human being not data points and deserve an education. thank you. i now turn it over to the superintendent for his report. thank you, MADAM Chair. Vice chair and our bcps family, hopefully you're having an awesome morning. As we approach winter break, I want to take time our students and parents, this is a time to rest and recharge. I encourage everyone to enjoy the break safety and spend time with loved one and return with peaceful work ahead. Happy holiday season and winter break. Is would like to take a few moment to see highlight the active
083it's. At this time we're going to ask becon to roll the tape. [Video] great things are happening at bcps, I would also like to our supporters where students can engage in real world experiences especially the exposure that they have to support. Happy holidays to all our bcps family and that's my report. thank you, we will now go to updates from our district partners, first broward education foundation. good morning, james good to see everybody. I just wanted to start by saying thank you to everyone who came to broward education foundation event. It was one of our best events yet. It generate aid great amount of revenue that is going to go back to the students and also brought some new partners. Grateful to all that came and those who couldn't, sending their well wishes. the second
084piece that you'll get information on will be the idea expo is going to be JANUARY 31, that is something that has been a little bit better attended here because the idea expo is the greatest in the country are sitting here and allowing them to share with each other and do best practices and things like that what it is we do. You don't have to remember it or write it down. I just wanted say thank you and give you a heads up on the JANUARY 31, please let your districts know. Hopefully we'll get you a list of how many schools you're sending people. It's going to be taking place at ft. Lauderdale high school. That's the only day that we can get it in to make sure that we can get a chance to get with
085each other on sharing ideas and thoughts, thank you very much. thank you, broward county council pta, PTSAs, we did receive a written report. Employee groups? Btu? Speaker: broward union PRESIDENT. First of all, is would like to share that broward teacher's union does the negotiating because we rocked a 250,000 raise for the pines charter, no touch their insurance, affordable family plan and child plan but our public schools wants to come after our insurance and put it th backs their employeeses e e browarkoupupt'lleded impasse, you called impasse on two union groups already, unheard of. because you want to chock hold the insurance. Because your budget is in the red what? I keep hearing all these numbers? Which is it? So you guys have a poor budgeting practice and you want to put it on your employees? You
086hear how our employees have to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet. And thep you come in with a zero race. I'm suggesting you take some guidance from. Pembroke pines charter on how they were able to budget and I forgot, an -percent increase on referendum. Which we're going to be asking because taxes are up there and we have not seen an extra dime. So again, the budget so we'll start there. Let's about due process. We heard it again. And again, and again. But yiz hear it direct push hault so we can get it pristine instead of we're working on it, we're figuring it out. You want to keep saying that? It's on you. The statute is clear, the statute is clear. Let's go to the next piece. Testing. Are you aware how
087much testing do in the broward system compared to instruction? I'm asking you to get an audit. Dive into it. It's extreme. Every day, I've been consumed more than ever about the testing. I'm asking you to pull some of it off the plates of our students. our teachers are overwhelmed I cannot phantom how our students are. We know that we need to show what they've learned but if we're just getting through to be able to cheat to take the tests which is what is happening, because excessive data shots, excessive of board configuration, these group of people that need to walk through the classrooms. You know how you can see what the teach cer teaching, teacher, upper there, teacher, teacher, teacher. You teach! You walk in my classroom, it does not matter what I have written on
088the board, it matters to what you're watching me to do to the miepds I'm in there teaching. You want to come for our insurance, I'm I have teachers that are trying to make ends meet. But you keep imploding on them more and more and more and more. Take something off their plates so they can keep their head above water. And I am saying it publicly, because it has to be coming from the nine school board memebers, zero raise and let's make them pay into their insurance when you still have six schools, S.I. C.K., sick schools. They need the insurance to get some preventive. Is promote the acupuncture and massage therapy and different wellness to keep them healthy. But when you walk into a school because again, you've cut back on school. We know there is
089less custodians, less security. I don't care what you tell the public, we walk the schoolsed, go ask a teacher what it's like in their schools. If you have less employees, buzz the demand is still there, what are people going to get done? Run down? I'm asking you to rethink what you're bringing towards your employees and give your high executive some better direction on make iting work. thank you. Bpla. Esmap. Fobi. Copa? All right. Thank you everyone for your presentations. Could I have a motion and a second on jj10. so moved. moved by DR. Zeman, seconded by MS. Hixon. Do we have any public comment on jj10? yes, we have greg rossman is the only recommendeding speaker. thank you. Speaker: good morning, and thank you for the motion to bring this tup. I'm here in support
090of the rock officers, they're my clients and also your attorney, MR. Clooney, who I have been working with, wanted me to be here. I'm not sure why, but he thought there were questions that I can answer for you. In the AUGUST meet ing, members gave direction to staff to come back with a lease that was five years instead of three years, and member alhadeff, thank you very much, made that motion. And there was a separate motion for the renewal to be at the exercise of the officers. Those are the two issues that we worked on essentially and took a couple of months, actually the first versions that I sent were three years. The only other comment. So the officer is very satisfied. The only other comment I have is the summary, that we're given that
091talks about the subsidy, they're applying a formula but it's a mythical number. That is not the amount of utility the officers use. They have trailers, that amount is more than a 22-square foot home. So they just take, it's a 2-23 I believe is the item talks about taking the entire electric utility bills of the district and dividing proportionately by the number of students and I guess they count the officers, I'm not even sure. I did delve into that. That was originally 100 dollars. So the officers contribute something with utilities. It's now 100 dollars. Annual cola soer year that will go up and there is no objection, the officers through me, are here telling that you what is before you is acceptable to the officers and they appreciate the support they received from the board. Thank
092you. thank you, board discussion, MS. Bulman? thank you, chair. very thrilled to see this come back with much better terms for our officers, you know, when this came before us, before, I had spoken that many of the principals in district 1, had contacted me because of how much they appreciate having the right officers on campus. And what a benefit it is so to have stability and they have a place to stay for at least five to ten years. Makes me very happy. And I'm very happy that district 1 has more than a third of the rock officers. So we're benefiting mrentfully for this service and I can't thank had the officers enough for their service and the support that they give their kids. Thank you. MS. Thompson. I want to echo the comment that I'm
093pleased and I didn't count them up buddhist 2 has a large number of them as well. I did want to dive in so where we're getting the numbers. Of what we're subsidizing. DR. Hepburn? go ahead, MS. Paul? MR. Akbuzo, if you're in the room. chris is is not in. But I can tell you as the speaker mention approximated proportionately, looking at the square footage that the rock officers use, because there isn't correctly if I'm wrong, there is not a separate meter for the trailer? no, there is not. so they have to come up with a estimate based on the size of the school facility verse the size of the trailer and come up with an estimate as best they can. okay. And then, that was my question, thank you. MS. Rupert? thank you. Through the
094superintendent, how is there an update on officer I don't know how to do this, j. -- oh, that is not on the list today but waiting to hear back from us about his lapped lease? yes, MS. Paul. so we've set a meeting with MR. O'brien, to discuss some of the details and requirements that we would need in order to enter into a lease with him. We have not received the documentation that we requested and that the other rock officers provided. So we have a meeting set up with him I believe it's this week. okay. I'd be appreciative of an update on that because this is going on for a while. And, I know that the board is being copied on all this. So the sooner that we can get this done, it is a matter
095up in the air for this person and this family. So as soon as possible would be optimal. Thank you very much. any other board discussion? thank you, MADAM Chair, I want to quickly mention that I was one of the board memebers that supported this and having this wonderful relationship with police officers being on our school property is beneficial. So I want to thank the police officers and who were provided this service that we appreciate you and we acknowledge that this is beneficial when it comes to the safety of our students and having the police officer there on the school properties, significantly beneficial. I know for one, having a police officer in my community just being present is a wonderful option that, that residents have. So having this at our school grounds or school properties I
096think it's great. And I think you know, my brothers is a retired police officer so I understand, you know, the importance of all of you and having you partner with the school board of broward is important. thank you. MS. Alhadeff. I would like to thank all the rock officers this is an extra layer of protection. And I'm happy that we were able to give you an agreement for five years so there is consistency and continuity. thank you. MS. Hixon. thank you, I will echo that it's been a work in progress. I appreciate the representation for rock officers and working with with the district to move this forward. I know it's been a little back and forth, did we want to keep them did we not? I'm glad we landed where we did and I want
097to wish all of those officers a happy holiday. thank you, niz other board discussion. MS. Rupert, for round two? thank you, it will be quick. I'm a little behind on my email so in receipt of a letter from jo and he satisfied the communication that he was sent on 11-24, he sent it to the office. I guess that would be from elizabeth sam ton bryant was the lovely and very kind to this gentleman. So wups again, will will be extremely appreciative if this is put back on the front burner. So thank you. thank you, any other board discussion on jj10? All in favor say aye. aye. any opposed sino. Item pass approximates unanimously. Can I have a motion and a second on hr. so moved. moved business DR. Zeman, zebeded by -- no board discussion.
098thank you so much, chair. I have a couple of questions and specific issues I want to talk about this particular issue. The first question is about the financial impact p.Tt a 15-8 million. If we pass this h what amount of money are we voting on today? DR. Hepburn. this specific group of supplements that are being paid out is the 1 million. maybe, could you put that in the context of 2.4 million that we have already approved in the budget this year? yes, so supplemented are not paid out in one time. You're lookinging at activity for the supplement to be received, athletic as an example, the next upcoming sport in the spring, basketball is already started and later you have supplements for track coaches. So tt paid out in batches when activities start. is it possible
099that we're going to have 30 agenda items? some of the supplements have been already been approved earlier this fall. So you will definitely have more on this spring that correlates with activity. and do you know how much of the 29.94 we've expended this year? I'm not sure, go ahead DR. Lozano. that's the expense total up-to-date to this agenda item. We expend approximated the 29.9 million from JULY 1 through this item being put on the agenda. is this in addition to the 29.9 million? the 29.9 is is the amount schools have paid out and put into pay out from JULY 1 through this item being posted. I'm sorry, I need to step back a little bit. How much are we going to spend on supplements for this year? go ahead, DR. Lozano if you have the
100exact number. again, schools have allocated money. in their budgets. so some schools MAY use all of that allocation, some MAY not, if it depends on if they choose to supplements for. and other budget categories, this being part of the school's budget. once we pass the budget, those are available to spend. Why do we bring money to authorize? so basically, it's a pass through of school board approval but through contract and appendix f, there is allocated activities that schools can implement anytime throughout the year with a range of money that the school principal can allocate to the staff member who leads that activity. terrific. and we also have other supplements on here for example, for students who need for example, tube feeding. So we MAY get a new students in the district that requires that and
101we would have to pay the supplement to the esp that provides that service to the students. We have throughout the year, a certain staff member MAY leave the district and then they will stop for that individual and a new staff member who is now taking on that assignment. terrific, and as we've been told before, the school budget are up to the discretion of the principal so they get an agreement on what supplementals can be made but it's based on the principal to do these things to really, execute these funds. Thank you very much, chair. thank you, MS. Alhadeff? thank you, I have a question in regards to are supplements at each school and are they the same exact supplement or do they vary per school? go ahead, MR. Lozano. they ver'. -- vary. so suck
102be doing the same job but be getting paid a different? no. There are certain supplements that you cannot split apart if multiple people are supporting that. I'm trying to get an example. Department chair, if there is one department chair, they get one principal. If they decide to have two supplement chair. but the supplement is equal no matter what school? correct, it's the same amount per school. okay, so I know, this item is for 25-26 but for the 26-27 school year, I would like the board to think about increasing the supplement pay the amount for each position. Thank you. thank you, any other board member discussion on h3? All right. All in favor of h3 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes unanimously. We will now go to our time concern on dd1. so
103moved. moved by DR. Zeman, seconded by MS. Rupert. Public comment. yes, we have two registered speakers, DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh and the second speaker is rachel bailey. Speaker: DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh, plantation florida so. Let's just say audit committee input on things facility is not the same without the person that has been on the facility task force since 2011. However keep in mind one of the findings initially from rsm is that there was no longngtermrm planning prprocs when it caca toto rf unundernth.. Whwhat is happening, is 30-foot roof were being put on buildings who's useful life is over. And I'm happy to see that. That's at least one checks and balance on what is currently going on. Thank you. rachel bailey? That concludes public comment. all right, board member discussion on the item? I have MS. Rupert.
104thank you, my question was answered. DR. Zeman. thanks so much, chair. I was hoping just to take full advantage of the work that was done here and trying to get a summary that we can share with the board and public on what the most significant conclusion was? okay, executive director of audits mark, I'm here with mandel who conducted the audit. So we'll allow him to give his input. sure, so this audit was completed several years, had nine original. The twos that remain open, were the finality to combine efforts to make sure that roofing and other assets are consolidated, there is tracking of that and making sure that decisions are being made with the full amount of information relative to the facilities assessment of all parts of the building and all the assets contained there in.
105As shown in the follow pickup report, there is been some progress made. There is office of capital programs, allowing consultants to do this work and has a plan for consolidating the information which will be the long term plan that will inform future decisions related to capital investment. The other piece that remines open is related to the sub permit process within the permit. So very annual process, required a significant amount of work and paper, rather than lectic reports. It still a manual process and they're still going through the information find for the permitting piece of this but they're in the process, the building department is in the process of utilizing a vepder to holistically update their review process not only for roofing but everything. So they are making progress along with that, I understand as it
106was conveyed to us and expect that to be live with I believe the first quarter of next year. terrific, and chair, I'm fascinating with this being 2025 and we're still doing things with paper. One of my colleagues is talking about how many paper we use in the district. But to me the biggest acura tier is speed and how you can update things. Is our date to going dinl tal? MS. Digital. MS. Paul? so we started this process several months ago, I think we're about three months away, but I'll confirm that. But we have been moving towards this. We just have mountains and mountains of paper and it's very difficult to do the review. So this is a substantial change on how we can do business. So we're very excited about it. terrific and I was
107doing work with the city of ft. Lauderdale, the accuracy where they can do work, with improve things that I know schools would like to score some additional points with. Thank you. MS. Alhadeff. I think I went to the building department about four yearsing and there was rolls and rolls of paper like literally everywhere, it was shocking. But my questions in regards to software, is this max month or something else? no, it's a separate type of soft mayor, so it's not part of maximo. is maximo capable of doing this? no, not at the detail we need. so is this a software we've already approved? yes, as I said before, and doing the cross over portion of it from paper to electronic. and what is is the name of the software? I don't know right offhand but
108I can get it to you. okay, and my other questions in regards, if the facility assessment, if the roof comes up as I'm just going to use the word poor or, you know, needs to be fixed, when do they do a structural engineering assessment for the rest of the building? so, there was an assessment that was initiated several years ago. So that is part of the compilation of all the inputs into our fca and bureau toss is doing that cross over into the fca and so that's why we entered into a 3-year contract with them to include all aspects of our buildings to include structural roofing. And our historical information on our building. So it's a quite elaborate process. okay, I just want to make sure because after the roof collapses, I do we did
109-- here going into 2026, I j ufrt want to make sure that if there are issue with the roof we're doing new structural assessments. as I sid before, that assessment has been on going of the roofs. That's part of the fca or inputs and our goal is to get a picture of where we stand in every facility that we have in the county. is know we've done some structural assessments but is want to make sure that moving forward, in 2026, if there is some red flags that come up with the roofs that they're doing new structural, engineering assessment on building and not relying on the old ones from when the roof collapses? absolutely. And part of that process is we're identifying issues that and I don't know if MS. Coally, our executive director of instructive
110services. But we're taking action as we go forward. thank you. thank you, any other board discussion on dd1. seeing none, all in favor of dd1 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes unanimously. Can I have a motion and a second on ee4. so moved. moved by MR. Zeman, second by MS. Hixon. Any board comment? Board discussion? -- public comment? no public comment. board discussion, MS. Rupert. I'm looking for it. It is on head start report. is know what it's on, I have reports here. I'm ready to ask the first question. It's on page 56. First of all, I want to congratulate the head start department, I mean, they are, they're nailing it in so many different ways, extremely, I'm always very impressed with their work. However, there are some little bits that I
111needed some help with to really focus on. So, 156, where it talks about 80 percent of children will demonstrate age appropriate levels of gold and early math concepts, a few of them, especially, 20b and 21 a, did not sustain the increase that they had winter time and into the springtime so I wanted a little information on why it decreased from winter to spring. DR. Hepburn? thz bailey. Speaker: I'm going to differ to our specialist liz glade to address your question, MS. Rupert. thank you and for the record, I did speak to DR. Cohen beforehand but to make sure that you're ready to answer the questions. To me, we always have wonderful ones. So his explanation will be great. hi, my name is elizabeth and I'm the specialist for early head start. So is the program
112that we use is teaching strategies gold and it's based on continuum from birth until grade 3. So what you're looking at is the early head start program. And that program, our program is a fluid program so babies ept and exit our program throughout the year based on their age and developmental level. So my children that are in the program when they turn three and if there is a seat available, in a 3 -- year-old classroom, they will move into that classroom opening up a seat where another child under three will take the child's place. So from there, that child MAY not have any experience in schools so their environmental level MAY be lower. So it's a fluid process. So you MAY see dlout the year as the reports, you'll see hills and valleys in the
113data. Because of that reason and the reason move from infant class into the toddler class. So again, their schools if they're expected from a toddler, if newly moved in there will be a lower score because they have not mastered those skills yet. that's interesting to me. Page 57, same question. Really in the especially in the 12-a recognizes and recalls, dipped down a little from winter to spring, same thing both category for age 2 to 3 and 1 to 2, I'm assuming that's the same answer. yes, and then we have in the back of the report, it does have a statement. got you. statement which we'll be sure to add to all the pages. thank you so much for that. And, 161, my only comment there is the expected outcomes for 80 percent. We were maintaining
114them, I guess, between as the younger ones were kind of blowing it away and then when if came to tt spring, they did come down and obviously, we need more growth there, most especially in age 2 to 3 joining in songs and games which is how you reach the stutd enters so I expect when they come in, it will be a beacon like it always is. Thank you so much. thank you. Niz other boeder discussion in seeing none, all in favor of a-4 say aye. aye. anybody opposed say no. Do I need to state MS. Rupert, MS. Leonardi, DR. Zeman and ms. alhadeff. MAY I have a motion and comment on c1. so moved. moved and second. Any public comment? no public comment. board comment? this was appealed to administrative judge. I was trying to
115get a little inside to administratively discussion decision. What is it that they were interested in doing and what did we do that allowed them to do this suspension? MS. Batista? This is one of the superintendent items so I'm not sure if somebody from the superintendent staff will have additional information? DR. Hepburn. staff? yes, iemes -- I'm he esmeralda and yes, an administrative complaint was filed and the person took advantage and is the administrative judgment upheld the decision pointing out that the superintendent could have recommended termination because of the accessive absences. The administrative judge upheld the decision and we ask that the final order be approved and we move on. so chair, am I right that in this particular case, what the staff did, what the school board confirmed in their decision, was then taken to
116administrative law judge at doa and the judge confirmed that our process could have needed a stronger offense but we did less. absolutely correct, sir. chair, thank you very much. thank you, any other board discussion on c1? All in favor of c1 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes unanimously. With MS. -- can I have a motion a second on c3 please. so moved. moved by DR. Zeman seconded MS. Alhadeff. Public comment? yes, we have one public speaker, PRESIDENT Ana fusco. Speaker: I want to talk about harry marshal situation. Harry marshal was sit ising out of his class for over 13 months. Last OCTOBER, school, I sat in the meet ing of meeting of due process that they felt he need. Hours of our life. I need to you pay attention. This is the
117biggest example of your due process that somebody inter feared in the process and changed it and now he is being terminated. Because you sat is there and said it. Let the process take its course. We sat in a meeting with this principal, risk management for hours going back and forth why they felt he needed to be served a fit for duty. And we waited for the therapist to call and somebody says, well we decided we're not going to do a fit for duty. We're going to go discipline from OCTOBER, to MAY. We sat there and nothing happened. Did you hear this clear, then MAY, his principal was ordered to do a due process on discipline for some things that he did, they felt were a little bit extreme with his colleagues. After the fit for
118duty was issued, after, with with the evidence that was presented that they felt he was unstable to go get checked by a therapist which they didn't happen, they interfered in the process that they said, we do with consistency, your words, board memebers, now. Now the principal went and asked people after the due process, I mean p after the meeting for the fit for duty and solicited because after it was all said and dup, I went to talk to the witnesses we didn't know it was going to be held against them. So there we sit in MAY, then he gets noticed in AUGUST, that he was going to be recommended for termination. Then the day after thanksgiving, he had to be served. He didn't know existed for 13 months. That's the pieces that is unacceptable and
119not okay. And if you're okay with signing with things like that. Shame on you. He did not get a fair process, the process. The process was inter feared and then he picked and choose. That is where I stand today on this. I'm asking you to take it off and have it severely reviewed. thank you, any other comment on c3? Board member, I have DR. Holness. thank you, MADAM Chair. DR. Hepburn, can you describe the amount of times and the scope where this employee was referred to fit for duty? MR. Henry or MS. Parente or both of you? can you repeat are the question, please. Good morning, henry director risk management. okay, MR. Henry. yes. can you describe and provide us as much detail as you can where this employee, the history of this employee, being
120referred to for fit-for-duty and whether or not the employee had the opportunity to engage in that inter vent ive? process. yes, the first fit for duty wacondted in 2015 and second 2020 . The employee also had a fit-for-duty done by his own psychologist in 2019 and also 2020. okay, so this would be twice, correct? four times. okay, there was a mention by speaker ana fusco OCTOBER to MAY, there seems to have been a lag time to which nothing happens. Can you ascertain if that is accurate and, and what happened between OCTOBER and MAY? do you want to speak? sure. heather parente, direct of professional practices. So during the time that I have in front of me, the employee that was called to appear for a due process meeting with the administrator and in those meeting
121there were statements that were shared with the employee. So the employee had sent text messages to staff members not related to operation of the school or curriculum and included such things as barack obama have conspired to funnel money. Barack, the we're not going to have another holocaust because of the holocaust presidents, daniel most being the principal. On tuesday OCTOBER 159ing, he stopped another member on the parking lot on his way and showing signs of stress over entering grades. He caught concerns about his well being. On thursday DECEMBER, DECEMBER OCTOBER 17th, he was very frantic calling shortly shortly after dismissal with the department head and shouting about tragedy. This is the witness state of mind and made accusations about recommends' brothers. On friday OCTOBER 18 when asked to write a statement about the interaction of that
122day. He got very defensive about a particular question and became combative point. He was from trials in front of students and making everybody be feel awkward. On FEBRUARY 11, he emailed requesting that he confirm to the family members that the statements in the email were accurate included comments such as I don't know if I'm going to make it through the day, they can kill us at any time and daniel can put a bag order on me. I understand the content of what was said, because we discussed it and I read it. but my question is between OCTOBER and MAY, was there a recommendation again forfeit for duty inter vent I have measures that was recommended to occur between OCTOBER and MAY? there was no fit for duty conducted. The last fit for duty was conducted
123or requested rather in OCTOBER of 2024. okay, so was there a fit for duty request being made between OCTOBER and MAY? That didn't happen? Yes or no? no. okay. All right, so -- . can I intervene for a minute. The only request came from the principal in OCTOBER of 2024. That's the only request that I received. dequorum in the audience please. so you request that there was no fit for duty between OCTOBER and MAY. I think he said yes there was a request for OCTOBER 2024 from the principal. A q. did that happen? no, it did not happen. why did it not happen? we had done two already and his psychologist had already done two. So there was a total of four fit for duties completed. I understand. DR. Hepburn, if there was no intention
124to carry out the fit for duty request, why was it requested in the first place? that's normal protocol if they see a concern. And I'm not sure if the principal was aware the prior four fit for dpaout, assessments. okay, so was this individual at the school when the prior four, was a principal when the prior four fit for duty assessments was done. if you can elaborate. no, MR. Mose was not the principal there. was the principal that was there when this fit for duty assessment was requested, was he there when any of the four fit for duty assessment was requested? Was he there for any of the prior four? the current principal MR. More was not there. And I almost want to say and I'm not positive if it was done at that school or
125another school? I understand. So if a principal request a fit for duty for a staff, what is the process? Is it who decides that we're going to carry out or not carry it out. is know we review past, if there was a fit for duty and due to the numerous assessments for this particular employee, pretty much see what the outcome is going to be and move into a different direction to address this matter. Go ahead MR. Henry, if pu want to add anything. the first fit for duty was conducted in 2018. It was given to general counsel office and he was found unfit. General counsel overturned and said let's get him evaluated again. He waz val -- he was evaluated by his own psychologist in 2020, he had another fit for duty and he was
126cleared. He also had two others by his own psychologist. As far as documentation, we request documentation from the school. The documentation is given to us and it includes statements from the administration, statements from the principal, and statements from employees that work with the employee that they make the request for the fit for duty for. okay, I'm trying to understand the process, DR. Hepburn. So when you say, clear, what does that mean? Does that mean that they completed the process and they said he's ready to come back. yes, that's conducted by a psychologist whether he's cleared to return to work. I understand. So when this principal requested an additional fit for duty was there an additional communication to say we're not going to continue a fit for duty because of the prior ones that were done
127and the behavior continued? Or what is the process? I'm confused. If I am a principal and I say, I recommend this particular staff forfeit for duty, I would assume that the principal should know the prior situations behind niz particular person, or if they did not, would there be some would the principal be aware that this will not be carried out bews of prior incidents? And then I have a few more questions. I'll have MR. Strauss and MS. Parente provide specifics, I don't have the specifics myself. heather parente professional practices. So due to the alarming behaviors that have gone forward, in working with in consulting with legal, consulting risk management, prior supervisors, current supervisors, and leading to right up to DECEMBER 4th of 2025, there have been multiple examples where staff does not feel safe around
128him, including this comment from DECEMBER 4th where he is texting staff how much of the three billion goes to paying daniel most craig and falsifying security documents. It's that counted on 3 million or its own? Paying to cover fraud and I get lied to falsifying security and what not. I understand all of that. DR. Hepburn, I'll move on because so s it mentioned that, a therapist he chose a therapist and the therapist did continue call or communication who's responsible was to follow-up with the therapist after he chose one out of the three that were given to him? it's risk's management responsibility to make the appointment. did risk management make the appointment? on this case, no we did not. DR. Hepburn, can you speak to if, there is a recommendation for this person to receive therapy?
129And he chose a therapist which was one of the three provided, what risk management did not follow through? Can you provide your feedback on that? Because that would seem to me as an important part of the process before we terminate this particular individual. well and the team can add any additional information from what my review is, is that the process has gone through several times over the years. And the outcome or the employee's activity or actions have not changed and hence why we're bringing it in in manner instead of continuing with the same process over and over without any improvement. right, but was there a therapyity fit for duty different? I think what the resolution here is that, we've gone through several fit for duty and support and there has been no change and now,
130it's set up to duty for coming to the board for discipline. I understand but is the fit for duty different from the option f therapist that was then exercise? Is it the same thing or different? I have to ask MR. Henry? F.Ates same thing. It's the fit for duty whether he goes to his psychologist or psychologist assigned by the district. Thought that there is no hope and we should end it. So we recommended an additional stoep which is therapist which we didn't follow through on. I'm just stating the fact. DR. Hepburn, for this individual, since the individual chose the therapist, moving ahead, is it possible that this individual if this does not pass today, can be given of seeing that therapist that he chose and at the same time be taken out of the classroom
131where he's not with students. all of that depends on the action of the board today. okay, how long has this employee been working with the district? How many years? MS. Parente do you have that info? one moment please. so this employee has elected to go to a doah hearing. There are things we're not sharing because we don't want to have a hippa violation. I understand. How long has the employee been working with us. 2005? And when did they start happening? as early 2006. so MADAM Chair, I'm concerned about us missing a step is that we recommended which is a therapist that did not happen. At the same time, I'm also concerned that this individual MAY not be based upon what is here, should not be around children but I want to make sure that the
132process is share and this person has an opportunity to get help, while at the same time, the individual is not around children. So as of now, I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish that, any of us can be ill at any time, it can be mental or psychological, we're not immune to it. Different stresses come to people's lives that can result in this happening. I'm trying to see what is the best way to go to treat this person fairly. This person should not be around children but at the same time, this person should get help and we should exhaust options to provide the help. I'm not sure if we did. The only way is to have this individual removed from the classroom and put in another role that is fairly isolated from staff and
133as many staff and give them an opportunity for additional therapy cal help. So MADAM Chair, I'm going to have the others speak and then I'll probably make a motion. Anybody else? MS. Alhadeff. thank you, and I'm really concerned about the conversation that is being had right now. I'm concerned with, I'm okay with asking questions but we're not the ones that are litigating this up here. And legal council request speak to it and I wish you had. Debating up here is creating more issues. MS. Batista. so we've explained the process before. The only move, the only option forward for the board is to approve this complaint so the employee can have due process. This is not, I know, a suspension, or so, you know, this is a termination, if there were problems with the process, the
134employee is able to bring those up as part of his evidence in front of his division of administrative hearings then that item will come back to you, let's say that the whether the doj approves or disapproves, there will be a recommended order. They can be, exceptions filed by either side, if they don't agree with that recommendation of the doj, and then it comes back to the board, based on the evidence that is adduced during the administrative hearing, you will have the opportunity to make a determination and you will sit in a quasi judicial process here. You will have an opportunity again to see it again in the due process. all right. MS. Rupert? Thank you. I struggle with the fact that we do procedures and policies in place for this kind of stuff. With the
135negotiation with union and staff, what was the answer that they were going to do or what was the conclusion that they wanted? Was it another fit for duty or did they decide to just terminate? go ahead? MR. Asrito? are you talking about the meeting we had with the union leader or the meeting for this specific case that the staff had with their representative? yes. the latter. thank you. So this employee went through a due process meeting at his school site with his principal regarding the evidence that I shared with you that happened in OCTOBER, it carried on to page 2 of the corrective action report which had additional examples of his bare, his statements, his text messages and so forth. So at that point, they had a due process meeting and then administration issued him
136a recommendation of discipline as a termination. okay, so that, the marathon meeting at the end of that aspect, I don't understand why it went from being doing all the steps this way like they've done before and then, just deciding it was going to be a different discipline than what is usually done in the process. Is that fair to say? so I don't think it was, DR. Lozano through the chair. So I don't think it was a different process. I think when looking at to do, so the employee was determined to be fit four times. So now, doing another one and you're fitting, a collective group, the district decided to look at the behavior. So it wasn't in that meeting, where it decision of termination took place. But the district then began the process of looking
137at the behavior to determine a corrective action for the incidents we kept receiving regarding this individual. I'm having a big problem with this. if I MAY, MADAM Chair. So you know, in this particular process, that was followed here, if you, if you follow the and you know , well, let me back up. If you have an employee that fit for duty examination and the result is that the person is fit and they trourn their classroom or whatever job they have and they continue to exhibit problems, you cannot say this is a difficult of a mental problem or something that would necessitate an accommodation because the person has been shown to fit for duty. So you'll have to be looking at misconduct something else, and I think that's what the process that it was followed here.
138If there there were a problem with the process, that's one of the things that this employee will be able to put on as evidence before an alj and all of that, evidence that will be with people under oath, taking, giving testimony in front of a judge, that evidence will come back to you and that at that point, you'll be able to make a better termination as opposed to trying to is -- ascertain small facts. This is not a trial here. so your belief MS. Batista was that he was afforded his due process? he was afforded his due process as given to any other employee and district yes. And if there was a violation, that will be part of the what evidence would be in front of the alj and you can make the determination at
139the end of that trial, hearing and all of that and then it will come back to the board with exception from either side to make then further determinations. okay, all right. Thank you. call the question. all in favor of calling the question. aye. any opposed say no. roll call. On calling question. Alhadeff. yes. bulman. yes. cervera. no. hixon? yes. lollness. no. leonardi. yes. rupert. no. thompson. yes. zeman? yes. motion pass 6-3. all right all in favor of c3 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. no. roll call please. roll cal on item as presented. Bulman? yes. cervera? yes. hixon? yes. holness. no. leonardi. yes. rupert. no. thompson. yes. zeman. yes. alhadeff. yes. motion pass, 7-2. all right. Can I get a motion and a second on item c2? Moved by DR. Zeman, second by MS.
140Rupert. Public comment? no comment. board member comment, I have MS. Bulman. is had had the pleasure of speak to go DR. Hepburn and DR. Lozano and my questions have been answered. DR. Holness. I no longer need c2. any further board member discussion? All in favor say aye. aye. niz opposed say no. Item passes unanimously. Can I have a motion and a second on f2? so moved. public comment on f2. one public comment, DR. Lynch-walsh? I don't doubt it. good almost afternoon, again, DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh plantation florida. You MAY recall when I was the chair that the audit committee tore through, the financials, tore through the concept of the fund balance, and reporting and when. And then in response, you now get these things called budget reports instead of interim financial statements. With that being said,
141there is a lot of red. And it does not make sense that your expenses can be greater than a revenue which means you're operating at a loss. What does not make sense and there is a lot of asterisks on that one-page with the projected fund balance. It's like you never have budget amendments anymore. Those things have disappeared. I saw a phantom one a couple months ago, that talked to the roof repairs versus replacements, but it does not look like you approved it. And there is a lack of clarity, but that's a to be continued. In determines of budgeting, remember the 35 million, 35 million and then piem came for the superintendent, and then that stopped in tepz of scheduling. There has to be some common sense here. The instant cannot be take money away from
142teachers and kids. That can't be the first instinct because my first is to take the budget and gut the central office for all things non essential whether that be people that are skating along that aren't adding value or duplicate other staff or software that you don't need. Streamline the whole thing but my background is accounting not education, so it's a different mind set. On the other hand, it would never occur to nickel and dime and go for graduations, I don't think you thought that through. The graduations happening in gyms and I hope that includes the three largest schools because we would have inequity. But these are recommendation, i don't think you thought that one through. You're trying to save $500,000 and that is less than what has been wasted for that handy lease, already less.
143And don't get me started with 1,000 that they wasted. So with budget and byway, I did a public records request for any communication between bcps and the state, let's hope I receive nothing because that will be another problem, thank you. no more comments. thank you, board member comment I have MS. Rupert. I'm good, thank you. DR. Zeman. thank you. Couple of things that are worth talking about this. One to our chief financial officer thank you for this format. It easy to understand, and every month, we see this and we approve financial statements, when it comes before the board. I just want to confirm chair, that our negative year to date balance and our general fund is negative 80 million dollars, is that correct? DR. Hepburn? DR. Johnson. yes, that's correct. and Chair: is it also
144stated to end the year with 5 percent fund balance on the general fund side? yes, that's correct. ter rific. And the last point, our capital has a negative position as well. But it has the fund balance of 510 million, is that fair? that's correct. thank you. So in some sense, we're getting close to a state minimum and some issues. We're also significantly right now, projected, not significantly but we're projecting 4.8 percent for our fund balance? that's correct. and when the community calls me and says you're 94 million short, we're decrease in revenue, is that fair? that's correct. terrific and last week at the workshop, we asked the superintendent to come in and give us estimates on three things that we've done by his memo. One was hiring freeze for the balance of balance school year,
145the second, I'm going to get these right, I wrote these down elimination in essence of any discretionary travel. Do we have estimates on how much money we're going to save for these things? yes, you should be getting those shortly in a memo. can you share the numbers now. the number is 23 million and going. terrific and do we know how much we have to save this year in order to end at the policy that the school board has committed to 5 percent, how much more do we have to take beyond the 23, I think you said? How much more do we have to save this year? about 30 to 34 million. okay so when the community thinks we're getting smaller, for the next six months or so, it's a 30-40 million dollars problem on a
146two billion dollars operating base. that's correct. what percentage is 30 million over 2 billion? less than, it's less than one percent. one and a half I think. right. so that's big, because we're only six months into the year, we already hired everybody we're going to hire. So there's a freeze, we're not filling empty positions and we saw some retirements today but one and a half with a year left, we're going to be able to do that, is that fair? yes. The budget is moving, it's viable. terrific, let me move gears a little bit, last with week, we talked about food services, if superintendent or you want to provide on the eligibility of free lunches. nothing, that I have to provide right now, it's still a research in progress. terrific, if true that palm beach county
147has a higher percentage? based on the information that was provided by food service department, that was stated at the last meeting. I'm sorry? I have followed -- I have not followed up with palm but that was stated. I hope that work is done with incredible speed. The impact on this community is huge. If in fact, we're eligible for this, I would be interested in learning more. To wrap up the financial thing, the biggest take away I think, chair is, that there is a 30 to 40 million dollars cost saving. right if we continue to burn. Go ahead. well if we get the 20 million saving as project, we should be at 3 percent required by the state. terrific. And last question, chair, in what way is the school board going to participate in minding the
14830 million. that's a discussion to have with all our colleagues. I think we have that discussion every board meeting now. terrific. I believe the next workshop, we have the budget back on again to talk about it if we choose to, right? yes. thank you. MS. Alhadeff. thank you MR. Zeman for bringing thup. I want to bring up again, to make sure that we're crystal clear, are we going to land with additional cost saving, DR. Hepburn that you're bringing to us above 3 percent? yes, so the cost saving that we identified that will have us at 3 or above. okay. I like the above part. Better. yes. I understand the policy is 5 and I want to be at 5. and in addition, we'll be providing a monthly update to the board and be a memo,
149so this will be one of the first and we'll continue, continued to identify cost saving throughout the fiscal year. Some contracts will be coming back to the board to exercise our causes. If it's not viable for students and staff. So we've got a lot of options that we're looking at. okay, so we'll receive that memo today, because this is our last opportunity to speak in 2025 as a board so I'll wait to see what happens, later today in the board meeting. thank you. thank you MS. Hixon? thank you, and I just, I would like to ask the superintendent, we did give a directive about giving back the supplements so we can look at them to see what could be sunseted in some instances, as we've heard the supplements duplicate what is somebody's job description. And
150it was suppose to be back in DECEMBER but we're at the end of DECEMBER so can you share where we're at? we completed the actual item, we pushed it to JANUARY due to the time constraints that we had. So it will be in addition around the budget for that same workshop. okay and in that item, is there also, job descriptions coming up that would be able to shore up the differences there and explain where that supplemental position falls into what job? so there will not be any job description, the team is going through job description and some of these issues are contractual too which you'll learn the supplements. there are some recommendations that we can possibly sunset but that's going to require conversation with our union. And of them were not contractual but it will
151volve conversation with our principals to understand why they're being used if the job description includes some of these things. So we're going to have some discussions but I'm also going to give recommendations about what I think should be sunset and the process of how, because some of them are contractual, the largest chunk is contractual. so I would ask, when the item comes, could you at least tell us what position that supplement would call into? So we have a better idea of who is receiving it. I think you have that on the item. But the part where if we took away the supplement, who would be doing that job is what I would like to see, so thank you. thank you. Any other board memebers for round one? Round two, DR. Zeman. thank you. I want
152to understand more about the word contractual. My punseding of supplements, we gar begin for the amount of money that we set aside. If the school has a baseball team and the principal has the money in their school budget and they decide to compensate baseball coach, they pay them the amount that we've bargained, correct? yes. what part of this is contractual the fact that the baseball coach grets this amount of money or that the principal must pay a baseball coach if they have one? let's take the athletic analogy out. The ones we identified are more about paying teachers for professional development. I'll have isthe teteamgive tails. Therwere some ings that reret t assosociated wiwith athletic atat was a larger chunk than athletics. I don't think, I think you've answered the question. The contractual means, it's mandatory
153in our collective agreement that -- that's all I wanted to know. I'll save you some time, DR. Lozano. Thank you very much, superintendent. thank you, any other board member discussion? All in favor of f2 says aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes I'm sorrily. -- unanimously. Can I have a motion on rr1. so moved. moved and second. any public comment on rr1? yes, we have several speakers, MR. Patas is the first one and jack adams and tomas gweny. welcome. Speaker: good afternoon, MADAM Chair, board, DR. Hepburn, in deed it's an honor to come here and give a little reflex upon marilyn batista, I've known her for many years in the days when she was with ed marco and saul the years 29 years here in house. We've been through a lot of cases, a
154lot of battles, a lot of challenges over the 30-year period. One of the thing that I think is a consistent thread of the service that marilyn has given to this district as well as our community, is full commitment towards excellence. You know, there have been some challenging times within, within her 30 years but she never waive erred from doing what was best for the community, for the district and had the up most respect for every single board she worked on. And that was sometimes pretty challenging, the board was challenging, during those years, not you all but during those years. But marilyn continued to be professional and it was an honor to serve in many ways, we even tried a case or two together which was an honor. Marilyn, I wish you as you know, the
155very best. This is not the end, you're too young for this to be the end fpt but. Whatever you do, you're going to approach it with the same amount of knowledge and you'll be successful. You have corporate experience and I know the person you are, you're going to facilitate. I wish you GOD's blessings in the next chapter of your life and hopefully our friendship will go way beyond the professional relationship. All the best. Speaker: so marilyn what can I say, I've known marilyn batista since before I worked here. I knew of her. Every single time, we went to districts, and there were difficult questions, the answers came from broward. Broward is is the leader in education law and what to do about it. I did not realize that I was going to be working with
156her at the school board of broward county but when I did, she did not change. She was the same. And that is a great quality of character. I know she has found herself in a lot of circumstances that could be categorized as challenging. I'm happy that you have finesse, grace, knowledge, I've already kided with marilyn, that I can say the same words and she will come in and say the same exact words and for some reasons, the doors open. You know, that's the type of power that she has and I'm so grateful that you are our leader. So we have a couple of presentations, for you. One is, a plaque very nice crystal plaque and it says, broward county public schools presented to marilyn c batista board certified specialist with heartfelt appreciation for your dedicated
157and distinguished service as an assistant school board attorney, deputy general council interim general counsel and general counsel dmt office of general counsel from OCTOBER 1, 1996 through JANUARY, 9, 2026. Tuz so much for your years of service. [Applause] Speaker: I also have been privileged to work with MS. Bift a, for many years, work withing for her and she has been amazing person to work with and learn from. So I can't echo everything that was already stated without simply repeating myself. Buzz one of the things that the group as a whole gathered and put together in a blinder, it says marilyn c batista board certified specialist is a very small collection of all of the appellant cases that MS. Batista has been published. So again, to you, thank you for everything you've done. Appreciate it. [Applause]
158so as not be redundant, I'm maya moore and it's been my pleasure to work for you and with you. She has a level of grace as stated before that is just, it is remarkable, I mean, we've seen her stand tall in all different types of challenging times and give the best advise that she has. You're really going to be MISS Approximated. And I want to thank you for your service. We have some beautiful flowers for her and you know, we'll shed our tears in the quiet but I want to thank you for everything that you've done for us individually and collectively. [Applause] do we have any other public speakers? Board discussion, MS. Rupert? Sorry, we have one more person. sorry, hold on. I'm anastasia, I've represented the broward county since day I became a bar
159attorney with MS. Batista. I can say nothing but good things about her. She is the most professional person I have ever had had the pleasure of working with, an amazing amount of grace and class and I'm going to MISS Working with you. And I'm grateful that we've developed a friendship and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do. I know whatever it is, it's going to be great. Thank you. all right, MS. Rupert? thank you. It is a pleasure and a sorrow to see you leave. You have certainly represented us to the community. You've been kind when it's not been kind around here. It held me together for sometime when which needed an advisor, and it was something very special for me. Love the resolution and in order for us to pass
160this resolution and follow our policy on naming school board owned facility, iles move to add at the end of the last paragraph that starts with no, therefore, where it ended and says students of broward county comma florida we're going to add comma affective FEBRUARY 5th, 2026. That's when you're not employed anymore. I don't want to violate any policy. seconded. Motion made by MS. Rupert seconded by MS. Leonardi. All in favor of the motion say aye. all opposed say no. Motion passes unanimously. MS. Raoumeter did you have anything else to say? continue. sorry. I always get emotional on my duty so let's just, I'm going to say unemotional here. And I look forward to thank you enjoying yourself having that freedom spending more time with your family and those moments you cannot get back and as
161graceful and much of a rock that we've needed. Is know that you're family has missed you and I know that whatever your second, third, fourth, editration of your life it's going to be just as enjoyable. I will MISS You personally, we will MISS Pu. But thank you, thank you for all that you've done for us. Thank you. DR. Holness? thank you, MADAM Chair. MS. Batista, you will be greatly missed by this board, I can see business your staff as well and I'm sure by everyone. What I can say is I came on the board in 2022 and you've always from day one, even when I had no experience, didn't know much about what I was doing until I had to learn, you were very kind and respectful and you always take my calls when which
162send a message, MS. Batista will respond in an hour or two, I don't know how she does it with other things she has. But please give me a call within a an hour or two, MS. Batista would call. And shell not rush you off the phone. Any take is a decent human being and outside of all of the stu that we go through just a core of your character speaks volume. And I thank you and sufficient left an indelable mark on all of us. And it was a joy working with you, thank you. MS. Hixon. thank you, and I love this resolution, I think it's amazing, thank you so much for your time and dedication to our district. You've spent most of your time, I guess, in this particular area and I know that you're
163somebody who spent a long time in broward county schools, it's part of who you are and what you think about every day, why you get up in the morning and it just becomes, your family so I think this is a great way to honor and celebrate you. So I'm very happy to see it. I also want to thank you for accepting the challenges that I MAY have thrown in your direction with compassion and understanding, that I was asking I really felt deeply about and wanted to do the right thing in helping guide me around making sure I was within the confounds. I think I'm part of the challenges mentioned earlier. I appreciate getting to know you personally and I I enjoy the conversations. And I wish you the best time with your family which is
164the most important, and like ms. rupert said, you cannot get that time back. We will physical you very much. But so much for your ded caution to this district. thank you, MS. Thompson? I'm going to try not to cry, sorry. I just think, the words cannot express how lucky this district was to have you so long, we asked you to say and you quickly said no, but I know if there was a way to make you stay, you would. You can tell how amazing you were by all the people in the room by the presence that you bring to the board room. You taught me when people are being not the kindness to you ho respond to them with poise and grace and love of what you're doing and I hope you have all the
165blessings in the world. And you get to travel and spend time with your son and you move with him, because that's what he really wants. And I think you're great. thank you. MS. Alhadeff. MS. Batista, so we've been through a lot through all the years. A lot of ups and downs but, thank you for your professionalism, and all that you have done for broward county public schools. Thank you. MS. Bulman. I just call her batista, I don't why you're all so formal over here but. I watched you from afar before we were over here and really admired your lawyering. So, it's been a pleasure to work with you. Your lawyers love you, it's very impressive. Lawyers have a bad reputation, but you're excellent of example. So thank you. And I rarely ever cry about anything!
166[Laughter] try to follow that, DR. Zeman. I was, it's hard enough coming after gene petas and anatasiia and staff and like DR. Holness, I appreciated MS. Batista's cell phone, often it was sunday night when we had time to talk about things. What I appreciated about you, for non lawyers, your patience even though we were trying to find a way to violate some kind of law, you were always crysta clear about the lack of wisdom and even in my questions, she would say, that was cute alan, do you have a better one. And I would try to formulate the question. I hope I learned. I know a lot more about ed law than I ever. Often these were on sunday night, I appreciate your tips on cooking and taking care of the kids and international travel.
167Our conversations have been broad. You're an amazing lawyer and a world class person. And I have not worked with very many people that are both of those but you clearly are. Thank you. DR. Hepburn? yes, thank you. So MS. Batista who I'll just call you marilyn, thanks for you know, the support, I know we bantered back and forth trying to figure out what is best for the district and the kids that's what great leaders do. It been a pleasure, we've heard the word grace, my word is regal, keeps it professional and always not afraid to stay -- we trade mango stories all the time. If you heard about the wonderful mango tree that MS. Batista. I talk about my mom's mango, is owe her a julie mango. Thank you for your years of service, it's
168definitely dmendable. A lot of people don't understand the work that we do on behalf of the district and our kids and I know the pressures that you've been under throughout your whole career and it's commendable and I know all the broward public students and staff. Even people that don't know you influenced certain decision-making and make opportunities better, but we know. Thank you for all your years of service. Go off and enjoy family. so I would like us to vote on this item and then I have some words to say and we have clearly a presentation of a lot of wonderful things from MS. Batista. Is there any further board discussion. Any favor, as amended? chair. go ahead, MR. Cervera. thank you, MADAM Chair, I appreciate the opportunity to speak. obviously I'm in support of this
169resolution. You know, I am the newest member to the board and one of the people individuals at the district who made my transition to a board member easier, is MS. Batista. Helping me guide through some legal hurdles and explaining various aspects of the law to me that I was not familiar with in order to be a better board member, MS. Batista was there for me. Being a lawyer is hard. Being a lawyer that works for the government and has to answer to elected officials is extremely hard. And MS. Batista has always handled herself with grace and professionalism and enthusiasm. And I always greatly greatly appreciate tha. You've been a zealous advocate. As you ride off here, I wish you nothing but the best. Enjoy your mom d son anl l thatat gre stutu.. And again,
170I'm very appreciative for everything you've done for this district. thank you, all in favor of rr1 as amended say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes unanimously. [Applause] And I just wanted to, before we present MS. Batista with her many honors, I wanted to pause and recognize and honor a woman who's professional legacy is deeply woven in broward schools. For more than three decks aids, marilyn has served with unwaivering commitment. Her schools began as we know in 1996 versus outside council and later as general council where she became advisor to many superintendents and senior leadership teens. Provided steady legal guidance during periods of growth, challenge and change. Her work touched every aspect of district operations and policy and compliance with state and federal law something that many lawyers cannot say for themselves. In every
171instance, she approached her responsibilities with professionalism, sound judgment, deep respect for public education and as a word we heard over and over today, grace. It is time it is my honor to present these flowers and this plaque to MS. Batista as a symbol of our appreciation and gratitude. On behalf of broward school of board and entire public school board family, thank you MS. Batista for your decades of service and dedication to our district. [Applause] woo! We will now recess the meeting. thank you, this special regular school board meeting is now reconvened. I would like to turn it over to MS. Batista. thank you, MADAM Chair. I just want to say that this was a total surprise. I, I know I prepared for this agenda and I know there was no rr item, so when you
172called that, there was a little panic in my heart, like did I MISS Something? But I just want to say thank you to everyone who came and everyone who spoke. I, I'm very humbled by everything that everyone said. I just want to say that I, would like to not only thank all of you, but thank number one, GOD for blessing me with wonderful parent that gave me the values that I hold dear to me today. And those are, the values of faith, integrity, honesty, hard-work, and all of those things I learned from my mom and dad, so I also want to thank my son for all the sacrifices that he's made so I can be here serving the children of school of the school district of broward county on this board. It has been a
173true privilege for me to represent the board and the board memebers and the staff and the superintendent for the past 30 years. I, would not change it for anything, not even the challenging times. Every single time, gives you a learning experience and something to be grateful for. So I, I thank everybody and I appreciate the recognition and flowers and resolution, thank you so much. [Applause] well deserved. All right, can I get a motion and a second on m-1? Moved by DR. Zeman second by MS. Hoix on. no board comment. board member comment, DR. Zeman? thanks, chair. I'm fascinating with these and I'm curious about a whole bunch of things. Chair is the last time we had a -- . thank you, DR. Hepburn. I have MS. Collins to direct here and she will walk us
174through the responses, DR. Zeman. ? . Hi good afternoon, through the chair, dante, support department. I think if memory serves me correct, it's been approximately five years. if you and thank you for the conversations about this particular set of applications. I know that both of them are k-8 which is a model that charters have really fallen in love with but around the state. How many k-8, how much and I'll take that question. So district schools, I believe we have 7. And once if it's follows through it has, so far how many have we opened? The board, there is not any recommendation that's are coming from the superintendent to open any additional ones for next school year. However, there was a proposal, that the board did give staff and the superintendent feedback to look for the
17527-28-school year of potentially doing one and two more but for next school year, we don't have any new ones coming online. terrific, I'm wondering if the superintendent has some, some inclination to do k-8 in broward district schools given that charters have really fallen in love with this model. it is a desirable model for especially for families that have kids in multiple grade levels. multiple grade level bands and they start at different times which is often a burden for working families. I also noticed in these applications that they have an expected class size of 22-1 in the k-8 model. Is that consistent in district-run schools now? so DR. Fulton, would have to answer that, but we donough that we do averages of 18-22 and 25, 22 for intermediate grades of 4 through 8 and 25 at
176the high school level. statutory required. okay. The reason I would like talking about this, is you know, choice is not new. 20 years ago, we started charter schools. In that time, 50,000 have chosen charter schools in an environment of choice, if you're running choice a and there is a choice b, there is a lot to learn from what it's doing. There are some significant advantage though of district-run schools. DR. Hepburn, do we charge anybody in broward county schools to get on the bus? that is not in the negative. DR. Hepburn what percentage of our permanent faculty are certified teachers in the state of flor? -- florida. 100 percent. terrific, who has better real estate, traditional or charter schools? we do. who has better programs traditional or charter? we do. what is it that we can
177learn from this application, I know we're just choice a but the more we know about choice b and what they do and how they advise and what they do, this humane, I'm sorry, I'm going to chop the term here, this humane sciences, I'm fascinating by that but I'm not sure what it means I'm going to read about it. What they advertise, where they locate how they do administrative positions, we have distinct advantages but it is important to know woo they are. Every time they do something at a charter school, I hope we sit down and do something about it, because we are clearly completing against home schools and to the extent that we can kind of hone the message about what traditional schools have in ways we can do what we can do and say
178if we can do something better, we'll adopt that. I'm fascinating also with jeb bush who started this a long time ago. And the whole thing was for them to do innovation and professional school-run schools so we can continue together to make sure that we're serving all the students in florida. I hope when these applications come, we will not get one or two in five years. But I hope when we get the next one, we stop and think about what the latest and greatest innovations are. DR. Hepburn, do we continue to follow the programs and class sizes and programs that they offer throughout broward county? yes, we study other education opportunities how to understand how the landscape of public education is is he volving overtime so we can pivot appropriately and innovate as well to meet
179current family needs. thanks so much, I appreciate you. any other board discussion on m-1? All in favor of m1 say aye. aye. all o foeseded says no. Item passes unanimously. can I have a motion and a second with o1. moved and second. any questions. DR. Zeman. my question has been answered, thank you. all in favor of o1 say yes, any opposed say no. Board memebers I'm advised at that time general counsel would like a attorney-client session at this time. I'm requests that all persons not scheduled to attend the attorney-client session. I recommend that we could not convenient two attorney-client session in order to discuss in the following matters. A h and jg individually as parents and national guard yans of minors versus sunshine after school care inc. And broward school board case number j A.C.
180A-202525pepeing before e jujucial circucuit. The fofoowowing pepeonons llll attend this attorney-client session, school board members, sarah leonardi chair, DR. Jeff holness vice chair, alhadeff, bulman a dam cervera esquire, debra hixon, nora raoubeter rebecca thompson DR. Alan zeman, DR. Howard hepburn, superintendent of schools and kathelyn esquire. Of london subscribing to policy pk1,000 case number caca25-01 p pending of 17th judicial circuit in and for broward county florida. The following persons will attend these attorney-client leonardi, chair, vice chair, moore mccarthy bulman. Raoubeter, thompson, DR. Alan zeman, DR. Howard hepburn, superintendent of schools, nicole, john joke esquire, kathelynyaqes-adams. It was convened in according with section 286.011 pa rin 8, the purpose of the attorney-client is to discuss settlement. A certified court reporter will record the session sxz only those persons in the advertisement will be permitted to attend. at
181this time, the school board will recess the regular school board for two attorney-client sessions. The attorney-client session will be held in the first floor of the administration center. The attorney-client session will take about approximately 60 minutes. The regular school board will reconvene at the conclusion. All persons not scheduled to attend the attorney-client sessions, please exit the room session] this regularly board meeting is now reconvened. Public comment on s1. yes, MADAM Chair, there are four public speakers. coley, jodie peri, DR. Trudy, close us out, is frank carapan junior. named speakers, please approach the mic. carmpana about that. welcome. Speaker: thank you. Good afternoon, MADAM Chair, school members and MS. Batista. Thank you for allowing us to speak on s-1, renaming of the nag met programming to the frank c cam pana. But to understand the significance
182of the name it's important to understand the significance of the name. In the 1960, he was on the team hollywood high school where he was part of thest to integrate the new high school. He served as the principal for four years and then chose due to family obligations to move to driftwood middle school. This would transform the driftwood community into the hub of western hollywood. He was the principal for 25 years. In 1986, I was hon todayer to meet. I didn't realize I was sitting next to an expert. He was not only somebody who spoke in tallahassee, he also spoke in washington dc about the importance of working with children. He had a vision of student achievement that includes all students, not just ak dim I can, not looking at their personal struggles but understanding
183the entire child. Because of the programs, he started one called the model school adjustment program. That followed kids from 5th grade through high school in the hollywood hills zone. They had a social worker assigned to them, one person, they had a main teacher and they had an individual to monitor attendance. The longitudinal study on that program over a ten-year period found a much higher level of student graduation that was in the program. When I went to driftwood, he asked me to head an add risk program -- at-risk program. It was designed for students that were not ready for departmentalized program. They would stay with one teacher all day long, just going out for the elective. What we found with those students overtime, is we had 15 classes going. With 330 students per year. Over the
184years that program, became a model not just for broward county but it was recognized by the PRESIDENT As academic program of promise for at-risk students under his guidance. We had people from all over the country and internationally coming and watching the school. Grace period? finish your sentence thank you. Speaker: I'm going to cut tlut chase, this is very important. This man must be remembered by just adding one section to the name of the magnet program, what I will do with the help of MS. Winston davis and her team. We will ensure that his name lives on forever. That way, all written communications, newsletters, websites and banners will include his name ensuring this man is not forgotten. We are therefore requesting that the name be altered to need the frank c campana academy of health and
185wellness. Thank you. thank you. Speaker: good afternoon, I'm carlie and I'm a proud graduate of country hills and marjory stoneman douglas class of 2024. I'm one of frank campana's one of four grand daughters I want to thank those who put so much effort to remember my grandfather. Especially MS. Peri. We would be going through elevator and somebody would stop and recognize him as their principal from many years ago. But most amazing part was he could still remember them by name, details about their families and lives. Therefore I ask for your help in remembering my grandfather's legacy. One that extended far beyond the classroom into the lives of countless students and families. Thank you. thank you. Next jodie, sorry, DR. Trudy followed by frank campana junior. Speaker: my name is DR. Trudy. Frank campana was a
186great example of letting the teachers take the lead and also encouraged his teachers to be lifelong learners. I was good friends with wilma who served driftwood and we attended that conference together for several years. Technology was seen differently during most of the time he was principal. He allowed teachers to collaborate how the technology was to be used on students. He was the guide on the side and never resorted. Even though driftwood had a sports emphasis, they've been known for their environmental programs. These programs were guided by linda and have brought national attention recognition to the school in the district. Because was also part of the at first U.S. Soccer team she was having a great emphasis within the magnet program. For that, I would like to suggest to continue have the environmental emphasis as well.
187Rejected because somebody said they could not offer an environmental elective. There are -- middle school should be using project-base learning which could include any topic. Second, I believe a middle school should develop electronic portfolio for students which they can look back on throughout their lives. I'm sure MR. Campana would have agreed, if the school is no longer a magnet, which I think it's still a magnet. I would hope that that name reflects all programs. My suggestion is frank c campana of wellness and environmental studies but whatever the name it's a fitting tribute to a great man thank you. Speaker: my dad was an exceptional educator, he wanted to make driftwood where parents wanted to go and teach, he was a mentor to many of them and extraordinary educator, the entire time that he was in
188the school board for over 30 years. I just want to say thank you again. If he was here, he would be so happy for this honor. Thank you so much. thank you, that concludes our registered speaker. thank you, MS. Bulman? Thank you to all at friends and family. I'm very proud to have this honor being bestowed of somebody being a visual leader and educator. I had the pleasure of speak with MS. Perry and gave me a history of MR. Campana for all the negative stories that we hear from, you know, in the press recently, I think this is an example of something that is extremely positive and a role model and inspiration for so many educators. So, obviously, I support this. I've had the privilege of going to campus, the programs are still there. They
189do amazing work as DR. Just said, linsa, continues to impress me every time I go on that campus and see what they're doing to really educate the whole students. So really is a model that we should be reproducing and I'm just very happy to have driftwood in my district. So thank you. thank you, MS. Hixon? thank you. And I want to thank MS. Perry for reaching out to me, AUGUST 9th. She sent me an email saying she had been trying to get this done for the past five years. a lot of changes in principals and all different places and changes in the sac and all of that. So you know, I really appreciate you being persistent and reaching out. Is also want to thank DR. Wanza and DR. Astronauts, because it was five years in
190the making but when you reached out in AUGUST, here we are in DECEMBER. I wish it was quicker but really glad we were able to do this. It is really important to recognize the great work of MR. Campana. He died in DECEMBER of 2020 which was during covid, so they were not able to do really, a proper way publicly to honor him. Many years in the service. And he did not only support this program he also created it and also helped make it flourish. So I don't think there is a better way for us as a district to honor somebody who gave so much of his time and dedication and love to our students. So I definitely will be supporting this. And I want to thank all of you for coming today but for MS.
191Perry for being persistent in getting this done. any board discussion? All in favor say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes unanimously. we'll break the meeting for a picture. this meeting is now reconvened. so moved. second. motion and second on o-2. no board comment. DR. Zeman. can I go next, or am I the only one. I asked but I just like to ask it in public. So the em is to reject allll bids fofothe ofessionalal, ththe designprofessional services for Mcarthur because there were not enough people to bid on it. What are we as a district doing to make sure that we have enough bids, on projects like this. Because we'll have other ones coming up and we know, we have a little bit of a black stain on us in terms of construction. So
192DR. Hepburn, if you can just kind of tell us out loud what the, what the district's plan is moving forward to get more yes. MS. Cooley. to bid on this. we're trying to out reach to try and solicit more vendors. it went out once and the answer I got was a little different. To design and construction, it was the way that the bid went out. So if you can explain all of that? all right so with the revised procurement, we're going to try to do design bill where as we go out and solicit a design criteria professional. So assist us with the preparation of the document. We already have a criteria for the pool that we utilized, so we utilized that same method here and put it out to bid for a specialized vendor which
193would, more so specialized in pool construction. and when would that go out? in JANUARY. okay. Thank you. I just, it's important this is a pool that the community had, it's gone down. I did speak with principal howard about it, he's really excited about it they want to build a program but they also want to do a community program which will bring money to the district because south broward runs, I ran it for many years. The swim program at south broward and we know that and south florida, specifically broward county drowning is a huge issue. Soy look at at this more than just a pool that is at a school, it's really a service we're going to provide to a whole community and so the quicker we can get that one, the better. So thank you.
194thank you, DR. Zeman. thanks so much, chair. Is had similar concerns as MS. Hixon. But I want to go further. Is this design lack of proposal, something that is experienced in miami-dade and orange county? DR. Hepburn. I don't have any information, the construction team does. And shaking her head no, we don't have any information on miami-dade. what is the delay in getting this completed in not getting sufficient bidders. you have to acquire the service providers to get it. there is going to be a delay because we have to put it back out to get what we need to get this pull back up and running. I'm just hackerening back to another project. Four years. No swim team, no swimming, it was, it was I'm not blaming you, I'm just reminiscing about, you know, while we're
195board on the board. We watched the project just takes forever to get done. And they kept getting hiccup after hiccup. If the design is build if that is what works better in pool construction, that would be great. The unfortunate is we went out for design and THEREs going to be a delay, that's three, four, six months of not swimming in the community and in the school. I'm glad we have a solution going forward. Thank you. any other board discussion? MS. Bulman? I just wanted to echo what MS. Hixon said. Thank you for making all of those points and the faster that we can get this construction project going, the better for the big picture as MS. Hixon painted it. It's not just the opportunity for swim teams but the entire community benefits from having that
196pool. So let's get it moving. any other discussion? Item passes unanimously, can I get a motion and a second on s2. so moved. moved by DR. Zeman second by MS. Rupert. Public comment? no comment? board member discussion, MS. Thompson. I just wanted to give a shout out to west broward. This is an exciting opportunity for them. And that was my comment. any other board discussion? All in favor of item s2 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes unanimously. Can I get a motion and a second on dd3. moved by DR. Zeman, seconded by MS. Rupert. Public comment on dd3? no ma'am. No registered speaker. board member comment, MS. Bulman. is just had a question and I don't know who ins for for finance. The way, when the audit was conducted, there is funds
197that come through the processing that had accumulated to produce significant amount, and I was just wondering what we're going to do with those, because they're being held in an account with the business services center. MS. Andrew, if you're here. Go ahead. through the chair. Yes, we're looking at 5.1 million and they're going to be doing that transfer through the general fund. thank you. MS. Rupert. I'm okay, thank you. all in favor dd3 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. motion for dd2. so moved. moved by DR. Zeman, seconded by MS. Hixon. public comment. we have DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh and rachel bailey. nathalie, just I don't run out of time, this is a reminder that locations are not reconciling inventory and I believe the superintendent is suppose to be bringing a process to statutory requirement that
198the cfo and the superintendent create procedures, so that's a reminder for follow-up. Thank you. any other -- MS. Bailey? All right, board member discussion, I have MS. Rupert? is this dd3? dd2. no I'm okay. all in favor of dd2 say aye. aye. any opposed say no. F f1? so moved. second. motion and second to f f1. every month, I like to say thank you this month, we have dollars coming in through different grants. And I just want to say thank you, we really appreciate all the effort and all the great things that come to our students from these grants. MS. Alhadeff? thank you, MS. Hixon. But I do believe we have opportunity to find more grants and to apply for more grants. And, DR. Hepburn, are we doing that? absolutely. The team, works overtime identifying
199grants and we also have external people that we work with to partner with certain grants also. But yeah, that is definitely a strategy that we leverage every opportunity we get. thank you. All in favor of item ff1 say aye. all opposed say no. Items pass unanimously. I will now take the bulk items of open agenda that have not been pulled for discussion. So MAY I have a motion and a second to pass the open items that have not been pulled for discussion which ff2, gg2, jj1, jj2, jj4, jj5, jj8, jj9, jj11, jj12, jj13, jj14, jj15, jj18, jj it 1, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, all those JJs oo1, oo4, o7 and oo14. moved. second. moved by DR. Zeman second by MS. Rupert. Any public comment. no ma'am. all
200in favor in passing agenda not pulled for discussion, says aye. aye. anybody opposed say no. Those items pass unanimously. Can I get a motion and a second for ff3. public speakers? no ma'am. board member discussion, MS. Bulman. thank you, chair. I pulled this because this is an amazing program and opportunity for our students and so, I'm looking forward to people being trained to pay taxes to do that on a resources. It makes it a great way for our students to get experience and a great service to their neighbors, so keep up the good work and thank you for bringing that program forward. thank you, any other board member discussion? All in favor of ff3 says aye. aye. any opposed say no. Can I get a motion and a second on gg1. so moved. moved by
201DR. Zeman, second by MS. Thompson. Any public speakers? no speakers. board member, MS. Hixon. I asked and I want to ask it of my board members, this is for outside counsel which I understand we need. But the item doesn't come with a maximum amount of money to be spent. You never know how much that is going to cost. But I feel like in a budget crisis, that, I think we should put a limit on it, a maximum and then if there is, a need to increase that maximum, they could always bring it back to the board. But I just, I have trouble voting on something that does not have a maximum amount spending on it. So si kind of like to know, what my, so I'm going to make a motion, I guess and MS.
202Batista, if you can help guide me on what maximum. I know you don't agree with me, but if we were going to put a maximum what would be? A good number? MS. Batista. let me just address the issue as well as your second question. So you know, I think that having a maximum on any agreement is a good idea as a general rule because, you know, litigation, first of all, this particular item we are not, we are not assigning any cases under this agreement at this point to this firm, right. They're just there as a back up in the event that we do need to use another firm at this point. So that's number one. So it's not like there is going to be something assigned to them tomorrow or anything like, we don't have
203a case right now but I'm doing it in abundance of caution to be prepared. So, you know, litigation is inherently unpredictable and I'm hosting a spending limit korir to us return in the middle of an active proceeding, and that's why I don't think it's a good idea in this particular case. We do review invoices as they come in. We make sure that they're not being double bills that there is integrity to the invoice that we're paying only for the work that was performed by the firm. And we have those internal controls already in my office. So, I would ask that there will be no cap. But if one were to be desired and if you wanted to, that was the second part of your question was to, to give the maximum cap, would be, you
204know, somewhere in the 300,000 range, I would say. okay, just to you know, be safe. thank you. so I would like make a motion to amend the item to give it a $400,000 cap and then if they needed more, they would have to come back to the board. motion made by MS. Hixon, seconded by MS. Alhadeff. Public comment on the motion? DR. Nathalie lifrmg walsh plantation florida, I support the motion. It's still necessary to cap it. Thank you. any other public document? -- comment. Board member discussion? DR. Zeman. thank you very much, I'm very serious about budgets, I spend a lot of time building and managing and trying to come up with summaries of it. I feel like the office of general counsel while MS. Batista was there and always had the freedom to manage
205their extra lawyers and they've done a great job. I'm not sure if the board is known of this, we have a mandatory hour limit, I think it's 250, insanely low number. not for this firm and unfortunately, the rates are going up, as everything else. But the rates we've been able to maintain them at $200 right now they are at 230 which is unheard of. I just feel don't want to snatch defeat in the jaws of victory, and we can get 695-hour dollars to get for 250 and they're already doing that on the hourly basis and our general counsel, again I'm not trying to make this personal but the system of the general counsel has always done a good job. the third point is, for any kind of serious litigation case, they often come to us
206and we approve ahead of time the selection of general counsel and the process that they're going to go through with attendant tag that goes with it. While I love budgets and we're at a point of fiscal urge inter see, I would say that, broward county schools have done a good job of managing the counsel. Do you know how many lawsuits we're involved with right now? MS. Batista. the entire district? yes, ma'am, including liebt. around 300. so we're in the middle of active lots of time. And I would hate to stop a case and come back and say, we just got to 398,000, got a trip over. I want to keep moving and get things done and si trust the office of general counsel under this and future ones to be able to manage the external
207law firm. Thank you. and if I MAY, a lot of the expenses is not the attorney it's the expert witnesses that are very very expensive. MS. Bulman. yeah, you know, I think first of all you don't want to be in the middle of litigation, you have a lot of deadline, there is not necessarily time to come back and ask for money and you can be having trouble in court. To DR. Zeman's point, there has not been any demonstrated irresponsibility that counsel has gone to date. I have confidence that the way it's been working for a very long time, will continue to work that way unless we see otherwise in the future. So, I don't support the cap. great, any other board discussion on the motion? All in favor of the motion say aye. all opposed
208say no. no. roll call. roll call on the motion to place a cap on the item, cervera? no. hixon. yes. holness. yes. leonardi. no. rupert. yes. thompson. no. zeman. no. alhadeff. no. bulman. no. motion fails, 6-3. great. Back to the item MS. Hixon do you have any further? Okay, DR. Zeman? It's a great law firm, thanks. any other board discussion on gg1 all in favor say rao I. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes unanimously. Can I get a motion on time certain. O4. you have three registered speakers. DR. Nathalie lynch walsh and richard favres. DR. Nathalie lynch walsh. So -- plantation florida. So is thises much like the handy lease, I ow ababou something ahead d of time, I can op it. In 2020, the rfq came to the board, like it was suppose
209to. Got reviewed by rsm for an extra set of eyes, and went out what happened after that, is where things went side ways. So the first thing was that the rfq was not brought to the board so you can decide and weigh in on what you were doing next. Then, you got told about a piggy back in APRIL, the person telling you had been here since the prior APRIL. If nothing else was a priority this should have been done one of them and not wait until APRIL of 25, so that we are here in DECEMBER of 25 backed into acorner. The rfq has camor is a construct nobody knows what that is. 287.057 does permit financial stability to be something you ask about. But you wouldn't waive as a technicality after the fact and that
210was in the 2020 version, and I mentioned this when I spoke prior, it is just that nobody was paying attention to it to assess it for 2025 to see if you needed to lower the ratios. And I'm probably going well let me go down the list. So 287.055 which is a statute I've known for at least 10 years. Because this is not the first time that we've had, we found ourselves here. Requires qualifications to be evaluated, there is no getting around that, that is the strongest case for rejecting all bids. Is do not know how these three motions came to be an idea. But if you're waiving scoring and ranking you've forgotten the queue for clarifications. You cannot then, convene the negotiation team to try to back in having discussion that's are part of the
211competitive process. You cannot do it after the fact to try to cure it. First, if you walk into queue, that was the first problem maybe reconvene and evaluate, none of that happens. So there was a lot wrong with this. There is a lot of money that is now been wasted and I don't see how you walk your way out of this other than to reject all bids. But just like this morning, people were getting, being held accountable for not doing their jobs. This, people need to be held accountable, this was avoidable, completely avoidable. thank you. good afternoon, board chair I'm with jacobs and I'm here today to offer a simple framework that resolves the procedural issues in this solicitation and allows you to move forward. Let's level set, the rfq did not restrain competition, it
212was well-known that you were going to be issuing a rfq. Three firms chose to participate, they submitted in good faith and invested considerable time and resources into preparing proposals. If anybody believed that there was a flaw or that competition would be restrained they had the option to submit as a remedy, a bit speck protest but none were filed. The financial metrics were waived as inform alt it's not uncommon for solicitations to frame. Standardized through discussions with the firms. Again, that's not uncommon when multiple firms will receive a contract for the same scope of services. So, none of these actions gave any proposer a commercial advantage over any of the other proposals. So woo are we recommending? You should finish the process that started. Uz should reconvene the evaluation committee. You should complete the scoring and
213return with recommendation that the board can act on, consistent with the rfq intent. To maintain on the community, you should extend the contract for a short period of time to allow the on boarding of additional staff. While you're selection is being finalized. What we don't recommend that you do, we don't recommend that you cancel and restart a procurement where the issues are procedural and correctable. Restarting ads delay, it ads costs, it ads uncertainity in the market and it has no guarantee of a better outcome. So in closing, the prudent and defensable act forward is to go back and rescore or score and bring a recommendation to the board. Thank you. Speaker: good afternoon, richard forbs, direct of pmcm to the chair and superintendent, and the board memebers, we're prepared to scored and even present if
214necessary. I believe all teams are qualified and more than able to do the work. We're happy to answer any other questions you have. Thanks. thank you, any other public speakers. no ma'am. board member discussion? I have MS. Bulman. I'm going to go after MR. Zeman. I have MR. Cervera. thank you, chair. Appreciate the tupt to speak on this. Once again, I think we find ourselves as a district in a bad spot. We are an rfq process that was done apparently, not properly. There has been consistent media coverage of this pointing out some of the issues that we have s I come to find that apparently some mistakes that were made this round were made several years ago. In particularly, the financial abilities and 1.5 threshold that was initially put in the rfq which made it
215difficult for the majority of vendors and contractors in this space to qualify. I believe this was a mistake or perhaps somebody was not double checking. In addition of waving and ranking that taopt, committee, I also and businesses and situations like this h.Despite all this, I am very very desirous of figuring out the best course of action to move forward. So I think we need to have clarification from staff under general counsel as to whether or not we have the ability to the legal ability to renew acome on a short-term bases while we decide woo our next step is going to be? DR. Hepburn. the answer is yes. And MS. Coon if you want to provide any details but the simple answer is yes. is do want to hear from MR. Coon' if possible. yes, thank
216you very much. MR. Cervera. There is a declaration of emergency purchase option under section 6 a-1.012 of the flor administrative code that, would allow us to continue the contract with aecom until such time as this situation would be 'em -- remedied and fixed. so if tt the decision of the board to accept the superintendent was to rebid this out which my understanding can take six to nine months maybe even longer. Is it your opinion, your legal opinion that we can extend aecome and on a emergency basis and have statutory to do so while this project is rebid? that's correct. MR. Cervera, and the option you just mincinged would be a complete new rebid of the rfq and is that would be six months. I know public speaker offered another potential option for the board's consideration
217which would be to go back and reconvene q sack and rescore as it was suppose to be done the first time. MADAM Chair, one last question for the benefit of the public. As I indicated it was my understanding that a decision was made to waive the scoring and the rankings of these perspective vendors. I'd like to know why that was done and who made that decision, thank you. yes, MADAM Chair, the directive was the only three vend thaerz committed qualification statements that we wish to proceed with all three, and with that t in mind, scoring and ranking portion was no longer needed. Typically, we have multiple respondents and we need to short list to get them down to the management numbers. In this case, we started with 3 and ended with 3. So the ranking
218and scoring really would not have served a purpose in moving forward to the negotiation or attempt negotiation of agreement with all three vendors. is it your professional opinion that leaving that requirement was within the bounds of florida law and statute that you referenced before? my professional opinion is the qualifications necessary to provide qsac was made by the initial review and milt tracing by staff under purchasing. So the only remaining issue presented to qsak was the waiver of financial ratio as a technicality. so yes, I think we complied. thank you, MADAM Chair, I MAY have a follow-up but I want the input of my colleagues. thank you, and before we go to MS. Bulman, DR. Hepburn, is there something would you like to share. I should have started with this h.Thank you for the diligent review
219of this process. To go over step by step smft things that they found during the duration of their review. Also members of the report as everybody else and that's the report that I look at, media is going to write what media is going to write. But depending on the staff and factual people that we have here. Also want to emphasize that the recommendation for me to reject all bids is due to the auditor's report and I'm still in review for updates and procurement and looking at being ability measures for any staff that I need to hold accountable as result. But certainly, I think the largest concern for us is continued procurement process and not just procurement just overall in our district. There is a lot of gaps that we've identified in a short of amount
220of time and we're working diligently to close those gaps and to do what we have to do to make sure our district moves forward and the right way. So that's all I have for you, MADAM Chair. thank you. MS. Bulman. thank you, chair and absolutely agreed that our district is moving forward in the right way. That we are the stewarts of public way of public money. And we need to make sure that every single step that we take is transparent, in good faith and with the intent of gaining the public trust. And so, the procurement process, I believe and it's set out in a statute just for that fair and open competition, that's why we have procurement, that's why we go through the processes, it all very setforth. And so you know, we as a
221board, rejected an option to piggy back on existing contract in duval county in MARCH because my colleagues MAY have rejected that for a different reason but I rejected it because I think for contracts that are of this significance especially with the history that we have with construction in broward county public schools, that we owe it to the public to make sure that we're getting the best people and everybody that has to, has a chance to participate. So, you know, when we came to a workshop or special board meeting in APRIL, if you all recall, we as a board discussed having the rfq come back to the board, before it went out to the proposed, you to the bidders. And people that are handling the procurement process in the district were all there and no one
222hold us that it was not going to come back to us. So we waited, I waited expect ly for informs. So it was surprising to me in AUGUST that this had already been released. and, to now, have this situation where we have, mistakes or, you know, provisions and in the rfq from 2025 that went work in 2020, that have created problems for us again, and that we have kind of gone off track after that, with the procedure when we're dealing with the qualifications committee, there is just, there is just items with the audit and thank you to DR. Zeman for requesting the audit, I think it's very important thank you to MR. Magly and MR. Rose for preparing this on a very short schedule s you guys did a really good job with it. I
223have a lot of concerns about what happened here and how, we can fix it but more importantly, I have a concern about the big picture. I think there is, you know, we've been in the process of hiring new general counsel and one of the question that comes up is who is the client? Because repeatedly and not just in this particular instance but in other situation that's we dealt with recently, we have our legal department providing services for staff without our knowledge that is getting poor results that we are now having to deal with. And I also think that based on the fact that we wanted to have that rfq come out in JUNE because we did not want to be an situation where we didn't have a contract in JANUARY of 2026 when we knew
224the aecom contract was expiring and look where we're at, sitting in DECEMBER with no contract. I feel we as a board take control over this process because we're the ones that were elected to represent the people that go here and school here and taxpayers to figure out what we want this program to look like and what we and what we want to do with our capital program. There is an inconsistent between whether or not construction management owner rep or program management and I think we have to look at what our infrastructure is, what our capital needs are, how much internal staff we should have, how much we're looking to the outside and set the tone because we're not getting back, what I expected to get back starting in when we started this process in MARCH.
225So, I would like to hear from my colleagues but you know, I just can't stress enough how important this is for us and our responsibility to the taxpayers and to our students. thank you, MS. Thompson. thank you, chair. I had a couple of questions and I would kind of echo MS. Bulman's oughts and also just w w impoananthis I I d I I thinit'sbeen a little convoluted, the process and I know eventually, DR. Hepburn told us it was not coming back but that took what I feel is several times asking if it was coming back or not. For the waving the financial ratio qualifications is that something we waived the last time this process happened? go ahead, MR. Coony. through the chair, yes, MS. Thompson. The same exact financial ratio was part of the 2020
226rfq and at that time, was waived at the meeting. so what is the rational to have something in there that was previously waived? I don't know that it was recognized at the time of this rfq was put together. Had it been known, we would have adjusted the ratio or we would have eliminated that consideration altogether. can you give me some clarification on how it had been known how it is waived the last time we did this? well it would have been researched, the original rfq would have been researched what transpired during that meeting and what the waived as a technicality and otherwise and I don't believe that was undertaken. can somebody walk me through the process of how this rfq was established and what we typically look at when we're writing an rfq. yes, I
227know MS. Paul. so it was rfq was collaboration between legal construction as well as the procurement department. So we looked across the state, and looked at where the language and how can we construct the program. And not a complete program in which we had, over a billion dollars to manage. We were looking how we were streamlining the program and also, look at how we can finish the program a a faster pace that has been demonstrated in the past and not pay the overhead that we had to pay previously, of managing a billion dollars so that was the intent to be more efficient and save money and get the program or get the project completed quickly and I think that was the task when I was hired to, to increase the speed of closing the projects
228therefore you need more capacity. And so that was the vision, mission and the goal. And more speedy manner than has been demonstrated in the past and those were the goals. so can you say yes or no if the previous rfp was reference or reviewed when creating this. yes, it was but a lot of the information, you know, is almost like a forensic reconstruction process. And so, the rfq that was sent out representatives some of the successful programs. Can you concisely complain the difference between the two? so again, the program is managing an entire program we chose to try to separate ourselves from the previous negativity of the past with managing the program over 11 years. So we said, really what we're doing is we're running a construction program minor projects which includes the dfp and
229finishing up the last elements of, smart program. And so really we wanted to, to add speed to it because time is money as we've seen in the previous smart program. And to again, close out as many projects as we can in a timely manner. so can you give me more detail about what exactly is the difference between a p more and c more what does that set up look like? so a c-more is more geared towards staff augment. So in the current contract that we have with aecom. The feedback that I receive from some sf our board memebers was, we need to have more control of the program. Based on the complexity of the project. So if I need a project manager for this and one estimater for this, we rely solely on the program
230management firm to do that for us. That was the rational behind it. and why wasn't that discussed during any of the workshops when we referenced this that you would be going out for a c-more and not a p-more? well quite honestly, I never thought that it mattered that much. The mission and vision 69 goal was to go through finish the programs as quickly as we can with fidelity. and I appreciate the rational, I just think, moving forward, even though, it might just be a name, having that under standing for the board, because then we can defend this process. And I know it might seem like a little thing but to me that was a big thing. So moving forward to what? Where we are now, my understanding during the workshops is that an emergency contract
231was not something that we can do in fact, I remember specifically asking multiple times, what happens when we are now in the place that we are now, and basically, an emergency contract wasn't an option? So what has changed from those workshops to now? my, I'll have MR. Coony kind of add to this and this was a while ago to my recollection MAY be part of it t.I remember we were trying to see if we can extend aecom beyond six months that was the issue that we cannot do that at this time. That was the six months that ends in JANUARY. I don't know if we spoke about emergency but if MR. Coony has a better recollection than I do. I know we spoke about extend iting for a year and we didn't have that opportunity,
232due to the contract sunset ising I think in JUNE. through MADAM Chair. My recollection was at the time, there was no emergency immediate emergency circumstances that this particular provision under 6-a provides. So, without that emergency circumstance, you cannot avail yourself of that option that was the distinction right now we are in that window where you can avail yourself of that option. But several of us thought that we would be. Why wasn't that discussed? With board that, you know, there are factors where you could potentially enable this emergency provision or whatever, like I feel like you guys, we were told that everything would be fine and we wouldn't need it and also that was not even an option. And now I'm hearing, oh it was an option but we were not going to tell you. can
233you please clarify that for me? if I clarify, the situation at the time of the discussion when we were going through the procurement process, there was no emergency situation at that point. An imminent threat to health safety welfare or other substantial loss to the school district. It did not exist. So you cannot avail yourself to that option at the time and it was not anticipated that we would be in this position. But it's always been available and it's always a last, last choice, frankly to go down that route. You cannot use it if you don't have that immediate emergency. and I understand it's a measure of last resort but I would say that several of my colleagues theorized that we would be at this juncture so that's also frustrating to me. Is would like one
234of the speakers, I believe it MAY be staff as well said something about sending this back to kusak, I would like to get staff's opinion on that. I have MS. Paul or her pro xaourment team. I'm not a procurement expert so they can walk us through if that's possible. I would differ to MS. Andru. good afternoon, jennifer executive director of procurement logistic operations. If that is the will of the board, we can hold a qsec meeting and they can evaluate and score the three proposals that have been submitted. can you walk me through the process and what are PROs and CONs of that process. the process falls in line with our current policy, 7000.1, we would reconvene the committee members and they would go through proposals and score them accordingly and bring back a recommendation
235to the board as to who should be awarded and who would not be awarded which firms would be and which firms would not be. And what was part two? the pros and cons? that's very hard to say because none of this has been following what normally would be a procurement process. So, right now, we are, we had a bid protest that was filed on friday. So, I, it would be very difficult to answer the pros and cons. so can you elaborate since we have a bid protest, is this an option? physician MAY. uh-huh. okay. So, I'll take a gander at it. So basically all three firms qualify and signed agreements. I believe the firm that initialed a bit of protest was the one that spoke today that said basically, send it back to their recommendation
236send it back to qsac and have them score it. That was their recommendation. By doing that, you don't have to go through the whole procurement process, you have the scoring. It can decide one two and three, based on criteria of the scoring and then we can move forward. so, again, the intent of the, the procurement was to base on the response to select all three, but if we take it back to q-sac they can number them from 1, 2 and 3. but then, I'm sorry what is the benefit of sending it back to qsac? so the main contention I assume that we selected all three. By sending them back to qsac, you rank order. The first one, they'll be able to see who they want or evaluate as one two and three based on their
237qualifications. and why is that a process are they usually ranked? It at the will of the board if they want to send it back to qsac and the board can decide if they want number one or two, or if they want just one. So that would be the advantage. I don't have anymore questions for right now. thank you, DR. Holness? thank you so much. MADAM Chair, I will be using all my time because I have a lot to say. I am very concerned and troubled by what I read in the audit report. It indicates to me that process impact vendor participation, it appears to be dismiss I have of the board's authority. It it is potentially consequential to the board and district and, it cannot be ignored. And a board member who is elected by
238people to serve the people, I have an obligation to the resident this country and the rest of us up here that we're doing things in a manner that is, a manner that is reflective of good process. Add hiring to policies as well as reflective of adhering to state statutes. And so, I'm not sure if that's what we have here. So I'm going to ask a few questions. You mentioned that the audit report is the reason that you brought this item to reject all bids, is that correct? that's correct. okay, so on page one of the audit report. fuzz give me a second. So on page one of the report, last paragraph it says, the office of chief auditor became concern that staff did not execute and review evaluation process that in a manner that was
239consistent and MAY not have followed the state of florida statute retirements pursuant to section, 287055. That govern nz solicitations of this nature and so on and so forth. DR. Hepburn, would you stay that what the auditor, the awed statement here -- auditor statement would you say it's a reasonable statement and that it's accurate? I take the auditor's report at its value. The auditor is just as tasked to review and give facts. So I'm assuming everything that he's reported is factual. okay, the second paragraph of the page 2 says, as a result of the solicitation process. Only three process respective vendors submitted. For the record, could you restate who the three are? where are you? I'm on the second paragraph of page 2. and again in the laterer part, told officer of chief auditor, he did
240not see where the schools with procedure after learning none of the three firms met the financial qualification. So for the purpose of this publicly, who is the assistant general counsel? Who are we referring to here? MR. Coony. okay. Why wasn't your opinion good enough? On legal matters? DR., I would not say that our opinion was not good enough but we were asked to ask for an outside opinion. okay, but you mentioned that you spoke to the coo and then you asked for an external opinion. What, can you tell us what the kf, was that lead you upon having a conversation with the coo to go to an outside council instead of what you recommended? correct. And that our office had a problem with that. I asked to provide an outside opinion. To pursue an outside
241opinion and that was the result. DR. Hepburn, I have a few questions for if you, if you don't mind. Did you authorize the release of rfq26059 or was it done without your knowledge? ultimately, all staff members work for me, so I'm the final approver. so did you authorize the release? yes. did you receive any briefing before it was released? no, very concise. okay, did you give any consideration to the public statement you made to the board promising to present a draft of the rfq for our review because I recall that was a specific. yes, and I acknowledged that in a later board meet thating we did not bring that back. And if the board wanted me to bring it back at the time, I know it had the street because we can put a pause
242and the board opined and decided not to not bring it back. I take full responsibility for that. so who had final approval of the draft before it was released? MS. Paul and procurement team reviewed before it was released. okay, so it was also brought that there was a possibility that, that language in the rfq was copied from the duval school, that true or not true? I'm not sure if that was true. I know they looked at language across the country and state. They pulled some language from our current one and also from other areas too. so I'll ask the question. Was there any language word for lord taken from duval contract, I'm not sure, I'm not aware. okay. Is it customary -- MADAM Chair I'll finish with these questions and I'll like a second round.
243yes. so the purchasing agent did not submit qualification wz members. Did you correct this action or was it a surprise for you? no I did not direct those options? was it a surprise? yes. why would you say it was a surprise? just a factual information that was caused concern for the auditors. so did the purchasing agent act on their own? from my understanding, I, I don't know to be honest from just conversations I've had, I don't think everybody was aware that they did not receive the information before the q-sac meeting. I'm going to make a comment and then I would like a second round. It has been ex preds where the office of chief auditor recommend that a policy be reviewed require clarification to ensure that all stakeholders intend its intent and purpose. So there
244is obviously a concern with policy 7003 in terms of how the language interpreted. As result of that policy, here states a school board authorizes the superintendent rfp forms including selection criteria in accordance with applicable statutes and state requirement for educational facility as amended, the board should approve standard rfq. With this language even the chief of auditor recommend this be reviewed. So MADAM Chair, this policy needs to be clear for any future. Am I able to make a motion for this policy to include language that is clear and I have a motion. go ahead and state your motion. the motion for motion 7003 is to add the following language. Any solicitation that relates to purchase for which the board has approval authority solicitation must be approved by the board. MS. Batista? so the policy is not
245before you, today. So that motion can be made, I think the motion could be to bring the policy back and then make that motion when it's before you. thank you for the clarification. So MADAM Chair, I would like to make a motion that we bring policy 003 to the board for discussion and revision. second. motion made by DR. Holness, second by DR. Zeman, public comment? DR. Nathalie lynch plantation florida, I support the motion. I would argue and perhaps it's because I'm more familiar when the policy, when the sentence the board shall approve rfp forms and you have not never done before, that that is the clue that you need to bring it back so you now have a standard cma-or just like you have a pmor solicitation that has already been approved by the board.
246So si support the motion but I want to reiterate it was clear people just chose not to do it. And there is no to zen rick review needed for 2020. i was here, it's all documented, verbatim, I support everything in the audit support. -- report. So it was clear, but it would probably the policy should be brought back because it's been ten years since it was looked at, thank you. any other public comment on the motion? Board member comment? MS. Bulman? thank you for your motion, DR. Holness. I think this would be a good exercise for the board to revisit this policy and you know, I think we're going to have to really think about how much we want to weigh in and what our role is, but that is something that we can discuss
247then but I think it will be good for us as a board to have a clearer understanding. any other board discussion on the motion? MS. Rupert? I totally agree with it. Some when somebody keeps bubbling to the surface and it's not just copesedic it's time to bring it back to the board and let us discuss it so we can full forward and full confidence that the information that we're receiving is accurate. Thank you. any other board discussion? All in favor of the motion, say aye. all opposed say say no. Sorry, I didn't mean to say no. Motion passes unanimously. MADAM Chair, I have one short comment and I'm done for the second round. so MR. Coony, it indicated that, you did not see how broward county public schools can proceed after learning none of the
248three submiting firms met the qualifications, did you not see it fit to bring that information to the board before proceeding any further to have discussions with staff? the question was whether it was a waivable technicality and I was not comfortable with make thating determination but it was not a clear-cut decision. So bringing it to the board at that point, I did not give a consideration because I know it would come back to the board. so MR. Coony according to the audit report, it indicated that, you did not even see how broward public county school can proceed after learning, none of the three submitting firms met the establishment financial racial qualifications. I would think that's an important information to get to the board. I mean, it's, you know, I concur sir with board member bulman, you
249work for the board. General counsel works for the board. This is a key piece of information that should have been brought to the board. As opposed to bringing that to staff. With all due respect s sir, you don't work for the coo, you work for the broward county. And while I respect staff, I stand here on ethics and values. I report to the public. And so what I'll say, and this is not to repri manned MR. Coony, I just get concerned when we don't follow process that has to do with possibility of that the school board of broward county, we don't have a de facto, we are the board. We make policies. We make decisions. Direct to us. I am upset that I didn't get this information. I'm upset that this went to be discussed
250with staff when legal reports directed to us. Staff is is not a de factor. We are the school board and I'm concerned. And normally, I don't get dis wilded up. But this is serious. I spent, even last night I went through the audit report and I read it before and I'm concerned about it. So I just want to, caution that everybody should stay in their lane, the school board makes mol see and staff do not make policy. Staff is not the board and the board is not staff. And stuff that needs to come to the board should come to the board, we requested the rfq to come to the board for approval. It did not. Important consideration that is in here to which you indicated that, you don't see how the school district could proceed
251and we never get that information. We didn't get it. So MADAM Chair, I'm through with round one. thank you, DR. Zeman. thanks so much, chair. I appreciate all the comments, DR. Holness this is a five-alarm fire, this is as serious as it gets. There is not an issue bigger in the last three years. This is the same contract for which four members of this school board got removed. And if we're not paying attention to this contract. Choir wul right, except you were right by a month, it was not JANUARY, that we were looking at this and saying oh my, we don't have plan a or b and I really reject this conversation about MS. Thompson about her questions about what to do an emergency. We need to get better advise and to DR. Holness's point,
252we need to look forward and find out whether or not they work for the school board or not. The general counsel has to work for the school board which means they have to by legal standards, if they learn of something, we need to be informed of it. And that means we need to change the practices in broward county school. Because there are members that help senior staff to achieve their goals. And that's useful to a point but when the point is cosd is when the quient which is us, we're that relationship is drawn. With all due respect, this thing started with a big mistake and the bucket has to stop somewhere. We said three times, we wanted see this solicitation about it went out. We said three times bring it us before it went out.
253It did not come to us. Let's get into the details. There is a reason MS. Thompson recommendation MAY not be the best. Is is the scope of work for this contract, specification of contract included things that were not required by the statement of work. We did not need the financial, we did not need the audited returns. We're actually trying to do staff augmentation. I reject the idea na this is cs M.P. I don't think rickers school a minor project. I don't think choral glades is a minor projects. We need to get all projects not just small projects. Protests were eliminated because every bidder got an award. Did you think about that for a minute? Nobody can protest this award because everybody won. And you get firms and you can bring program managers instead we said
254we want a construction management buzz that's not what we really wanted. This is a moment for bt ability for staff. They need contract officers, they need to report to the superintendent of schools. They need to look people in the eye and say no, you can't have that because that's not either compliant policy, comply apartment with florida law or just stupid and that's what we need in broward county. Somebody that works for the superintendent and understand how to do contract work and they say no to senior forced four-star generals all the time. We need to implement a procurement policy, and thank you DR. Holness for bringing that back. Our general counsel needs to get right with the school board. And I don't think nobody was doing out of normal, I just reject normal processes. I don't
255think an important that works for the general counsel can work for a senior staff member or superintendent and work for the school board. So I think we need to clear that up in the policy that we need to bring back or in another. So yes, we need to reject all bid. No we cannot get the ksec together because we asked for the wrong thing. We asked for contract and owner rep work and the wrong people bid. The reason the speck bothers me so much, is medium size, were forbidden from bidding. You want them to show you what they can do particularly local firms and median to smalls and all kinds of stuff. This was a self-inflicted wound and it's a very serious one. And it's time for people to be held accountable. Thank you chair.
256thank you, MS. Alhadeff. yes, so the recommendation action is to approve the reject of all qualifications received for qualifications and it says the impact of if we say vote, yes, the procurement and logistic will research alternative that will be in the best interest of the school board of broward county. So I'm assuming DR. Hepburn, you're already aware of these strategies are? and they are? the first viable for us is to use the emergency declaration to extend aecom's contract. any 1207age of construction work. no, they're already on a job right now, they already have the relationship with all the local contractors. So the continuity will be there to see this continuation. and is there a step two? step two is to back out to rfq and hire a consultant to offers several taounts just to make
257sure that there is everybody, DR. Zeman talked about somebody that can report to me throughout the process but also to lp the cocontuous I am presess with procurement particularly for large-dollar items so we can continue to close any identifiable gaps that will help us with with the entire procurement process for other items that we want for the future. thank you. Any other board discussion before we move to round two? Okay. I have a few questions and a few comments. I'm interested in the opinion our general counsel as well as our chief auditors's office about the proposal to reconvene complete the scoring. I'm curious about your opinion on that. Not just the procedure process that were identified in the report from the auditor but there were also some substance I have issues identified in that report
258that cannot be corrected by a re, evaluation. can I hear from our chief auditor. I would not look to opine on the legal. But we do no it's been out. So based on per sefption and things that's an influence too. What we didn't touch on is is the specifics of the qualifications in there. We review the process and how it was formed and how it went through more than the substance and the standards that were listed by the collaboration of the staff to include in this solicitation. So I would not how those standards are and how they would be viewed in that capacity. MS. Leonardi, what I meant that some of the points that were identified was there is a retraining competition because there was flawed some ambiguity in the terms of rfq so those
259items would not be corrected. got it. Thank you. And say the board, which I don't believe that we'll be doing this, but say the board, did reconvene or redirected you to reconvene the evaluation committee, complete the scoring with we did the scoring would it be possible to select all three vendors anyway? yes. Because you will get the scoring and is the ranking but it will be up to the board to choose, one, two or three. But the rational for not doing the scoring is we wanted to select all stlaoe? that's correct. but if we scored all three, we could still select all three. that's correct. okay. we did not say that all that long, we said it potentially could have affected some of the people that MAY have felt restricted by some of the terms.
260thank you. I believe this question was asked before but I want to be clear about the timeline. How long is it going to by procurement that none of this has been following what a normal procurement process looks like. Can somebody elaborate on thao? who did you hear that from? MS. Andreou? through the chair, I think with the onset of language being what has been perceived as ambiguous but also not having any of the vendors to state that, so is the auditor since you mentioned a protest how does that impact going forward? go ahead. that is a question for counsel. MR. Coony, would you like to answer this question. sure. What has been filed is a notice to intent to protest so it's not the formal protest. If. Entity choose to see file a protest. Then
261the procurement itself, would stop until that is resolved. so can you more detailed. So say it's filed officially what does that look like in practical terms for this board? it would not stop moving forward with the emergency declaration and engagement of aecom to continue their services so we will not lose any services, as the bid protest. We would go through the typical protests process, where we would have 7 days to try to resolve it after they file a formal protest. After that, we would go through the doah hearing process as well. It would just have to play out. I will say that the decision to reject all bids, is there any of knowing or estimate ited based on history how long this will take to play out? I'm not the one in our office that
262would be the best to answer but my recollection is 90 days if it goes to doah and the full hearing process. MS. Batista? yes, so the chapter 120 does provide for a time frame that is usually abbreviated which is the 90 days that MR. Coony is alluding to. The realities that when you're dealing with litigation and attorney schedule, usually they do ask for extension of time and those are granted as a matter of course and courtesy. If the bid protest is, officially filed, we would not be able to do anything around the rfq until that is laid out. not if they find that there is a state of emergency, then the two processes can run parallel to each other. the state of emergency can go forward? yes. okay. And I want to go back aon
263how long it will take, I believe we had a workshop in APRIL and now it's coming to us in DECEMBER, I believe that's nine months if I'm counting correctly. So the idea that this would take six months, again, is not it doesn't pass muster for me. I have a lot of concerns that I share with my colleagues. And I want to go back to the workshop in APRIL. We were assured that this would be written that there would be no issues. Here we are, so I echo my colleagues feelings that people need to be held accountable because this is embarrassing for this school district in this board, and also I think about the message it sends to firms looking to do business with us. In the past five years that I have been on this
264board that's been the content themes, they don't want to do business with broward public schools. It cost way more with broward schools because there is not a lot of competition. So is the way that this is become a spectacle is not good for the district and business community. And I just cannot, 'em pa size enough the need for accountability in this in these definites. I'll go to round two, DR. Holness. thank you, MADAM Chair. I'll just say that, as a board member, I'm not interested in this going back to qsec, I'm also not necessarily convinced that the emergency option is the only option we have but I'm going to make some comments and then I'm going to see clarification from MS. Batista. we have situations to avoid exactly. I believe it would not be here
265if the board had been allowed to exercise its authority to review and approve. Rfq and drafted would be drafted for review and approval. What I understood, DR. Hepburn and MS. Andreu, said our request would be honored. The administration without board approval approval and then proceeded to what limits the board's ability to discuss the rfq, I believe this is unacceptable and should not happen again. The auditor's report suggested that it MAY be unclear where the policy requires staff to present draft and solicitations, and I'm glad we're bringing that back for review. I can't recall for the entire smart program that, that board approval, as far as I can recall has been required for solicitations of architects and construction managers. We have policy that authorizes del gated or his des ignee, directors of or school principals must
266be approved by the board. If a purchase must be approved by the board an rfq defined to make that purchase. The general counsel, is one of the very few direct reports that we have as a board recently, rehad a concern with the hand to lease and now with this rfq demonstrate is a troubling pattern of counsel having resignation of matters and resolving them without the board. Want to caution that as a school board, they report to us and not to staff. While I respect our direct reports and I respect our staff, it is important that everybody understand their role in who they report to. I know who I report toxer I report to the voters and resident right side of the county. And whether rfq can proceed if none of the respondent met the qualification,
267then counsel was moved to seek a second opinion after talking to the coo it does not seem logical that an rfp could be allowed to proceed. My bigger concern is a discussion with the coo was more influential on the general counsel it appears assistant, then the sense that the board should be made aware of the counsel's concerns. I believe, we deserve better as a school board from legal counsel's office in this particular case. The result of all of this is this rfq violated state procurement law and that this board will take some blame while being held completely in the dark and not being aloud to exercise its authority. I am concerned that actions and by, staff could actually be consequencetial for the school board members and others. So I'm glad policy 7003 is coming back
268where we can tighten up on that, because I don't believe this board should have to run the risk of violating state statutes or board policy because of actions by staff and I respect our staff but I believe it's important that we all understand what our roles are and I'm not going to, try to be, sort of, not detailed on this because it puts the board at-risk. It puts me at-risk, it put all of these board memebers at-risk and that's concerning. It's almost an threat. It happened before, DR. Zeman with four members being removed. We want staff, we appreciate staff and we want staff to adhere to policy and state statutes. Because none of us up here as board memebers want to take consequences and when it comes an esxtetial. I want to, MADAM Chair, I
269just want to ask MS. Batista. The florida administrative code 6 a 101.2 states that the school board when the district school board has made a finding that no firm proposal has been perceived within the received time, when they have officially made the school board MAY enter into negotiations with suppliers of contractual exercise and have the authority to execute contracts as a district, and policy school board policy 3800 aligns with the florida administrative code. Has made a finding when the school district has made a finding no valid, MAY enter into negotiation with suppliers of such commodities and services for contracts which such vendors on whatever terms are in the school board's best interest. MS. Batista, I want to clarify the administrative code that is here as well as policy 3800, are we at this time, based
270on florida administrative code based on policy 3800, are we able without having, without going back to qsec or continuing this process. I'm very concerned about this process what I've seen. Are we as a board able to, if a motion is made and pass, able to proceed with a negotiating a contract with particular entities such aecom based on the code I have here? MR. Coony, would you please answer this question? I think that that finding would have had to be find upon the receipt of the original qualification statements. And at this time, I would within be able to extend that beyond a finding that there was no responsive vendors. So I don't know that that would be a viable option at this time. Without doing more research. okay, MS. Batista. En the board MAY -- firm
271proposals they're all being projected. We have a time constraint where this will expire, DR. Hepburn when? JANUARY 17th. JANUARY 17th so now that staff did not present us with any proposals because we're being asked to reject them, are we able to enter based on policy 3800, as a board do we now have right to enter into a contract without going through further process? so the only process that I'm aware you can follow at this point, is that once you reject all bids, the superintendent is able to declare an emergency and under that process, then you can engage into some negotiations with your current vendor and continue that, you know, not necessarily, extend the agreement you can enter into a new contract until you agreement the subsequent process. The technical not necessarily with the responses of
272the, with the vendors. so based on the language. that's not what is before you, it's the rejection of all bids is what is being recommended. the board is also discussing an emergency contract which is not in front of us. correct, because that has not been negotiated. will the board be in a position to speak of an emergency contract as well as to speak of this option? So the next step will be when you'll be in the state of emergency because the contract is expiring on the 17th of next month and that will initiate a process. so if we reject we'll be in a state of emergency. yes. If the superintendent finds that this is his determination factual termination. so the if the superintendent determines that we're in a state of emergency and quite frankly, I
273cannot see if he will not think that. But if he determines we're in a state of emergency because this contract expires JANUARY 17th, we don't have another board meeting, we're going on holiday break and then come back. If he does find we're in a state of emergency, we can then, are we then able to talk about contract right away. because we're out of time. it's our intent to sit down with aecom. And bring that contract back. DR. Hepburn, I hear you but don't the board have to give you direction to negotiate? I think we in the past with the other extension, we brought it back to a board meeting and the board provided any details by motion if they needed to change anything. okay, so MADAM Chair, forgive me if I'm taking too much time,
274but I need to understand this as of JANUARY 17, we're going on break and we have no contract. So if we have no contract after we reject all bids, doesn't this board have to provide the direction to the superintendent as opposed to the superintendent determine where this goes from here? you will be able to the board will be able to provide the direction when the superintendent brings the item for the board to look at the provisions. The superintendent is limited on the options that he has. This is not just like doing it, a new contract as if he had gone out for rfp. The contract would be based on the same determines that you have now. As far as rfq. and so. And goes through the whole force. so I'm going to ask another question.
275MADAM Chair, I'll be done soon. DR. Zeman spoke about an emergency contract when this is rejected is he able to make a motion on emergency contract? you're going to need another motion for emergency contract that would be, that would be a declaration by the superintendent of a state of emergency and he has the right under the statute and procedures to move forward with a contract. okay, so if he does not, and I'm not speaking about DR. Hepburn, specifically but a if a superintendent does not exercise that option and puts this district at-risk where we have no option, this board does not have the authority to direct that process? Before the 17th? you cannot direct a process that is not based on any, you as we had explained before, there is no way extending the contract
276with aecom other than for this process of emergency. So were it not for a declaration of emergency to take place, you would not have the right to continue the contract with aecom depending on certain issues. There is potential some language in the policy that could allow you to do that. I understand. So MS. Batista and this is my last question. Based upon and I just, I'm just asking for the record, based upon the florida administrative code based on policy 3800, I'm not going to make a motion but I have one here. If I were to make this motion, would I be able to yes or no. Let me know if I can make that motion or if I cannot. And this is a question contingent on the vote of rejecting all bids. Finding that no
277vid accept al proposals were received and pursuant to policy 3800, the superintendent has directed to proceed and enter into me nobodisinger aecom for a contract to provide terms, to those advised for rfq and to present negotiated contract for approval by our JANUARY 14th, am I not able to make that motion. no sir. okay, thank you very much. MADAM Chair, I'm done. thank you, MS. Bulman. thank you, chair. I appreciate all of my colleagues trying to ask pointed question to see if we can save this, what has clearly been a flawed process from the beginning. And I, the point about wanting to do business in broward county, I would like to extend an policy to the vendors sitting here, I know that everyone spent a considerable amount of time and money making putting together their proposals
278being ready to present to the qsec board and now we're at this position. But please know that the board is aware of things and working to make this process better and to the point of I think DR. Holness, to that point, this is our community and we're all part of this, our business community our students, everybody accountability is absolutely an order for this because this is now touching a lot of different aspects of broward county. You know, I go to my schools in district one and I am lease than pleased with the physical state of affairs there and so to have this go on for so long and not have a path forward and muddy the rows so we're not to the path of passing a bond or having money to really improve our facilities
279is extremely frustrating. We all either have children, have future children or had children that are going to the schools that are standing up here. So and I also think it's very important it's easy to throw legal under the bus. I don't think this is what is driving this problem. I think a better understanding of how we're interfacing with our legal department and how they serve we get should get a path. But an easy scapegoat, I don't think legal is to blame for this. And so I would like to have clarity on that relationship going forward so we don't have these same problems and like I said, originally, I would like to workshop our capital program and what we want to see, are we doing staff augmentation? One of the main thing is by creating this
280financial requirement, we chilled competition and could have had bids from smaller firms potentially. Especially if we're looking for owners rep so we need to know as a board so we can all be on the same page going forward so we don't have the same mistakes. Again. I don't know how we can ask the superintendent to bring that back. does anyone else agree? capital improvement program. is there any objection? No. I will say that we have done that before, but we can do it again. we'll do it again, and we'll make it clear that we're serious about nailing this down. As soon as we can it will be important so we can be moving forward again. Thank you. Wow, I think the overall affect of sub proverbing its integrity and the operation of this school district
281is outrageous and a willful failure to follow board directives. That is send ising into a state of emergency and yet, we were just here six months ago. And before that, it doesn't seem to ever find its way off the and I'm going to say it, don't yell the carousel of crazy, it just keeps going around. This needs to be done. Yeah, as a superintendent, I'm going to ask you, I know, that you take responsibility for your staff. And your chiefs and I respect that a leader. But you also have to show the rest of the district that there is discipline across all areas of this school board. up a few things that are very important. We have asked members of general counsel do serve senior members for a long time. And there is nothing that
282happened in this exercise that wasn't consistent with the expectations we have set. What I'm talking about is expectations need to change. We think and other people talked about it, the office of general counsel worked for the school board and maybe MR. Superintendent we're grabbing on a little tight but I think this board is done asking for things and not getting them. It's over. We need it, we ask for it, it comes here. And if doesn't, there will be accountability. The first two hours we spent in today's school board telling students that the teacher's student was outside class for one minute, they will be terminate. If they held a child. Those standards for our staff have to be withheld and consistent with people who work at much higher levels. This is a rough day, I hope
283this is the bottom. I hope we're riding this down. Your motion was not appropriate and I understand the superintendent's rule. MAY I make a motion to ask the superintendent to move at best speed to get what we need before JANUARY 17ing. I don't think you need a motion for that. I want to make one though. I'm asking if I can. sure. I move that we direct the superintendent to move at best speed to continue with the construction management programs we have in broward county. is there a second. second. MS. Alhadeff. to the maker of the motion can you be more specific. there is in indefinite, what best speed is. so we have according to my calendar we have a special on the 6th and a workshop that we can add a special to on the
28413th. I'm going to ask for it on the 6th. okay. going forward solution by the special school board meeting on JANUARY 6th. second. motion made and second by MS. Alhadeff. Public comment on the motion? Speaker: DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh plantation florida. I appreciate the motion. It is appreciated getting some accountability and a plan, apparently there was none. Thank you. any other public comment on the motion? Board member discussion? MS. Thompson. I just want to ask about the feasibility and the superintendent opinion to get it to the 6th instead of the 13th considering the district offices are closed for about a week. we work on off days too, cabinet does. okay. any other board member discussion. Any discussion? Motion passes unanimously. while I've got the floor, I don't think any organization to feel this is an organization
285on the organization. Broward county schools went through a process. I think it's a self-inflected wound, we made too many mistakes. That does not mean that our vendors that can't deliver. That's not the case, and the same way that our construction attorney was doing exactly what process and procedures have been set up in the past for broward county schools. The vendors that were involved in this, it's not a reflection on your capabilities or talents, whether you're one of the vendors excluded from bidding on this or picked. I don't want any vendors to think that this is a reflection of the capabilities you have and I hope you come back and bid in the future of broward county. MS. Batista. I wanted to take this opportunity to make a comment. On the comments made on the general
286counsel. First of all, I appreciate all the comments made by the board memebers as to what the expectations are, I think we definitely would need have a a fufuher coununicion and coconvsasations vivi f fwaward. What those expectations entail. As a general rule, when one important represents the school board and superintendent, the attorney-client as you'll know is the school board and the individual office holders or the attorney or you know, or anyone else. That the the duel representation is permissible and that's what our office has been doing for the last, you know, 30 years. So so long as the board and the superintendent's interest are aligned in the matter. If there is a conflict, if there is an actual conflict then the attorney will have to come and let both sides know that there is a
287conflict and share that information. In in particular case, you know, with waiving of informality or whether there was or not a informality there was a request for another request, it's something up for debate. If the answer would have been that there is no leeway and there was only one response possible and the superintendent would have wanted go in a particular direction, that would have created a conflict. But that was not the case, we saw another opinion that opinion came back in a different way and there were supported what the superintendent and staff wanted to do. And so that's the way we move forward. If you know, if there is a different understanding of what the board would like moving forward, that's a conversation that I think we welcome to have and I'm sure, my, whoever
288follows me will have. We will be happy to do that. But I just wanted to make clear that understand the rules of florida bar and normal rules of process, in the district, that there was no conflict where we as a attorneys would have felt that we needed to move forward and advise the board of some information that needed to be shared. Thank you, MADAM Chair. thank you, at this point we need to vote to extend the meeting. I would propose to 6:45 all in in favor to 6:45 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. The meeting is now extended to 6:45. Anymore board discussion on o4. DR. Holness. MADAM Chair, I want to mention that, you know, for me and I believe what I've heard from members of the board, is that, the more information
289we have especially on relevant issues, it puts us in a better position to understand where we are as a district. So, I believe that that's an area where there is general counsel or staff that we need to work on. You know, information that is we're talking about, millions of dollars for this contract. And information that's comes up, that I believe is relevant for the board to receive and this is not to negate anyone's process but I think communication is key. And so, as a board, I believe that, gaining meaningful communication especially on things that could be consequencetial or extremely relevant would be a good practice. And so that's what I'm asking. That we, receive as much communication as we can to matters that are relevant, and matters that significantly impactful especially financially and otherwise, thank
290you. thank you, any other board discussion on item 04. All in favor of o4 as amended say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item pass approximates unanimously. Can I have a motion and a second on jj5. Moved by DR. Zeman, seconded by MS. Alhadeff. Public comment? no comments. board member discussion, MS. Alhadeff. do we have a time certain. this was a time certain for 4:30. okay, so I jut want to walk us through this a little bit. So in DECEMBER of 17, 2024, I brought a motion forward to the board to direct superintendent hepburn to engage in direct negotiations with health regarding carrying this negotiation, starting at 13 million, 954 for the sale. Provisions of followings, the creation of office space free of charge and two for internships initiative which align for the district's educational
291mission. With a price of 11,270,000 was there has that change? so the negotiation started early JANUARY. So there has been some staff. So this is the last, as far as the price. so according to the policy, it does not a law us to sell lower than the asking price on page 3 or 4 of policy 8030. Other things, since 2022, they have provided training for high school students. So in 2022, to atlantic tech, there was different rotations like emt, medical assistance, medical administrative specialist, medical health tech, ekg tech and the cost of the training is 2,266,854 and then basically the same almost the same thing in 2023. Providing this and in 2025, it was 2,737, 246 so this is in klein donation to the district. So I think it's important to take that in consideration
292in our conversation today with what broward health is also providing services for our B.C. Ps students. The other thing is broward health, they already own the adjacent land in that area. And when they purchase that land in 2019, it was about, they paid about two million dollars anchor an acre a little bit above. This is 1.4 acres and this is significantly less. 14 million dollars purchase price. I'm sure, I'm assuming the board received the email. And also, in there, is fs space for eagle he's haven. It's very important for me that whoever purchased this land that eagle's haven is given an office space for our community for parkland and choral springs after the tragedy, you know, our community needs this resiliency center and I don't know if, you know, five years from now, it will
293continue to be funded by the state to be able to have this space and so it's vitally important that there is space available for eagle's haven and at that, I would like to hear from my colleagues. thank you, MS. Bulman. thanks for the run down, I don't have to do it. so MS. Alhadeff's point, I'm not, we have this piece of land. We've already what is it called? negotiated? not negotiated, said that it's, excess, what is that? surplus. sorry, it's been a long day. So we've already surplused this land? correct. were you insinuating there MAY be more need for schools in that area? Is that with additional people moving in? well there is two pieces of property on parkland and the ones on hills borough we're not touching with in the future, the possible sale
294of the farm and to be able to build a school that property on trail's end. It's kind of situated with needing a lot of soil and needing to be built up and was, not it's not going to be a great prays for a school. So we MAY have an issue with that. Do you think we need this land? no I didn't we need this land. The question is we're in this predicament and we need to direct the superintendent how to move forward from here. yeah. So siz see the back and forth and I know that we had an existing motion which was to direct us to negotiate specifically with broward health. And we do have the policy which was set the asking price at nearly 14 million dollars. We've also heard from our colleagues from
295legislature, sorry. That every everything that we do with property has to be a good business decision for the district and that we, better capitalizing on that for the benefit of the district. So, you know, just briefly kind of looking at this new, proposal that came in. One thing that caught my eye with broward health of being under our minimum prices except for the policy. The appraisals were also done a couple of years ago, this property would be worth even more than than it is right now. They want another inspection and that would put us another year and they could cancel the contract. There is another, they want another, I guess they're given about the same thing. They want an approval period but we can always negotiate something different. We need to get as much money
296in the most expeditious way that we can. MR. Cervera. thank you, chair. To my understanding, after reviewing this, a few days back and taking in executive summary, there was a directive that was given to the superintendent, late last year in which he was trukted to engage in direct negotiations with broward health for the sale of this particular property. I know we've gotten to a point where they are appear to be standing firm on the 11.6 million dollars number. My question is this h in light of the directive to the superintendent to negotiate directly with broward health, are we able to legally even consider the broward health system offer that came in either late last night or either this morning for the 14 million without gift superintendent to cancer or cease -- cancel or cease the
297negotiations are we even aloud to legally a wlau the baptist offer for the 14 million dollars that we received today in light of the directives that were given to the superintendent in regards to broward health? MS. Jacque-adams. I want to understand the question, are you saying it's a different entity that is making an offer for an amount that is higher? yes. than what broward health is? Baptist? Okay, so if the question is whether or not you can switch to somewhere else, I think the instructions to the superintendent needs to be different than what is before you here. I mean, we're operating on, the question that is before us, is whether or not to to ask for a price than what our policies procedures are, the, I'm for getting the name of the, the -- so
298we're on broward health, baptist health is who sent the email to the board. yes, so if there is an evaluation of the property indicating that it's a certain amount all of these things are things that we need to adhere and comply to. so if the question is, can you switch from negotiating with one entity to another, I think I need to look into some things to be able to answer that question directly. But I don't see why you cannot but I don't want to make that knee-jerk decision at this point in time based upon what is before the board in terms of making the decision today. What is before, what has been noticed is, what is in this agenda item. So moving on to another decision is not what has been noticed today. Whether or
299not you can do it that's a different question to sit down and look at thinking the answer is yes, but I hate to give you an answer and find out after research that it's incorrect. chair if I MAY, what I'm really looking for here is the ability for the superintendent to even open up discussions or conversations with this board, about the baptist offer. In order for that to happen, does he have to have a directive to cease all negotiations and all backs and all back and forth and all proposals with broward health? Can we do both simultaneously? If we decided move on, which I'm not suggesting that happen. But if that's a possibility, what has to happen for to us consider this baptist offer. those are the types of questions that I want to understand
300whether we can do that or not, procedurally. So I didn't want to sit here and say, yes you can do it and then we find a technical basis. i think we can but I want to be able to check procedurally if that's okay and if so, what steps s we need to o follow. Thank u, c chair. If iayay. so for me from a monetary stand point where I do want to do what sd best for the district and I want to get the district as much money as possible so we can write these deficit issues that we have. You know, apples, we MAY be dealing with some of the same ultimate, or finite amount of money here if you will. So that being said, my recommendation what I would like to see and I'm
301going to hear from my colleagues as well. Is who do we have the better business relationship with? Who have we been good partners with over the years? On this? And how does taking the broward health offer with this sale as opposed to the baptist offer when MS. Jakues-adams comes back with the answer. Or do we have appreciate the officers we have and opportunities that are being presented by broward health. I'm interested to hear what some of my colleagues have to say about that. But from a monetary stand point. Whatever it is, 2.2 million dollars that we get from broward health that can be taken away, I think we're talking about the same amounts here when we're talking about, the sale of the property. Thank you. thank you, MS. Thompson. thank you, chair. I think I'm
302in agreement with ms. Bulman. We've been warned that we need to make smart decision sxz if there is an opportunity to make more money, that's a route that we need to go. should I call on them the maker of the motion MS. Alhadeff? well as I said, broward headlight has been good partners for a plethora of years and broward health already purchased the land, back in 2019. In that space already. And so, the thought was then, with them being partners with broward county public schools and offering different opportunities and trainings for broward county school students, that that would continue on and be able to provide a space in that area and then, and then also continue the inter ships and opportunities for our students. partnership are important, however we are, we need to make the
303best decisions for students as a whole. And then I also, want following the current legislation, closely so sb824 I was wondering if staff with inform my colleagues what that is stating in regards to vacant land. MR. Sullivan. yes, chief and staff communication. Up in tallahassee, 826. 824. thank you for that. There is no house sponsor so it's pretty knew or I should say the bill is new but it's pretty early in the process. So it's not currently moving but sessions start next year. But it says, vacant land must be made available to all school operators in the district must have an agreement to construct with the contractors by JULY 1, 2027. If no such agreement is not in place, the school district has -- to offer the land. So basically if we have vacant land
304if this bill were to pass if we were to sell it to my entity, we would have to offer it to all existing schools in the county. so I just, not only for this parcel of land but I think we need to be moving expeditiously before these decisions are no longer in our hands and while there is no house bill, at this moment, I have very good, information that there will be one worth coming so we need to be acting with the best business sense in mind. And also expeditiously thank you. thank you, DR. Zeman? chair, I'm anxious to hear where the board wants to land. I say there is kind of an interesting opportunity here. One, we went to broward health adjacent owner who should be very excite today get ten acres of land.
305But the price is roughly 1.3 million in acres and put up zero dollars for eagle haven, is that correct? The offer has nothing for eagle haven? DR. Hepburn? no sir. they took that off in the first meeting of it. The other is, unsolicited from competing but also nonprofit hospital, 14 million, that's a little higher, plus eagle's haven and we have, if I'm right chair, we cannot accept 11.6 right now, moving forward with it, because it's our policy you cannot go below M.P. C estimate. that's correct, and also I'll differ to MS. Jaques adams. so if does say that, you cannot below. I think this is a wise item, MR. Superintendent, I'm glad you brought it to hear out the board. The other piece we've been very clear, not just as a legislature as a board,
306last week and chair in a workshop, we said that with, with great consensus, if I remember correctly that if we were going to rent property it was not going to be a dollar a year, it was going to be at market rate. That fair? yes. broward health has been a good partner. One other thing, broward health needs people to go through the intership because they need the people. It's a great partnership. But it's certified and get to work. But I do appreciate the partnership of broward health. Baptist coming in at 14 plug eagle's haven, it's hard as a member of this board to ignore that. But today, I don't think we have a necessarily a vote that is going to close this deal. A yes-vote, is just going to tell the superintendent how to address
307the offer. But it's not, we're not able to say yes to the offer because our policy wouldn't allow us to do that. I would like to month regardless of people say let's go to broward health only or open it up for best chair. -- price. I would like to do it quickly. Do you know if they have a opportunity to conduct a sale of property and achieve the best price? DR. Hepburn. excuse me, the highest price? yes. you do. Terrific, that's good to know. The process we've used up to this point with this speed which the process does not have built into it does not seem like it's the one that will achieve the best price. We could put it out one time and open up the nefls I think. But in terms of having
308a commercial real estate rep who markets the property. Do we have that capability? that, I don't know internally. Is see MR. Acabuso and if not, have they worked with the represent. good afternoon, director of real estate. Staff has been diligently selling property for the board. I understand we have a process and our process is compliant with state law. Right, we have to do appraisals so they would not have the tupt to skip the steps. The opportunity that we have to do stup simultaneously, we to my knowledge, since I've been here, we do not work with any real estate company, we do it internally, we do it successfully. We have an outside council for real estate. That's where we're. It's up to the board if you want to engage somebody outside that we've been successful selling
309property and getting the top price for that property. terrific. So chair, today, if we if with do eagle's haven or we can go and put it out for sale and get the highest price. Are those the two options? no, we're looking for direction from the board about next steps is it to continue negotiation. And do another option of putting it out or directly negotiating with another entity. So we have something firm to step on. Or to open it up and sell it to the highest bidder. Thanks chair. thank you, MS. Hixon. I did have a meet ing and they did ask about eagle's haven, I think that's what drove most of us to agree to go directly to broward health to negotiate this. Issue is government agency cannot negotiate a free space for a private
310which is what eagle's haven is, entity. But they could negotiate with another governmental agency which would be the school board. So they make an agreement with the school board and the school board could sublease the space. So my question is, did they have a discussion about that? Have we looked at what they would look like so we know what to do? I'm just wondering where is the space? was there any negotiate relevant to what MS. Hixon said about, I know we talked about eagle's haven but as far as the strategy of how we actually get eagle's haven into a facility. there was no discussion on what MS. Hixon just said. When we started the negotiations, we had a strategic nurse in the room. We had had the c-test staff in the room but we got
311into a plan wherefore me, the summary site was not financial feasible as what was conveyed to us. Because if we have to rent it out for a commercial, the cost is going to be base on dollars for commercial but there was no conversation about negotiating with the district as a public entity to then rent the space and then sublease. I'm going to state my opinion, I'm not sure it's something that we want to do. The school board will be the tenant from what I'm hearing will then do a sublease of that space. And potentially you MAY want to say it's going to be a zero cost but I'm just saying it's up to the board. So when you're asking for direction, my thought is we continue to, how can we make it work with eagle's
312haven but we have another offer who is a private entity that would not have that issue with eagle's aifn so I would like to you find out what that looks like. But broward health does partner with us, so if you look at the incline it would balance out. They also explain that there is about two million dollars in mitigation of the soil and stuff that they would have to do. And I know when we did the south florida, wildlife, property, we accounted for the fact that there was some some mitigation of the soil and stuff that they would have to do. So we've done that before. So I'm not saying no to broward health but I would say my health line is the eagle's haven part so I would like to you negotiate with anything
313who comes forward and find the best deal that works for the district but I also like to say that I don't think broward health will make doing what they've done for the last few years contingent on us doing this deal. And our students would continue to be able to receive those internships regardle -- regardless of where we land. We've been good partners until now and that will not be affected. I want to do what is best for the district but also for the community is definitely best. Not just for the parkland choral springs there are a lot of people that I've referred to there from across the district. I don't think want the people to know it's just for the parkland area. It really is for the whole district. So model for the nation, actually
314and I think it's a gem that we need to make sure that we have for a long time to come. Thank you. I'm sorry, go ahead. I was going to say, madam chair, after board memebers give feedback, if anybody can make a motion to have an official vote. this is a legal question. If we, do we have to have different direction to only negotiate with only one? Or can we do more than one? I don't believe there is a restriction with regards to the number of people that you negotiate with. I don't understand the underlying facts of this one. I'm just looking at what the ask is within the noticed, you know, item that is before you. But, but I think that you can make an insulary direction that stems from this. If the negotiation
315don't go according to plan. right, well the original motion was directing the superintendent to negotiate with broward health. Now we have a second and there is potential in both places. Is would like to release ourselves from from the direction that we're only and the law the superintendent to negotiate with baptist health. And my other question is, we're traveling under a phrase al pursuant to the motion that MS. Alhadeff made a year or two ago. Can we maintain the appraisals if we modify the direction today? ?R. I woululd have toto dierer to afaf bu teterms of negotiations, I do not know of a restriction in terms of you're only allowed to negotiate one entity at a time like I said. I don't know the underlying facts that brought you to negotiate. I do know when you're
316talking about in kind, those are terms that are within a contract, you know, a contract that has been approved by two parties. Now there MAY be certain, during discussions there are offers of what is willing to be done. I want to be sensitive to what, you know. and I understand it's more because we have this policy that kind of restrict us more than general real estate negotiations of just to make sure that we're not violating our own policy. Do we need to do a motion. there is still people that need to speak. that's the direction that we need to go in and the a phrase al part is kind of hanging. before our next board member goes. The process is is the lengthest because there is a specific process by statute and all of that.
317I know if you like MR. A cabuzo can lay that out. What is is the timeline for the a phrase al process? I know, just recently did a follow-up with DR. Zeman, it MAY take up to four months. But we can, because we have the best state law, we have to do, if the dollar amount value is exceeding, half a million, we have to do the policy, there is a percentage difference, we have to do two. That's not the issue. We have to send, you know, the a phrase al, and give them guidelines. Question is is this a phrase al good, we have a appraisal. We normally have appraisal for one year. But once you start to negotiate, you can maintain. The only time is maybe the property value MAY have gone up but that's
318the judgment call so it's okay. Quickly to the policy on page 4, rule 12, talks about the significant buyer on policy 80-30. So again the direction was made by designated buyer. It's in the policy. You know. okay. so we can go with the current appraisal thank you. thank you, MR. David clerk. I believe you had some additional information you had to share regarding MS. Hixon's? yes, talk into the mic. Talk into the mic, it will come on. thank you. School board memebers, superintendent, yes I'm david clark with broward health. My role is a senior of operation sxz part is construction and real estate. To, board member alhadeff's comment, we broward health did acquire 7 acres on the corner of university and hard trails. Back in 2019. This is been a five-year journey to try to
319foster the partnership but also start to include this land opportunity for medical services and development. When the board unanimous ly agreed to negotiate with the board, we did meet with staff back in JANUARY to start this discussion. part of that discussion was about the c-taste and the education programs that we currently provided. There was some communication back and forth with your education program in addition to the hospitals and hr program to define what that looks like and how this land opportunity be supported that already exist in. After that, we asked how can we take a look in addition to the appraisals. In doing so, we noted that there was an appraisal in OCTOBER 17, OCTOBER 19th and NOVEMBER 5th all in 2023, done by the school board. The appraisals came back at 16.2 million dollars.
320So ours came in. Ours did include some sft deficiencies that brought in the soil. So our 11. Officer, it was an intent to come in at the what the board said as a 13.9 million. Considering the difference. So part of what we paid for when we brought our property was frontage access, we made for easement control or access. And also paid the premium on the high end of fair market value. Our property does a law medical office by right. The school board's property is zoned and that will have to go through special exception process locally at the city of parkland which. Kind of goes to board member bulman comment about. Difference in the inspection period. Our inspection period of 365 is negotiate. the only reason we put it in there, we want to make sure
321that we go through the exception process, that does take some time. I would like to go back about the eagle's haven. We did communicate about the eagle haven's space. So we tried to get to an exact scare footage number and then when we initialed considerations about the some of the education component, it was suggested by legal guidance that we cannot consider in kind donations in the negotiation. So that's where we came back to the community of having to lease it to the school board and the school board can sublease to whoever they want. But for us it has to be based on transaction and fair market value. It's in the loi, it's because those conversations stopped in between and school board staff. So so in a nut shell, we're open to negotiation because at the
322thought the partnership was extremely important to both of us. We wanted to continue the partnership and communication. I can go on record to get the deal done. We're willing to match your asking price and consider eagle's haven with the consideration of going through the school board and the excuse me, and releasing it to the school board and school board can release it to eagle's haven, because we have to have that arm in that transaction. any questions for MR. Clark? DR. Holness? is do have a question for mr. Clark. I know that broward health has internships across the country with this specific location and I'm glad you mention you'll match the price we're asking. And but, will this internship program be expanded to this location or any program that you have or we have? Throughout the
323district. that's correct, we would have to reengage and work with your education team to figure out what services. It all depends on what is developed there it's a medical office whether it's an events out-patient center whether it's a full blown community hospital. Right now h the 766 students that went in 2022 the 806 and 997, they're all going through our main hospital that is whereby they're being what EMTs and medical assistance and monitor tech et cetera. So it can be extended and we would like to extend it to this location. But I think the program and internships will be based on what is developed there. okay, but you're open, if it can be to have that extension of the program at this location? yes. okay. Thank you. DR. Zeman has a question. have you allowed
324to negotiate openly. yes, I have been. and how many square feet are you interested in negotiating with us. How many square feet. Originally you were looking at 9,000 is that also included in the offer? I don't think 9,000, I think from eagle's haven is about 2000 or, so three times that's about three times. we need to understand the offer. how many square feet are you willing to negotiate. is it still eagle's haven need, three times their space. so that's roughly 6500 square feet. yes. and how long would this offer be open for? do you still want time to close or is it at our discretion. I think if you can counter offer on the closing. We would want some time to make sure that we can build, right now like I said it's zoned community
325facilities which will take special exception. terrific. Chair just, I think we should check with your counsel, is that a legitimate offer? so I cannot tell you what is business decision that's your decision. I'm asking if that's legitimate offer just presented by MR. Clark. so offers, based on what our requirement in terms of whether or not you can cominging with inkind elements in it, whether it's one instrument two instrument, trying to evaluate, trying to evaluate what is being stated and not dig into specifics is not something that I would like to do. terrific. Let me ask one more question. I think what you're saying is yes, he -- I apologize. I don't know what his authority is, so I don't know. he just said he can make the offer, we'll go with that. just the last
326question in order to close this, if this is a deal, I think the board made you an offer and you come in and accept the terms. If in fact, the square footage needs to be let to nonprofit organization like broward education foundation, would you be willing to do that? -- you said you couldn't do it because of entity. I said I couldn't do it directly to eagle's haven because they're private. We would do public and they can sublease for zero dollars or inpe tuite. are you asking broward county schools or maybe, broward education foundation to actually pay you rent or you're giving it at no cost. I think we would give it but that space needs to be evaluated and part of the offer price. So if we're offering, 14 million and that's space is
327going to be x amount for x amount of years, we would have figure that out to make it part of the deal. okay, I'm trying to help you. MR. Clark, the county school board offered broward health, I think 13.6 space for eagle haven is part of the deal is that what you're offering today? that's what I'm communicating. We got to a number, 65 -- excuse me 13. Plus space available square feet at no cost to pro ward county schools? that I'm offering to space, I would have to -- do you need to make a phone call. That's what we asked broward health to do. And if we do, we can say yes. If it's yes, our policy does not let us say yes. yeah, again, in the spirit of the negotiations I think the answer
328is yes. I can't see how we can legally do this. eagle's haven is a profit 501c3 organization. Not private. Does that make a difference? private organization. It's not owned by the government. yeah. okay, DR. Holness? MADAM Chair, based upon the emerging information, I have no further comments. okay. I have not gone yet. I would like to a motion to direct the superintendent to asking prior with broward health. second. motion made by me, seconded by DR. Holness, public comment? Board member comment on the motion MS. Hixon? thank you. I actually like to make an alternate. substitute motion. and that's to direct the superintendent to continue the negotiations with broward health as well as any other entity that has shown interest and bring us back the best deal for the district that includes eagle's haven. is there
329a second? I'll second it. public comment on the substitute motion? board member discussion on the substitute motion? DR. Holness? MADAM Chair, should this motion be supported by the board, will the superintendent be bringing to us one entity or will we be able to look at, the multiple entities who indicate interest in the property? will all the offers come to us where the board can term from what was received if we believe it's the best offer? DR. Holness, function as directed by the board, so yeah. I'm just trying to understand the motion. I can change it to ask him to bring back all the offers. okay, thank you. okay, the motion on the table is to direct the superintendent to continue to negotiate with broward health and any offering any proposals and bring us back the
330proposals. as long as it includes eagle's haven. I don't think it includes eagle's haven. okay, I have MS. Thompson and MS. Alhadeff. I guess I have question about procedure. It seems like negotiating, which I appreciate to an extend. I would like some guidance. MS. Jaques adams. I'm at a disadvantage because I don't understand the fact. i want to be very sensitive to whatever it is to what you expressed what you want to do. But I don't see a restruction on what the value the property is. I don't see that there is a restriction. It does not appear as there is a restriction who you need to negotiate with so long the amount that awe accept is above what it's been what it's been valued at. So bringing back officers, I don't see anything that prohibits
331that. I would like the opportunity to see that but I don't see any restriction. okay, I just have a question, when you see including eagle's haven what do you mean including it? Whatever offer is there? thank you. I just want to make sure and I think we should table this item to later in the meeting, because I want to make sure that our general counsel is following policy 8030. We don't have room for error so you if we need to pause, I think that's best to use make sure e at weare e being g ldththe righinformrmation be able to makththe best desision. would you like to make another substitute motion, are you able to do that? so, we've got like a motion a substitute motion. You can move to table at this point. is move
332to table to later on today. second. public comment on the motion? nathalie, you can table but you've got an hour and a bunch of items left. We're not sitting here because we like you that much, we're here for a couple of items. any other public comment on the item? ryan rider, ft. Lauderdale. One of the things I want to mention on this, it was not public notice for open solicitation. So since it was not open, I think the item that is on the agenda tonight, is negotiation to accept or direct the superintendent to move with broward health, but if you're opening solicitation oar all bids, I'm not sure if that is legally noticed. I guess that would be question to counsel. those are facts that I'm trying to find out. My understanding, there is no
333formal solicitation to seek offers. I don't think what the facts are. I don't think that's probably the right, language to utilize for woo is going on here. Thereining a formal solicitation that is happening here to seek entities to try to negotiate I don't think that is the circumstance that we're talking about. We're not procurement anything. We are trying to sell so, if I can take a moment to go ahead and ask some questions with regards to process and procedure, then I can see, you know, where we can go from here. Any other public comment? Board member discussion? All in favor of tabling the item until later in the meeting say aye. aye. any opposed say no. Motion to table oes unanimously. -- unanimously. Can we go to pp1. Moved by DR. Zeman, public comment on
334pp1. yes, you have four public comments, nathalie lynch-walsh, followed by DR. Trudy. good evening, DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh. So yesterday I sent you all an email with updated analysis and my primary concern and there are others in this analysis, another one that is not a small thing which has to do with policy 24o9 and the fact that you don't screen all volunteers because they're excluded from 2409 but that's a different conversation. So I'm going to read the language and I would recommend it be looped back to adviserys. However the language from 2021, which was presented to tt at the MAY 13th school workshop. There are board memebers who did not object to a process and that would be MADAM Chair, denardi and hixon and alhadeff. So removal of committee members other than school board appointees, in
335the event that the actions conductor circumstances of a committee member other than a school board appointee are found to conflict to the applicable laws, the superintendent MAY recommend the removal of that committee member from office oar one year or additional year. And chair of that committee of written written of such proposed committee. the notice should specify all grounds. Proposed member removal shall be placed upon agenda and all sides shall be heard by an affirmative vote of two-thirds, the committee MAY choose to suspend or remove a member. This is language that deputy general counsel robert vignola wrote in 2021 in cleaning up the language that had been proposed by policy 127 group. It never came to the board because a lot of things started happening in 21 and 22 and by time the policy came to
336the board, the superintendent at the time, which was cartwright had sent a staff member removed the language, from what they were recommending. That should have never happened, so I'm trying to help you authorized by putting the language in and moving on. However this also needs to be looped. thank you t next public speaker. my name is DR. Trudy I have a question. Is this rule making? this is not rule making. well it doesn't appear to have been noticed as the as the other most resent policy. And the way that it was brought up, I think that we should had a notice about 28 days when it comes to the board. And other thing that needs to be done is the looping process. However I believe that needs to be done through the committees that are
337affected by this. And you did not do that, and I think that's an error that you should not start doing when you're doing a policy that is directly related to committees. I don't know for sure but the way I read it, it appears it should have been included in the rule makeling. I found that on your legal notices for policy 1020, you did it correct way and you said exactly what should be done and it was the noticed of proposed rule making and it was on 1020 when it was brought to the board. So I don't know why it was different this time than it was back that time. I could not find a notice in the legal noticed for this meeting. any other public speakers? yes, the next is jackie and to close us
338out is brooke brody. Speaker: this policy has gone through a lot of procedure turbulence, I would like to suggest just sending it once and for all, for looping and through district advisory. It has a policy where you can get it done. It's time to end the back and forth about policy make thating we've had about this and that you use a looping process. The superintendent task force recommendation on this have not been considered and responded to. Looping is for this purpose, with your advisories and there could be no policy for deserving of looping than the policy that governs us. The subcommittee will be a good for bringing together all us, and saving time and bringing you one master list concerns and problems explains why the problems suggests fixes and help you and us reach a
339better place. If you voted yes, this policy will strength ep consistency and transparency and so on. It states if you vote no, committees will operate on the outdated and clear provisions consistency. I'm not being fa cecious that you need to point them out. Procedural confusion will remain. I'll give you some examples one is a necessity for removal advisory members that DR. Lynch-walsh just mentioned. I support that. There is also some contradictory language around esol and gifted. And also language after public speaking so we could not correct it. It was decided that the longest running member should fill that role. Also the new advisory committee responsibilities form, we have not seen it t it's not included. It also talks about categorizing committee recommendations, you asked staff for was cataloguing recommendations. And sunshine law requires and I
340would suggest it's suggestable and minutes shall not be made unenable until the next meeting. If my kid wrote an essay like that, it would be sent back. We get that you MAY not like them. Please let's loop this back and get this cycle of back and forth closed down. Thank you. I'm here to reevaluate where we are. It began a year ago. This board agreed to creation of superintendent task force. I and other volunteers worked ourselves to the bone, and gave up our family time to the district, only for the superintendent and staff to dis o own the task force and sunset the task force in the middle of rule making. We never saw the red line in front of you. It's been changing after the task force was sunseted and then not looped. This
341item was posted to the agenda only one week ago. This deprived the public of notice and the opportunity to meaningful review this red line specifically dac requested this red line through its liason through DECEMBER third. I personally requested a copy from staff on DECEMBER 9th, it was provided on DECEMBER 10th and that includes not just the red line but the entire agenda items was not posted until last week. This raises serious concerns about whether this process has complied with rule making and notice requirement. If there is anything that has been learned over the last couple of months is that the board needs to make some hard inquiry and not rely on others to shield it from irregularly. This red line falls short, it's a step back yards and in deed you all as board memebers
342have asked for better two-way communications to the committee. A public facing category with follow-up is still missing from the red line. Without change, the board can expect frustration and inefficient sees. there are a couple points to consider. First the general counsel office already agreed to removal process. I think that says a lot. I'm not sure where the resistance is coming from now. But several board memebers that don't agree with the removal of chair at the end of last school yae, incorporating a process now would prevent that from happening again. And lastly, there is no legal option to not do this. By not providing guidelines about how committee members can be removed it can be considered in, oh my gosh, in incorrect allegations of authority because it provides for unpride al discretion by the superintendent and
343some ask that you do not approve this policy today in the absence of input and participation, I would ask that this policy be properly looked at. Thank you. that concludes public speaker. thank you. thank you, board member discussion? DR. Holness is not here. At the moment, MS. Rupert? I would like to make a motion, I move to take this policy and put it through the looping process. second. motion made and seconded by MS. Hixon. Public comment on the motion? thank you, I support it. And coming from the board member that used the carousel of crazy earlier, this has to be part of it. when policies have been brought to you as drafts it has been a collaborative. We have been back and forth on this and policy 1070 -- sorry 1020 is going to get
344to the same point. You brought it up for another wait to come back before you and draft will be coming back if there were still going to be issued, we have to be able to rely on staff to bring process and correct drafts and this has been back and forth like a ping-pong ball. Thank you. MS. Rupert? DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh. Thank you MS. Rupert for the motion and hearing us. And while and hopefully everybody supporting this. Thank you very much for the motion. niz other public comment on ot motion? Board member comment on the motion? DR. Zeman? can I ask the maker of the motion in the past when we asked things to be loop, which committee do you think or committee should loop this? is would start with the dac because they have the
345sub committees that can do it. do you mind making this change. Thank you, I support this. MS. Bulman. if we go in that direction, does that satisfy our requirements for looping? we set them. I got it I just want to make sure that we're offering our basis? Can we? okay. Thank you. Any other board member on the motion? So to klier fie it's so loop it through dac no other committees. Okay. All in favor of the motion say aye. all opposed say no. No. Motion pass approximates with one descenting vote and without MS. Hixon. MADAM Chair, if staff can get clarity who needs to loop this? maker the motion? clarify the question for you. this has come to the board three times, this policy and also part of the superintendent's task force which a variety
346committee members sat on. We just need clarification of who, this is -- was it ever looped through dac? it was not required unless the board gave us directive. I'm clarifying it now, it's go to go through dac and that will be fine. But I believe staff's question is who is to do the looping? yeah. we can do it but this is unique because the board established the committee. I don't understand, you've had opinions coming back, now it's suddenly ours. I will be accommodating MADAM Chair, however you want me to handle this h I will be accommodating so we can get this done for once and for all. yeah, maybe if you can just clarify who, if it's staff or who you would like to loop the policy? well I for one, don't know how to
347loop it myself. Is would not say that t however, I would think that staff will but they have to follow the direction. we'll loop it, we're going to take their feedback. Staff is not making any changes to what is presented to the board and we'll bring back the feedback. I've got one caveat that knows what looping look like. And that would be DR. Wanza, I would like to you weigh in. go ahead, DR. Wanza? I should have gone home. [Laughter] Good evening, happy holidays. So, ththe communication n op policycy, valerie wanz a soisis ththe pocycy eses saththat there is a initiative the board of superintendent directs the communication loop that is to occur. So if the the will of the board is for it only to be looped at dac, then dac, it will be
348looped there and if they feel that it does not need to go down to the areas then it will stop right there and give all the feedback. And I think the question that MR. Sullivan is asking is, which staff members? So obviously, I think your direction is, through the chief of staff and communication who that really is a liason when it comes to the board policies, that would be the individual office that will be responsible for the looping process that the board directs today. right. Does staff have the direction? yes, ma'am. okay action motion passes. can I make a comment. go ahead. I think it was two meetings ago, I asked for the board member follow-up for the looping process. You could have sent it to the board. we did. I missed it. we sent
349it that day within the hour. we'll send it again. thank you. you're welcome. okay, moving on. do I need to say it motion passed unanimously, it didn't pass unanimously, it passed with one descenting vote with MS. Hixon on on the dais and MR. Cervera on the phone. I guess we're done. The motion passes, so it's going back to looping. Okay. All right. Could I have a motion and a second on bb1. so moved. second. moved by DR. Zeman and seconded by MS. Alhadeff. Public comment on bb1? good evening, again. b, b, boy, boy. yes, one of the reasons I stayed here until after 5. DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh, plantation florida, I support MS. Rupert's bb item to have the itb audited. Multiple board memebers express concern that then came to you I think three times and,
350this way you can determine seeing as you're in a budget crunch, when you're paying consultant to duplicate work that could be done by staff. But I think that's one of the ones listed there. So I hope you'll support this and by the way, policy 1070s custodian. So you think they would loop that. please stay on the item. yes, I support the item like I said. And hopefully you will too and I'll wait for the next person to wander off an item. You're quick. I get one breath out, and I'm told to stay on the item. I'm going to watch everything, like that guy over there. please stay on the item. don't test mesa ra. oh -- test me sarah. uh-oh. rachel daily is I don't believe on the item. DR. Holness. thank you, MADAM Chair.
351Sorry, DR. Holness, I should have gone to the MS. Rupert. the reason we have this here, I'm going to read a little bit. Is if you look at the last meeting where we discussed this it included conversation sxz concerns about MISS Aligned job titles and purchase orders and quur he's, about why vendors submitted didn't match the approved categories. The project managers were used across divisions. And spending authority prior to years. Concerns about oversight, burn rate and listing of individuals due to multiple with multiple vendors continued to lengthy discussion but not limited to approving consultant during a budget crisis, for transparency and accurate job titles, increase staff capacity, sorry and technology division whether reducing or funding, would cause a technological project. Showing firms cost and performed by the superintendent in 30 days. All right, we're here
352for those reasons and many more. I, I'm very happy to recommend that it goes to audit, it needs to be audited, that's what I'm going to keep that process on. And even the fact that, it was soon discovered that there were not enough funds to cover projected costs as the intended funds were being used by another department which was previously unaccounted for and the other department was using the same funds to cover costs that they incurred with the zeus of same. As a result pending authority is required to ensure all payments be made. All right, so measurable outcomes, potential cost saving from identifying duplicative or unnecessary functions for which the district is paying close fees. Pay close attention to sign-in and sign out approvals. Today we had a employee that wuz being discipline of stealing
353of time, very serious, especially in this funding crisis that we find now. But also we're trying to make sure that the employees within are doing their jobs every single day ands for the ones there every single day, we say thank you, very much. For those that are not and it will show up in an audit, there will be discipline if it is founded. I look forward to having neutral, information coming in so we can get to the bottom of things and make a decision. So that's why I'm asking my colleagues to support this. I appreciate and trust the chief auditor and staff to get this done. Oh, one more thing. When we're looking back, I wanted to ask a question to the auditor, how far are we going to go on the auditor you can't
354make a decision on that right away. so based on the information that I know and I'm gleamed from what has been put forward, we would have to set a scope. There would have to be things that we have to create an audit plan so go with that. So we could not tell you that. We expanded maybe needed. But this testing and then it gets extended and callsed for doing so. thank you for that and thank you for, the A.C. Ms aspect of the question for them clocking in et cetera, I would think would be completely sellyent in this situation. So thank you so much. you're welcome. DR. Holness. thank you very much, so I have a quick question for staff through DR. Fulton. Do you have any knowledge of staff that could be performing functions
355for which we are paying consultants? do I have any knowledge? or is there any knowledge from any of your staff that we have staff for which we pay consultants? I don't know, I would rather wait until DR. Hepburn comes back for that. okay, that's my question. thank you, DR. Zeman. thank you so much, chair. I love this item. What I'm worried about though is that, we need somebody to work with the auditor in my view, if you want to check compliance, if you want to look at accounting, if you want to do things in established procedure, auditors can be adopted at helping you understand that. The biggest issue that I have with this, hiring consultants, is that we need to define to know definition and to be fast and a agile when things change. Clearly
356changes what cio staff needs to do. Xwu MR. Davis and he's not here, ai has a huge influence on -- that would not be picked because what they're going to do is go look at the rules and say, did you follow the rules? This is really are you adjusting staff competitions every year to make sure that you're creating the staff that you need and therefore don't need so many consultants. So my recommendation is to think more of an auditor might be as chief of hr, might be somebody that does, you know, workforce analysis or something like that. To make sure that the work that we're creating the teams that we're creating are consistent with the work we need to do everywhere and that's something that auditor would like to do. The only thing I would
357like to do is make a motion to change the action from to include des ignee. I'm sorry is that the right place to do this? And then I would add the words, superintendent or designee so that they can work together to handle both sides of these. Ads justing their workforce definition so they don't need to hire consultant. second. motion made business DR. Zeman, seconded by MS. Alhadeff. And the motion is to add superintendent and designee. Public comment. DR. Nathalie lynch-walsh, let's look at what you pass approximated that looked at internal auditor. It's not an audit if it's not being done by the office chief auditor, staff will have to answer questions once the scope is done. And this is about auditing that specific itb. In the itb, there are job descriptions, functions there are explanations
358for why people are doing things. What you don't know and remember you guys cut the spend in half and they had exhibit b that had additional things that needed two million for. This is to verify that what the itb is what actually happened. That's a separate exercise. Tuz. Thank you any other public comment on the motion? DR. Holness? DR. Zeman, can you repeat the motion word for word. after the word, add superintendent and designee. So the chief auditor and superintendent. superintendent or designee will conduct an internal audit. yes. yes, so I just need clarification because that would read that the superintendent can conduct an audit. So I'm confused but if it reads like that, it is implying that they can conduct an internal audit. Is that what you meant to say? I did and to
359be fully revealing of this, we just talked about an audit after school programs. That word, I think it's fine to leave it. Because my intent is for this to follow auditing procedures. But I think that it requires more than somebody who is looking at very specific process and procedures but understand about how work is defined here. And that's an auditors, that would be more of a superintendent. I'm happy to change internal audit to internal review that would be a browder word to describe what they MAY do together. okay, so I would like to get legal advise on this. So basically, you're changing this then DR. Zeman to read the chief auditor superintendent or des I goly will conduct an internal review, is that what you're saying? yes, sir. okay, so MS. Jaques adams or designee
360conduct an internal review as opposed to an internal audit? Is that motion something we can legally vote on? MS. Magly would like to speak about this first of all, initially, we would have to define what the scope is and any auditor would have to do that. If there is a component as DR. Zeman had explained, I don't necessarily fully agree that we couldn't do it. And what I'm saying is we will always, you know speak to staff to get more qualified, more direct information and report it as much. If we want to know exactly what we want to look at and if we know for sure which come poen pent we want to look at it would be easier but working with staff though we do it in concert with staff and cooperation, and they
361have been like that, most recently very cooperative but we want to main thain our independence so when we report back, it's what is finding. Then we can outsource to that. okay, MADAM Chair, I have a couple of follow-up. So MR. Magly. Right. If you normally work with staff anyway and if this motion remains as is without the changes, I'll phrase another way. there is a difference between going through the authorizes and getting information from the stakeholders. And that would be the distinction as them actually taking part and doing audit steps and review, that would be a little different. MS. Quack adams, if this should read, they will conduct an internal review instead of audit, is that, are we, able to do that? Are we able to vote on that? is there a confusion here or
362is there a, in terms of the language of superintendent or designee conducting an internal review, is that that's DR. Zeman's motion, I just want to make sure that we're voting on something we can legally can do with new language. so just to clarify so sted of the recommended action of direct the chief auditor to conduct an audit, you would like to open up to not just the auditor but the superintendent conducting internal review? well, he DR. Zeman's motion is removing the word audit and including additional words which would be superintendent or designee can conduct an internal review. Is that change sufficient enough for this item to read as such so we can vote on. My understanding, he changed that from audit to review, does that then change, the manner in which we can vote. so
363what was noticed now you're introducing different parameters, it's no longer an audit it's a review and in terms of internal review, like an audit has a specific definite significance, an audit, you're literally changing that, we're going to do an internal review I'm not sure what that entails. understand, is there a legal definition for review or is review interrupted in this sense as a general term that could mean anything? So in terms of decision. In internal review, can mean a lot of things. It definitely not an audit from auditor. okay, would you say that if we change from audit to internal review, it is left to interpretation, it's vague? it is because review on what level to whom of what, I can think of a lot of questions how you can review something. I understand, my
364last question, can an auditor, or audit department conduct an internal review when their role is to audit? so that is something that auditor needs to answer because he or she knows what is within their per view of what they should do under an audit and whether or not a review that would need to be interpreted by the person that wants the review what does that entail. Then you can compare that. understand, so you're not able to answer if an auditor can conduct an internal review, should we get the answer from the audit department. the audit departments knows what is within the pursue. I I thk k the firsrsththing that nes tohahappen, what specifically do you mean. that's why I'm asking these questions because I want to know what I'm voting on. MADAM Chair, MR. Magly
365answer the question if, an auditor can conduct an internal review in the sense here, that DR. Zeman is making reference to? once again, I mean it depends on what we're looking in the scope. There is certain steps that we could gu through the planning phase. I didn't mean to say that there was any component where we can get additional help or separate things to evaluate such as you said, the productability and things that match up. That can be a separate part or even a spin off. okay. Within all parameters and steps, the difference is just a matter of sequencing and defining. okay, we would have to evaluate that and procedures that we'll have to incorporate. MR. Magly are you comfortable with the word review or audit in this item? I mean, people's interpretation so when
366we review something the depths, it depends on how deep. Somebody MAY interpret things and still say it was more of a review, I'm not hung up on the word as much as the intent. thank you, sir. I appreciate it. DR. Fulton and then MS. Jacques a tams. are you open to a slight revision considering the large scope of what the superintendent does. So instead of having the superintendent could it be superintendent designee? that would be fine and within the intent. It's organization, it's not auditor normal span of, of issue because there is no compliance with charts, that's something that managers need to do. To make sure that their team is composed in a way that allows them to do the work can be done. And that would stop us from needing so many consultants. So
367yes, if it was and superintendent designee, is that what you're suggesting? let it be something who designates. yes, so I agree, the superintendent to conduct an interview. correct. MS. Jaques-adams. so one thing I want to mention from. Auditor when the auditor performs his or her function, they have autonomy to perform that. So you're changing the language of what they need to do it's not clear what the intent is, what the scope is, so that's makes me uncomfortable with changing audit, they decide how they audit and what they're looking for and any given audit to a word that is less than audit. So I'm concerned with the autonomy of the auditor to perform an audit according to what they believe they need to do versus calling it something else and utilizing terms that are generic and
368it's not clear what that scope is and even if there was a scope dictating to the auditor, who has some autonomy what they're suppose to do. MS. Rupert. I would love to have the superintendent weigh in on this. I still believe that there is a reason why we have separation with our direct people. I am not comfortable not calling it an audit because that is not their function and this was, many grievance, many things going on that a review, and we've had reviews before. A review does not pass muster audit is neutral, they go with what they say. So if the superintendent can weigh in I agree, I've been listening. If there is something that we need to correct, I would definitely like some independence when it comes to going through this matter and auditing
369appropriately. Actually, I'm confident in MR. Roads and MR. Magly's ability to do what they need to do. On what we need to address. MS. Bulman. you guys covered it. I think it's a linear function, you take the audit and then staffing, if you find that there is duplication. I guess to DR. Zeman's point. If there is also duplication with the systems and tasks that are being removed, is that something that we should add to it? Okay. Lien ar, all in favor say aye. aye. all opposed say no. no. I heard the motion is voted down with one vote with yes, DR. Zeman voting yes, the rest of us voting no. With MR. Cervera online and -- are you done DR. Zeman? oh yeah. MS. Alhadeff. yes, I have one question. On the financial impact, it
370says the chief auditor will tell the board whether this falls in the current plan or this would come out of the existing budget or require additional funding? so in preparation that's what I had mentioned to the audit plan. We have a couple of lines in there as contingency, speaking with chief rodes, we had discussed that we would try to assemble this in-house, in making sure that's what will happen. What our direction will be unless there is an out liar but -- out lieer. so consistent. MS. Thompson. I'm going to be voting no, I feel our staff addressed the concerns, from year to year. I feel like they were flexible in discussing where the payments are going for and I want to point out that it professionals are getting paid $200 plus in salary, we don't
371have the capacity to pay staff in-house, which is why we go out to technical contracts like this. In my opinion this conversation has gone too long and I would like to call the question. All in favor say aye. aye. all opposed say no. All in favor of item bb1 say aye. all opposed say no. item passes with one descenting vote and MS. Hixon not on the dais. Can I get a motion and a second by jj7. so moved. public comment on jj7. we have no public comment on any of the remaining items, MS. Chair. thank you. this is a finished project nice to see three of them on the agenda. School that is graduated from just a couple of months ago. And it's nice that three, I hope we see, three, four, five, ten. Every
372time we have a school board in the future. Thank you. any other board discussion, all in favor say aye. aye. item passes unanimously. Can get a motion and a second on o o-2. so moved. public comment, we don't have any public comment on o o-2. MR. Cervera? cervera satisfied. DR. Holness. just a quick question, MADAM Chair. Is the reason to bring this forward is because we needed to add an additional vendor? yes, that's correct. okay. And DR. Hepburn, the two vendors we previously had they were not able to complete the work in a timely manner, based on your, assessment? It's to increase the capacity to do work in a timely manner. so time is the real reason? correct. nothing else MADAM Chair. all in favor say aye. aye. opposed say no. Item passes unanimously without
373ms. Hixon. No public comment. DR. Holness. DR. Hepburn are any of these firms that are here mwbe firms? MS. Andreu, if you can confirm? troughs the chair no they are not. okay, has there been any effort to attract for contract like this? What was the process to attract mwbe firms? we -- . if there was anything. we had affirmative procurement initiatives and assigned points if we had anyone. About we did not have nido any firms. That if our small firms would within be eligible for. thank you, MADAM Chair. any other board discussion? All in favor of oo -- go ahead MS. Alhadeff. how is it determine, the different schools and which schools, are going to get tree trimming? And by district, and then, it is also done differently inside district 7 and other districts, how
374is this all determined? MS. Doreset. -- MR. Dore set. good evening, mark doreset, executive director. Based on, the current conditions out there, I remember, if you remember correctly, a couple of years ago, the board approved 600,000 to trim the trees district wide. We provided a list, we don't have a contract right now, and that's why some of them, you know, you see a little bit of overgrown there. The 600,000 would only give us a cut like every three years, only the trees being cut from this contract. So we looked at the continue and provided a list based on the current conditions. so is there a rubic to determinate what school, they you know, one school has more trees than the other that that one can see. Or are you just suing it and making an
375opinion based on it? last trimmed and safety requirement. So if the trees are, covering the cameras or whatever the case is, we make sure and put them up front. So there is visual of the entire campus, so all of that was taken into consideration. and there is no way, I see is done by year, and there is no way to front load this to do more schools? it's based on funding that we have, we broke it down based on the fund thating we have and that's why we can only do a school once every three years. no I get it, but if we're giving 600,000 and this year only spending 50,000. no I didn't, well basically, that's what we had left from the last contract because we don't have a contract in place now. So
376it's going to be 600,000 that we spend. DR. Hepburn, if you can see, instead of extend iting out for six years. we'll take a look. I see some of the schools that I'm aware of up front na actually in dire need of some trees being trimmed on their campus. But we'll take a look to see if we can accelerate the work. thank you. any other board discussion on this item? All in favor of o o-2 say aye. all opposed says no. Item passes without MS. Hixon. Can I get a motion a second on oo5. so moved. moved business DR. Zeman, seconded by MS. Bulman. No public speakers, MR. Cervera. thank you chair, in looking at this item, we entered into an agreement back in 2021, I believe it was with the original request, we had
377approved 237,000 over five-year period which on my math comes out to 37,000 a year. We're now being asked to appoint, 700. I want to hear why this is necessary and I understand senate bill. Senate bill did not exist back in 2021 but that the sole reason for increased nature of this contract? MR. Cervera. That is correct with the new legislature requiring that we fingerprint every employee we started this phase in summer. Yes, that's the quult why the cost is significantly higher than in the past. tuz. MS. Alhadeff. yes, my question is if somebody has already their level two screening, say they were a sports coach for a city and it's documented in this state's clearing house, would that be accepted for public schools clearance? I would differ that question to the team, go ahead chief
378or DR. Lozano. our best recollection, they are going to the same clearing house, but we would not rely on the fingerprinting in another district, we do that in this district. okay, I was just a way to save money. yeah, I know. And parameters MAY be different for municipalities. and just to clarify, the clear house is really driving. Is what is driving this cost and transition we're going through. The state was not able to basically copy all of the old prints that are on file. So we do have to do every one. Which will maintain the records and will then have to new hires as well as volunteers. We just do a resubmission. so is it a state wide clearing house or state wide bcps clearing hout. state wide. so if they're in the state, why
379wouldn't he accept it. that's been. Practice but I'll research it further and get you a tighter answer. thank you. MS. Jaques adams? I want to piggy out woo chief has said, there is a different agency that's have requirement. Each one has a different level. Each one MAY require a different requirement so just because a city or hospital has screening it MAY not rise to the level 2 screening pursuant to our statutes, that's why there are, utilizing the statutes that are required for the school district and making that requirement of anyone who and you know, does you know, inter acts with children et cetera. Anyone who is required to be level two. So there MAY be different criteria. chief? kevin, chief police, so as far as the clearing house, yes. Here's an example, if you have
380a teacher that is already cleared house, they decided to come work for us. We will pull their prints up in the clear house database and check then and we will take ownership of them and then it's on us. But they will be cleared, once they're cleared in the system, if they meet all the criteria, we can do that and it's not additional charge from pus. so that's school district to school district or the hospitals. school district to school district will meet the requirement for that. DR. Zeman. thanks so much, chair. Is this clearing house a state mandate? yes. so there was a mandate to move to the clearing house, was there any funding to do all the fingerprinting? no. tuz, any other board discussion on the item? All in favor of oo5 says aye. aye.
381all opposed says no. Item passes unanimously without ms. Hixon. We need to take a vote another vote to extend the meeting, so I ask that we extend the meeting to 745 all in favor says aye. aye. All opposed say no. is hear one dissenting vote, MS. Alhadeff. half a vote. go ahead, MS. Rupert. what is your estimate. We have jj35 coming back which should be an extensive conversation, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, we spent 15 to 20 minunus talking ababt t e motiti, so we should bebe gnizant t t t I'm being optimistic with one hour. okay, I'm in. all right, again. We voted to extend with one descenting vote from MS. Alhadeff. Can I get a motion and a second from oo6. so moved. no public comment, DR. Zeman. I just wanted comment na
382this helps a lot with emergency preparedness and I'm tickled that we're going to continue for the rest of the year. Thank you, chair. all in favor of discussion. Motion passes unanimously without MS. Hixon. Can I get a motion from oo8. DR. Holness. I'm good. all in favor of oo8 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Motion and second on oo9. so moved. Moved by DR. Zeman. DR. Zeman? chair I'm just curious about the connection between this and our new one for one laptop distribution, will this help us as these lap tops come back for repair? DR. Hepburn. that's a yes and we do have existing lap tops that are still within our life span and it gives us the capability to repair some things that are not repaired under warranty and we can have realtime
383repair and get those back in the hands of kids immediately. what date do we expect to have the one for one? MR. Castaneda. manny, director intelligence representing trey davis. We have max ro sorio who is supervising. good evening, through the superintendent. Begins the third week of JANUARY, that's when we go when we start distributing those to schools. thank you. tuz, buzz when we finish, not when we start. so the, for clarification, are we speak about the one to one laptop and that begins in the beginning of JANUARY and we hope to get them out within two to three weeks. That's going to go school to school. any other board discussion? All in favor of oo9 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes without MS. Hixon and MS. Thompson. I could have a motion
384and a second. so moved. we were on the substitute motion, I believe MS. Thompson was up next but she is is not here. So MS. Alhadeff. is would like to hear from general counsel. 80-30 has specific procedure specific paragraph 12. There is some decisions that the superintendent choice can make. I would like for, you know, through the chair, I would like for DR. Hepburn to direct his staff to specifically describe that procedure because there are choices. And I think it will revealed like what voices are available to you after he explains. yes, so in a nut shell and if there a cabuzzo wants to add. We can only negotiate with one entity at a time. We heard about bringing back the best bid from multiple parties, I guess broward health and baptist health. So since
385the policy agreed, we can only negotiate with one entity, my suggestion is to put a time line in the first entity. If that does not go through, we can start with the second entity. So however the board wants us to move. That's the constraints that we have right now on the policy. and to add, through the chair to add to support to what the superintendent just said, stated, within the policy, it, it con templates a designated buyer. So I squaunted to make sure that I understood what the procedures were and the reason why, in terms of background, cause I was, concerned about that too, I didn't know any facts. The reason why the superintendent is bringing this agenda item is because they've been negotiating for a year with this one entity. So in negotiating with
386that, they want direction from the board as to what the board directs them to do. But the policy does contemplate some of the choices. okay, so again in regards to negotiating continued negotiate with broward health, what is the timeline you suggest to give them? probably 3 to 6 months. goldman, oakland florida director of gofpt relgtsz for baptist south health florida. I want to recognize everyone here tonight and let you know that we did submit our offer in good faith based on the document that were posted with the agenda na broward health offer was the final offer. We would still be like to be considered and not be excluded from this process. We're serious of our letter of intent and our desire to continue working with the community. We have worked with eagle's haven since its
387inception. We have financial supported them and provided mental and behavioral health practitioners on annual basis to support their mission. We would continue to do so, moving forward, and while I don't have the ability at this very moment to commit to specific square footage in regards to eagle's haven I can assure that we're absolutely willing to negotiate and we do so with good intention. thank you. MS. Bulman. can you clarify the motion, are we getting a totally signed contract? Are we closing the property? I believe that includes the letter of intent and then moving forward, I forget the actual terminology that was used to describe when we would be done. I think if we want to hayes en the hayes en the process, we need a letter signed by the next meeting and enter into a
388contract. we heard from MR. Clark that would be feasible by the end of JANUARY, so if you want to change it. to enter into a contract. for the letter of intent. that's what I heard. if you want to clarify MR. Clark? yes, I was being considerate of the holidays but we can turn around a litter of intent by the end of this week. I'm just not sure when the superintendent will be able to bring it back to the board. If I heard you earlier in the meeting, there is a JANUARY 6th and 13th meeting. correct. we can have a letter of intent well in advance of that meeting. yes. And MR. Clark what did you say was coming after that. we then go to a purchase and sale agreement so we can talk about terms
389and conditions, that's when we'll flush out our inspection period et cetera and have that to be executed document. and you felt that would be feasible within the 90 days? based on some of our past purchase and sale agreements, I cannot commit to the school board but in the spirit of getting this done, I'm giving us a window. would you be willing to do the due diligence under loi? we would be. We're willing to take on the risk. okay. na will save us time you don't have to negotiate and have them backing out. Saves a little legal work. The only other thing that I would say is that we need some kind of, we still need to get legal guidance on how we're going to dot rental space. Eagle's haven there should be something na allows
390us to terminate if there is not a feasible way for us to legally, use an entity. MS. Jacques adams. so what what is being offered, it does not appear as though you can wrap this up into one contract, the sale. So whatever is involved with ownership, of the interest that you're interested in, the eagle, they would need to be a part of this, negotiation and the correct person needs to sign the correct contract so in other words, it seems as though at a minimum there is more than one contract one for the sale. yeah, it could be con tingent on the other parties. yes. It would be two separate contracts. that indicate what you want. we can approach that, I can give my general counsel and see if we can have our two document. Our
391intent is to get it in one document. But the same spirit and intent. just to clarify, it would depend upon like I said, if, if they're not the owner of this interest that you're seeking, then you need the, the entity that is the owner to be able to properly sign off on an agreement. right, they would have to have aside agreement with eagle's haven and broward education foundation or whoever we're using. First of all, we need to know if we can legally do it. ?Fm well depends on what the parameters say. It's hard to say when I don't know the parameters. we just need an out if we cannot tell what the will the board is, with purchaser. We just need some kind of language that is out for us, for that. I think that's.
392and that is doable, if you're trying to structure two different agreements to be put forth, simultaneously, that can be structured, you don't have to refer to one in the other, contracting comingle things. yep, okay. That sounds good. MS. Alhadeff? so in regards to the timeline, what are we saying? This needs to be executed by MARCH first? three months. the would be the end of MARCH. can you add that? our board meeting that month is MARCH 10th, in APRIL, it's APRIL 7th. can we say by MARCH 9th? yes. MARCH 9th. broward, yes. DR. Zeman. thank you so much, chair. I just want to summarize with MR. Clark, we offered the 13.9, you said said and rent on eagle haven and you said yes and you're going to offer what we said. yes, we will memorialize that
393in our letter interest. thank you for meeting all our requests. DR. Holness. I'm good. MS. Bulman? and how long after we execute the contract with we close? I am modify the 365 days, I need to get with counsel and traditional, typically 30 days after inspection. that sounds good. Thanks. any other board discussion on the motion? All in favor of the motion as amended say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Motion passes unanimously. Do we need a voigt vote on the whole item. yes, as amended. any other discussion. All right in favor in jj35 say aye. all opposed say no. Item passes unanimously without MS. Hixon. Can I get a motion and a second on oo11. so moved. second. moved and second. MS. Bulman. I just had a quick question about this one. Propane, fueling, but
394the money is coming out of the general fund, is that typical? Or is there a way that we can get it out of another fund. Is see the funding source kind of various but in ask is out of general. DR. Hepburn. DR. Johnson. it can't come from any other fund. I'm just trying to help you out. thank you. any other board discussion on oo11? All in favor of oo11 say aye. aye. all opposed say no. Item passes unanimously without MS. Hixon. Motion and second on oo12. so moved. second. moved by MS. Thompson seconded by MR. Zeman. MR. Cervera. thank you, chair. In reviewing I see the ask is for 2 million dollars for the spending of services which includes testing, inspection of certification of current fire alarm systems. My question to staff is does this
395include any equipment at all or any installations or just a testing inspection and certification? Because if it's just the twos items, 3 million dollars is a lot to spend on testing, thank you. MS. Paul? it's as written, inspection, testing, certification, and accordance with state statute . so this includes no equipment at all? no, sir. MR. Cervera, are you done with your questions? no more questions or comment lz, I -- comments, I think a lot to spend. aye. no. item passes unanimously with one decenting vote. MS. Bulman? I had my question answered, thank you. MR. Cervera? cervera, is satisfied. MS. Thompson? thank you, chair. I just want to talk about the process and kind of better understanding of why this money was not accounted for when we budgeted? I think we had some complexity in this
396area where we use money for all nurses and then you had the complexity that we had to staff schools based on need and the need kept on compounding because some students based on their health condition needed a nurse at the school. So we were able to identify that and the amount of money that we would need for the duration of the year. okay, so I just want to clarify, I feel like recently we've been getting items that I think staff would know that we would approve because they're necessssy ems and then, kind of forcthe board d toapprpr moy y atat we could d veve saved or cut other costs and I want to clarify this was not that item. no, this is essential for the kids and requires it. okay. any other board discussion. DR.
397Zeman. I just want to get a teaser with MS. Thompson's question here. There are opportunities for this board to set some standards about how much time in advance, we need to see financial obligations. If the board decided to and asked the superintendent to not bring anything outside of emergency within 60 days, we would have more time. So, to me, there is some opportunities a couple years, while I was on ot board, we said we would not spend any money if we had savings. I'm not sure what happened but once we make a motion I think it stais until it's undone. But I believe there is some opportunities in the next workshop to talk about some things like that. 30 to 40 million is not 94 million but it's not zero either. And if it's true
398that there is no money for pay raised and benefits are going away and positions are going away and a thousand jobs are being reduced, I think it would be unincumbent for to us think about knows financial arrangements that we would like to have so we can be intentional with the way we spend other people's money. MS. Bulman. to the point of financial transparency and planning. I talked to the superintendent yesterday, because on the executive summaries it says, what the year to date spend is, or something and whether or not it's currently budgeted. But what I requested is to see the actual numbers so we know how much is budgeted for this year and how much we've spent so fooer and do we have enough to approve this item that gives us a lot more information
399than we currently have to make that. So if we can have that moving forward, I think that will help the whole board. yes, MR. Sullivan and I are added that to update the executive summary moving forward. So we'll be be the second meeting in JANUARY, because we updated. We keep updating it, based on feedback and making sure the board has information. We listen and it helps us too and it creates a fordable ability to shah will be in the next adoration of the executive summary. So probably the second meeting in JANUARY because they've already done for the first meeting. all right, thank you. absolutely. any other board discussion? All in favor of oo14 say aye. aye. all opposed says no. Item passes unanimously without MS. Hixon and MR. Cervera is on the line. At this
400time do any of my colleagues have student successes they would like to bring to the superintendent? MS. Thompson. is just, two questions that came from earlier today, the union asked that we take a pause in our employee process. 'cause just, can the superintendent speak to what would like like and if that's a recommendation? so I think there are some minor things, but some agrecious things, I would disagree with the union, there are some things that need to be addressed in a timely manner, that we need to bring to the board immediately. As we're trying to clean up and be more fiscally responsibility, I don't believe in employees sitting out on timeout. For some things that MAY cause some question, we're working with the union to work with bert processes. But I saw in as azzarito,
401I think board members taking advantage of those meetings so we can ask the hard questions of the staff so we can really dive in to the items that are a little bit different than some of the others so we can get ahead of that. But I don't think pausing is going to do well for the district. Things can pile up very quickly because of our sheer size and number of employees and at the end of the other hop her, you have a lot of cases that the board has to see versus doing it in a meth thot methotical. And we've been getting email about excessive test iting, is that something that can come back to as workshop. yes, based on the last meeting, we put that in the workshop agenda. awesome, thank you. anyone else?
402The scheduled order of business for this regular school board meeting has been completed. Seeing no obligation, I now