001[Music] Welcome to today's special school board meeting. The special school board meeting of the School Board of Broward County, Florida, is now called to order to ensure a safe and productive environment. Please note the clearly marked emergency exits do not block exit doors, and all attendees must be seated except for media. Once the room reaches capacity, attendees will be directed to the overflow area. If the fire alarm sounds, exit the room calmly continue outside the building and remain there until the authorities give clearance to return. Thank you for your cooperation. All. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. I pledge allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and
002justice for all. Board member Alhadef has requested a moment of silence. MRS. Alhadef. Thank you. Amy Thompson, children of Lighthouse Point, Florida, passed away peacefully on APRIL 13th, 2026 at 57 years old after a courageous and inspiring journey with pancreatic cancer. She lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Robert James Nass and her cherished sons, Joshua, James Nass and Joel Luther Nass, who were the center of her world. Amy's life was a beautiful reflection of love and action through her family, her service, her teaching, and her friendships. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the lessons she shared, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Thank you. Thank you. MISS Bulman requested a moment of silence. MISS Bulman. Thank you, chair MR. Hilton Gilliam, a
003man of GOD, father, husband and dedicated employee, join MacArthur High School six years ago as a member of the security team, he independently covered one of the most critical areas on campus and carried out his duties with pride. No one was permitted on campus without proper identification. Even the PRESIDENT Would have been turned away without an id. Because of his diligence, students and staff felt an added sense of safety knowing MR. Gilliam was on post. Affectionately known as g-Man, MR. Gilliam said an exceptionally high standard that will be difficult to duplicate. He will forever be missed in the hearts of the MacArthur high family. Thank you, thank you. Thank you. Today's special school board meeting will operate in accordance. With chair I. Sorry, go ahead, MISS Bulman. My apologies. I have one more moment of
004silence. MR. Marcus Elliott served as the elementary music teacher at Driftwood Elementary for the past two years. He was an exceptional musician and a graduate of Norfolk State University and the nyu Graduate School of Music. A trained jazz musician specializing in trombone, he quickly inspired a love of music at driftwood by starting both a choir and a percussion group. Through the performances he organized, he showcased the talents of many students and helped foster a lasting appreciation for music that will continue behind. Beyond his passing, students and staff are deeply saddened by MR. Elliott's sudden loss, but they are grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and to have had him in their lives. He will be greatly missed. Thank you, thank you. Today's special school board meeting will operate in accordance with School Board
005Policy 1020, and the board will review the items as advertised and presented by the superintendent. The superintendent released a revised Agenda with certain changes for this meeting and published it on the school district's website. The chair finds pursuant to section one, 20.525 Florida statutes, that good cause exists for such changes and accepts the revised agenda. MAY I have a motion and a second to close the agenda? Second. Moved by DR. Zeman. Seconded by MISS Hixon. All in favor of closing the agenda? Let it be known by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Say no. The agenda is now closed. We will soon hear from our registered public speakers. We ask that decorum be maintained and civility and respect be shown during public comment. Our General General Counsel will assist the chair in maintaining decorum during this
006period. We also want to remind our public speakers of the rules and expectations regarding the agenda. Public comment section portion of the Special School Board meeting, as well as board policy attorney Dupree Bruno, please explain the rules of public comment. Kathleen Adams, assistant general counsel. Public comment is governed by school board Policy 1020 and is intended to provide input on the school board's duties, decisions and the overall operation of the school district. The School Board is viewpoint neutral during public comment per school board policy, 1020 public comment procedures are as follows. Speakers must state their name, city of residence and whether they are a lobbyist. Before beginning their remarks. All remarks must be directed to the board as a whole. The board is not to. The board will not respond to or engage with speakers
007during public comment, and no action will be taken unless the item is on the agenda. In terms of time limits during the am and pm general speaking time, public speakers will have up to three minutes to address non-agenda items for a maximum total time of 30 minutes allotted for public comment. A maximum of ten speakers during the agenda speaking time, speakers will have up to three minutes per item and up to one minute on motions or amendments per meeting, with an additional one minute if a motion is introduced, the chair MAY adjust the order of speakers, recognize speakers and enforce all time limits. The chair MAY reduce individual speaking time or establish a total time limit for public comment when necessary. To ensure all speakers have an opportunity to be heard. As such, the chair
008designates as follows a visible timer will be used and the microphone MAY be turned off when time expires. In terms of content limitations, speakers must limit their comments to matters related to school board business and for agenda items must remain relevant to the specific item. Comments MAY not address matters that are pending litigation. Quasi judicial proceedings, active investigations or administrative hearings, solicitation and lobbying activities must comply with applicable school board policies in terms of standards of decorum. Abusive language defined as profanity threatening or name calling is prohibited. In addition, clapping, hissing, booing, shouting or yelling or other disruptions from the audience are not allowed. Speakers who fail to follow proper decorum in the chambers will be ruled out of order by the board chair, and failure to comply MAY result in the microphone being turned
009off or recess being called after a warning. The chair MAY also direct removal from the meeting by law enforcement or the Sergeant at Arms. MADAM Chair. Thank you. Attorney Jack Adams. The board wants to hear from you, and we appreciate your cooperation and maintaining a respectful, orderly and productive meeting environment. When it is time for public speakers, I will call five at a time. Doesn't. I don't know that we have that many today, but when you hear your name, please line up behind the podium with one person at a time, at the podium at a time. Please follow the staff's directions when lining up and approaching the podium. When your minute is. When your time is up, please yield the mic and exit the podium and follow staff direction. MAY I have a motion and
010a second on item 26? So moved. Moved by DR. Zeman. Seconded by MISS Hixon. Public comment on item 26. MADAM Chair, we have one public speaker, Marlee Mateo. MAY please proceed to the podium. Hello everyone. I am Marlee Mateo, mother of Nancy Mateo. I am very humbled to be here today to accept a proclamation on her behalf. This recognition is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Thank you for acknowledging her efforts and commitment to want to make this world a better place where everyone's voice deserves to be heard and every dream can come true. If you are focused and determined to make it happen. Thank you to School Board member DR. Holness and the school board. The Mateo family is eternally grateful and we will strive to continue with Nancy's legacy. Thank you.
011Thank you so much. That concludes our speakers. Thank you. DR. Holness. Thank you, MADAM Chair. So I do have two proclamations today. And the first proclamation is in honor of the life, vision and legacy of MR. MR. Levi Henry, the founder of the well respected Westside Gazette, Broward County's oldest and largest African American owned and operated newspaper. Because of the process that we have, this proclamation is also co-sponsored by our chair. Board member Leonardi. So I just want to also ask the board if the remainder of the board would also co-sponsor this proclamation. And if so, you can just raise your hand. So we have all of the board members of Broward County School Board co-sponsoring this proclamation. Board. MR. Sullivan, could you bring the family up, please? Okay. Whereas Levi Henry Junior was a
012man of profound character and purpose whose life journey was shaped by hard work, service, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the community, and whose presence was marked by humility, wisdom, and quiet strength. Whereas, a proud veteran of the United States Army, MR. Levi Henry Junior, carried forward the values of duty, integrity and discipline throughout his life, exemplifying what it means to serve not only one's country but also one's community with honor. Whereas MR. Levi Henry Junior was a man of profound character and purpose, whose life journey was shaped by hard work, service, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to community, and who, together with his wife Yvonne Henry, founded the Westside Gazette, which he led as a founder and publisher for more than 30 years. With humility, wisdom and quiet strength. And whereas, under
013his leadership, the Westside Gazette became far more than a publication, it served as a trusted institution, a historical record, a platform for accountability, and a voice for those too often overlooked. Documenting community life while fostering awareness, empowerment and civic engagement. And whereas, through decades of publication, the Westside Gazette stood as a consistent advocate for truth, education, justice and self-determination, amplifying local voices, celebrating cultural heritage and preserving the the lived experiences of a community for current and future generations. And whereas, even after stepping back from daily operations, MR. Henry remained deeply invested in the Westside Gazette, continuing to guide its mission and protect its purpose, ensuring that the values upon which it was founded would endure beyond his lifetime. And whereas, through his leadership as a publisher, mentor, community advocate and family man, Levi Henry Jr
014leaves behind a legacy defined by service, integrity and an unshakable belief in the power of community to inform, uplift and endure. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I, district five school board member and and Vice chair Doctor Jeff Holness, co-sponsored by district three school board member and chair Sierra Leonardi and the rest of Broward County School Board hereby honored the life and legacy of MR. Levi Henry JR. Recognizing his visionary leadership, his lasting contributions as founder and publisher of the Westside Gazette, and his commitment to ensuring that the voices, history and achievements of the community are preserved and respected. Thank you. [Applause] And you can stay. We're going to take some pictures. We'll briefly recess the special school board meeting to take a photo. Today, it's certainly an honor for me to recognize the life
015and legacy of who I consider to be a dear friend of mine, as well as so many, many people. Nancy, Mateo. And like I had mentioned in the prior proclamation, due to our procedure, we do have. The chair a co-sponsor in this item, and I also would like a show of hands to ensure that all of the board members are also cosponsoring this item. Thank you so much. We would. MR. Sullivan, can you have the family come up? Oh, wow. Okay. Whereas Nancy Mateo was a trailblazing public servant whose life embodied compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service, and whose leadership left an indelible mark on the city of Coral Springs, and on all who had the privilege of knowing her. And whereas Nancy Mateo made history as the first Black and Haitian American
016woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission, later serving as vice mayor with distinction, carrying responsibilities with grace, humility, and a deep sense of community. And whereas, equipped with a strong academic foundation and professional expertise in environmental science and public health, Nancy Mateo devoted her career to protecting communities, promoting sustainability, and strengthening resilience while consistently centering the needs of families and future generations. And whereas former Vice Mayor Nancy Mateo demonstrated an enduring commitment to children and youth by championing educational opportunity and civic engagement, including her continued advocacy for the doctor Martin Luther King Junior Scholarship. As a former recipient, her proud support of the city's Shine On programs, celebrating students character achievement and leadership, and her hands on involvement in youth focused initiatives such as vice Mayor for the day, the Commission Connection Program, the
017city's annual teen Political forum, and the Youth Commission meeting one of her most cherished efforts, where she found great joy in watching young people step into leadership roles, share their ideas and gain confidence in their voices. And whereas Nancy Mateo consistently showed up in schools and youth spaces, listening with care and respect, encouraging thoughtful dialog, and advocating for safe, enriching learning environments where children could learn, grow, and thrive. And now, therefore, be it. Proclaim that I, district five school board member and vice chair Doctor Jeff Holness, co-sponsored by district three school board member and chair Sierra Leonardi and the entire School Board of Broward County hereby honored the life and legacy of former Vice Mayor Nancy Mateo, recognizing her extraordinary devotion to children, families and community, and her enduring commitment to creating opportunity, hope, and
018a more compassionate future for all, while encouraging each of us to carry forward her example by continuing to uplift, support, and care for one another, ensuring that her legacy of love, service, and leadership lives on through the lives she touched. Thank you. [Applause] Okay, so we're going to take a picture shortly. MADAM Chair. Briefly recess the meeting. [Music] Thank you. And we are back, MR. Cervera. I want to first off, thank DR. Holness for his for his proclamations. And I also want to thank our Vice chair, excuse me, our chair, for co-sponsoring mine as we honor one of the great teachers that's ever been fortunate for us to grace our our classrooms. MADAM Chair, I know that you were nice enough to co-sponsor this. I would just ask my colleagues for their support in co-sponsoring
019this proclamation in favor of MISS Teresa Sutton as well. Thank you. It looks like we have unanimous support, and I thank my colleagues for that. MR. Sullivan, would you be so kind as to invite the guests of honor, along with her friends and family, to the front, please. All right. As soon as we get started here. I think this obviously is an opportune time to acknowledge our sincere appreciation for not only MISS Sutton and for her years and years and decades of service, but to all our great teachers who really are the heartbeat of this great district, who continually allow us to get our a ratings, and who educate our students and allow them to excel to new levels. But today, this is about MISS Sutton. Teresa Sutton began her career with Broward County Public
020Schools in 1987. With a passion for teaching and a deep commitment to supporting students academic growth. Whereas, Teresa has dedicated nearly four decades of exemplary service as a high school educator with Broward County Public Schools demonstrating a steadfast commitment to student achievement and educational excellence. Whereas, throughout her distinguished career, she served at Coral Glades High School, Coral Springs High School, Plantation High School and the itv Homework Hotline, extending learning opportunities both inside and beyond the classroom. Whereas, MISS Sutton's expertise in geometry and algebra, along with her leadership as a math department head, significantly contributed to instructional quality and professional growth among not only students but to her faculty as well. Whereas Teresa enriched school communities through her involvement in extracurricular activities, including coaching girls track, sponsoring the sophomore class in the Mu Alpha Theta and
021contributing to the development of the fcat instructional videos. Whereas, MISS Sutton's dedication, mentorship and professionalism have positively impacted thousands of students, I would dare say tens of thousands of students, colleagues, families and the like. Over the course of her illustrious and distinguished career. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I. District six school board member Adam Cervera, along with all of my colleagues on the dais up here, hereby honor and celebrate Teresa g. Sutton for her exceptional years of service, lasting contributions to public education, unwavering commitment to the students of Broward County Public Schools. And as Teresa prepares to embark on a well-deserved retirement, we wish her abundant joy and fulfillment in this new chapter of her life. And please do some traveling. Congratulations to you and thank you for your service to this district. We
022will briefly recess the meeting to take a photo. Maybe stay up there first and then come down and. [Music] All right. I will recess this special school board meeting to go back to the workshop. So we will reconvene the workshop in a few minutes. Once beacon is able to switch the meeting over. So this special school board meeting is now recessed.