001Heat. Heat. Hey. Heat. Heat. N. And the end. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. N. [music] Good evening. Welcome. I would like to call this meeting to order at 6 pm. Tonight, we will have our reflection read by Miss Rodriguez, followed by the pledge by Winding Waters K8. If everyone can please stand. Heavenly Father, I come before you tonight with grateful hearts. I thank you for the opportunity to serve this community, our students, our families, and our dedicated staff. Grant us wisdom as I make decisions, clarity as we discuss important matters, and unity even when opinions differ. Guide me to always place the needs of children first, to lead with integrity and to act with compassion and fairness. Bless our teachers, our administrators, our support staff, and every student in our schools. Keep them safe, inspired,
002and strengthened each and every day. Help us remember that our work here tonight shapes the future of our community. May I listen respectfully, speak thoughtfully, and govern responsibly. I ask for peace in this room, purpose in our hearts, and blessings upon our district. In your name, I pray. Amen. to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. You may be seated. Our school spotlight today will be provided by Miss Tormy with Winding Waters K8. Okay. And we're going to introduce our students first. >> My name is Evan Loienko and I'm with seventh grade student council and beta club. >> My name is Jun and I am in student council in sixth grade. >>
003My name is Juliet Lindbeck. I am eighth grade and I'm part of the Winding Waters K through8 student government. >> My name is Maline Matthysse. I'm in eighth grade and I'm with the Winding Waters K8 Junior Beta Club. >> My name is Noah Terrell and I'm in fifth grade doing safety patrol. >> My name is Justin Vidal. I'm in fifth grade and I'm a safety patrol. >> My name's Ryland Williamson and I'm in fifth grade doing safety patrol. My name is Addison Bido and I am in fifth grade and I'm doing safety patrol. >> Thank you. If we can give them a round of applause. Thank you Winding Water students for coming out and thank you for your being student leaders in our schools. And as Mr. Ellerman said, you guys will get just in
004case everybody didn't hear that, a Chick-fil-A certificate and I believe a cow. Do are do we >> do we still have cows? No cows. Oh, I'm sorry. But but at least you get the Chick-fil-A. >> Thank you. >> All right. And at this time, we'll have Miss Tormy come up and give us the school spotlight. >> Push the button. There you go. Thank you. >> Good evening, chairperson, board members, and Superintendent Pender. Thank you for the opportunity to share the amazing things happening at Windingwaters K8. It's an honor to represent a school community that is deeply committed to student success, continuous improvement, and building a culture where every child thrives. This past year has been one of meaningful growth and momentum for Winding Waters, particularly in the area of teaching and learning. Through relentless focus
005on highquality instruction, data-driven decision-making, and targeted support for both students and teachers, we have seen measurable gains across all grade levels. Our teachers have worked collaboratively to refine instructional practices, implement standards, align lessons, and ensure that all students are actively engaged in rigorous and relevant learning experiences. As a result of these collective efforts, we are proud to have raised our school grade to a B. This academic achievement reflects not only the improved academic outcomes, but also the dedication, resilience, and professionalism of our staff. It's a testament to what can be accomplished when a team remains focused on a shared vision and refuses to settle for anything less than excellent. Bel beyond the classroom, our athletics program have made tremendous strides. Participation has increased. Student athletes are demonstrating strong sportsmanship. Our teams are becoming increasingly competitive
006across the district. More importantly, our athletic programs are helping students build confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. Qualities that positively impact their success both in school and in life. Our fine arts program continues to shine as well. Our band program has earned phenomenal accolades at recent MPA performances, receiving 129 [clears throat] superior ratings and 11 excellent ratings with 140 total student participants. This represents the highest level of middle school band participation across all surrounding counties. A remarkable accomplishment that speaks to both the strength of the program and the dedication of our students and staff. Additionally, our Winding Waters K8 Future Florida Future Educators Chapter continues to distinguish itself at the state level. Our chapter was recognized as a top middle school chapter for the first semester, marking the second time in just two years
007that they have earned this prestigious honor. This achievement reflects our commitment to developing future educators and providing students with meaningful leadership and career focused opportunities. >> [clears throat] >> Looking ahead, we are especially excited about our upcoming Students versus the World Flag Football Tournament on Friday, May 1st. The community event will feature teams from Hernando County Sheriff's Office, the Florida State Troopers, Hernando County Fire Department, as well as teams of Hernando County teachers and students. It's a celebration of unity, teamwork, and a positive school community relationship. At Winding Waters, we believe that educating the whole child is essential. Whether in the classroom, on the field, through the arts, or in leadership organizations, we are committed to creating an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired. As we continue our journey, our focus remains clear.
008Working hard to pursue both individual and collective goals as we earn our way to an A. With the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and the determination of our students, we're confident that we will continue moving forward together. Thank you for your continued support of Windingwaters K8 and for your commitment to the students and families of Hernando County. >> Thank you. Congratulations on that B and thank you for your leadership. Thank you, Miss Dory, and students of Winding Waters. >> And we believe you're going to get that A for sure. >> You'll have more room to spread your little bee- wings next year. >> Yellow jackets. [laughter] Yes. Sorry. >> All right. And at this time, we will have Mr. Elellman come up to do our employee recognition. Not this week. None
009this week. Okay. So, at this point, we'll move on to the adoption of our agenda. Item number one, 26-3731. Approval to adopt the agenda dated April 28th, 2026. May I have a motion and a second? Any discussion? Please vote. And that motion passes 40. Do we have any elected officials in the room who would like to speak tonight? No. Okay. Thank you. At this point, we'll move on to student representative item number 226-3733. Student Representative Jeser Abdul Raheem of Springstead High School to share an update of school related activities and events with the board. Jira, >> thank you. Good evening everyone. This week we're going back to just telling a little bit about everything going on in Hernando County. So at Battle of the Books, Challenger won first place, Spring Hill Elementary earned second place,
010and Sunost and Westside also participated in this competition, too. The per There we go. The performing arts scene has been very busy with Central presenting Legally Blonde, Pinerroves Baritones, and West Hernando Junior Thesbians performing Beauty and the Beast and Nature Coast Thespians presenting Ry the Cyclone. All of the stages have been very busy. Challengers Jazz Band received a superior rating at MPA and Wikiwatchi has an in-house student rock band that you can find playing at lunch and may have may have had an appearance at prom. And here are just a few pictures of the prom kings and queens at Springstead. Wikiwatchi and Hernando High. Some of the student events that took place are going to take place is Brooksville Elementary School has their K through2 school dance. Fox Chapel students are advancing to the Florida
011History Fair in Tallahassee. Western Middle School's 8th grade graduation ceremony is on May 21st and Grad Venture is on May 26th. Springstead just had their Air Force JRTC military ball. And then Central High School students, oh, sorry. Um then Central High School had a senior signing day April 15th and an upcoming bear crawl May 15th. The supervisor of elections registered students to vote during Cernando High School's student government campaign day and visited explores civic students to teach them about voting. And then here are some PBIS and academic celebrations. Brooksville Elementary School is having a PBIS glow party with an under the sea theme on May 8th. Westside Elementary School recently had an ice cream social for positive behavior and students used raw coin for their book vending machine. Fox Chapel is having a PBIS event
012with student choice activities including Tattoo the Teacher. Challenger reached $50,000 uh fundraising goal for a buddyathon. Um family events, Brooksville Elementary School had its Shining Stars reader night and annual barbecue bash. Sun Coast Elementary had book fair events, pastries with parents, popcorn with parents, and Pine Grove Elementary had a spring fling with PTO games, prizes, snacks, and bookf fair. Explorer had their spring carnival and Spring Hill Elementary had a student data night/globe party go um and these are just some of the family events flyers. And then for sports, DS Parent Middle Schools, uh, their Leopard softball team finished the regular season undefeated and is advancing toward playoffs. Boys and girls tennis are county champions. Western Hernandez middle schools track and tennis teams are competing as their season wraps up. Nature Coast qualified for the regionals
013in track and field and girls flag football are district champs. Oh, school to school connections. Um, Sun, sorry, Sun Coast Elementary. Their third grader graders visited Springstead High School for a chemistry kitchen field trip and Wikiwatchi's Future Teacher Academy attended Deltona Elementary's career and fast night. Uh local fifth graders attended middle school sixth grade orientations. Uh community involvement. Um DS Parent Middle School's gardening club field trip to CMX. Explorer was partnering with the Hernando County Family YMCA for a summer food drive. Fox Chapel has three students advancing to the Florida History Fair in Tallahassee. Brooksville Elementary recognized their amazing volunteers. And then it is state testing season. So in high schools, Cambridge ACE exams began last week. Western Hernando Middle School has state test review and after school tutoring for math, civics, and algebra 1.
014Pinerove Elementary has testing preparation across all grade levels. Initiatives include water day and foam day. And then Fox Chapel has a testing initiative planned like a nacho bar, uh, ramen, ramen bars, Sunday bar, and pizza party. Thank you, Cher. [applause] I always enjoy your updates with all of your photos and all the hard work you put in. I think it makes it less boring for a student to be up here and telling us um what's happening in the schools and um you make it exciting to watch and hear. So, thank you. All right, we'll move on now to item number three, 26-3690, recognition of April, um Hernando County School District veteran by Mr. Elellman. Mr. Parliament. >> Good evening, Madame Chair, members of the board, Superintendent Pender, community members, students, faculty, staff, and honored guests.
015At this time, on behalf of the Hernando County School District, I would like to recognize the April Veteran of the Month, Ashley Abisada. Master Sergeant Ashley A. Abasada presently serves as the four November 0X1 functional manager at the 927th Aeromedical Staging Squadron. In this capacity, she oversees the management, readiness, and career development of all enlisted members of enlisted aerospace medical service personnel. Master Sergeant Abvisada advises the chief nurse and senior leaders on force distribution, manpower utilization, training, compliance, and professional development for over 55 medics, ensuring optimal support for patient staging and global contingency operations. She enlisted in the Air Force in February of 2003. Following basic training, she attended air crew life support school at Shepard Air Force Base, Texas, and graduated in June. She served as an air crew life support journeyman until her
016departure from active duty in 2007. She has held many roles during her career, including flight chief, emergency medical technician, lead instructor, EMT, non-commission officer in charge, lead trainer. She has deployed four times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Prior to her current position, Master Sergeant Abvisada served as the talent management consultant for the 927th Aeromedical Staging Squadron in McDill Air Force Base. She earned her associate of arts degree at Pasco Hernando State College and continued her education by completing her associate of nursing from Everest University. She is a nationally licensed emergency medical technician and currently works as a clinic par profofessional at Winding Waters K8. And I'm not sure if anyone's noticed her, but she's hard to see in the camouflage. At this time, Kristen Tormy, principal of Mining Waters K8, would
017like to share a few words. much to her surprise. Miss Abisada, would you come up and join us? [applause] >> [applause] >> So, I would like to personally thank you for your service and your dedication, not just to our country, but to our students. You go above and beyond every single day with all that you do. You spend your weekend serving our country, and we appreciate you more than you know. >> [applause] >> in recognition of your service. >> Family's here too. Do you want >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> [applause] >> At this time, we'll move on to item number 4, 26-3682, recognition of accomplishments by Dustin Cupchek, Hernando County School District's athletic director for being named the Florida Coaches Coalition Central Region Athletic Director of the Year by Mr. Dr. Morris. >> Thank you.
018>> Good evening, board chair, board members, superintendent Pinder. Is my honor tonight to recognize Hernando County's own district athletic director, Dustin Cupchek. Um he was recently awarded, as uh Miss Hawkins described, the Florida Athletic Director of the Year for the Central Region here in Florida. Um, this is a very, very big recognition that he recently received at a coach of the year clinic in Orlando, Florida for the state. Um, just to go over a couple criteria of why Dustin was recognized for this. As I go through this list, those of you who have worked with Dustin will know he hit on every single one of these bullet points that they discussed here. Um, the first one was he sustained systemwide competitive excellence across multiple schools and sports. Uh this second bullet point I think Dustin
019points out quite a bit whether it's in other meetings through social media working with other school personnel whether it's administration teachers coaches etc. But that bullet point is academic performance eligibility standards and graduation outcomes of student athletes. I think um you know why Dustin is laser focused on athletics in this district. I think the big thing that he brings to that is how much he talks about um student GPA, team GPA, and such. He does a great job of recognizing that hard work in the classroom as well. And you'll always hear him start out with student athletes, not just athletics, but he does point out they were all student athletes. Another bullet point was strategic hiring, evaluation, retention, and professional development for staff, which Dustin always provides. Policy development, compliance, oversight, and integrity and athletic
020governance. Culture building that unifies schools while allowing individual programs to thrive. Again, Dustin excels in that bullet point as well. Uh fiscal stewardship, resource allocation, and equitable access to opportunities across campuses. He does allocate for every school in this district. Uh community engagement including board members, superintendent, principals, and local partners. He's a v visionary leadership that advances long-term athletic programming beyond a single school and the ability to navigate high pressure district level decisions with transparency, courage, and consistency. So th those were the criteria that were met. and Dustin obviously those of you who have worked with him you know he meets every single one of those criteria and when I spoke to uh Dr. Andrew Andrew Ramjet he pointed out Dustin was an obvious choice when I reached out to him and asked him about
021why Dustin was nominated and why he received this award. I already knew why he was for the most part but what they determined that. Uh I do just want to point out a couple things that Dustin does as this district. Um, the biggest thing I I will say he does advocate for athletics, student athletes quite a bit. Those I know board members work with him quite a bit. Mr. Pinder does as well as any administrators in the room and such. And it's not just a high school level athletics. He is he is full-on K through 12, even as low as elementary school. I saw him supporting Westside and their basketball program they've started there as well. So, he really does advocate for students a lot. Um the athletes, those of you, um we talked about
022it earlier today at the workshop. May 15th, they're doing their second annual athletic awards banquet where they recognize the high school athletes. Uh he ran it last year. The the event is fantastic. Um I know he's got bigger and better things planned for this year as well. So those who are able to attend, obviously athletes are invited and he did talk about how some families can be involved as well. And then um the other thing that the one other event that he was a big part of this year which I was a fan of was the uh literacy athletics and literacy event where we had student athletes out there working with elementary kids um getting them excited to read do other athletic events and such. Um that was a big event he was a part
023of as well. So he is involved with everything. I could talk up here just as long as Dustin could talk about anything and I can talk about his accomplishments and I go on forever. Little jab at Dustin. I know he likes to talk. Um [laughter] but uh I do you know anytime I get opportunity to recognize I know if he comes up here and talks he's going to recognize athletic directors, coaches, administrators and stuff. I I don't think enough people take the time to recognize him because he's always on the run and such. So if I get an opportunity to recognize him, I definitely want to. So, I just want to show my appreciation for Dustin and uh have him come up if he wants to say a couple things and then uh get this
024award. [applause] >> Madam Chair, board members, Superintendent Pender, uh just I'll be very brief. I just want to say thank you to the board, superintendent, uh and the whole Hernando County School District team, especially my academic services team. Uh they they they support me. you guys support me. Uh I I really really appreciate the open lines of communication and um really, you know, when I talk to some of my peers, I don't think they all experience the same experience I have. So, I really really appreciate that. I want to thank my family. Um my wife and kids, they put up with a lot. And uh I'm getting texts and phone calls during dinner still even though I'm not on the campus. Um and uh thank you know, weekends night, stuff like that. So, I really
025really appreciate uh what they put up with and how they encourage and support me. And then lastly, like Dr. Morris said, "We really have some tremendous athletic directors and coaches in our district and student athletes, of course, but uh I more directly oversee those those ads and coaches and um I I I can't applaud them enough and and share my my uh appreciation for them enough. I I truly believe uh I I know I'm a little biased, but I truly believe in my heart of hearts that the dark ads and coaches are some of the hardest working people in our district and some of the most impactful people in our district. So, um I appreciate what they do and and and their um you know, relationship wi with me um and and and our student
026athletes. But other than that, thank you guys. I appreciate the recognition. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Cobch. Come back for a photo. Yeah. Thank you. [applause] All right, we'll move on to item number 526-3732. Approval of the minutes from the informal workshop and regular schoolboard meeting of April 14, 2026. May I have a motion and a second? Any discussion? Please vote. And that passes 40. We'll now move on to our public hearing items. Number 626-3572 public hearing and final approval of Niola policy 5460 graduation requirements. This item was tentatively approved at the March 24th, 2026 board workshop. Do we have any white speaker forms? >> Okay. Can I have a motion and a second? Any discussion? Please vote. And that passes 40. Item number 726-3650 public hearing and approval of Niola policy 5517
027anti-harassment. This item was tentatively approved at the March 24th, 2026 board workshop. Do I have any white speaker forms? Okay. Can I have a motion and a second? Any discussion? Please vote. And that passes 40. Item number 8, 26-3716. Enter a final order expelling the student in case number E2026-04-01 for one year with ed with educational services. May I have a motion and a second? Any discussion? Please vote. And that passes 40. We'll now move on to our citizen input on agenda items. Green speaker forms number 926-3734 citizen input on agend uh green form agenda items. Do we have any speaker forms? No green. Okay. Now we'll move on to the adoption of the consent agenda items number 10 through 22. Do we have any items to pull from the agenda tonight? >> No. Okay.
028May I have a motion and a second, please? Please vote. And that passes 40. We'll now move on to our citizen input, pink speaker forms. Do we have any pink speaker forms? Mr. Mr. Myers, would you be so kind to please read the instructions for this item? >> Sure. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, those speakers who wish to address general matters not on the agenda this evening should com complete the pink citizen input form. Uh, if you have any attachments you wish to share with the board, please provide them to the board secretary prior to speaking. Uh, each speaker will have three minutes during the segment of the agenda. Speakers will be called by number to come forward by the chair prior making a remarks. Please state your name and address for the record. Inquiries
029or comments made during citizen input may be followed up and reported to the board by the superintendent or staff thereafter. Those are the instructions. >> Thank you, Mr. Myers. We'll start with speaker number one. Please come up. >> State your name for the record. >> Can you hear me with my mask on? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. Sorry. Cancer puts a dent in the immune system. My name is Barbara Gulotti, 15264 Merl Court, Brooksville, Florida. Um, I would like to first congratulate the Hernando County School Board for instituting a student representative position to its ranks. It's a well-designed and effective program. As a retired educator and former Florida Department of Education employee, I strongly urge the board to maintain the student representative position for a number of reasons. Not only does this position provide
030schoolboard leadership with beneficial insight and input regarding student needs and perspectives, a crucial aspect of teaching and learning. But it is also an indispensable tool that promotes student empowerment and ownership of their educational experience not only for the student representative but for the entire student body. Additionally, it is a valuable education tool on a multitude of avenues. To Miss Abdul Rahheim, I congratulate your courage, your commitment to the position to which you were elected, and your mature attitude and thinking. You're an inspiration not only to your fellow students, but also to the entire community here in Hernando County. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] Speaker number two, Donna Depinet Dasher. I live in Spring Hill. I've recently read I've been out of town about some random paranoid guy, not a student, harassing the student delegate
031to the school board. And that one proposal to this problem was to dissolve the position of student delegate. You, the board, created this position for excellent reasons, and those reasons have not disappeared. In fact, they are probably more relevant than ever. You must know that bullies cannot be placated and it's almost as impossible to educate someone who is determined to remain ignorant. My question is this. To what extent are we as a community willing to let our decisions be dictated by insecure, ignorant, and paranoid bullies? My an my um hope is that your answer is not at all. Thank you. [applause] Thank you. We'll have speaker number three, please. And there is a handout. You want to wait a minute? I'll pass your hand out. Just one second. Yeah. Sorry. >> Okay. You may start.
032Thank you. Start with your name, please, sir. >> Yes. My name is Mr. Watts, and I'm here about uh I've provided you with a copy of why I'm here, and I can't understand. we have a a biping place why they're not adhering to this to allow things to get out of hand to the point of this escalation that we have today. He received five days of inschool suspension this week. Last week he had three days of inschool suspension and the week before we had an out of school suspension. Now we have an ESC child who for this eight days of inschool suspension is being taught by a pair professional, not a not a teacher, not an ESC related teacher. And we have an agreement dating in December of 24 with the district in the ESC
033department that is standing still. And in that agreement, this is breaking that agreement. He's not being taught by a teacher, a qualified certified teacher. He went for a whole year in this district being taught by a non-teer. And I just wanted to bring this to your attention. >> I thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Miss Rodriguez. >> Mr. Watts. I am aware and I was briefed today. So, I will be reaching out to you. We'll get together tomorrow. >> We have had ABA services private being provided for the last year and a half. We've ended our relationship with them today because we think they're aggravating things. So, now it's on y'all. >> Okay. I'll >> putting it in your hands. I'll reach out tomorrow and we'll get together >> because we will no
034longer have private ABA services in the classroom to help. >> Thank you for coming out. Thank you for being >> Mr. Watt. Thank you for pointing that out that you have an ABA that is aggravating your child. Sometimes in our ES rooms that does happen. So that is good to know that that you had a private one. I appreciate that. Sir, you have to come back to the microphone. >> Obviously, it's hard to keep ABA services in the classroom consistent. Sometimes we have them, sometimes we don't. Sometimes we get a different person and that person has different attitudes and they don't listen to what we've already expressed in the BIP. Okay? We don't want to aggravate things. Obviously, when things start to get out of hand, there can be dis deescalation done. He's very workable,
035but when you push the matter, it escalates to the point of what you see today. >> Is your phone number on the slip that you turned in? >> It is. >> Thank you. We'll reach out to you tomorrow. Thank you. All right. At this time, we'll have speaker number four. Hi, my name is Annette Zory. Forgive me because I don't talk in front of big groups of people, so I'm nervous. I'm just coming to talk to you guys about the time change for elementary, the 9:30 in the morning. I'm a single mom. I work full-time. Uh, I make too much money for any kind of help. I don't want a handout, right? I just want to be able to not be I want to be able to buy things for my son. YMCA is raising
036their prices again. So, I'm going to be paying $350 a month. I need daycare for 40 minutes a day. So, I'm paying $350 a month for 40 minutes a day before when the entry time was earlier. I could drop him off 30 minutes before school and my dad picks him up after school. And so, it's it's impacted my life severely. I pay a mortgage by myself. I don't get any kind of help. And I don't want help, right? I just want to be able to work. Now, if I was a drug addict or an alcoholic or a bad mom, I would have all kinds of services because I call I've called around to find out what's out there. But I'm just a good mom that wants to work full time and I don't want to
037change my son's school. He's a straight A student. He likes his school and I want him to stay there. And it's gotten so hard and I can't possibly think that I'm the only single mom out there or single dad out there that's going through this right now. You know, if I was making I think they said you have to make 25,000 a year for help with daycare. If I was making 25,000 a year, that means I'm working part-time. I don't want to work part-time and get government help. Do they offer if you just are using the services in the morning, do they offer a discounted rate or it's you have to do before and after? >> Have to do before and after. >> And then what school are you at? >> Uh Sun Coast Elementary.
038And like when I submitted my income and I don't want everybody to know my income, but I make 2175 an hour. >> It's not a lot of money. >> What time would you need to have him there in the mornings? >> I have to I drive all the way to Newport Richie. So I'd have to get him there by 8:20, you know, to to be able to get to work. I love my job. That's another thing. I love my job. I don't want to lose my job. >> What time in the afternoon? How is the afternoon? >> She doesn't need afternoon. She just needs morning, but she's paying $350 a month for just morning care. >> Okay. >> Well, it's going up to that in the new school year and one one of the assistant
039teachers or something told me it was going to change. They thought the hours were going to change. And then >> what time is the earliest that you can drop him off at Sun Coast? >> 9:00, which doesn't most people work at 8 9 in the morning? 9:30 in the morning is insane. I mean, >> what time do you start work in the morning? >> I start at 9. >> Okay. >> I work >> and you need a half hour to get to Newport Richie. >> I need about 40 minutes to get from Sun Coast Elementary to my job. But it's just insane to pay that much money. It It's negatively impacted my life. Like I can't even explain to you. It really has. >> Did you put your phone number on the paper? >> Uh
040the paper I turned in. Yes. >> Yes. We'll reach out to you. Thank you for coming up. >> Thank you. Speaker number five. Good evening everyone. Beverly Co. Brooksville, Florida. Hernando County is very privileged to participate in the schoolboard student delegate program in which students interested in civic engagement and leadership development hone a real world microcosm of the process of campaigning, public speaking, goal setting, constituent engagement, and representation of the events, initiatives, and celebrations of our county's public schools. We are doubly privileged this year because we have such a wonderful, intelligent, and poised representative, Jaser Abdul Rahim. Our student delegate happens to be of the Muslim faith. I've never once heard her mention this publicly at a board meeting, but I've heard other board members proudly bring their Christian faith into a conversation at these
041meetings. It has been some time now since a Hernando County resident began harassing our student delegate on social media by deliberately spreading a lie that she has called for Sharia law, which is an Islamic religious legal system enforced in predominantly Muslim countries. However, it must be stated for the hopelessly ignorant who readily believed this bully without one second of viable research that Sharia law is not legally binding in the United States and cannot supersede federal or state laws as established by the US Constitution. So, it's a moot point even though it never happened. Given our divisive and oft dangerous political climate, this bully, this young man who's not a student, is already well known as a provocator and I believe quite proud of it and absolutely knew in my opinion the potential consequences of his
042actions and the seriousness of what could play out. He knows this. I am a first amendment advocate, but when the freedom of speech is intended to or likely can cause imminent physical harm, destruction of property, or illegal acts, then law enforcement can and should intervene. I don't know if that occurred. A board member has called to shutter the student delegate program, which would be a completely wrong-headed approach as a solution. That's called throwing the baby out with a bathwater. How does dismantling this prestigious program punish the perpetrator? It doesn't. But it punishes the civic-minded students excited to participate in the program and wanting the experience for college and future endeavors. Please don't stop this program. [applause] Thank you. We'll move on now to speaker number six, uh, Carla John's, Brooksville, Florida. Um, I want to
043address last, I guess it was Monday morning, uh, one of our local families lost basically everything because of a houseire. They have three students in the district and right now there is an active GoFundMe. Um, they are in desperate need of clothes. So, I am gathering clothes for all three children. If anybody wants to reach out, everybody knows where I am on Facebook. Um, I don't want to give the credit, but the village idiot who consistently harasses people, stop the problem, not the program. She worked and every student before her has worked their butts off to be in that position. Why is anyone paying attention to an irrelevant 21-year-old? I don't understand this, but instead of voting to get rid of the program, why don't you talk to the people y'all working for? Why don't
044you get all of our opinions on what we feel needs to happen and then base a vote on that? Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you. We'll move on now to number seven. Speaker number seven. Good evening, Darloft, Brooksville, Florida. I am a I am proud to serve as an assistant principal at Springstead High School. I'm here tonight to speak in support of continuing the student delegate presence at schoolboard meetings. Sometimes the most powerful voice in a room is the one we don't hear often enough, our students. The student delegate is more than a seat at the table. It is a symbol, a message that students matter and their voices matter. When a student sits in this space, listens to these conversations and shares their perspective, something powerful happens. They begin to see themselves not just
045as learners in our system, but as contributors to it. And what makes this program even more impactful is the opportunity to involve junior delegates in this process. We proudly have one of our delegates here with us tonight. By allowing younger students to engage, observe, and grow alongside the student delegate. We are not creating a single student leader. We are building a pipeline of student leadership. We are teaching students early how to listen with purpose. Communicate with confidence. Lead with integrity. And for us as leaders, it grounds our work. Because while reports and data guide our decisions, student voice brings those numbers to life. It reminds us of the real experiences behind every policy, every initiative, every choice we make. At Springstead High School, I have seen the impact of the student voice. firsthand. When students
046feel heard, they rise, they lead, they engage in ways that strengthen the entire school community. Removing or diminishing the voice, that voice sends a message, whether intended or not, that their perspective is optional and it's not. If we are truly committed to preparing students for the future, then we must also give them opportunities to practice leadership today. Continuing the student delegate role and expanding opportunities through junior delegate involvement is a small decision with a lasting impact. It tells our students, "We see you, we value you, and we are listening." I respectfully ask that you continue this program and preserve a space for student voice at this table because when students are part of the conversation, our decisions become stronger and our schools become better. A seat at this table may seem small, but to a
047student, it can change everything. Thank you. [applause] Thank you. We'll move on now to speaker number eight. Good evening. I'm Judith Everett and I live at 5275 Zenith Garden Loop, Brooksville, Florida. I'm here tonight to talk about the student delegate program. As the parent of two former student representatives, I'd like to share a brief historical perspective on it. I'd like to discuss the background on the role and the potential benefits of this program. My elder son was the first representative in 2003, 23 years ago. He reminded me as we discussed this that a few of the many goals included providing a voice for our primary stakeholders, our students. understanding the role and the purpose of a school board and establishing an innovative cutting edge opportunity that could ultimately improve the outcomes for Hernando County School
048Board students and the community at large. At the conclusion of that first year, the program was touted as a huge success with much progress made on achieving those goals I just stated. 13 years later in 2016, my younger son became that representative and he concurred with his older brother's sentiments. Both sons have expressed the value of their lessons learned, lessons that not all students get to learn. How to facilitate a focus group to obtain input. How to utilize valid data to make decisions. how to embrace conversations respectfully even when you don't agree with the other person and how to get involved in your community. In conclusion, I believe my two sons live in proof that this is a mutually beneficial activity. 23 years later, that's almost a quarter of a century. I say we've institutionalized
049this. Let's continue it and make it even stronger. I understand that there have been some issues this year and I urge you as a school board and a district to problem solve, pull in your community partners and talk about how we can resolve these issues, but continue the program. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. [applause] Thank you. Move on to speaker number nine, please. Luchiano Vignali, Wikiwatchi, Florida. Um, I'd like to read a letter from a previous student representative from 2021 to 20 2020 to 2021. Hello, distinguished board members, Mr. Superintendent. My name is Haven Flattery and I had the honor of serving as the student representative to Hernando County Schools during the 2020 to 2021 school year. I attended Hernando County schools the entirety of my K through2 education and actually beginning even
050earlier in VPK. Throughout those years, I stayed deeply involved in school from performing arts to science fair to FFA and ultimately the student representative program. [clears throat] I was honored to be selected as the delegate for Hernando High School and even more humbled when my fellow students voted me to serve as the student representative for the school board. This opportunity gave me the privilege of connecting with students that I never would have met otherwise and hearing perspectives from across the district. Of course, that year brought unexpected challenges. The CO 19 pandemic was still ongoing, but despite these hardships, I was continually inspired by the dedication of the delegates who were eager to represent their schools. Whether they were fifth graders in elementary school or fellow seniors preparing for graduation, week after week, I was inspired
051by my peers. I found my voice and discovered a passion for advocacy. When I stepped into this role, I would pursue a career in molecular biology. But through this experience, my interests shifted. Just a couple months later, before I started school at the University of South Florida, I completely changed my degree program. Instead of a biology degree, this semester, I will graduate with my jurist doctorate at 23 years old. I know that my experience is not unique. Every year, this program profoundly impacts each and every delegate that participates. I [clears throat] respectfully ask the board to continue the student representative program so that more students can find their voices, build meaningful connections across the district, and discover passions and skills that I will that will undoubtedly shape their futures. I urge the I urge you
052to preserve this position because there are ways to protect students that do not require taking away their opportunities, their experiences, and their voices. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Speaker number 10. Good evening, board chair, board members, Mr. Pender Lisa Miserio, Brooksville, Florida, speaking as president of Hernando Classroom Teachers Association. So, I was only planning on attending today, but this afternoon sort of blew up with a bunch of messages about authenticator app. [clears throat] Um, in the middle of some folks workday today, they were prompted with messages that if they didn't have the authenticator app already, they needed to download it on their phone so that they would be able to log into Skyward uh, safely. understanding after reading the message that was posted to district communications which went out sort of concurrently
053um because we had people asking about it already. It's it's upsetting because these are our personal phones. We don't have devices issued to us other than our laptops. [clears throat] So in instances where folks were directed to you can download something that's an extension to a browser that was also very cumbersome to do while you're in front of students and you're expected to take attendance on time. So, the timeliness of notification is the reason why I didn't even get to follow any appropriate channels to follow up on it because it happened today in the middle of people's workday. And there has to be a problemolving aspect of this with requiring people to use their personal device. Okay, that's been true of crisis go and a lot of people have kind of turned a blind eye
054to that because they know that our student safety is paramount. Well, guess what? Taking attendance is also paramount because that's how our funding is connected, right? We have to be able to do that as a necessary function of our job responsibilities. Requiring us to do that on our personal devices is not not what people want to do because we all pay the cell phone bills and we're having to use our personal devices to make that a feasible process to do while I'm managing a classroom. So the other concern that was brought to our attention is I mean how much phone time are we now going to be a we're asking people to use a personal device and use their phone while they're supposed to be supervising students. I think that's problematic. I I know that
055it probably can be done. It's only if you catch it at the right moment because authenticator counts down like how good how long this code will be good, right? I have to use authenticator for other things. I do have it on my phone, but I don't know that it's a reasonable expectation to expect from everyone who has to take attendance and everyone who has to take attendance multiple times a day. So whether that was even a consideration in this is a question because if you are teaching in middle school or high school, you are logging in to take attendance six or seven times in a day. That that's problematic at the very least. So I would appreciate some conversation about how we can problem solve going forward. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Speaker
056number 11. I would like to talk about um how grateful I have my teachers this year. Um they helped me um raise my diagnostic um score. So really happy. And um I want to say all the fun activities we're gonna be doing at the end of the year. We're gonna be doing some like these fun um centers where you get to um do these like I don't know they haven't explained a lot but um you're going to be like getting doing these like 3D shapes and then we're going to be watching this documentary about like a well we're going to see if I get approved to watch it. It's just like octopus pus like um since we're learning about animals and um also I'll like think um that all my teacher had their cake through
057fifth and I'm excited to graduate. So yeah, >> Gracie, how did you make out tonight? Didn't >> I'm sorry. All right. Thank you, Gracie. [applause] >> She was trying out for cheerleading tonight, was it? >> Yes, it was a practice. >> Practice. Okay. >> All right. Uh, speaker number 12, >> Kimberly Mini Brooksville. Good evening board, board chair, superintendent Pender, and our amazing student representative. The student representative is an important role to not only our students, but to us parents. To basically bow down to the village idiot, no matter how anyone wants to spin this, it falls under being racist. All because of her family's religion. She has always conducted herself in the most phenomenal manner. My daughter looks up to her. My daughter gets excited every time she gets to see her. She's excited
058about what she gets to hear from her. She has not conducted herself in any way that would be frowned upon. It has been made clear that Sorry, this is really tough for me tonight, but the only way to really address this is we stand together united against the hate. You have brought all these people here tonight. I even wore part of your favorite color the closest I could get to magenta and lilac. Um, we can't remove it. The future students who are trying who doing what they're doing in representative roles, they look forward to this. This is something they look forward to, especially when they become a senior. Um, I say leave that decision to the future student representatives and their parents. I've said it before and I'll say it again. You say parental rights.
059Well, give us our parental rights. If they want to present up there, let them present up there. If they want to present here, let them present here. If they want to send in a video or pigeon or however they want to do it, I say let them do it that way. I want to say America's strengths has always been the combined efforts of its people and diversity, not the sum of its parts. The greatest military in the world is made of diverse branches, each with their own culture and unique approaches to problems. Same same as its country, made of different cultures and views. Working to achieve greatness has never been before in history. We are America Americans. Hurrah. And I am glad that you are here. And I'm glad I have gotten to know your
060mom. And I'm glad I've gotten to know you. And I'm glad we all are not the same because it would be one boring world if we were. Thank you. [applause] Thank you. Speaker number 13. >> Good evening. Brian Hawkins, Hernando County. Madam Chair, board member, superintendent. Uh good evening. I I came today because I had an opportunity this afternoon to uh to visit my son's school at Challenger K8 and there was a dad donuts for dad event. Uh and I left during the county commission meeting. I went over there um and I checked into the office and when I was checking into the office um the uh the lady behind the counter, I can't remember her name, but sweet lady uh walked me through the process. the principal came out uh and explained to me
061that in order to attend the event I would need a level one uh volunteer badge and so uh you know she said it was standard protocol it was policy for this said great no problem um I left and as I was leaving I started to think about it and I thought about all the other events that I've attended throughout the the district at um you know Veterans Day events, teacher appreciation events uh where you know none of this was required before and I was thinking about the dads uh that didn't take the time to u you know fill out that particular volunteer form, pay the $20 and have a background check to be able to go have donuts with their child today at school. And so I was really looking for clarification on the policy
062to make sure that it is a policy. And if it is, then it should be um it should be enforced districtwide. And if it's if it's an opportunity um or if it's not a policy, then it should be uh instituted districtwide. And if it is because of the level one volunteer, I understand why it's uh implemented. I understand why it's there. It's it's there to protect our children, our teachers and staff at on site. Um but a district or excuse me, a level one volunteer is very different from going to a uh a school sponsored event to have donuts or lunch with our children. Uh this is a public institution. Uh we should have access to our children, especially if we're turning in IDs uh and being escorted or whatever the the things may need
063to be done. So just looking for some clarification on that. Thank you. [applause] >> Okay. Thank you. Speaker number 14. >> Hi Sarah Sander. Hernando County. Good evening board. Madame Chair, superintendent. I'm a parent of two students in this district. I want to start by thanking all the board members who took the time to respond to my emails. I really appreciate that. It meant a great deal. So, thank you. I came here tonight about the student delegate program like most of us and the position of the seat on the board. For over a decade, we've had this program and it without incident. But this conversation isn't really about one seat. It's about something bigger. It's about how we treat each other in Hernando County. My children have flourished in this district because of teachers that
064show up every day, staff who care, and a system that gives real experiences. I'm grateful for that. And I think most of us in this room, no matter where we sit politically or personally, want the same thing. Kids who feel safe, feel heard. and a community where families can raise their childrens with hope. We don't always agree on how to get there. That's okay. Disagreement is a part of a healthy community. But somewhere along the way, disagreement in this county has started to look like sides, like enemies, like people who can't sit in the same room. And our students are watching. What I'd ask of this board and everyone here tonight is that we model the conversation we want our children to be capable of having. We can disagree without tearing down each other. We
065can advocate for what we believe in and still see the humanity in the per person sitting across from us. That's not weakness. That's the kind of community our students deserve to grow up in. We are all Fernando. We share these schools, these streets, these children. So, let's try to treat each other the way we'd like to be treated. That's the Hernando I believe in. And that's the one our children deserve. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Speaker number 15. Good evening. My name is Reverend Dr. Emory A, senior pastor of the Pristine Spring Hill Baptist Church, and I live in Spring Hill, Florida. And I'm I'm here tonight uh just to echo what has already been said uh in regards to our student uh representative. Psalms 62:es 3-4 says, "Defend the poor and the
066fatherless. Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy. Rid them out of the hands of the wicked." And I am here because a young person in our midst tonight, Jerah Abdul Raheem, stepped forward to serve as a student representative. And instead of simply being allowed to serve, she has been subjected to false narratives, personal attacks, and harmful rhetoric tied to her identity as a black girl Muslim. Now that strikes me odd in 2026, maybe in 1926, but my forefathers like web de boys couldn't stand aside and let that happen then. So I'm compelled to to come forward and today three things that I kind of like would uh like to see happen. one, the safety of our students is is paramount. It's paramount. Me being the president of Lifeline University, a
067school right here in the school district, uh we believe in the safety of our students. But also, I don't think silencing the student is really the remedy to deal with the the root cause, just like what has been said earlier. And so lastly, if we can just come together and know that we have more in common than we do differences, then we can certainly be that that that that house on the hill, that shining light on the hill that cannot be dimmed. Thank you so very much for your courage and you have the support not only of the church but of community conversations and also uh my fraternity omega fraternity incorporated. Blessings to you. >> Thank you sir. Speaker number 16. Uh Kate Marie, Florida Brooksville. I'm just going off the cuff here letting just
068harpen what everybody else has been saying about this student representative problem. I have actually fought during the war on terror and as you know the enemy happened to be Muslim most of the time but a lot of service members were also Muslim. A lot of my best friends were Muslim. Did I ever look at them a certain way or kick them out of positions of power? No. The military didn't either. It's about your character. It's not about what your religion is. It's not about what your ethnic is or even your gender. It's about your character about how good you are at the job. And that's just all I wanted to harp on. Really just wanted to point that out there. If you guys want to get rid of this position, because that's what it seems
069to strike me as. You all want to just get rid of Well, some of you want to get rid of the student representative position. You need to find a better way to do it because this was a bad way to go about it. That's all I got to say. [applause] >> Thank you, sir. And that concludes our citizen input. We'll now turn it over to Mr. Myers. Do you have any closing comments? >> No closing comments, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. And now we'll turn it over to our board members who would like to go first tonight. All right, Miss Bonsik. >> First, I want to say thank you for everybody to come out. Miss Sanford, I've never received an email from you ever when I tried to go through that. But I do appate
070Please resend it to me because I don't not respond. Um, Miss John's, if you can send me those clothes that you need for children, I will help you get some clothes. Um, other than that, I wish everybody a good night. Miss Haw Mr. Hawkins, I'm sure Mr. Pender will address that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Monzik. All right, Mr. Johnson. >> U Yes, Mr. Hawkins, you're you're the second issue that's come up with uh re regarding having a class one to enter a school. It was in another situation completely different. It happened a few weeks ago. I think if you speak to Mr. Pagan, they'll probably raise your hand in back, Angel, so he knows who you are. He's in charge of safe schools. I don't believe that's the right policy. I may be
071wrong. uh for a parent visiting their child in the school, you should have to swipe a uh a driver's license to make sure you're not a felon or wanted, etc. But I wanted to talk about something completely different, and I'm not Monty Python. Um on Sunday I was at the fair and I'm working in a booth with my wife and uh pause came through the police animal services with dogs and I I've been trying to convince my wife to adopt another dog for about eight years now. This one little fella came over to my wife and she just fell in love with them. So, we got home. I called somebody I knew I know over there and I made arrangements and they dropped this little puppy off to us on Monday. This little puppy weighs
07240 pounds and he's three years old. Went back over to the fairgrounds to open up the booth at at 5:00. And um I'm stepping on the leash to hold him. My wife uh uses a walker and he bolts. He runs through a quanza hut, across a parking lot, across a field, and he keeps going just I tried chasing him. I got about a hundred yards. That was it. I was walking. I wasn't running anymore. I'm honest about it. There was a guy in a car trying to follow him. Couldn't follow this dog. If you know Oliver Street, it ends at the police animal services. So, I took a chance and I went down there. I got there. It was after 5:00. They had closed, but I hit the buzzer. There were two girls in the
073office and lo and behold, this dog went to his home. Now, he had not spent a night in my house at this point. He was with us that afternoon. We got him back and he stayed overnight and I took him out to meet some little buddies that I know in the neighborhood where I live and and he had a good time. And today he started to play. Yesterday he was like moping around. So, I think he's getting acclimated. But uh there's a lot of there's a lot of dogs in the shelter and if you have a chance, adopt one. They're they're wonderful. This guy is so friendly, so docel. I He's 40 pounds, so he's not a small dog. I brought him over to a house I I I go to in the morning and
074they bring some dogs over and there was a Yorkie there. This little Yorkie started yapping and went to bite him and he just backed up. He didn't attack. I'm so grateful. He's such a passive, wonderful, docel dog. and hopefully we'll we'll present him a good home. And like I said, this is something completely different, but I just want to express my gratitude to the sheriff's office and to the shelter for what they did. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Johnson. >> As Rodriguez, so what I'm hearing from everybody is that the student delegate position means a lot to everyone as the same as me. It does. I do not ever wish to eliminate the program. Never did I insinuate that. But what I do want to do is make sure like the reverend said that
075the students safety is paramount. That is I think that's the goal for all of us. If I'm hearing everyone's heart, what I'm hearing is is we want the program, but we want safety for the child. Every student deserves that. As you spoke, you said that the first thing is kids need to feel safe. So with that being said, I agree. I concur completely. The student delegate position needs to remain. It was never a question that it would get rid of. It was never said that it would get that it was never spoken that it was going to be eliminated. What is being said is the safety of the student. What that looks like is many different things. Something has to be done. So when you come up and you speak about 12 years ago and
07615 and 20 and you give all of the different scenarios of all of the people who have legacies of being a student delegate that the times have changed. As much as that's wonderful and that's heartfelt, the world was different. So back in those days it wasn't in the the children weren't put in a position that they're put in today. Anyone who's ever been an elected official knows that we take the heavy hits. We take a lot of nasty remarks, a lot of things that happen. And as adults, it's not always easy. And on a child, it's even harder. It impacts them. So student participation does matter. But placing minors in a formal governance role especially at the dis creates safety liability and operational risk that districts just cannot ignore. I was put here as a
077leader and being a leader requires us to make hard decisions and hard calls. But ultimately the safety of the student is our main priority and that's what I have to lead with and I have to make certain that we have a student and students coming forward that are next after this member and the next and the next that everyone is safe and that is our goal. So I think we all sit here together united. Someone said why don't we come together? Why aren't we united? I think we are. I think absolutely all of us want to see our students shine. We want to see this program. I have three daughters. I have a 10-year-old, a 13-year-old, and a 15year-old. My 15year-old wants to be an attorney. She's go wanting to go in politics. That is
078her passion. It would be nothing it would it would serve me nothing more but an honor to see her sit up on this dis at some point. Any one of them. But at this moment we have to be very careful of what we're putting our students through. They cannot take some of this pressure and a lot of it is damaging. So at the end of the day, law enforcement and threat assessment teams, they cannot reasonably mitigate risk for a minor that's seated up here at this dis. I see Mr. Hawkins in the audience. He is board of county commission. He knows how volatile those boards get. He knows what it's like sitting on a dis to have another student sitting up there next to him and them be a target and they have to weather
079that. They have to be able to accept it and mentally prepare theirel for the attacks. It's grueling. I know Mr. Hawkins, you take a lot of hits. I know we all do. But put a child that's 15, 16, 17 in those positions. It's extremely difficult. So my heart is only for the student. My heart is only to make sure that we preserve their well-being. But minors should not be placed in comparable exposure with the climate of where we're at today. Public scrutiny can affect a student's mental health, their academics performance, and their college prospects. Alternative ways to include student voice are student advisory councils, structured listening sessions, rotating student panels, anonymous student feedback mechanisms. There are several different angles. I have met with the group of all of our high school adviserss all with the
080exception of one that could not get on but we are meeting. We did that through a team's call. I want their input. I want their opinions. Mrs. Mserio is going to be with us live. We're going to do one live next. This meeting was to have a discussion to ask them to start collecting their thoughts, get things positioned so that we can all come together as a whole and that we can sit down and we can brainstorm because the most important thing for all of us, the biggest goal is the safety of that child. So we are doing what we can, but do things have to shift? Yes. Are we creatures of habit? Absolutely. Do we like to see change? No. But as much as all of you want to say, don't let someone win.
081It's not about winning or losing. It's not about that someone wins. But let's look at this. Let's let me let me explain with the attack on Trump, the person that attacked Trump. No, let me explain something before you >> are you going to be respectful or are you not? >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. So let's go back to what all of you come up and say respect. What all of you come up and say that we should be unified. So let's try to do that right now. So with the attack on Trump, the gentleman who attacked him did not know him. They did not have a relationship with him. It's hearsay. It's whatever they saw. It's what they felt. That can happen at any time with any student delegate on this board. When somebody wants
082to attack and other people in the community, all the constituents are listening and watching, you cannot manage every person out there who is listening and watching and whatever hypothesis that they want to form of what they're capable of doing. So, it doesn't just affect our student delegate. It can affect our student delegate, their school, where they go, what they have to do, the sense of security, the people that have to be around them. It's a lot to if you really think about it. So, it's not just one student delegate up here if they say they can handle it and we're perfectly fine. It's not been that way. It hasn't been perfectly fine. It's been a lot. This student's been through a lot and the parents have been through a lot. So, at the end of
083the day, anything can happen to anybody that's in our community. They can act on it. They can listen to this one person because thousands and thousands and thousands are watching what he writes. Thousands are listening. And all it takes is somebody who is not mentally sound to decide to do something to follow to go to her school to do something to the school to the other students. It puts a lot of people in danger. So we have to be mindful that we have to consider all the other students as well. That's not about limiting student voice. It's really not not any of us want to do that. It's about protecting students from unnecessary risk. Districts can and should elevate student perspectives, but they must do so in ways that prioritize safety, supervision, and the well-being
084of minors. A student's willingness doesn't eliminate the district's responsibility. Minors cannot fully understand the long-term consequences of public exposure, online harassment, or the political pressure. We have a duty to protect students, even when they volunteer for something that's risky. It's still our job. Consent doesn't remove our obligation to safeguard minors. This program is not being stopped. The absence of a crisis, it's not evidence of safety. It's evidence of luck. So when you say we had it three years ago, we had it 5 years ago. Times are changing. The climate's changing. But just because we have not seen a crisis does not mean that it's not potential. Our job is to prevent harm, not wait for it. Leadership shouldn't come with adult level risk. Leadership opportunities should build confidence, not expose a minor to adult conflict,
085public criticism, or political tension. No amount of staff can eliminate the risk of online harassment or public targeting. One of you said do something to the person. There's nothing you can do. At the end of the day, we cannot guarantee safety. And whereas tradition is valuable but not more valuable than student safety. When new risk emerge like online harassment, we have to adapt. Practices should evolve when student well-being is at stake. As each of you have stated, the student brings a unique perspective to the board. And you are not wrong. They absolutely do. And we want that perspective. But the dis is not the only place to gather it. We can design a system that brings in student insight and voice without exposing a minor to public hostility. And we do not want the perspective
086to be one where the student cannot function. We want it to be a good wholesome experience. We want it to be a fun experience. We want it to be a safe experience. So even though we want that perspective, we do not want the risk. Leadership shouldn't come with adult level risk. We're not taking away their seat at the table. We're just changing the location of the table, not the value of their voice. Students can still advise, just in a safer setting. Let's stay centered on the core issue. Protecting a minor from unnecessary public exposure while still elevating student voice. So, I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for coming out. Thank you for your input. Your input does guide. It does reflect. We do want all of us to be united and
087I thank you guys for the time that you give this district, for the energy you put forth, for the students that you celebrate and I thank you for sitting on the seat and doing such a remarkable job. So, thank you each and every one of you. Travel safe, good night, and God bless. >> Thank you, Mr. Sarah. Uh, good evening everyone. Uh before I get into what I'm really going to say, um I did want to say that I saw most of the productions that happened. So I did see Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Ride the Cyclone. Um and they were both beautiful performances. Their groups put on. It was fantastic. I was very pleased watching them. It was great to see kids from fifth grade all the way through high school doing stuff
088and working together with older kids to make things happen. It was really awesome. And I heard that Legally Blonde went well. Um, I just wanted to throw that in there because I did get a chance to see them. Um, I want to read a statement that I wrote originally when everything first happened before anyone spoke up in my defense. So, my statement says, "Good evening everyone. I realize that not everyone knows who I am, so I would like to introduce myself. My name is Jaser Abdul Raheem and at that time I was 17 years old. I represent all of the students in of Springstead High School as well as the students of Hernando County. I would like to take a moment to explain the process it took for me to become the representative of not
089just my school but this county. At the beginning of my junior year, I was interviewed after being recommended for the junior delegate position. There were about 20 students at first, which was then narrowed down to 11. From there, I went through another round of interviews. I was chosen as one of four junior delegates to assist Santiago, our last student representative. I spent the entire year in what was essentially a working interview, learning from him and understanding the responsibilities of the role alongside him. As the year came to a close, the staff involved in monitoring monitoring the entire process selected me for this position. I was more than excited to have the opportunity to help students in this in the county in any way that I could, even if it was as simple as listening to
090their concerns. At the beginning of this year, I had the opportunity and honor to visit every single school in Hernando County. I spoke personally with each of the student representatives, getting to know them in their schools and helping them understand their role and the weight of representing their entire student body. I emphasized how important it is to be involved and to make sure that they are hearing everyone's voices. Not just their friends, but the voices of those they might not normally think to speak with. In a perfect world, every student would be able to vote for who they want to represent them. But currently, that is not how it works. This is why schools have representatives. Regardless of who was voting, I still would have gone through the same process and made sure everyone knew
091who I was and what I stood for. I stressed that it was important to make an educated choice and if they felt that someone else would do a better job, then they should vote for the person they believe is right. At the end of the day, the student who rep the students who represent their entire schools chose me. I take that role very seriously. I understand what it feels like not to be seen or heard, so I do my best to help in any way that I can. One thing I continually encourage student representatives to do is to truly listen to their peers and work to address the concerns brought to them. This program is still working through its challenges, but each year it improves. After seeing everything that happened last year, there have been
092significant changes for the better. That progress is due to team effort of everyone contributing and supporting one another. Anything we provide to the student delegates is given to them with the intention that they share it with the students at their school. We may not always agree with one another's belief systems, but we respect each other's rights as Americans to form our own beliefs. Having our own beliefs does not mean we cannot treat each other with respect. I do not share my personal beliefs because that is not my job. My job is to represent everyone regardless of their beliefs and regardless of whether I agree with them or not. That is not my role or my concern. I am here for students as a student supporting them and their voice and that is what I had
093wrote. And I just want to thank everyone who expressed the the need to have the student representative position. It truly helps keep me going. But what truly keeps me going even more is the student delegates who see what I've gone through and still want to be in this position and still want to do this knowing the risk, knowing everything that could happen to them, still want to be here. If you ask any student, most students can tell you that they've been bullied to some degree. And if you want to talk about the risk, it's a risk going to school every day. Regardless of if you're being harassed by someone intentionally or not, there could be a school shooter the next day and you don't even know it. So the I think that there's a risk
094in everything that you do, but removing this would remove learning how to handle the risk when it is being given to you. And I think that it's really important to learn and understand how to delegate stuff because in the real world, you can't just remove a position when things get hard or remove yourself from it because you're you're never going to grow. And I think that each person can learn from that. Um, [applause] I don't know if Carla John's is still here, but I also would like to know more information about the clothes because I can see about getting stuff, but I want to thank you all and I really do appreciate everyone. Have a great night. [applause] >> Thank you, Miss Superintendent Pender. >> So, a message to students and parents. This is the
095last month of school. >> [laughter] >> Don't lose sight of the finish line and finish strong. Um, I will add teachers and staff into that message. Also, hang in there. We have about a month or so to go. In no time at all, Jazera and her fellow classmates, and we'll be I'll be shaking the hands of about 1,500 students or so in Hernando County graduating. It is an awesome honor responsibility to be part of providing something a continuation of education from preK through 12th grade. And all of us as staff and anyone that has anything to do with that process that happens in about a month should stand there in awe and respect for what the students have done, what the parents have done, what our teachers and staff have done to collectively work in
096all the good times and the bad times that are celebrated on these days moving forward. It is my favorite time of the year that I look forward to. Uh especially this time of year. We all need something to look forward to. I don't I don't have the summers. So, I have this I have graduation um to look forward to, but I honor all of our students, all of our staff for what we do every day to make this goal happen for our students and our community. So, thank you to everyone and hang in there. Um, bus driver appreciation, I believe it was today. So, I believe it's like every day is a day of appreciation, but today I think was bus drivers. This week we are appreciating staff and teachers, but really teacher appreciation I
097believe is really next week, but we appreciating them this week particularly >> because of testing. So, we had to move up appreciation to this week. Uh, we will be continuing from the district to appreciate our teachers and staff moving forward next week. But I just wanted to put out there that I appreciate all of you and I appreciate our community. I see on our Facebook posts and different things about different u private businesses, community organizations, and everyone else contributing something to our teacher appreciation. and I thank all of them. Hernando County is a great place to live and work. Um the annual art gallery recognition is this Thursday night. So the art that you see around the district office is new now. Um and we'll be having that uh this Thursday. It's on our website,
098The Times. Um if you want to check that out. Also, I wanted to mention that kindergarten sneak peek is May 6th. I believe the schools have their information on their website because the time may be a little different depending on the school. So, if you have a student that is going into kindergarten or you're shopping for kindergarten locations, Hernando County is still the best choice for educational opportunities in Hernando County. And as long as I'm here, we will remain the best choice for educational opportunities in Hernando County and this board because we are committed to doing that no matter who we have to compete with. So, kindergarten sneak peek is out there May 6. If you'd like to attend that, please check it out. Mr. Johnson, your uh comments about the puppy. you need to
099talk to Miss KDR because you guys have the same um adoption stories similar. And I was I happily welcomed uh another puppy into my home. I'll I'll admit it here publicly. In the last three weeks or so, I very happily welcomed a puppy that my wife wanted. Um, so I'm learning to adapt. Yes. Thank you, Miss Hop Hawkins. Thank you. Um, I appreciate all of you. I appreciate your input. I appreciate um you being here tonight um as we work through all of our things that we have to work through. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Um, okay. Just kidding. So, I will follow up and find out about the authenticator app. I'm wondering if it's because they're using their phone to check their email, but I want to find out more details because
100there sounds like there's a whole lot more to that story. So, I will follow up on that for you or for everyone. >> Joe's going to get with is going to talk to you and then we can talk more if you want to. >> Thank you. >> And I'll >> Okay. different for different comments. >> No problem. So Joe will follow up with you. Um and then as far as the policy to be a level one, can you just clarify that there is no policy for that? Can you? >> Yes. So there is >> clarified the >> Angel would would you like to say anything about the level one policy? The way that I understand the we we have a policy for level one, but it doesn't include the way I understand it, it does
101not include visitors to a school while they're supervised. >> Like if you go to have lunch, you can scan your license in. If you go to an event, so like a Veterans Day event, you can scan your license. Um if you are if you are mentoring a student or working one-on-one with a student, then >> then that's a level one or two >> or two. level one R2 if you can clarify that and can we work on making this known districtwide please? Thank you. >> Yeah, I can clarify that and again I'm the director of safe schools Angel Pagan and thank you for having me up here for a minute and clarify that. So um the expectation is that at a minimum they're being uh vetted by a driver's license when they come into an
102event inside the school so that we know who's in our facilities. Um the level one is more guided to trips which actually this is what I thought it was a field trip that they were you guys were requesting. So I apologize for that upfront. Um, so our procedure is for those that you are cleared by a level one. So that because you might be assigned a task to be with a group of students even or even if you're in that group and for risk assessment purposes, you want to be a level one. Um, but in the school itself, this that for donuts event that was taking place should have just been a driver's license. But there are expectations from some schools uh that are a little higher than what we require at safe schools and
103um that's probably a conversation and some direction as to uh some kind of uniformity so that we don't have this kind of problem moving forward. >> Thank you. >> That's why we have policy that outlines it. And the direction is is that we can encourage if a school would like to encourage parents to be a level one volunteer, then that's fine. But it shouldn't be a requirement to enter the building. That's our policy >> to have family engagement. And that's what we want in our schools is family engagement. And this turns people away from it. Correct. It can be encouraged, but it can't be required. >> Okay, great. Thank you for that. >> That's the direction. >> Thank you for the clarification on that. >> All right. And then as far as the the student
104representative program, I strongly support maintaining this program. Um this student voice is critical in effective leadership and decision-making. That said, I do think it's appropriate to have a conversation about how we can refine and strengthen the program moving forward. I don't think it was maybe appropriate to to try to bring up and discuss without all board members here. And I think that we have more work to do on this as a board. Um I agree with Miss Rodriguez. Um we don't want to eliminate the whole program, but maybe we can look at ways in which to strengthen the program. That's important. Our responsibility is to ensure students feel heard, represented, represented, and valued. And this position plays a key role in that. And I value the position here as the student representative. Would you like
105to respond? Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Um, I would like to know if I could please be a part of that conversation because I feel like if it's only adults talking with adults and not including the student, uh, the important part being the student's voice will get lost in transit. >> I would also like to be a part of that conversation if we're to >> what >> I'm saying. I'd like it to be with the board. >> All of us together talking and making that >> works. Yes. As a >> as a decision. >> Yes. Yes. Please. I believe I believe we were discussing doing it in May or June >> but that may be something we have to ask you to come back because at that point you would be graduated. >> That is
106a okay I'm taking a gap year so I will be here. >> Okay. All right. And with that I would also like to say um this week we're celebrating teacher appreciation week but um we're also celebrating staff appreciation. We appre appreciate all of them. Uh teachers are truly the heart of our schools and we recognize that it takes every member of our team to support our students. From the classroom to behind the scenes, every role matters. Thank you to the for the time, the care, and the commitment that all of our staff pours into our schools every single day. You are truly appreciated and we are grateful to have you. Um with that, I would say good night. Miss Rodriguez has one more comment. So, we're going to go to her and then we'll say
107good night. >> So, once again, this program is not being stopped. Never was it intended for that. We just need to revamp to provide the utmost safety of the student. Inconsistent practices across Florida, there's only 10 out of 67 districts. That shows that this is not a statewide norm. And many districts have determined that the risk outweigh the benefits. districts assume additional liability when the minors are placed in these settings. So, the program will never be eliminated. The program will continue. It's just going to be a different look in order to keep the students safe and the students coming forward. So, that is our intention. It was never to eliminate. So, anyone who's writing and posting on social media, you can post away that it was never ever advised to get rid of this program.
108This program is wonderful. It's been for years. That's not our hearts. That's not our intentions. That's not what we want as a board. But we do have to revamp and restructure and we have to look at the climate in the changing times and we have to maintain the safety of our students. That's our job. So no matter what that delegate may want, no matter what how much she wants to endure, no matter that she's saying that she can take it, you can say that all day. But we still have a responsibility as adults to make sure that we keep every child in a safe environment and every child out of harm's way. That is our job as leaders. So we have to make sure that we do that first and foremost, then the rest can
109follow. Thank you. Thank you. I think that Miss Rodriguez, the confusion was the the motion was to the way the motion was said when you said it was to remove the student delegate program. And I think that was the confusion. So I think people just needed the clarification on that. >> No. And if you go back and listen to everything that was said, it was not to remove the program. It was to remove the situation of being sitting on the dis and being attacked as if she's an elected official. It's not to put a bullseye on a student sitting up on this dis where they have to take that and weather that type of behavior. That is not our intentions. It's not to remove the program. It's to keep the program, but also to keep
110the students safe. Thank you. All right. And with that, we'll have a good night and our meeting is adjourned at 7:42 p.m. Thank you.