08.13.25 Board Workshop and Special Meeting

001I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. Also joining us for tonight's meeting are Superintendent Michael Burke, General Counsel Shawn Bernard, Inspector General Terresa Michael, and board clerk Tony Sinclair. Sta senior staff members will join us periodically as directed by the superintendent. Viewers and listeners can a meeting today by either watching on Comcast channels 234 and 235 Iverse channel 99 or by using the YouTube you YouTube link on our web page at palm beacheschools.org. In the event that the link is interrupted for technical reasons, please switch over to the TV channels. All board meetings are recorded in their entirety and posted on the district website within 24 hours. We also

002offer a listening only option which the public can access by calling 561-357-5900 or toll-free at 1866-9307015. The meeting ID is 1561-8801124 pound. I'll now turn the workshop over to the superintendent. >> All right. Well, this only happens about once a year when our general counsel, Miss Bernard, steps down from the dis to the workshop table. So, I'll immediately turn it over to Miss Bernard for her her annual report. >> Thank you very much uh Mr. Superintendent uh for that. And uh you you're right. This is only one time in the year it seems that I'm sitting on this side of the DAS. So, to the board chair and vice chair and board members, uh Mr. Superintendent U. Madame IG. Um it is my pleasure to be able to uh sit and chat with you from

003this end of the day is uh today this afternoon and share with you um some of the many highlights uh that myself and my team have been able to achieve and accomplish for FY25. Um it brings me great joy and it is certainly my pleasure uh to talk to you about the continued uh growth uh that we have undergone over this past year. Um the different um efficiencies that we've been able to uh scale up if you will and provide what we believe to be a top tier uh legal service to this district. uh to highlight uh some of the progress that we have made. Uh I want to first take you through some of the goals that we set out at the very beginning of the year. Um legally compliant leadership is probably one

004of our top goals. Um it is important to us that we are um in in the in the weeds in the field on the ground uh working to train um our leaders so that they are legally compliant leaders because legally compliant leadership is important uh to the overall success of this district. Uh we some years back now uh implemented a growth plan uh which I rolled out to you all um uh for a few reasons. um one of which uh we felt that it was important uh that internally uh we were assessing ourselves and keeping ourselves accountable. Uh but also uh we thought it was important that uh we align the work that we do with the strategic plan. And so the only true way to successfully do that is to uh look take a

005look at yourself, take a hard look at yourself um and look for ways to grow um your own department. Um and we got some really good feedback. Uh the district had an audit um probably a during this fiscal year um this past fiscal year um where we got a lot of positive feedback about our growth plan because we shared some of the materials um that we uh implemented for that growth plan um with the auditors and they had a lot of positive feedback about that and felt like um that's unusual um to find that a department is uh looking for um ways to uh grow within within its own department. And so, uh, we're very proud of, um, putting together a plan, um, that aligns with, uh, with the strategic plan, uh, so that we

006can make sure that we are, um, working towards the success, the overall success of the district. Um, community impact, big part of the strategic plan and a big part of the goals of our office as well. Um, you you all know it and thank you, um, board member Savto for highlighting our very own Gene Marie Middleton. Um she's just one of many of the attorneys in our office who are doing really great things in the community. Uh but that is a focal point of our office to make sure that we're not just uh putting out fires um but that we are working in the community so that our overall the broader community knows that um we're active in not just the legal community but the broader community. Um so we're very proud of G Marie

007being uh the Palm Beach County Bar President. uh but we are on all sorts of uh local and state uh level committees and and things of that nature. And then of course our internship program uh that we do every summer alongside the district um to make sure that our students know um that we um en encourage them and invite them to uh take part in in the work that we do and learn about the work that we do. um efficiencies. I'm going to talk a little bit more about this. Um but part big part of that growth plan is really looking at yourself and looking at how you can be more efficient. Uh so I'm I'm excited to talk to you all a little bit about some of the our uses, our AI uses that

008we um got off the ground this year um to to help um make sure that we are being more efficient in our office. Um and then you're going to see in a little bit um some of the trends. It's important um to collect data um to see what kinds of things um you're seeing often so that you know where to train. Um that's really important. So we'll talk a little bit more about that. Um and then our final goal was just highlighting the impact um of the work that we do um so that people know how to effectively use our office. diving into this a little bit. I'm just going to quickly point out some of the uh legal topics that we hit on this year. Um you all are very aware of it. Um

009aware of the many different topics that we um advise on and provide guidance. Um the top being of course pending litigation. Um we're a legal department so we handle a lot of litigation. Uh we also advise on um many many academic issues and provide guidance on that. Governance uh being of course one of the core responsibilities making sure uh that the me the meetings um and and my job in particular um you know uh making sure that I'm present and providing uh guidance uh to the to the board um during the board meetings. So governance of course being a very uh big part of the legal uh guidance that is given uh to the board and and to the district as a whole, employment issues. Uh we're one of the largest employers in Palm Beach

010County. So a lot of lot of guidance is given on the employment front. Um and of course business operations and um I'd be remiss if I didn't mention policies. Um that is uh the the by far um the the work of the board. And so uh we are at the forefront of working and partnering with the superintendent and his leadership team and the many different departments on pushing and um getting those policies teed up um and through the process. And it is an extensive process. and um to you know to to of course the board who knows this and the district uh team who's here uh but to those who may be watching I mean you all get the the benefit of seeing the end result of all of that and how that plays out

011um and then of course the support that we provide to the district and it's plentiful um we provide support in the areas of risk employment other litigation matters uh we support of course um our chiefs our district departments, principles, uh we assist uh again in policy development and compliance. Uh but the biggest thing that I I as we're capturing uh data of what we've been doing um this year and in previous years uh we've had quite a few uh what we call hotline calls where we work directly um with our district leaders in the moment um when any legal issue comes up and we have a a line that they can call and we had about 900 of those over the course of this um past year. And so this next example dives right into

012that so that you can see um what that looks like. Of course the largest being in the July um well really the August September at the beginning of the school year um we had um over a hundred calls um which is you know it's it's up from last year uh but that's to be expected and um you know we deal with uh those issues in real time and help our leaders work through those issues. And then you'll see again it's ramping up again in the um January and February time frame with about 85 calls. And then we've put together another nice little chart for you to take a look at um to really dive into some of the subject areas of these calls that come in. Um the largest of course being student related. Probably

013no surprise there. Uh but you can see the many other topic areas that we cover when we um have these calls come in from um from our school centers and our departments and beyond. Um the growth plan um what we're very very proud of the work that's been done and um the feedback that we've been giving get given internally by u our team members. Uh we set up workg groupoups and these workg groupoups um handled um particularly some some particular projects. One being the office system and ex expectations and through this particular work group uh they were able to expand certified interpreter services. You've probably seen some of this play out a little bit in our expulsions. Uh but that's important. You want to make sure that you have interpreters on hand um for the

014many different things that we handle. And so that was um one of the key goals that we wanted to make sure that we tuned into and and expanded. Uh we also launched a userfriendly OGC directory which we found to be very helpful to um those out inside and outside of our office. And then the AI um tool for research um we really leaned into that um uh this particular year and we're going to continue to do that because it's it's um certainly cut down on some of you know you can't I won't tell you that you can take the the the the manpower the human component out of it because you got to have folks that are going to check it and make sure that it's accurate. Um but it it is very very useful.

015Um and um we've been able to I think uh get out information a lot faster and using those tools. Uh we also have um a special projects group a and and then the training the training resources. We've ramped those up. Uh we've created uh three podcasts uh videos this year to go out and help um specifically on topics that were brought to us by um our principles and other leaders across the district. that's that have come to us and said we want to be trained on this and one of the things that I do when I go out and train I say listen we do house calls and we get a little bit of chuckle but we do and we will curate a training specifically for what you need um and so we've gotten a

016lot of great feedback from our leaders across the district about the training that we do in the OGC and then finally I mentioned earlier our community engagement um and so you all are very aware of the work that we do in the community. Um, with some of the work that I do in particular, I'm particularly fond of the ethical governance day. Thank you, Miss Mrs. Woodfield, for inviting me to those. Um, I I'm always looking for opportunity to interfa opportunities to interface with our students. Uh many of you know that I make it a point to be at the graduations uh because I really do think it's important for students to see um you know the the the breadth of um areas of uh subject areas that this district does cover including the law. Um

017and so I happen to be one of those little girls that believe that if I can see it, I can achieve it. So, it's important to me that especially at that moment of graduation that if it's just one student out there who says, "Wow, okay. I I the general counsel's here, if that makes a difference in one child's life, that makes a difference for me." Um, if you're ever wondering why I I so much enjoy going to those graduations. And then uh you know this is an example of some cap some captured pictures that we got of the different community uh opportunities that we've had. Um I've listed those out for you. Uh but this is just the OGC. We are known for probably being the most fun, the fun bunch. Uh so we do

018a lot of fun activities. Um and we've won some awards at uh here or there uh for um by some of our esteemed uh board members who have judged some of the competitions that uh our superintendent puts on annually and we've been successful in winning. I'm not sure if that will remain because one of our key contributors to that has moved on to working alongside the superintendent but um um you know we're just very happy with the work that we do um on on those fronts. So, I want to talk to you about um you know, I I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about um what we bring to the table. Um I think it's important to see um and I talked to um you all a bit about the savings that we bring

019to the district, but I think that this illustration kind of shows uh you all um just if you were comparing uh uh you know what we believe we are a a midsize law firm because we cover governance, business, uh administration, employment law, academics, risk and litigation. And so if you were just to compare us to um an outside firm that you know at 250 an hour and I can tell you I'm not aware of any outside firm that uh charges a rate like that but we just wanted you to see uh with the just the sheer amount of work that we're doing uh what savings we believe that we bring to the district. And finally, I'm just going to cover very quickly, and I know that the you the board members and the team that's

020here in the boardroom is very um well-versed in the work that we do, but I just want to um highlight my team. I I want to shout them out and just um uh attribute the work that they're doing um in in a public fashion. And so I think it's important to note um that you know our academic team for example covered over 200 ESC um and 504 related meetings this year. Um that's that's a lot of work. We've covered a lot of ground. Um we're most proud of um the work that we've done on the truency front. Um you know a lot of people associate um penalties to that sort of work. Uh but we really there's really a lot more to it. And in fact, the Sun Sentinel highlighted um this district on the

021work that we're doing um because we have uh partnered with several other agencies um to help our students get more engaged. Um so there's a lot that goes into that and we've been uh noted as being a model for the state and we've worked very hard with Mr. Oswald and his team. Um I know that was the brainchild of Mr. Oswald and Lisa Carmona in my office and really putting their heads together to figure out how can we launch something um as wonderful as this and I I'm sure you're hearing uh from the community about this program and we're very very proud of it. Um the same can be said for our business operations. Um we uh reviewed over 1,277 contracts this year and that's just um you know the tip of the iceberg of

022the work that they do in the business practices group. our governance team of course very very um front and center on the policy work um and we we had quite a bit of that um as you as you know this year. And then finally um but not least certainly not least litigation. Had a lot of great successes um including the dismissal of over 14 cases saving the district thousands of dollars in legal fees and additional litigation. So, that's pretty much um the overview of what we've done. I I do want to just take a moment to um highlight um my team, your team. Um these members that you see reflected up here on the screen were some new members that came to us this year. Um some um you know have left and are going

023on um to pursue uh some dream opportunities. for example, Miss Lizer. Um, Elizabeth, um, who came to us as a legal assistant, uh, got snagged by the chief of staff. Um, so she's not too far away from us. Um, but this is the team, uh, that worked very hard, um, and came to us as new members and got right in there and got to work um, in FY25. And the other two young ladies you see up there are still with us and working hard. So, we're just very proud of them. And finally, this is us. This is us. This is um the team EG OGC and and your team. Um we're very proud of all of the work that we have done over the course of FY25 and look forward to hearing from you all

024any questions that you may have um that you have for me because we are fired up and ready to go for FY26. Thank you so much for indulging me. Thank you, Miss Bernard. Miss Whitfield, >> I just wanted to take a quick minute to say thank you to your team. Um, the work you do is amazing. The value you bring to the school district is incredible. I wish one day you were out of a job because we weren't getting sued anymore, but the work that you do to to keep us ahead of the curve is is wonderful. And so, I'm very grateful for that. The other thing I wanted to point out on the list of um people that work here um what a family-friendly organization you are for our female attorneys and male attorneys

025out there um that work within our system to create a place where um people can do really important great work and still have kids and be able to go home to them. So I thank you for being such an amazing employer and recognizing that um among our our team here. It really means a lot for you guys to be doing this work. Thank you. Thank you, >> Vice Chair Andrews. >> And thank you, uh, General Counsel, and your whole team. The work that you do and how you've laid it out to us, uh, makes us know that you're doing a great job, especially with the cost savings. But with our, uh, country changing, uh, the state of Florida, the nation, uh, being able to be, uh, ready, uh, to look at the legal issues as

026it relates to the new laws at the federal and state level. I do appreciate you working closely with the council of great city schools, the general counsel there, having a connection with you almost weekly on what might be happening at the national level as well as working closely with the board on all the new legislation that comes to us every year so that we have to change our policies and procedures. So, you're always on on tap for that. But I'm also proud of the inservice and the inservice means so much to me having been a a teacher and a principal and uh I love that whole compartment and I wanted to ask the question about a new principal. You know, we have a lot of turnover here uh because people are growing. The assistant principles

027coming, the teachers coming to assistant principal positions and they're training through professional development, but soon they could be a principal. And with all the changes that's happening at the state and the federal level and you are training and you say they can make h you make house calls and all of that, but you got a group of principles. This is their first time actually being in charge. We just had the first day of school. What do you do to make sure you begin to massage them early? Yes, we got a lot of veteran people too that work for the school district, but for your APS and your uh principles who are just beginning, do you have a component for them so that you know anything that's happened over the last, you know, three to five

028years or especially stuff that's coming down now from the state and and federal level that you kind of get to them before, you know, they're already in the school, but they need to kind of have uh something quick uh to kind of let them know this is the stuff to look for. And I know you're doing all the big work for all of our 183 schools, but tell me, how do you take care of the new ones so that because they're worried out there? I mean, they're excellent with what they're going to do, but you don't know what's going to hit you from day to day. And I really want them to feel that from a legal standpoint, from the governor, from the the president, from everybody in the around that's making changes on a

029daily basis that how do they work with you so that you can make sure that you have them under arms quickly before something happens more proactive than reactive? >> No, thank you for your question, Mrs. Andrews. Well, we do a lot on those fronts. And so there is what the district puts on an aspiring principles um series, if you will. Um and so we are invited, I believe, to all of those. Um and there's there's several of them. And so we make sure that we take part in those. And often times because I want to make sure that our principles see me, I I attend those. I participate in those to to try to set the uh the tone of of uh and establishing for our principles how to effectively use us. So that's just

030one way. Um we make sure that we get that information out about our hotline. Uh we have a legally speaking article um that's geared towards our principles and it has I mean it it has probably just about any hot topic you can think of that a principal would encounter and we make sure that that's available um and not just when we send it out but we have a legal resources um tool that's available to just principles where they can go in there and find some old articles they'll you know and they automatically are you know receive the the newer articles if you will, but it's to help them navigate a lot of these difficult things. Um, and then we get the word out um to our principles. I'm in the schools. Um, and every opportunity

031that we train, I make sure that I'm there so that they hear it from me. I want to come to your school, invite me so that we can curate a training for you. Um, but the legally speaking, uh, the the vods that we send out, um, and that's where we've utilized some AI, um, to help us to be able to very quickly put some materials together. We put together all of the content. We want to make sure that it's legally compliant and based on um the uniqueness of this district. But we've you utilized an AI tool to help us to be able to put it together quickly um for our principles so that we can get this information out to them quickly. >> Mr. Lane, >> yes. um you and I work together very closely

032behind the scenes um on legal issues and policy issues and I can always know that when I'm talking to you the guidance I'm receiving is knowledgeable experience and you have an enormous breadth of knowledge. It's a pleasure working with you and you've created a team. You've built a team of very dedicated, competent and caring attorneys who are also a pleasure to work with. So, I just wanted to compliment you. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. And so, I I actually have a question for you and uh but first I want to say thank you. I I'm echo all the accolades um about the terrific department that you've built. So, I do have a question though with regard to the 200 plus ESC and um I guess they're IEP meetings. Is that what you're

033referring to? >> Yes, some of them. There's different types of meetings, but that would make up >> Okay. Okay. So, there are other types because that was my question because back in the day, and I'm sure it's the same, the only time the legal department is represented um when they go to an IEP meeting, it's typically if the parent has an attorney there. Correct. And then if the parent doesn't have an attorney, they have the right to have an attorney. So, it that's not all IEP meetings then. >> Correct. That number does not it's other types of meetings that you there's really not a name for them, but where we provide guidance and support. >> Good. Thank you. Okay. Okay. And that will bring us to Miss Savetto. >> Hi. Um, I actually enjoyed reading

034your book. I have it right here. It's highlighted. I read the whole thing and and it was great for me because then I was able to like navigate your department. So, you told a story very well done, you know, for some things that may be really dull and boring and blah blah. So, it was great. Um, I appreciated um the time as a designer. I know this takes time to do this. You didn't just throw it in a piece of word document and I appreciate that. Um um I like the idea of community. Thank you for that community engagement piece uh that we don't know that you do and now we all know that you do. This is wonderful. I think it's more than just do your legal job. And I had a question on

035page 14 where it says the community engagement. Uh it says the OGC attorney's guidance helped students developed legal reasoning, public speaking skills, and confidence in navigating complex issues. Are these students college students or are they students from the school district? >> These are school district um students. And so, um, we've had the the pleasure and and fortune of being able because we were invited to work with Palm Beach Lakes Law Academy. And so, we do a lot of mentorship, uh, with those students. And so, um, we we work through, um, mock situations and all sorts of things, >> right? I was reading that's wonderful. But I wasn't sure the mock trial tournament. I wasn't sure besides um the high school >> but you know they develop legal reasoning public speaking skills and confidence and navigating

036I think all the kids >> we all need that right and we come out of high school not knowing any of that as we saw in a lot of the graduations and the shaking hands that confidence right so I wish you know you could um develop something for the non-legal students that still need all that I think it's um it's it's something that um we could all take advantage um and we're going to see them coming into the work um you know um arena and um I also wanted to ask you a question because I I love the word innovative and innovation and you used it a lot throughout forgot to put more sticky notes but on page 11 uh where it says special projects and I love the word innovative because that's my world

037um so um I don't know if I'm not putting you on the spot up and when you said here uh under special projects um that the special project committee pursued innovative solutions to improve client access legal efficiency when you use the word innovative what do I mean because I don't know your role right I mean so what's innovative in in the legal department >> innovative I can tell you in the legal world is AI AI is brand new to the legal community um and you have a lot of um you have some lawyers who you know are afraid of it and um some not, but we really wanted to lean into it um in our office. And so um the the doors that we saw that it unlocked just um with simple WLAW research because

038Weslaw offers um an AI feature uh that's really quite amazing. And WLAW for those of you who don't I know I've got some lawyers up there um but it's a it's a legal research tool um that allows you to do uh in-depth legal research into cases. and we were able to, just to give you an example, take all of our policies and um essentially put it into this AI tool. And so anytime we're doing a research, it researches it based on our po our policies. I mean, it's really fascinating. And so we've really leaned into that. Um, and it it just really um changed the the the way we can provide services. That's the best way I can describe it. We have to use more of it and learn how to use it. We can

039be afraid. We haven't even scratched the surface. >> We have not. >> Um and then um so then humans we can do more things. Just see it as an unpaid very good legal assistant. But it can hallucinate, right? So you definitely want to make sure that there's a human behind it. And that's >> we have some funny stories as to how it it did go a little off. >> You have to keep it in track. But I mean it saves a lot of time of time that you can then do other things that matter the most. Um when you said something very interesting about um inviting you said you know invite us or invite me to speak I think that's wonderful but people don't know what they don't know. So they may not know what

040to invite you to speak about. If you don't come up with a menu of things that may be of interest to them because you know if we're not in the legal world we may not know. But I mean if if you have some ideas of good topics that um the schools or anybody can use you, you know, put it out there. Thank >> you. And and we do, just so you know, when we go out and I say I do house calls, I give a list of the types of things, but um you know, our leaders across the district, they know what they're they're dealing with. They're on the ground. Um so I'm always surprised to hear from them like they're dealing with this unique something and we'd love Sean to have you and your

041team come out. So, we do that, but yes, we do provide a menu of topics because we have a lot of stuff already prepared. So, we we let them know that those things are available. Um, but I'm I'm always shocked um to hear what what they think are important as well. So, >> right. Of course. Thank you so much, Mr. Ferguson. >> Yeah. I I just want to comment, Miss Patricia, because I thought she was a new attorney uh to your staff. You know, General Counel Bernard had such a commanding presence. cuz I really wasn't paying attention to the young lady to your left and I'm like, you're ready to go to trial over there suit, got the got the hair down, got the glasses. Law school's only three years. So, uh, yeah, I'm sure

042attorney Bernard can help you with that. But great presentation as always. Keep up the great work. >> Thank you, Miss Branch. >> Thank you. Thank you for all you do and I really appreciate you getting back to us quickly when we have a question. We may be in a situation. So, your staff's been fantastic. I do want to give a special shout out to Deborah Flory, though. She's my favorite. I do love everybody else, but she is just awesome. Always with a smile, always willing to help. She is fantastic. And uh thank you for doing what you know, which is the legal world out there. Um sticking staying in your lane and doing the law academy and and helping our students that way. I appreciate that. Thank you for everything and your staff what you

043do. >> Vice Chair Andrews, and thank you for coming to the Glades Career Readiness Roundt. So, I know you're out there. I just want to add a few more to your list that you may already be doing. >> You know, the Hispanic Education Coalition. You know, a lots of people don't know that we have a real engaged legal department until something sometimes is not positive and then they know who you are. But I think you're getting out there uh into the community. You know, heck is one that I would like for you to work with as well as the Tri Cities Education Committee. I don't I don't know how how widespread you all are, but I mean when you can go on the ground where people the parents can see you out there and we

044know what you do and it's excellent, but just a little bit more of educating our communities about what you what you do because I mean we really want to engage on the positive side, not on the other side. So I have a list I'll tell you later about some more things that you can actually do to kind of get out there uh and be with us in the community. and we'd like to introduce you to some of the people that don't know we have a general counsel and a full staff of people that's wanting to engage with them so that we can all stay positive. Thank you. And >> so don't worry, I'm not going to give you a list, but what I'm going to do is turn to Mr. Burke who's going to wrap

045it up for us. >> All right. Well, I think everyone knows the office of general counsel general counsel reports directly to the school board, but in our day-to-day work, uh we work seamlessly together. uh Miss Bernard and uh Miss Morales actually sit in on our weekly staff meetings every Monday morning and uh work shoulder-to-shoulder with me and my colleagues, you know, and the the various attorneys and the support staff within the general counsel um are working very closely day in and day out with our teams throughout various departments and schools. So, I just want to thank Miss Bernard for that for that partnership and teamwork because it's uh they are part of team Palm Beach. like you heard, they they've won many of our uh costume contests and that type of thing. And so I

046appreciate just that they make themselves so available and they're so willing to roll up their sleeves and and dive into whatever challenges we face from day to day and greatly appreciate all the support. Uh we could not do our jobs without them. So thank you. >> Thank you. So we'll go on to the next workshop. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. So our next workshop that is going to bring us to policy 1.036 036 which is school board member constituent service and Dr. Yolanda Morgan formerly of the office of general counsel now chief of staff is going to help us uh with that policy. So we've got some updates to discuss and uh this is of course a workshop so we'll get the board's feedback and then we'll be bringing this policy later for

047development and adoption. Dr. Morgan. Ah we have Miss Patricia Morales also. Great. So while Oh, sorry. Go ahead. So, while it's being pulled up, I'll just go ahead and get started if that's all right. It's very short, so I know you all have it uh in front of you. Uh good afternoon, board members. I have the distinct pleasure of presenting to you the proposed policy changes for policy 1.036, which is schoolboard member constituent services. Uh consistent with our focus on enhancing the policy revision process under the leadership of Superintendent B Superintendent Burke, uh this policy, the revisions that are in front of you is an example of our efforts to ensure that policies are in alignment with not only updates to the law but also district practices and procedures. So, uh policy 1.036 036 outlines

048a process for tracking, documenting, and responding to board member constituents. Uh, this is a significant policy, as I'm sure you all will agree, because it codifies the importance of constituent uh, communication uh, and and outlines a process in which we respond in an efficient and and uh, prompt manner. uh for the benefit of uh the public understanding the uh importance of this policy and and the role that they play in uh contacting board members as well as our own internal monitoring and accountability. The goal was to uh clearly articulate the process of uh constituent communication followed by an expedited response referral to the appropriate staff who are able to respond to any issues or concerns that may be identified and then that follow-up notification to board members that uh the matter has indeed been addressed.

049Therefore, uh with the proposed revisions, we endeavor to clearly uh describe the steps and the process uh as well as the related responsibilities of staff in this update in the policy. And we also aim to streamline the description of the process to avoid any repetitive language that might be in the policy. So, uh quite simple. The idea here was to clarify the steps that we take in order to respond to uh constituent communication and concerns. With that being said, our next steps are scheduled for policy development on September 10th and policy adoption on November 5th. >> Thank you. So, for the benefit of the board members who weren't here when Miss Andrews and I joined the board, um this was a policy and this was a procedure that was developed by us. Um and I'm

050very excited about it because when we got on the board, um people would write to the board members and they really weren't getting responses. um the customer service wasn't at the level that we really wanted it to be and so we started this process and the first few years there were some kinks and making sure that everybody got a response for the public just so you know that when when the items go to the board office email address every board member sees what the issue is and every board member sees what the response is. So it also helps to educate all of us and I will tell you that I have to recognize u Mrs. Sinclair because this has become a huge part of her job. Um when we got on the board, the board

051clerk um when we joined the the the the board up here, the clerk didn't have this role and so everything gets funneled through her um to the appropriate department and then she makes sure that everybody gets answered and she actually told me that in this past year 100% of all of the constituent contacts were responded to. So I I do want to from on behalf of the entire board, I want to say thank you and I just want to ask the board to take a look at the policy. If you scroll down to line number 108, it's the reporting and system improvement. We're changing it to reporting. I spoke to Mrs. Sinclair today. Um this particular paragraph has to do with providing us with information. So um as you know, we've all caught the wave.

052And so now that we have this process in place, I would like to suggest that on a quarterly basis, we receive a report that tells us and it's going to be with general categories. Um I did check with Mrs. Sinclair. She does log everything in on a Google spreadsheet, but on a quarterly basis so that we can see how many complaints are transportation or academic or you know operational. And then there will be um because some of those categories are large um there would be uh something that would explain what would be like a key um that would explain it. And I did check with Mrs. Sinclair because I didn't want to put further burden on her. She said she could do that. So with that said, if you have the policy up, what I'd

053like to suggest is starting on on line 109 to take out upon request from I'd like it to read or suggest that it read that the board take out the the board chair also there and start off at 110 with reports will be provided to the superintendent and board members on a quarterly basis showing the number of requests, types of requests, and overall blah blah blah. you know in the summary. So this way just like with the month we get the monthly hiring report and then later after we looked at um restraints we now get a quarterly restraint report we would get a quarterly report on constituent services and then if a board member has a particular question about what they're seeing they can reach out um to Miss Mrs. Sinclair the superintendent and can

054get their answers to it. So um I'm hoping you all agree that that would be worthwhile for us. Okay. So, that's going to bring us to Mr. Lane. >> I want to start by saying I want to start by saying I can't think of anyone better suited to do this job than Miss Sinclair. She's incredible. We are so lucky to have her as in her position and I know I can't think of anybody I would rather have answering these questions. Um, I do have um something I'd like to amend here. It's um paragraph uh or line 24, line 25. It says, "If a board member receives a direct inquiry from a constituent, the members encouraged to forward the request to the board office. And here's kind of my thought on it. If one of my

055constituents reaches out to me and asks for me to do something and asks for help, they expect me to take care of it, not push it off to somebody else. They're asking me for something. They elected me. They're coming to me for help. They want me to stay on top of it. So instead of saying that we're encouraged to push these things off, I think we should change that language to say that we may choose to do it or that may we may elect to do it. Either choose or elect. But um I don't think we should be encouraged to push off our constituent service to to anyone other than ourselves. That's our responsibility directly to our constituents. and it's work that I really enjoy doing. >> So, I'm going to ask for other people

056to weigh in. I will tell you that I think that being on this board such a long time, I don't agree with that because sometimes a board member may think they're giving the correct response to the constituent and they're not. And so, what happens is when when we forward it to u Mrs. Sinclair, she the when it goes in there, it says that your your request to Mr. Lane has been forwarded, you know, and that she's going to get the correct response. Now, there are times, and the reason that I like the word encouraged is there are times and when people will sometimes send us things that would violate Furpa, you know, they'll send us student records, something about an ESC student. There are occasions when I'll forward something to legal or to ESC and

057copy the superintendent only because of the nature of what they're sending to us. But um I personally think that it is still better to channel it and also for us catching the wave for us to be able to pro provide really the best constituent services. I remember and I'm sure Mrs. um Andrews can tell you it used to be very willy-nilly. They would write to the board member and they would never get a response and you know some board members would be totally on top of it or they would ask for information and wouldn't come back. Right now we're we're batting 100%. So, um I I can't really go by who pressed their names here because it was for other stuff. So, >> if I could comment on what you just said, >> um here's

058how I handle these issues. Um and it's based upon my experience on city council. >> You can't have seven board members going to a principal and saying you need to do this or that or to any anybody on the staff. The only person you should really be talking to when these issues come into is um our superintendent, Mr. Burke. So when I receive these issues, I take it to Mr. Burke, then he gets back to me or or someone from the staff gets back to me and deals with the issue and then they talk to me and then I can make sure that it's handled appropriately by someone who has expertise in the area. And so that's why I think that that's an more appropriate way because when someone reaches out to me for help,

059I don't want them to think that I just pushed it off to somebody else. That's just my thinking on it. >> Okay. So, I saw Miss Branch and then Mr. Ferguson. Um Um Well, are we going to go by that? Is that list for this or are we still talking about what Mr. Lane is talking about? >> Yeah. Well, we're going to get to but since Mr. Mr. um Lane brought this up, if we can close out his recommendation and then move. What I'm trying to do is keep some semblance of order and responding to that if we >> you want to go. >> You can go first on that if you want. >> Um well, I understand what Mr. Lane is saying. Um I agree with Mrs. Bril um that we need to leave

060it to the experts. It's working. We have 100%. If you feel the need to call the superintendent, but he's got to stop what he's doing. I mean, these people are busy. I know I've said that before. I've been in the school district since 1983. These people are busy. So, I I think, you know, and they pick up the phone and answer and call us back and stop what they're doing, etc. Um, but I think we need to leave it to the experts. I, you know, everybody wants to school sue the school district. some or I don't want anybody to, you know, you put something in writing, you own it. Art Johnson quote, Dad. Um, but that it's I think we need to leave it to the experts. I like the way the process works now.

061Um, I do I agree with Chair B. I understand what Mr. Lane is saying, but I think we need to leave it to the experts. >> And before I call on Mr. Ferguson, so the the current verbiage states it just states that the member is encouraged. So you're not you don't have to put it through the process. So if we keep the words the way they are, you're encouraged. So Mr. Ferguson, you're next. >> As to lines 24 and 25, I think the amended language is is proper. All all requests, constituent requests are created equal. So some do require more handholding than others. Um and I I think this is fine. Um I in my experience I've I found it general I don't by about that 100% thing but I will say in general more

062much more than general 98% of the time I feel that I get responses in a very timely fashion from staff and I define timeliness by 3 to four days because to board member Branch's point I I respect the fact that they have many many things on their respective plates but having said all that never be too busy for the customer because at the end of the day it's the customer stupid and if the customers go away your job goes away. So, in that regard, you know, persons have to pull their head out of the books and and address the issues. But I like the I like the change to um that specific area, but I do respect the fact that um board member Lane, you've thus far demonstrated a great commitment to the constituents and

063I encourage you to continue being committed to all constituents of this school district. So, thank you for that. >> Okay. So, before you go on, does anyone else want to comment about Mr. Lane's comment? Okay. So, Vice Chair Andrews, and then we'll go back to you, Mr. Ferguson. >> Yes. And I want to compliment Mr. Lang, but I do like this language and I just want to say when someone's sending something directly to me, I send it to the constituency, but I also if there's a phone number a way for me to let them know we have it because people sometimes don't know that this is a policy that we have within the Palm Beach County School District. So, I always try to put a personal touch on it. If I don't have the answer,

064I let them know that we're looking into it. Uh we have uh people uh that know this area and they're working with us. So, I try to do both. They'll get the constituency, but they'll also get a personal uh connection with me. >> Okay. So, now we're going back to Mr. Ferguson. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Question for uh attorney Dr. Morgan. What was the rationale behind editing uh section I guess this would be is it 6.3 specifically lines 109 through 118? And then my second question to you is um on line 112 or 111 through 112 where it says that um basically uh that you will show us the number of requests, types of requests and overall summary of usage and then it says confidential or exempt information will not be disclosed. I'm struggling

065to think what confidential or exempt information would be disclosed in a summary. But even if there were confidential and exemp exempt information disclosed during the summary, surely a board member would be entitled to to review of that. So kind of walk me through why we are changing that that specific section of the policy. Thank you. So, >> so the uh with conversation uh on those who are part of the constituent services, the uh recommendation was made to update the language based on the fact that we do have that spreadsheet that has all of the information contained in it. So, if a board member or someone on staff uh needed to know, for example, what uh issues were coming up, we have all of that information available. So um you know a quarterly report h being

066able to view the um the document would be that to to that same end. Now as far as confidential or exempt information not being disclosed um you know the importance of keeping information confidential. So for example if um you know a report was made and and you know requested to be public that is the standard language that would be used to make sure that confidential information wasn't being made available uh publicly. But that's not well as evidenced by my I guess my question that's not clear to me. It seems like it would be withheld from us as the board. It doesn't say to the public because we know under Florida statute 119 certain things are not subject to the public record request and we know that. But when I'm reading this policy, it feels to

067me that it's specific to us as the board. I'm just asking you all to consider that language. They're my interpret. I don't know how anyone else feels, but when I read this, it seems like the board um is prohibited from access to the confidential and or exempt information, and it sounds like that's not your intent, but that's my read of it. Um so, just please take that under consideration. >> I I would just add that that's certainly not the intent um because you all are entitled to the information. Um so, if there's a means and I I know Dr. Morgan and Miss Morales can go back and um provide some additional language to clarify that if that's certainly if you've read it that way I don't know if others have but even one person if

068that's we don't want the confusion there. So we we'll certainly take a look at that and see how we can word smith that so that that confusion is not there. Well, may I suggest that we just remove that line because, you know, with the verbiage that I gave you about the quarterly report, the quarterly report is going to be a it's going to show the number of requests, the types of requests, and an overall summary of usage. Um, it's not going to have confidential information. So, you really that's kind of like extraneous. It's not really needed in here because if a board member, as Mr. Ferguson said, wants to get the information, they'll be able to access it. So, I would just take that line out. That's you all's call. Like I said, I couldn't

069I didn't I thought I said before, where are my subtitles? I'm going to pay for this thing. So, yeah, I assume that a summary wouldn't have much in the way of confidentiality confidential or exempt information anyway. But in the event that it did, surely a board member would be entitled to access that information that I still don't see those. All right, Superintendent B. I'm going to I'm going to I'm going to take care of it. All right, let me know what it's cost and I'll take care of it. But great presentation. All jokes aside, keep up the great work. Okay, Miss Branch, you're done. Okay. Um, Vice Chair Andrews. Okay. Um, Miss Savayto, you're good. Miss Whitfield, >> thank you. I appreciate it. Um, I wanted to ask you guys a question about this. Um,

070you know, it's uh sometimes it takes a few days to get an answer back from the constituent for the constituent. Do you have a file that you're maintaining of where the where the constituent question is and where this where the response is in that? The only reason I ask is if we could have access to it. So I can look and maybe at a glance see where my where my questions that are out there from constituents are currently situated. The only way that I know whether or not it's been responded to is if I get Miss Sinclair sending back a response. But sometimes I just want to know, has it been assigned to anyone? Is anyone working on this? Is there a way that we could see that um so I can continue to follow

071up with the issues? >> Absolut absolutely. So the board office keeps a very robust uh spreadsheet of the constituent concerns that come in where it's going and then the response followup. So I'm sure that can be made available. >> That would be wonderful. That would help a lot. Um and then as far as um Mr. Lane, I appreciate what you're trying to do. I try to do the same thing as well and keep up with my um you know the questions that come. But I have to tell you, after many years of doing this, it is so much better to have them making sure rather than me continuing to do it. So hopefully it's a combination of the two, both of us working towards uh, you know, resolution for our constituents. Thank you. >> And

072so I'll just close out by saying again, thank you so much because we we really have a great process in place. And for those that um like Mr. Lane, there's many times when I forward it to board office, but I also acknowledge it with a note saying that I'm going to send it to our, you know, the constituent process. Um, and I always tell them, if you don't hear back for some reason, please let me know. Please let me know when your situation is re, you know, is taken care of. And I will tell you that nine times out of 10, I get a thank you note after they get their response saying, "Thank you so much. It was been taken care of." And this is a world of difference, isn't it, Mrs. Andrews from

073when we joined this board. So, thank you so much. And Mrs. Andrews, you wanted to say one. >> Just a last thank you for the people who respond to Miss Sinclair. Uh the folks out in the school centers, the principles and the regional superintendents, they they really get this work uh done and Miss Whitfield, they're trying to get it back to uh to us as quickly as possible. But a special thank you to them because they know exactly what's going on in the school centers. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Superintendent. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Our third and final workshop for today is policy 8.01, promotion, placement, graduation, student progression plans. And that's going to be led by Miss Jamie Wyatt, our deputy superintendent, chief of schools, and Miss Maria Bishop, our

074chief academic officer. And they're going to be joined by Assistant General Counsel Lisa Carmona. Miss Wyatt, >> good afternoon. Um, every year the student progression plans are updated and um, this afternoon uh, Miss Bishop is going to share the suggested revisions based upon state statute and district best practices. I'm going to pass it over to Miss Bishop. >> Good afternoon everyone. It's very nice to be here with you this evening to review our proposed revisions to the policy. Uh, all right. We're going to start right here. Um, under the health requirements section, we just rewarded this section to be aligned with the FY26 student health uh student and family handbook. Under the extended absence due to documented medical concern section, we wanted to make sure that the schools um acknowledge the need for students to

075have an adaptive plan for their work during this time and that the schools own it and monitor it. We also revised the bullets to clarify the um medical withdrawal as an option for students who have these extended absences. Under the hospital homebound referral section, we added language to make sure that we are consistent with how we're grading misswork prior to the students being in the hospital homebound program. We also removed the academic plan language since we included in the previous section. Under the virtual instruction section, we wanted to make sure that we clarified that though the districts may not restrict student access to virtual courses, we wanted to ensure that the role of the school counselor is to review these requests and determine whether the courses are appropriate based on the students individual circumstances and

076needs. Now, I'm going to go over a few revisions for the elementary schools. The K5 reading remediation section. This year, the state added our students in the VPK program who exhibit a substantial deficiency in early literacy skills. Um, and that we must provide some interventions for them as well. and also added under the reading deficiency and parental notification section, they changed the language a little bit for the parent notification information. As you can see it there in quotes. Again, still in the elementary school revision, the K4 mathematics deficiency and parent notification section. This year the state added some very specific um language as to the criteria for students who will be identified as needing um who have a substantial deficiency and who need intervention in the area of math. Pre prior to that we didn't

077have that definition. Also under mandatory retention for grade three students section, the state added this year another opportunity for students to take the Florida assessment, the PM3 after the summer school um session. Oops, sorry. Kind of went a little crazy here. Hold on. And again here under the grade three students promoted with a good cause exemption section. The state added parent notification information there. So that's included for middle school revisions. We only have we're only highlighting under the middle school remediation requirements section that we updated the language to reflect a change in our district practices this year. We changed the model of the middle school remediation and we're very specific as to which courses are appropriate for the students. Um, as far as reading intervention, we're going to move on to high school revisions. Under

078the high school grade classification for promotion retention section, um, we did add course enrollment expectations. Um and we wanted to make sure so that across the district we follow the same um practices that are are aligned to state statute and district practices. Under the physical education requirements for four-year 24 credit option section and the fine and performing arts requirement section, we added the option of the completion of two-year marching um band to satisfy the P requirement or the performing arts requirement. that's new this year by the state. Um, continuing with the high school revisions under the four bright futures requirements only section, we updated the chart to reflect the changes um by the state as far as a number of volunteer hours required for students that are fresh that were freshman in 2024. Moving on

079and the seal of fine arts section, we um updated it to include the advanced the ACE coursework as far as now the eligibility for this um seal certificate of completion under high school. Again, we throughout the plan removed anything referencing the certificate of completion in accordance with the state statute revisions in the Florida high school performance-based diploma section. That certificates of completion section was renamed to students who do not meet standard diploma requirements. Again, based on the new updates by the state and we also added the language to include the options that students who do not meet standard diploma requirements have um as well. And finally, in the high school revision, we just again included the high school remediation requirement section because again, we changed our model this year for high school uh remediation. Wanted

080to ensure that students are in the correct reading intens intensive reading course. Okay. Now, we're going to switch over to the adult education revision, which is actually the separate um plan. And under the adult high school co-enrolled section, the definition was updated to comply with the state revision. We also updated the number of courses that students are eligible to take as co-enrolled students. And under the GED eligibility section per the state, we've removed the age waiver for 16 and 17 year old section and that was replaced by underage underage testing information with new requirements by the state. And that's >> yes and um and so now you have the next dates and you do have for further details if you want exactly all the changes that were made you do have a summary of change

081plan document that was there for both the regular student progression plans as well as the adult progression plan. >> Thank you Mr. Ferguson. >> Thank you Madam Chair. I had a question I have a question regarding slide six. So PM3, you mentioned that this there's a new law or change to the law that allows for persons who didn't perform well on PM3 to retake it during the summer. And I just want to know what the r what's the rationale for that? >> It's to give students another opportunity to demonstrate proficiency. So if students that scored a level one previously, they take it again at the end of our summer um of our SRRA where we've provided instruction and we've provided more remediation. At the end of that they take this assessment again and if they

082score a level two then they may be promoted to grade four. >> Okay. So the so the retake of PM3 would have no effect on the school grade in that regard. >> No, it's just for the student just for promotional purposes. Yes. >> Got it. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. I don't see any other comments by board members. Um Miss Savetto, you're next. >> Thank you. Do I have a question on slide 12 about the GED? Um, just so I know. Um, so a student could uh take the GED at age 16 and 17. >> How does that work? >> So they still can. It's just that they changed the protocols. Previously, uh, we were able, the students were able to apply with us within the Palm Beach School District and we handled

083all of that. So students can still take if they're underage students, but now they apply through the state. So that's >> But these are children that um just dropped out of school and they don't want to go back to a regular school and they want to just get their high school diploma through GED, >> right? And they have to provide documentation that they withdrew from the schools and all that, but now the difference is that it's being handled from the state. We still do everything, but the application goes directly to the state. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Okay, Vice Chair Andrews. Yes. on page seven with the proposed revisions uh for middle school revisions and middle school remediation requirements for the reading. Uh I just wanted to know sometimes uh parents have

084issues with their children being in intensive uh and sometimes they have documents that conflict with the documents we have at the school district and they refuse to have their children in the intensive remedial reading. So how is this policy going to help a parent who actually wants to make a change there? Well, this policy is governed by state statute. So, we have to follow what's what's in the state statute. Um, what we did change was that um we changed our decision trees. We changed the course trajectory a little bit and we defined um better those students that were in level one. And we've added a new model. We h we're going with a different program. We're utilizing read 180. And so we had to be very clear as to which students would go into the

085intensive reading course. We have some of our students that are at level two and we can meet their needs within um using CLS strategies within like content classes. So that's how we're doing. But as far as because I know that we have a parent, we've had questions like that and we have to say that it is by state statute and um there's language that states that in parents can't opt out from the intervent intensive reading programs, >> but I see that you do have some options working with the parents to let them know uh looking at the data that you have and some uh more data that they can use to make sure it's a proper placement. And that's what parents are concerned about that their uh information is a little different from what the

086school district's information is. Thank you. >> Okay. Well, thank you very much. So, I'll now take a motion to adjourn the workshop. Motion by Miss Whitfield, second by Miss Branch. Any discussion? All in favor? All opposed? Motion carries unanimously. I'll give you all a moment or two to open up the special meeting as you switch gears. And so as you do that, I'm now going to call the special meeting to order at 4 pm. And the record should reflect that we have a quorum with seven board members present. >> Oh, >> sorry about that. I'm rushing my life away. Okay, I'm now calling the meeting to order at 3:35. >> Don't confuse me. And and by the way, um just for the folks in the back, we don't need that um the the tally of

087our minutes because we we're changing our policy. So um we're not going to time each other. We'll put that into effect right away. So I don't >> It's possible because I'm going to talk for a solid hour straight. >> Okay. >> Well, just remember that you gave me the authority to stop you. So >> I'm gonna I'm gonna I'm gonna I'm gonna test you today right now to see if you're ready to take that. Yeah. Take that on. No, I'm joking. So board members, we have two four six um sets of minutes. I will take a motion to accept. Motion by Miss Branch, second by um Miss Whitfield. Any discussion? All in favor? All opposed? Motion carries unanimously. You'll be happy to know that I'm not adding anything for good cause. Mr. Superintendent, do you

088have anything to withdraw? >> No, Madam Chair. >> Okay. Board members, anything to pull from consent? Okay. Seeing none, I'll take a motion to approve the agenda. Motion by Vice Chair Andrews, second by Miss Branch. Any discussion? All in favor? All opposed? Motion carries unanimously. And do we have any disclosures or abstensions? Seeing none, Mr. Superintendent, we'll start with your comments. >> Yes. Well, as we all know, Monday was the first day of school, so I have to make a few comments, but uh Deputy Superintendent Wyatt and I were out visiting schools along with the board members. So, we appreciate you being out there supporting our school communities on the first day. Uh it was a great day. You know, it was really exciting to open up our newest school, Saddle View Elementary, out there

089in the Ardan community, and it is beautiful. Uh, Mr. Sanchez, Mr. Dolan, the whole team, uh, Moss Construction did an amazing job, and Principal Dwan Ross really turned that facility into a home for the students. It's every attention to detail, the decorating, the finishes, uh, were just incredible. So, that was exciting. And then we were out and about, uh, popped into some schools that had made some really significant achievements. Uh so went out to Rosenwald Elementary to congratulate them going from a C to an A which are incredibly proud of and then Miss Wyatt was making a similar visit down to Pinerove in Delray which made that same achievement from C to A. So that was huge. And uh I was also really proud of St. Lucia's High School, home of the Chiefs. They earned

090an A rating. Uh and I believe that's the first time since 2013 or at least over 10 years. So, we have a quick video just to kind of showcase uh some of those visits over the first day of school. And I'm going to share that right now if our team's ready. Here we go. >> Good morning. Welcome. First day of school. >> Hugs and happy faces across the school district of Palm Beach County. On the first day of the 2025 2026 school year, our A-rated district is celebrating success and looking toward the future. Saddle View Elementary School opened its doors to the western Palm Beach County community. Our 183rd school brings a new energy to the area as the Colts look to make their mark. >> I'm really proud of this school. It just it's

091got curb appeal. It's functional. It's got state-of-the-art equipment, technology, just welldesigned, and Principal Ross has put all the extra details into it. >> Ready? >> Today, reader. >> Windbrook Elementary in West Palm Beach welcomes students to its new modernized campus. The school also went up from a B to an A. Also bumping up to achieve an A this year, the Chiefs of St. Lucia's Community High School. Also, Pinerroveve Elementary School, Pokei Elementary, and Pine Jo Elementary, which jumped two grades. >> They have to line up together. >> Also jumping two grades to earn their A, Rosenwald Elementary School, where the outstanding achievement is the talk of the town in South Bay. >> Oh, my teachers as well as my students, not only are we excited, but they're highly motivated to want to repeat the same

092process over again. The first day is filled with new opportunities, a fresh start for teachers to make an impact and students to shine. That energy will carry through this school year to educate, affirm, and inspire every student. That's why the school district of Palm Beach County is your best choice. >> Madam Chair, that concludes my comments. >> Thank you, uh, Mr. Lane. >> Sure. I'm going to wait until our regular board meeting next week to provide a full report of all the great things that are happening in our school district and the incredible accomplishments of our education foundation during the last few weeks. I just want to say welcome back to the students, teachers, administrators to the A-rated school district of Palm Beach County, your best choice for students and their families. >> Okay, Miss

093Cayto. >> Yeah. So, um just to make a little correction, it was Mrs. Wyatt and I at Pine Jog. Um, we visited Pine Jo and we visited Winbrook. That was amazing. So, um, thank you for that. Um, congratulations to both schools that, uh, they went from a C to an A and from a B to an A. Um, this week marked the start of a brand new school and I, like so many families, my son Luca headed back to, um, back to school. Um, I want to wish all of our students, families, teachers, and staff a great and safe year ahead filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities as Luca going to for still the environmental program. So, I would like to recognize the exceptional work that happened behind the scenes before, during, and especially

094after the back to school PBC event. Thanks to the incredible dedication of a small but mighty team from the office of community revitalization from Palm Beach County, Houston Tate the director, Ruth Moganski, William Wyn, Utley Reid who did so much of the heavy lifting, Crystal Matthews, George Scott and Clay and Kelia. We made sure no students uh that was left without school supplies. In less than two weeks, this team of six people or so coordinated over um 20 agencies and 32 schools to distribute over 3,000 backpacks to students who couldn't attend the convention center event. That was a major operation that requires strong partnerships, meticulously planning in a in a shared commitment to our kids. I was, you know, I was proud to play a small role loading up my SUV and delivering dozens of

095backpacks to the welcome center. I also want to thank the principles who organized and mobilized at their schools to make sure every backpack reached the student as well as the supervisor of elections Wendy Sartorii Link for lending a space for us to hold and distribute the backpacks. This is what partnership looks like. This is collaboration and action. And this is why I always say education equals opportunity because something as simple as a backpack filled with supplies can be a gamecher for our students. My heart is full of is full knowing that together we help students start the school year prepared, supported and ready to succeed. This is what happens when we work together for our kids. And I want to share something exciting happening tomorrow. Next slide, please. West Boka Raton Community High School will

096be dedicating both its new athletic facility and its football stadium in honor of former board member Frank Barbie Jr. Frank served this district so many years with dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to our students and schools. While I do not represent Boca Raton, and I know board member Branch will agree with me that this is a celebration for our entire community. The impact Frank made goes far beyond our district. This work and legacy have touched students and families across Palm Beach County. I invite everyone to join us Thursday evening at West Bokea Routon High to honor Frank's year of service. See the new sports marketing academy and be part of a moment that will carry his name and legacy forward for generations. Gracias. Thank you. More to come our next meeting. >> Thank you,

097Miss Whitfield. Miss Branch, >> I'm gonna make this brief. Don't include me in your comments, please. You have your comments about things and I have mine, so don't include me in that. Um, great first day of school. Had a great time, great visits. I was with uh Miss Wyatt. I was right behind Keith Oswald at Voke High. I just missed you. Um, but best of luck to all the students for this school year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Ferguson. We don't have a timer today. >> I thought we >> Well, this actually gets timed. So, >> yeah, I think everybody's been under four minutes. Don't start yet. I'm just trying to get clarification for the future, but you can start now. So, welcome back to students. I am totally stoked for this upcoming year.

098Um, got a few things I want to comment on. First of all, Ed Foundation and the stuff the bus activity. I was able to attend that uh last week with Superintendent Burke. I also want to recognize Rep. and Gerick, she was there as well. And it's my understanding that she was pretty instrumental in helping to get the law changed regarding school start times. So, it's all about always about the E with me, never about the D or the R or silly political affiliations. I want to recognize her for her advocacy um for the betterment of in my opinion all public education here in the state of Florida. So, great job in that respect, Rep. Gerwick. Last week was pretty much my first week of school. I went to Well, you can you'll see the fly

099the the photos. I went to a number of schools in District 7 and just outside of District 7 at the conservatory school in regard to their backpack uh distributions last week. I almost felt as mentally fatigued as I was at the end of last year's uh graduation uh ceremony. So, I I don't know if I needed to subject myself to that trauma just yet, but I did because it's always about the kids and supporting them, our parents, our students, and our teachers. So, again, like I'm I'm just really stoked for this year. I cannot wait to see what's about to come down the pipes. There are a few schools that I know just barely missed B's last year. The principles are raring to go. They were less than five points away in district 7 and

100I'm sure the other board members have have schools that are just on the cusp of greater excellence and success this year as well. So, I just want to encourage you all to put continue to push to the higher mark. You and your students, your parents, your community, you have it in you. It's time to show and prove and let people know why we are in fact the best choice for all things education wise here in Palm Beach County. Also going to wrap up. I'm going to be like my colleague Gloria Branch and leave be very succinct in my comments. Uh project uplift is right around the corner. So uh skip on to that last slide. Remember this year I think we're going to do some amazing things in terms there's there's no other that I'm

101aware of no other um community service group, public service group that is doing things on the scale of the Omega Sci-Fi fraternity in collaboration with the city of West Palm Beach. This year our goal is to help remove a ton of trash. Literally a ton. Not a ton, figuratively, an actual ton, 2,000 lbs. That's a lot of trash to move. And at the same time, award 1,000 hours of community service to our students. And of course, you know, that's one of the requisites to graduation. Now, they don't get that just for showing up and smiling. They get get it for working. And so, students can earn up to three hours per per um per cleanup. So, that lets you know the number of students that we are expecting and hoping to to attract to this

102event. So, those who have time, uh, next Saturday we'll be at the New Bethl uh, Baptist Church located at 911 9th Street in West Palm Beach. Anyone who has questions, feel free to reach out to me at my office, 561-8401846561-840 uh,1846. Good times for all. And apparently the general counsel will be at one of our future project uplift events because there actually are a lot of prospective persons who are interested in law and things that definitely touch and all jokes aside to what you were speaking about during our workshop. So as your schedule permits, we'd love to see you out there um one day. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Mr. Ferguson, Vice Chair Andrews. >> And thank you and welcome back everyone, our students. The first day of school means so much to

103everybody, the teachers, the principles, the the students, the staff. It's so exciting and electrifying. There's no other day that's so special than the very first day of school. So, congratulations on a great opening. Uh, Superintendent Burke and the team, you did it. We had a wonderful first day. And on the first day, as you noticed, I visited Saddle View. And I want you to just marvel at the pictures. Certainly not at me on the screen. Don Ross, principal at Saddle View. You're awesome. You make a difference. Your school is just simply beautiful. But it's all inside of you with your teachers and your staff for the students. Rosenwall Elementary School, A-rated School in Palm Beach County. Your great South Bay, the city of South Bay, your awesome partners with Rosenwall Elementary School and Pokei Elementary

104School. Wow, you did it. Pokei, you always do it. Dr. Abrams, principal leaders and the team, you made it happen. A rating. Yes. Yes. Yes. No one can take that from our children. It means a lot. And for the 25th year in a row, the Glade School's annual welcome back to school teachers appreciation breakfast. Yes. Uh Jamie Wyatt, our uh deputy and our superintendent Burke. You got there before me. You made it. And it was a big deal. All of those teachers, pretty close to 300 teachers celebrating each other. And it's hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders. and wishing everyone a blessed and wonderful school year 25 years in the making in the Glaze region where outstanding performance of teachers, students, and community make a difference every day. And one of

105my favorite things is to go to the annual transportation bid day and I'm inviting all of my fellow board members to meet me there at the point of bid day next year. I had so much fun. And so you're going to have to come with me and say hello to all of the bus drivers, the bus attendants, the transportation team. Mr. Sanchez, you're back there. You just hold your hand up. It was fabulous. It's fabulous. Every year it's our culture to see what happens to our bus drivers as they begin the year to be on their routes. They're so excited to punch that number to drive for ESC or to drive for South or North. I saw everybody out there and I gave them your love and I told them you'd meet me there next

106year. And Crestwood Middle School, congratulations on your big time A. I made it in front of the school and I got my picture taken right there by that A team. You don't see it, but it's in my phone. And I was one of the first persons to get my picture taken there. I was so excited. Chris Wood, you're awesome. I was over with you to the National Junior Honor Society leadership retreat as a guest speaker. It's just so awesome. Dr. Nance, you're just so wonderful. The team at Crestwood, you're in my community. I live in Royal Palm Beach. Congratulations, Crestwood. And we all attended the Chamber of Palm Beach County annual back to school breakfast. It's always nice. And Superintendent Burke, you just outdid yourself. I said you had gone to the spa. You look

107so good and you spoke so well and everybody just hoed you because you did great. And so it's always a wonderful time to be in our chamber because they're a wonderful business partner. And so we appreciate you uh all of us that were there supporting our superintendent. We're A-rated and we first class in everything that we do. And lastly, over the weekend, I got a chance to go to Pokei Middle School uh 50th year class reunion, the class of 1975. And I was there giving remarks on your behalf, Mr. Burke. I saw all of the people. Some of the people in the book I knew uh Mr. Barman who was actually the uh superintendent, assistant superintendent back at the time and Mr. Carol who was the superintendent. They had them all highlighted in the program

108and I was back during that day 50 years ago in the school system. So I pointed myself right there. 1975 I worked for the school district of Palm Beach County. Congratulations, Pokei class of 1975, on your 50th year reunion. Thank you. >> Thank you, Vice Chair Andrews. So, I'll start off by saying that for me, the first day of school, what was really fun was seeing the difference between the elementary, middle, and high school. Elementary students were like, "Yay, I'm here." They were all excited. Middle school students were okay. Some were excited, some were kind of laid-back. high school students at the early part of the morning. They were like not into this. They were dragging in between classes till lunchtime and then they were all perked up. But my comments are directed to my

109colleagues on the board. Actually, I will first echo what U. Vice Chair Andrews said about bidday. I've been there before. It's very exciting to see the bus drivers go their sheets up on the wall. They get to to, you know, try to get the routes that they want. It's a great opportunity to mix with them. But my com my other comment for you is that um last year Chief Mooney had put together the first school police awards. And so I was there last year with Mr. Burke and this year at the awards um I was joined by two of our colleagues by Miss Sabayto and Mr. Lane. And I will tell you that you learn a lot about what our school police do when you hear about the awards they're getting. First of all, the

110the morale has been wonderful. getting to see our school police officers, the camaraderie, but then you hear about the different things that they've done. And so the gauntlet was was thrown down when we realized we had three board members there. So now I am going to ask all of you next year to try and make the effort of going there um and seeing, you know, because you're going to learn more. I learned more about what our officers do both on and off campus than I ever would have known. We appreciate, we love our school police, but it just brought it to another level. And so, thank you, Chief Mooney, for that. And so, with that, we do not have any speakers tonight. That's going to bring us to the consent agenda. I will take a

111motion to approve. Motion by Miss Whitfield, second by Miss Branch. Any discussion? All in favor? All opposed? Motion carries unanimously. No new business. So, at this point now, I'm going to take a motion to adjurnn. >> I have on readiness before we do that. >> Okay. Um, I had forgot to recognize Chief Mooney uh and Chief of Staff and I think one or both of them might assault me after this. They were at the Stuff the Bus activity. They were sweating bullets doing all they could to make Palm Beach County School District great. So, I apologize and thank you for that indulgence. >> Thank you. And I think we're going to hear more about stuff the bus at the at the next board meeting. So, again, I'm going to take a motion to adjurnn. Motion

112by Vice Chair Andrews, second by Mr. Ferguson. Any discussion? All in favor? All opposed. Motion carries unanimously.