001Good evening everyone. Welcome to the January 12th, 2026 regular school board meeting. Before we begin the work of the district, let us stand for a moment of silence followed by the pledge of allegiance. I aliance 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 >> board superintendent. Any changes, amendments, additions, or deletions? >> No, sir. I do have a few this evening. So, there were some minor revisions to the agreement for item 9.03 today. The agreements for item 8.03 and 10.03 were also added to board docs today and the board has been provided a copy. We are also pulling items 10.01 and 10.3 for separate consideration this evening because Dr. Luke and Mr. Dot have indicated
002a potential conflict of interest and we'll be abstaining from voting for those two items. Okay. Approval of minutes. Superintendent >> recommend approval of the minutes from the regular school board meeting December 8th, 2025. The schoolboard workshop December 15, 2025 in the executive session for collective bargaining December 15, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? 5. Okay. Public input. We have one card. Elizabeth Emory. >> Going to get me teared up. Um, thank you, Chair Matias, board members, and Superintendent Cornnegie. I talk a little different now, so bear with me. Um, but I'm happy to be here, and I want to begin by thanking all of you along with district leadership and staff. Your kindness and support after the serious car accident my husband and
003I were in was just so important to me. It has been one of the hardest periods of our lives and your support has meant everything to us. We are both recovering and while the road ahead is long, I am slowly transitioning back to full-time. LCA Vice President Jessica Sowiki, our LCA board and our bargaining committee have done phenomenal work to keep bargaining moving and continue the work of our union. I also want to thank Guido Zamora and Jessica Marshall and district leadership for their patience as well as your partnership as we continue negotiations and prepare for contract ratification. Negotiations are never easy and this year was especially challenging. Despite that, we are proud of the hours put in by our 20 plus member bargaining committee and Lake County Schools to secure 3.3 million in compensation.
004This package includes salary increases, bonuses for effective and highly effective educators, and annual compensation for all advanced degrees. While 3.3 million is progress, many Lake County educators are still struggling to make ends meet. Our salaries are not keeping pace with the cost of living or our neighboring districts. These concerns deserve our continued attention. The good news is that there's more we can do together. I'm encouraged to see the district's legislative priorities on tonight's agenda because funding and policy decisions from Tallahassee will make a major difference. And while we advocate at the state level, there are things that we can do here locally. I'm optimistic about the work ahead and the opportunities to continue moving Lake County schools forward so that educators and families continue to choose and stay with Lake County schools. Thank you. Okay.
005Reports. Mrs. Dr. Johnson. Good evening, superintendent, board chair, and board members. As of January 1st, the Education Foundation kicks off our partnership with Lake Countyy's Tax Collector Office as their roundup initiative partner for 2026. So, we're looking forward to that. Since my last report in December, we have surprised finalists for both teacher of the year and rookie teacher of the year. The teacher of the year finalists are Cat Massingill of Eastridge Middle School, Michelle DC of Sarrento Elementary School, and Randall Moore of Tavaris Middle School. Today was the teacher of the year inerson judging with a panel of judges which included a classroom observation and an interview. The rookie teacher of the year finalists are Dolores Evans of Carver Middle School, Trevor Muscottis of Lake Tech, and then Nathan Martinez Allander of South Lake High
006School. And I will be visiting the rookie finalists this Thursday for their inperson classroom observations and interviews along with a panel of judges. Our celebration inspired by excellence is January 29th and we'll be celebrating nearly 150 honores. We are continuing to recruit for the take stock and children program including hosting recruitment visits across the county including Eustace Middle, Umatillaa Middle, Mount Dora Middle, and Grey Middle, just to name a few that we have scheduled. Applications are due February 15th and they have some upcoming workshops for current Take Stock and Children students that will focus on student and business etiquette as well as stress management. As for scholarships, three students received the Take Stock and Children Alumni Second Stage Scholarship Endowment. A wordful or mouthful, receiving $1,000 for the spring semester. This brings the total distributed
007through this endowment up to $17,000. The Education Foundation scholarship application process um opened and started on January 1st, and those applications are due March 1st. If you know any seniors, the next New World's reading event is scheduled for January 27th at Eustace Heights Elementary and there will be two more scheduled before May. All geared towards encouraging literacy at home. Through the end of December, Apple Mart has had 568 teachers shop, which is more than 17% more than last year at this time. And we've distributed nearly $88,000 worth of school supplies through our three Apple Mart locations. And then finally, through the end of the fall term, the Education Foundation board has allocated $65,817 to teacher impact grants for projects spanning the district from science equipment to culinary and literature integration projects. There's a wide variety.
008Um, and an additional $30,000 is being allocated to teacher impact grants for this spring. Are there any questions? >> Great work. >> Thank you. >> Attorney's report. [clears throat] Superintendent agenda >> already there. >> Um I recommend approval of consent agenda. Agenda items 8.01 through uh 9.03 item 10.02 and then 10.04 to 10.07. >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Five vote. >> And now um we'll go back, Mr. Chairman, if that's all right, with um individual consideration for the additional two items, which are both contracts with Lake Sumpter State College. The first one being 10.01, the Lake County Early College Academy Agreement. I recommend approval of that item. >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? I three. >> And
009again, for the record, both Dr. Luke and Mr. Dodd have abstained um due to potential conflict of interest um as they are working with those programs. And also item 10.03. I recommend approval of their health science collegiate academy agreement. >> So move. >> Second. Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I Rio. >> And again, for the record, both Dr. Luke and Mr. audit or abstaining due to a potential conflict of interest. >> Discussion items. >> Yes, sir. Uh right now we have uh before the board uh this item is a confirmation of travel for Tyler Brenberg school board member to attend the SF FSBA annual day in the legislature. That's on January 28th to 29th, 2026 in Tallahassee. According to statute, each member of the district school board must be allowed from the
010district school fund reimbursement of travel expenses with prior approval by the board that the travel is for official business and complies with the rules of the state board of education. At this time, I ask if there is any member of the public that would like to speak on this specific travel item. Hearing none, I'll return it to the chair. >> Okay. Do we have a motion? to approve this. >> So moved. Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? I vote. Okay. >> Next. Uh, Mr. Chairman, we are opening now a public hearing for tenative approval of policy 5610, removal, suspensions, alternate disciplinary placement, and expulsion of students. At this time we will ask if there is any public comment on this item. Seeing none we will close the public
011hearing. >> I recommend ten of approval of the policy as presented. >> So moved >> second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor. >> Any opposed? 50. Superintendent report. Um, we have one letter of condolence that was sent since our last meeting. Um, was sent to the family of Mabel Ginsley. She is the mother of Dorothy Robersonson who is a a bus assistant in transportation. So, condolences to her family. Um, I also want to just officially wish everyone a very happy new year. This is our first meeting of the new year and we are off to a great and busy start. Um, I [clears throat] also want to extend my um, congratulations to our rookie teacher of the year finalists. I won't repeat all of that. Um, thanks to Dr. Johnson for and the Ed
012Foundation. It was a great day of celebration and recognizing our rookie teachers. And our next big event is coming up January 29th. And I know that is already on your calendar for our rookie teacher and teacher of the year celebration. Um, always a great event. And since you are still here, Dr. Johnson, I just wanted to, you know, the the foundation. I know she doesn't always tell everything that they're doing, but we just know that what an incredible partner they are. And I had the privilege last week of visiting and I I think you all are aware that last school year, United Arts, who I met through Mr. Matias, came to us and said that um they wanted to they had some funding specifically for Lake County and for our Lake Hills um academy North
013students or South um our older students down in in Mascot to be able to have an art class, a weekly art class. and they have a a um certified therapist um in art therapy that goes in once a week is there faithfully with our students and if you went to their graduation ceremony at the end of the year they also incorporated an art show where the students had made a variety of different ceramics and art pieces and it was incredible. Um, I can tell you that the day that she is there, behaviors are they're just phenomenal and attendance is great. And so I heard from United Arts right before the holidays that they now have some additional funding to bring the same program to the younger students in Howie in the hills of Lake Hills.
014And so I had a chance to go out there and meet with them and they had the funding for their nineweek program, but to extend it through the entire year was another few weeks. And so what did I do? Called the foundation and said, "Hey, I need $6,000 to fund this for the entire rest of the school year." And she says, "I got it. No, no problem." And that's always the response. And so I just want to thank you because this is an amazing opportunity through this great partnership with United Arts to be able to extend that now to um you know 30 plus more students that could certainly utilize that. We know what an impact it will have on them. So I just want to tell you thank you for that. We're excited to
015continue our work um with United Arts. And I think that's all I have tonight. >> I've already mentioned that. >> Okay, we'll start Mr. Rainberg. >> Yeah. Uh, one more letter of condolence to add. Um, Amber Prescott, the um, softball coach and English teacher at Leburg High School. Um, tragically passed away after a courageous battle with a sudden illness. Um, she suffered a a heart attack back in August um, and was fighting up until late last week. um and and passed due to um those injuries. Um she lives behind a husband and three kids and was a big part of Leburg High School and regaining the um the pride in that softball program. So wanted to to send our thoughts and prayers to her family um and know that we will continue to to push
016that program forward um in her honor. Um and also want to give a shout out to uh Dr. Vanessa King um held a professional development um Ignite conference last Monday, the first day back after break for teachers. Um I think there were five schools there. Um Treadway, Beverly Shores, Rhymes, Triangle, and Eustace Heights were all in attendance. Um Dr. Luke was there. I know Mr. Felner gave a presentation. Um and I don't know if anybody else had a chance to go throughout the day, but just the energy that that Dr. King brought that day and the other principles and staff brought was I think just a nice way to kick off the second half of the year and looking forward to many more exciting things. So that's all I've got this evening. >> Good evening.
017Um, I don't know how many of you are aware that there's actually a month to appreciate schoolboard members. I discovered that while traveling over the holidays. I read it in a magazine. So, to all my fellow schoolboard members, I'd like to wish you a happy schoolboard appreciation month. Uh, you have a couple more weeks to enjoy it and best. Uh, also, I just want to say to Mrs. Emmery, I am so happy to see you. It is wonderful. your seat has been vacant, but it's so nice to see you sitting there tonight. So, welcome back. Um, and then the last thing I want to tag on to the superintendent just a little bit. You know, the foundation for many, many years, at least over 35 that I remember, has done wonderful things and you not
018only do things for big projects, but I can remember a lot of times I have called in my other life and asked for different things for my schools or for individual students. And never once had the has the foundation ever said to me no. And that's a wonderful kind of partnership to have. So Dr. Johnson, we thank you in your role and we thank you for that continued partnership. And that's all I have. >> Right. Well, um, Elizabeth, it was truly like a very it's like opening a Christmas present. When I walked in today, I was like, "Oh my goodness, what a nice surprise. It was so great to see you here." And I I literally was thinking about you today and there there you are. So, uh, welcome back. We've certainly missed you and,
019um, can't even begin to imagine just how difficult the road has been to get to where you are today. But, uh, anyway, you're strong. You're a very strong person. Um, I'd also like to express my thanks to the education foundation. Um, as we come back now, first f first meeting back from the holidays. I'm I'm still still in celebration mode. You know, as I was packing up some Christmas decorations the other day, it's sad to see that come to a close, but I think the the foundation plays such a big part in those those holidays and making them festive and how many opportunities we had to see our employees get celebrated and thanked and and that you put those celebrations on for them. And so, it's um just a just a wonderful thing that you
020all do and um I guess we're in total celebration mode between the rookie teacher uh tapping. That's that's always so much fun to walk into those those rooms and see the surprised look on the teachers faces as they're realizing uh yes, people are noticing the hard work. Yes. And and so thanks for making all that happen. It's wonderful. >> Well, I don't know how to follow all of these people. I haven't adjusted to this seat yet. So, I I was going to say something about the um Ignite conference that Dr. King just does an amazing job in her school hosting. I'm sure that that taxes her staff before kids are coming back and and it's amazing. It was if you've ever been to get your teacher on or heard that, she absolutely brings that type
021of energy and and tells them like why we're here and the purpose we're here and it was inspiring for me. So, I'm sure it was inspiring for all the teachers that are in the room and it's just wonderful to be a part of that day. And my math session was around the football national championship that's coming up with collegiate sports. And we had some great conversations. And then on Thursday night and on Friday night, we had a group email with a bunch of people that were in my session like, "Let's go, let's go." This was our prediction, but we used stats to make some predictions. Although, I have found, not that this would surprise anybody, but I have found that people don't care about stats. They care about the team that they support. So, it
022didn't matter that that Oregon really was going to lose, and we all knew that. If you liked Oregon, you said they're going to come back and win. And it was it was just funny how people would really dismiss statistics and make their predictions based on really unbased things. But anyway, it was super fun to watch and to be a part of the results. I wanted to also say it's wonderful to see you back again to not continue to elongate that, but it's really nice to have you back in our presence and we're grateful that you have recovered the way that you have. So, I know it was serious and I won't be joining you guys on the 29th and it really makes me um sad and Dr. Johnson already knows and so does the superintendent,
023but I'll be at a national convening on registered teacher apprentichip programs in New Orleans. And when I was looking at the date and figured out that I it was an overlap, I was really disappointed. It's my favorite event of the year. So, I'm excited to see the results and the winners of all of the the celebrations, but I'll my I will I'll miss it. So, anyway, I think that's all I have. Happy New Year. really not much. So I'm I'm drawing from within deep. No, on Saturday I had received an invitation and um I toured their program with Congressman Webster who was very engaged in our robotics program at Lake Manola High School and they they sent me an invitation because they had the kickoff of world competition now to build for the next this
024season. So they begin to work on it and then go through the year and I was able to take my lab who I'm practicing socialization with him and he did almost he got a B+ in that but but these young kids but here's what moved me the most. It wasn't the room full of kids that are excited about working on these robotic projects on this whatever this project is. Um it is the mentors that came back. These were kids that had already graduated and there had to be a half a dozen that came back to help their fellow students and and that's what this was all about and it was really moving to me. Um and then that's pretty much all that was moving and I was able to get Hunter back in the car
025and we were in good shape. So um that's all I got and I think that ends the meeting unless there's any reason. Okay. Meet ajourn.