001Good evening everyone. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Uh please stand for a moment of silence followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening, superintendent, board members, staff, the community. Thank you all for coming out this evening. Um, we've got a um busy agenda that we're going to get right rolling into. Um, first up is any changes, amendments, additions, or deletions to the agenda. Board superintendent, do you have any changes this evening? I have just one the HR addendum that was added to item 901 today and the board has a copy of that. >> Any other changes, board? No, sir. >> All right. Hearing none, we'll move on
002with the agenda as presented. Um, approval of the minutes. Superintendent, do you have a recommendation? >> Do I recommend approval of the minutes from the school board workshop September 3rd, 2025, the special meeting and public hearing on the final budget September 8th, 2025, and the regular school board meeting September 8th, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Got a motion by Mr. Matias. Second by Mr. Dodd. Um, any discussion? All those in favor? >> I passes 50. All right. Next up is representation this evening, recognition of the Mount Door Community Trust Grant of $1.3 million for Mount Door High School Stadium. Mr. Chad Farnsworth. >> Good evening, chair, board members, superintendent. It's my distinct honor to introduce a special presentation on behalf of the Mountora Community Trust in support of the Mount Dora High School
003stadium renovation project, a transformative initiative that will benefit students, families, and the entire community for generations to come. This project would not be possible without the incredible generosity and leadership of many. And I'd like to begin by offering special thanks to Mr. Rob English, executive director of the Mount Door Community Trust Trust, and his staff for their unwavering support and vision. And I also want to recognize the Bland family whose major contributions helped lay the foundation for this effort along with many other donors and some of which are in the crowd um here tonight and will be recognized uh whenever our executive director Marlene Strong comes up. um but just all the contributions and their efforts along with with many community members and rallied behind the cause to deliver what's been a long time coming
004for the students of Mount Dora High School. From the district side, I'd like to acknowledge the outstanding work of project manager Charlie Hoff and director of maintenance Calvin Wingo who have taken on this project with dedication and professionalism. Uh we're also excited to be partnering with uh Mr. Rick Dunns here from Williams Construction whose expertise will help bring the vision to life. Uh to share more about the background and significance of this project, I'd like to welcome up uh regional executive director Marlene Strong to the podium along with current principal Cal Bracewell. uh and following their remarks uh and a few others that might be invited up uh I'd like to have Miss Cunningham representing her district and other board members to come down and and I imagine we'll have a photo op and a
005check presentation. So at this time uh Miss Drawn, Mr. Bracewell, if you could come forth. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, board member, superintendent, board attorney. Thank you for having us tonight. Back in 2020, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime to go lead the amazing Mount Dora High School. Had a wonderful four-year run there and is now in the very capable hands of Kyle Bracewell. But I noticed when I stepped on that campus several years ago, it was a beautiful brand new campus. All but just one thing needed some updating, and that was our stadium that had not been touched in more than 60 years. And at the time we uh had a lot of big dreams and ambitions and knew that we needed some help to do that. So with the
006help of Rob English and his staff and the Mount Dora Community Trust, we rallied the troops. We've done everything from raffling cars to sitting in dunk tanks. I was a waitress at Eden Abbey. We've done all kinds of things to uh raise money. And uh we've sold bricks for the hallway or for the walkway. We've done golf tournaments, lots of things. Um, but I would really like to take a moment and especially thank the Mount Door Community Trust. Um, Sarah Heric, Tabitha have been wonderful. They organized a centennial celebration that brought in more than $30,000 when we celebrated our 100year anniversary that all went towards this project. And the Mount Dur Community Trust promised a $500,000 matching grant if we could do it. I don't know if Rob thought we might not be able to
007do this, but um but we did. And that's thanks to $250,000 from the Bland Charitable Trust Committee, 50,000 from the First National Bank. I see John Peas is in the audience, too. Thank you. This community loves Mount Door High School and uh for good reason. It's a great school. These kids deserve it. So excited to finally see our hard work and efforts come to fruition and I'm happy to be a part of it. Still be a part of the Hurricane family. So, thank you, Mr. Bracewell. And if I could have um everyone who has had a hand in this, the Mount Door Community Stadium, I see Stark here, Mr. English, if you guys could come forward and be recognized. And on behalf of Mount Door High School and Lake County Schools, thank you. Thank you
008for all of your support and your efforts. and we are so so appreciative [Applause] guys. I just want to thank you everyone that was involved in this. Uh I was there as an assistant principal when this got kicked off and I never dreamed that I would be there serving as the principal when the work finally starts. So to the board, to uh Meltdor Community Trust, to the school board, thank you for your support and uh I look forward to everyone seeing this project uh come to a finish. Thank you. [Applause] >> Well, representing the Mount Door Community Trust, we also have two graduates from Mount Door High School that are in the room tonight. Sarah and Stark are both Mount Dora High School graduates that just jumped on top of this like crazy. And then
009the third one that's indirectly involved but highly involved is John. John Peas is a Maldor High School graduate and his oldest son is presently going there in ninth grade which we were talking about tonight. So John will uh son will get the benefit from this. We thank you. Uh we when we went on this vision as as the challenge grant, it it was a big grant. a big big grant for us and one of our record grants, but more than that, it was a big challenge and we took it. We ran with it. Uh my neighbor Bill Matias and I have talked about this over the last four years over the fence and uh he's been he's been guiding me a little bit, but it started with the vision and Marlene Marlene I got to
010say she really jumped on top of this and we didn't get it done during your tenure there and I apologize for that but it's it's going to happen. But again, I want to recognize not only the people that contributed to the Mount Door Community Trust in addition to the 500,000, but we would not be here today in so many different ways without Bill Bland and his charity. And so again, thank you, John, for for the involvement with the Bill Bland committee and for the bank because the bank gave $50,000. So we just have so much to be thankful for. Thank you, chairman, board members, superintendent, uh, and of course, Kyle and Marlene. It's just, it's a pleasure to be here. So, we have the big check. It won't cash, but we'll do the wire transfer
011when it's the appropriate time for the 1.3 million. But we would love tonight to get the five school board members. Oh, we're missing What? Molly is here. >> Where's M? Oh, Molly's down here. We got to get Molly cuz she's our representative. And superintendent, if you'll come down here, get behind the big check so we can do the big check presentation. Okay. [Applause] appreciate being partic. Let's give it up one more time for Rob Bengal in the Mount Door Community Trust. Thank you very much. One more thing. >> Absolutely. >> The floor is yours, sir. >> 50 50 grand. >> 50 grand to talk more, huh? I failed to mention to me the star, you know, there's always star that comes in and helps win the game. The star for me has been Mr. Farnsworth.
012Where where where did he go? There you are. The star for me has been Chad Farnsworth. Tad, thank you so much for pushing this over the top. Let me tell you, when when he bit into this as a bulldog, when he bit you probably didn't go to the University of Georgia, but when you when he bit when he when he when he I got to say, you guys have somebody good there. You need to know this because when he took a hold of it, not only did he get it done, but he communicated with our staff regularly. He's a gem. Thank you, Chad. [Applause] All right, as they exit the room, um board, if you don't have any um objections, I think I want to move up the student advisory committee report before public input.
013I'm sure he's got um some homework and other things he can do this evening um than sitting through the rest. Um so, if you guys don't have any objection, I'm going to call up Joshua Brown from Outdoor High School to give the uh Superintendent Student Advisory Committee report. Good evening, school board uh and superintendent. My name is Joshua Brown. I'm the proud student body president of Mount Door High School. And today I'm here to give you guys an update of the SSAC. So the first meeting of the superintendent advisory committee was held last Monday afternoon. And I am here to give you a brief meeting summary. So our first meeting began with the introduction followed by a brief overview of the committee's purpose and as roles as student leaders to serve as a voice for
014all students by sharing ideas and suggestions with our elected school district officials. In the past, one person has come to give you a monthly update, but our group has decided that each month a different school will send its representatives so we all have a chance to speak to you and share something that is happening at our school. So tonight, a few things that is happening in Kang Country. We uh proudly had our senior sunrise this morning. Uh had to wake up at 5:30 to set up, but it was a great senior sunrise that I think all of our uh seniors had a great time this morning. And then also this week is our homecoming week. So we have our big homecoming game on Friday and we have a whole week full of festivities for our
015students at Mount Dora High School. So now back to our SSAC report. Each representative shared what they believe to be one of the greatest issues and challenges that the SAC may want to address this year. So challenges and opportunities shared included dress code changes, possibility updates to the mental health required training, improvement to school spirit, improving communication and relationships between staff and students, college and career readiness resources to help students better prepare for a life beyond high school, lifetimes, and suggestions for completing college applications and scholarships, as well as the importance of CTE courses and industry certifications. We had a some discussions about our priorities and we nar narrowed it down to mental health training and college and career readiness resources. Ideas will be shared at the next meeting and related to the school district
016school district staff and will be invited to attend our next meeting. I was also mentioned at the meeting there is a need for students and their families to receive healthy meals at home. Feeding Florida of Central Florida was recommended as an agency to be considered as a partner, so we should group up with and to conduct a food drive as a community service project. We will talk more about this at our next meeting. We are excited to serve on the SSAC this year and look forward to working with the superintendent and Mr. Felner on behalf of Lake County Schools. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Brown. Well done. [Applause] All right, we are now going to enter our public input section of the meeting. Um the first speaker will be Elizabeth Emory and as she's
017coming up, I believe the superintendent has um something she'd like to share. >> I do. Yes. Thank you. Um first of all, I just want to thank all of our teachers and staff who are here tonight. It's great to see you all. We appreciate your dedication dedication, your presence tonight. I do just want to mention that Lake County Schools continues to work collaboratively with both of our bargaining units through the collective bargaining process. And while we are still very early in negotiations, we both remain committed to finding a fair and fiscally responsible solution. We recognize that you are teachers are the heart of our school system and competitive pay is essential to retaining our best and our brightest and our most talented teachers. our board and leadership team are focused on supporting our workforce and
018while while we remain financially um maintaining our financial health. So, um thank you again for being here tonight and I'll turn it over to you, Miss Emry. >> Thank you. I appreciate you, Diane. Uh thank you, Chair Brandenburgg, board members, and superintendent. Uh we're glad to be here to continue our collaboration. Last time I spoke, I spoke a little bit about the impact of one teacher and and my why. I want to talk a little bit about the great work that we're doing and also some of the areas of need and the work that we need to continue to work on. So, I appreciate the communication that's coming out about Marathon Health and and the wellness centers and want to thank risk management uh director Rob Oyer uh and the joint leadership committee for ensuring
019employees have a voice in the wellness clinics. We've received questions from staff about the status of our premise health clinics and we're reassuring them that the clinics remain open and they're serving our employees. And after the upcoming session, including one this Wednesday, uh the joint insurance committee will reconvene to vote. We're really excited that employees are being involved in this process because their feedback is essential and we're grateful that you're prioritizing their voice. We also appreciate our ongoing conversations with the superintendent. Today's meeting was wonderful. We discussed some strategies to support educators and balance workloads as well as continue our community school efforts. As LCA president, I also want to speak to concerns weighing on educators. As the superintendent mentioned, for over 50 years, LCA has served as the official bargaining unit for Lake County
020schools. We take that role seriously, advocating for fair compensation, manageable workloads, and due process protections. LCA represents the collective voice of Lake County educators. We come with a super majority support from instructional staff, asking for the tools, time, and respect they need to succeed. This isn't just about instructional staff. It's about every student. Educators know that strong working conditions lead to strong learning conditions. When educators thrive, students thrive. Fair compensation is also essential to sustain the great work they do. Attracting and retaining high impact educators is key to student success. It takes intentional investment in the people who make student success possible. The educators here today are a reminder that there's still work to be done. We ask for your continued investment and partnership to ensure we deliver world-class public education. We're excited to keep
021the conversation going and serve as a resource. Let's build on what's working and keep improving all Lake County schools for all Lake County residents. Thank you. >> Thank you, Elizabeth. >> Next up will be Miss Jessica Siki. Good evening, Chair Brandenburgg, superintendent and board members. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you tonight. I am here representing the thousands of educators across our c county who dedicate their lives to serving students. At the last meeting, I shared my personal story of how public education profoundly shaped my life and my future. This story was not just about me. It was about what happens when a community invests in its schools and its teachers. Tonight, I stand here not as an individual, but as the voice of educators across Lake County whose lives are similarly devoted
022to creating those same opportunity for today's students. As you know, every year that amount Lake County receives from the state for salaries changes. Last year, the district received $2.7 million, about $900 per educator. This year, that number is closer to $1 million or about $300 per educator. While every dollar matters, these amounts do not reflect the depth of commitment or the level of responsibility carried by our educators. Behind those numbers are real people who keep this district running. They are the ones staying up late to help students succeed, covering classes during shortages, buying supplies out of their own paychecks, and still showing up every single day with love for their students and pride in their profession. We understand the challenges of balancing a budget and we appreciate the difficulty difficult work that goes into these
023decisions, but we ask that as you as you deliberate, you keep our educators at the forefront of your thinking. When you invest in them, you invest directly in our students in the future of Lake County. LCM LCA members are committed to our schools and community. We ask for the same commitment in return. Together, we can ensure that Lake County remains a place where dedicated educators wants to stay and where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Just as a teacher once changed the course of my life, I ask you to make the choices that allow Lake County educators to continue changing lives for generations to come. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jessica. Next up is Miss Leland Tero. >> You did that really well. >> Practice that a couple tries. >> Yeah. So, good evening
024school board members, Brennanburg, Matias, Dove, Luke, and Cunningham, as well as Superintendent Cornnegie. My name is Leelio. I'm the proud president of Lake Community Arts, and I'm here to share some exciting updates on recent arts education initiatives. happening across our district. On September 12th, Lake Community Arts was honored to host a professional development day for all K12 music teachers at Mission Inn. I'm pleased to report that 47 of our 53 music educators attended. Of those, we've already had 25 complete our postevent survey, and I'm thrilled to share that every single response rated the day a five out of five. Um, right, Ed? Yeah. Um, teachers specifically highlighted the volume of collaborative exchange across content areas, band, chorus, and general music, as well as the importance of vertical alignment among feeder programs from elementary through high
025school. They describe the day as highly effective, relevant, and valuable. We're currently exploring the possibility of hosting a follow-up professional development session on January 5th. This time we hope to expand the invitation to include our visual arts, dance, and theater teachers alongside our music educators. Um, I'm really sad that they left. I can't believe Sarah was here because I had on here. I'd like to take a moment to express my sincere thanks to Mount Dora Community Trust. Their generous sponsorship made our September professional development possible. And they have gone even further, donating to the transportation fund for the Orlando Philarmonics young people's concerts scheduled for November 14th at Leburg High School. This support is helping ensure students from across the district have access to transformative arts experiences. Please remember to attend all of you guys
026the VIP event for the young people's concert that will be at Lake Minnola High School on Thursday, November 13th at 9:30 a.m. You are encouraged to stay and witness the concert yourselves which will begin at 10:30 and last for about 45 minutes. Thank you for your continued support of arts education in Lake County. I look forward to updating you on our progress in future collaborations. And remember, you're always invited to come and sing with our Lake Community Chorus on Tuesday nights, 6:30 at the Claremont Ark. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Tero. [Applause] Next up is Mr. Ed Anderson. >> Got it. How are you tonight? No speeches, no nothing prepared. Told you last time, you just look someone in the eye. Uh, we talked earlier that their conversation for the teachers. I've been doing
027this 28 years. I've taught every grade level, pre-K through college. There's nothing in music I haven't done. I love my job. Y'all know that. But I'm tired. I'm tired. find out which bill I have to pay and which one I have to let go. And I'm tired of having to go to the grocery store and see, can I get this, can I get that? I've got I mean, my wife and I both work for Lake County Schools. It's hard. I'm not going to lie. It's hard. You get tired of seeing, do I have enough gas to get to work in the morning? Am I going to make it home? I'm tired and I don't want to leave. I don't I love this job. My wife loves this job. We come home every night. The kitchen
028table is covered with school supplies and work uh she has to do. She's almost got her doctorate in education. But yet she has a master's degree that she doesn't receive pay for either. I'm tired. I'm not going to quit, but I'm tired. I just keep saying that but it's very difficult right now working multiple jobs and doing this job as well. So I ask you to please keep th these things in consideration when you're deliberating the responses. I'm going to give it my all. You know I will. But we really do need that consideration coming up. That's all I have to say. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Next up, I think I'm going to get this name wrong. Um, Leanne Petrelli. Probably nowhere close on the first name, but >> Petrailli. Yes, ma'am. >> Hello.
029I'm a grade five teacher at Groveland Elementary, and I have to admit, I'm I'm sad, too. I I can really feel the pain. At my age, I shouldn't have to take a second job, but I did. And I actually had a call in because I'm here tonight to represent the people that couldn't be here that are probably working their second job. It's a shame when we have degrees the way we have our degrees and and yet we we have no pay. I I feel I'm almost insulted. I really am. When I came down here from Connecticut, when they told me what the salary was eight years ago, I thought it was quarterly. I really I said to her, "Oh, is that quarterly?" She said, "No, that's annual. I was flabbergasted." So to be a school
030district, I mean, I commend us for for reaching that. But how did we get there? We got there because of the people in this room and the people out in the out in the schools. And I have to admit, it's it's a shame when I'm here that I have to fight for for a penny. And I'm in the same boat. I mean, I had to decide how much gas I needed to get here and back. I shouldn't have to I shouldn't have to at my age feel that I need to pick up a second job just to make ends meet between everything else going up, but my salary. And it's it's hard every day. It's hard. But I do love my job. I love my students. I was able to move students from uh last
031year I had students that were level one by the end of the year for the fast. None of my students were level one. I had over 45 students. Not one was a level one. Did I get commended? I didn't get any extra pay. I didn't get a bonus. I did get a pat on the back. It was a third of my students and I have um many students in my class that are um ESSE students. So, I I feel very proud I was able to move those low ones into twos and threes. That's what got us to an A district. Not just me, but other people as well. I work very, very hard, but I don't feel it in my paycheck. And I have one last thing. I have a teacher friend that actually had
032to resign this summer because she couldn't afford to be a Lake County teacher anymore. 22 years as a science and math teacher. Loved her job. Tears. She said, "I can't afford to work for Lake County anymore." She had to leave the career and and and pursue another avenue because she couldn't make ends meet after 22 years because her second job closed up. That was floating her. Lake County wasn't the one. She says, "I really feel like I'm paying Lake County. It's hard. You're losing teachers. You're not going to be that destination to place to teach if you don't show us in some compensation because it's hard." So, that's all I have to say. Thank you for your time. [Applause] >> Next up, Arlene Syla. Good evening, Mr. Chair, superintendent, and members of the board. My
033name is Arlene SA and I am a fifth grade teacher reading and social studies at the beautiful Beverly Shores Elementary. I'm also a proud member of this district's community. Teaching has been my calling and my passion. My late husband also served this district as a middle school science and mathematics teacher. Since his passing, I have been the sole provider for my household. On one teacher's salary, I pay my mortgage, utilities, homeowners association dues, car payment, and other necessities. Here's a side note. I also want to share something deeply personal. When my husband passed away, he was a high impact teacher who dedicated his life to educating children in this very district. I did not receive even a sympathy letter from the district. That absence of acknowledgement hurt deeply. It made me feel invisible even after
034years of service from both of us. In past years, I supplemented my income by tutoring, but that opportunity has been removed. Additionally, some stipens that helped offset the cost of living have been eliminated. The rising costs of housing, food, and utilities make it harder each month to make ends meet. I share this not to complain but to highlight a reality that many educators in our district are living. We give our time, our expertise and our hearts to our students yet many of us struggle to support our own families. Competitive compensation is not just about fairness. It's about stability. When teachers are financially secure, they can focus fully on their students, stay in the profession they love, and continue to build the excellence this district strives to attain. The excellence that Lake County Schools have achieved
035and now is now being proudly displayed is a direct result of our teachers dedication, skill, and hard work. However, that excellent continues to go unrewarded in compensation. Applause without compensation is not true appreciation. I respectfully ask the board to prioritize a meaningful raise for teachers. Investing in us is investing in our students and the future of our community. Thank you for your time and for listening to my story. Thank you, Miss SA. Next up is Alexis Lewis. >> Forget it. Sorry, getting old is hard, guys. All right, so good evening school board members and superintendent. My name is Alexis Lewis and I'm here to talk to you tonight about the importance of our teachers and the need to provide teachers and staff better pay. I've been an involved parent of an lake county school student
036for the last 13 years. My children have moved through Pine Ridge, Grey Middle, South Lake. When I first moved to Lake County, I became active in the PTO in Sack Pine Ridge and I often volunteered at the school and in the classroom. I saw firsthand the amazing things our teachers do for their students. I watched as teachers bought basic necessities for their students from their own pockets and paid to make their classrooms warm and inviting. I saw teachers working well past their contract hours to grade and prepare for the next lesson. The dedication of our teachers has not changed as my students have moved through the grade levels. A few years ago, I transitioned into teaching myself and I feel like I found my calling. I love love love teaching and I love my students,
037every single one of them. I find myself spending from my own pocket to buy supplies for my students and to make my classroom warm and inviting. And I find myself working well outside of contract hours just to get the job done and to ensure my students receive the best. This year I have 186 students rostered to me. I teach nth grade English for which uh those of you who don't know is a double tested subject. I'm tested both on fast scores and I'm tested on writing. Um, it took me four and a half hours to grade a one paragraph response for my students and leave meaningful feedback to them. Um, I get 45 minutes to plan. Okay, this time is to grade, plan upcoming lessons, make copies, and attend any meetings that are scheduled. So,
038if I'm lucky, maybe I have 23 minutes to actually grade. If I graded only during those 23 minutes, it would take me 12 days to leave meaningful feedback on that assignment. Think of how many assignments teachers give that must be graded in a timely manner. Without feedback, how can our kids grow? How can they know what they need to change and do better? There is no way for a teacher to get this accomplished unless we work for free on our own time at home, taking away time from my family and my activities that I would like to do outside of school. How would students improve if teachers stop dedicating their free time to scaffold plan and grade? Teachers like me are not uncommon all across my campus at South Lake. I see this over and
039over again in every teacher that I work with. We all work hard and are devoted to our students. We give so much of ourselves to help them be successful. All we ask is that we're paid what we deserve. What Lake County schools um that Lake County schools sees the value of their teachers and work to pay them what they earn every single day through their devotion, dedication, and time commitment. If we want to keep our experienced high achieving teachers, we must pay better. So I implore you, please, please do everything in your power to take the steps necessary to make better pay possible for our teachers. Increase our performance pay, increase our base salary, show us through compensation that we are valued and appreciated. Thank you all very much. Have a good night. >> Thank
040you, Miss Lewis. Uh, next up is Tara Quinn. Hello. Uh, good evening. I'm Tara Quinn and I am a Lake County resident, a taxpayer, and a proud grade nine ELA teacher at South Lake High School. That's my neighbor over there. Um, this is my 23rd year as a um, classroom teacher, although only my second year on Lake County. I hold a master's degree in educational leadership and I'm a national board certified teacher. Um, in fact, today I learned that I have been rated highly effective for my first year in Lake County. I was really proud of that. Um, being a teacher is a large part of my identity and I'm a teacher because I care about kids. Three years ago, I moved to Florida from a northern state and for the most part, my move
041has been very positive. I have found a home away from home at South Lake where I work with some of the most dedicated and hard-working teachers and administrators. From my very first day, I was welcomed. I felt valued. And having worked in schools in other states, I can say that the teachers I have met here in Florida are among the most dedicated and committed. However, I have faced some challenges teaching here in Lake County in the areas of compensation and working conditions. The salary I make in Lake County is not enough to sustain me as a single person. In fact, I am not able to cover my collegeage son who's with me here today for support on my health insurance. That's hard. Um, if I did cover him, I would not meet my monthly expenses.
042That's reality. As a result, I am forced to find creative ways to earn money on the side, and that takes time and energy, which leads me to working conditions. I teach a tested subject. Grade nine ELA students are tested in both reading and writing. There is so much prep work required to prepare my students to face these challenging tests. Now, last year, I had 140 students on my roster. This year I have 170 students. That is like having an additional class added to my plate with no additional prep time or compensation. So the end result is that I am required to put in hours of additional time outside of school unpaid. This connects back to my earlier point that I am also working on the side to make ends meet. How can I do both?
043And let's face it, teaching is exhausting and burnout is real. I want to continue pouring into my students, making them better in their pursuit of excellence. In order to do that, I need your support. Lake County teachers need your support in the area of better wages, affordable health insurance, and manageable class size. I believe that by investing in teachers, you are investing in students. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Quinn. [Applause] >> Next up is uh Courtney Allander. >> Hi, good evening um Superintendent Corgi and board members and chairperson. My name is Courtney Allander. I began teaching in 2016 with one goal. I wanted to make an impact not just by teaching math but by helping students believe in themselves. I wanted them to discover a love for math or at the very least feel
044like success was possible. In my time teaching geometry and ACE thinking skills, my students consistently outperform the states. With end of course exam pass rates ranging from 70 to 90% of my students passing while the state average hovers between 48 to 54%. My performance reviews reflected that success as well, with my valuation ratings being always highly effective, except my very first year, which still was effective. What meant more were the smiles and thanks from students then and now. I still run into former students at Chick-fil-A, grocery stores, and ice cream parlors who tell me what a difference I made in their lives and in education. But while the impact was lasting, the compensation was not. Despite pouring over 50 hours a week into my classroom, working summers and breaks to improve my curriculum, and even
045picking up an extra job or two to make ends meet, the budget just didn't add up. Over the last few years, the growth in Claremont, Minnola, Groveland, and surrounding areas has led to a tremendous amount of people, which has also increased basic needs like housing, utilities, taxes on raw property, and our insurance. Well, I calculated for myself it was a 13% increase. My income only grew by 2.5% at its highest. We know Maslo's hierarchy that survival is a foundation to everything else. But when I couldn't meet that foundational need for myself and being sleepd deprived, my health declining, and my relationships fading because of the toll, I knew something had to change. So, despite all those phenomenal things I told you earlier, last spring I left teaching. I found a job that provided me with
046higher pay, better benefits, less stress, and fewer hours. And while I miss my students dearly, I don't regret choosing myself and my survival. While my situation may not be common, the hard truth is I'm not the only one. Talented teachers are leaving Lake County or seriously considering it, not because they've lost their passion, but because they can't afford to stay. Of the half a dozen students that made an impact on my own two children lives who did go through Lake County from kindergarten through graduation, only two of those students or teachers still remain in Lake County. Many have gone to Florida Virtual, Orange County, or just left the career. I want I understand that Lake is in negotiation for increases and I hope that these decisions lead to positive results. If we want to retain
047great educators in Lake County, compensation tied to performance isn't just a perk, it's a necessity. Um, our students deserve excellent teachers and excellent teachers deserve to know that we appreciate their dedication and hard work, that we want them to stay where they belong, right here in our Lake County classrooms. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Miss Allander. Um, next up, last name is Cruz Guerrero. Good evening, members of the board and superintendent. Teachers deserve a raise. It's more than fair. It's overdue. Every day, we dedicate long hours after school, weekends included, preparing lessons and grading. Personally, I have spent long hours on weekends prepping for my Spanish courses. Time that is never compensated. And what about our intellectual property? In this fastch changing world of technology, teachers are no longer just educators. We
048are content creators. The lessons, resources, and digital materials we design come directly from our creativity and expertise. Yet, this work is never recognized or compensated. Many teachers prepare for multiple subjects and this extra workload is ignored when salary raises are discussed. And while some of us receive differentials for advanced degrees, there is no recognition for bilingual teachers whose use who use their second language daily to support students. That skill should also matter. Some teachers also commute long distances to serve this beautiful county. I drive over an hour to work and often two hours to get home. I live in Point Sienna, Florida and work for Lake County Schools. With gas prices and rising living costs, twothirds of my salary disappears into basic necessities. It's unsustainable. Twothirds of my salary. We are dedicated to our profession,
049but fairness requires compromise. We pour our hearts into this profession, but there must be balance. We love what we do, but passion alone cannot pay the bills. It's time for the board to meet us where we stand. We don't ask for charity, we ask for fairness. Teachers deserve to live, not just survive. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Mr. Guerrero. Next up is Miss Shelley Mora. Good evening. My name is Shelley Mora. This is my 21st um year teaching in Lake County. I have a master's degree in education and as of today, I am once again a highly effective teacher. Yet, being a highly effective teacher with a master's degree, I only get paid a few thousand dollars more than a brand new teacher. As other districts have discovered ways to solve pay
050compression, Lake County has not. Lake County continues to reward new teachers, but has chosen to show no financial recognition to the veteran teachers that have stayed in Lake County. For months, we have heard that financial we have heard of the financial deficit that Lake County currently has. Instructional positions have been cut, no longer following the class-siz laws that were once voted for. So now teachers have more students, more work, and still one of the lowest paid districts in the state. This past summer, I was in my classroom. Yes, I was in my classroom this summer because a new school was built and portables were removed from our school and many teachers at my school had to move their classrooms. The parking lot at my school looked like a school day in the middle of July
051as many teachers that were there working with no pay, not even for comp days, but with no choice to spend our summer in our classrooms if we wanted our rooms ready for the start of the new school year. But Lake County doesn't recognize the extra work we put in the summertime because we had to move classrooms. Add to that, we had nothing but frustration with insurance plans being canceled and prescriptions being denied throughout the past summer. I'm frustrated. I too am tired. I too worked two jobs. Yet, I try to be hopeful for change, but how many years have I been hopeful? This isn't my first time speaking to you guys. Yet, I'm still hopeful. I'm hopeful that Lake County will consider how living costs have increased greatly in our county and find a way
052to increase compensation for the teachers who are responsible for making Lake County an A district. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Mora. Um, last card I've got is Christine Donna. So, greetings to everyone in the room. Um, I am also an employee of the district. I'm a school counselor. I've worked in the district since July of 2002. I've worked at two schools. I've had some of my same kids that were little babies at the elementary school graduate and I've tried to follow them throughout their lives. So, one of my recent concerns that's kind of been heartbreaking for me, and I know that it didn't come from the board, but bear with me. The reminder emails from various places about social media presences. I'm that girl that's a forever counselor. Um, because I learned that from
053my elementary school counselor who's one of my Facebook friends and who was my graduate school teacher. Um, so I like to be there for them forever. And I'm nervous about keeping some of my friends and former students and families on my social media. Um, kind of not because of things I'm going to say, but because I have surrounded myself with such a diverse array of people in my life. Because I'm not the one who's quick to drop people just because we disagree. I've always tried to bring people to a to a center to where we can try and agree to disagree and be respectful about it and just be be kind people. Um, and I know that sounds really simple and basic in 2025, but here I am just I just want people to be
054kind. Okay. Um, and so I just feel like as someone who grew up as a have not in a town full of halves, um, where it was really apparent when you were a have not and I had this great counselor who really helped me and I've tried to do that for years for my kids and I've stood in the gap. Um, I've paid for things besides the school supplies we all pay for. I've paid for grab-and-go foods because we have those kids who need something in their belly but they won't ask for it or admit that they didn't have anything at home. Um, I have paid for field trips. I've paid for prom tickets. I've paid for caps and gowns and on and on and on. One year I even secretly without the child knowing
055it was me outfitted a young lady head to toe for her best friend's kinera because she couldn't afford it. Um, I stretch myself because I know what it feels like to be a have not. And I don't want that for my kids ever. And it's been a real honor to be able to stay with my kids for years after they graduate the way that my Emily has been there for me. Um, but I don't feel like I I feel safe doing that because it is such a diverse array of people with diverse views in the world. And they say things that we don't always find warm and fuzzy. And since some of these kids are were a little rough around the edges, they're still a little rough around the edges, but they're good people. And
056I'm hoping that you will support me in feeling secure, continuing to be a forever person for my kids and families and help me have enough resources so that I can continue to share what I have with them. Thank you, Mr. Donna. [Applause] That is all the public input cards we received this evening. Um, I'm sure the other board members will give some comments at board member feedback at the end, but I just want to say briefly, thank you all for coming here this evening. We do appreciate you. We do value you. Um, and I certainly look forward to continued conversations with our bargaining leadership team, um, Elizabeth and Jessica and the rest of your leadership team to try to find a meaningful solution, um, and work through these challenges together. But thank you. Um, we
057hear you and we are looking forward to finding a resolution together. So, thank you for being here. [Applause] >> All right. Um, we did the Superintendent Student Advisory Committee report already. So, next up is item 6.02, the attorney report. Mr. Cole, >> no report. >> All right. Thank you, sir. Um, also no unfinished business this evening. So, moving on to the consent agenda. Um, superintendent, do you have a recommendation? >> I do. But before I make that recommendation, I just want to mention that on tonight's agenda, there are two annually board adopted resolutions, including the anti-bullying month resolution, which recognizes October as anti-bullying month and reaffirms the district commitment to safe, supportive learning environments, as well as attendance awareness month resolution, which proclaims September as attendance awareness month, highlighting the importance of regular attendance for
058student achievement. There was a third one, which was the red ribbon week. I'm not sure that that one made it to the agenda, but it should also be on you have it. It's also on consent or should be on consent. If not, anyways, Red Ribbon Week designates October 23rd through 31st as Red Ribbon Week, supporting student awareness and education about living drug-free. Um given that these are reported or given to you annually, you you may approve them tonight um by doing so on the consent agenda item um as well as full copies available of each resolution on board docs. And so with that, I recommend approval of consent agenda items 8.01 through 107. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Got a motion by Mr. Mthi, second by Dr. Luke. Any discussion? All those in favor?
059>> I I passes 50. Um, we also do not have any discussion items this evening. So, moving on to the superintendent report. >> Just a quick reminder that next Tuesday there is a workshop with RSM as well as followed by an executive session. So, 9:30 um and that's on a Tuesday because of the conflict on Monday. So, just make sure that's on your calendar. Thank you. >> All right. Perfect. Um, board member comments. Dr. Luke. Um, I would first like to say thank you to the leadership at Aurelia Cole Academy. Um, we spent the day, Mr. Jod and I got to spend the day with our current students at Aurelia Cole Academy. We did instructional learning walks and we focused on basic foundations of reading and classroom management and we had 27 students in attendance
060and we had a great debrief and the learning was led by um, several of our current um, leaders and teachers and it was a phenomenal day. Um, Miss Emmer, who many of you know and hold as dear as I do as an educator, actually teared up a couple of times just being overwhelmed with how productive and encouraging the day was. And the students were really reflective and appreciative. And it's always just um it's always a great day to spend time in schools. So, we have a another meeting next week um with our second semester students at SARS Bay and I'm looking forward to just as a productive day and it's always wonderful to have the partnerships that we have with the schools. So, I'm grateful for that. And I think that's probably what makes it
061hard to sit up here and um and know your frustration because you do your job beautifully. And so, we appreciate you being here tonight and we are concerned and we are listening. So, thank you. That's all I have. >> Mrs. Cunningham. >> Good evening. Uh, first of all, I'd like to congratulate those of you that are present and ones that are not physically with us in the room tonight who recently received your scores and know that you are effective and highly effective. You know, that is a personal milestone for you and certainly, you know, we are proud of you. Uh, we certainly recognize the effort and the hard work that you had to put in to be able to say that. So, congratulations. Best in that glory and enjoy that. Um I had the opportunity
062last week to go to Eustace Middle where there was an Olympian uh a bronze medalist in boxing speaking to the students and it was quite enlightening. um he had written a book uh and it was a motivational book about how to set your goals and how to work toward those goals and he shared with the students about how he decided when he was very young 8 years old that he was going to the Olympics and he made it and not only did he make it but he was able to walk away with a medal. That's quite an accomplishment and I think the students there greatly enjoyed it. I'd also like to express my gratitude to the community of Mount Dora. Um it is always nice to be surrounded by people who care and people who
063are willing to give of their goods to make sure that everyone is okay. I want to very quickly share something with you. In 1982, I moved to Lake County to be a teacher. I did that without knowing anyone. It's been a long time and I'm still here. And what I want to share with you tonight is you don't go unseen. When I first came to Lake County, I made $11,000. Can you imagine that? And while I realize no one can live on that, that was a long time ago and that was a very small amount of money. So, if you will please just have patience, have a little faith, and know that we do care and we are going to do the very best that we can, I think you will find that your tenure
064here will be very rewarding. So, thank you for all that you do and thank you for showing up tonight. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Mrs. Cunningham. Mr. Dud, >> in 1982, I think I was getting potty trained. >> Uh, I didn't I didn't ask you anything about you. No comment over here. >> Might have been a little personal. Um by the time you were four >> I was not four. I was not four in 1982. No. Um All right. No. Um you know I I um so I was a political science major in college and one of the things that I always um took great admiration of was people who came to participate in the governmental process. Uh certainly I think government should be open. It should be transparent and it and it
065requires the participation of of everybody that's here tonight. You know, there are so many nights we sit here in front of an empty room and it, you know, if people only knew the half the things on the agenda, I think they'd participate. Uh certainly tonight, I'm really thankful to have your participation. And one thing that really resonates and sticks out to me is that line about investing in teachers and you're also investing in students. I heard a few of a few of you say that and I don't think that statement is lost on this board. But I don't think it's lost on the superintendent. Um, and certainly we are committed to a collaborative relationship with LCA. I'm really grateful and thankful for the relationship we have and I know that uh we will both be
066faithful to the bargaining process and uh I understand we've got the executive session in a couple of weeks and and we're still trying to understand exactly where our enrollment is and things of this sort. I had a number of teachers reach out to me over the last couple weeks. Um, and I'm thankful that that was not the tone here tonight, but the some of the remarks I heard from the reachouts were I can't believe the board has already turned down raises or denied us any salary increase. And and that's not exactly how that process works. We obviously have, you know, a collective bargaining process where the two sides work collectively and collaboratively to reach some sort of conclusion. And and it's disappointing that I don't think the state's ever going to send us enough money
067to pay you what you're worth. Um, you know, we talked about that million dollars and um, and so I I think the superintendent, you had shared a message as some media partners are reaching out and that's an encouraging uh, everybody to participate in that process and also share with our state legislators the importance of public education and what it does. And we've heard the stories of the wise last few weeks of of why we do what we do and why we've become teachers and and the impact that we all have on students. And and I I think that you know in a a very challenging uh world of competition you public schools have not faced before there are a lot of choices that people have in the in the child's education. And uh I believe
068that we are we are a great choice. We are in a district and it's and it's not because of chance but it's because of design. And it's people like all of you who are here and the people who are at home watching that got us to this point and I don't think any of that is lost on this board. Uh so with all that being said, we really welcome and thank you for your participation and please help us carry that torch. Uh because we know we know the value we know the value of teachers and um and we're going to do our very very best and um all that if I could shift gears for one quick moment. Um I had a very lovely visit out to Pineriidge Elementary this past week. uh they came
069before the board last week receiving some recognition as a uh PBIS model school. And so I said, you know what, I've heard that recognition for them year after year after year. I'd like to go learn a little bit more about what they do and what that means to them. And so I got a chance to go out there and visit them and and find out exactly what they do and and how they motivate the kids and and and what their data looks like. And um I was very impressed. takes a lot of energy and buyin from everybody in the school to make that system work as well as it does. And the kids are motivated and what's even more motivating is that when I looked at their data, I can see how they're, you know,
070trending lower than they have been year-over-year in in terms of disciplinary rates and and what their contact with parents looks like and that level of involvement. Anyway, it was it was just such an encouraging visit and uh and I I always love finding the good in kids and and they've certainly found a lot of ways to do that. So, uh, thankful for them to come visit the board uh, two weeks ago and, uh, thankful for the invitation, the chance to go out and see it in action. It's very well done. >> Thank you, Mr. Dud. Mr. Matias. >> So, for the first time, I get to look out and see a small part of what made us an A-rated district. So, thank you very much. Thank you. We hear you. And I just need to
071give you some now reality check. We were we're underfunded by about $12 million over last year. The FEFP formula, which determines what we get per student, we actually are 65th out of 67 counties in that funding. When I came on the board um 13 years ago, I looked at that as a key way. That's $12 million that if we were just at average that we don't get. So, I know that we have partnered with you going to Tallahassee. I've gone to Tallahassee. I carry the FEP FE FE formula in my trunk of my car. You can follow me out. I'll give you a copy. That is what determines our funding. It was interesting that Congressman Fine, he wanted to tour Mount Dora High School. And so, he came as he were we were touring and
072I thought, what would I have to say to him? Initially, he had gotten my name and wanted to meet me because I had complained about our president freezing our title one funds. When that was released, he called, his aid called and said, "Are you happy?" I said, "I'm happy. So, we don't need to meet." He goes, "Oh, no. He wants to meet you." So, we did. He was in the Florida House and he was over K12 appro appropriation. That piqu my interest because that's where the funding for our per student and the FE Fe is approved. So I then went into a dialogue with him and he sat back and he said, "You're screwed. The big counties control the money and you're never going to make any progress." Now, I will tell you that while
073um I was shocked at the honesty, I finally appreciated it. And I think that until collectively we all come together and say we value public education, I'm talking about anyone that's hearing me out there, not in this room because you all do. You're there every day. You're touching kids. Your stories touch my heart. Right? I have my son's wife is a secondyear teacher. So I know that when she outfitted her classroom, who paid for it was her father-in-law. That's who paid for it. I know what that looks like, right? So, um, it would it would be outrageous for us not to do something after y'all all the hard work y'all have done. So, we're going to work and every rock is being turned. Uh, Mr. Farnsworth, the superintendent, this board's commitment. It probably is not
074going to reach the goals that you want, but no, we're doing the absolute best we can. That's all I can say about that. >> Thank you, Mr. Matias. Um, to wrap, I wanted to briefly again thank Mount Door Community Trust for their support this evening. But to make the point of recognizing Marlene, Chad, Calvin, Charlie, the rest of the team at the district that made this happen. As Marlene mentioned, this was a four-year process from a dream to a reality. And certainly not that this is going to take four years on what we're talking about this evening. But the amount of effort that went into making that happen is the exact amount of effort that Chad and Guido and their team and Elizabeth and Jessica on your team put into these bargaining processes and making
075a dollar stretch as far as it possibly can. Uh so you have our commitment that we're going to continue to do everything we can to support you on the fine work that you do um and find a meaningful resolution and continue to work with our legislators on getting some well-deserved funding back in the classroom where it belongs. But again, thank you all for being here. We sincerely appreciate you and what you do and are going to continue to do what we can uh to make up that difference. So, thank you very much. Um any other comments this evening? Any objection to adjourning? Yes, sir. >> Thank you everybody. We are adjourned.