001Good evening. It is Monday, July 14th. I'd like to call this regular schoolboard meeting to order. Please stand for a moment of silence followed by the pledge of allegiance. >> Thank you. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening everyone. Got a pretty full house tonight. That's always exciting to see. Um, a different face up here on the dis, Mr. Farnsworth filling in for the superintendent this evening. Um, moving on to item two, changes, amendments, additions, or deletions. Uh, board, do we have any changes this evening? >> No, sir. >> Superintendent, deputy superintendent, do you have any changes this evening? >> There are no changes. >> All right. Um,
002seeing that, we'll keep the agenda as presented. Um, item 3.01. Uh, Mr. Farnsworth, do you have a recommendation on the minutes? >> Yes. recommend approval of the minutes from the schoolboard workshop June 16, 2025 and regular schoolboard meeting June 23rd, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Got a motion by Mr. Matias. Second by Dr. Luke. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I passes 40. Um representation, we have none this evening. Um we do have several public input cards, so we're going to go through these in the order we receive them. First up, Mr. Vance Yokum. >> Well, greetings. I My personal parking lot still hasn't been approved out there, so I had to find regular parking. Uh, congratulations to the board and Mr. Matias and the superintendent and the interim superintendent for getting
003the A district rating. That's uh great. Uh, that's one thing one thing. being checked off for Mr. Mr. Matias. And uh I think that's great compared to I can remember when uh the superintendent interviewed and she came in and she told the board at that time it's kind of disgraceful probably my interpretation of what I'm reading between the lines that they only had 70% graduation rate and now what is it up to 90 >> 92 so in an A district. So congratulations to everybody. Uh all right. So, uh, one is I wanted to recommend because I read that you guys are suffering a budget shortfall and, uh, I would suggest that you adopt what Larry Mets did when he was a chair here back in something like, uh, 2005 or six, seven, eight, uh, is
004he had hearings where he went through every line item on the budget and he had the manager over that unit come in here and explain and justify what that budget level does. And I think that that you should consider that especially if you watch the Doge hearings and you see that the Florida Doge Group is starting to extend their um their hands out to counties, cities, districts, and that there may be some things coming out of that uh county. Uh so any I just wanted to give you a little update on AI and encourage you to uh do some things. I do have a handout here which I can give ma'am and pass it around and that's uh because I don't have enough time I realize to cover all those items but uh since the
005district I mentioned that is AI going to replace your current and recent students in jobs there's been a lot of evidence coming out about the downfall of uh trades school and actions on that part. And when you have the chair of Nvidia uh making statements on the news and they're the company that makes the chips that run AI and they have to build all these new data centers and they can't find enough people because most schools are not training people in the trades anymore, nowhere near what is needed. And secondly, they're probably going to be the last ones to be replaced by AI. There are already many studies coming out and it's talking about placement of jobs with AI. And so I encourage you to read this handout and to uh um come up with
006an action plan to help your students survive the coming change in the economy. >> Thank you, Mr. Yokum. Next up, uh Miss Elizabeth Emory, LCA. >> Hi. Good evening. Good evening, Deputy Superintendent, uh, Chairperson Brandenburgg, and the school board. Uh, it's been an honor to serve, uh, Lake County Public Schools as LCA vice president, uh, for these past four years, and I'm excited to begin this new chapter as LCA president. I wanted to share a little bit more about me. Obviously, we've gotten some time to get to know each other um, in that short period, but I wanted to make it a little more personal today so y'all could get to know me a little better. Um, I'm a proud third generation Flidian born here uh in Lake County. My journey with Lake County schools
007actually began as a baby in this boardroom. My parents brought me to a schoolboard meeting in the '9s and as a student at Eustace Elementary where I fell in love with learning thanks to teachers like Miss High, Miss Goss, Miss Baltunis, and Miss Boston. We did amazing things like decorate our entire classroom in the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest. But I also remember struggling with reading and I feared failing the FCAT. I I begged to be placed in Mr. Skinner's class because even at nine I was aware of high stakes testing and I knew the impact of a really high impact great teacher. In middle school I attended Eustace Middle School saxophone for Mr. Ricky. The um the jazz band was just incredible and I so desperately wanted to be a part of
008the jazz band and my students and my colleagues know I love jazz. I signed up for tryyouts for um both years, seventh and eighth grade, but I was so scared of failure that I skipped the tryyouts both years in a row. But I actually happened to find my voice and find my place. I ended up becoming drum major and I joined student government and discovered a love of math and science that carried me all the way to the University of Florida. At Eustace High School, teachers like Mr. Cruz, Mr. Watson, Mr. Helding, and Miss Leverat didn't just teach. They believed in me. They helped me see my potential and inspired me to become an educator. After college, I returned to Lake County because I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much
009to me. And the truth is, I didn't grow up being a union leader. I didn't dream about this as a little girl. Uh from the very beginning, there was only one thing I wanted to do. But even after I stepped in the classroom, it took time for me to fully embrace that I was meant to be an educator. That voice of doubt that once carried with me through childhood was there and it made it hard for me to feel like I belonged. But through the encouragement and inspiration from my colleagues, mentors, and students, I came to understand that being an educator and advocating for public education is one of the most powerful ways to serve my community. So today, I stand before you not just as LCA president, but as a proud product of Lake
010County Public Schools, shaped by its classrooms, its teachers, and its values. I'm committed to working alongside you to ensure every student and educator has an opportunity to thrive. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Thank you for your leadership and I look forward to doing amazing things together in this incredible a district. Thank you. >> Well done, Elizabeth. Thank you. And we're very excited to work with you as well. Next up, Jessica Siki, LCA new vice president. Good evening, chair, board members, deputy superintendent, and community members. On behalf of Lake County Education Association, I want to extend our congratulations to everyone in our district, educators, staff, administrators, students, families, and community members for the tremendous accomplishment of becoming an A-rated district. The recognition is the result of dedication, passion, and countless hours of hard work
011from every corner of our school system. We also want to thank the school board for including us in the process with the internal auditors. We appreciate the opportunity to share feedback on the survey and had a productive conversation with them. We especially want to recognize and thank Superintendent Cornnegie, Scott Ward, Rob Oyer, and Mayor Cell Santiago for continuing to collaborate with LCA. According to our state level contacts, Lake County is leading the way when it comes to union district collaboration. Many of our peers and neighboring counties are not experiencing the same level of respect and partnership and we do not take that for granted. That said, we can't ignore the serious challenges facing public education. Vouchers and charter expansions continue to vi divert funding from our school public schools to institutions that operate with far
012less oversight and accountability. Despite these obstacles, our educators and support staff are doing incredible work to support our students regardless of what the school grade says. We also want to be clear, an overemphasis on standardized testing as a primary measure of success does not reflect the value, the full value of what our educators do each day. Our students are more than a score and our schools are more than a letter grade. We must also continue to advocate for real support from the state, not just in terms of funding our classrooms, but in helping cover the rising costs of health care for our educators and support staff. No one should have to choose between keeping their job and affording necessary medical care. We must be honest, Lake County would not be an a district without the
013dedication of our educators and support staff. But too many are working second or even third jobs to make ends meet. The cost of living for one child and one adult in Florida is over $61,000. Yet the average teacher salary in Lake County is just over $52,000. That gap is not sustainable. Passion cannot pay the bills. We need to reward the people doing the work of making our schools exceptional. We must continue to advocate for for fair pay for resources and policies that support public education. and we must engage our state representatives and make sure they understand how their decisions directly impact our classrooms. Thank you again for your partnership and for listening. >> Thank you, Mr. Wiki. Uh, next up, Miss Leland Thorough >> Tero. >> Terio, I tried. >> You got really cold. Um,
014I'm Leland Tero. I'm president of the Lake Community Arts. We are a 501c3 whose mission is to nurture creativity and connection through accessible and inclusive performing arts programs for all. Through music performance and collaboration, we inspire participation, foster artistic growth, and enrich the cultural life of our community. We've partnered with your school system to host the Orlando Philarmonic Orchestra's Young People's Concerts, which will take place in November. Lake Minnola High School will host the South Lake fifth graders on Thursday, November 13th, and Leburg High School will host the North Lake students on Friday, November 14th. This board will be receiving invitations to participate in two VIP events that are leading up to this. The first will be on September 16th at 9:30 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the second at
015Lake Minola High School on Thursday, November 13th at 9:30 just prior to the children's concert there at the high school. I am in contact with Stacy Dorado Darat at the transportation department to arrange the field trip buses. I want to thank your superintendent, who by the way is spectacular, for securing $25,000 in grants from Walt Disney World. Otherwise, none of this would be happening. In addition, the Orlando Philarmonic Philanthropic Arm has contributed an additional $15,000. We would like to recognize Amy Conrod and her friend Katie Cassidy from the Orlando Philarmonic for their part in that. We are actively seeking another 10,000 from members of the community at large to cover the transportation costs for the event. Lake Community Arts will be supporting Lake County schools in the future with other live performances, host events such
016as the Honors Choir and Lake County Choirs of Distinction. I also want to give a shout out to music educators Rosemary Pillanro at the Villages at the Villages Elementary at Lady Lake. Thank you. And Ruthie Antman at Lost Lake Elementary for having already run much of the leg work on this project. Also, thanks to Christy Zuba who provided direction and contacts as a conduit to your schools. I look forward to this and more collaborations between Lake Community Arts and Lake County Schools. If you would like to sing with us in our chorus, you should come to the Claremont Arts and Recreation Center on August 19th at 6:30. It is non audition and we would love to have you. >> Thank you very much, Miss Tero. Next up, Miss Rosemary Pillanro. >> Good evening, board members.
017U my name is Rosemary Pillano. I'm the music teacher at the Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, and I'm here to speak to you tonight about some background of Lake County's involvement uh with the Orlando Philarmonic Orchestra's Young People's Concert. Each year, the Orlando Philarmonic goes above and beyond to create a performance especially geared for students. Even the pandemic didn't stop them as the 2020 concert was virtual. My school was awarded a grant for fourth and fifth graders to uh students to participate and the students absolutely loved it. Watching the different instruments that they had previously learned about come alive on the screen was mesmerizing. The incorporation of ballet and opera only added to their excitement and to the experience. I was surprisingly overwhelmed by the joy and positive reactions that I received from the kids
018and I can only imagine what a joyous outcome will result from the live performance to come. As a past president of the Florida Elementary Music Educators Association and current member of the Orlando Philarmonic Orchestra Education Committee, it brings me great excitement to see this endeavor come to fruition. This has been a long time in the making with much assistance and support from arts supportive residents and Lake County District officials. While I am very grateful for all of the outside support, I must give thanks to our superintendent for ensuring that music education is provided in every Lake County school. When Miss Cornnegie called me in early June to find out what the financials were necessary to make this work, I was overwhelmed with excitement and like, why is the superintendent calling me? Um, and I just
019I was so excited that this is actually taking a step forward. And while it is not possible to have the students attend at the beautiful Dr. Phillips Center this year, I appreciate the support of having the orchestra come over to Lake County this fall. And I would love to see this blossom into having all of our fifth graders attend the event in Orlando next year and in years to come, as is the case in Orange County and several other counties uh that surround the Orlando area. And just this past year, I had a conversation with a student who asked me if I ever saw an orchestra perform live. And it made me realize what a special experience it would be for these kids. And it it could it could very well be a once in
020a-lifetime event. I'm very excited that our students will have the opportunity to experience a live performance this fall. And finally, I'm a proud proud to be a music teacher here in Lake County and can't wait to see what other future opportunities our students will have in the arts. As we say on my campus, together we can and I look forward to it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Pillanero. And congratulations on your part in making vella back where they belong. >> Thank you. You know, >> I do. I still have VL in my head from the celebration of the the anniversary. Uh, next up, Miss Ruthie Antman. Good evening, school board members. My name is Ruthie Antman and I'm the music teacher at Lost Lake Elementary and a member of the Orlando Filarmonic Education Committee.
021I'm here to speak to you about the impact of the Young People's Concert on my students. Last November, I took a group of my students to this concert at the Dr. Phillips Center, and their response was unforgettable. I saw for myself the delight on their faces at seeing the beautiful Dr. Phillips Center. the oo's and a's as they watched the ballet dancers perform with the orchestra and the moment of clarity when the opera singers performed and the students related that to their own singing and thought maybe one day I can do that too. After the field trip I asked the students to write reflections and some of their insights included the music came alive for me. I was so inspired by the singers and it was so much fun to see this performance and I
022learned so much about the music. Before teaching in Lake County, I taught in Orange County at a elementary school in Akoi and I was able to experience the access that those students had to the young people's concert. Every third, fourth, and fifth grader every year in Orange County is able to attend as well as other counties. At this particular school, it was a school without a lot of parental support with quite a few students whose families were of a lower socioeconomic status. And many of these students would never have been able to see an orchestra concert, opera, or ballet live on their own just with their families. Watching these students get dressed to the nines to go to the young people's concert was so meaningful to me because it was such a great equalizer in
023their access to music and culture. Those students and my current students who attended the concert this past school year learned so many music standards, accounted over 40, in an infinitely more meaningful way by seeing the performance live than they would have by simply talking about those concepts in the classroom without the context provided by this concert. Educational resources for these standards are provided for teachers ahead of time to deepen the students learning. I believe that all our Lake County students are deserving of this opportunity. That this equal access to the arts is important to Lake County schools and that providing all Lake County fifth graders with this with this experience is the next step in demonstrating that commitment. I'm so grateful for our superintendent and the work that she's done to help make that happen
024and for all of your support as well. Thank you for your consideration of and attention to this opportunity. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Miss Antman. And last, but certainly not least, Farmer Banks, Hellfrick, Clayo District, South Lake County, farm tip of the day. Um now in the humid and hot weather uh season that we're in, you can still grow crops uh such things as watermelon, black eyed peas, okra, uh sweet potatoes, and also believe it or not, lofah will grow quite well. >> What um uh chairman uh board uh distinguished guests um welcome to July. July uh is the birth uh month of our country. We are 249 years old. Uh the longest serving current government charter in the history of humankind. Uh so what does it mean to be an American? If
025you look to your person on your left and you look to the person on your right, if you look at yourself in the mirror, every single one of us is from somewhere else. In fact, even the Native Americans came over on the Bearing Strait many centuries before our forefathers, foremothers came over on the Atlantic Ocean. We are Mexican. We are Cuban. We are Afghanistanian. We are Canadian. We are a hodgepodge of peoples from around the world. We are an experiment in bringing cultures together unlike any other nation in the world to live, to work, to play, to govern, to worship, and ultimately to love together. So the next time you hear someone disparage an immigrant, remember they are talking about every single one of us. I am Farmer Banks Hellfrick. Thank you for allowing me
026to speak. May you all be blessed. >> Thank you, Farmer Banks. >> All right. Any other public input cards we missed this evening? >> Yeah, come on up. Miss Amy Conrad. >> Hello, my name is Amy Conrad and I am the director of education and community at the Orlando Philarmonic Orchestra. I am so excited to be here and represent this organization in support of the Young People's Concerts reaching all fifth graders here in Lake County. This program has been around for over 35 year years and has continued to grow and improve to meet the needs of our students. Six years ago, we went through an extensive evaluation program to improve the young people's concert. We know what the students enjoy, what the students want to know, how long they can sit still. Um, we know
027what captures their attention and what doesn't, and we've improved it every year since. We work with the Orlando Ballet, the Opera Orlando, local theater groups, and of course, the orchestra to put on a well-rounded 45minute program that we know the students will love. We work with 10 Central Florida elementary school music teachers, including two of them who are in this room today, um to come up with lesson plans that the students will see in their classroom before coming to the concert, so they are well prepared and engaged through the whole program. We know if the students know the songs before they enter the room, they'll be more engaged through the program. We've worked hard to make this program valuable, meaningful, educational, exciting, and fun. The students of Lake County deserve to see this program, not
028only this year, but every year. We invite you to come and witness this incredible event and join the Lake County students in song on November 13th. I am so lucky to get to work with the people in this room to bring this program to the fifth graders in Lake County. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Miss Conro. Anyone else? >> I was doing sign language. I want to invest in this. So if you can touch base with me. [Laughter] Moving on to reports this evening. Item 6.01, the education foundation report. Dr. Elizabeth Johnson. >> Good evening, chairman, school board members, Mr. Farnsworth. Um, first and foremost, congratulations on being recognized as an A school district. Um, super excited to be a part of that and to be able to celebrate the hard work. As
029you can tell, the summer is flying by and we are two weeks away from stepping out for education, which is scheduled for July 25th and 26th. It's going to be a fantastic event under the big top and it's also the last week to submit votes for the influencer award. New this year, um, each of the dancers selected a Lake County Schools program or initiative that those influencer dollars go towards. So, if you have not selected a a dancer, there's one in the room. Um, but no pressure there. Um, Red for Ed is underway as well, and we have 27 local businesses participating as collection sites. Additionally, our online supply drive continues to take traction um as an option for individuals looking to shop without going in person anywhere. We are looking forward to our pep
030rallies for public education where we will weigh in the collected school supplies. On July 31st, we will be in South Lake and then on August 1st, we will be in Tavaris. Both days will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and include a food truck. So, I look forward and hope to see you all there. Our sponsors for these pep rallies include McCree Contractors and Sebert Tax Services. So excited to have those new sponsors. Leading up to Red for Ed, we are hosting a number of school supply sorting days and packing backpacks to be distributed to the elementary schools. As um I did not expect this, but let me tell you, I am completely validated in what I'm about to share. Um we are excited to have worked with the superintendent to secure the $25,000
031grant funding um from Disney. And so if I had any question, all of y'all shared great remarks and I was taking lots of notes. Um so congratulations. Really excited um to be able to provide that opportunity for our fifth graders. Um that is an event that I've attended before and it really is transformational. We are also continuing with the new world's reading initiative this year. Um our first event is actually this Saturday for parent and family members. We're starting off early. um we'll be hosting breakfast for the registered attendees and providing a great workshop ahead of the Leburg back to school bash and then our second event will be July 31st um prior to the Claremont pep rally at South Lake Cares. Um this year we will be hosting six event total which is less
032than the eight events prior. They just have made some changes grant-wise but excited to host those. Um and then lastly a little bit about our take stock and children program. um they received the highest level of recognition from the state um earning the luminary award for exceeding all of our benchmark metrics and maintaining maintaining its status as a gold standard program. So the staff will be recognized and celebrated in early August as we attend the annual back to school summit. so proud of that work. And then they are continuing to do some great outreach efforts to recruit new mentors as well as students um and planning a number of kickoff events for the school year and new student orientations. Any questions? >> Thank you, Dr. Johnson. Excellent report as always. Uh item 6.02, attorney report.
033See enough. U moving on to tabs evening. Um Mr. Cole, item 7.01. >> Yes, sir. Um, at the regular meeting on June 23rd, 2025, Dr. uh Luke had abstained from the vote on item 10.02. Uh, that was the dual enrollment agreement with Lake Sumpter College on the basis that it uh potentially could endure to the special gain or loss of her employer, Lake Sumpter State College. So, this is to confirm that she has filed the appropriate form 8B memoranda of voting conflict. >> Perfect. And then 7.02 102 >> similar item. Um at that same meeting, uh Mr. Dodd abstained from votes on the same item voting on the same item uh because uh he also is employed with Lake Sumpter State College and he has also filed his form 8B. >> Thank you, Mr. Cole.
034>> All right. Um consent agenda. Um Mr. Deputy Superintendent, do you have a recommendation? >> Yes, I recommend approval of the consent agenda items 8.01 01 through 9.03. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Got a motion by Mr. Matias, second by Mrs. Cunningham. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I passes 40. All right. Skipping down to the discussion agenda this evening. Item 11.01, public hearing for ten of approval. Mr. Cole. >> Yes, sir. Um at this time uh we are opening a public hearing for tenative approval of new policy 9271 uh personalized uh education program uh PEP students. Uh at this time is there any public input on this uh item? Seeing none, we will close the public hearing. >> Mr. Deputy Superintendent, do you have a recommendation? >> Yes. to recommend tenative approval
035of new policy 9271 personalized education programs with students. >> Second. >> Got a motion by Mr. Matias, second by Mrs. Cunningham. Any discussion? >> Can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> This policy, it says it's a new policy, attentive approval, new policy, but um it's got edits on it. >> Yeah, those those edits are from Neiola. You know, Neiola develops the policies. Those are the changes >> 2024 from Neiola. So, those are is editing its own policy and then giving us to us as a new policy. >> Correct. >> I definitely see the need for the policy. It was just confusing to see the editing remarks and then it was a new policy. So, I was making sure that I didn't miss something ahead of time. Okay. >> Good question. I had a similar
036one earlier. >> And these are our our Neil is that it's not like county schools edits. Correct. >> Right. And you are approving if you're happy with those edits. >> Got it. Okay. Thank you. >> Perfect. Any other discussion? All those in favor? I >> I passes 40. >> Um, moving on. 11.02 public hearing for final approval of the 2025 2026 student progression plan. Mr. Cole. >> Yes, sir. At this time again, we'll open the meeting to a public hearing for final approval of the 2025 2026 student progression plan. Is there any public input on this item? Hearing none, we will close the public hearing. >> Mr. Deputy Superintendent >> recommend final approval of the 2526 student progression plan. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Got a motion by Mr. Mthi. Second by Dr. Luke.
037Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. Passes 40. And lastly, item 11.03. Um public hearing. Mr. Cole. >> Yes, sir. This time we'll open the meeting to a public hearing for final approval of the 2025 2026 code of student conduct and policy guide. At this time, is there any public input on this? Hearing none, the public hearing is closed. Mr. Deputy Superintendent >> recommend final approval of the 202526 code of student conduct and policy guide. >> Salute. >> Second. >> A motion by Mr. Matias, second by Mrs. Cunningham. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I passes 40. And hopefully the last time I need to say this this evening, Mr. Deputy Superintendent, do you have a report? Uh, Miss Cornnegie did not leave me with a report. However, I would like to just
038take a second to thank all of our teachers, staff, administrators, our wonderful board that sits up here, and the best superintendent in the state of Florida, Mrs. Diane Cornnegie. Congratulate everyone on Lake County Schools becoming an a school district. >> Thank you, sir. Uh, Dr. Luke, do you have any comments to see? >> Um, hang on one second. I'm sorry. I do have uh one letter of condolence that was sent. So uh Autumn Tussing, teacher at Eustace Middle and daughter of Rebecca Tussing, certified school counselor from East Ridge High School, >> and also the daughter of the um Air Force Jotc teacher at Leburg High School, Mr. Ting. Uh Dr. Luke, >> um just to follow up on Mr. Farnsworth's comments. Um, I was kind of looking over the data for the schools in my
039region and there were some so many things to be proud of in the data. I had several schools that were just one or two percentage points from being the next letter grade, be it a B or be it an A and some major improvements in some of our schools. Um, Sarrento made significant improvements. Eustus made some significant improvements. Um, everybody seems to be doing great work and and it's certainly when you scroll through Facebook and you see people speaking positively about Lake County schools and the schools in the district. It's very refreshing for to see like I'll just leave that right there. And I I um have been thinking very um intentionally about how to graciously say this because in a time of such celebration, I also just I want us to tell a story
040in a way that doesn't continue to pit public versus charter or school versus school because I don't care what your school grade was. The schools in Lake County are doing amazing work. The students in Lake County are working hard. Our parents are working hard. We're working hard with less. Um we're working parents are working harder with less. We as public schools are working harder with less and while we need to celebrate I mean I even went so far back as to look since the superintendent has started and the headway we were making with improving our school you know I know that's been on all of our minds the the people that have 10 years of tenure on the board we've been striving for an A for those entire 10 years and so what a celebratory
041moment to finally get there especially after the COVID setback. So we were progressing very nicely on our way and then COVID happened and it seemed to set back but every year we just continue to make these drives forward. So hooray like it did you know my teacher heart joy and data can certainly help us to define things and to be intentional about planning for the school year but data tells us what one story one picture and our students are more than that which you said very nicely earlier. And so I I just want to continue to commend this entire district, including every member of the stakeholder community on the work that we continue to do and take this congratulations and move it forward and continue to improve, but to do it in such a way
042that tells a story about what the the great work that everybody is doing. So thank you. >> Very well said, Mrs. Cunningham. >> Whenever the grades come out, it's an especially um interesting day for me. Of course, I first check all the schools that I was a part of that faculty at one time to see how they did. And then I checked the schools in my area and then I checked overall and Jessica can identify with this because we were once flamingos together and we know what it's like to come back and experience the kind of pleasure they are this year with going up two letter grades and getting an getting an A. But I think the greatest thing about that is and unless you're a teacher and unless you have done the work, you
043don't quite get that feeling of accomplishment, that pride when you look back and you can look at kids and you can say they're better. They're going to be better citizens of the United States because I did something to help them. And that's a pride that no one can take. And I have to tell you, it looks a little different sitting on the board. I am very lucky and fortunate to have known it as a teacher and then as a principal and now as a board member and I can tell you with each change in position it becomes more and more cherished. So, I'd like to offer my sincere congratulations to every single individual, including those community levers who bring things in like ballet and music for our students because you play a part, too. And
044all of those things make for a well-rounded student, which causes them to be able to do well in school. So, there is no small person. There is no person that only supplemented. There are all people who contributed and made this possible. So, I say the congratulations is to all of us, all the citizens of Lake County as well as those citizens of other counties that come to our county and help us. And just like with any high, there's always a low. And I am very saddened this evening to share with you the passing of Dr. Thomas Sanders. Many of you will remember him. He was um twice elected superintendent here in Lake County. Uh he was the gentleman who gave me my first administrative job. And I had the pleasure of He called it coffee,
045but I don't drink coffee. So, we chatted a few weeks ago. And um he had become very frail, but he still had the mind of an educator. And the one thing that he said to me that was memorable is, "You guys are doing a good job, Molly. Don't ever lose sight of what's important." So, that is what I would say to you tonight. Um we're doing a good job. We don't ever need to lose sight of what's important. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you, Mrs. Cunningham. Mr. Matias, >> so it was 2012 when I was going to move a manufacturing company from Orlando to Leburg. We were one month away from the move and the three leaders of that organization came to me and said their wives would not let them come here because
046of our schools. Now I will tell you that um it was jarring at first but I started looking at the district and decided to run for school board and that's what Vance is talking about is at that time when I ran I had five objectives. The last one was that we would be an A-rated school district. As most of you know, I won't be running again. So, I have to tell you that um my scorecard is complete and and a job well done. But it doesn't come without a lot of effort. And you board members that were on here and the superintendent, we grow oak trees, not per perennials. and that planting the seed early kindergarten to third grade that base this board voted for additional funding that the superintendent with her leadership with rec
047uh early uh recognition of kids that in need and bringing up what we call we have a a common term lower quartortile you can't be an a district unless you bring the lower part up. the middle's going to do okay and the high is going to do okay. And we brought the best and brightest to schools that are now really really superior. And and those are decisions and leadership that can't go without mentioning to our superintendent. She did it and um and I'm proud of this board for supporting her. Sometimes getting out of the way is the right thing to do, just for the record. Um, so it's a great deal of pride that I have. I've never been in a classroom. Kids scare me, just so y'all know on that book day when you
048read. Oh my gosh. No, it's Xanax time. But anyway, but I do know what it means for economic development. I know what it means for this county. And that when that business is going to move here or if they're going to expand, that mom's going to say, "Holy smokes, they got good schools." That's what's going to happen, folks. So, I'm proud to be part of it. >> Spoken like a true educator. >> And Tom Sanders was an amazing person. And he will be missed, by the way. >> Thank you, Mr. Matias. It's always ditto at the end with this board. Um, but very um excited to to share the news as well. Um, you know, I never miss a moment to brag on Leburg and our Leburg schools showed up big again this year. Uh,
049Beverly Shores up 100 total points. Treadway jumped from a C to an A. and the villages elementary Lady Lake jumping back from a B to an A. Um and overall the district just had unbelievable results and it's a testament to everybody in this room and everybody in our community and Mr. Matias had in his comments as well. But this board has done a very good job in my opinion of focusing on what matters but also knowing when to get out of the way and let our leadership team do their work. Uh we do have the best superintendent in the state of Florida and we also have the best leadership cabinet and district level team in the state of Florida as well and all of that goes into the success and continues to work down to
050the regional level um to the school level and into the classroom for every single student. Um so very proud to serve on this board alongside the four of you including Mr. Dodd who is on the Ivy League tour with his son this week looking at colleges um and alongside the rest of our staff. Um, but very well-deserved honor uh for a very wonderful school district and looking forward to continue growing again next year. Miss Matias, you look like you've got something else to add. I did. >> Go ahead. So, I gave that warm fuzzy. I want to give one quick cold prickly. Um, everything I spoke about a few minutes ago of raising that lower quartile, those largely were funded through federal dollars that are currently frozen. So, let's all say a prayer that that
051gets sorted out before the school year because without those funds, that hard work will be jeopardized. We'll figure it out, folks, because that's how we roll. But let's make it a little easier. That's all. >> Very well said. Any other comments? Any objection to adjourning? >> Yes, sir. >> We are adjourned. Thank you very much.