001Good evening and welcome to the August 26, 2025 meeting of the Marian County School Board. It is now called to order. Mirroring and modeling the way our students begin each day, I ask that we observe a moment of silence at this time. Please join me. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Will you read the board commitment statement for us, please? >> With pleasure, chair. Thank you. We are the Marian County School District Leadership Team. When we come together to work, we are efficient, effective, and productive. Our three most important characteristics are dedicated, transparent, and individually responsible. To work well together, we must demonstrate respect, confront reality, and be accountable. We will always put students first. We will leave a legacy of success. >> Thank you. For the courtesy of those listening to the meeting, I am requesting
002everyone in the audience to please turn off their electronic devices or put them on vibrate. Later in the meeting, up to 30 minutes will be provided for individuals to address the board on matters concerning the operation of the Marian County School System or the school board only. Presentations to the board are limited to 5 minutes and are televised. If you wish to address the board regarding a regular agenda item or matters on which the board customarily takes action, you must first complete a peach form located in the lobby. If you wish to address the board regarding a public hearing or a student discipline matter, please complete a lime green form. These forms must be fully completed and received to the board clerk no later than 540. The procedures applicable for each are on a separate
003sheet. >> Good evening, Miss Martinez Young. Would you call the role? >> Good evening, Madam Chair. Dr. Allison Campbell, District 1, >> here. >> Mrs. Lorie Conrad, District 2, >> here. >> Mr. Jerry Cummings, District Three, >> here. >> Mrs. Nancy Thrower, District 4 >> here. >> Dr. Sarah James, District 5 >> here. >> Julia Slaughter, Vanguard High School. >> Morasha Lefante, Lake High School. >> Dr. Danielle Brewer, in our superintendent. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Jeremy Power, school board attorney. >> Thank you, Miss Martinez Young. Dr. Brewer, I believe you have want to share um who's going to lead with for the pledge of allegiance this evening. >> I would. Thank you. Um before we begin this exciting night with our inspiration and pledge and our recognitions, I would like to introduce two of our
004student board representatives that are with us this evening. We have Marasha Leonte. She's a senior at Lake High School. She is an accomplished scholar and leader. Listen to this. She's enrolled in the Cambridge ACE program and she has completed her dual enrollment classes to graduate with both her associate of arts degree and her Cambridge ACE diploma. Um Marasha serves on the Florida district board for key club and is an active member of the school band, soccer team and tennis team. So welcome. And we have Miss Julia Slaughter. She is a senior at Vanguard High School. She is a part of the international bal laurate program and will graduate as one of the validictorians at Vanguard High School. She has been the president of her class for the past three years and is one of the
005captains of the varsity cheer team. So welcome. Thank you all. So, at this time, I would like to introduce Miss Becky Drake. She will lead us um in an inspiration this evening. >> Good evening, board chair, board members, student board members, attorney powers, Dr. and Martinez Young. I thank you for having me this evening. As we get ready to say farewell to an incredible leader, it's impossible not to reflect on the lasting impact she's had on our district and on each of us through times of change, challenge, and uncertainty. She stood strong. Her leadership isn't just about making tough decisions or meeting goals. It's about building and guiding with heart, treating people with kindness and showing us what true resilience looks like. Even under the weight of the pressure of her role, she has never
006let the stress harden her spirit. She remained compassionate, present, supportive, always leading with grace. I've watched her face challenges that would make most people falter. Her strength isn't just about weathering storms. It's about the opportunity for growth. She has shown me that res resilience is not just a trait. It's a choice. Her presence, wisdom, and ability to apply finances to maximize student achievement will be deeply missed. But her influence will stay with us. She hasn't just helped to lead the district. She has inspired a team. Having a great leader is a gift and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to work under somebody so dedicated. Her leadership isn't just about guiding the team or meeting goals. It's seeing potential where others might have overlooked it and showing us what it all means to lead with heart
007and integrity. Sometimes the greatest strength isn't a bold comment. Although she got really good at saying no, um but a quiet moment of understanding. She leads not through authority but through compassion. Always ready to listen, to encourage, and to stand by her team. Her dedication inspires us to be better every day. Not just better professionals, but better people. In every challenge, she remains steady. In every success, she gives credit where it's due. And in every ordinary moment, she makes others feel seen, valued, and capable. Working with her is a daily reminder of what true leadership looks like. Dr. Pope stated a few weeks ago, part of humanity is servant leadership. A philosophy where the primary goal is for the to see growth, wellbeing, and empowerment in others. This is her, and because of this, she
008embodies one team, one mission. Leadership isn't just about making decisions. It's about carrying weight, navigating change, and showing up. That's exactly what she does. She has led our district through major challenges and transitions, often under immense pressure. Yet through it all, she remains grounded, kind, and deeply supportive. Her strength doesn't come from loud words or dramatic gestures. It comes from quiet resilience, consistent integrity, and deep care for the people she leads and the honor for why she leads it, our students. She not only handles the stress that comes with her position, but she does so with grace and empathy. She is the kind of leader who doesn't just guide the district, she inspires it. Miss Austin Ellis, I think everyone will join me in wishing you nothing but joy, peace, and continued your next adventures.
009You've more than earned it. Can I have you join me al? Okay. If you can please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. At this time, I'd like board members, if you don't mind, to go down and take a picture of Miss Boston Ellis and Miss Becky Drake. Okay. So, Mrs. Terresa Boston Ellis, thank you for 33 years of valued service from 1992 to 2025. Your retirement leaves a great big gap in all our lives and hearts. A workplace is never quite the same when someone like you departs. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you
010and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. >> Jeremiah, you like that? >> 29:11. >> May the Savior bless you with good health and enrich your retirement life with happiness and pride in your future endeavors from your colleagues and friends at Marian County Public Schools. >> Thank you. Okay. Think Boston hard to follow. >> Yes, that was hard to follow, but we have so many incredible people joining us this evening. So, um I'm just thankful that all of you are here. I'm going to ask that Casey Griffith, director of commu um governmental and community relations, comes to the podium to provide us two different recognitions this evening. Thank you, Mr. Griffith. >> Good evening, Chair Conrad, board members, Miss Martinez, Mr. Powers, Marian County School District would like to recognize
011the 2025 back to school community give back event and the partners that made it such a wonderful success for our community. Uh there was a lot of planning that went into this uh preceding it by multiple months. Uh then the day of the event it was exceedingly high, but we still had a lot of people turn out and our community partners deserve to be recognized. So on Saturday, July 26th, back to school community give back distributed over 6,000 backpacks to students at seven different locations in Marian County. These backpacks were filled with fully stuffed supply kits by grade level with name brand items for students in our community. Additionally, there were thousand bicycle helmets that were professionally fitted to each student that obtained one. Over 3,000 families also received food donations while multiple nonprofits provided
012resources and services to all who visited the seven locations here in the county. This was made possible by over 40 community partners. 40. Just think about that because they were at every meeting and they contributed and more than 300 volunteers. As I read the names of the community partners, I would like to ask that they stand up and be recognized if they are here in attendance this evening. Bear with me. There's about 40 of them. Heart of Florida, the Boyd Group, Panzer Medicine, Next Generation Realy of Marian County, Osley Construction, Team Cone, Gil Logistics, College of Central Florida, Adam Hansen, Better Communities Fund, Stuff the Bus, Community Foundation of Ocala, Marian County, Advent Health, The Rock, Marian County Children's Alliance, Marian County Public Schools, Sensational Selfies, Lauren Debic, Life Coach, Junior League of Ocala, the
013Florida Army National Guard, Dylan Media Group, Caldwell Real Estate Services, Roberts Downtown Chapel, Protek Solutions, Quantum Fiber, Florida Health, Marian County, Regions Bank, AR Workshop, Ocala, Angie Lewis, State Farm, Chick-fil-A from the Paddock Mall, Zenia Wealth Management, BO Broker Real Estate Group, Pure Wellness, Pure Pure Wellness Med Spa, Gold's Gym, S&P Accounting Services, Marian County Sheriff's Office, Marian County Fire Rescue, Duke Energy, Boys and Girls Club of Marian County, His Compassion Incorporated, and Pepsi the South. Like to thank all of them for their contributions. I know they all didn't make it this evening. Additionally, Marian County Public Schools would like to recognize the efforts of Stuff the Bus, which was originally founded here in Marian County by the local Marian County Officers Association. Stuff the Bus provides supplies to children in the Marian County community.
014While they participated in the community give back, they also do this year round. Colonel Ham is here and I'd like to ask him to come down. Uh he'd like to say a few words regarding the efforts of this wonderful organization. Superintendent Brewer, board members. Um, this is not new for us. I know most of you on a personal level. Many of you have helped us stuff backpacks. 27 years ago, Suzanne Maguire at the time the community liaison for the district and Hank Whittier with Vets Helping Vets and the late Colonel Chaplain Lamar Hunt, who was my predecessor as president of the Kingdom of the Sun chapter of the Military Officers Association, thought it would be great if we continue to live our motto, which is never stop serving. Military Officers Association of America is comprised
015of those who have served as officers in the branches of the military in the Coast Guard and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency and in the public health service. and never stop serving has been a way for them to continue to give back not just to their communities but also to the active force and to those who have retired. What started as a very low-key simple process of giving backpacks to uh maybe 50 students who truly needed them throughout the district has grown significantly over the years. This year, with the addition of two new elementary schools, we delivered 1,200 fully loaded backpacks to each school, each elementary school and each middle school and charter schools. And those are distributed through the school counselors who by law are privy to those who truly have a need
016as homeless or needy students. Additionally, beginning last year, I was invited to join with the community give back and we provided school supplies for those 6,000 back or packages that you you heard talked about as part of the community give back and along with people like The Rock and the many great agencies that you heard about today. Uh we were able to reach a total of 6,700 students who actually benefit by arriving at day one of the school year prepared to participate in classroom activities and to complete homework. So far this year, Stuff the Bus has distributed over 87,000 pieces of school supplies. 87,000 items to help our students. Every year it's a little bit more. We are entirely volunteers. We live on the donations of private individuals and and companies. We couldn't do this
017without help from younger people as well. And I'd like to give particular recognition to uh Chief Wise and the junior ROC group at Vanguard High School who showed up at our storage unit and helped us pack almost 800 backpacks in one day. And this makes it so much easier for us to get them out to the schools. Again, we are now a 501c3, a standalone nonprofit, but we haven't forgotten our roots with the Military Officers Association, and we're delighted to be here, and thank you for the recognition. >> Colonel Ham, wait just just one second. Oh, he's going back. Come back. Um, I know that the board wants to come down and and get a picture with all of our community partnerships, but I find it um difficult to find enough words to express the
018gratitude I feel for the work um that you and all of the volunteers um that are in the audience today and those that were not able to attend. Um, as our community is growing, so are the needs of our students. And so this outreach allows each student to show up to school on the first day of school with dignity, showing up with their own backpack and the supplies that they need um to start their day. And so just want to say thank you so very much. I know it's hours and hours and hours of work and dedication um for the students of Marian County. So, thank you very much. If you'll hold on, we'd like to Mr. Christian, if you'll help us organize as people come forward and let us um gather together in appreciation.
019>> I apologize. Yes, they're kind of hiding in the back, but yes, all of our school leaders, >> school leaders from the sites where we specifically had the event perhaps to join us as well. Okay, we have one more. Okay, we have one more recognition this evening and it's very fitting that it's Miss Boston Ellis's final night with us as a for a board meeting. So, Miss Boston Ellis, will you come please to the podium and introduce your special guest? Good evening again, Chair Conrad, board members, and interim superintendent, Dr. Brewer. I knew I needed to write this down, otherwise I wouldn't be able to speak about right now. Um, but I would like to present our internal accounts auditor, Christine Corrian. In addition to her primary responsibilities of auditing internal accounts, she plays a
020vital role as a resource and support to our schools. She provides ongoing guidance to ensure compliance and best practices. She conducts quarterly meetings, sometimes more, to keep our teams informed and contributes her expert expertise by serving on hiring committees for bookkeepers and secretaries. Her work reflects not only a commitment to accuracy and accountability, but also to collaboration and service across the district. We deeply appreciate her professionalism and the way she strengthens our operations. And I believe the schools will tell you that they can always call Christine or uh one of her huge department of three to get support. And so I'd like to present to you uh Christine Corgan and she will present the perfect audits for the year 2324. keepers and principles. Thank you. >> Good evening, interim superintendent Dr. Brewer, board chair Conrad,
021and board members. Before I start, I just want to take a moment to say thank you to Miss Boston as she enters retirement. She has been such a blessing to us as a department. We want to say thank you for your guidance, your direction, and support over the years. We have had the opportunity to work with you. Becky started all of this tonight. It's all fault. Um, may your retirement be blessed and we also want to say welcome to Mr. Robert Rios Welch. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you as we move into a new era. Now, we would like to recognize 22 schools and programs tonight because they have now achieved what we call a perfect audit for the 2324 school year. A perfect audit consists of having no findings for
022that particular school year. They have met all of our red book requirements, our Florida statutes, and schoolboard policies. Their certificate that they're receiving tonight says award of bookkeeping excellence is awarded in recognition of achieving a perfect audit with no findings for the 2324 school year. It is signed by the interim superintendent, Dr. and our chief financial officer, Miss Treesa Boston Ellis. I just want to say start by saying congratulations to the schools tonight and the programs as for this huge accomplishment. You have all worked so hard for this and you should be very proud of the work. Thank you for everything that you guys do. I'd like to call up each school or program, provide them with certificate and have them stay at the end stay up front for a photo at the end. Um
023the following individuals come forward as you are called and please stay up here. Um, Anthony Elementary School principal Miss Gay Street and Secretary Miss Nicole Ham. Bel Santos Elementary School, principal Miss Kim White and Secretary Miss Shelly Shelley Palmir, who is unable to attend this evening. College Park Elementary School Miss Ret Miss Teresa Foresight who is now retired was the principal at the time but Miss Christine Boyceelli who is now also retired came this evening to celebrate for college park. So we appreciate her coming tonight. Dr. NH Jones Elementary School principal Mr. Robert Hel and Secretary Miss Megan Gravotellan Elementary School principal Miss Erica Wiggins and Secretary Miss Jennifer Quintanella Emerald Shores Elementary School. The principal was Miss Stacy Houston and secretary was Miss Diana Mangus who has now retired. neither were able to attend
024this evening and we will make sure that they get their certificate early learning academy uh principal Miss Jen Beck and secretary Miss Linda Spencer and our one and only high school this year Forest High School prior principal Mr. Lamar and prior bookkeeper who is now with me in auditing Debbie Warren Greenway Elementary School. Prior principal Miss Leanne Mcern who was unable to attend this evening but miss current principal Mr. Scott Wheeler is here and secretary Miss Kelly Sullivan Bowen Elementary School prior principal Miss Tracy Crawford and prior principal Mary Kelly who is unable to attend this evening and someone common to us from Hillrest school principal Miss Lorie Manresa Secretary Miss Christine Slater Horizon Academy prior principal Miss Melissa Connor and current principal Miss Rebecca Cook and Secretary Miss Beth Knight. Um Lake Middle School
025prior principal Mr. Jason Jacobs and Secretary Miss Tammy Tenny Marian after school programs coordinator Miss Karen Loreno and secretary Miss Sarah Workman they were unable to attend this evening we will make sure they get their certificate technical college principal Mr. Small Gary Small Ridge and bookkeeper Miss Karen Marlin. They were unable to attend this evening and we will make sure they get their certificate. Springs Elementary School. Current principal Miss Megan Parks and Secretary Miss Lauren Jones. Oyola Middle School. Prior principal Mr. Moff who is unable to attend this evening but current principal Miss Rene Johnson. and secretary Miss Lorie Hunter South Elementary School principal Dr. Diana Ellis and Secretary Miss Valerie Landry [Applause] Bar Elementary School former principal Miss Renee Johnson, current principal Miss Carrie Ald and Secretary Miss Janna Graham. Secretary or sorry Stanton
026Wearsdale Elementary School principal Miss Cynthia Brody and Secretary Miss April stage she was unable to attend this evening Highlands Elementary School principal Miss Teresa Bach and Secretary Miss Lanna Phillips they were unable to attend this evening and we will make sure they get their certificate. And last but never least, Wina Park Elementary School principal Miss Victoria Hunt and Secretary Miss Jolene Hughes. And she was unable to attend, but Miss Hunt is here. Want to say thank you to every one of you. I get to talk to most of you all the time and I just want to say thank you. Congratulations for all of your hard work. It's welld deserved and you deserved it. So congratulations. And just very quickly um from the board, we just want to say thank you all. So y'all are
027just kind of peeking around. Sorry, the voice coming from behind. Um but we know that um you have one of the most difficult jobs. Um she just gave a very brief description of what it entails um to keep the finances at a at a school, you know, in line and straight. And so we're just really really grateful for the work that you do. Um we know that you don't do it in between 8 and three every day. That it takes extra hours, extra time, and a commitment um on your part. So we're just really grateful uh for each and every one of you. And so we'd like to come down and join you in celebrating this great accomplishment. Yeah. Board members, why don't you stand? Don't lean too far. Now our audience passing out. Okay.
028Dr. I'll turn it over to you for consent agenda. >> Yes. As as our audience um leaves us, I just want to say thank you all as you're leaving our meeting this evening for being here. Okay. Okay. I recommend approval of the agenda for the August 26, 2025 schoolboard meeting with the materials in the board packet. Those materials distributed to board members at the meeting and the audio recording included as part of the official record of the meeting with the exception of items D18.1, D18.2, D18.3, and D18.4 that have been placed under discussion regular agenda items. >> Thank you, Dr. Brewer board may have a motion to approve the superintendent's recommendation. >> So move. >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion
029passes. 5 Z. Miss Martinez Young, would you please provide the proof of publication for tonight's school board meeting? >> Notice for the August 26, 2025 school board meeting ran in the Okala Gazette on August 15th, 2025. The proof of publication has been attached to boards under publication. >> Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the July 16th, 2025 evaluation committee meeting? >> Motion to approve the minutes. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Are there any additions or corrections? >> Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Passes 5. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the July 17th, 2025 administrative briefing and work session? to approve the minutes. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. >> Second. >> Thank you by
030Dr. Campbell. Any additions or corrections to the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the July 22nd, 2025 special school board meeting? I have a motion. >> Motion to approve the minutes. Dr. Campbell and Miss Thrower. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any oppos? Motion passes. 5 Z. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the July 22nd, 2025 school board meeting? >> Motion to approve minutes. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? >> Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes
0315 Z. Good evening, Attorney Powers. Would you please explain the rules governing persons who wish to address the school board this evening? >> Good evening and thank you. In compliance with section 286.0114 of Florida statutes. The school board has adopted uniform procedures for public speakers who wish to speak at this evening's meeting, either regarding one of today's agenda items or a matter relating to the operations of the school district. These procedures will ensure the public has a reasonable opportunity to be heard on school board and school district matters. A written summary of these procedures are available from the table in the lobby. Public speaker forms are also located on the same table. The completed forms were due to the school board's clerk no later than 5:40 p.m. This evening's speakers will be called prior to
032the business portion of the school board's meeting in the order of receipt by the schoolboard clerk. Before you begin speaking, please state your full name for the record and spell your last name. Each speaker will have five minutes. When the speaker has one minute remaining, the speaker will receive a visual notice to complete his or her comments. Speakers may not yield their time to other people. Speakers and meeting attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Therefore, the board's rules prohibit verbal attacks and profanity. Pursuant to the procedures for public comments, item six, speakers are not to identify specific individuals other than themselves or their child unless a statement is provided 24 hours in advance. The board is here to listen to your comments only. You may be directed to an administrative staff
033member following the conclusion of your comments for further assistance to address your concerns. If there are matters dealing with student discipline, including expulsions, they'll be scheduled at the conclusion of the televised portion of this meeting. Parents may address the board regarding a discipline matter at that time. To ensure student privacy, only a parent or guardian may use a student's first or last name or identifying references um to that student. Identifying references to that student or others or their families are also strictly prohibited. A speaker speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the school board. Thank you for your attention to the board's requirements. Madam Chair, that concludes my explanatory remarks. >> Thank you, Attorney Powers. Miss Martinez Young, do we have any speakers this evening? >> Yes, Madam Chair, Mr. Chris.
034>> Thank you. >> Good evening, Dr. Brewer, Chair Conrad, Chris Alabello, A L T O B L O. I want to first start by Um, also wishing my uh thanks and and congratulations to Teresa. Uh, we we've been doing business together for a little over 15 years now and uh she's very good with finances. Um, no, >> but that smile is infectious and and and I wish you all the best. Certainly well deserved. I hope everyone's off to a good start. I know the Altoello home is as we have two seniors, knock on wood, that'll be graduating this year from Forest High School. And I want to congratulate Forest High School and Coach Brantley and uh the the boys for just a wonderful season opener uh last Friday. And I also want to congratulate and
035recognize the Forest High School band and the North Marian High School band uh for their combined halftime tribute to John Michael Osborne. And I want you to bear with me here. This is might be the only time you hear this guy's name up here. Um, better known as Azie Osborne, right? Um, in high school, at least when this guy was in high school, Azie uh was was everywhere. And Friday's crazy train tribute uh reminded me that we could learn a lot from the prince of darkness, right? Um because even though we had such great recognition tonight and our community uh has just come together, we do have some in the community that continue to um quite frankly spew a lot of hate towards public education and um and Marian County Public Schools at times. And
036I wish that they could be here today to see some of the great work that we do. But um you know if if I used some of the language when I was in the classroom and if those that I represent use some of the language that I have seen in public forums um we would be brought up on sanction from the state of Florida. Um, so I want to leave you with some of the great words that we can learn from from John Michael Osborne, better known as uh Azie. Um, let me let me share this with you. Crazy, but that's how it goes. Millions of people living as foes. Maybe it's not too late to learn how to love and forget how to hate. And that's the opening verse of of his song Crazy
037Train. Um, and it's very powerful in society today. So, um, I just wanted to share that with you. Uh, I thought about not, you know, raining on the wonderful parade that we've had here tonight, but I wanted it to be timely and and it was such a great uh uh thing to witness the stands, you know, at Forest last week, you know. Um, and it just brought back uh some memories. Um, but it also made me reflect on some of the words that our entertainers um use and and how people can remember them 40 plus years later and they ring ring true. So, um, I just wanted to to share that and congratulate Forest High School and the band and everybody. And I look forward to a wonderful school year, wonderful year working with you
038all uh for the the betterment of our our children and um and I know Reverend, you'll say a prayer for the Alabello kids and get them off to wherever they're going next year. So, no, thank you everybody. Appreciate your time. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. >> Okay, board. We're going to move into a public hearing. Um, I declare a public hearing. Is there anyone present who wishes to address the board regarding any of the four titles for the four courses recommended for adoption this evening that we will be voting on separately? Is there anybody in the audience? Okay, seeing none, Dr. Brewer, you have some information to share with us. Instructional materials are adopted according to a process defined in state statute 106.28 and board policy 2521. Four titles for four courses are recommended
039for adoption this evening. >> Thank you, Dr. Brewer. May I have a motion to approve the public hearing for 2025 2026 instructional materials for grade 6 health? >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Dr. James. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Um, is there any discussion? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5. May I have a motion to approve the public hearing for the 2025 2026 instructional materials for grade seven health? >> Motion to approve the public hearing. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. James. Is there any discussion on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes 5. May I have a motion to approve the public hearing for the 2025 2026
040instructional materials for grade 8 health? May I have a motion? >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Is there any discussion on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5. May I have a motion to approve the public hearing for the 2025 2026 instructional materials for 9 through 12 hope physical education? May I have a motion? >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Second. >> Thank you, Dr. James. Is there any discussion on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion passes 5, one we've all been waiting for. May I have a motion to adopt the 2025 2026 code of student conduct for the 2025 2026 school year? May I have a motion? Is this the public
041hearing? Not yet. I need a motion and a second and then uh superintendent is going to give us some information and I will open up public hearing. I have no problem motion. I just don't think that's proper procedure. I have no problem making the motion. But if it's a public hearing public hearing, >> so why? What? But the motion is not for a public hearing. Um I can explain it would be because we're going to at the conclusion of the public hearing there's a motion to adopt and so at the conclusion of the public hearing it would be formally adopted just as with each of the titles that we went through before. So that would be there are two ways parliament from a parliamentary perspective to do this. You may have a public hearing, but
042the board would then not be able to discuss anything related to public hearing. Only the hearing only the public would. Unless the board has made a motion to discuss at which point then you could have a motion to discuss followed by a motion to adopt. The more simpler way, the more simple way is simply have a motion to adopt, then second that motion, have the public hearing, conclude the public hearing, and the board then vote. So it is proper May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Dr. James. May I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Thrower. >> Dr. Brewer. >> Yes. The long awaited um 2526 code of student conduct for the 2526 school year complies with state statute 106.07 and board policy 5500. >> Thank you, Dr. Brewer.
043I declare a public Is there anyone present who wishes to address the 2025 2026 code of student conduct? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Okay, I'm giving the >> Now would be the call for board discussion. >> Yes, >> board should have an opportunity to discuss as well before voting. >> Okay. Did I not say discussion? >> I'm sorry. It was public hearing. was to discuss that say as to the public. So >> public discussion you're clarify for public discussion. >> I'm sorry just as to board discussion. I'm not trying to make it confusing. Does any member of the board wish to discuss this item? >> I think the issue is that you asked for any public comment. >> Public comment. >> Yes. >> But you
044didn't ask for board comment. >> Okay. I apologize. I thought that they asked for board comment. Do you have any comment that you'd like to share about um the code? Thank you, Dr. Campbell. >> Thank you. Um my only comment is just because the board received an email this evening about dress code. So, whatever kinds of guidelines once this is approved this evening, uh Dr. Curley, whatever guidelines you can put out so that that is not quite so ambiguous because we have different schools that are choosing to judge that different ways. And I'll be happy to forward this email to you so you can understand the situation. Anything else? Any other comments from the board? >> Yes, >> I was in receipt of the same email and there was a key word that stood out
045to me in that email and it was borderline. And you know, as as a parent, I would encourage other parents to air on the side of the right side of the borderline. Try to avoid the borderline if you can. We don't want kids sitting out of class for a couple periods while someone gets a ruler out for God's sake. We have expectations of students to dress for success. Some reach that bar more often than others, but I think it's high time we set it loud and proud and set the standard. That's what we're here for. >> Thank you. Um I would just like to add a comment onto that. I think another um important piece of that is that um each school um comes to an agreement with what um the student conduct code of
046student conduct needs on their campus. You know, if we're talking about the length of shorts, which it seems like that's what was in this email, um then the leadership at that school needs to get to together and determine what that's going to be. >> I would disagree. I think if the language in the code of conduct says Midi, then the mid thigh. >> But if you're at Forest High School, whatever school you're at, you all need to agree what is mid thigh. >> Correct. But that is not a length of short because a length of short looks different on every single student. And so I um and like I think the whole board received the same email and I think that we went to a more ambiguous term to give a little bit more freedom
047to students who look have different And so mid thigh, I believe, if I recall the conversation correctly, mid thigh was chosen. And for context, for anyone confused, we're talking about shorts specifically on females and where they fall on their body. And mid thigh was where we landed because it offered ambiguity to a disciplined department to say, "Hey, it's pretty mid thigh. So, we took out the measuring, we took out fingertip length, we took out all of the specificity for a reason. So, I and I stand firm on where we landed as a a parent of a tall female who is never going to be able to buy shorts that are fingertip length unless they are full length shorts. I get it. And she's not unique. I talked to Have you talked to high school principles?
048All of the girls want to wear those Nike athletic shorts. And I I said this when we had the discussion publicly. I have just philosophically a different viewpoint on all of it. As long as I'm not seeing all of your private parts, we called it the three Bs when I was in high school administration. You're at school. You're learning and you're not a distraction. That's what's important to me. Removing a child for multiple periods because maybe the ruler says her shorts are not mid-length is wild to me. And I'm philosophically in disagreement with that. Um, but I mentioned that which is why I thought we landed at mid thigh so it would be a little bit more ambiguous and it would give opportunity for flexibility. >> I agree. We've always already had um quite a
049bit of conversation about that. So, anything else from the board? >> Okay, ready to call the vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion passes. 5. We'll now move on to anformational item. The central warehouse awarded United States USA South LLC of Coral Springs, Florida. Item number 90 JR Jumbo Paper Atlas number 70 on bid 4103 ah janitorial and sanitary paper supplies for central warehouse term for the term contract for a price increase. There has been a per case increase for item number 90 of $2.40 increasing the per case price from 22.225 to 2465 per case. Even with this increase, United Sales USA South LLC remains the most competitive among all bids submitted for the line item. That concludes ourformational items for today's meeting. May I have a motion to
050approve consent agenda items C11.1 through C16.2 with the exception of items D18.1, D18.2, D18.3 and D18.4 that have been placed under discussion regular agenda items. May I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> Thank you, Dr. James. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. All those in favor say I. >> I. Okay. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5-0. Uh, moving on to alternative placements. Before addressing expulsion matters, I wish to acknowledge that the board members have received the alternate placement list for students through July 28th, 2025. Miss Martinez Young, are there any parents who have submitted a timely request to speak on their child's disciplinary matter? >> No, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. Moving on to discussion, regular agenda items. May I have a motion to approve the guaranteed maximum price for Oyola Middle School new gymnasium change
051order number seven amendment number one project 24-109. May I have a motion? >> Thank you Reverend Cummings. Have a second. Second. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Dr. Brewer, you have some information to share on this item. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Miss Usher will um provide brief remarks but He's walking up. I just want to let the board know that this um canopy was part of the original plan. This what Oyola wanted, but because of budget constraints, it was removed from the plan. Um so this was part of the original concept plan. Miss Usher. >> Yes. Thank you, Dr. Brewer. Good evening, Chair Conrad. Board members, in May 2024, you approved the construction of the new gymnasium at Oyola Middle School. The cost was 9.8 8 million with a completion date of August 16th. Due to
052delay August 16, 2025 due to delay in getting the pre-engineered manufactured building the um the substantial completion date of August 16th was not met. The district staff informed the contractor that we will be assessing liquidated damages at $2,000 a day. The new substantial completion date is October 2025, a total of 68 days. At 2,000 a day, that comes out to $136,000. So, the recommendation is to use that contingency money that um liquidated damages money along with the project contingency of just over 200,000 and put back in the bus canopy. As Dr. The brewer mentioned it was part of the original project but was valued engineered out because of cost. The pro the estimated cost at that time was 364,000. If for any reason the project exceeds the contingency and the liquidated damages total, the contractor
053will cover that cost. There'll be no additional costs for this project to put up the canopy. If the board agrees with that, the construction will be next summer ready for the opening of 2026 school year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Asher. Um board, any discussion on this item? Yes, Dr. Campbell. I'll be recusing myself from this item. Thank you, Chair. All right. Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Yes, Dr. James. >> Yeah, I just have a few questions. Um first, when we look at the attachment on page two, it indicates that the current valued at 624,734. Where does that number come from? is an estimated cost right now. Board member James, um it was 324 when it was placed into the project. That was two two and a half years ago. When you look at the
054canopy now, it's 624. But regardless of what it costs now, our commitment is the contingency and any additional cost will come from the contractor. We will not pay anything else. >> Okay. Um just trying to understand the math on it. You know me. Um, was was there going to be a return on the GMP? >> I can't. The project is still ongoing. We still have the money in contingency. It's very possible. We would not use all that contingency money, but in most projects we put contingency for unknowns. So, I cannot tell you what would be. We haven't reconciled the project but probably we would not use all the contingency if we do not build the bus canopy. Um so you can see where my heartburn comes from because if we don't know the what contingency
055would be returned to us then we are assuming that the value of the contingency returned to us is is is what is the word I'm looking for? Um we are basically letting them take up to the top of the GMP. >> Not necessarily. Now the cost for this project has it is the contingency money that we have in the project right now and the the liquidated damages. If for some reason they um come under the GMP that money will be returned to us. We are monitoring everything. So it's not that they will use their maximum GMP. In order to fund this, we're doing two sources. The liquidated damages and the contingency. If it's below the GMP for the project of 9.8 million, that money will be returned to us. >> Correct. They're not what they
056are agreeing to is not going beyond the GMP that's already been agreed upon. >> That's correct. However, we have no way to know what would be returned to us. >> Yes, we do. But well, not at this time. The project is still continuing, >> but every invoice, everything has to be reconciled. So, we will know. >> Correct. And at that point, then we would be able to better assess the evaluation for what would be returned to us plus the liquidated damages of $136,000. But at this time, we're taking a best guess that $136,000 plus whatever could be returned to us in a GMP would equal more than 377,9096. >> Oh, that is not the case. No, that is not it. >> Please explain to >> And there in the contract, there is a line amount
057for contingency that spells out the exact contingency amount. In the contract, there's a cost for the project of 9.8 million aside from the contingency. The proposal is to take that line item in the contract for a contingency, which is 2 something, and add that to the liquidated damages. It has nothing to do with the 9.8 million GMP. staff will continue monitor that GMP for the the way the scope was written without the bus canopy and we might get money back from that. The proposal here is to use the contingency which was a line item that was specified plus the liquidated damages to fund the bus canopy. Again, if we don't use the 9.8 8 million under the GMP for the gymnasium that will come back to us. We're not using that money. It's only contingency
058and liquidated damages and contingency was specific called out. Where was contingency specifically spelled out? >> I have the contract. I mean, I'm looking at the pro the thing that's been attached to this board item. >> I um the contract with it came to you in 20124 and that's a contract that I printed out that shows the contingency line. I >> I understand that. What I'm saying in this change order that we're being asked to approve tonight, >> where does it where does it specify? Because it doesn't say anything about contingency than I can find. What I see in the change order for tonight is that they will not exceed the max GMP. It doesn't mention anything unless I'm missing it. It doesn't mention anything about contingency. And so what my struggle is is if we're
059going off of what is written in this contract, then all I see in here is that in lie of paying $136,000, they are going to give us a bus canopy at 383 valued at 383. I don't know what would be the value right now. That was when we put the bus canopy in the project in 2023 2024. The estimated value today is 600 and something,000. Correct. So, I can't tell you what is the precise value of that canopy today. Well, similar to the grass and concrete that was installed at North Marion High School, which was said to be like $150,000, contractors have a a way of inflating the evaluation of the work that they owe us when we don't hold them accountable for >> and I agree with that. That's why we're holding them accountable
060and we review every item. I agree that we have to be real, monitor them closely. And this took a while before we brought it to you because we were um making sure that we have a letter of commitment from the contractor that anything above the contingency and liquidated damages will come from their source and not from the project. What I'm struggling with is I continue to hear you say the word contingency, but it's not unless I'm missing it because I just did a control F to find the word contingency in the attachment. It is not mentioned >> the agenda item. It's written in the agenda item that the >> but we're not approve what we're approving is this. Correct me if I'm wrong, but what we are approving tonight is a change order and the
061change order item does not include any word that includes the word contingency. And so all it is saying is they're we're we're not going to charge them their $136,000 and they are not going to go above the max GMP. >> No, I didn't know they will not go above the contingency plus the liquidated damages. So the question would be what what amount would we expect the contingency to be? >> When it was first put in, it was $274,000 when I reviewed the contract today. We have to make sure that we did not spend any of that and it has not decreased and we should not have spent anything. So if you take the 274 plus the 136, that's all that's going to the canopy. The 9.8 million for the gymnasium is a separate like line
062item where we get invoices and we pay those and we'll continue monitoring those. I mean, no, I'm not okay. I just it's not I don't think that the change order is written to express what you are you are saying today. >> Okay. >> And I would maintain that it should be a standard of this board to not do change orders to extend timelines and that that's how I feel about that. I don't think we should do change orders to extend timelines. Um, but I also think that the evaluation of the contingency funds plus the uh the 68 days is $377,000, which two years ago or whatever we want to say is more than the cost it was to build the canopy. So the cost to build the canopy when it was priced was less than
063that. So if we are assuming that there's been a 100% inflation, which I would find hard to believe, >> then if we go off the number, which we do have, that evaluation of the contingency and the in the 68 days is actually we're spending more money than the cost that it was predicted to be the last time that it was given to us. And I just I don't think that that's the best way to do business. So I that's that's the problem I have with it. Attorney Powers, I was looking at you. I couldn't tell if you wanted to comment or not. >> No, >> I don't think I have anything unless I'll allow other board members to the board members to >> okay >> ask any questions they have. I don't want to clarify
064things that don't need to be clarified or or contribute questions that probably aren't need don't need to be asked. If you have specific questions for Masher, you should ask them back up to anything else. >> I feel like Miss Thrower is thinking, so I'm gonna I'm just gonna ask my question. Um, is this the is this bus loop the top priority for Oyola? Is that was that their top ask for what they needed? >> It was included in their original right. I did hear you that >> and it would be good and I I um they do get a number of buses at least 11 buses at that school. So the school did not I don't know I mean certainly they would like it but I didn't ask everybody if it was a priority. It
065was part of the original scope and since we were getting liquidated damages money back and we have the contingency and certainly we would not pay more than what the invoice for the canopy is even if it's the contingency and liquidated damages. Whatever remainder would stay with the project but more than likely it will be more than the contingency and liquidated damages based on today's cost. After this conversation, is it still your recommendation to move forward with um this contract? >> I'm sorry. >> After the conversation that the board has had so far, is it still your recommendation to move forward? >> It will benefit the school and complete the project. Yes. That's why we brought it before you. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Madam Chair. >> Thank you. Nothing else. Sorry. I I apologize. For
066those of you in the office, I'm having a real little bit of a hard time reading what board members are thinking and if they want to speak. So, give us just a moment here. Yes, board member Thrower. One of the things that's on my mind is that it was written into the original project to have a bus canopy. And I can't imagine that a school would not benefit from a bus canopy. I remember distinctly at a school where I worked with only kids with extreme special needs had no bus for many many years and using two lightning rod umbrellas to try to wheel a student onto a wheelchair ramp got a little dicey and so we had to wait when it came to safety and delayed buses and we all know what delayed buses do
067to our operation. So that's the first thing that's on my mind. Second thing that's on my mind is I'm it's difficult for me to understand how there can still be so many questions after everything we've been through with building and procurement and and carrying out. Uh we had a strong group of people update our procedures. Uh so I tend to want to defer to the expert that's standing in front of me. Um but at the same time, you know, it's our job as a board, especially when it comes to finance, you know, to ask the the tough questions. So, uh that's all I have. >> Thank you, Mr. Anything further. >> Okay. All right. Um board, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? N. >> Motion passes. 41. 31. >> Oh, 31.
068I thought I forgot that Dr. Camel was abstaining. Okay, thank you for that. All right. Item um number D8.2. May I have a motion to approve grant application K through2 entitlement 2025 2026. May I have a motion? >> Thank you, Reverend Cummings. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Dr. Brewer, you have some information you want to share with us regarding this item? >> Yes, ma'am. and Miss Williams Jones is here to elaborate, but we have three items that she will speak to. Two of those are um grant applications for IDAB. The first one is in the amount of $15 million and that one is for our K12 entitlement and um she will explain what those services what that will cover. The second one will be um for IDAB preschool entitlement and that was in that one
069is in the amount of 463,000 and then the third agreement she will elaborate on is an independent contractor agreement for fiscal therapy in the amount of 95,000. Miss Williams Jones. >> Good evening superintendent Dr. Brewer, Chair Conrad, and board members. So each year we get a a budget from the Florida Department of Education which outlines for us the federal funds that will be provided to the district upon approval of our grant application. So although these funds are allocated to us as a district, we still have to submit an application every year to the Florida Department of Education for approval for our big grant, as it's called, the uh K through2 grant. That $15 million supports the majority of staff in the ESSE department, which provides supplemental services. So if you look at a breakdown of
070the budget, there are approximately 28 special needs paras that are provided in the grant. 28 behavior specialists, 14 behavior technicians, and nine administrative staff as part of this grant. So the big grant supports 265 Marian County employees who provide supplemental services and supports to students with disabilities. In addition, the big grant also supports curriculum materials, test for speech therapist, um our materials for our students who need braille, um audio equipment, and other assisted technology devices for our students with disabilities. >> Thank you very much for that explanation board. Any comments or concerns? Yes, Mr. >> Thank you. And I just have one question really. Um, and it's related to the federal funding. This is federal funding, correct? >> Yes. >> It's still all taxpayer money. Um, I'm a little bit concerned about the roll forward
071amount of over $3 million. I certainly wouldn't want the federal government to think that we have plenty of special needs pair professionals and plenty of augmentative communication and plenty of needs being met. Um, but I know that also sometimes is kept aside because there's big purchases planned, you know, the following year. So that just caught my attention. >> And so the roll forward dollars are the dollars from the grant award from the previous year that we were unspent and they have graciously allowed us to roll those into the award amount for the current year. So when you look at the allocation that was actually provided to the district, it was a little over 11 million. And then with the roll forward, that pushed that amount to the $15 million that we have for the current
072school year. Roll forward is not always guaranteed. And so when we craft our budget, we try to be careful to stay within the amount that's been awarded um minus that. So we try to build the budget so that $11 million is typically what we've had with slight increases over the last few years. So we try to make sure that the bulk of the supports that we provide fall within that realm. So however we do have big ticket purchase items for curriculum programs. Um many of them are a couple of hundred,000 for a year to be as expansive as we need them to. um opening new schools this year and prek units. I don't know if you remember what your changing tables cost, but to buy a changing table for a prek classroom is $1,200 because
073there are very specific things that we have to do, the weight that they have to hold and all of these things. So when we're looking at buying those and replacing those when we have extra money, that's really where we try to funnel that because many of our schools haven't had new changing tables um in a while. And so that's where we try to make sure that we are putting those dollars back into our schools. >> Understood. Thank you for that explanation because the the roll forward amount is important, I think, for the public to also understand, you know, the the details behind and and what you just shared so that it doesn't look like a red flag and oh well, they don't really need the money anyway because it's just sitting there. We kind of
074went through that with another issue earlier this year. So, thank you for that explanation. I really appreciate it. You're >> welcome. >> Just for clarity because sometimes I don't think the public really understands how far these grant monies go. Um, these monies go beyond just our K12 schools. They do also touch those charter schools in our district as well. Correct. >> Yes. So, the charter schools are considered Marian County public schools. So, they are entitled to the services and supports that any of our schools get. In addition to that, there are private school students who also benefit from these dollars and what's called proportionate share and so they don't get the full range of services that our Marian County students get but supplemental services and supports. We provide speech and language services for them, consultation
075for students who u may have some occupational therapy needs and this year they've also asked for additional supports with consultation for behavior needs and so we will be providing those supports to them and that's funded through our proportionate share dollars. I asked that because a lot of times um folk don't realize how much money actually goes to those those entities. They just think it's they are public schools. Thank you. >> Welcome. We appreciate you. You have more to share. >> So that was the big grant. And so for the this the small grant, the prek grant, um the services that are provided for the prek grant really look at allowing us to be able to identify those students who are aged three through five for um special services. We evaluate over 400 students every year
076to see how we can better provide those early intervention services so that they don't need as much support when they enter our public school in kindergarten. And so that is really although it seems like it's a small amount for the prek grant, the work that is done out of that grant is really powerful in terms of the impact for our families in the district. Thank you so much. Any other questions? >> Okay. >> And then um if you're going to I know you have to vote individually, but the final item um is um a physical therapy contract um for um a private provider for $95,000. Um we have seen an explosion um this year in our students who have um physical needs. We had approximately 12 new students um enroll uh in wheelchairs this year
077with various needs of support. And so our physical therapy team um really is important in ensuring that we can meet the needs of those students who have physical limitations. And now I'm done. Thank you so much, Miss Ann Williams. Forward to anything on that item. All right, we'll roll through. Um we have for idea K through 12. Um we have a first motion and a second. So we're ready to vote on those that item if there's no other discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion passes. 5. May I have a motion to approve grant application idea B preschool entitlement 2025 2026. Motion to approve. Thank you Dr. James. Have a second. Thank you Dr. Campbell. Any discussion? >> Seeing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any
078opposed? Motion passes 50. May I have a motion to approve the independent contractor agreement with Chrysalis Physical Therapy LLC. May I have a motion? >> Thank you, Re Cummings. Thank you, Miss Thrower. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. 5 Z. Okay. Thank you, board. We're now going to move on to meeting reminders. There's a special school board meeting scheduled for September 4th, 2025 at 7 a.m. >> Yes. >> Is that the one that just just got removed? >> Okay. We will have an early re-entry at that meeting. >> That's right. Okay. I believe it's just one, correct? >> Yes. I apologize for that confusion. >> Okay. So, on September 4th at 7 a.m., we will have one early. Okay. Thank you. Uh the next administrative
079briefing and work session is scheduled for September 4th at 9:00 a.m. There will be a special school board meeting on September 9th at 5:01 p.m. to adopt the final budget. And the reg next regular school board meeting is scheduled for September 9th at 5:30 p.m. We'll now move in u move on to board comments. Miss Martinez Young. No matter Thank you, Attorney Powers. >> Nothing legal. Thank you. >> Okay. And our school representatives have been waiting so patiently all night. So we are ready to hear from you all. We'll start with you. >> Yes, ma'am. I just wanted to start by thanking the board and my principal for choosing me to represent Mangard High School. It's an honor. Um, I've been talking to some of my friends and classmates this week about what they wanted
080me to bring to your attention and I just wanted to mention three things quickly. Um, two of them were about the dress code. So, many people are particularly girls are kind of like they feel like it's unfair like kind of how Dr. James mentioned that people who are tall or have more of a full figure kind of get like called out more than girls who are shorter and have more of like a straight figure for with um like mid thigh jeans or mid thigh shorts and skirts and like rips in the jeans. And I just think that dress code is too restrictive in that sense because it's kind of impossible for girls who are tall or have a fuller figure to find shorts and and like a place like Florida where it's very hot. I
081just think it's a little bit too restrictive to require girls to kind of basically only wear pants because it's pretty impossible to find shorts and I am tall so I'm speaking from experience here. And another issue that was brought to my attention was tank tops. I personally don't see how tank tops are inappropriate for school. I think it's very hot in Florida and I just don't like I just don't really see those as inappropriate personally. I think they can be if you have like a lot of cleavage showing, but I think there could be rules against that, not tank tops in general because I think if you have like a high cut tank top, I just don't see how that's any more inappropriate than a regular shirt with sleeves, especially in a place like Florida
082where it can get very hot in the spring and summer months. And then one more thing, moving on from dress code, another thing that was brought to my attention is um another clause that people think should be added to the self-defense section of the um the code of student conduct. Many people think that self-defense should also include the defense of others because they think it's unfair that if two people are fighting and one person is I mean clearly losing to the point where they can they're at risk of serious injury. They think it's unfair for like requiring students to sit by and watch and wait for a teacher to break up the fight when like they I mean obviously you can't start punching another student, but to kind of try to pull people apart. You
083can face potential expulsion if you try to separate two students from a fight. And people I mean people think that's unfair of a student's clearly losing to have to require students who might be friends with the student that's being hurt to kind of sit there and just watch that happen and not do anything. But that's all I have to say. I have no more comments. Thank you guys. Thank you very much. Um, we appreciate your input for sure. Uh, I'm not sure you say your last name for me again. >> Okay, we'd love to hear from you next. >> Um, yes. I just want to thank the board so much for having me here. I feel like this meeting was very informative and just seeing how things work um, behind the scenes. I don't have
084anything prepared, any issues or anything. That's all I wanted to say. Well, thank you and we're we're super glad that you were able to join us this evening. So, thank you both for taking time out of your very busy schedules to be with us this evening. With that, I'll go on to Campbell. Are you ready? >> Sure. Thank you. And as we've already said, welcome to our student board representatives. I'm super grateful for the opportunity that Marian County Public Schools and our school board have given our students to have a voice at this table because I think it really matters immensely. And I I personally believe it it can model what other districts around the state need to be doing as well. To Miss Slaughter's point about the dress code as well as the code
085of student conduct, I don't know that we've ever actually had students sit on that committee. So, I think that that might be an opportunity for us and whether they are students that are chosen from the student board representatives because their principles have already chosen them or however that works. I mean, we know we'll already have seven chosen that way. Maybe they can rotate. I know those code of student conduct meetings are are pretty difficult and long and all, but um just hearing student feedback is helpful as we're making these decisions. And obviously, we just approved it tonight. So, what's in there for this year is in there for this year, but for next year and and subsequent times, I think it might be beneficial for us to consider student voice in that process. um board.
086My main thing this evening, first of all, I wanted to make sure and just remind you September 9th that I will not be present. I'll be in Washington DC uh hopefully meeting with our US representatives and senators. Uh but um I did want to bring to your attention, I know that you all have the calendar invite that we have uh state repres or not, yeah, state representative uh meeting tomorrow. So that'll be our fourth legislator that we're meeting with and we have another one set up for September and then another one. I'm still working on the frame to get all of our delegates in. I do have some recommendations potentially if we would like to go ahead and change the little pocket guide before our meeting tomorrow. And I know that we have this on
087our agenda on September 4th to continue talking about, but I just wanted to bring forth what my recommendations are. If we want to talk about it tonight, great. If not, moving on. Uh but obviously separating our first two options. So the first option would be amend 3. 26 subsection one subsection B allowing school districts to initiate chronic absenteeism strategies immediately upon the 10th student absence. I have spoken to Rep. Booth. Um she is intending to most likely file the exact same language she had before. So I'll be talking to Senator Mlan's office about potentially mirroring that language so we might be able to move it on. Uh and she was grateful to have the conversation. We will know more after the first week of September. That's whenever they start having those conversations. Um but then
088my recommendation so we originally had that including the changing the um compulsory age from 5 to 16 and making five years by five years by the first day of school at any district is kind of what I was thinking. Um but in having multiple conversations I'm curious if the board would have an appetite for actually just taking that out. And what I think we would want to do is revise rule 6A-1 9512 for kindergarten to also meet the 720 net instructional hours. Currently, the way that rule reads is that um first through uh third grade, and I'm trying to get it in front of me. I have so many things. First through third grade are 720 net instructional hours. Grades four through 12 are 900 net instructional hours, but kindergarten is only 540 instructional hours.
089I think that's where our hold up is more having 5-year-olds in kindergarten classrooms. I think if we moved kindergarten to also the same net instructional hours, then it would be able to hold those kindergarters accountable for attendance the same way. VPK is obviously still at that 540. So that's only three hours a day, 180 days. Um, but I I think this hasn't been touched since 1980. So I think that it's time for us to consider that. If we don't want to go in that direction, we want to stick it with still 5 to is compulsory age that's fine but I just wanted to propose that as an option that potentially that rule change would get us headed in the right direction. Um let me go on with the other ones and that if we want
090to continue conversation great. Um obviously we'll continue our safe schools allocation recommendation to match the rising cost of providing and maintaining safe schools. Uh also the last one to allocate funds for MCPS's innovative career and technical education appropriation request that we sort of have an what that's going to be. But um the other two that I wanted to potentially recommend as adjustments to what we had uh is to and this is after research and finding what it actually is. Modify statute 103.57 removing gifted education from that statute and create a new statute for gifted education services that include definition educational plan identification standards and funding. I believe after researching what other states have, Pennsylvania, Colorado, there are others that have completely removed gifted education out of their ESE statute and if we did that and
091created a separate statute specific for gifted education, then we could approach all the other things that we want to do with gifted education. Um, so that's another one. And then the last one on the FEFP after reviewing a lot more of that um adjust the FEFP transportation categorical rurality index to increase funding for districts larger than 1500 square miles and more than 40,000 enrolled students. So I think all of those things will capture and I can give you those numbers again if you want them. We can talk about this on September 4th. But I just wanted since we do have another legislator meeting tomorrow and we're meeting today, I wanted us to publicly have some conversations so we're all on the same page whenever we enter that room tomorrow with Rep. Gentry. So with that,
092that's what I had for you board. Uh it's been a great first couple of weeks of school starting and I don't know if anybody wants to have conversation on the legislative platform agenda items uh ahead of our meeting tomorrow. Anybody have anything they'd like to add to Dr. Campbell's commentary? >> I I mean I have thoughts on some of the things that she shared mostly in agreement with them. I think though that like digging into the meat and potatoes tonight is not necessarily probably the best decision personally. Um I think the 540 is because they used to nap in kindergarten and they don't anymore. Uh but I don't think you're going to get an attendance. I don't think it's going to solve that problem just by saying you need 720 seats. We're already doing that
093because we don't app anymore. So that's just a really like a I think that's kind of fixing something in language, but we're already meeting the minutes because we don't nap. So um I I just think getting into it tonight is probably that you've mentioned a lot. So I think digging into it tonight is a is a bit much for me personally, but if it's the pleasure of the board, I'll certainly entertain it. Thank you. And and I have to say I would tend to agree there's a lot to unpack here, but I love what you said about the transportation rurality index. That's something that'll resonate. I can get behind that. You know, that seems pretty easy. Um the allocation I love about how breaking out gifted long overdue. Um, but the the fact that compulsory
094attendance has not been addressed since 1980, we have a golden opportunity here. And I keep reverting back to our neighbors to the north. They're at five unexcused absences when they begin to initiate truency. It's that important. We're spending a lot of money. Um, so I would like to see some more refinement and more discussion um from from the board on that. And also since we did hear from one of our legislators that what might make parents feel more comfortable is knowing that five years old is could still potentially be voluntary even though they're getting a gap year but hopefully they'll get enrolled somewhere if if not in our school system so that they don't miss instruction. But we have seven year olds starting school. I can think of two examples of one of my already
095never been in school. And let me tell you something, these kids have needs, real deep needs. And and so I just look at the children and it's unfair to them. You know, they're already starting so far behind the eightball. So we we do need more conversation I think about attendance because it's our golden opportunity to strike while the iron's hot and I think we're on the right track and maybe that's what we can share at our upcoming meeting. You know we've got pretty solid on a couple of the items and then the other one we know how important it is to get it right you know so many years later to reflect today's times. Thank you uh board member Campbell for your research. >> Thank you Dr. Campbell for those um for that deep dive
096into some of those areas. Um I agree. I think we do need to go ahead and look at the compulsory attendance and I do definitely think uh the gifted should have been pulled out years ago. Um so I'm on board with it. Um if you need to make those adjustments from my point of my seat, make the adjustments because I think it's just going to make our our legislative platform a little bit stronger. Thank you, Reverend Cummings. Um, Dr. Kibble, I'm I'm feeling like at least um we we've come to agreeance on four items that we the board seems to want to have some more conversation about attendance. Um, and I know I know we've had discussion that we know they need to be separated. We haven't solidified what that needs to be, but I
097I do feel like we're we're moving the mark. We're getting closer to the finish line. So um the adjustments if we we want to make to our last four um and then we'll wait to discuss attendance a little bit further. >> Okay. So so chair I can do one of two things. Certainly I can send what I have typed here and send them to attorney powers and him send them to all of you and we can go with that or we can go ahead and make a decision right now and I can combine the information we had before as so we have the first bullet like we always had before and then we pull out the second part that would be to revise rule 6A-1 for kindergarten to also meet 720 net instructional hours and
098revise one3.21 to school ages 5 through 16 and subsection all that to be five years by the first day of school in any school district in any school year because we also want to get out the September 1st. So I mean if we want to come to an agreement on that tonight because it basically includes exactly what we've already agreed upon then we can make changes to it potentially in Mr. Christian's office and we can have something new to take with us tomorrow. But if we want to have more conversation about it on September 4th and not do that for tomorrow, then then that's fine with me. I I can go either way. >> I I I feel like we were in agreeance um that we knew we agreed that they want needed to be
099separated. We didn't agree exactly what it needs to say yet, but so I personally am okay if you want to go ahead and separate um the top item board. >> Yes. >> And and basically presented as a as a updated draft, you know, that we're still refining. >> It's a work in progress. >> Yes. It'll help, but it'll help us get there. >> And our legislator said, "We have time." >> Like, we have time. We're ahead of the game a little bit. So, >> and we'll talk about it more on September 4th, but if we could get something that's revised from what we already have, just based on the conversations we've already had with our three legislators, getting something that's revised in the fourth legislator's hand, I think, will be helpful. So, we're a little
100more concrete on what we're asking for. >> Yes. >> I just I want to um Are you asking Mr. this done before our meeting tomorrow. >> It's I have the language. It's just inserting it into I think his office can probably get it done before I can pick them up on our We're just going like we can pick them up by 2:30. I mean I think they might Dr. Brewer certainly I'm not telling your staff what to do but >> they're they're saying yes they can do it. So thank you. We're sort of expecting >> and backup plan if if something happens and that doesn't happen, Attorney Powers can send it out to us. So, we'll have a a backup plan. Okay. >> Thank you both. >> Thanks. Speaking of being very specific and recognizing
101that this hasn't really been looked at this deeply since 1980, can the board come to consensus that 10 unexcused absences before doing anything is way too many with 180 days in the school year and there's already statute langage of higher performing districts in other states, much higher performing states that go with the five. I mean, maybe they'll they'll choose to keep it at 10, but considering our problem, I mean, 16% chronic in truency is what high performing districts have and where we still over 30. board member, I completely agree with you and believe that 10 is too high. However, I believe what we need to do this session is to get the bill passed. We know it passed through the House and then we need it to pass through the Senate. Let's get the bill
102passed and then in the next session adjust the actual days at that point because right now it's 10 in every 90 days. So, let's get it to 10 where it's not that rolling 90 and then let's revise it again. That would be my recommendation just because it's easier. >> I I disagree. I think you asked for it up front. >> Okay. >> Have not because you asked not. Go ahead and get it while you can get it. If you can get it and and let them tell us yes or no. >> That's where I'm at with that. >> M bring the data. We have a meeting if you you've already researched. I know you've spent actually I don't I don't mean to say that lightly. You have spent a lot of time researching. Um You
103know, we have data to support what we're asking. >> We need to get our chronics down to 16% or less. We want to be >> I can revise it down to fifth student absence if we have >> unexcused by the way families all listening in unexcused. >> Okay. Do you feel comfortable with that? >> That's fine. I'll change it. >> Okay. Did you have anything else you wanted to share with us, Dr. I don't believe so. Just looking forward to the additional conversations we're going to have on that. >> All right. Thank you. Um Dr. Brewer, I'm going to hop back to you because I I usually do you after. So I missed you. >> It's okay. It's good timing because I want to speak about attendance. >> Okay, great. >> Since you just spoke
104about it, um this week we were able to recognize two of our schools for their for exceeding the attendance for their school and the district. So we were re and um several board members were able to join us at 8th Street Elementary and Forest High School. So that was um that was an exciting time to recognize them. It is for their last year's effort, but it's still still nice celebrating them. This year's theme, our attendance awareness campaign is here today ready for tomorrow. So, I think that's important that we continue to remind our families what the attendance um awareness campaign is as we continue to discuss also that it's one of our three prongs to ensure that all of our students succeed. And um as I've shared before and I'll probably continue to share, it's
105attendance and then identifying early looking at early warning indicators in our high quality instruction. So, it's it is a priority and we just are appreciative that um our board members are taking that the legislative priorities. So, we know our students will benefit. Have two upcoming dates to share with you. Our families um will all many of our juniors and seniors mainly will be at CF on Wednesday for the annual career and colleges expo. If you have never attended, you need to be patient when you're coming into the parking lot. It is very crowded. It's a well attended event. a ton of great opportunities from our military branches to even employers and universities, technical colleges are there to provide families with good information. So, it's a great event and many of our high schools give incentives
106for students that show up. So, there's a check registration desk at the front and they're able to show what school they're attending. So, are you two going? There you go. And um we also have another cohort of our leadership MCPS beginning taking place this Friday. The first session does take place at Westport High School. And um we're looking forward to just another great series of those participants. And that's all the um announcements and information I have for you this evening. >> All right. Thank you so much, Dr. Brewer. Um Dr. James, >> thank you. Um I will be brief. I wanted to start by recognizing all of the community partners that have supported the work with the backpack initiative. It is always tremendous um going to Gil Logistics and stuffing backpacks. You see so many
107community partners who are giving of their Saturday time to be present and really commit to helping every student. Um Cher Conrad said it right. Start the year with dignity. Um, students are not having to wonder where they are going to get their supplies from or how they can look like their peers to ensure that they look prepared for the school year. And it is always so heartwarming to see so many community partners who are just willing to show up. They're willing to donate their time, their effort. They're willing to donate financially to buy the supplies. Um, and really truly the work of some of the community partners here today really demonstrates the commitment to helping every student succeed in Marian County. Um, I wanted to also acknowledge Miss Bosan Ellis. Uh, this being her last
108meeting. Uh, I was I had asked some questions about your tenure and and how long you had been essentially in charge of the money. Uh, and comparison to your career here in Marian County because as long as I can remember with my time with Marian County, Miss Boston has been in charge of the money. And so, um, you have offered such tremendous leadership in Marian County Public Schools and you are a true treasure and I hope that you will find your way to another avenue whether that's through being a takes stock mentor um or just finding a way to continue to be a part of our family because you will forever be a part of our family here and um your leadership will be missed. I had got to have my one-on-one with our new
109CFO today. Uh, and I'm really looking forward to growing that partnership and friendship as we um step into this new season. Uh, I was sharing today with Mr. Welsh. Um, it looks different now than it did three years ago when I got onto the board. There has been some pretty significant changes throughout the district and I think that we are kind of opening this new chapter uh as a as a district leadership team, as we're opening new schools and we're continuing to grow and and eb and flow with those leadership and growth pains as they change. Um I'm really excited to see where the next three to five years take us as a district as we kind of transform into a new season. So I just wanted to thank you for your leadership. Um I
110I think that Dr. Campbell's idea of having student representatives on the dress uh not dress code committee. We could call it that on the um code of conduct uh problem solving committee I think would be helpful. Um like I have said before I think that there are every leader every teacher looks at dress code a little bit differently and that is not helpful for students or parents when certain teachers or administrators see things one way and others see it another way. And so I think there is still room to grow specifically in dress code, but you highlighted other areas as well that have been a passion of Dr. Campbell's as well that we need to continue to talk through and try to figure out the best way to approach it. I will say that um
111coming from the high school experience, it is really hard for male administrators to address female dress code issues and especially in any day and age, but especially in today's day and age. And so when there is not clear guidelines, it makes it very uncomfortable for things to be addressed. And so we just really have to continue to problem solve as a community and a committee on how we're going to make sure that students show up for school and are not a distraction because a tank top on one student looks different than a tank top on another student and based on their body size. And um I think we have to problem solve how we can make it equitable for all students. I hear your complaint and I completely I I really for the most part
112completely agree with it and I think we just have to find up the right language so that it can be enforced by all people in all places. Um we are wrapping up week three of school and it's already going to be September. It's hard to believe early release day tomorrow. So everyone remember two hours early and then no school on Monday. Uh and it's crazy We've already gotten to our first early release day and we're already to our first holiday and it's going to be September and then it's Halloween Christmas and then we're graduation. So, um it goes by so quick and I'm grateful to be a part of the journey. And that's all I got for tonight. >> Thank you very much, Dr. James, Reverend Cummings. >> Good evening. Uh be try to be
113as brief as I could be tonight. I do as well thank the community partners that showed up tonight. We You did say it right. chair about these kids that may have needs and they're able to attend school on the first day um with dignity and um they're able to hold their heads up knowing that they're able to walk in that classroom with the things that they need to be successful in that school year. That can be disheartening for a kid that may not have those things or parents who can't afford it or whatever the reason is. So, I thank our community partners for making sure that all our kids got to go to school well prepared and with their heads held up in that aspect. I do want to also welcome our student board representatives.
114Uh I I listen to their comments. I listen to Miss L's um comments on the student code of student conduct as well as about the dress code. I kind of hear a defense lawyer in there somewhere or something. Uh but uh I I love the one of the things that you brought up about that code of conduct is that self-defense and that's one that I've been fighting since I've been on because u this board will tell you I'm a very I believe that you should be able to have a remedy to things of such. So, I love the idea of uh of uh having a student or having students represented on that code of conduct committee. I think you need to hear that voice and that perspective when we're making that decision for the student
115code of conduct. So, I welcome both you guys and look forward to when your your round comes back again to hear more what you have to say concerning that. Um my My final thing is is to Miss Boston Ellis. This is this is this is a a great moment for Miss Boston, but it's a hard moment for us as a district because you have been one of those people that have made a difference in our in our in our school system. I was writing down things and trying to not write a sermon, not not write a sermonet or anything like that, but just just reflecting back on what you have been to me as a board member, but also what you have been to this district for so many many years and I kept coming
116up with the word as a compassionate leader. Compassionate leadership and that's what you have. That's what you are. You've been a compassionate leader because you have that that uncommon blend of wisdom, integrity, and the ability to to be compassionate at the same time. And and you've done it with with grace. You've done it with grace. Your people that have worked for you, under you, with you, around you, all say the same thing. you have that grace and that style that has made them want to do better, to want to be at the table, to want to do the right thing for the right reasons at the right times. So, I I just want to applaud you, Miss Boston. You're leaving us, but I hope you don't go too far. Hope you always a phone call
117away, so text away. Not going to tell you how to spend your retirement. Do do what? Do what I'm not going to tell you what to do in your retirement. Whatever you decide to do, you earned it. You well earned it because dealing with um Marian County, I'm sure, has been tough, but you've done it in such a way that you have positively impacted our community. You have left a legacy of uh of commitment and real integrity. Um that's why your your people that were behind you were crying. I understand the tears because they're losing they're not just losing a boss, they're losing a friend, they're losing a mentor, they're losing someone that has really impacted their careers that's going to make an impact in their careers for years to come. So, Miss Bos well
118earned retirement, welld deserved. We're going to miss you. There'll never be another TV. Thank you for your service. Thank you very much, Miss Thrower. >> I know. I'll say what I have to say and then save the best for last. Um, yes. Thanks again to our community partners. I I always say, you know, when it comes to hurricane and school supplies, this community comes together. You know, all of a sudden, any of the other drama and junk just falls by the wayside. Everybody's just working hard and well together. And then Once that passes, it's like game on again. So, uh, anyway, I look forward to, as Mr. Alabello said, you know, just forgetting how to hate and, um, continuing those same good feelings as as much more as we possibly can. And we certainly have
119been beating the attendance drum loud and clear. And I wanted to thank Mr. Christian. you know, whenever I get those reminders of the early releases, you know, they're they're so professional and straightforward, and the only thing I would ask you to add to that is that it is an early release, not a day off. >> Uh, yes. And and I know there was a time when our early release days, our attendance would would dip a little lower. So, any little reminder that goes out in the in the um big text or text call and text and calls would I think be helpful. Um, and thank you, um, board member James for conveying that sense of urgency, you know, saying there's only 180 days in the school year and and they go by really fast. And
120our great new student board representatives, you're both seniors, right? Are you already feeling it? >> Yeah. Yeah. It really does go by fast. But we're continue to be so grateful for having you on board. And I'm going to say that now because well, I guess next year you will have graduated, but you'll probably keep, you know, keeping in touch and and I love the suggestion about the student representatives on the code of student conduct. They may not like me that much at the beginning because I'm a bit of a keragin when it comes to that. I'm kind of like, we just don't have time for this junk. You know, nobody needs to be sitting in an office for two periods about their their clothing and I would just soon have everybody go to uniforms. Um,
121you know, if it's if it's not too hot for our people that are in ROC, then it's not too hot for anybody else. That's how I look at it and there's plenty of time when people aren't in school to, you know, dress how they want to be and all that kind of stuff. So, uh, it'll be it'll be a fun conversation because people have deep feelings, you know, about what they wear and why they wear what they wear and and what messages they're conveying. So, but but you have to welcome those conversations. You can't be afraid of them. And so, I'm I'm looking forward to it. actually volunteer to be the board member right now. Load up your arrows because I'm sure I'll get um then my next thing is is that you know we
122work so hard to try to make sure that students and families understand the opportunities that we have and as student board members you know we've heard everything that you're accomplishing. So, you have certainly been taking advantage and availing yourself of the opportunities and and matching your passion and and interests, you know, and hopefully that helps your attendance and keeps you coming to school. And I just had a real life opportunity today. I'm sure you'll see it on Facebook when I get a chance to post the pictures, but where I ride at Windham Hill Farm, the blacksmith happened to be there today. And there was a young man that graduated recently from Westport High School and he is his prerex at CF, but he's also apprenticing as a blacksmith, you know, assure of horses. And so
123to me, that was just proof proof in the in the hay barn that college and and vocational are not separate. You know, they they can be blended. There's just so many ways uh to get a great education. And there's plenty of adults out there that are willing to take students under their wing and and give them an opportunity. So, check my Facebook page later if you want. And then finally, um, TBE, I remember when Mr. Barrett retired and and you came on and I remember that it really was almost like a swearing in because Mr. Barrett was with us for quite a while, too. And at least that's what I remember. And my prayer for you is that you just take the time to do more of what you've wanted to do because you just
124haven't had the time to because you were really wanting to do this, you know, to to serve in your job and in your capacity as hands down the best CFO in the state and in the nation and probably in the world. And I can just from a number of decades of experience um working with you and agonizing with you and going through audits with you and and your team and uh you gently at times saying you know I know you're advocating for your schools Nancy but is this really something you know does it really have to come from general fund you know kind of thing how how much of an urgency is this so not everyone has that gift of just incredible diplomacy and and and empathy. And so I'm really um going to miss
125you. And and when I think about our school board, when we read our commitment statement, you know, that we will leave a legacy of success. You are leaving a legacy of success. We're not only financially solvent through all of these years, but we have healthy reserves. We are admired for our fiscal responsibility. And that kind of legacy is is something to to truly be proud of. And I certainly could not be more proud to have had the opportunity to work with you. So, I know I'll see you in the community hopefully singing in church. Hopefully, you'll be doing more of that. I I love that. and um just know that you're so loved and so appreciated. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss >> Thrower. I got to add something not to that but to something
126she said. Um talk about the uniforms. >> Really start discussing this. >> No, it just it just dropped my mind. Most you know this was Forest High School and We were talking about shorts and all that kind of stuff. >> We couldn't wear shorts in school. We weren't allowed to wear shorts in school. >> I went here, too. >> Exactly. I didn't wear shorts until I got to college. So, so for us, we made a big turn to where we are talking about dress. >> Kind of dating ourselves. >> Yeah, we're dating ourselves. So, y'all looking at old folks on the board. >> Well, the millennials would like to be able to wear shorts. I'm just saying. >> I'm not against I'm not against shorts. I'm just saying in high school that wasn't even the
127conversation. This is gonna be I'm really >> Okay. >> A debate, a healthy debate. >> Yeah. >> Let's go. >> Okay. Um when I always go I always go last um as a courteous to my courtesy to my fellow board members, but um they've shared a lot of the things that I I wanted to share um this evening. So I don't want to be repetitive. So I'll share the things that are left on my list um that we haven't talked about. Earlier this week, I had several phone calls from friends whose air conditionings were not working and they were not happy. You know, it's just so hot and some of our rooms are so old. So, I happened to run into Miss Usher. Oh, we were at actually Miss Boston at your retirement party and
128we were talking work. Imagine that. And so she just shared with me a a statistic from this week that in three days we had 500 work orders for air conditioning conditioning. And so I just wanted to give a shout out um Miss Usher to your team um and to Mr. Duncan who you shared you talked to him one evening around 11:30 at night and he was leaving a school and he called you the next morning at 5:30 and he was out of school. Um, and so I just share, um, our teams are committed to doing the best job that they can with the staff that they can. Um, and those of you that may not have air conditioning yet, I just can honestly say we're working as hard as we can. Um, we know it's
129miserable and and we want you to be comfortable and have the best working environment um that you can. So, I just I wanted to give a shout out um to that team. I also wanted to share that we're still in need of two business partners. So, at the public education foundation this morning, we're looking for two business partners for two schools. All the rest are covered. So, if you happen to know um a business owner that might be interested in sponsoring a school um reach out to Megan Magal, you're welcome to call myself and we'll help get that lined up. >> Do you know which schools it is? >> Um I believe it is Maplewood and Belleview Santos. >> All right. I like it. I'm hearing some action already right here from the side. Um
130I wanted to also share that thank a teacher um is about to kick off again. So um if you're not on the public ed foundation Facebook page um that QR code will be on there for you to share um as we um well we're already into the new school year but as we move into um this school year. Um it's a great program. Looking forward to see what comes next with that. And my Last thing is also can't skip this, but um just my appreciation for Miss Boston Ellison. Miss Boston Ellis, I'm just going to confess I'm not going to say very much because I've already teary eyed this morning this first thing in our meeting. Um I just appreciate your work ethic and your honesty and your patience just with me. Not even not
131even I don't even know what else all you have to deal with. Um, but as a board member, um, if I had a difficult question, I could come to you and I knew that you would always give me an honest answer. And it may not have been the answer I wanted to hear, but um, you were able to kindly and respectfully explain or share reasoning. Um, you know, how things what we had, what we didn't have, what we could do, we can't do. And I just want to tell you how much I appreciate all the time and energy um that you put into Marian County um giving our students, helping our students get the best education possible with what we're able to give them. So I'm going to leave it at that. I'm going to
132miss you and I hope I do run into you at church singing very soon. With that, we are winding up. May I have a motion to adjourn our meeting? >> Thank you, Miss Thrower and Reverend Cummings. All those in favor say I. >> I. Motion passes and our meeting is adjourned at 7:40. Thank you, board.