001Good afternoon. Today is Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, and the time is 4:32 p.m. And at this time, I'm calling to order the school board meeting for Valuchia County Schools. Today, in just a moment, I'm going to ask each and every one of you to stand to join us for the pledge of allegiance, followed by the national anthem, and then we will remain standing for a moment of silence. We are fortunate, this lovely group of individuals behind me are from University High. They're an ensemble of students under the direction of our Titan choir director, Mr. Jonathan Anderson. And I will tell you, I had the fortune to go see a lot of them perform recently at um University High, but they're going to do two things for us today. They're actually going to lead us in
002the pledge, and then they're going to sing the national anthem. So, we get double from them. So, at this time, will you please join me in standing? 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. [Music] Say by the dawn early light. What proud we at the twilight lasting. Whose brush stripes and bright stars through the peril fight. For the ramparts we watch were so gallently streaming and the rockets [Applause] reds bursting in gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled B [Applause] way for the land of the free and the home of [Music] Oh, this time we'll have a moment of silence. Thank you.
003You may be seated. And as they're exiting, let's give them another round of applause. believe I heard a few of them graduated last Saturday night and returned to help out with this today. At this time, I'd like to take a moment to introduce the people that are here with me. Um, for any of you that are here in the audience, in the overflow area or listening from home. So, I'm going to start over here on my far left. I have Mrs. Donna Brober representing district 4. Next to her, I have Mrs. Christa Goodrich representing district 2. Then I have Dr. Gilbert Evans who is our schoolboard attorney. Over to my far right I have Miss Celeste Gilmore, our agency clerk. She's the one that keeps everything straight for all of us. Then we have Mrs.
004Jesse Thompson representing district three. On the phone um this evening we have Mr. Ruben Clone, our vice chair, representing district 5. Greetings. Thank you. Then we have Dr. Carmen Balgaban, our superintendent, and I am Miss Jamie Haynes, and I represent district 1, and I'm your chairman at this time. Items for approval on this agenda are items 1.03, 2.02, 5.01, 7.02, and 19.01 through 19.04. Public participation times prior to us um voting on the consent agenda, we'll have a public participation. So, if you wish to speak about anything on the consent agenda, you just have to um Mr. Lung Green's over here on the far wall. There's a green card to fill out and put the item number you wish to speak about. Then, ideally at 6:00 p.m., we have 15 minutes allotted for items of
005general interest pertaining to public education in Valuchia County. Then, time will be provided for public comment on any action item before a board vote is called on that item. Those items tonight are 19.01 through 19.04. Then at the end of our meeting, time is provided for public comments of for items of general interest pertaining once again to any public education pieces in Valuchia County before we as board members, the superintendent, and or attorney discuss anything or make announcements. So you have four opportunities in which to speak. Um, so a yellow card if you're doing general interest, a green card if you're doing any specific items. We're now moving on to item 1.02, our district vision statement and board member comments. We're here to create lifelong learners prepared for an everchanging global society. I would like
006to um ask if there's any board member at this time that wants to share anything. Miss Thompson. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you everyone who's here, especially if you had anyone graduating in the past week because I think I speak for many of us. I'm still exhausted, but it was fantastic. The graduations were all beautiful and wonderful and there were so many inspirational speakers that were great. So, I think that was a huge part, but I also did want to mention, I'm not going to take up everything because I think Madam Chair wants to mention some things, but she and I along with our superintendent went to the Project Search graduation at Halifax. And how many were there 20 students? 18. 18 and just to hear, you know, all of them come up and
007speak and see how much they've blossomed and hear from their parents how much they've grown in their time there. It's it too is very inspiring and it just melts your heart and makes you cry a little bit. But, uh, that was a great graduation to go to along with all the others. So, thank you everyone for wrapping up the year on such a wonderful note. And for everyone who attended graduations or helped put together graduations or graduated, congratulations and thank you all. Mrs. Bros. Uh, thank you. I um I too am exhausted and uh and had a wonderful time. And I there are some things I I would like to comment about uh the graduation, but I'm going to save that for the end because I um I also wanted to mention that I visited
008the juvenile justice facility and um and toured it. Uh it's very high security. makes the airports look like slackers. Um the they repeatedly said how grateful they are for the support of the district in um in bringing in educating the kids who were there. Uh but in particular they I promised I would mention this. Uh they they said that they would consider it really special if principles toured their facility. They said they thought it would help them understand some of their some of the students in their schools. So I promised I would I would bring that up. Um, I asked them how many homeless kids they might have. Uh, they might be housing and they said it's hard to tell because the kids don't necessarily consider themselves to be homeless. So, they don't identify that
009way if they're couch surfing or they're staying in a motel with with their parents. Um and and so I I found that to be um also significant because um I was told that a lot of times they don't tell the kids when they're going to be released because if they do uh they act out so that they can stay and that was really sobering. uh they talked also about the kind of the holes in the state support for their functions and the opportunities that the public has to be helpful. And so I wanted to mention a few of those. Um they have an Amazon wish list and you can just pick items off of the w wish list and and send those um snacks and and supplies and and that kind of thing that they
010need. Um the board for wings of success uh could use more members and so that's an opportunity to serve. Uh we can sponsor events and they also encouraged mentorship and that this is not a a commitment of a certain number of hours a month or anything like that. It's anytime you have the opportunity to go and speak with one or more of of the the kids there. um they appreciate when someone will listen. And so anyway, I just I it was a a very informative um tour and experience and I wanted to make sure I shared it because a lot of our kids are in that facility. So that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Gilmore. It's for Mr. Cologne. Mr. Cologne, it's your turn. Hello everyone and again, thank you to everyone
011who made it possible for me to be able to attend remotely. Um, graduations were amazing. I want to give a shout out to uh Mike uh to our communications team who was out there uh capturing those beautiful moments and did an amazing job doing so. Um uh to Mr. Malliff's team again uh to uh chief who uh oversaw the safety and security uh ensuring that our parents and students can get in safely. This year, uh, we added the, uh, metal detector checks where, uh, in the past it was just a quick visual inspection of a bag. And so it was definitely a more, uh, secure, uh, situation, um, celebration, we'll call it. Uh, and so, uh, I just want to say thank you because I know that it took an amazing amount of folks, uh,
012to to put on, uh, the perfect day for our students because they certainly have earned, uh, that day. So, um, and before that day came, uh, we had all of our senior events, all of our awards, and you know, one of the things that, uh, we don't get to see, uh, together is all of the community partners that come together to support our students uh, by issuing uh, scholarships and, uh, and investing in in in these students and our students and this generation. Uh and so uh to all of the uh schools that uh made the end of the school year super special for our students with the events and all of that, you know, that does not go unnoticed and those are memories that our students won't ever uh forget. So I I guess
013what I wanted to say in short, which took me a long time, was thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That was it. Okay, Mrs. Goodrich. Um, I agree with what Donna said about the um, Department of Juvenile Justice event. Phenomenal. And they even took your car keys. I mean, it was it was very, very secure, but lots of opportunities there for the community to volunteer. Don't be afraid to step up and serve. Um, we need all the help we can get out there, so please step up. I was sadly, and I'm I'm still sad about it, not able to attend the Project Search graduation. um because that day I actually got to go to Pulk County and tour the facility that was built in Pulk County that was built by um one of
014the groups that's wanting to build for us and that's been mentioned in some of our board meetings. And so in order to be knowledgeable about it, I thought it was very important that I go down and check out the facility and learn about how things uh worked out for Pulk County Schools. So I appreciate the superintendent of Pulk County uh taking the time to give a tour to me. And then lastly, our graduations. So, I think I teared up at every single one. Miss Thompson was sitting next to me and I'd just look over and just tears in my eyes at everyone of pride because we graduated. It's my first year being on this board as everyone knows, but a fabulous class of 2025. There are some incredibly talented, smart, kind, wonderful people that walked
015across that stage. and to stand there right before they walk across the stage, the look on their face, the pride that they felt to just be able to be a part of that moment in their life is something I will hold on to for the rest of mine. So, it was very special. Thank you, Mr. Goodrich. So, um, we've already shared a lot of the things and I want to say thank you to all the parents that were supportive of their children that also helped get them across that stage because we can't do it alone. We have excellent teachers that are working with them and administrators. We have community members that come in to mentor, but it takes that parent component to help them also make their way across that stage. So, I want to
016say thank you to all the parents and I too attended a lot of events. Um it's hard to believe since the last time we were in here how much has happened from senior awards to FFA banquetss also like our volunteer partner of the year um was named and I couldn't be at that because I was at the day in May at Pearson Elementary and if you have never been to a day in May it's every year a unique experience that they do for their fifth graders and it's just a long-standing tradition but every graduation even though they standardize a lot of things. Each school brings their own culture and they bring their own, you know, way of how they react or what they want to do, their colors that they have and things like that.
017But each and every one of them is unique and it is hard. It's so hard to sit on that stage, especially when the students are speaking and you hear their stories and you hear a story from a young lady that came to America so that she could have the opportunities and she tells the story of walking in and not speaking any English and yet learning English and she was a saludiatoran of her class. And so in a short period of time, she accomplished that. And hearing her story and hearing even the paths that other students took. Everybody didn't follow the same path to get to that graduation. And they don't have to because we have so many opportunities here that are available. And I just appreciate all of our staff, no matter what role you
018play in Valuchia County Schools. If you're a staff member, whether you're feeding our kids, transporting them, standing in front of them and providing instruction, you're a district person that goes out and intervenes with groups that need intervention, which we also g thanked them for all the work that they've been doing. You're the administrator that sits down and, you know, tries to keep them on the straight and narrow, the school counselor, whatever position you're in. I want to thank everyone because it wouldn't have happened. And this year, our largest group that we graduated at one time in one ceremony was students that walked across that stage and got their diploma. And that's a lot of kids. So hats off to Deand High because they pulled it off even with a a delay of getting everyone into
019the building through the new, you know, scanners and all of that. But they still pulled it off and got us all out of there before midnight that night, which I think is a big feat, too. But whether they were in the smallest class or the largest class, they did it. And you know what? they now have a future in front of them that they can choose what they're going to do. And isn't that what we want? We want every one of them to be a productive citizen and follow a path and be able to care for themselves and take care of themselves because they've reached that point. And so to all the graduates out there, thank you for your hard work and we look forward to seeing the great things that are going to come
020from you. But at this time, we're moving on to the approval of minutes, which is item 1.03. Do I have someone that will make a motion to approve the minutes for this evening? Motion to approve. Second. Okay. So, I have Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Brosmer. You seconded it. All right. Any discussion about the minutes from the um May 5th special session and the May 13th workshop and regular meeting hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of approving the minutes from May 5th and May 13th, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? I Mr. Cologne, did you vote? Hey. Okay, it passes unanimously. We are now moving on to item 2.01, agenda changes. Dr. Balaban, are there any agenda changes before the agenda is presented to the board for approval? Madam Chair,
021I have no changes. Okay. Then do I have someone that would make a motion to approve the presented agenda? Motion to approve. Thank you, Miss Goodrich. Do I have a second? I'll second that motion. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Any discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of approving the agenda for this evening's meeting, please say I. I. I. I. Okay. Anyone opposing it? Okay. It passes unanimously. We are now up to item 3.01, 01 superintendent announcements and comments. Dr. Balabin. Thank you, Madam Chair, uh members of the audience, and those of you listening at home, thank you for tuning in. It's always so nice to be able to see so many staff members and families here in the audience. You guys make the board meeting a whole lot more cheerful.
022Won't you agree? Absolutely. All right, so a couple of um dates that are coming. We know that June is considered the month of safety month. And really in reality we are going to celebrate that but I think every month every day safety is important. Uh June 5th show your fathers and your parent your your dad or whoever that serves in that role for you a lot of love because we know that June 15th it's Father's Day and June 19th Junth graduation. We talked about graduation. We've we've graduated actually this year 4,300 students. And when it comes to graduation, it's just a milestone in in our students lives, but it takes a whole village. It's a prek through 12 community that supports our students to get to that point. So, I want to thank all of
023our parents first and foremost. if you've had a child graduate through Valuchia County or student graduate through Valuchia County Public Schools. First and foremost, thank you for choosing Valuchia County Public Schools. But thank you to all of our administrators, our teachers, everyone that played a role in that student's life from preK through 12. Thank you. And what gives me hope is when we listen to our students and observe our students. And I think I I speak for all of us here. When you listen to those students that gave their speeches and you say, "Wow, look at their disposition on life." And it gives you lots of hope in knowing that the future of this country and our nation overall is going to be in very good hands. So, congratulations graduates. Project Search, we talked about
024that, but I do have to give a shout out to Kathy Galott. Kathy Galott has been has dedicated most of her professional career to this very noble uh project and she's she will be um retiring at the end of this year. So Kathy we wish you the best of best of luck but we always say six months you can tour most of the world and come back and and join us. Pay Center for Girls. You know, this is another nonprofit organization does really, really special work where they work with our middle and high school girls to find support, guidance, resources, connecting them with the resources so that they can be successful. And uh they had their graduations as well. And we want to congratulate Sheila Jordan and the entire board for PACE for the much
025noble and needed work that they do. Beachside give back um I know many of you were there with me and I want to thank the entire community and our part business partners for the um for always they've been doing this for a number of years now at Beatside where they work with our students in promoting students social skills for the workforce. So, thank you for volunteering your time and making this event um as special every single year to all of our administrators. Yes, students, all of your ad all of our administrators, your principles and assistant principles, they engage in learning each and every year, an institute and that institute started yesterday and it would be three full days but they are there receiving trainings on several topics. So, I want to thank Dr. VA the
026teaching leading and learning team on all of the other departments that for months now they came together CT all of you guys coming together ESC and I can keep going on and on but you all came together for several months now you've planned every single one of those trainings and they're being delivered for the next three days so congratulations to all of our admins also the bus brigade um our support staff of the year thank you futures foundation for sponsoring this year after year. You've been doing this, I believe, for 38 years now. Um, but Melanie Foley, our par professional from Beatsite, is a support staff of the year. Libby Knight, dispatcher and bus operator from Delan Transportation, support staff of the year. And the elementary principal of the year is Lee Pro um from
027Beatside Elementary. And our secondary principal of the year is Mr. Inc. uh Dr. Rick inch from Silver Stands Middle. So congratulations once again. I think they were all surprised when we visited them. But thank you again. Futures superintendent reading challenge. Are we ready? Yes. Each and every year. This is important. We know that reading is the foundation to every other subject area. And currently it's being enacted. So guys, between June 1st to July 31st, please, please, please, and I'm telling you, uh, Miss Thompson, you're making notes of this, right? For Charlie. Oh, mine, my kids already. Charlie already knows. Yeah. Started June 1st. Okay. Very good. So, you log your minutes on Beanstack on in our V portal to win special prizes. We have 200 minutes receives a reward from Little Caesars. 600 minutes, you
028get Daytona Lagoon passes. 7 750 minutes, you receive free tickets to um the toilet Tortugas game for the August 31st. In addition to many, many other prizes, we have also traveling zoo prizes, uh futures foundation and um Don and Jan Dodna, they they uh share prices for our students as well. I want to thank all of these partners. But guys, every single day, make sure that you're growing those dendrites. So, make sure that you're reading and log your minutes in. And I can't wait to celebrate that CTE. Now, CTE, we're truly proud of the work our CTE division. And I think it's very appropriate that we ask our leader for that division, Dr. Kristen Pierce, who will come up and do a very short, less than five minutes presentation and what's upcoming for CTE, but
029also item 4.02. So Kristen, you get uh double two prices, two for one. You you can do the CT presentation and then chair, can we go into 4.02 right after? Okay, perfect. Well, good evening, Madame Chair, school board members, Dr. Balagan, thank you for having me here. I would like to share with you some of the highlights from the 2425 school year um that we shared in our recent uh CTE annual report. So over 4,600 students earned industry certifications this year, grades 9 through 12. We also implemented a senior level course for CCA that resulted in over 780 WordPress editor um certifications at a 92% pass rate. We secured over $6 million in grant funding, all directed to schools to enhance our programs and three million going specifically to aerospace and engineering uh programs. We
030have 450 plus internship opportunities available to students this summer in the comm the business community and we are also placing 30 plus students within our own Valuchia County schools department transportation facilities and information technology systems are allowing our students to also intern. Next year we're looking to double those numbers within Valuchia County schools. Um, we also have a new welding program that's uh it was implemented this year at Deltona High School and our lab remodel will be finished at the end of the summer. We had a commercial kitchen remodel for Spruce Spruce Creek High School so they can continue to expand that program. Um, we've also partnered with facilities to build out a new land lab at Orman Beach Middle School where we'll be starting a new agriculture program that will align to Seabbze High
031School's agriculture academy. Um, we refreshed labs in information technology, cyber security, business, promotional enterprise, and finance. We participated, my staff is amazing, in over a 100 community events this year, and we bumped up our district partnerships from 165 to 210 active organizations. Um, we also hosted our first district-wide workforce expo, job expo, and superintendent bus tour. And in alignment with our continued efforts to expand career and technical education for students, Dr. Balbigan has tasked us with exploring models for potential technical school. This is still very much in the early research phase, and we're currently gathering information, visiting existing programs in other districts, and evaluating what our potential options will be. This has been an amazing year for career and technical education and it definitely reaffirms our commitment for growing our own right here in Valuchia
032County and offering more opportunities for our students. So, thank you all for your support um schoolboard members and senior staff. Um CTE is continuing to grow and next year is going to be even more amazing. Thank you, Dr. Pierce. I believe you have 4.02 now. Yes, 4.02. Tonight, I would like to honor and recognize three exceptional agriculture educators who have been distinguished by the Florida Association of Agricultural Educators for their outstanding contributions to agricultural education. Miss Farah Johnson from Deltona High School received the outstanding service award. This pre prestigious award honors educators with a minimum of 20 years in agricultural education who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and leadership throughout their careers. Kyle Hearn Taylor Middle School received the outstanding teacher award. This award recognizes educators with at least eight years of teaching experience who exhibit
033excellence in classroom instruction, innovative program development, and a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning. I'd also like to note that Mr. Hearn has chosen to retire, but after what Dr. Baligan says, I'm going to ask and see if he can come back in six months as well. And Miss Carrie Davis from Pineriidge High School, she received the teacher turn the key award. This award recognizes early career teachers in their second to fourth year who demonstrate exceptional promise and leadership in the field of agricultural education. CTE is immensely proud of these dedicated educators representing Valuchia County schools at the state level. Could you please join me in giving Farah, Kyle, and Carrie a well-deserved round of applause. [Applause] [Music] We do it all at the end. Okay. So, please do not leave. Huh? You want to do
034it now? Oh, we're going to do it now. Okay. We'll follow your directions. That's all right. Come forward. Say we're short some everyone squeeze together and we're going to get a lovely picture. All right. Ready? Congratulations. I'm usually not this tall. Are any of the principles here for these three? Please come forward. down again. Good to see you. [Applause] We're going to back up now to item 4.01, our Crimestoppers poster contest. Dr. Balgabin. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to ask Mr. Bryce Hammond, our specialist for fine arts, along with Mr. uh state attorney managing assistant state attorney Spencer Hathaway and the chief assistant state attorney John Reid. Where's John Reid? Mr. Reid wanted to be here today, but he's in the middle of a murder trial. Oh, okay. All right. This is what I
035work with here. We John Reed actually is a partner with us. So, please extend our our um sincerest appreciation to him. Absolutely. He very much wanted to be here. I can attest to that. Hi, I'm Bryce Hammond. I am the visual arts specialist for Valition County Schools and I work with this fine person here from R.J. Lorza's office. And this is Spencer Hathaway. And you've already introduced him so I just be redundant on that. And we're both from New Simra. We're both cudas. Just want to point that out. So, I believe share a little bit. I know we had over uh 5,000 students that submitted their artwork. Right. Over all four counties, we had uh both Felia, St. John's, Flaggler, and Putnham counties, we had over 5,000 applicants, un incredible group of artists, and just
036unbelievable talent at every level, elementary, middle, and high school. The process is we have a voting block in every county. members of the community come in and they vote on these finalists and then they're get the final group. So each each county has a third, second, and first place. Uh Valuchia had several and then we have a grand prize winner for each county and that person will get an extra cash bonus this evening. So we're very excited to uh say something we don't usually get to say. We're here from the state attorney's office and we're giving out money. Would you like to call the students so they can stand and at the end we give them a round of applause. They come up and then we present their certificates. We will do that. I also
037wanted to point out that Craig Archu is here assisting us. Our fine art specialist. Okay. Greg, give a wave there. He's wearing his green from today still. And then you have um we've got Mr. Scott Lee and Mr. Steve Pignitero, both from the Crimes Stoppers board of directors. So, it's um they're both here as well and we're very pleased to have them with us tonight as well. Um and first I want to say thank you all very much for letting us do this. It's a great partnership. Mr. Larissa extends his uh greatest salutations. He also would like to be here. Unfortunately, he is out of town. Um but he is a huge proponent of bringing more interaction between the state attorney's office and the school boards in a very positive way. And the Crimestoppers poster
038contest was born out of that desire to keep a positive front for law enforcement and for the state attorney's office. This was born out of the Coline shooting. That was what generated the uh Crimes Stoppers poster contest to try to get some information to the students. There are ways to go. If you see something, you can stop it. You say if you say something, somebody brings a weapon on campus. Somebody says they're going to bring a weapon on campus. Somebody says there's going to be violence. Somebody's going to do something to disrupt the learning process. You can call in. You can remain anonymous. You can send a text or a tip to the P3 app and you can make a huge difference in your community and your school and you may be the one to
039stop something terrible from happening. So, it's something we're trying to increase our presence. It's also something we want to continue to expand our poster contest. Just any little bit we can help. Any little bit of toolbox we can have, tools and toolbox we want to bring to the table. So without further ado, u I'd like to announce third place elementary from Horizon Elementary School. Arya Condell, art teacher, Miss Ramsey, principal Dr. Melanie Johnson will receive [Applause] $100. Elementary second place, Rhett Peavey of Enterprise Elementary, art teacher, Mr. Nut. Principal Elizabeth Johnson will receive $150 cash prize. [Applause] through first place and our grand prize winner. So, she's going to get a big big check here is Sophia Janes Lopez, Enterprise Elementary, Mr. Nut, Principal Elizabeth Johnson. She's going to get 700 bucks. These are our
040elementary winners. Um, or we want to do everybody at once. Danielle would like to do the middle school. All right, we'll call them all. Perfect. All right, middle school, third place. And please forgive me if I butcher your names. Uh Roslin A. Bastillo Sevilla at David C. Henson Senior Middle School. Art teacher Miss Gagnon, principal William Dunigan. She's going to get $100. [Music] Second place, Miss Luna Robles Ortiz, Ivyhan Charter School, sixth grade art teacher, Mr. Silvers. Principal Danielle Sir, $150. Middle school first place is Anky Shei Deltona Middle School, seventh grade, art, our teacher, Miss Walker. Principal Dr. Steven Henson, she's going to get a $200 prize. High school third place we have Natalie Skipper Dand High School in the ninth grade art teacher Miss Brimley principal Michael Dirmo teacher [Applause] high school second
041place in the 10th grade from Dand High School Julia Valena Vilonga art teacher, Mr. Carson. Principal, Mr. [Applause] D. She's not And she's Oh, yeah. Back in Spain. She was a exchange student. Uh, high school first place from Atlantic High School in 12th grade. Emily Green, art teacher, Mr. Hudek, principal Jason Watson, $200 cash prize. [Applause] And those are our winners from Valuchia County. We really appreciate y'all's participation in the wonderful art. Principles is here. As close as we can close as we can. Thank you so [Laughter] much. Right in front of Spencer. How does this look? Can you see us? There we go. I'm gonna do one. Now, everyone stay put except for the students and the families. Congratulations. And we're gonna bring our middle school. You guys in middle school? If you're here
042with middle school families for middle school, you're welcome to come on up. All right, everyone face me. Everyone's faces. Three, two, one. All right. Now you guys can come on out. Congratulations. And high school high school families, students, and staff. Your dad every from what school this here I taught in elementary school and now she's in ninth grade you're growing up quick like All right, everyone get close. I'm more sorry. [Applause] [Music] I talked about that. Absolutely. I was like Uh, call him for a second. Isn't that amazing? Thank you so much for telling me that. You're so proud. Accomplished. We are now moving on to item 4.03, Superintendent Spring Fluency Flight Challenge. Dr. Valaban. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I would like to ask our coordinator from MAP, Miss Jen Latausski, to join us.
043as she will share with us the winners for math fluency challenge grades 2 through 5th spring challenge. Thank you, Superintendent Balgabin, Chairwoman Haynes, school board members. I am just so excited to be here to announce the winners of our first Superintendent Fluency Challenge. This spring, our students work for seven weeks completing their I Ready Fluency Flight activities. The winning schools had the highest percent of students completing their activities each week. I have to thank our sponsors Kona Ice and Dave and Busters for sponsoring celebrations as well as Dave and Busters providing each school with play cards for 30 students. Principles awarded these play cards based on the students growth and achievement this year. It was so great to see the celebrations. Some even had some dancing and music and of course the Kona Ice. I
044never learned how much the flavor selection for the students played a part in their decisions here. And they received their I Ready brag tags. But most of all, it was great to hear the students excitement about the dragons lighting up as they completed each activity each week. As principal Bailey shared with her students, the skills the students used in this challenge did not just help them this year, but they did so every year for life. I really look forward, Superintendent Malgabin, for this becoming an annual event. There you go. So, without further ado, it's my pleasure to announce this year's Superintendent Fluency Challenge winners who will come up and Mrs. Estasio will provide them their certificates. For second grade from Blue Lake Elementary, we have Principal Bailey and Assistant Principal Benton. For third, from Louise
045S. McInness, we have Principal Kamacho and Dean Curran. for our four fourth grade winners from Edith Stark Elementary, principal of Isis and fourth grade teacher Lisa Coleman. And fifth grade winners from Port Orange Elementary, Principal Zablo and Assistant Principal Dway. Thank [Music] you. All right, come on in. Come on in. Good. Get out. I'm right here. We'll take my direction. Congratulations. my other doctor and B and B. All right, we are now moving on to item 4.04, superintendent spring reading challenge. So I'm going to ask Miss Heather Norris and Dr. Robinsky. They will present for us 4.04. 4 and 4.05. And that will conclude this segment. All right. Good evening, Dr. Balgabin, uh, Chairwoman Haynes, and school board members. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to celebrate once again, um, our readers. So, we
046are presenting the top three um, readers from each division. So, we have three elementary, three middle, and three high school. So, um, we had 68 schools participate in the superintendent reading challenge for the spring. So, we have a spring and we also have a summer one coming up. So, we've have we have three throughout the year. And we had over,200 students that read 600 or more minutes during the month of March was when this um, one ran. We also want to thank our sponsor um, Daytona Lagoon. They provide waterpark passes and arcade passes for students. Um, this is one of our biggest events. um students are drawn to the incentive. So, we're happy to do what it takes to get them to read a little a little bit extra. So, we'll go ahead and get
047started. Um if the students want to we have since we have a larger group, they can stand um with their principal and then when we're ready to take pictures, we'll come around and do that. All right. So, we're going to start with elementary. We have Sara Patel from Woodward and she's here today with her principal, Miss Reer, and her media specialist, Miss Lucero. [Applause] Mason Zumigala from Tamoka and he's here with his principal Dr. Roseboom [Applause] Riley Riley G Rogers from Coronado with his principal Mr. [Music] Scott for middle school. We have Ronald Lundy from Southwestern with principal Dr. Swift from Creekide. Mr. Jackson is here to accept on behalf of Georgia Atkinson Jackson Patky from New Smyrna Beach Middle with his principal Miss Porter. And then moving on to high school, we have Kristen
048Desmond from Pineriidge here with Michelle Brown, the assistant principal. Sash Pri Core from Spruce Creek High School and Dr. Sparger is here to accept that award. And then we have Damian Diaz from Mainland High School and Miss Fra is here to accept that award with [Applause] them. Congratulations to our superintendent spring reading winners. We want to do elementary then middle then high. Testing test test. Congratulations. Good job, Jason. Good job. number. Is that his ordinary? Okay. If any other families, if you want to be in the picture, you're welcome to come and take a picture. All right. 3 smile. [Music] [Applause] Beautiful. All right. Do you know who they are? I can help you get some pictures. be right in the middle. Perfect. You graduated from I do my Three, two, one. [Applause] She did
049it. [Music] I know this was um that's back here and there she is. She's coming or you in the back. All right, everyone. [Music] Okay, everyone ready? You got to stand next. Okay, here we go. [Applause] laughed, but it was a good laugh. I would say Dr. Sparter. Ah, [Applause] we are now moving on to item 4.05, battle of the books winners. Oh, good evening again. So, in April, we had our battle of the books competition at Stson. And this is where we have students who compete against each other on the 10 books that they read for either the Sunshine State books or the Young Readers books. And we had a total of 43 schools compete. So, these are our top winners in each division. So, in elementary, we had Cypress Creek Elementary win. And
050tonight we have with us Finn Henman, Ariana Mala, Reagan Pollock, uh William Evans could not be here tonight. And to represent we have Dr. Barker. [Applause] Oh, good. In middle school, we had Orman Beach Middle School as our champions. [Applause] Congratulations, Helena Estes, McKenzie Uhart, I'm sorry if I'm mispronouncing any of your names, Raison Dad, Silus Oler, and not present tonight is Sylvie Nazarion. And with us, we have Miss Aarelli as their principal. And for the second year in a row, Dand High School are winners for our high school division. So, we Oh, good. That's right. I'm so sorry. So sorry. Anakah Vega is one of our winners. We have Eric Potter, who could not be here tonight. Adeline Foster. And with us, we have our coach, Mr. Rizzo, and of course, our principal, Mr.
051Dja Ramo. Very good. Start with elementary. Elementary. Come on up. Congratulations. We ran out of time. It was quite the right if I can take one step forward so we can put behind Little geniuses here. Everyone's faces. Everyone's faces. Perfect. You're all set. Congratulations. I love that they actually middle school. You can come on up to me and I'm drill if you guys want to head out that way. Congratulations. Congratulations. Next chapter a little bit there. All right. And everyone look at me and two. Congratulations. Repeat the strategy again next year. I would say You guys want to take a picture of all of us together? Good retention right there. All right, high school. Come on in. [Applause] What was the strategy? You guys read all I think. Thank you so much. All right. There
052we go. All right, keep going. Come in a little bit. Thank you guys. See you again next year. Right. We have the strategy now. [Applause] We are now moving on to item 5.01, administrative appointments and transfers. Dr. Balabin. Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. We do have six appointments. So, I would like to ask Mr. Craig Pender to join us. Mr. Pender. Here he is. Um, to give you a little bit of background regarding Mr. Pender, I know many of you know him, but part of his background, he's obtained a bachelor's degree from the Florida State University, master's degree from Nova Southeastern University. He holds certification in the following areas. Ed, leadership, music K through 12, exceptional student education K through 12. He's been with Valuchia County Public Schools since 1995. Started as a teacher at
053Southwestern Middle, and then became the assistant principal at Pineriidge High University High. Went on to becoming the coordinator of emergency services, safety, and security, currently serving serving as coordinator for student services. Today, I'm recommending Mr. Craig Penner to be the assistant director for student transportation services um with the effective start date of June 4th, 2025. Okay, board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone to make a motion for Mr. Craig Pender to be the assistant director for transportation? I'll make the motion. Goodri, do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Does anyone have anything they'd like to say? Mr. Cologne, I do not. But congratul I I do not, but congratulations. Okay. You and I have known each other a long long time, haven't we? and you've been
054at a lot of the schools in the dis in the west side of the county and every school that you've been at, you've left your mark in a positive way for the students there. And then you came on to the district and took on whatever challenge we threw at you, including at one point dealing with expulsions and things like that, which is not an easy task. But I know that you're more than prepared to do this and I thank you for stepping up and applying for this position and being willing to take on another new experience. So, thank you. Thank you. So, we have a motion and a second. At this time, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Mr. Craig Pender becoming the assistant director for transportation, please say I. I.
055I. Okay. Anyone opposed? It passes unanimously. Congratulations. [Applause] They told me I only get a minute, so I'm only going to do this in 40 seconds. All right. How's that? Uh, and I wrote it down to keep me on track. I would like to thank Dr. Balman and the school board for giving me this opportunity to further grow in my career. I have to thank Mr. Kangi who has the faith in me now that I had in him 20 years ago because when he first started teaching, I was his AP. So, it's kind of a turnaround. I hope to make him as proud of me as I am of him. I have to thank the Brewster Basement, uh, the Brewster Basement Bunch, Janet, Yolanda, Nessie, Tracy, and Paul for always keeping me focused and on
056track with a special thank you to Michelle Smith, who's been my secretary for like the last eight years, um, even at university and safety and security. Uh, and I'd like to thank Mr. McCall and the entire student services team because I won't remember to say everybody's name. Uh, because we have had a I think a fun time, a good time. uh myself, Nate Nick. We call ourselves CNN or I call us CNN for Craig Nate and Nick. But um just want to thank you and I hope to live up to everything that you believe in me and going forward. See under a minute. [Applause] Don't leave. Next up. Yes. Danielle Johnson, please join us. Danielle Johnson obtained her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University. She has experience in journalism as a general assignment reporter um associate
057editor for Jackson Hole News and Guide in Jackson, Wyoming. She's been a reporter for the Ocala Star Banner. She was an education reporter for the Daytona Beach News Journal. She's been with Valuchia County since 20 2023, has served in various roles in the communications department. She holds the position of secretary for the Sunshine State Public Relations Association, Sunspra, and has also earned the National School Public Relations Association's 2024 2025 Emerging Leaders Award for the Southeast Region. I'm recommending Danielle Johnson as the coordinator for community information services. Effective start date June 4th, 2025. She's not even going to give you a day to breathe. Okay, board members, you've heard the recommendation from the superintendent that Danielle Johnson be named the coordinator for community information. Do I have someone that'd like to make the motion, please? So
058moved. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Do I have a second? I'll second that motion. Thompson, is there anyone that wishes to say anything? Congratulations. You've done a wonderful job. I just want to thank you. I want to thank you for hanging in here through the ups and the downs and all around and for always being steadfast. And there's something to be said for that because when people have a skill set and no matter what is thrown at them, they just stay steady, it helps all of us and I appreciate that. So, at this time, we'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Miss Danielle Johnson being the coordinator for community information, please say I. I. Mr. Cologne lost him, are you there? I am sorry I wasn't able to come off mute. I I
059I I Okay. Is there anyone opposed? Okay, it passes unanimously. Congratulations, [Applause] Thank you, Madam Chair, board members, Superintendent Algaban. Um, thank you for having me here tonight. Although, if I weren't here, I would also be there or there or there or there. Um, so I don't have too much to say because as you'll as you'll know, um, communications a lot of times we're the ones behind the scenes, not u bragging about ourselves too much. And I'm glad that we had the pleasure of being with you all a little bit closer last week at graduations and seeing the behind the scenes of what we were doing before, during, after, in between the graduations. Um, and so what I wanted to share with you tonight is a moment I noticed from graduation because communications is all
060about moments and capturing those for our families. So one of the pictures we took at graduation of a student with his marine stole on, um, an amazing picture. We received a comment on that online and the parent said, "I'm not sure who took this picture, but I am in tears. Thank you for this. There's so many emotions in this one picture for me. I will have this framed." And that really brought me back to my why of what we do. And I replied back to everyone in our group and I said, "This is why we're in this job for moments like this." And so we are going to be the ones who are here with our families before they even bring their kids to us in kindergarten all the way through graduation and everything in
061between. those milestone moments, those memories, um the pictures, the special occasions, um all the way through that last day of graduation, making sure they get their moment and they're engaged in their child's education the entire time. So, thank you all and thank you to my team. [Applause] I want to add to that, Danielle. Um, I think what a lot of people don't realize is how many of your team were there every single day, the same long hours. You actually came in sometimes ahead of us and you stayed after us, all of you, because you did. You captured photos of those students coming in the door to get ready with their caps and gowns. You captured them walking across the stage. You captured them moving their tassels. and you got all those special moments, but you
062didn't just, you know, I think for Atlantic High, you had 700 and some pictures you took just for one, but you went through all of those photos and you brought it down to be able to make post so that families could share it and see it. And I think lots of times we forget to say thank you because you're there working all the time and we're used to you being there, but we don't take a moment to pause. So to you and all of your team, which some of them are here this evening, thank you so very much for everything that you do to get the positive news out there and showcase what our students are doing every day. We do appreciate you. Thank you. All right, Dr. B, we're moving on. Yes, we are.
063Um, Miss Ivonne Rushing, can you join us? Miss Russian obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, her master's degree from Nova Southeastern University, a specialist degree from the University of Florida, host certification in the following area: psychology prek through 12. Started teaching at Bhin Preschool in Davy, Florida in 2010. serve as a behavior therapist at Foundations Therapy Coral Springs. Started up here in Valuchia County Schools in 2012 as a psychologist intern with student services. Became a psychologist with exceptional student education. went on to becoming a school psychologist for student services and currently serving as a specialist for the multi-tier systems of support very much known as the MTSS. Today I'm recommending Miss Ivonne Rushing as coordinator for student services effective start date June 4, 2025. So board members, you've heard the recommendation of
064the superintendent. Do I have someone that will make a motion? I'll make the motion. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. Do I have a second? I'll second the motion. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Does anyone have anything they wish to say? I will tell you this. Until they shared your resume or like with us, I didn't know you'd started in preK and you had my I mean, I've always seen you doing an excellent job at what you're doing and and taking on the MTSS system is a lot of work. Um, but anybody that's taught preschool is always up for the challenge, believe it or not, to take on all of the things that you have done. And my understanding is you're just adding to your plate. We're not removing anything. We're adding to your plate with this position.
065So, I want to say thank you for stepping up for this. So, at this time, we'll call for the vote. All of you in favor of Mrs. Javon Rushing becoming the coordinator of student services, please say I. I I Anyone opposed? Thank you. Anyone opposed? Okay, it passes unanimously. Congratulations. [Applause] Thank you. And Mr. Pender, they told me two minutes. So, good afternoon, school board chair Jamie Haynes, Vice Chair Ruben Cologne, distinguished board members, and Superintendent Bagelin. I'm deeply honored to be recommended for this position. This opportunity represents not just a new role, but a chance to expand the impact of work that I'm truly passionate about. For the last 13 years, I've had the privilege of serving the students, families, and educators of Valuchia County Schools. This work has been more than a career.
066It has been a calling. I'm excited to continue this journey in a new capacity where I can support our schools and communities in even broader ways. I want to express my sincere appreciation to my supervisors, James Behringer and Mike McCulliff, as well as Dr. VA for their confidence in my ability to take this vital role. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in preparing me for this opportunity. This moment would not be possible with the many people who have shaped my professional journey. Dr. Mary Alice Meyers, thank you for taking a chance on me as an intern and then offering my first permanent position as a school psychologist. Troy Rafford, your mentorship during my internship and the years that followed helped lay the foundation for everything that came after. to the incredible team of school
067psychologists I've had the honor of working alongside. Your support, collaboration, and friendship have sustained me throughout my entire career. Most importantly, I want to thank God and I want to acknowledge my family. To my parents, thank you for raising me to be resilient and always speaking life into me. Your foundation of love and strength carries me through every challenge. And to my husband, Mr. Rushing, your unwavering support in every aspect of my life has made this moment possible. Thank you for talking me off the ledge more times than I can count and constantly reminding me that everything will be okay. I love you. As I step into this new role, I carry with me the lessons, supports, and love for everyone that has been a part of this journey. I'm committed to serving our district
068with the same passion and dedication that has brought me here today. Thank you. At this time, I would like like to ask Dr. Julia Olman to join us. Dr. Olman has obtained her bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State College, New Jersey. A master's degree from Straer University, Pennsylvania. Master's degree from the American College of Education, Indiana. A doctorate degree from the American College of Education, Indiana. Certifications in the following areas: ed leadership, educational media specialist, English speaker of other languages, ESOL, exceptional student education, ESC, foreign language, French, love that. And foreign language, Spanish. Started teaching at Long Branch High School in New Jersey in 2009. serve as served as a teacher at Oyola school in at Ocola school district. Became a teacher and a content coach for the K12 Inc. Remote. Went to becoming a
069program specialist for OciOla School District. Serve as the assistant principal for Tohokedia uh high school. currently serving as an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Florida and assistant principal for Neo City Academy. Today I'm recommending that Dr. Julia Alman becomes the coordinator for multilingual teaching, leading and learning the multilingual department. Effective start date June 4th, 2025. Thank you. You've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that would like to make the motion? I do. I'd like to make the motion. Thank you, Mrs. Goodri. Second. Do we have a second? Second. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Do we have anyone that wishes to speak? Go ahead. Okay. Anyone else? I'm challenging you. Mr. I love that my board members are so fancy. I love it. Which language would you like to speak today?
070We want to thank you um for applying and I had the opportunity to visit Neo City Academy just a couple years ago and it's a phenomenal school and to know that you are have chosen to leave that to come here to county we're very appreciative. I'd like to know though what do you teach at the University of Central Florida? I'm teaching ESOL um for adults English a second language. Well, thank you very much. And so if there's no further discussion, then we're going to call for the vote. All those in favor of Dr. Julia Alman becoming the coordinator for multilingual teaching, leading, and learning, please say I. I. I. I. Anyone opposed? Okay. Passes unanimously. Congratulations. Oh, thank you. Thank you, Madame Chair, distinguished board members, and um Superintendent Valovin. I'm very excited to be
071joining Walshia schools and multilingual learners department. Um as a first generation immigrant and language learner myself, I know firsthand the challenges that our students are facing, but I also know that being bilingual and biliterate is an asset that needs to be cherished and appreciated. Um as we prepare our students for the successful postsecary life and in our v vision for the everchanging global society crosscultural comm collaboration um is crucial in our work and that is why I look forward to contributing my skills and experience to all learners of schools not just multilingual learners um and lastly I want to thank the board um superintendent Balgabin Dr. Vaj and Mastasio for trusting um me with this opportunity. So I hope I do not disappoint. I also um am also beyond grateful for the support of my
072family uh my parents, grandparents and my husband and um my daughter who is my biggest inspiration and my cheerleader. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, this I believe we have two more. Want to continue? Yes. Okay. Miss Corine Cobb, please join us. Miss Cobb obtained her bachelor's degree from Westchester University, master's degree from Stson University, holds certification in ed leadership, elementary ed K through six, reading, exceptional student education K through 12. She's a she's a graduate from the principal preparation program of 2025. Um, she's been with us here in Valuchia County since 2010. Started as a teacher at Orange City Elementary, became a teacher on assignment K12 curriculum for K12 curriculum. then became a coach at Spirit Elementary, a math regional resource teacher K through 12 curriculum, teacher on assignment for Palm Terrace Elementary, served as
073the assistant principal at Palm Terrace Elementary, Deberry Elementary, and currently serving as an assistant principal at Manatee Cove Elementary. I'm recommending Miss Corine Cobb as principal for Discovery Elementary, effective start date, June 4th, 2025. She's not giving you a break on that one either. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that'd like to make the motion? I will gladly make the motion. Thank you, Mr. Cologne. Do we have a second? I'll second that motion. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Okay. Do we have anyone? Um, Mr. Cologne wants to speak. Yes, Mr. Cologne, go ahead. So, I had the opportunity to uh meet Miss Cobb earlier today. Um, and I am super excited and look forward to uh the great work she is going to uh do at Discovery uh and
074continue the upward uh trend at Discovery Elementary. So, congratulations. Thank you. I'd like to add to that. I've watched you move from each of the locations and gain all that experience and you are more than ready for this and it's exciting tonight to see you here to become a principal. So if there's nothing else we'll call for the vote. All of those in favor please say I. I I don't think there's any opposed. So it passes unanimously. Congratulations. Good evening, school board chair Haynes, esteemed school board members Cologne, Brazour, Goodrich, and Thompson, superintendent Dr. Bagaban, and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Vier. What an incredible honor it is to come before you tonight as the newly appointed principal of Discovery Elementary, home of the Dragons, where we dream, discover, and soar. I am filled with immense
075gratitude and excitement as I step into this role joining a community grounded in care, excellence, and continuous growth. First, I want to thank the people who have supported and inspired me every step of the way. To my husband, my mentor, my best friend, and my number one supporter. Your belief in me has been the foundation of my strength. I wouldn't be here without you. To my beautiful daughters, thank you for sharing your mom with her other family. I am so proud of you and I love being your mom. To my mom and dad, you taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and the importance of family. The values you instilled in me guide every decision I make to service students. As both a teacher and administrator, I've had the privilege to work alongside passionate,
076dedicated educators. People who wake up every day determined to do what's best for kids. To Tucker Harris, thank you for your energy, being authentic, and an exceptional team builder. You were the first to truly see the leader in me, and it gave me the push I needed. Boom. To Leslie Frzy, thank you for modeling the quiet confidence that comes with experience. Your insight taught me the power of observation and reflection. To Alicia Douglas, your laughter lights up any room, and your belief in people is transformative. You've shown me how to celebrate individual gifts and walk into each new chapter with confidence and joy. Thank you to Carrie Servinac for your exceptional leadership and steadfan steadfast guidance throughout my journey. There are so many others who have modeled what it means to truly serve and build
077schools that feel like home. Thank you to each and every one of you. To my beloved Manatee Cove family, the legacy you've built is remarkable. A place of love, safety, and high expectations. I will miss you more than words can express. I will carry the spirit of the manabes with me always. To the community of Discovery Elementary, I am thrilled to join your team. Together, we will build a strong, joyful culture rooted in excellence and continue the incredible momentum you've already established. I can feel the energy and the potential, and I am honored to serve you and our amazing students. As your principal, my highest priority is to ensure that every student, every teacher, and every team member has what they need to thrive. For our students, that means this means creating learning environments where
078they are challenged, supported, and inspired to become the best version of themselves. We will nurture their curiosity, build their confidence, and help them discover not just what they can do, but who they are becoming. As dragons, we are called to dream big, soar high, and lift each other up. My door will always be open, and my ears and heart will always be listening. I'm here not just to lead, but to walk with you, grow with you, and celebrate all the small and big wins along the way. Let's shine bright, stand tall, and dream big for our kids, for each other, and for the future we're shaping every day. Thank you. Let's do this together, leading with a purpose. [Music] Congratulations. And don't go and you can go back to your seat, but don't leave yet.
079You still have another one. I have one more. I love it. She's the first to integrate our theme. I know. I need She gets bonus points, guys. Uh I would like Oh, Alicia Zarbo. I'm sure she has something in her speech as well. Now, I would like to ask Miss Alicia Zarbo to join us, please, and to share a little bit with you regarding Miss Arbo. She's obtained her bachelor's degree from Stson University, master's degree from Stson University, certifications in the following areas at leadership health K through 12, uh physical ed K through 12. She is also a graduate from the principal preparation 2025 program. She's been with Valuchia County since 1999. Served as a teacher at Deltona High, became a teacher on assignment at Creekide Middle. Currently serving as an assistant principal at Deltona
080High. Today I'm recommending that Miss Alicia Zarbo serves as the principal for Sweetwater Elementary. Approve start date June 4th, 2025. Another one that doesn't get a break. Doesn't get a break. Uh, you know what? I'll tell you what, chair, we don't get a break. I know. All right. You've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that'd like to make the motion? I make the motion. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Do I have a second? I'll second. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. I know that Mr. um Cologne would like to speak. Go ahead, Mr. Cologne. Miss Zara, as much as it hurts me to see you go, I know that you are going to do an amazing job at that school. Uh, I know that D5 is, uh, been in your life for a very,
081very long time. You served the students of Deltona for many, many years. Uh, and so I'm really, really sad to see you go, but excited to see you grow. So, um, congratulations and and unfortunately I can't see your face. I can see the back of your head. Um, but I am so happy for you and thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. So, literally as sad as Mr. Cologne is, I am just that excited that you're coming to Sweetwater. And I know that your Deltona family is going to miss you so much. But I am so, so excited to see you at Sweetwater. I trust that you are not only going to keep them at the awesome standard they are, but you are going to raise it in so many ways and bring so much to
082that school. And I I I'm I don't know how if I've been this excited a long time. I'm so excited to see you there. So, congratulations. Yeah. So, when I looked over your resume, I knew you had been a teacher at Deltona High for a long time. And so, I looked trying to think if our paths had crossed, but I was there a lot earlier than you, which just makes me even more older. and that's fine. But Delton High is a great school and I know you had a lot of great leadership over the years to work for and learn from. But I too am excited that you're going to go to Sweetwater Elementary. But you know 10 years down the road if you want to come back over to the west side I'll just
083go ahead and say it for Mr. Cologne. We'll be happy to have you back over here. But thank you. So at this time Absolutely. What he said so moving. Absolutely. So, at this time, um, we'll call for the vote. All those in favor, please say I. I. I. Any I I I. Okay. Any opposed? It passes unanimously. Congratulations. Thank you. Good afternoon, Superintendent Belgen, School Board Chair Jamie Haynes, Vice Chair Ruben Cologne, and board members Jesse Thompson, Donna Brassmer, and Christa Goodrich. It is an honor to sit before you this afternoon as I humbly accept the appointment as the newest principal of Sweetwater Elementary School. First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my Deltona High School family. Over the years, you have been more than just co-workers. You have been mentors, collaborators, and
084friends. You've challenged me, supported me, and helped shape the leader I am today. To the teachers, staff, students, and families of Deltona High. Thank you. The lessons I've learned and the memories we've shared on Wolfpack Run will forever stay with me. I also want to sincerely thank my current and past principles, Dr. Christina Lapnau, Mike McAuliff, John Cash, Carolyn Carbonel, Susan Freeman, Gary Mars, Mike Schilski, and Dr. Robert Maul. Your leadership has been instrumental in my journey. Each of you in your own way offered guidance, encouragement, and the example of what it truly means to lead with integrity, vision, and heart. I am better because of your investment in me, and I carry your influence into this next chapter. I would also like to express my deepest appreci appreciation to Miss Brandy Hogue for her
085commitment to developing leaders throughout Valuchia County and being a true example of an inspirational leader during my personal leadership journey. I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to thank the people who have been behind me every step of the way, my family. To my incredible husband Joe whose love and steady encouragement have been a constant source of strength. To my mother Marshall whose example example of resilience and compassion continues to inspire me. To my late father, your wisdom and pride in my journey remain with me always. And to my siblings, my in-laws, my nieces and nephews, thank you for your unwavering support, for always cheering me on, and for reminding me why family is the foundation of everything I do. As I look ahead to joining the Sweetwater Elementary family, I do
086so with great excitement, humility, and a strong sense of purpose. I recognize the importance of this role and laying the foundation for lifelong learning. I'm committed to building a school c culture where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. I'm eager to collaborate with the dedicated educators and families, some of which I have already met, who make Sweetwater such a special place. Together, we will ensure that Sweetwater Elementary continues to thrive as a place where excellence is expected, relationships are valued, and children always come first. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity. I am honored to serve, and I look forward to what lies ahead. Thank you. [Music] You want to do the transfer? Yes. Okay. Uh Miss Stephanie Workman and John Cash, are you joining Stephanie? We will just
087uh share with you the one, two, three, four, five transfers. Make sure she pronounces all the names correctly. talk about. I was a math teacher, not a reading teacher. Johnny Cash, ready to go. We're ready. Well, good evening. Uh, I would like to announce the upcoming assistant principal transfers. First, Mr. Nathaniel Anderson, coordinator, student services to assistant principal on assignment, Campbell Middle. Miss Sarah Callahan, assistant principal Sweetwater Elementary to assistant principal Creekide Middle. Miss Chelsea Sinowski, assistant principal Orange City Elementary to assistant principal Manatee Cove Elementary. Dr. Lloyd Haynes, assistant principal Campbell Middle to administrator on assignment student services. And lastly, Mr. Troy Kent, assistant principal River Springs Middle to assistant principal Sweetwater Elementary. And those are our transfers for this evening. Thank you very much. So, at this time, I think the group we're
088going to start with the photos in the order in which they were in the order in which they were named. So, Mr. Craig Pender will be up first. Thank you. Oh my god. Quiet. Anyone else draw it around? boss comes back. Two. You all just stay where you're at. Monday. right here. You know what? Take the picture. Oh, no. Do it. It's our say 32. I think say wait. All right. All right. All right. We should make sure Come on. Good. Good. Should we get shoes? Yeah. All right. Three, two, one. Smile. What was that about? [Laughter] [Music] I'm teaching them well, Dr. Man. I'm teaching them well. Are you ready? [Applause] I know. I got Well, I have a few I'm just trying to get everything. You know what? I said it. All righty.
089Sorry, two. I didn't know where it was. [Music] Nice pink. All right, you're going to come right in next. [Laughter] Joe's not tall at all. You're a little tall. You're a little tall. All right, everyone. Look this way. Make sure you can see the camera. And that's just what it is. from birth. You guys will celebrate celebrate. I believe that too. That's not Let them walk out. She had a whole crowd here. Okay, at this time it is 6:20 p.m. and we're going to take a 15 minute break. We will be back in here at 6:35 p.m. to continue. And our first item will be public participation. Um, five speakers if there are five. Thank you. And al we'll be back in at 6:35. Welcome back. We're now moving on to item 16.01. No, 6.0.
0906.01, 01 guys is for the um consent agenda. Hang on. That's correct. I apologize. We're moving on to item 17.01. No public comment. Okay. At this time, we're moving on to item 17.01, which is public participation of any matter related to education for a total of up to 15 minutes. I just want to remind everyone that um at during this public comment period, there is no speaking out. You are to remain professional and respectful of the person that is speaking. There are time clocks up here. When I call your name and you come up and start, you have three minutes. When the clock goes off, please end what you're saying if you're going to go over in time. And the according to our policy, there are no personal attacks. And so I will stop you
091if you make personal attacks this evening when speaking. I am telling you upfront. Also, if you do agree with the speaker or disagree with the speaker, you can do a thumbs up or a thumbs down or you can do jazz hands. And as a reminder, all cell phones should be silenced at this point in time. So, I will call the first and the second speaker so that the second speaker is ready. Our first speaker tonight will be John Shelton, followed by Amy. Is it Nicholas? Michaelels. Okay. So, Mr. John Shelton, please come forward. You're our first speaker. You'll have a total of three minutes, followed by Amy Michaelus. Welcome. Good evening. Thank you for the work and responsibility you all carry. My name is John Shelton. I am the chairperson on the board of directors
092for Samsu Academy Charter School, Inc. located in New Smyrna Beach. I'm also part of the dedicated families at 7U Academy. My wife and I currently have two children attending the small fabulous school. Another child coming in a couple years. The AB school is on one of kind. I am blessed to have found a strong, friendly, and welcoming school. The small school is outstanding. Once you get involved with the staff, teachers, and students, they become like family, and feeling of wanting to help is natural. The amazing school has been operating since 2008 alongside Reading Edge Academy. In January 2024, I joined the governing board to be more involved. By June 2024, I was elected chairperson for the board. On April 15, 2025, a unique situation arose with the recommendation of Shaun Ho Law Firm. A resolution
093was pres presented to the governing board to split the two charter schools, Samsu Academy and Reading Edge Academy. It was in the best interest for all especially for the academic growth of the students for the schools to split. On April 16th, 2025, I John Shelton along with two other well-nowledgeable and experienced board members formed the board of directors for Samur Charter School Inc. We immediately elected a in-house principal who has been teaching at the schools for 20 years. She jumped into the role flawlessly and has been great relationships with all the teachers and families. Our main priority right now is awaiting the approval for our new charter application for the 2025 school year that we have already submitted with the letter of intent. Since the split, Sam Academy has been thriving and progressing. The onampus
094atmosphere has been positive and moves towards growth is already happening. The community is once again alive and active, getting involved to step up and help see the school flourish. With the new school leadership, I have faith we can now go forward thinking by believing in progress and pushing to ex progress to excel. By setting and regularly reviewing short-term goals and long range goals, the school will constantly be met with success. With applying policies and procedures, there is no doubt Sil Academy will excel for centuries to come. I would like to extend my personal invitation to all of you to please come visit our school and see for yourself what a historical gem it is. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to speak. I look forward to the June 24th meeting and hearing your
095thoughts. Thank you, Mr. Shelton. Next up is Amy Michaelis followed by Heidi Kellogg. Welcome. Good evening, superintendent, madame chair, and members of the school board. My name is Dr. Amy Michaels, and I'm both a board member of Samsula Academy and a grateful parent of three children who all got their start there. Samsula gave them such a strong foundation, and it's something that I'm incredibly thankful for. As they moved into public, middle, and high school, those years that they were there were just the starting point that they needed. For those that don't know, Samsula has been going strong as a Valuchia public school for over a hundred years. As John mentioned, there has been a year of big change, but the kind of change that brings growth. We've recently had a transition in leadership, and they're
096all here. Raise your hands. And you can feel it on campus. There's new energy, more family involvement, and a real sense that we're moving forward. We've already seen a 19% increase in enrollment just in the past few weeks for the next school year. We've also started addressing long overdue repairs and improvements to make sure the building matches the quality of education that's happening inside. Creating a safe and welcoming environment for our students and staff has been one of our top priorities. And we're making real progress. We're incredibly hopeful about the future and excited to be on the June 24th agenda for our updated charter vote. I also want to personally encourage each of you to come visit, walk the halls, meet the staff, and see the changes firsthand. Samsula has always had something special and
097now we're making sure it has the structure and leadership so it can thrive for years to come. Thank you. Thank you. Next up is Miss Heidi Kellogg followed by Elizabeth Albert. Welcome. Good evening. I wanted to take a minute to remind the school district and the school board as you recognize Battle of the Books participants and winners tonight that the district is continuing to remove books from school media center shelves and classroom libraries. It's harder and harder for kids who love books to find books that they connect with. Books that empower them, books that make them feel seen and heard. Books that tell them they aren't alone and they will be okay. These books are disappearing mostly very quietly and without fanfare. Valuchia County Schools is making its most marginalized students feel like they matter
098less and less. I love Battle of the Books. Both of my kids have loved Battle of the Books for years. I applaud the school sponsors, the corporate sponsors, county staff, and students who put countless amounts of time and effort into making this program what it is. But as we celebrate the love of those kids to read, also shame on everyone involved in taking decisions about what kids can and cannot read out of the hands of trained media specialists and away from parents. Let's celebrate all children who want to read. Let's celebrate all books, not just the one someone who doesn't have the educational background to make choices or the right to decide what is a suitable pick. Happy Pride Month and thank you. Thank you. Would you allow me to wait till the second round
099of publication at the end of the evening? Yes, I'm happy to do that. So then the next speaker is Jane. Is is it Filer? Baylor. Welcome. Thank you. Madame Chair, Superintendent Val Gobin, and school board members. Thank you for the team you are and working together for the success of all students in Valuchia County Public Schools. As a native of Valuchia County myself and a Valuchia County teacher, I want to add to the conversation about student enrollment. School choice is giving us in public schools the opportunity to become more competitive in the programs offered and how we present the quality programs we already have. I appreciate how our public school system provides education for all students. Many charter schools and private schools do not yet have the resources and expertise to provide the least restrictive
100environments for students who need the most support. I'm excited for students as programs are implemented to enhance and drive their education like at Stark Elementary where focus on STEM and the arts is being implemented next year. A handful of other elementary schools also have language immersion teachers to provide instruction and learning a second language. There are many specializedmies in our high schools which not only engage students and increase student attendance but also prepares them to transition from graduation to the workforce and higher education. Enrollment decline however is only in part to school choice. Housing inflation in areas of Valuchia County has also contributed to this decline decline with families moving to more affordable counties and states. As we adjust how we market what Valuchia County schools offer students in comparison to local charter schools, private
101schools and homeschooling, are we also thinking about who can afford to move into our zones or school zones? What if families moving to town for employment with Brown and Brown Insurance, Boeing, and other corporations choose to purchase homes based on school zones to have their children attend BlueA County schools? What's unique to each school zone that will attract these families? Is it a possibility to offer programs like gifted education at most of our elementary schools, even if it's just for partial day or partial week instead of separate class the majority of the day at only a handful of schools? Would businesses like Boston Wher want to partner with us in developing a marine biology emphasis in our beachside schools? What about Boeing and our private universities for programs in robotics, steam, and design? Times are
102changing for education with adjustments at the Department of Education to state levels. But I think our students and schools can shine brighter than ever as we work together to provide the best possible opportunities in education in all our schools. Just two weeks ago, one-third of students from the 2018 fifth grade class at my school returned to their elementary campus for a clapout at a Legend Walk as they prepare to graduate from high school. Programming may be the key to attract families to choose our schools. But it's a community we create at each school, which has them returning for their journey from pre preK to their senior year. Community lets students know they are important and they belong. It's that sense of belonging which motivates them to show up and give whatever their best is each
103day. Belonging sets the stage for authentic learning where students have voice and courage to try, fail, and try again on their path to understanding. When I talk with parents at my gem of a school by the sea is having known their children belonged in a caring and inclusive community which has them returning year to year. It's the same philosophy for teacher retention. When we teachers have a sense of belonging and open communication, we're going to remain in the field of education. Thank you. Thank you. So, Mrs. Albert, I just want to clarify you want to go to the speaking part at the end of the evening. Okay. I'm holding your card till then. All right. That is all for public speaking at this time. So now we're moving on to item 6.01. Do you have
104any public speaking cards for the consent agenda? Okay. So Dr. Balabin, there's no one that wishes to speak on the consent agenda. So at this time, are there any items Dr. Balgabin that you wish to remove from the consent agenda? Chair, I have none. Okay, board members, are there any items on the consent agenda that you would like to remove for further discussion? Mrs. Brosmer, I would just like to ask a couple of questions about I think it's 16. Where am I? 1601 161.01. Yes, it's on the fire safety. Yes. Okay. Anyone else have an item they'd like to have some questions answered about? Okay, then we will start with item 16.01, Miss Brosmer. And I see Miss Core coming forward with some of her team that will hopefully be able to answer your questions.
105Good evening, board. We have um our director of maintenance, Rod Smith, and our coordinator of fire safety, uh Kev Mitchell, to answer any questions you have. Good evening, Madam Chair, Dr. Balgaban and board. Um just wanted to brief you guys on our fire safety inspection and kind of like how we do this work. Um we're bound to do this annual inspection by uh ESREF uh state um reporting for uh educational facilities. And so Mr. Ken Mitchell's team goes out to all of these schools um and they perform the initial assessment. Uh they do provide the principles with that report. In that report is broken down into the deficiencies that the schools are required to correct and then also the deficiencies that the district maintenance team is required to um correct. And so um Mr. Mitchell
106teams return in 30 days for reinspection. At that point they look at all the deficiencies that the schools have corrected. They make that that correction on their report and then we have six days to make the corrections on our report. Now you will see that there are some deficiencies that have not been corrected in a few years and that is because we do prioritize those deficiencies. So things that are life safety um things like ripped carpets, things like cracked sidewalks, we try to prioritize over things such as um stained carpets. So towards the end of the year when Mr. Mitchell's team do their final report, they do compare the deficiencies from the initial report versus the final reports. And usually what we have seen is that the schools have done a pretty good job with
107correcting those deficiencies. And then we are required by SRAF to um send the board and get it approved um by June 30th, I believe. Yeah. So that's why you see those some of those deficiencies hanging out for a couple years. Thank you for all of that. Um, we did have a chance to have a chat during the break and um, and I especially appreciate that everyone could hear that explanation because when I when I looked at the attachment, uh, is more than 100 pages and and they cover a year. And so I was just trying to figure out what I was looking at and and I appreciate understanding the um the process. Uh so as I mentioned before, I probably will never look at another one, but but I wanted to know what I was
108looking at this time. So thank you very much. And also that uh that all of our uh hubs, you know, they really take those safety sited um things seriously, those deficiencies, and we have created another team. And so we have been able to correct many of those deficiencies um over the past year and a half. Thank you. That's all I had. Do any other board members have any questions about item 16.01? Okay. Then if there's no other item to be removed, I need someone to make a motion to approve the consent agenda as it's presented tonight. Someone move. Motion to approve. What did he say? Motion to approve. Sec. Second. Second. Second. Okay. You're going to second. Mrs. Brosmer's going to motion to approve and Mr. Cologne is going to second. All right. Any further
109discussion? Okay. Then hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of approving the consent agenda as it's been presented to us this evening, please say I. I. Any opposed? Please say I yet. Mr. Cologne. I I. Thank you. I I Is there any opposed? Okay, then it passes unanimously. We are now moving on to item 18.01, the district advisory council annual report. Thank you, Madam Chair. Miss Danielle Johnson, our newly appointed coordinator for community information services, along with Miss Jen Marinasio, our chair for the district advisory council. They're going to share with us uh the annual report for the district advisory council. And I'd like to publicly also thank Dak for your um engagement, involvement, and support of our public school system. So, thank you. We in the community information office are
110the liaison to our district advisory council and we appreciate uh Miss Marinasio and her vice chair, Miss Copniki, for all they do and we love working with them. And so I'm going to let her take this away and share our annual report for the district advisory council. Thank you. Thank you so much, Madame Chair, school board members, Dr. Balgabin. It's wonderful to be here again. Um and uh Angela did want to be here. I'm um she's not able to make it, but I wanted to share her thanks to you guys as well. Um as she is, uh vice chair, and we will both be returning next year in those same positions. So, we're very excited for another year. And thanks to you guys, I want to put out a little shout out because um as
111you all know, but I'm, you know, it's also a great opportunity to do a little plug for um all our incoming parents to the new schools or changing schools. Um the folks on your screen right now, the um schoolboard members, this is created by statute for them. The district advisory council was created by statute just like your school advisory councils. and it serves as a liaison as I'll get to in the presentation for not just um the school district, the schools, the community um with the schoolboard members. So it's it's in one room, it's an opportunity to communicate and share all information and we really love um all the parents, all the teachers to be involved. Um you'll never find a more dedicated group of individuals. The way that you sit on a district advisory
112council is you participate in your Is there a whistling going on? Is that me? Um is you sit on your school advisory council. So anyone listening who wants to be more involved is not really sure how to do it. Your school has every single school has a school advisory council and one person from every one of those schools plus other groups you hear about comes and sits and represents that school in its entirety. administration, teachers, children, volunteers on the district advisory council. And it's a tremendous opportunity because all of you are so involved and so engaged um meetings every month to hear what's happening, bring back to the school board what you've heard and um presentations from the district. So that is my official plug. Thank you all for being so engaged. Uh the uh
113presentation conforms to the following policy, policy 804. um and it was created by statute as I said. And then also just to review some of um in our bylaws how we operate is we um uh are a direct link between the community insp administration and the school board and we represent the district geographically, educationally, ethnically, socially, economic characteristics, excuse me. And then um that's the policy and our bylaws. We're a resource to the school board and the superintendent of schools in an advisory capacity. We're a direct link and we participate in the process of defining issues, formulating goals and policies. It's a tremendous um opportunity to have a voice for your school, but also to get information so you can better um support your school when you go back to it. Uh the guard rail
114this supports is to ensure high quality community engagement with all shake shareholders. And I can't really see this. I'm g scooch towards Daniel. All right. So, our DAC representatives are appointed SAC members from each school and you can serve for more than one year. Um, they have one official um, SAC member, but we allow rotations and we want every school represented at every meeting. So, if you're listening and thinking, I can't make every month. So, many of our schools have two or three that rotate the monthly meetings so that your school is represented. It's not about making you commit to something every single month. It's making sure that you commit to your school and make sure they're represented every single month. Um, additional representatives, each school board member has uh one that they appoint, one
115per district. Departments and groups such as our ESC, our federal program, Title One, Futures, Valuchia County Council, PTA, and Vue all have a representative on the district advisory council. Our meetings every month are between the east and the west side of the county. And as always, and I do try to share this with them. We meet at Mainland High School and we meet at Deltona High School. We alternate months. So, I really need to um show our gratitude for those high schools because we meet at 5:15 in the evening. Someone needs to be there letting us through the various stops, the gates, the the doors. Um they uh keep their facility open for us. We meet in the media centers or the conference room. And we're just very grateful that they give us a home
116on each side of the county. And they've it's been going back years. So, it's a a big thing to take on and we're um very grateful to them for doing that. I do want to mention seven schools, as you know, we said we we allow for some flexibility in our um attendance because they're on both sides of the county. However, seven schools had perfect attendance. Deerry Elementary, Deltona High School, Deltona Middle, Orman Beach Elementary, Ostein Elementary, Seabbze High and um Spirit Elementary and View um of Valuchia um United Educators. So that's very impressive. But then it also, you know, we we go for dedication, not perfection. So, I did also want to share another short list of those who only missed one meeting because I myself have missed one meeting and as Seabbze had perfect
117attendance, I did make sure someone else could come and bring the information back to SAC. But the the schools that only missed one meeting the entire year, Beachside Elementary, Dand High School, Hinson Middle, Mainland High School, Orman Beach Elementary, Oene Elementary, and Tur Small. So, not to get any competition but with you guys, but that means and he isn't here that out of the 14 schools that either missed zero or one meeting, the majority of those were in Mr. Cologne's district. So, um I just thought that you guys would appreciate game on game on game on. Um and also applause for district five. Also, um you guys are all very supportive and and we see you at every meeting regardless of it, you know, here or there, but also Mr. Cologne had the best attendance
118out of the school board members. So, I don't know what that means, but we're we're rooting for all of you guys. So, I am so glad you made sure he was not physically here. I think he'll bring it up after this, though. Um but what that means and and then I'll move on with this. What that means is that um out of all of the schools, our 70 schools, 20% of those have only missed zero or no or one meeting. So it's just tremendously dedicated. Um in addition to those little plugs are we also allow for high school students to attend and this year we had Spruce Creek High and Seb High School um students come. However, it any student that comes, if they're just there with their parent, they can speak because that's why
119we're there. And um we do often have elementary students, middle school students who are attending with their parents, so they can come and it's always wonderful to hear from them. Uh I want to make sure I didn't forget anything in my notes. Um so we do um different subjects every year. However, there are certain ones based on our bylaws. Obviously, we hear about the budget every year. Um, and we also do security operations. Captain Smith is always a wonderful presenter. But we have meeting topics for each meeting where we have presentations in addition to the information brought. And these are the ones that we covered this year. We did our academic update, um, code of student conduct, careermies, district budget, our graduation rate. We had our HR update and recruitment, mental health awareness, uh, we
120did statute require statute requirements for SAC funding, security operations update, and we do our summer programs. So I do want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Balgabin who comes to our meetings and and Mr. cash who fills it and all that and when you look around if you could look around the room if you're not listening everyone here I think has done a presentation for us um at our meeting and they prepares a separate um uh b of information for all of us uh things that we can share on our minutes later powerpoints and we just want to say how much we appreciate it because this is why we're there is to get this information back to the schools and enable everyone to better serve um our students And with that, I think that
121I that's all that I had. And if you have any questions for me, Miss Thompson, I'll just say something. Um, I do appreciate how accommodating you are to people who have small children because I know I've had to bring my kids before and I know there's plenty of parents who have small children and you guys just keep going with the flow, whatever happens. So, thank you for always having these great meetings and these great topics and for being so accommodating. Thank you. I just want to say thank you for um not only to you but to all of the district staff that coordinates with you to be able to provide all of these topics and this information for whether it be parents or staff members from schools to be able to take it back to
122their schools. And so I believe Mr. Cologne would also like to say something. Go ahead, Mr. Cologne. Uh yes, this is the school board member with the best attendance. Uh would like to I'd like to say thank you to you and and and your team and uh the board of uh yourself and um Miss Copniki for and all of the parents that come east side, west side to be a part, not just to uh be spectators, but to be a part of the solution. uh and I am grateful to every single one who um sacrifices a few hours in the evening for our school district. So, thank you to all of you and also to our communications team who I know also assists in putting it together. So, thank you very much. I say one
123last thing. I'm so sorry because as I told Miss Johnson, she don't ever scare me like that again when she got brought up here and Dr. Dr. Balam started saying she's appointing her somewhere like no one asked us because um as you all pointed out um we don't have a budget and we don't have an office and we're all volunteers and they're all very dedicated but we do coordinate um all of our um speakers and and everything through community information. So, thank you so much again to Dale Johnson. And I I tried not to, but I'm calling out Lisa Long yet again because she does our minutes. She does our um any correspondents that we have scheduling the speakers. So, I don't know if she's listening, but um it wouldn't be possible without um us
124borrowing some of those hours. So, thank you very much for that. And thank you to you guys because you really do a tremendous job for us. Thank you. We're now moving on to item 19.01, adoption of proposed schoolboard policy 326, guidelines for audio recording, IEP, and section 504 plan meetings. So madame chair, board members, this was already presented advertised. So I am just recommending adoption of schoolboard policy 326 which is guidelines for audio recording individualized education plan and section 504 plan for meetings. Mrs. Johnson, do we have any card? Okay, then board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. We already discussed this at an earlier date um when we chose to advertise it. So, it's advertised for the amount of time required. We don't have any public input on it this evening. Do
125I have someone to make a motion to approve? I motion to approve. Second. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Any discussion? This Mr. Cologne wants to speak. Yes. I have a question for council. Did we receive any public input outside of today's meeting regarding this policy through the advertisement? I have not. Very good. Thank you. Any other questions or discussion? Hearing none, then I will call for the vote. All those in favor of approving the adoption of the proposed schoolboard policy 326 guidelines for audio recording IEP and section 504 plan meetings, please say I. I. I. I. Are there any? Is there anyone opposed? Okay, it passes unanimously. We're now moving on to item 19.02. This is an authorization to advertise the proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 511, safety of facilities. Dr. Bagaban,
126John Cash, chief of staff, and Captain Todd Smith, director for safety and security, you could do a brief presentation for us. Brief. Yes, ma'am. Chair Haynes, board members, Superintendent Balgabin, before um I don't want to interrupt Todd's streak of being expeditious, so we'll make this short, but I thought it was important to say a couple of things. One, at the administrative institute yesterday, the superintendent asked every administrator there what was the number one priority. And without hesitation, everybody in that auditorium said safety and security. Without hesitation, it's been her number one priority since she became superintendent. And this man right here along with the sheriff's department, we're a model for the state with relationships in my opinion with the sheriff's department and the school district. And what happened to our principles and school-based uh people
127last year under 1473 was a heavy lift. And in full transparency, Captain knows this, not every district implemented with the same fidelity that Valuchia did. And it was a heavy lift and we visited many schools together and solved many problems. So, the good news on the horizon that uh Captain Smith will be presenting tomorrow to the principles and share with you here in a moment. And I want to encourage you to tune in to Captain Smith's presentation tomorrow at the Admin Institute or it'll be on video because it'll be quite entertaining and it'll be a five-star review. But the news is there's relief in sight. So, with that being said, Captain, so on May 1st, 2025, Governor Dantis signed Senate Bill 1470 making changes to door and gate safety. Therefore, our policy was in conflict
128with the new law. As such, we've rewritten policy 511 to bring Valuchia County schools into compliance with the new legislation. The changes clarify the door and gate requirements apply from 30 minutes before the start of school until 30 minutes after the end of the school day. Furthermore, building ingress, egress doors, and gates inside the exclusive zone of the campus are no longer required to be shut and locked. It also allows for exemptions for career and technical education spaces, provides stipulations for common areas being used for instructional time, and requires substitutes to be trained on safety requirements. These changes changes are just ensuring on day one of the next school year, our policies reflect the new law. And this concludes my presentation. All right, board members. Well, Dr. B. Yeah. Have a recommendation. I recommend the
129authority be granted to advertise the proposed amendments to school board policy 511, safety of facilities. Okay. You've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. I have someone that would like to make a motion. I'll move approval. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Do I have a second? I'll second. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. Does anyone have any questions or discussion? I just want to be clear on two items that came up specifically. Um well the one item came up at a variety of schools. So if I'm understanding correctly the new piece that he has signed and I'll use an elementary example and a high school example. I'll use Citrus Grove as the elementary example. the two-story building, the double doors where there's no one at will no longer be locked so that children can get into the building and
130get to their classroom where the classroom door will be locked. Is that accurate? Correct. As long as it's within that exclusive zone. So once you're inside where the secure vestibule, you check in through Raptor so that you know we can vet the visitors coming on the campus once you're inside that. Correct. Okay. And so then for Dand High, there are buildings that are twostory buildings that have indoor hallways where once again you could stand there and knock on those doors all day long and no one will hear you because they're inside their classroom. So the doors locked. Those will no longer be locked so that students can come and go, but the doors within the hallway will be locked. Correct. That's it. Okay. And then the second part does pertain strictly to high school. So,
131our CTE courses and I'll use the land high again where they have like their welding building with the FFA group. They'll be able to have the the doors rolled up so that they have air flowing and no longer are we closing them into a building with out air because that's within that's within the perimeter. like everything's locked and they have to come in to get to that point. There are provisions for that. Okay. So, we have corrected that. It's going to have to be each one's going to have to be looked at, right? Okay. So, not that I'm giving you summer work, but will those things all those items be looked at prior to us starting the school year so that we can start on day one and everybody knows what the expectations will be?
132Yes. All right. That's all I have then. All right. If there's no further discussion, we'll call for the vote so that we can get this advertised. All those in favor of authorizing to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 511 safety facilities, please say I. I. I. All right. I. Any opposed? It passes unanimously. Thank you. Thank you. I will for finally they listened. I'm happy that people listened. We're now moving on to item 19.03 election of a board member to serve on the FSBA board of directors and an alternate. So Valia um FSBA has 27 seats so that 27 different board members across the state can serve on the board of directors. The first 13 seats which we are a part of are for single districts due to their size. Then seats 14 through 27
133are smaller districts that are grouped together. And so the individuals in seats 14 through 27 when we are there in June for the meeting, they will hold a piece where they will get together and determine who is going to serve and who's going to be their alternate but because of our size we're in the um top 13 at this time. So we make the decision. I am currently the person serving on FSBA board of directors. Um and at this time Mr. Clone is my alternate. I'm not speaking for him, but I will say that I would be happy to continue to serve on the FSBA board of directors, but we have to make a decision and vote on it prior to going there in June because they don't do our voting there. And then um
134Karen and Celeste will send the information in. So, Mr. Cologne, you hear us? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. As in what? Yes, I can hear you. Oh, okay. All right. So, is there anyone else that would like to serve? Mr. Okay. Glad to what I'm glad to have you continue to serve if you want to serve because I know that that involves usually meetings before and after uh the event. So, and I would be if nobody else wants to do it, I'm glad to be your alternate. However, uh if anybody else would like to be it, by all means, please do. I'd be interested in it, but I don't have to have it. You want to serve or you want to be the alternate? Okay. All right. Um so I make make a motion that
135Jamie be our our representative. Second. Okay. And then c can I make a motion that Christa be the alternate? We gota vote on the first vote first or or I will. Okay. If that helps. Okay. Let us we'll vote on we'll vote on the first part then we'll vote on the second part. Um okay. So Mr. Clones made a motion that I'll continue to serve as our FSB on the FSBA board of directors representing Valuchia County and Miss Goodrich second it. I'll call for the vote. All those in favor, please say I. I. I. Is there anyone opposed? Okay. And Miss Bros, you want to make the motion for Miss Goodrich to be the alternate? So moved. Okay. Second. Thank you, Mr. Cologne. All right, then I'll call for the vote. All those in favor
136of Miss Goodrich serving as the alternate for the FSBA board of directors, please say I. I. I. There's a delay when he's I. Okay, then that passes unanimously. So, we will submit those two names. We have one more part we have to vote on for FSBA. We have to elect a board member to serve as the FSBA advocacy committee representative and an alternate. So in November um Mrs. Brosmer stepped up um and agreed to fill the position. And I'm trying to think who is her al Mr. Clone. Are you her alternate? I think so. Yes, I think so. So, I need to know who would like to serve as the advocacy committee representative and we need an alternate. I'm happy to stay in the position unless someone else wants it. So, moved. I'll second that
137motion. Second. Mr. Cologne, is that a motion? Second. Yes, ma'am. Second. Let's vote on that part then. All right. Is there anyone else that wants to serve? Huh? I'm just asking. Okay. All right. Then all those in favor of Mrs. Bromer serving on the FSBA advocacy committee as the representative for Valuchia County, please say I. I. I. I. All right. Now, I need I need an alternate. I'd like to um nominate Ruben Cologne. Beck. I'll second. Okay. Mrs. Goodrich would like you, Mr. Cologne, to stay as the alternate. And Miss Thompson has seconded it. Is there anyone else? We had a theme. What? We had a theme going. We had a theme going on here. Yeah. Is there anyone else that would like to serve as the alternate? I'm taking this. Okay. All right, then.
138I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Mr. Ruben Cologne serving as the alternate for the FSBA advoc advocacy committee representative, please say I. I. It passes unanimously. We are now up to 20.01 public participation. I have one card. Are there any more? Okay, then Mrs. Albert, you are up. Thank you, Miss Haynes, for allowing me to move my time. Um, wanted to make sure that we had the right people in the room. Uh, so I'll go ahead and start. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. Balgabin, members of the audience. U, again, what I have to say tonight is probably going to be difficult for you to hear, but it needs to be said. uh the course of the last uh month or so of school has led me
139to uh to feel the need to make these statements tonight, but I didn't feel that our charter school friends needed to hear what I need to share with you. So, no matter what job role an individual holds within Valuchia County Schools, the Valuchia United educators believe in treating people with dignity, respect, and fairness. We work hard to meet the needs of our students, parents, communities, and this district. And whether we're a pair professional, office specialist, custodian, bus driver, or teacher, we all want the same thing at work. A boss who respects us, fair play, fair pay for our work, and a voice in the decisions that affect us. But recently, it seems that a handful of administrators have decided to run their schools like dictatorships, using fear and intimidation to silence teachers and staff, creating
140environments that are hostile towards workers, implementing a my way or the highway mentality. They abuse their power by weaponizing the evaluation tool and the instability of annual contracts to target and push out educators with years of proven experience increasing academic outcomes for students. This behavior hurts everyone, including our students. When principles abuse their authority, we must have systems in place to review and overturn their harmful decisions. No one should have unchecked power to disrupt the careers of dedicated educators, their families, and the lives of students. Accountability should shouldn't stop at the classroom. It must apply to those in leadership, too. No one should be able to hide behind their title while harming careers, silencing voices, or disrupting student learning. That's why we're calling for a transparent, fair process to review and potentially reverse the decisions
141made by principles who have been removed, demoted, or otherwise sanctioned. Because leadership without accountability is not leadership, it's just control. Our schools work best when every voice is respected and every decision serves our students, not the ego or agenda of one person. It's time to bring balance back to our schools and ensure that those in power are held to the same standards as the rest of us. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We are now moving on to item 21.01. Items from board members, superintendent, or school board attorney for discussion or announcement. want to go for Dr. Evans. Madam Chair, um I do have some um things I would like to share with the board on tonight. As board attorney, I would like to make some recommendations or suggestions um some changes as it relates
142to school board meetings and our methodology by which we conduct our schoolboard um meetings. Um, I recommend these changes for efficiency and time management to uh benefit uh Valuchia County staff and administration and also for parents and attendees as they relate to our schoolboard meetings and the length of time that we sent we spend in schoolboard meetings. And these are just ideas for you to entertain. Uh first thing I would like to maybe suggest is that we continue to have two schoolboard meetings per month, but one school board meeting be with a workshop and the second school board meeting uh will be as needed and if it's needed, it will just be consent agenda items only and the required public comments as per the statute. So two school two schoolboard meetings but one will be
143a workshop and schoolboard meeting and the second one will be a meeting with just consent agenda items. I have surveyed other districts within uh Florida and several of those school board um districts have one school board meeting a month or one school board meeting a month along with a consent agenda for the second one as needed. I would like to also perhaps recommend to the board that um board member comments um for time sake and for efficiency be limited to five minutes for board members. Five minute max. We give uh public comments for our community members three minutes. So I would like to see if we would entertain the thought of limiting board member comments to five minutes. Now during discussion items, things that we actually uh have to vote on or you have to
144vote on perhaps if you want to speak a second time, I think that perhaps maybe we should allow school board members to speak a second time. But during your first comment, it has to be or we're recommending five minutes. and if you speak again it will be five minutes and that's during discussion of various action items. And um something else that we might want to consider is not having opening and closing comments by board members. Just one set of comments at the very end of the meeting. So moving from having opening and closing just to having closing comments. Why am I suggesting these things? Again, it's for efficiency and time management of the board. Uh these things can be done to help benefit uh staff who spends numerous hours on preparing for board meetings and
145also these changes perhaps will um benefit our parents and attendees so they can stay for the entire board meeting. Well, those are some things that I would like to for us to consider. Mrs. Frostmer. I um I'm good with all of this. Um I'm I'm actually kind of amazed at when I first said maybe we should have one meeting a month, I thought everybody was going to run me out of town on a rail for suggesting it. So I'm I'm delighted uh with a lot of this. Uh but I want to be clear about where in this in the meeting process the discussion items fall. If we have the workshop and then just consent agenda items, where do the discussion items fall in that? If we're looking at a consent agenda for the second meeting,
146board members do have the authority to pull that item and then at that time you can discuss. So, so everything that we currently might have as a discussion item would be on the consent agenda and it would be up to a board member to to pull it in order to discuss it just as we so everything goes on consent. Not well not everything. We will just have for the second meeting we would just have consent items only. The first meeting we will have consent and also action items and then during those action items when we ask for a motion and a second then we move to discussion at that time if a board member wants to come back for a second time and make additional comments they should be allowed to do so. So that
147sounds like the first meeting would essentially be what we do now because it's a workshop and a regular meeting and then the second meeting would just be consent only and then we would have discussion if and only if one of those items okay is pulled for discussion like you pulled 16.01 tonight. Okay. Thank you. Uh that was that was my only question Mrs. Goodrich. So I just have two things. My understanding is that the consent um meeting would be mostly because we have construction items and or things that have a due date that we need to things that are time sensitive. Yeah. So, we want to make sure we're not delaying any construction and most times those time-sensitive things come from someone named Patty Core. Yeah. Yeah. So, division. Okay. Okay. And then my second
148question was um I agree with the five minutes completely except my only thought there is if we run into some major item for example COVID when it happened um when there's a major item will we have the ability if there's a major topic that requires potentially extensively longer conversation that we can make a motion for that day for that meeting if that were to come up. Yes. or the or the chair can give permission for us to extend the time. Okay. Just want to make sure that that option would be out there. Otherwise, my comments are that's a great observation. Yeah. My I think it's fantastic. I think this will give our staff so much more time to do what they need to do. Do do I recall correctly that there's a Robert's rules that
149allows the the chair to set aside a rule um that would provide for something like this? I I think there is something in Robert's rules that does that. Can ask for extended time. Um no, I I like this. Um, I like the five minute mark and I think being able to have the two um, meetings, one was just consent because that was my concern when we talked about just having one meeting because I do know I love that you said Patty um that there are items that come up and they are timesensitive and I would hate for us to miss anything or something get messed up because we couldn't do that. So, I'm in support of this. Thank you, Mr. Cologne. Quick question. Uh what advantage, Mr. Evans, will this bring to the district that
150they are proposing uh this change to the board? What advantage will it bring to the district? I think it would make us what what are the what are what is the what are the pros and cons? I think the pros are efficiency, uh, time management. It will allow us to, um, perhaps not have board meetings that last four, three, four hours. Um, and we'll be able to take care of the business at hand. And it will give staff members uh, more time to do their daily work instead of trying to having to prepare for two board meetings every month. And as I said, there are several of the districts, i.e. Miami Dade, who has gone to only one board meeting a month and no second one at all. So, the conso you also ask about
151the cons. Um me, I don't know of any cons that this might bring. I think it's going to be a win-win for the school board, the district, and our constituents. So, will we have public comment at both of the meetings? Even the second meeting? Yes. So, you're saying this the second meeting is going to be limited to consent agenda? So, that would limit the comments to items on the consent agenda. So, is public comment going to not be for general comments? Yes, we would also have public comment because you're required to have public comment. So, if we move with this model, we will have our opening. Then we would have our pledge and that kind of thing. No recognitions at the second meeting. we will go right into consent or at and at six o'clock
152we will have our public comments and then the only way we will have discussion on those consent items is if a board member pulls them for discussion so this so arguably we would have to bring this back um I I have a lot of questions uh and So, I'll I'll reach out to Dr. Balgaban and make sure because I also wonder if uh if there's any authorities that we need to extend. I know there was a lot of hesitation to extend authorities. Uh however, if um all if a lot of the times we're just going to be bringing back things that are that could wait until the next meeting, then we may want to look at extending, you know, the whole conversation we had a few months ago on extending the authority so that we
153can stretch it uh for a month. I I I personally uh when I signed up for this job, I understood what it was. I'll never forget when they proposed going to uh workshops in the morning. I remember it was the first day we had I uh been elect or been uh sworn in and I remember going to a break cuz I needed to ask my boss and so are we thinking that the workshops are going to be starting at 9:00 a.m. in order to get all the topics in and so now it's a full workday lost versus uh starting at noon. No, I Well, I didn't foresee that. I foraw that we would do just as we do now, having the workshop start at 12:30 and we'll workshop and then we will return at 4:30
154for the regular board meeting. There was never any discussion. Well, I never brought up anything about having workshops at 9:00 a.m. in the morning and spending That's my question is would we need more time because we're limiting it to one meeting? Well, there's going to be more there's going to be there's going to be more presentations. I'm sorry. I there's a delay. I would never talk over you, Mr. Cologne. I apologize. Sorry. But right now we have only right now we only have one board me board workshop a month. Right. So, but we have presentations that take place at both meetings. So, will both of those So, are we just going to make it one really long meeting? Is that I mean, you you're trying to squeeze in the topics. You're talking about double the
155consent agendas, double the presentations, double the board action items. Are we thinking we're going to do that in the same amount of time? Is that thought process? I don't believe we would probably do it in the same amount of time. It's probably going to be a little longer m that one meeting. I would think that. Mr. Cologne, can I interrupt for just a moment, please? Sure. I'm I'm good. I I'll I'll chat with the superintendent, but I'm good. I just This is kind of throwing me a little bit off, but I have probably more questions than answers that are available right now. Thank Rosmer. May I speak first? Do you mind? Of course. Okay. So, not everyone um had an opportunity to speak with you, Dr. Evans, prior to this. And I think this needs
156um further discussion. And I'd like to go ahead and end this discussion tonight so that uh Mr. Cologne will have an opportunity to ask questions about it. I still have some questions because I I didn't know we were I mean you told me when you sat down that this was going to you were going to bring it up as a discussion. Um I just want to add this to it. There are more than just consent items that at times come up with timelines. Some items cannot legally go under consent because it says they have to be voted on as a board action item and a lot of those are federal items that can't go under consent. So I think we need to have some further discussion um on this and so I would like um
157Mrs. Mr. Brosmer, you may speak, but I think this discussion needs to end um this evening and not go on any further. Miss Brosmer, uh that's fine with me. I honestly thought we were going to workshop it and and I think that probably would be a good idea and that um I I agree with the overall concept that has been described, but I can understand that there would be more uh logistical questions. uh that might need to be answered. So, if we can add that to the to our workshop calendar, I think that would be good. How's everyone else feel about this being a workshop topic? Absolutely. Are we allowed to speak about it? Yeah, we're still talking about it. Um I don't I think that it I'm I'm just gonna disagree. I don't think
158it needs to be a workshop topic. We just need to have a discussion about it, decide if it's something we want to do or not. It can actually be done. I'm clearly a fan of it because I know what this is doing to our staff. I'm happy if the public says, "Board members, you agreed to come twice a month. You need to just come sit here." I'm fine with that. It's not This is not for us. Um there are districts all over the state doing this. It's not just Miami date. There's a slew of districts larger and smaller than us. Um, it's all it's truly about efficiency and it's truly about giving our staff the tools and the time to go run our district to be the best district it can ever be. And so
159I to have a whole workshop over it. I mean, that's I know what our workshop schedule looks like. That's setting it back six more months based on the workshop schedule we have right now. Want to do that. So, I think it's I think we're five adults that can have this conversation in a meeting. I don't I don't think it's a workshop discussion in my opinion. That's just my opinion. And just and just for the record, I am not bringing these things forward to the board on my own accord. Uh as you all know, several of the board members have approached me as the board attorney and made these suggestions and we cannot act upon them until we bring them before this board for a discussion. then then I'm going to I'm going to withdraw my
160suggestion because I agree with Mrs. Goodrich. Um I I think the logistical issues can be worked out by our leadership and um and because there are so many I know Palm Beach County only has one a month too and and Palm Beach County is gigantic. So um this obviously can be done. Um, and in my mind, it's just a question of of working through the the logistics of it. Can I say one more thing? Sorry. And then I'll stop. Sorry. But when I look around the room, and not everyone's even here right now, but when I look at the administrative team that's sitting here right now, and the amount of hours that they put in, not just in their daytime part of the job, but all of the things we do in the evenings and
161the weekends. And so to give them some form of relief to get caught up on their job, I just big proponent All right. Then, um, I have not seen the agenda yet for the next board meeting. I will when they present it to me, which I think is at the beginning of next week, I will look to see if that we can fit in and we'll go ahead and put it as a discussion time, not just bring it up at the end. We'll set aside a time period there so that we can have an active discussion about it. Is everyone okay with that? Cuz I have I have more questions myself about it. Um, all right. Is there anything else that anyone wishes to bring up before the meeting is adjourned this evening? Didn't have
162the comments. Are we going to do board comments? Yes. That's that's what we're doing right now. Is there anything that anyone wants to Oh, go ahead, Mr. Prosper. I just wanted to I didn't want the opportunity to pass without being able to make some observations about the graduation week um because it was wonderful. It was one of the most stressful things I've done in in physically stressful and emotionally um in a long time. But but it was the energy was fantastic. Um, in particular, I would like to uh and I know some of what I'm going to say will be a repeat of of what others tonight have said, but the staff was fantastic. I have already told Mike McAuliff a dozen times that I thought he did an outstanding job of organizing everything, and
163I realized that I have no idea of the level of detail. Uh, he kept talking about little things that might have gone wrong. I didn't see anything. Um, I just I thought staff just did a fantastic job. The student speakers were so inspiring. They were so insightful. And in in my head, I'm looking at them going, they're 17, 18 years old, and I have to wonder if I was even remotely close to that at their age. Um, I I thought they were really moving. Um, I was especially grateful for the attention and honor given to the military. Um, both the uh the veterans and and the um the kids who have enlisted. Um I I really personally appreciated that tremendously. The bands and the chorus, the the ac cappella um singing of the national anthem,
164it All of that was just outstanding. And um and what's my last thing here? I can't read my own writing. Um oh, that was my last thing. Uh the the talent of the of the students was outstanding and I had a wonderful time and uh I hope everybody else did. I'm still recovering from it, but it was worth it. That's all I have. Anyone else? Okay. I just need to add real quickly. I think when each of you got here tonight, um, you received two audit reports at your seat. Okay. So, and Mr. Clone, we'll get you yours. So, this is part of the internal audit committee's work that they do with our internal audit um group that we have hired. And so, this is so that you have a chance to look at them
165and see where we're at. RSM does a very thorough job, but we did have an internal audit committee meeting um since the last board meeting and this was shared with everyone on the committee. they um had copies of this and could go through it and we started looking at the next set of audits that will need to be done. And so these are the reports and I wanted you to realize that that's why they wrote your seat tonight. Um Mrs. Brosmer, thank you for everything you did say about the graduations because um they are wonderful. I did want to add because I did miss a few um items just because there's been a lot going on. But I also wanted to add that we did our VCS retirement party since the last time we were
166here and it was just shy of,00 hours I mean 1100 years sorry of service based on those that came to the retirement party that night. And if anyone's listening at home and you chose to retire after the cutoff for this year's dinner or you know you've chosen to retire this month or sometime before next year's dinner and we miss you at this dinner, please reach out and go ahead and sign up for next year's dinner because if you've never been to this, it's a very nice dinner and they do a great job with it. And I don't want to leave anyone out because I saw where someone said, "Oh, I didn't know about that there was a dinner." And um so it's very nice. So I just wanted to say that that if you have
167chosen now to leave and you missed out on the retirement dinner, please reach out and sign up and we will be happy to celebrate you next year at the retirement dinner. Is there anything else from anyone? Okay. Then at this time it is 7:46 p.m. and we are adjourned.