001Good afternoon. Today is Tuesday, June 24th, 2025. The time right now is 4:37 p.m. Welcome to the School Board of Valuchia County's regularly scheduled meeting. In just a moment, I'm going to ask each and every one of you to stand to join me for the pledge of allegiance and national anthem. The pledge of allegiance will be presented by students from Stark Elementary. And the national anthem will be presented by students from Spruce Creek High, their choir and orchestra. We will remain standing after the national anthem for a moment of silence and reflection which by law each day that our students are in school they have they participate in a moment of silence and reflection. So at this time will you please join me in standing for the pledge of allegiance. Hello all. I am Mrs.
002Jessica Davis at Edith I Stark Elementary School. I am the administrative dean here with Miss Vanderford in our wonderful third grade classroom. And here we have the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance 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. And you see I was so proud we [Applause] last [Applause] shares [Music] [Applause] [Music] for the grand We lost we [Music] all mercy in the night as our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star [Applause] [Music] [Applause] for the land of the [Applause] [Music] bra. [Applause] Thank you. You may be seated. Welcome. And at this time, I'd like to introduce the other board members that are here with me. On my far left,
003we have Mrs. Donna Brosmer, who represents district 4. Then Mrs. Christa Goodrich, who represents district 2. Then we have Dr. Gilbert Evans, our school board attorney. Moving over to my far right, we have Miss Celeste Gilmore, who's our agency clerk. Then we have Miss Jesse Thompson, who represents district three. Mr. Ruben Clone, our vice chair, who represents district five. Dr. Carmen Balgaban, our superintendent, and I am Jamie Haynes. I represent district 1, and I'm currently your chair. Items for approval on this agenda this evening are items 1.03, 2.02, 5.01, 7.02, and 20.01 through 20.08. public participation times. You may fill out a green card, which you can get from Miss Johnson, who's over here on the side. If you wish to speak about any item that is located on the consent agenda, we will allow
004you to speak about that prior to voting on the consent agenda. We also have a 6 pm or shortly thereafter time for items of general interest pertaining to public education in Valuchia County. At that time, we give a total of up to 15 minutes and each individual can have up to three. If you wish to speak on a general interest item, she has yellow cards that you can fill out. Then time will be provided for public comment on any action item before a board vote is called on that item tonight. Those are items 20.01 through 20.08. And you'll fill out a green card for one of to speak before we vote on those. And then at the end of the evening, we always provide time for additional public comments for items of general interest pertaining
005to public education in Valuchia County before items from the board, superintendent, or the school board attorney are up for discussion or announcement. Our district vision, we're moving on to item 1.02. Our district vision statement is to create lifelong learners prepared for an everchanging global society. I'm going to go ahead and implement a new piece and move on. Approval of amendments. Item 1.03. Board members, you've had an opportunity to read the minutes from the June 3rd, regular session school board meeting. Do we have a motion to approve the presented minutes? Motion to approve. Second. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. Any discuss? Oh, sorry, Mrs. Brosmer. I need to be looking to tell which one of you it is. It's easier on that side. So, um, any further discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for
006the vote. All those in favor of approving the minutes from the June 3rd, 2025 regular school board meeting, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? Okay, it passes unanimously. We are now moving on to item 2.01. 01 agenda changes. Dr. Balgaban, are there any agenda changes before the agenda is presented to the board for approval? U Madam Chair, I request that I item 20.06, it be changed from an action item to a presentation only. Uh and we will bring this to the July 29th agenda as an action item. Which one was that? 20.06. That is I will read it verbaten to you. It is the extract one system enduser business agreement. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. So you have just one item, correct? Item 20.06 is going to be changed from an action item
007to a presentation for this evening. Correct. All right. You've heard the recommendation of the superintendent to change that item. Do I have someone that would make a motion for approval? Make the motion to approve. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Mr. Cologne. Any further discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. We're going to accept the agenda as it's presented this evening other than item 20.06, which will be changed from an action item to a presentation. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Okay, it passes unanimously. We are now moving on to item 3.01, announcements by our superintendent, Dr. Balgaban. Thank you, Madam Chair. Members of the audience, good afternoon. For those of you listening at home, thank you for tuning in. I hope everyone is
008enjoying their summer. Um, and and let's be reminded that July 4th is an important date coming up. It's our Independence Day. Um and in observation of ind independence day we will have obviously not be in operation for that day. Also July 27th is considered parents day. And guys I've got to say this to you. I think every day is parents day but you are officially recognized on the 27th. Also I shared with everyone here and we will show that at the end. Um all of our administrators, they engage in professional learning in the summer and that's based on our strategic plan, our data uh sets that we gather here at the district as we analyze, we look at areas of needs that we have for continuous improvement and the teaching, leading and learning division along
009with all of the other divisions that collaborate and that put together these trainings. We have many of our very own administrators that facilitate some of these sessions. And I have a short video. I know many board members were there um to uh give greetings to our administrators. So I have a short video that I'm going to show at the end from our administrators in terms of their reflections this year. Uh and I it's important for you to see that because you know when it comes to learning it's not just for for our students. When it comes to learning we're a learning institution. So that means every single one of you resp irrespective of the roles in which we serve and it's important that we're we're continuous learners. So you will get to see students for
010those of you who are here in the audience today, those of you watching it from home, you'll get to see your principles and your APS engaging also in learning the way you do throughout the school year. And let's not forget that when it comes to um our superintendent summer homer run reading challenge that this is taking place until July 31st. So if your students are reading which I know they are every single one of them. Let's log those minutes in into be bean stack in an RV portal and there's lots of great prizes that they can win from Little Caesars to tickets to Daytona Lagoon, the Daytona Tortugas. um you know traveling to the zoo. Um Futures Foundation is sponsoring quite a bit of these uh in addition to Don and Dan Dnner. They have
011been uh doing this for several years now in terms of the sponsorship. So we would like to thank our sponsors and most importantly we want to thank all of our parents and our students who are diligently engaging in probably one of the most important skills that we can engage in which is to be a continuous learner through reading. So, thank you for doing that. Now, we do have a short video and that concludes my announcements. Thank you. Our responsibility as leaders to go back to our campus and create a culture where we're not just leading with purpose, we're teaching with purpose and students are learning with purpose. Every single one of you, the work that you do, it's intentional. It's purposeful. Our leadership identity has to do with the culture of our school. What is
012it that we really want our school community, our students to be able to get from when they step foot into our school campuses, when they step foot into Valuchia County Schools as a whole. They gave us data and evidence of why we're doing why we're moving in the right direction. And we just all coming from today, we want to keep moving in that direction and we feel inspired. It gives you time and that's the thing that's the most valuable asset that we have as educators is time to think to plan to organize to work together as a team to bond. Um and so that's invaluable. I think it's an opportunity to look at our data and also refocus um prioritize what are going to be our focus areas and action plan specific steps um to
013meet those goals uh based on what our data is showing from this training and from all of these meetings and collaborating. Um we're just going to take all that information and make it the best school year ever. I'm so excited about the trajectory of county schools and our aids continue to rise. It's so exciting. Uh it's great for our kids and it's wonderful to show the hard work of all of our teachers and administrators. I'm very excited about the academic momentum that we have and the school culture and community that we have at Vanity Co. And so I'm excited to um see my students again and my teachers again and get started. [Music] I think that was less than 3 minutes chair. I think so. So, now we're moving on to item 4.01, our Florida
014school lunch hero, Dr. Valgan. Yes, ma'am. Uh, madame chair, board members, uh, we would like to recognize Miss Tanya Cy. She is here in the audience. She's going to, she's our schoolway cafe manager at Valuchia Pines Elementary. Can you please stand, Miss Cy? So, this beautiful lady here, uh, Miss Cy, she was recently recognized, as you know, by the Florida Department of Agriculture, uh, for the No Kid Hungry and the Department of Dairy Council for her outstanding, truly outstanding work as a school lunch hero. She was one of just five five individuals selected across the state out of approximately 700 applications um that were submitted for this recognition. [Applause] She's received a big check, guys, for $2,000 and other awards. So, also from this sponsoring organization at this time, chair, would you like to I
015think that's the only one. So, can she come up now? Yes. Okay. So at this time I would like to invite Miss Cy to join us along with Miss Heather Demiola our school director CF cafe cafe for school way caf director for school way cafe it's been a long day guys Julie Cusack Gordon our principal wonderful princip from Valuchia Pines Carol Richards the assistant principal from Valuchia Pines is here Michelle Riggs the assistant um principal for school wake assistant um director for schoolway cafe and Robin Grulick the assistant schoolway cafe for Valuchia Pine. So we've got three assistants from the schoolway cafe here along with our principal and our director. Can you please join us? Oh, okay. [Laughter] [Music] I'm going to have you slide into this area. [Music] I'm not right. [Music] the kids.
016[Music] You're a true hero. Sound we don't hear very often in here. Oh, Dr. Bavin. Yes, ma'am. We actually have one more recognition for this evening. I think we do. Right. Now, there's a reason why it wasn't on the um agenda. Cuz it's a surprise. Cuz it's a surprise. Huh. So, at this time, at this time, we're asking Mrs. Karen Bishop to come forward, whether or not you realize it, um Karen has donated 37 years of her life to Val County Schools. I got it right, didn't I? Yes. because we're just a little ways apart. Um, and she's chosen to go ahead and retire, which we are all excited and happy for her that she is retiring because she's going to start a new chapter and probably do a lot of fishing with her husband
017and all that. But we couldn't let tonight go by because this is your last board meeting that you will have with all of us. And for those of you that may not know this, Karen spent the bulk of her 37 years up in the superintendent's office and then we were fortunate that she came down to work with us a couple years ago. And so we appreciate you and I'm not going to put you on the spot and make you say anything unless you wish to. Okay? But will you come forward because we have some things for you and we'd like to get a photo with you before you exit. [Applause] Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we not accept her resignation. Ready? [Applause] No. Thank you. We were a little worried that
018if she saw it on the agenda, she wouldn't be here and so that's why it wasn't on the agenda this evening. So, thank you for bearing with us while we did that. So, we're now moving on to item 5.01, 01 which is administrative appointments and transfers. Dr. Balaban. Yes, Madam Chair. And we do have quite a few this today. We have uh 10 administrative appointments. So, here is how it's going to go. I'm going to call you up. You'll come up. You'll take three minutes or less to share at the end some words with the board and and those that are here that are joining you. But at the end of the 10 then in the order in which you were called you will come up so we can take a picture with you. Okay.
019So first I'm going to call Mr. Andrew Langenbach to join us please. [Applause] So a little bit about Andrew. We're excited about Andrew joining the team. He's obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida, a master's degree from the University of Miami. He holds certification obviously the Florida Bar. Um worked in for as a forensic attorney for the Florida Agency for Persons with Disability and then became the regional attorney for the Florida Agency for Persons with Disability. Went on to become the assistant state attorney with the seven uh judicial circuit um for the land in Daytona. became an associate attorney for Booker and Associates Orange City. Served again as the assistant state attorney for the seventh judicial circuit uh the land Daytona. Currently serving as the senior attorney to Florida Department of Transportation
020in the land. Today uh board I'm recommending that Mr. Andrew Lianbach becomes the new ESC ADA compliance attorney for the general counsel's office and with your approval his effective start date will be July 7, 2025. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that would make a motion to approve? Seeing as Miss Copelan is back there doing this, I will happily make that motion. Okay. Thank you. and I will second. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. So, we have a motion and a second. Anything any um discussion? Okay. Hearing none, then I'll call for the vote. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Congratulations. It pass unanimously. Welcome, [Applause] Superintendent, Madame Chair, and members of the board. I'd like to thank you along with Dr. Evans, Mr. Cash, Miss
021Copeland, and Miss Crims for this opportunity. About 10 years ago, I hope that's right, I met the woman who became my wife. At the time, she was teaching middle school English. For the last decade, I've gotten to see firsthand exactly what goes into educating our children, both from the side of the teachers and the administrators. I've gotten to see the hours they put in, the care, the energy that they dedicate to the job. And so I am very excited to be able to come along and serve the organization that supports those people who work on the front line. I have a daughter who's also in Valuchia County Schools and I can see something that I'm sure all of you already know, which is that it's a calling that is answered by people who truly care
022about the students. I cannot wait to help serve those people in any way that I can in our community. I'm going to try to keep this brief, so I'll wrap up shortly, but I think I'd be remiss if I didn't have a public microphone and recognize a few people. So, first off, my wife, um, Abby, who is in every sense of the word my better half. Um, in every way that I'm weak, she's strong and she makes my life so much better for being in it. my daughter Madison, who I cannot look at and speak at the same time unfortunately, but Madison, I am beyond proud of who you are, who you choose to be every day, and who you are growing up to be. I've lived a very exciting life, but uh I think
023my favorite adventure has been being your dad. I want to recognize my mom. She raised me on her own, working a very demanding job. Um, and when you have a child who's going to grow up to be a lawyer, that is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. Uh, but I grew to be who I am because of who she taught me to be. And then finally, my in-laws, Joey and Tim, who have welcomed me into their family, continually give us wisdom and guidance, and encourage us to be our best. So, in closing, thank you again. I'm very excited, Miss Copen, and I cannot wait to get started. Thank you, everyone. Thank you. [Music] Thank you, Madam Chair. So, now I would like to ask Miss Leashon Ross Porterfield to join us.
024[Applause] Uh, a little bit about Miss Porterfield. She's obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of North Florida, master's degree from the University of North Florida. Doc, she's currently working on her doctoral degree also with the University of North Florida, holds certifications in the following area. Ed leadership, elementary ed, first through six. She started as a teacher as at Rufus Payne Elementary in Duval County. became a reading coach at Lola Culver Elementary, Duval County. went on to becoming an assistant principal at Rufus Payne Elementary, Duval County, and then a principal at Rufus Payne Elementary, Ramona Elementary, Duval County, Crystal Springs Elementary, Duval County, served as a district principal on assign on special assignment for Turnaround Innovative School Improvement in Duval County, and became the executive director for elementary the elementary region for Duval County currently
025serving as the Florida regional executive director for the Bureau of School Improvement Florida. Today I'm recommending with your approval that soon to be soon to be Dr. Leseawn Russ Porterfield to serve as the director of strategic academic operations in the division of teaching, leading and learning. And as you know, this is this is a director position that has been uh restructured. Her effective start date is approved will be July 1st, 2025. Thank you, board members. You've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that would like to make a motion? Motion to approve. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. Do I have a second? Thank you, Mr. Cologne. Any discussion? Okay, hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of approving Miss soon to be Dr. Leseawn Russ Porterfield for the position
026of director for strategic academic operations and teaching leading and learning. Please say I. I. I. Any opposed? Welcome and congratulations. It passed unanimously. Thank you so much. Good evening. Um, Chairperson Haynes, um, board members, and our superintendent, Dr. Balgabin, thank you for the opportunity to serve in this capacity in Valuchia County. I have worked alongside many dynamic leaders in Valuchia for the past three years, supporting our most challenging schools. I um my heart was filled to see the students of Stark giving the pledge today because that was one of the schools in which I worked alongside the principal and their dynamic leaders and supporting school improvement initiatives. I do bring to the table a wealth of um knowledge around supporting our most fragile schools and their communities. But I also bring with me an opportunity
027to work alongside each of you and the leaders here in creating a sustainable um supportive school schools within our county. I'm I'm very excited to bring to the table and work alongside the leaders in the work that they're doing the work that we have done in some of our most fragile schools in Valuchia. I know you heard a lot about Duval County, but I have to say I have um I'm only an hour that's an hour away from the work that's been here, but working within region five, I've worked in um districts starting with Valuchia all the way down to um Miami date 11 and um have been very uh supportive in that work and I look forward to bringing that to the students and um school communities here in Valuchia. Thank you so much
028for the opportunity and I look forward to working alongside each of you. Thank you. [Applause] All right. So, as we continue, Miss Patricia Smith, can you join us? There she comes. Miss Smith obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida, a master's degree from the University of South Florida. She holds certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners. Started as a planner with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the Office of Greenways and Trails. Then became the planning manager for PBSJ, Inc. went on to becoming the director of project management at Holland and Knight Consulting. Served as a land planning consultant at Mosaic Fertilizer in Tampa. Worked as as a construction projects manager at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Became the transportation planning manager at Monroe County government, Key West. then
029became researchprogram coordinator for the Institute of Human and Machine Cognition in Pensacola. Currently serving as the planning manager for Valuchia County Growth and Resource Management. With your approval, I'm recommending that Miss Patricia Smith serve as the coordinator for planning and business services. Effective start date will be June 25th, 2025. That's tomorrow. Okay. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone make a motion to approve? So moved. Thank you, Mrs. Promer. Do we have a second? I'll second that motion. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Any discussion? Okay, then I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Miss Patricia Smith becoming the coordinator for planning and business services, please say I. I. Anyone opposed? It passes unanimously. Congratulations. [Applause] Thank you. Um I am a proud graduate of the Valuchia County
030School System. I attended uh Orman Elementary, Orman Middle School, and Seab Breeze High School. And now I'm very fortunate to be offered this position to work with the planning team here at the school board. And I'm just very excited to help them out. So, thank you for having me. Miss uh no at this time Logan Whitmore. Can you please join us? [Applause] So to share with you a little bit about Logan, he's obtained his bachelor's degree from the Daytona State College, master's degree from St. Leo University, holds certification in the following areas. at leadership, English speakers of other languages, exceptional student education, elementary education K through six, and reading. He started as a teacher at Taylor Middle, then became a teacher and assignment at Riverview Learning Center, went on to becoming an ES teacher at
031Taylor Middle, Riverview Learning Center, served as a teacher and assignment also at Hinsson Middle and Pearson Elementary. currently serving as the assistant principal at Taylor Middle. With your re with your approval, I'm recommending that Mr. Logan Whitmore serves as the coordinator for exceptional student education. Effective start date July 1st, 2025, not tomorrow. July 1st. Thank you. All right, board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent for Mr. Logan Whitmore to become the coordinator for exceptional student education here at the district level. Do I have someone that would like to make the motion to approve? I'd like to make the motion to approve. Second. Thank you, Mrs. Goodri. Second. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Any discussion? Okay. Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of approving Mr. Logan Whitmore as the coordinator
032for ESSE here at the district level, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? It passes unanimously. ratulations and welcome. Thank you. Uh good evening, school board chair Haynes, esteemed board members, and superintendent Balgaban. I'm honored and humbled to accept this nomination as ESC coordinator within Valuchia County Schools, and I will work hard for this faith and trust you've placed in me for this position. Thank you to the Taylor Middle High School faculty and staff that I have had the honor and privilege working alongside throughout my years with the Lucha County Schools from a teacher and as you've heard ESSE teacher and then ESAP. Um so many memories of laughter, joy, and inspirational moments that I will always cherish. Um you have helped me grow as a leader and have made Taylor feel like a second
033home to me. I could spend all night up here and it still would not be enough to articulate the appreciation I have for this school and that community. I also cannot fully express what Principal Piers has meant to me in my career. I will never be able to repay him for the trust and faith he has had in me, not only as a teacher again at Taylor, but as his ESSE assistant principal this year. To the community of Taylor Middle School. For each of my roles at Taylor, you have entrusted me with the responsibility to serve your students and community. I hope that I gave back a small fraction of the happiness and memories that you have given me. I look forward to seeing future Wildcats in the community making their mark on the world
034and striving to be the best that they can be. And once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. To Director Copeland and the amazing ESC district team, I'm excited for the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to serving all of our students in Valuchia County Schools within transition services. These services have a wide-ranging impact for our communities are invaluable to our students and families. Collaborating with our students, families, educators, community service providers will be a main mission of mine and a source of pride every day. Lastly, to my amazing family who continue to be there for me even though I continue to move up the ladder. You know, they just keep pushing like go. You help push me to the best version of myself and you encourage me to always strive toward new
035heights. Thank you as I would not be here tonight without you. I am truly blessed to be where I am today and I'm excited to be a servant leader for this community in Valuchia County Schools. [Applause] Thank you, Madam Chair. As we move along, Miss Angelica Erica Jones, please join us. [Applause] Jones obtained her bachelor's degree from the Florida Atlantic University, a master's degree from Florida Atlantic University, and also master's degree from Stson University. holds certification in the following areas: educational leadership, English speakers of other languages, ESON, elementary ed, K through six, and reading. She's been with Valuchia County since 2005. Uh started as a teacher at Freedom Elementary, then became a teacher and assignment at the Land Middle, and currently serving as the administrative dean at the Land Middle. Today I'm recommending that Miss
036Angelica Erica Jones serves as the assistant principal with Taylor Middle with an effective start date of July 1st, 2025. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that like to make a motion? Motion to approve. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Mr. Cologne. Any discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Angela Erico Jones becoming the assistant principal at Taylor Middle, please say I. I. Anyone opposed? Congratulations. It's unanimous. Good evening, school board members, chair um Madame Chair Haynes, Mr. Cologne, Miss Goodrich, Miss Bromer, Miss Thompson, and Superintendent Owen. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to serve as an assistant principal for Valuchia County Schools. It is truly an honor and I'm deeply grateful for the confidence that you
037have in me. For the past 20 years, I have been blessed to serve the students, families, and communities of Lucia County, especially in the land community. This has been my home for the last 20 years. Along this journey, I've been fortunate to work under administrators who have provided the guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support, each playing a a crucial role in helping me grow into the leader I am today. I want to give a special thank you to Miss Brandy Hog for believing in me and encouraging me to take the important steps along my leadership path. Without her, I would not be where I am today. Your guidance has been instrumental and I am sincerely appreciative. And I will try not to cry for the next part. and Mr. Devito and the Doom Middle School family.
038Sorry. These past six years have been incredible. I'm so thankful for your trust, support, and faith in me. Together, we've navigated the challenges of co and this year faced a year filled with new trials. Through it all, I learned that with resilience and supportive environments that we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great success. and I am proud to have been a terrier and proud that our school and all it has accomplished especially this year. To my family, thank you. You've always been there standing by me and supporting me in my journey and guiding me in life. Your love and support means everything to me. I'm excited to continue serving Valuchia County Schools and look forward to this next chapter on my leadership journey and with Mr. Pierce and the Taylor Middle family. I'm eager
039to continue to learn, grow, and contribute as we all work together to the continued success of all our students in Valuchia County. Thank you. [Applause] Damon Bars, please join us. [Applause] Bars have obtained his bachelor's degree from Bthun Cookman University, master's degree from Grand Canyon University, holds certification in the following areas at leadership exceptional student education. He's been with Valuchia County since 2004. Started as a professional at Seabbze High, then became the campus advisor at Hinsson Middle, Deltona High. worked as a behavior specialist at behavior change artists in Daytona Beach. Went on to becoming the ESC teacher at Camp Bill Middle, the land high. Served as a teacher on assignment at Mainland High. Currently serving as the administrative dean at Mainland High. With your approval, I'm recommending that Mr. Damon Bars becomes the new assistant
040principal for Mainland High. effective start date July 21st, 2025. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that would like to make a motion? I'd like to make the motion. Thank you. Second, Mrs. Goodrich. Do I have a second? Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Any discussion? Okay, hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All of you that are in favor of Damon Bars becoming the assistant principal at Mainland High School, please say I. I. Any opposed? It passes unanimously. Congratulations and welcome. [Music] Thank you. Good evening everyone. Uh before I begin, I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to the members of the Luchia County School Board, Chair Jamie Haynes, Christa Goodrich, Jesse Thompson, Donald Brashmire, Vice Chair Ruben Cologne. Also want to recognize the superintendent Dr. Babelman for her visionary
041leadership, our collective educa, our I'm sorry, a little nervous. uh collective education and district um strengthening opportunities like this and I'm deeply honored and thankful. I would like to also give a big thanks to Dr. Drayton, Dr. Castelli and Dr. Reer for your leadership. It is incredible honor to stand here before you today as the newly appointed assistant principal of Mainland High School. I want to express my sincere appreciation to our current administration team for your support and your belief in me. Thank you for your guidance and you're welcoming me to this new role. This moment is deeply personal uh because Mainland is my foundation. Um I'm proudly graduate of Mainland High School. I graduated in 1990 and many of my values that I carry today are rooted from Mainland High School from those classroom
042walls and the classroom halls. Even more special is the legacy I'm honored to continue. My father, Amos Bar, dedicated over 30 years. Most of those years were right here at Mainland. Stand where he stood and to serve the community he served. Both humbling and inspiring. To the faculty and staff, thank you for your dedication and your passion. To our students each and every day. I look forward to working alongside you and supporting uh your incredible work that you do and the incredible work that's happening on campus. Mainland has always been a part of who I am. And now more than ever, I'm committed to helping and ensuring every student that walks through those halls feels the same. Feel seen, supported, and prepared for success. So, I thank you for this opportunity, and let's continue to
043do great things together. And those who know the saying can say it with me, but pride never dies. [Applause] Moving right along. Number seven, Roger Bris Bismore. Please join us. Roger. So to share with you a little bit about Mr. Bismore, he's obtained his bachelor's degree from Kaiser University in Georgia. a master's degree from Florida GF Coast University. Host certification in the following areas: ed leadership, business ed 6 through 12. He's been with Valuchia County Schools since 2018. Started as a teacher at the land high and then became a teacher and assignment at Pineriidge High, currently serving as an as an administrative dean at Pineriidge High. Today, I'm recommending that Mr. Roger Bismore becomes the new assistant principal for new Samra Beach High effective start date July 21st 2025. Thank you board members. You've heard
044the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that would like to make a motion for approval? Motion to approve. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Any discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Mr. Roger Bismore becoming the assistant principal at New Simra Beach High, please say I. I. I. Anyone opposed? Congratulations. It passes unanimously. [Applause] Good evening, school board chair Haynes, Vice Chair, Mr. Cologne, esteemed members, Miss Goodrich, Miss Brosmer, Miss Thompson, and of course, superintendent Dr. Balgaban. I want to thank all of you and the entire district leadership team for your confidence in me. I fully understand the responsibility this role carries and I'm committed to dedicating myself to the success and well-being of this school community. I recognize
045that every experience along my career journey has contributed to shaping who I am today and my time at Pineriidge High School was brief but significant. The relationships I formed with students and staff have left a lasting impact and leaving those connections behind is bittersweet. The memories made will always hold a special place in my heart. I would also like to thank a few individuals from my time there who have significantly influenced my growth as a person and a school leader. Um, starting with Mr. Bill Reer, Julian Doster, Mr. Madson Kangi, Cheryl Celelesi, Adrien Palmer, and Danielle McMahon. I'm grateful for everything each one of you has taught me and all that you've contributed to my personal and professional development. Your continued support and guidance mean more to me than my words can express. I want
046to thank my wife, my children, and our entire family. Your unwavering patience, sacrifice, and constant love and support have been my anchor throughout this journey, and I'm thankful for all that you have done. I also want to thank Principal Merrick for welcoming me to the team and entrusting me with this opportunity. I'm excited to join a school with such a rich tradition and look forward to contributing to its continued success. As assistant principal of New Simra Beach High School, I'm excited to serve a vibrant school that truly stands as the heart of the community. I am committed to fostering an environment where every student and staff member feels valued, empowered, and supported. It's an honor to become part of the CUDA family, and I look forward to contributing to the positive and supportive atmosphere that
047makes this school so special. Thank you all again for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to the journey ahead and to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and community. Thank you. [Applause] Jacob Cavey, please join us. [Applause] Mr. Cave has obtained his bachelor's degree from Weber International University, a master's degree from the American College of Education, certifications in ed leadership, exceptional student education, worked as a teacher at Liberty High in CMI, then became a support facilitator teacher at Apakka High. What a small world. uh served as administrative dean at Allstars Program City of Orlando. Also served as an administrative dean at College Park Middle in Orlando. Went on to become an intervention teacher mult at the MTSS lead specialist at Wolf Lake Middle Aka. Been with Valuchia County Schools since 2021.
048served as an ESC support facilitation at the land middle and currently serving as the administrative dean at Deltona Middle. I'm recommending that Mr. Jacob Cavey becomes the new assistant principal for Deltona Middle with the effective start date of July 1st, 2025. I know many of you are stomping ground. Thank you, Dr. Bachman. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that would like to make a motion? I will gladly make that motion. Thank you, Mr. Clone. Do I have a second? I'll second that motion. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Any discussion? And I do have something to say. That's okay. Yes. Go ahead. I I want to, you know, few years ago, him and I had a wonderful conversation about what's next. And I'm so glad to see this moment finally
049came. You know, it's all about his timing. And so, uh, congratulations. And I'm glad to see you here and still in D5. So, that's Any other discussion? Okay. Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Mr. Jacob Cave becoming the assistant principal at Deltona Middle, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? Congratulations and welcome. [Applause] Good evening, school board members Haynes, Cologne, Goodri, and Thompson, and Superintendent Bagabin and everyone. I'm extremely honored to be accepted for this position as assistant principal at Deltona Middle School. My journey in education has taken me across three different districts in Central Florida as an ESC teacher and my 10 years of experience as an educational leader across two districts has greatly prepared me for this role at Deltona Middle School. I want to thank all
050the former administrators I've worked with throughout my career who've taught me how to be an effective school leader. To my current administration team, Miss Buckner, Miss Mason, and Miss Glender, thank you for your support. And a special thank you to my principal, Dr. Henson, who has been an educa an exceptional mentor and allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge of the roles and responsibilities needed to be a great school leader. To all the stakeholders of Deltona Middle School, our staff, students, and community has been an amazing two plus years serving this community. And I look forward to continuing to build a safe, inclusive school environment where all students can thrive. Finally, I must thank my wife and family who could not be here tonight due to prior engagements with our family vacation. You stepped up today
051again as you've done countless times when I'm late getting home because of a school function that needed my attention. I could not have done this without you. I love you. As I step into this new role, I'm committed to serving our students, supporting our staff, and strengthening our partnership with the community. Together, we will continue to make Deltona Middle School a place where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity. You're welcome. [Applause] Miss Sierra Hulcom, please join us. [Applause] Miss Hulkcom obtained her bachelor's degree from Daytona State University, a master's degree from the University of Central Florida. Holds certification in the following areas: ed leadership, exceptional student education, English speakers of other languages: elementary ed, middle grades, math, and reading. She's been with Valuchia County since
0522013. started a teacher at South Daytona Elementary and then became a math coach at South Daytona Elementary in Cample Middle, went on to becoming a teacher on assignment at Orman Middle and currently serving as an administrative dean at Orman Middle. Um, I'm recommending that Miss Sierra Hulcoms becomes the new assistant principal for River Springs Middle with the effective start date of July 21st, 2025. Thank you, Dr. Bman. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that will make a motion? So moved. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Do I have a second? I'll second. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. Any discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Miss Sierra Hulcom becoming the new assistant principal at River Springs Middle, please say I. I. Any opposed? Congratulations and
053welcome. Good evening. Um to the school board members Haynes, Cologne, Goodidge, Bossamer, and Thompson. To superintendent, I stand here before you today um with deep gratitude and a strong sense of purpose as I accept the role of assistant principal at River Springs Middle School. It is truly an honor to step into this position and I do so with humility, dedication, and excitement for what lies ahead. First, I would like to thank Principal Vaughn, um, Dr. Drayton, Dr. Valier, Superintendent Balgaban, and the school board for placing their trust in me. I also want to express my appreciation to my colleagues, mentors, and dedicated educators that have shaped me uh, shaped my journey to this point. You know who you are. Thank you to my family for supporting and encouraging me to pursue my goals. Education is
054not just a career for me. It is a calling. As assistant principal, my goal is to support a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment where every student feels valued, every teacher is empowered, and every parent is a partner. This is a shared mission. Together, we will continue to raise expectations, celebrate growth, and build a strong foundation that already exists at River Springs Middle School, the Gator Way. I believe in the power of listening, collaboration, and leading with empathy. Whether it's solving problems, encouraging a struggling student, or advocating new initiatives, I'm here to serve with integrity and heart. In closing, I'm energized by the possibilities before you. I know that by working together, um, we will not only meet the challenges, but turn them into opportunities to grow stronger as educators, as students, and as a
055community. Thank you for your opportunity. Go Gators. [Music] [Applause] All right, number 10, Jackie Johnson. Please join us. [Applause] He's obtained Mr. Jackson has obtained his bachelor's degree from Stson University, master's degree from the University of Central Florida, holds certification in the following areas. uh exceptional student education. Um he's been with Valuchia County Schools since 2019. Uh started as a teacher at Dand High, then became a teacher on assignment at Deltona High, currently serving as an administrative dean at Deltona High. Today, I'm recommending that Mr. Number 10, Jackie Johnson becomes the assistant principal for Deltona High with an effective start date of July 1st, 2025. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone to make a motion to approve? I will gladly make the motion. Thank you, Mr. Clone. Do
056I have a second? Second. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Any discussion? Uh, absolutely. And so it wasn't long ago we were standing in the middle of class change and I said to you, "What are your plans? What do you want to do?" And so again, I am extremely grateful that you were here. And you know, it's kind of prophetic because we definitely got a 10 uh in Mr. being our assistant principal at Deltona High. So go Wolves and uh congratulations and I'm glad you're here. Thank you. And still in D5. Any other discussion? Okay, then I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Mr. Jackie Johnson becoming the new assistant principal at Deltona High. Please say I. I. I. Anyone opposed? Congratulations and welcome. [Applause] Thank you. School board members Jamie Haynes, Rumie Cologne,
057Christina Goodrich, Donna Bronze, and Jesse Thompson. And special thanks to Superintendent Balamman. I want to start by expressing my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve as assistant principal at Deltona High School. It is truly an honor to step into this role and remain a part of a team that is deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students. I would like to thank some people who play a part in me getting here. First, my incredible mother. Without her sacrifice and dedication to raising me and my siblings, I would not be in front of you today. I thank her for all she has done. She truly is my why. With me being a product of Valuchia County Schools, I would like to thank every teacher, coach, and principal that I came across on this
058journey. Every one of them played a part in Modi the man I am today. I must give a special thanks to my mentors, Principal DJ Alamo and Coach Alice Russell, both whom I met at 13 years old, who never stopped believing in me. It is people like them who represent what this county stands for. I would also like to thank Mr. McAlliff, Dr. Latnau, Mr. Franks, and the rest of my team at Deltona for believing in me the very first day I stepped on campus. Your belief and encouragement means the world to me. Lastly, I like to thank God for his grace, for without him, there is no me. Thank you. So, at this time, we're going to start photos and we'll do them in the order in which you um were presented this evening.
059Thank you. All right. If I can have Mr. Langenbuck come back up and your families are all welcome to join you. Please right up here. Please bring your families and anyone with you that needs to be in the photos. [Applause] Okay, first first photo. Go ahead and grab it. First photo. Okay. Everyone get close. Uh a little bit tighter. two. If I can have you exit this way with me, Excuse me. [Laughter] Have you move up? There we go. Okay. One. Look this direction. And you can come this way with me. You're good. You're good. You can come this way. Sorry, the voices. [Applause] She's wearing the green. I got it. [Applause] Three times. Just got home. All right, everyone. I wish we could run out. Three, two, one. [Applause] Okay. Right here. [Music] If
060I can get Mr. Bismore, Mr. Bismore and family to line up. Okay. [Laughter] Get you ready. backpack on my way out. Just cloud running. All right, everyone ready? All [Laughter] [Applause] right. Ready everyone? Ready? two. I can have everyone come this way with me, please. Thank you. Congratulations. Right to the center. [Music] I'm being hard. I'm coming back over. Here we go. [Applause] We're going to take you right to the center. Right to the center. First round's on. Second round's on third round. [Music] All right, everyone. All right. No one leaves. Here we go. All right, next. You guys can follow me. [Laughter] hanging out with her. Congratulations to awesome. We're not getting anybody. Heather, you guys picture support. All righty. And everyone in my direction [Music] if you guys want to. Well, I didn't
061even get that picture. But we don't have an actual chapter yet. I've been with every I was like, you got to get this. By the way, that's his mom. Hello everybody. Still not paying attention. [Laughter] What is it? [Music] We'll be at the gym all night. [Applause] probably love you guys. You let me know. Thanks, Mom. Did I? Huh? Oh yeah, for sure. You have to wait like that child in the classroom. At this time we are moving on to item 7.01 removal of any items from the consent agenda. Dr. Balaban, are there any items requiring removal from the consent agenda? Chair, uh actually item 16.06, which is the generator for Brewster, I'm asking that that be removed from the agenda. Uh we have had a discussion and uh this is this item is not
062necessary at this moment. Okay. Thank you. Board members, are there any items on the consent agenda that you would like to remove for further discussion or is a standalone item? Mrs. Bromer, I have actually two. It looks like more than that, but it's the 11:01, 11:02, 1103, 1104. the they're all in a group and the questions are apply to all of them. So you can consider that as one if that's appropriate and the other is 13.16 13 what 16 okay so if I have it correct I have 11.01 11.02 11.03 and 11.04 and 1316 correct okay Mr. Cologne uh yes I wanted to have a discussion on 16.21 and 16.22 22. Okay. 16.1 and 16.2. 16.21 and 16.22. Is that accurate? Oh, sorry. And uh and I don't want those for separate vote. Just what?
063Without a separate vote. Just some coin. You just want discussion. Yes. Do you want me to? Okay. So I have um to remove 16.06 based on the superintendent's recommendation. Then Miss Brosmer would like to have discussion on 11.01, 11.02, 11.03, 11.04, and 13.16 followed by discussion by Mr. Cologne on 16.21 and 16.22. So we'll start with 11.01. 01. I see her coming this way. We have Miss Tammy Fiser and Miss Patty Core. I apologize, Chair. If I could intervene on 16006, can I clarify u what the action was on 16006, please? Yes. Can you clarify for me what the actual they um the superintendent asked to totally remove it from the agenda? Okay. I emailed um Dr. Evans and the superintendent um because that's gone through the procurement process. It has to be pulled and
064for a separate vote and then voted to um vote nay because it's already gone through the um competitive solicitation process. So we can't just pull you could pull it but we'd have to bring it back to the next meeting and we wouldn't have a resolution. We we'll do that in the um we will do that at the end of after they have the discussion. Okay. Thank you very much. Sorry for the interruption. No problem. So we have Miss Tammy Fischer here for items 11.01 2 3 and four. Okay. Hi. Um thank you for this. I as I was reading the grant uh or the grants plural um my impression uh this is entirely for my own information because I'm just trying to understand how this works. Uh but it it's a total of almost $1.2
065million. So I um on the four together 21st century ones. Is that the one you're the ones that are on the agenda? Um that's the best I can tell you. Um, so I was curious to know, um, well, first of all, uh, the grants require teachers to be hired to fill these positions. Are that is that in addition to any, uh, teacher vacancies that we might have or is that are or are our teacher vacancies included in there? Okay. Well, within those four different grants, um, three of those are talking about the 21st century grant. And that grant, um, those employees, the people that were hiring for that, it they are in addition to what would normally be on staff at the school because 21st century happens before school and after school typically. So sometimes
066we employ teachers that are currently at that school. Other times we have teachers that maybe work at a neighboring school uh that want to come and run the program or be a part of the program there. Okay, thank you. That touches on one of my other questions. Um there's a salary and benefits uh figure block for each of these. Is that for one teacher? For how many teachers? Does it vary uh depending on the school? Does the dollar amount vary or does the Well, the dollar amounts do vary, but um the number of teachers. Yeah, that's based on the number of students in the program. So, some schools have a morning and an afternoon. Like at the elementary and one of the middle schools, they do have a morning and afternoon. Others just have an
067afternoon. So, it just really depends on how many kids are in the program. And yeah, because there's there's ratios for students to adults. So when they're providing tutoring, the ratio is like 10 to one, but if they're providing them with enrichment, it's like 20 to1. Okay, that makes sense. Um, and that also touches on one of my questions, which is do we know in in at the beginning of a school year how many students are going to be participating in this program? Is there kind of a an average uh number who participate? Um for for all of these schools, this is not the f first cohort that they have participated in. Um when schools participate in 21st century, they are part of a cohort for four years. So this is coming up. This school year
068is the last year of this cohort 20 for these three schools. So, initially, I'm sure way back when before they didn't have 21st century, they probably had to do some sort of survey to find out the interest and and how many students um you know, how many parents were interested in students participating. But now, at this point, these programs have been in those schools so long that it's just just part of what the school is. It's part of who the school is. Okay, that that helps a lot. Uh thank you. Uh so if the same students are participating over a period of time, is there a way to to track their their progress? Uh is there a success measurement? Absolutely. Um this each program is required to turn in monthly to the state progress points
069and those progress points differ from month to month depending on what the state's asking for. But their their benchmarks are looking at their grades, looking at um their behavior, their referrals. Um they're really looking at the whole child. So, they're working on the academic piece, but they're also working on social skills and life skills. Okay. Well, that raises a question I didn't know I had. Um, does that then um enhance presumably it enhances their their grades in their regular classes? That is the goal to help them academically and social emotionally, you know, with behavior. um those those school behaviors, improve those. Okay. Um and you said we've been doing this for four years. I think that's all my questions. Okay. I just wanted to understand better how it worked. So, thank you. Yes. Thank you.
070Did you have any other questions though about um 11.01 which is the title nine? No. most of my questions were applied to all of them. So, um that's why I kind of grouped them. We don't have to do them individually. Okay. All right. Then we're moving on to item 1316, which falls under financial services and procurement. I Okay, I really like this one. Okay. Uh um this is Oh, I'm sorry. Okay. This is a new program, a new pilot of some sort. The the way it was presented, it looked like it might be new. No, for the DJJ. Not DJ entirely, but this particular structured partnership. Now, this partnership is just a cooperative agreement that we have to have every year with DJJ and us as the school district to provide services for these students
071that are incarcerated. Okay. So, this isn't something new and different. This is what we're doing now. Yes, ma'am. It's it's an agreement that we have to go into every year with them. In that case, I have no questions. Awesome. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Then now we're moving on to item 16.21. Madam Chair, if I can speak to 16.06 since we have to vote on that one separately or are we going to do that one just later? I was going to do all of these and then later. Okay. 16.21. So, uh, so, so nothing I say should surprise anybody who's heard me talk about purchasing land before. And so, one of the things I asked, uh, be it not being a real estate uh appraiser agent or any of the like is what is the value
072of each land and the answer was we don't really know. They brought back uh they did respond back talking about just value but anybody who knows anything about real estate which I did was a realtor at one time little known secret knows that just value and so I am not necessarily opposed to this. I just really truly dislike when uh something comes before us and we don't have a defined value that says okay while I realize it's a trade for a like piece of land 6 acres in Deltona and 6 acres on beachfront are both six acres but they're not likely not the same and so uh for the sake of transparency I wish I could say okay this is worth this much this is worth this much. Let's go ahead and have this trade
073uh so that at least we can make that kind of an educated uh decision. Now, it doesn't mean that it's going to be dollar for dollar. I'm not saying that it's not. It just seems like right now with the information given, I don't know that one is of equal value to trade. And so, um I'm not opposed to this. I I just have a hard time because I don't have enough information. Uh and I just wish anytime we were talking about giving away land, swapping land, selling land, that we had an actual appraisal, which is a a better indication of the worth of that uh property. Uh and the same thing, so same thing for 16.21 and 22 because we don't know what it's really worth. May I say something? Sure. Okay. So, um I
074have direct experience with both pieces of these properties. First of all, because at one time in one of my positions, I was housed at Silver Sands in the Herbert Street buildings that are right there, which that's where the property is behind. And um we've had an agree and and then also I've been at Horizon when the kids have been outside playing. So we don't have a playground area at Horizon. So we have been using this property with an agreement with Port Orange, the city. And it's a quite frankly it's a valuable piece of property because where it sits and there's an entire community there and all of that. And at S at the Silver Sands Herbert Street property, um we in turn have allowed Port Orange to have um events out there for students to
075play different sports and things like that because I would work late and watch them come in and watch them go out. And we've had issues though at the Silver Sands Harbor Street property where I think even former administrators there would tell you they kind of wanted that area like blocked off so that kids didn't wander off campus into it during the day and all that. But they match almost identically in acreage. But I'll tell you valuewise, this deal is much better for us valuewise because if we had to buy that piece of property in order if if we don't do a switch, then we may have to buy that piece of property or we will have no playground for the students at Horizon Elementary. And so working with the city and the city agreeing to
076do a swap with us, which then is benefiting all of our students. It's benefiting our students at Horizon Elementary as well as it's benefiting our students that are playing sports that live in Port Orange. To me, it's a winwin. Now, when you gave your example, you gave a piece of property in Deltona versus a piece of property in Beachside. Both of these pieces of property are sitting in Port Orange, and they're not very far from each other. Huh? two miles. That That's what I was going to say. Two miles apart, but there's a world of difference in what they can be used for. Miss Goodrich has something she wants to say. You said a lot of what I was going to say. I think um in this scenario, we're getting a screaming good deal. And
077so I hear you on the appraisal. If it was reversed, I might feel the same as you. But sometimes when there's a gift gift horse in the mouth kind of thing, this is a really good opportunity for Valuchia County to um get a huge benefit in this trade. So that's all. So So you know that because you've been there, you've seen it, you and I'm a licensed real estate agent and I have looked at it all. Yeah. How do Well, you you're close by. And so again, I'm not saying that it's not a good deal. I'm not disagreeing, but nobody here can tell me what both are worth. Ingress, egress, all these different things play into this. And so I just wish we had that information for any piece of land, any property, so that
078we could make an educated decision as to what something is worth when we're making that vote. That's all I and that's just a policy decision. We could talk about that later off the table. Nobody's surprised that I said it. I say it on every piece of land we've ever done anything with and it's always the same. So, thank you. No questions. I'm good. Like I said, I just the the process part it just drives and we have heard Mr. Clone, we have heard you say that before and anything that we have um put up for surplus, we do have our one or two appraisals now. And the reason we didn't in this case is because it was a swap and we didn't want to spend it would have been 2,00 to 2500 per property. So,
079being fiduciarily, yeah, times two, $5,000ish, we were saving because of maybe maybe I can't tell you the exact price of each one sold separately, but the size being equal and the use for our students is what really prompted this along and our great working relationship with the city of Port Orange with regard to this particular um land swap. But Horizon when it was built is landlocked and there's no space for anything there with without this um other property. And the city of Port Orange was going to build soccer fields regardless. Our ILA would expire. We would have nothing then. So now they have another place to build their soccer fields. So we have recess and and um PE for our students. So that's what prompted that. But I hear you. Thank you. All right. Any
080other questions on that? Okay. Then, um, thank you very much. At this time, we're going to vote to approve the consent agenda as presented minus the removal of 16 what? 06. Oh, sorry. I have a I do have a public comment. I apologize. Um, Miss Elizabeth Albert wishes to speak on item 15.01. Please come forward and welcome members of the board audience. I am regarding item 15 to take the position. That's fantastic. But I did have some questions. Um I know that the language around this position by leadership and oversight I wonder if identif We've just come through our schools working. Just want to make sure that as it was mentioned, we continue. So my suggestion would be all learners prepared for an everanging academically successful. Thank you. All right. We are now um I'm
081asking for someone to make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented minus the removal of item 16.06, which we're going to vote on as a standalone item. Do I have someone that will make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented -6006? I'll motion to approve. Thank you, Miss Goodrich. Do I have someone that will second it? I'll second that motion. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Any further discussion? Okay, hearing none. Call for the vote. All those in favor of approving tonight's consent agenda minus item 16.06, please say I. I. Anyone opposed? Okay, it passes unanimously. Now we're going to do item 16.06 as a standalone item. So, and here comes Mrs. Core. Is there any Okay, who would like to make a motion? Madam chair to we're not approving. I know what
082go ahead Mr. Cologne. So I'll share with you all. This was uh something I'm very appreciative of staff and everyone who has worked this week. You know this showed up on the agenda and I said to myself, what do we need a generator at Brewster for? Brewster is the building across the street which houses a lot of our offices. Uh, and so if I thought to myself, if there's no power in that building, those folks should go home, okay? They have laptops. We're in a world of, you know, they could go work anywhere. And so, um, I I'm I'm very grateful. I'm sure Miss Core will share the little bit of the background and how uh, the superintendent came to the conclusion. However, I'm grateful to staff and everyone who answered the call to say,
083uh, to take a moment to look at it. So, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Cologne. Um, so there was a time in Brewster, which is across the parking lot um housed one of our um technology hubs and and Dr. is also here as well. Um, that hub has been relocated. There is still a piece of equipment there that runs um some of our technology equipment. However, it is on a battery backup. So he has assured us that that's why the generator was put in initially was because it it ran um one of our hubs which would be maybe 16 sites you know through our computer. I'm not a technology person but Dr. can explain that. At any rate the reason it was there that equipment is no longer there. The piece of equipment that remains
084is on a battery backup. So Dr. assures us that we no longer need the generator to run it. So therefore we don't need to replace the generator. Thank you. So, for that reason, I'd like to make a motion that we uh not approve this expenditure at this time or not approve this expenditure period. I'll second that. All right. You've heard the motion made by Mr. Cologne to not approve the purchase of the generator, seconded by Mrs. Goodrich. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of not approving item 16.06, please say I. I. I. Anyone opposed? Okay. It passes unanimously and is not approved. Thank you. At this time then we're going to move on into um public comment. Um 6.01. I have um three cards. So, you'll each have three minutes. I'm gonna
085announce the first and second speaker and then if they'll come forward and then we'll announce the third. So, Miss Albert, you actually have spot number one and spot number two. How about Okay, that's fine. I apologize. I didn't realize I turned the mic off when I hit it before. So, Danielle. Okay, let me get this right here. Ready? All right. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. Balgab, members of the audience. Um, at the be I'm reading on behalf of a member. At the beginning of each school year, we are required as employees to view a training video on harassment and sign a statement acknowledging both our understanding of the material and our obligation to report any witnessed incidents of harassment. As employees, we take this responsibility seriously. On behalf of a
086group of teachers at University High School, I am writing to express deep concern over the lack of response to a formal complaint submitted to professional standards regarding serious allegations of harassment by a white male employee to an African-American female employee. A team of five teachers submitted a comprehensive multi-page document outlining multiple incidents. These included but not were but were not limited to the individual allegedly referring to female colleagues using derogatory language and a report of a student taking a asking a staff member why she was not dating the individual. An interaction clearly prompted by inappropriate behavior and comments from the male teacher. Despite the gravity and detail of these allegations spanning nine pages, none of the five reporting teachers were contacted or interviewed about the incidents. Today, we have seen no evidence of an investigation,
087no effort to ensure the safety and dignity of staff, and no accountability. We have been informed that the matter was handled, yet there is reportedly no record of any of this in the individual's file. Meanwhile, these teachers have continued to work in what is easily described as a hostile and dismissive environment. This lack of follow-up not only undermines the trust we place in our reporting system, but also sends a deeply troubling message to the entire staff that harassment can be reported without consequences or resolution. We are requesting one, a formal acknowledgement of the complaint submitted. Two, a transparent explanation of how the matter was addressed. Three, an assurance that steps will be taken to investigate this fully and fairly. for a review of current harassment reporting protocols and enforcement practices to ensure future reports are
088handled appropriately. Thank you for your time, uh, Alicia Zimmerman, and for full transparency purposes, this issue was brought to our union at the end of the 2324 school year. We have continuously intervened to seek a resolution. And yet after many conversations with school and district level administrators, labor management, and during a recent discussion, uh, in a meeting between Vue and the manager of professional standards, and other district leaders, we were told that the situation was being looked into. Finally, as stated in the letter I just read to you, a group of colleagues who have witnessed these egregious offenses firsthand, have followed the chain of command, and brought their concerns first to administration at school, the Office of Professional Standards, and most recently sent an email to each of you dated May 28th. Yet, no visible
089action or evidence is available to determine how this situation was addressed or corrected. To date, the individual who was the victim of the harassment has yet to be acknowledged, supported, or given any real sense that their voice matters. It's been silence instead of action. Stop there. And you're you're up for number two. And number three will be Jake Norman. All right. Good evening again, Madam Chair, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. Balgabin. Members of the audience, everyone working in our schools, whether they're teaching, cleaning, driving a bus, or supporting students should feel safe, respected, and valued. It shouldn't be too much to expect a workplace where people look out for each other, speak up when something isn't right, and treat each other with basic human kindness. When individuals feel like they matter, they do better
090work, and our schools become better places for everyone, especially the students who count on us every single day. I speak today on behalf of the dedicated educators and staff who serve this district with integrity and professionalism. Those who work every day to make our students, schools, this district, and our communities the best they can be. However, it is with deep concern that I raise the issue of a persistent lack of accountability in the handling of allegations of harassment and inappropriate behavior. Our members report feeling unheard, unprotected, and disillusioned by a district that too often prioritizes reputation and optics over justice and accountability for all. This silence and inaction not only undermines trust, but it also fosters a culture where people become apathetic and pessimistic about the future. Despite repeated reports and evidence of misconduct to
091school and district leadership, we continue to witness incidents where administrators and leaders failed to act decisively, allowing offenders to remain in positions of authority without consequence. This inaction not only betrays the trust of our staff, but it also sends a message that power shields individuals from accountability. If those in leadership roles are unwilling to confront issues, then they become complicit in the harm that is occurring. Our school deserves leaders that are courageous enough to take action even when it is uncomfortable, unpopular or difficult. That is what leaders do. We urge you to examine recent recent issues that have been brought forward. It is evident that those tasked with fixing this situation has situations have failed. This failure has resulted in the loss of multiple instructional personnel, staff that are disillusioned and lack confidence in site
092and districtbased leadership. Unfortunately, this is not isolated to just one school or work site. We are asking you to create a work environment where people feel safe to speak up without fear. The research by Amy Edmonson describes these environments as being psychologically safe. If teachers and staff don't feel safe to report misconduct or raise concerns, and if problems continue to go unressed, trust roads. We know that creating a culture of openness and respect isn't just nice to have. It's essential for a healthy, high-erforming workplace. We're counting on you as leaders of this district to intervene on behalf of the teachers and staff of Valuchia County Schools to put an end to the culture of silence and self-preservation at the expense of accountability. Thank you. Next up is Jake Norman. Welcome. Good evening. My name is
093Jake Norman. After 13 years in education, eight of them at University High School, I was recently displaced under the explanation of budget cuts. I'm speaking not just out of personal disappointment, but deep concern for the message this decision sends. When university hired its new head football coach, Coach Trumley, in February, it did so despite administration, including Principal Wilds, knowing this person was verbally and sexually harassing two separate female colleagues. Madam Chair, point of order. Uh, attorney, is are these topics allowed seeing as they are pendingly being investigated by professional standards and the individual is not here to be able to speak for himself based on our policy? mention what the documented incidents it's being invest you said into the microphone so everyone can hear you stop the timer please this is being investigated so we're
094going to ask you we're not going to comment on that however it said it was closed investigation that it was already been investigated by the school that it's not ongoing pulling up the policy right now these are that's a personal attack and so our policy currently reads or I'll let the attorney Yeah. And if it's a personal attack, we have the right to actually stop the chair has the right to actually stop someone from speaking. If it Excuse me. Excuse Excuse me. Chair has the right to actually stop if it's a personal attack on an I don't mention the name. And and so and so here here's my point and I'm going to be very clear in my point. If somebody had an issue with you and came to our meeting and said, "Mr. such
095and such did this, this this, this, this, and this, and you were sitting at home, sir." Would that be the name out? And so that that's my point of order. Okay. I have one question. Is the investigation open or closed? It is. So there's a closed investigation and he and um Mr. Norman, you're coming to talk about a closed investigation. Does that change it? But it's a personal attack against someone. Please. Right. I can take the name. I'm sorry. You know, I I didn't know that. Obviously, I wouldn't have done that. Please move on without names if that Please. Thank you. Just Just because it's the right thing. Hold hold on just a moment though because when he when that was called we were at 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Can you give him back
096the seconds? Okay. I want you to have the time. Okay. All right. So, please proceed. Absolutely. All right. Um, these are not rumors. They are HR documented incidents that were ignored by leadership even despite signed witness statements from five members of the PE department. That leadership includes principal, human resources, and professional standards at the district level and countless others across the district. This person was protected because of his personal relationship with administration. What message is the board and district sending to your educators that this behavior shown this year is not only tolerated, but you are rewarded with more opportunities as highly qualified educators are being asked to move to another field. As I mentioned, I was displaced after 13 years in education. But this truly isn't about this situation. I'm excited about moving to a
097new school district where education is actually a priority and where my son will learn from educators and school leaders with higher morals than what I was witnessed this year. This is about the kids and the message we've sending them with the when this behavior is so flagrantly tolerated across all levels of the district. The tone that was set this year is that our administration and this district will not protect our staff and teachers. If you speak out, there will be consequences to those that do. Thank you. You Thank you, Mr. Norman. Are there any other cards, Miss Johnson? Okay, then at this time, we're moving on to item um 20.01, but I think we'll take a short break before that. So, it is now 6:22. Let's be back in here at 6:40. back. I guess
098nobody told you that women are supposed to have a weak upper body lower body, right? It is 6:42 p.m. trying to prove everybody wrong. And we're moving on to item 20.01, adoption of proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 208s, student code of conduct and discipline for secondary. Dr. Balaban. Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to ask Mr. Mike McCall for our executive director for grad assurance and student services. As you know, this item was presented earlier today during workshop and the board requested some um changes to be made. So, Mr. Mac is going to discuss those. That's the next one. This one is for the Yeah, for the screenings for the the dog for 208. Yes, this has already been advertised. You guys are voting on it. Yes. This is the part that's already
099been advertised when we added the K9. And so adopt that. Right. So, we want to adopt the proposed amendments um to schoolboard policy 208s. Correct. And so my question is we advertised it for the correct amount of time and did we have any input? Do we have any cards? Okay. Then board me Dr. Balabin, you have a recommendation. Yeah, I I recommend the adoption of the proposed amendments to school school board policy 208s, student code of conduct and discipline for secondary. Okay. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that'd like to make a motion to approve? Motion to approve. Thank you, Mr. Clone. Do I have second? Who said? Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Any further discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of approving
100the um amendments to schoolboard policy 208s, student code of conduct and discipline for secondary, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? It passes unanimously. We are now moving on to item 2.02, authorization to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 208E and S, student code of conduct and discipline. This is what we talked about in the workshop earlier today. Yes, ma'am. Yes. And I have uh Heidi here. Miss Crims is going to go over the suggested changes here for policy 208s and 208E to make sure we have those all correct that we stated uh this afternoon from the workshop. Yes, we did make the changes and under parent and guardian responsibilities, we did add the language of partners in education under code of civility on schoolboard property. We also added our community partners in education language
101to that under the safety and security heading when it came to searches and to further define district placement committee. We added the language of district referral to the district placement committee for consideration of up to expulsion alternative education placement or off-campus instruction for bullying under level three offense. We did clarify the definition for bullying and it reads a pattern of behavior displayed against multiple students or employees or repetitive behavior against a single student or employee which inflicts physical hurt or psychological distress that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation, including through electronic means, the behavior must have been reported to school officials. And finally, under the cell phone and wireless devices, we added the language that the school board
102and school personnel shall not be liable for the loss or damage of any cell phone or wireless communication device brought on school property, school transportation, or to school activity. Did we miss any recommendations or changes? No, I'd like to thank you for I mean that's the best definition of bullying I've heard in a long time and so I want to thank you for that. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. I recommend authority be granted to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 208s code of st code of student conduct and discipline. You've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that would like Do we have anyone to speak on this? Okay. Do I have someone that would like to make a motion to approve? So moved. Thank you, Mr. Brosmer. Do I have a second?
103I'll second. Thank you, Miss Goodrich. Any further discussion from any board member? Okay. Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of approving to authorize the advertisement of the proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 208s, student code of conduct and discipline. Please say I. I. Any opposed? Okay, it passes unanimously. We are now moving on to item 2.03, authorization to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 101, internal organization and operation of the school board of Valuchia County. Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Evans, our board attorney/general counsel will present on this. Yes, we're m we're recommending or asking the board to authorize the advertisement of one proposed change to this particular rule. And that change is to include under letter F where the board meeting shall be conducted using Robert's rules of order. It's
104understood, but it was never expressly written in the policy. Dr. Bin. Yes, Madam Chair. I recommend authority be granted to advertise the proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 101 internal organization and operation of the school board of Valuchia County, Florida. Miss Johnson, do we have anyone for public input? Okay. Thank you. All right. You've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone that would like to make a motion to approve? Motion to approve. Thank you, Mr. Cologne. 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 approving the authorization to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 10001, internal organization and operation of the school board of Valuchia County. Please say I. I. Any opposed? It passes unanimously. We
105are now moving on to item 20.04, 04 authorization to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 523 schoolboard vehicle usage policy. Thank you madam chair Dr. Evans and we also have Miss Patty Core just in case anyone has further questions. Yes. Thank you um Madame Superintendent. We are asking for authorization to advertise the changes herein written in policy um and we're adding G and the the revisions or the addition is we're going to ask for you to advertise for executive directors or cabinet members who utilize schoolboard vehicles to be able to park those vehicles at their home Monday through Thursday. But over the weekend, the vehicles have to be returned to any Valuchia County facility. Um, we want to make it also clear that any cabinet members or executive directors who live outside of the county,
106you will have to continue to take your vehicle to the facility nightly. Okay. Um, hold on a minute. Huh? Um, Touch Bund, do you have a recommendation? Yes, I do, Madam Chair. I recommend that the authority be granted to advertise a proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 523, schoolboard vehicle usage policy. Okay, board members, you've heard the recommendation from the superintendent. Is there anyone like to make a motion to approve? Motion to approve. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. Do I have a second? I'll second that motion. Okay. Now we're open for discussion. Mr. Cologne. So I wonder so if let's say a uh cabinet member who let's say lives in Orlando goes to a conference in Tampa. Arguably they would have to drive that vehicle back to Valuchia County that very day that they come back rather
107than just bringing it back on Monday. And so I wonder if we can add a line and I don't know, you know, something at the bottom that says unless otherwise authorized by the superintendent or designate. So that if let's say it is Thursday night or you coming back on a Friday and you live in Orlando, you don't have to drive all the way back here to drop off a car because we are saying they can't keep it over the weekend. And so I think that allowing that superintendent or designate I don't even want to go to a director level. I I I want to keep it up there so that someone can speak to I made the decision to allow Reuben to keep the car over the weekend there because of blank. Uh and so
108I'm thinking of a sentence like that at the bottom there unless otherwise authorized by the superintendent or designate. Miss Goodrich is what is the reason that we're not letting someone out of the county keep the vehicle Monday through Thursday was my question. I I agree with you though if there I mean there's that's a waste of time, money, vehicle mileage for them to come back in certain situations. So I would agree with you on that. But my my question was a little bit different. was um if someone lives in a different county, what is the reason that like they might be closer and live in a county right down the road than someone that lives by me? Andy can address that. Can I say something before we Okay, so here's my issue with what you
109you just said. Okay. So, number one, if we use your scenario and they're in Tampa and they live in Orlando and it's a Friday afternoon that they're finishing a conference or a meeting and they just drive back to Orlando with the district vehicle. Well, their vehicle is sitting here in Valuchia, okay? Because it's somewhere for the weekend. So now they don't have their vehicle to do anything they're going to do on the weekend. Whether they're going to grocery shop, you know, go out to dinner, whatever they're going to do, they're going to continue to be using the district vehicle. I do not agree with that. So I see it differently than you because we're not paying for them to have that vehicle to use it on the weekend. You know what? They're going to a
110wedding over the weekend in Georgia. Well, now they're driving the district vehicle to the wedding in Georgia instead of their own vehicle. And personally, I wouldn't necessarily want my vehicle being left over the weekend at some of the spots where they're leaving vehicles. I'm being honest with you. I'd prefer to have my own vehicle for the weekend than what I've been assigned to. So, this was a stretch for me to even do this because we have had issues over the years and I don't know if you remember when we asked for a full thorough thing of who had white fleet assigned to them because we were getting pictures of white fleet vehicles being in places they shouldn't have been even over the weekends and things like that. And the community pays attention to that and
111they're like, "Well, wait a minute. Why is this Waluchia County, you know, vehicle up here in Palm Coast on the weekend and what's the person doing? And where's the money coming from to fund that? So, this I was willing to make an exception on this, but Dr. Evans knows. I said anybody that lives outside Valuchia, I'm not for them driving their vehicle home with them because they made a choice to work in Valuchia. And if they're choosing to live outside Valuchia, why are we paying for the drive time for them to come in? And I asked for information about this. I asked currently where the white fleet is assigned and who has them because there is a rule that said they had to be driving within Valuchia County with the white fleet over it's almost
1129,000 miles a year before they should even have a vehicle assigned to them. And I haven't received I don't think Oh, I think I have the list here of those who have vehicles. Yeah, that's the list of who resides in Valuchia County. What she's talking about, Dr. Evans, is um the the people who qualify for the vehicle are people that it's more cost-effective for us to let them use a a school district vehicle versus pay mileage because they drive so much. Um, I can say that currently of the cabinet members and executive directors, they all reside in Valuchia County with the exception of our superintendent, but hers is covered under her own separate contract. Um, we have two executive directors that live outside of Valuchia County that have declined to use a Valuchia County vehicle.
113Frankly, it's more cumbersome for them because they have to drive into somewhere, switch cars, and it might be they might be going a different direction in the county for their first meeting of the day because they're at schools all the time. So, we have uh several cabinet members who don't have district vehicles and uh two executive directors that don't have district vehicles. Okay. And you were right about why for the out of county it's the wear and tear and the expense. It's not fair, you know, for for people to be driving 50 miles a day. I park my car two miles from where I live. So, anyone who has a schoolboard vehicle can park it at the schoolboard location that's closest to their home. So, they swap out and then they drive it for the
114day. Okay, Miss Brosmer, I think I'm just looking for clarification about our current policy because it was my understanding that anyone who had a district vehicle couldn't leave the county with it anyway. And um Mr. Cologne's question had to do with going to a conference in Tampa. So would the use of the vehicle include being able to do something like that? I I just didn't realize that was the case. So, thank you, Mr. Chair Haynes. Um, there's a form that everyone has to fill out if they're going out of the county, and it's called an outofcount form, and that's if we're going to Orange County for a conference or Orlando for a conference, they fill out the outofcount form, so then we're covered, and they can use the district vehicle, but that's for business um
115purposes. That's part of their job that they're expected to go to this conference or this event or this place. What we're talking about is just driving it home and then parking it there. That's not That's not the intended use. Yeah. Thank you. So, I can give an example that'll clarify that even more. There were three of us going to Miami date a couple years ago um for Valia County business purposes. We rode together in one district vehicle. So, therefore, we each weren't driving our own vehicles and then there has to be the reimbursement piece on it. We took one district vehicle, the three of us made the trip down there and the three of us made the trip back. But the out of county form was filled out and approved. So, we should always be
116looking for what is the least expensive way. We shouldn't be looking for how do we spend more money, but how do we spend less money when it comes to this? Okay. Do you have any other questions, Miss Brosmer? Oh, no. Thank you. Mr. Cologne. So, my proposed amendment is allowing the superintendent. We're not talking about a director. We're not talking about an assistant director. We're talking about Dr. Balgabin or whoever, let's say she's out of town, whoever her designate can say, "You know what, Reuben, go ahead and keep the car at your home." Mind you, you made a good point. I may want to come on Saturday morning and swap my car out because I want to drive my car, but that would we're talking about not a blanket policy, an exception that would say
117we understand and the superintendent has approved. And of course, she's not going to say, you know, take the car and drive to Georgia on your vacation cuz everybody wants to be in a Ford Edge with a yellow tag that they can't even speed. Okay. Um, and so I just the absoluteness of cannot be stored overnight at their residence says it could be 10:00 when you're coming back from your conference. You now have to drive all the way back instead of waiting till the morning. And I think that the superintendent should have the authority to be able to make that exception when necessary. We're talking about exception. We're talking about a small we're not talking about the daily driving at home because it's because trust me, you pass the school that you drop the car off
118to get to your house and get out of your car and jump out of the f open the fence, pull the car in, which is pointless, but that's just how government works. So that's my that's my proposed amendment, Miss Goodrich. Um, do our vehicles have GPS in them? No, ma'am. Okay, that's just a question I had. But to Mr. Cologne's point, every time and in Patty Core, every time that someone signs up to go to a conference, that's considered an event. So there are special forms that are filled out for accountability purposes. So depending if if you're going to be using a vehicle to go, that's indicated. Also, my vehicle was down once and I asked, we had the conference in Tampa and I can tell you there were more forms to drive that vehicle,
119which by the way, you can't speed because it's got a yellow tag on it. It belongs to the school district, so you don't want to get a ticket. Okay. It's it was harder to fill out those forms and what they asked for than it was to become a schoolboard member. like really like they know how many tickets you've gotten, how many have you been pulled over, this that the other. Uh it was it was a lot. Like I was surprised. Um by policy you have to report any tickets you get immediately policy. I drove really slow. Anyways, like I said, I just this is an exception. Anyone else? Are we making a decision on the exception? So I will Do I need a motion? No, we have a motion. There's a motion. So So right.
120So I'm I'm proposing a change to the language that is there. But I already have a motion on the floor. You made me wait to talk before you wanted the motion before I could speak. I have to have a motion before we can speak. My point. Is it a motion? We amend the motion. I'm sorry. Well, if you made the motion, you can amend it. Oh, I can. Yeah. I don't know who made the motion. No. Oh, yes, she made the motion. Okay. So, I'll make the motion to amend to include the language. Say it again. Unless otherwise authorized by other or authorized or designated by the superintendent or her design, however you whatever. Yeah. Something along those lines. Unless authorized by the superintendent or her designate. Unless authorized by the superintendent or her designate.
121You might want to delete her. Just thought about that. Just for future use. Thank you for helping with the pronouns. Yes. Okay. So, Mrs. Goodrich has amended her motion that we give authorization to advertise the proposed amendment to schoolboard policy 523, schoolboard vehicle usage, and within that amend and put a statement to include the language that a cabinet or executive director could drive at home if it's authorized by the superintendent or designate. Correct. Oh, so it says if the cabinet member or executive director lives outside of the county, his or her car can be cannot be stored at any time at his residence unless otherwise unless authorized by the superintendent. Correct. Or designate. Correct. All right. So, Mrs. Goodri has amended the motion. So, do I have a second to the amended motion? I'll second
122that amended motion. Any further discussion? All right, then I'll call for the vote. All those in favor, please say I. I. I. Any oppose say nay. Nay. So, it passes four to one. We're now moving on to item 20.05, authorization to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 8001, public participation in schoolboard meetings. Dr. Balaban, Dr. Evans. Yes, we have one proposed change to advertise for this particular policy 801 which is uh listed under decorum E1. Citizens remarks should be directed to the presiding officer, the board as a whole, or an individual board member. In the past, you were not allowed to address an individual board member, but case law now authorizes such. All right, Dr. Berman. Yes, ma'am. I recommend authority be granted to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 8001, public participation in schoolboard
123meetings. Board members, you've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Do I have someone who'd like to make a motion to approve? I'll make the motion. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Any discussion? Okay. Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of authorization to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 8001 public participation in schoolboard meetings, please say I. I. Any opposed? Okay, it passes unanimously. Five to zero. We're now on to do we do we want to go ahead and do the next two that we have to you want to do that and then I'd prefer to I'd prefer to do items 20.07 and 20.08 8 and then come back for the presentation for 20.06. All right. Then we're going on to 20.07. Appointment
124of a B board member to serve on the value adjustment board for the 2025 tax share. Dr. Balaban. Um yeah, this is you will ask if there are any public comments. Are there any public comments for that? Okay. Um, who would like to serve on the 2025 value adjustment board? I would need to know the dates. Oh, they're coming up. The first meeting will be July 14th, 2025. I do not think it should be me. [Laughter] I nominate Miss Goodrich and I'd be happy to be her uh alternate. Do I have a volunteer? I'll do it if he'll be my alternate. Yeah. Yeah. But I won't be there on the 14th. Yeah. Okay. So, let's make a motion. Mrs. Goodrich is volunteering to serve. Mr. Cologne is volunteering to be her alternate. Unless Miss Brosmer
125wants to do it. What? Pass. Thank you, though. All you hear, Ruben. All right. Then I need someone to make a motion to approve that Miss Goodrich will represent us on the value adjustment board and Mr. Cologne will be her alternate. Do I have a someone to make a motion? So moved. Thank you, Mrs. Brosmer. Do I have a second? I'll second that motion. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. I was going to pass the gavl if I had to. All right. Any further discussion? Okay. Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. Um, all those in favor of approving Mrs. Goodrich to serve on the value adjustment board and Mr. Cologne to serve as our alternate, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? Okay, it passes 5 to zero. 20.08. We have to also put a citizen
126member to serve on the um value adjustment board. So we we have someone that has volunteered um she did it this past year and um that is Mrs. Cuthbart. Mrs. Cuthbird actually served um during her time as a schoolboard member. she likes this committee and um Celeste reached out to her for me to find out if she was willing because she served last year as our citizen and she said yes that she's willing to serve unless someone has another citizen that they would like to put on the spot to attend the adjustment board. I attended a meeting and she's the real deal. She studies that in and out. So she was a great representation for us. Okay. So, do I have a board member that will make a motion to approve that Mrs. Linda Cuthbert
127be our citizen member to serve on the value adjustment board for the 2025 tax year? Motion to approve. Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Mrs. Goodrich. Any further discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor of Mrs. Cuthbert serving as our citizen member on the value adjustment board for the 2025 tax year, please say I. I I any opposed? Okay, it passes unanimously. Thank you, M. And when you and Celeste, will you let her know and tell her we really appreciate that. So then we're backing up to item 20.06, which is now a presentation instead of an item that we're voting on. Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. This is the item that we will be bringing back at the next board meeting. But for this
128time, I would like to ask um Mr. Macalliff, our executive director for grad insurance and student services along with our wonderful absolutely wonderful captain um director of safety and security. They will share both gentleman's would share with you and also they will introduce our guests here um our extract one system that we are looking into implementing at our secondary school. So they will share that presentation with you and present our guest. So, somebody will introduce everyone. Yes, ma'am. I have it. Captain Smith has me scripted. Okay. Verbatim to say exactly. And we can't go off script. So, good evening, superintendent. Madam Chair, school board members. I'm Mike McAuliff, executive director of graduation assurance and student services. With here me today is Captain Todd Smith, director of safety and security uh with Valuchia County Schools along
129with Kurt Arbuckle, who is sitting right here, this gentleman. He is the president and COO of CK2 Technologies. And also we have Bimbo Kohl's. Uh if you're a basketball fan, he played 14 years in the NBA, drafted by the Heat. So 1990 to 2004. Yeah. Give him a little statician right there. So you know, uh he's also with CK2 and they have been a great partnership uh coming out and helping us pilot this um at Pineriidge High School when we did this earlier. This policy and presentation or this presentation aligns with policy 208s. It provides conditions to enhance student learning which is guardrail number two. Kurt, I'm going to throw it over to you now, sir. Thank you, Mike. Uh thank you uh for your time. Uh genuinely, this is where we want to be.
130Uh it's important obviously that you understand the technology, the implementation of the technology. Um but it's also important that you understand us. Um, this is a a partnership uh and our journey here uh is important to us. Um, we as Mike said, I I'm the current president and COO of CK2, but I'm also a co-founder. Uh, CK2 was founded with a mission to change school safety um with a compassionate approach bringing industryleading and world-class technologies to our schools. Um we differentiate ourselves in how we do business, why we do business and our technologies differentiate themselves in performance but among any or many other things as well. Um like I said we we truly partner um with our our customers. It's a focus on long-term relationships. There is no simple installation, move on, see you later.
131um security and the safety of our kids is extremely serious. Technology changes all the time and the technology we'll talk about today is AI focused which as everybody knows is um changing constantly which means things are getting better constantly and so this is a long-term uh relationship for us. Um CK2 has over 4,500 engineers around the country that work for us. Um, and that's important because it means what we do best is world-class support and service. Uh, like I said, just the installation and the implementation of a technology is just the beginning. Um, and so we bring those world-class technologies to our customers, but we also bring um the expertise in the procedures behind that and the implementations there of um, best practices around the country. Um, that's who we are. Extract 1 uh is
132the technology that we're talking about implementing today. And Extract 1 is a Toronto-based AI security firm. They were founded in 2016, specializing in non-invasive weapon detection systems that enhance fast, frictionless entry experiences for our schools. Their flagship system that we will talk about today, the extract one gateway system um uses advanced birectional screening to detect threats like firearms while allowing students to carry everyday items like laptops and binders. Focused on a K through2 safety um mission, the company is proud of their school tailored solutions, striking a balance between robust security and keeping that welcoming uh school atmosphere. The gateway itself uses proprietary sensors and artificial intelligence to analyze the composition of objects made of conductive material as people pass through the system. Unlike traditional metal detectors that simply identify the presence of metal, the extract
133one gateway creates unique signatures based on the types of conductive materials, size, and shape in different objects. This allows it to distinguish between everyday personal belongings and potential threats. And that means um differentiating between a a Nintendo Switch that the kids have and the headphones and the laptops among everything three- ring binders, which is an issue in our industry. The one gateway separates itself by being the only system where um a separate X-ray or bag scanner is not needed. Uh keep keep the bags on you. That's kind of what we say. Um, again, focusing on that experience um, in a compassionate way for for the kids. Um, a wise man once told me that once you can establish credibility, people don't care how much you know, but they want to know how much you care.
134And as much as I could drag on on our support and service, we'll be put in a position hopefully to prove that. But um on the credibility side, the extract 1 system is trusted not just with hospitals and schools across the country, but worldclass venues. Um our favorites here on the slide are the the Chicago Theater, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Sphere in Las Vegas, which is my favorite. Um and now back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, uh the Florida Panthers. and that is all guests and in some cases all employees coming into the venue. Um Todd if that's okay I'm gonna can you skip one more just to keep on the credibility front. Um you know the validity and the validations from third parties is crucial. Um and this is a slide we're
135very proud of you know from red teams across the country at state level um individual team levels. Um, you know, we have fully completed evaluations with um the Department of Homeland Security, with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, the National Protective Authority, and the National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security. Um, again, back to that credibility of the real world detection efficacy of the systems. Um, I'm going to hand it over to Bimbo now to talk uh more on the features and benefits and then a bit more specifically on our time here in Valuchia County so far. Thank you, Kurt. Also, thank you, Mike. Um, good evening and thank you, Madam Chair, superintendent, and boards of the members for allowing us to come and speak today on something that we value deeply,
136and that's the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and school communities. Again, like I said, my name is Ben Boles and I'm proud to be a representative uh CQ CK2 technologies. Um, our system is advanced, discreet, and designed with schools in mind. And some of our key features of our extract one system is our advanced threat techn uh detection capabilities. Um, our rapid setup and port and portable deployment. And when I say rapid setup and port portable diploma, you know, I talk about I can do it. So that's how easy it is. And you know, one of the things that I've done all my life is play basketball and haven't been able to do much. I mean, I couldn't even find where my spare tire was in my car. So to be able to
137come out and do to have one training session with this and be able to set it up. So, it's very easy and anybody in your school can set it up and move it at any time. So, it's it's easy to set up and move. It's stable and and adaptable. Whether you're a small rural elementary school or a large urban high school, this SC this solution is scalable and stable, delivering consistent performance where it's deployed. It's all customizable. That means, you know, your state championship teams that you have in Valuchia counties, we can put up the 2020 the 2022 state champions in uh girls softball. We can put that up. And um something that you're always really proud of is winning state championships. Um it has remote monitoring and real-time alerts. Our solution integrates with your
138current security infrastructure and provides live data, remote monitoring, real-time threat alerts, ensuring school officials and security personnel are always a step ahead. Uh the bene the benefits to your school community. We help you to ensure safety of students, educators, and visitors. creating a environment where people feel secure and supported um by preventing weapons related incidents before they happen. We not only protect lives but we also reduce fear anxiety in our schools. Um, you know, my girlfriend is a school teacher up in Citrus Counties and and one of the things she said to me was there's two things that she worries about is a kid getting a gun and shooting up u her classroom and also a kid getting in uh getting a gun in and shooting up her daughter's um high school which is in
139South Sumpter. So, that is something that we are aware of and we want to cut that off before it gets there. Our our uh system supports a secure learning environment where the focus remains on education, growth, and community, not on fear. It enhances safety measures, strengthens your school reputation, and demonstrates your commitment to student and staff well-being. Its integration is smooth. Our system works with existing cameras, access control, emergency response plans, maximizing disruption and maximize protection. At C2K Technologies, we understand that safety isn't just about technology. It's about trust. It's about working together with educators, administrators, parents, and communities to create spaces where students can thrive without fear. together with extract one, we drove not just hardware, but peace of mind. Um, I'm going to kind of get off script a little bit and just
140kind of give you two things that we've done. We had the opportunity and the privilege to be at Simino County at Choices and Learning, which is an elementary school, and we were there for beta testing for 21 days. The beauty of the system is that it can adapt to the different students and the different things, the different computers, the different um I think one of the issues that we had early on was the pinto box that the younger kids were having. So, it kept giving false alerts. Well, we got that in the system and we solved that problem. Um, our false uh alerts was kind of high for first couple days and by the third day we got it down below 10%. So um it improves um with more walkthroughs. Um we can also put
141in the different um the computers, the new computers, the new phones in the system and it'll adapt and adjust to it. Um you know another example was that um we when we were here at Pine Ridge High School our first day um we had a false alert rate of 75%. Well, I think the principal Julian, one of the things that he had said is that we can't be late. We can't have these schools the these kids in school. Well, we had preached to the captain and Mike, you know, a number of times that this system works. We can do it. We can get people in and we're we're we're very comfortable. Well, after the first day, have you guys ever heard of Michael Jordan? Have you guys ever played against Michael Jordan? Well, I've had
142the opportunity yesterday. I've had the opportunity to play against Michael Jordan. So, and that's not a good feat. So, that's kind of how I felt, you know, after day one. I felt like I just had been beaten up by Michael Jordan, but that was actually Captain Smith and Mike. And um we made some changes. Um we got a hold of um our engineering department up in Toronto and the next day we came back with a 9% false alarm rate. So the system is always adapting and we can adjust to make it better. Um especially as the technology gets different, the computers are different. I mean it seems like every six months, every year Apple's putting out a new phone, we will be able to put that in the system and we won't have them false
143alerts on them type of things. So there are two things um that we know that we can do very well. But also when we talk about CK2 technologies, we're we're we're coming in as as long term. We're coming in as a partner and we we've been here for a minute doing some some testing and we feel like we're part of Valuchia County's um family and if there's anything that would happen to go wrong or if anything that you need it, we will be here to make sure that we fix it. So, um, again, thank you for your time and I'll pass it back to you, Kurt. I would like to note that weapons detection screening is recommended by both the Marjorie Stoman Douglas Commission and the Florida School Safety Specialist Handbook as a standard that
144if can be done should be done. Over the past several years, we've been working diligently to ensure each of our students can come to school and obtain the education that they deserve. On average, we recover two firearms per year in Valuchia County schools. We have been working very hard to get that number to zero. This year, we expanded our random screenings, piloted both Evolve and CK2 technologies in our schools to determine several things. First, can we do this? getting hundreds and in some cases thousands of students into a school efficiently without significantly disrupting the educational process. Our trials determined that we could. We also needed to know if it would reduce the weapons coming onto our campuses. Understanding in years past that we've averaged two firearms a year identified or recovered on our campuses, I'm
145happy to report that not a single firearm was recovered on our campuses this school year. [Applause] Wow. We also needed to know if the schools had the resources to implement this process. The steps we took revealed initially they cannot. The first couple days the students don't understand the process and the staff has to work through the process. From this, we determined we needed to roll out the process in phases to ensure that we had the resources and staff to successfully implement this process. Instead of ordering all of them at once and just expecting it to work, we know that we're going to have to manage the process in smaller bites to ensure that the students and staff are properly supported. Furthermore, we wanted to ensure that CK2 is able to support such a complex task.
146With the lessons learned, the processes developed, and the staffing allocations from changes to door and gate regulations, we will and are able to properly implement this. The weapon detection system is one critical layer of our multi-ter strategy of um support. While our goal is 100% pre uh prevention, we must acknowledge that no single solution is foolproof. Um this technology is significantly enhances our ability to detect deter weapons and working alongside trained staff, school security personnel, behavior threat assessment teams along with fortify Fortify Florida tips reporting system and strong relationships with our students. We know success isn't measured by perfection, but by the continuous improvement and the difference in the deterrence. The visible presence of this system alone serves as a powerful deterrent, potentially preventing weapons from reaching our campus. So, is it worth it? There
147are several factors to consider when determining if this is worthwhile. First is the obvious, which is finding the weapons. This is the simplest form in the process of one most people think about when it comes to the implementation. As we explained last year with the random screenings, the screening process will allow us for the ability to identify individuals with weapons on campuses that prevent violence. The extract or the exact scenario happened this school year at Spec Martin or Spec Martin and Mainland. Off campus, we use metal detectors at our sporting events to ensure that everybody is in provides safety into our school events. A kid tried to get a firearm into the event. Luckily, the metal detector worked. It avoided the potential terrible incident. The weapon was not allowed into the event and all was
148well. Screenings can act as a deterrent, discouraging students from bringing weapons on campus. If students know that they will be screened each day, the process can deter them from bringing a weapon in the first place. Additional aspect is the potential of for identifying a person who may have a plan to harm others and avoid a cat catastrophe. If a student is identified to have a weapon, it gives us the opportunity to determine why and address before it goes too far. And we have extensive mental health and threat management teams on our campus that can intervene and support at any time. I say this all the time, but how do fires play into this? This is one aspect of our overall safety plan. The last time a child died in a school fire was in 1958.
14992 students and three nuns died. From there, society changed their behaviors. They did fire drills. They installed exit signs. The buildings went from wood to concrete. Doors opened outwards instead of inwards. Sprinklers were installed in schools. I could go on and on with the changes that were made to prevent such a tragedy. Some were inconvenient, but the changes were necessary. What you are seeing is a a similar process with school shootings and violence. We drill for active asalants. We've changed the construction process of the schools to prevent a shooter from getting into the school to begin with. We've developed plans to mitigate loss of life by creating safe zones, hard corners, utilizing impact resistant glass, using raptor sex offender for screening, implementing strategics alert system, installing video surveillance systems, having guardians and SRO's SRDs in
150the schools, mental health teams, the Florida model threat management, training students to see something, say something, training staff on how to handle situations, ensuring that our guardians and our SRO's and our SRDs have the correct mental mindset. and much, much more. This valuable tool will be added to our comprehensive security plan. There isn't one item that can prevent a tragedy. It's a collective of tools all put together to save lives much the same as the process for for preventing children from dying in a school fire. As Captain Smith uh shared with you all, you can see Valuchia County Schools is, I believe, leading the way in the state of Florida with all of our um safety protocols that we have. having Captain Smith and his team. This is just something else that's going to continue
151to evolve and enhance Felicia County schools and put us on the map. There is no other district that has this implementated or implementation into their secondary schools um districtwide. So, we will be the first one to do that as well to be a trends setter. Um every decision we make in this roll out pri prioritizes maintaining a positive school envir environment while enhancing safety and ensuring all students are able to learn. This isn't just a set it and forget it solution. We're committed to the ongoing evaluation and the enhancement and with your support we can ensure Valuchia County provides a safe, successful learning environment. This project is necessary. This project is doable and this will add to the comprehensive safety plan as Captain Smith already stated and create layers of protections for our students and
152our staff. Thank you. Thank you. So, we have nothing to vote on. We But we have people that have questions. We're start with Miss Thompson. Thank you. And thank you gentlemen for being here and sitting through the whole meeting for this presentation. I appreciate it. And thank you to Captain Smith and your team for going through and researching all these different metal detectors and comparing them because it's been completely eye opening. I will say and I don't work for them. I'm not getting paid to do this. However, I've looked at a lot of metal detectors lately and I'm going to say that it's it's going to be a very Jessie comment. It is the prettiest. It really it's a non-threatening metal detector which is important when you're talking about kids. I've walked it is the
153lights are it is it's nice it's not threatening. So if you're a student walking into school and it's something I know there are parents who are a little apprehensive about the whole process because is it going to scare them? Is it going to traumatize them walking through this? And it's not. It's a very it's relatively open. You walk through the lights are nice. I love that it can adjust. Like that's amazing. And speaking on how we would be the first to do this, we had uh people from Bvard County come up and see this because it was so cool and so innovative and you all know I'm extremely competitive. And so to have other districts looking I talked to someone from Klay County yesterday who was looking into what our team was doing because they'd
154heard about Captain Smith and all the initiatives he's taking with his team. And so I love this idea. I I love that you all compared that at Pine Ridge. We had another one going at Atlantic. And I love that we're not just like jumping at the first thing we see and going with it and then figuring out a year later, oh, we wasted money. Oh, we made a mistake. And thank you so much for saying a couple times over that you're a partner in Valuchia County. You're not just trying to sell a product and then walk away and, you know, we'll see you later. I love that you all came in, you took the initiative to figure out what was going wrong that first day and figuring it out. And so I I love this
155product. I love the AI part of it. I love that it will be able to adapt with the different models of computers with cell phones. So, I just want to thank you guys for being here and for going out to Pineriidge and doing that whole test process. Appreciate it, Mr. Cologne. And so, I've never seen the pretty lights. Uh, and of course, you know, you want to sell a product, they want us to approve a product. And so, you know, sometimes the best feedback comes from the most unsuspecting places. And so there's a young lady at Pineriidge in the front office that you all need to thank because she said, "Mr. Cologne, this is what we need." Her name's Amy because you got to go find her. And so, you know, that that meant a
156lot to me because this is someone who is lived it, who saw it, who felt it, who is the first line of defense in the front office. And again, that came from her. I do have some questions which you won't be surprised by any of these. Um, you've already touched on some of this. If you're not able to answer the question for security reasons, I understand. Just tell me, Ruben. We could take it offline or whatever. But how long does it take for the AI model to distinguish between and you mentioned that there was a false rate at the beginning uh and so how long does it take it to learn and how quick and you mentioned you have development partners and engineers how quick can we get that uh tweaked in order to get
157towards a closer smoother uh school day and getting kids to class as Mr. said which is the most important thing uh for us. Sure. Uh the first step there is the initial installation and implementation. I mean our team will not leave until everyone is 100% confident. If that's a week, if that's two weeks, then so be it. Um and so we will not leave until it is fully and completely ready. Uh and then to answer your question on the changes, um Bimbo had mentioned at choices and learning uh with the kids who are much shorter than the average person we screen. Um and their school for some reason almost all the kids had bento boxes. And so a bento box is a metal box that school lunches go into. And it's a metal box like
158an old school lunch box. It's not like the old school. It's inside uh it's where just like the food is contained in mostly. Yeah. So you still have the lunch box itself and then the food kind of goes in the bento box. And so that was something where um that's a subjective choice of do we want to alert on a metal box where something can be hidden in or is that something that we is chosen that we don't want to alert on that and so we were able to make that change that very next day. So, as far as turnaround time on AI changes, it can vary from instant to, you know, I'm sure there are more complex things that can take a couple days, but um initial setup and moving into full implementation, we
159don't leave till that's done. I say we'll be there for weeks. We're not going to need to be there for weeks. Um but then any changes we can typically do very quickly. So first day rough as anything else in life that even when things work well is it an expectation that maybe because now we're talking district-wide. So now you know a little fire turns into a forest fire even though it's and you know it's isolated or you know because that's just the way social media works. And so how many days should we expect until we start seeing that decrease in falsehoods which of course lead to delays. I'm trying to set a realistic expectation. so that we understand, you know, and on the bento boxes, I I don't know if that's so common that we
160can't prohibit it. I don't know. So, um the first day was rocky and then after that they were able to push out an update, get all the things squared away. We figured they figured out whatever it was that was alerting and um the next day we were good to go. So, it it will take a couple days. The first day the kids have to figure out where to line up, how to get into the line, what they need to do. Um the staff needs to figure out how they're supposed to the pace like the cadence on how to get the kids through the machine. Like if they're just bumper to bumper, you know, they're going to alert more than if they're walking through at a standard normal rate that kids walk through. Um so it
161takes, you know, a day or two for the staff, the students, and the machine to all get to know each other in essence. And then after that smooth sailing. So um we have planned for that and it's going to be in phases so that it's not just dumped out to all the schools. We'll ensure that we get the phases done two schools at a time and then that those are up running successfully and everything's going well before we start trying to get deeper into the project so that we can ensure that we are capable of doing it and that it is working. And um we're working on the contract to ensure that it goes in phases so that everybody's expectations are met and that we're in a solid position to do this and we're not
162making foolish decisions. Perfect. Um and thank you for that because in my mind I thought we would be, you know, 10, you know, actually it's 25 schools. Boom. One day first day of school is going to be on the news. There'll be two schools at a time and then once we get the schools stood up and we'll move to the next phase, two schools at a time. from a policy standpoint, if there are things that are commonly triggering as positives and you know as a school board we look at policy um and so if for example and and again I have to Google what a bento box is because I've never uh I don't think I know what a bento box is but you know if that's something that provides uh you know constant triggers
163then maybe we say, you know, bring Tupperware. I don't know. Um, in order to get You're showing me what a bento box is. Never seen that before in my life. And so again, you know what from a policy standpoint, if there's anything we could do to support this to get it going through, you know, I mean, every time we go to the airport, we always think, man, I should have wore that belt that didn't have a buckle so I wouldn't have to take it off or I should have wore my slides so I don't have to sit here and tie them. if there's things we can do from that standpoint. And then the other part is uh and and we can talk about this offline is what is the strategy for the front office for
164example once the students are in how does that you know every other student who walks into the building get so um what we ended up doing at um one of the schools is we actually installed a buzzer which most of the schools have that school specifically did not and then they walk through the metal detector before they go in and then they'll buzz the door so they can go in once they pass the metal detector because it's a walk through. You just walk through it. You don't have to like search the bag. Obviously, if they can't get through uh because of whatever reason and the door doesn't unlock and they're going to have to resolve that first. Does that make sense or no? Not at all. So, they'll you push the button and it unlocks
165the door. So, they walk in to the main office, right? No, I'm trying to picture for example at Deltona High. Okay, so if a kid's coming late or tardy and they get dropped off, each school will have at least two devices. So they're mobile. So once if you have one that's this is where I want it each and every day. I would then be able to pick it up. As Bimbo said, it's very light. It's very userfriendly and very easy to control. I can set that up in the main office once the tardy bell has rang. So any guest, any student that walks through my main office to check in tardy or late, they have to go through the metal detector prior. That's what I was trying to say. Okay, I've got more questions, but
166I'll take those offline. Thank you, Rosmer. Thank you for your presentation. Um, some of my questions have been answered in in this discussion. Um, your presentation focused a whole lot on the what and the why, but almost nothing on the how. And I was trying to figure out how you were going to do all of the wonderful things you were describing. And it wasn't until Mrs. Thompson mentioned metal detectors that I realized this is schoolbased. Is that correct? And and not districtbased. It's not centralized. It's it's school-based. Okay. So are we effectively talking about doing a pilot project in in essence? Yes. So how Captain Smith a phase one would be our first two high schools that we would select and those would be the two high schools that we've already piloted um with Evolve
167and then the CK2. So it would be Atlantic and Pine Ridge would be the first two that we start. Both schools would get two devices to where they would be able to get comfortable. The kids already understand the routine and know that piece. Um and I kind of look at it as like the first week or two of school. you know, traffic is bad, buses are late, people don't know their lunch line, people aren't getting fed. So, in once everybody understands the systems and structures of how to go through it and what to do instead of they have to don't take anything off and they get to actually go through it is truly a smooth process of you with your book bags and everything and you're just walking at a normal speed. So, it will
168be an implementation. Hopefully, by two weeks, we would be able to move on to each a new school. So, after two weeks, we would have a new set of schools. So, this is how we did it. So you set the machine up at a a point of entry, so a gate or something like that where you enter into the school and then we have additional personnel there that start giving the kids direction. So we tell them, leave your stuff on. You're just going to walk right through the metal detector, go ahead and get in line because they're coming from all different directions. And then once they start forming a line, then there's somebody that's actually at the machine explaining to them how to walk through it. Just walk right through. You don't have to take
169all your stuff off. Then we have tables set up to the side so that if somebody does alert, we can uh check their bag to make sure that they don't have a weapon inside the bag. And then once their bag is checked, they are walking back through the machine to make sure that they didn't have something on them. And then once both of those are good, then they go into the classroom. So or into the school. So it's outside of the actual entrance point of the school. So they're not getting into the campus until they've been through the process. Does that make sense? Yes. That that helps. Thank you. And how long are you anticipating that it would need to be used before you determine that it can be expanded to other schools? Oh, we're
170certain it can be expanded. So, um it would be phased in uh probably a week at a time or two weeks depending on um the you know circumstances. If we're having to work out some kinks here or there like this would be a better spot to set up the the uh device as opposed to where we have it, you know, things like that. But within a week or two, we would know that the school stood up. They're not requiring the amount of resources because we're obviously going to provide significant amount of resources to ensure that the kids can get in uh even if there is a high alert rate. And then once they get that resolved, then we can pair down those resources and turn it over to the school because their resources that they
171have at the school base will be enough for them to do the job without additional supports. Okay. Well, I guess considering we're doing the budget now, this is probably a good time to have this conversation. So, thank you, Mr. Cologne. Donna. So, ultimately, we've already done the pilot. This is the implementation. Okay. Thank you for that clarification. So, they're just how they roll it out. Like I said, I'm glad to hear the the approach because I was already thinking and the good news is and I didn't know where you were going to start, but at Pineriidge they already used this and so um we kind of know that and of course the house on the superintendent, but we know those those two schools already the majority of kids who are there already walked through them
172before and those two schools already know what worked and what didn't and they can perfect on that and so I think that's going to make it just a tad bit smoother because they've already u mind you the one school did it with a different product but so there'll be one school who's net new correct and then there'll be another school who's already used it before when I said how I was thinking of the actual mechanism I was trying to figure out that part of it so so thank you all for all of that I want to say thank you for your presentation and for coming into Val County and doing a pilot for us. So my question more is to the um Captain Smith and Mr. McAuliff. So you chose two of the smaller high
173schools to do it at and I understand why. So, at what point do we try it out on a high school that has three over 3,000 kids to see what it's going to look like? So, that's an interesting argument. Um, that it's a smaller school, but it is a single point of entry. So, all of the kids had to go through one metal detector. So, we had to get the the campuses have around 1,200 kids. We had to get those kids in through one metal detector through one gate with with a smaller school base within that same amount of time. So, it actually I don't know that it is um it was an easier deal because of the way that it's set up where all the kids had to walk from all over the different
174locations to get in and then we had to still get them in in that same amount of time and then we have a lot of kids but only one location that we can get them in through. So there we're really pressure testing the system based on the volume going through one device. So then I guess my question would be for you gentlemen. So you came and you tested it at two of our smaller schools and I understand they had to get through. So take away the first day or two trying to work out the kinks. How long did it take to get 1,200 kids through? Uh I believe on that last day we were just around 26 minutes 25 minutes on the last couple days. Okay. So, at a high school that has a 3,000
175or higher, we're looking at an hour probably once you work out all the kinks to get them through. Not exactly because those large high schools will have three devices. So, you'll have two points of entry. Most likely you're going to have a student uh parking and a bus area and then you're going to have your parent drop off will be your two points of entry. So, we'll have three points of entry. Well, tech depending on how the schools are set up, we're going to try to mitigate it to two points. So you can have dual machines so kids can go through at one single point entry through the double machines. So we can get through the double amount of students but the larger high schools your DNA university and creek will have three of these
176devices. So if they wanted to and they have the school personnel once we get it updated situated they could decide and say I want to put it at my bus loop. I want to put one at parent drop off and I want to put one at student parking. They would have that flexibility to do so. So, we have other metal detectors that we've had for a while now that we use. We started with sporting events. So, I recommended because those were only being used at sporting events to go ahead and put one of them at the front office. I recommended that probably more than a year ago. So, that once school started, anyone coming in because it's not just students, it's also adults would have to walk through that. And we've never actually done that.
177And so since we still have the other metal detectors, is there a way of looking at doing that? For example, I'll use delay and tie. You know, they have people come and go all day on that campus and the individuals that are sitting at the front desk and and sometimes it's students that are up there with an adult. They may not recognize those people. So, I'm happy that we use them for sporting events, but I still think we're wasting the resource that we have because they could sit there every day, Monday through Friday, and anybody coming on that campus after, you know, the initial entry would have to go through that. And I understand with this, we could move this one there, but we just have not used our all of our resources up to
178this point. And then the other thing is, are we going to require the adults to go through this or is this only students going through this? No, I mean neither way. Yeah. So, just to go back to the metal detectors we currently have for the sporting events, you can't walk through with those with a binder, with a book bag or anything like that because of the type of equipment that they are. When I say it's a little bit, it's just not newer as like this stuff is. So, we would recommend putting their device in the front office because there's an iPad to it. You can see where it's at no matter where you're sitting and it'll give you a little box around it and you can alarm with it like that. As for will the
179adults have to walk through this. I mean, that's going to be a decision that we think is going to be priority and safety. If we expect it, we should model it type deal. Um, and that's that's the way I look at it. So, we ensure that every adult and every student is is safe on a campus. Um, and we've dotted all of our eyes and cross all of our tees. That's the way I look at it. But I mean, you guys can disagree and say, "Nope, we only want students or things like that, but that's a process that we would have to work out once you guys would decide and bring this back um at the July 30th meeting." Okay. So, I'll weigh in. I personally feel that anybody coming on campus, including myself, should
180walk through that setting an example that that's what we're doing. But also, as we know, when events have happened on campuses, it's not always students that bring the weapons, right? Sometimes it's adults. And if our goal is to ensure that weapons are kept off of our campuses to keep our students and staff safe, then I think everyone should go through it. Great. Any other questions or comments? Mr. Cologne, is there a plan to have one say at the hub so that if uh one goes down at least Yeah, we'll have two additional ones that they're uh tossing in. Yeah. For free. Wait, do you what did you say? We negotiated. Well, you did use the f word. Yeah. Free. Free. See, free. Lay down. Thank you. Well, you know, we're actually a very large district
181and we're divided into five parts. We really probably should be divided into six parts because of the size. So, I'd like to suggest a renegotiation on the free ones and see if you'll go to five or six. Suggestion heard. All right. Thank you very much. Any if you don't ask, the automatic answer is no. All right. Anyone else with any further questions? Thank you very much. At this time, we're moving on to the final public input from the evening. And I have um one yellow card completed. And so um Deanna Cooper, if you'd like to come forward, you'll have three minutes to speak. And there is a time clock here. Welcome. Hello. Hi. Good evening. Um, first ever board meeting. Never attended one. I am new here from Pennsylvania. I just moved down with my
182family. I have four children. Two will be going to Dand High this year. One is 10 and he'll be going to Citrus Grove and the other is still in daycare. I found it extremely important to come here tonight because my emails have not been answered. Um, I reached out to all of the transportation people that I could find on the Valuchia County School District website, to which no one responded. My house is precisely 1.7 miles from Citrus Grove Elementary. my son would have a 36 minute walk um from home to school walking along 15A um where the speed limit is 55 miles per hour which everyone knows in Florida I've noticed very quickly no one does the speed limit so I am very concerned that there is no school bus all of my neighbors say
183that they drive their kids and that's great but I'm a nurse I have to be in work before my son has to be in school and my husband's a postal worker and works lots of long hours. So, that's not a possibility for us. Um, I'm here just to see if there's a possibility of adding another bus stop um for the families that may be affected just as much as I am. But my emails weren't being answered. So, I just needed to come here and let you guys know that I really do not feel comfortable having my 10-year-old take a 37 minute walk by himself along 15A. And even if I try to get him a bike or a scooter because I've weighed all the options, it's just not safe and it should not be um
184not with what I pay in taxes and what I just paid for for my home. Um I'm happy to be here in Dand, but I think the two mile minimum um or whatever minimum maximum the two mile marker should really be considered um especially when it's safety involved. Um, I just can't have have anything happen to my kid, and we shouldn't be willing to put anybody's child at risk having to walk that sort of distance, especially alone. And then, like I said, my youngest is going to be four in September. So, this will be the same issue for me. If we do not get a bus stop added, I will then have be expected to have my 5-year-old walk by herself um to the school, which is just not acceptable. So, I needed to let
185you guys hear. And I didn't even know I was supposed to fill out a card. I missed that part. So, I sat here all this time. Um, it's been a long day, but thank you guys for hearing me. Um, I hope that you guys consider and like I said, I did send the emails, so maybe it just didn't get noticed yet, but I I needed to speak up because something's got to give. So, thank you. I have one question for you. Um, would you mind I'm going to pass this around to Miss Gilmore. Will you come add your address to the card so that we can look into this further? Thank you. All right. I have no other public input at this time. So, this brings us up to item 22.01. Um, any items from
186board members, the superintendent, or the school board attorney? Is there anyone that wishes to speak this evening? Okay. Then if there is no additional information, then what I'd like to say is I hope those of you that haven't yet had an opportunity to have any um vacation yet, it's time. Please go and enjoy your family and get some rest and all. And those of you that have already had a vacation, we are happy that you have. But it is 7:57 p.m. and this meeting is adjourned.