Volusia County School Board Meeting - Regular Session 01⧸13⧸2026

001All right, we'll get started in one minute. Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the Valuchia County School Board meeting. Today is Tuesday, January 13th. It is our excitingly very first meeting of the year. Uh and so we're going to call this meeting to order as we do in our schools. We're going to recite the pledge of allegiance. We're going to have a very very nice treat with the national anthem and also observe a moment of silence and reflection. Today's uh pledge will be presented by our amazing students at Spirit Elementary and our national anthem will be played by floutist Mrs. Sarah John's music teacher from Beachside Elementary and pianist Dr. Lawrence Lane, music teacher at the Sunrise Elementary. And so I'm gonna ask everyone to please stand for the pledge. >> I aliance to the

002flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> [music] [music] [applause] >> Thank you. Please be seated. Once again, I'd like to welcome everyone who is here with us today and those watching online. I'd like to start off by introducing my amazing colleagues on the school board. Over, we'll start on our left hand side today with Miss Donna Brazmer, District 4. Next to Miss Browmer, we have Mrs. Christa Goodrich, vice chair in district 2 representative. Next to Miss Goodrich, we have Dr. Gilbert Evans, our school board attorney. Moving over to the right, we have our amazing agency clerk, Mrs. Celeste Gilmore. Next to Miss Gilmore, we have Mrs. Jesse Thompson, District Three School Board Member. Next to

003Miss Thompson, we have Miss Jamie Haynes, District One School Board Representative. Uh, next to Miss Jamie Haynes, we have our national superintendent of the year, Dr. Carmen Balgabin. And I am Ruben Cologne, your chair. Have the honor of serving as chair representative for district 5. Items for approval on this agenda will be items 1.03, 2.02, 6.02, 2 16.01 through 16.09. Public participation times for items on the consent. There will be public participation times for items on the consent agenda at 6 p.m. for items of general interest. We will hear uh five cards at that time. Uh time will be provided uh for any action item that the board is going to be taking and any remaining cards will be heard at the end of the meeting or anyone who asked to speak a second time.

004Our district vision statement is to create lifelong learners prepared for an everchanging global society. Next item on the agenda is 1.03 approval of the minutes board. You've had the opportunity to see the minutes. Uh do do we have any edits or deletions? Otherwise, I'll entertain a motion to approve the minutes for uh December 9th, special session, workshop, work session, and regular session meeting. >> Motion to approve. >> I have a motion to approve. Do we have a second? So, we have a motion by Miss Goodri, second by Miss Haynes. Any further discussion? Otherwise, I'll call for the vote. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All those opposed, please say nay. Motion passes. Thank you. Superintendent, are there any agenda changes before the agenda is presented to the board for approval? >>

005Chair, I have no changes. >> Thank you, board. You've heard the uh that there are no changes on the agenda. Do we have a motion to approve the presented agenda? >> Motion to approve. >> Second it. >> We have a motion by Miss Thompson, second by Miss Haynes. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please say I. >> I. All those opposed, please say nay. >> Motion passes. Next, we have item 3.01. 01 announcements by our amazing superintendent. >> Thank you, Chair Cologne. Members of the audience, good afternoon to each and every one of you and those of you listening at home. Thank you for tuning in. Also, happy new year. As you alluded, chair, this is our very first board meeting of the year. Um, we do have a few announcements that

006I'd like to share with you. January, there's some important dates in the month of January. National Mentoring Month is is assigned to the the entire month of January, but we know that mentoring is taking place in our schools on a daily basis by so many volunteers and partners in education. So, thank you for working with our children, for choosing to work with our children during your own your time, right? We always, Miss Goodrich, we talked about this, our time is is our most valuable um asset that we have. So, investing your time in our children, we so very much appreciate that. Also, the month of January is our schoolboard appreciation month. So, to every single one of our schoolboard members, thank you for your governance and your leadership and all that you do for our

00760 plus thousand students. January the 19th, um that's upcoming, that's this upcoming Monday, it's our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. um uh birthday. So, there will be no school. That's when all of our students get to stay home and everyone you can enjoy a three-day weekend. January 24th, International Day of Education, and January 25th through the 31st is National School Choice Week. And as you know, uh the state of Florida is is deemed one of the top when it comes to choice education in the nation. our principal, innovative principal of the year, um, Lonnie Tidm Marsh, who is the current principal of >> Timberrest Elementary. >> So, there are three principles in the state of Florida. Um, three individuals, the top three for innovative, they're the finalists for the state for innovative principal of the

008year. And ladies and gentlemen, Lonnie Tidm Marsh received that recognition this past Sunday. Um, so he's uh [applause] thank you very welld deserving. Um, he received a beautiful plaque along with a $1,000 a check for $1,000. So, we're very proud of Lonnie and his uh leadership team, but for the the amazing work that he's doing there. He's really leading when it comes to innovation technology in our in our district. Congratulations, Lonnie. Dr. also as we know he is um presenting on he's on several panels at FETC that's our national um um conference that takes place once a year and this year it's in Orlando. So he's serving on several panels and has done several presentations but also served on the panel as we are one of the leading districts for AI in in the state

009of Florida. So he also serves on that panel. So I want to congratulate the entire team. For our volunteer and mentors of the year, there's we had several categories and these are our winners. So for our senior volunteer of the year, it's Miss Deborah Roberts from Citrus Grove Elementary. She has been assigned that category and one for our district. For the youth volunteer of the year is Kate Cameron from Cypress Creek Elementary. Adult volunteer of the year, Lindseay Mather from Creekide Middle and the mentor of the year is Mr. Robert Schulz from New Samra Beach High School. So we want to thank them for the incredible work that they do again take spending their most precious time with our children with our students making a difference making an impact. So thank you to all of

010them. also for our futures tomorrow's leaders. Um, chair, thank you for joining me last week as we met with 40 incredible students right here in the boardroom. And out of the 40 students that we met with, several of them were juniors and some of them were seniors. And Sher, you can add to this, but every time we listen to our students and we see their disposition and how they view life and their aspirations and where they're going and their accomplishments, I have to cong congratulate every single one of those students, but also their families because when again they are a reminder our futures are going to be our future in good hands. >> But and there were 110 applications that our future foundation received and 40 were selected. But at the same time I want

011to say thank you to Futures Foundation who has been a partner in education with us for over 40 plus years and they have been sponsoring in and planning this event for us. So thank you Future Teacher of the Year. It was a great event and it was nice every single one of our board members were there and so many partners in education they filled up that room. It's always a beautiful classy event. And you know what? I don't know about you guys, but I think you will concur with me that every single one of those uh uh teachers that were there, all 70, they were deserving of that recognition. But there's the committee had a very tough decision to make. But the winner for teacher of the year for Valuchia County is no other than

012coach Erica Kasma. And she's from RJ Long Street Elementary. The PE, she's not just the PE teacher. She's everything there at R.J. Long Street. So Erica Casma, I know that you will represent us very well at the state level. >> What What district was she's from? >> Oh, that would be district two. the same where the um secondary and elementary principal of the years reside [laughter] >> and they're >> the trifecta >> and they're humble. Yes. >> Congratulations. >> I love it when you get each other started. [laughter] Um and also congratulations to Coronado because I will tell you that our our Coronado Elementary participated in the state junior beta club and this was this past Thursday, January the 8th. 12 students are going to the nationals. The Nationals will be in Nashville on June

01321st through the 23rd. And one of our very own that actually received second place on her speech was Miss Charlie Thompson. I I know that you were there because we were um having conversation of how we our school was doing. But we have 12 students. 12 students here. Charlie, Leighton, Tom, Liam, Henry, Lucas, Sawyer, Savannah, Mila, Leila, Na, Nia, and Blakeley. They're all going at the national level. So I want to congratulate every single one of these students but also their families because this is you know when you have students that are successful you know that there is a lot of support that they receive not just from our school system but also from their immediate family members. So congratulations to every single one of them. And last but not least, this is our last

014announcement. just a few um about an hour and a half ago, our graduation rates have been released by the state of Florida. So, I want to share with you the memorandum that's going out. And as we know this, this is always lagging data. It's it's the year 2425, but the federal uniform graduation rate has been finalized and published for the schools and uh districts in Florida, Valuchia counties 2425 graduation rate. ready increased for the third consecutive year. [applause] Our 2425 graduation rate is at a 95.6. Walshia County Schools saw an increase of 1.9% percentage points increase compared to the 2324 graduation rate of a 93.7 in um and also to a 95.6 in terms of just traditional high schools for the 2425. This is above the graduation rate for the state which is at a

01592.2 2 and that's an increase higher than the state by 3.4 percentage points. Valuchia's uh rank in the ninth there are 67 districts in the state of Florida and we're the ninth highest out of the 67 [applause] districts and we're the second highest in the Central Florida coalition. So just a couple bullet points. If you just look at just our traditional high schools, just traditional high schools, nine of the nine of those schools increased out of the traditional high schools. And if you're looking at without the our charter students, it is at an all-time 98.6%. [applause] >> Spruce Creek High School. Ready, Miss Thompson? >> Had the highest at a 99.5. >> All right. [applause] >> The wit Taylor Middle >> Taylor, >> you ready? Miss Haynes. >> Yes. >> They increased from an 89.8

016in 23 24 to a 99.2. >> They had one of the [applause] grace. So, I will share with you because I when I talk about these schools, it's all of our students. This is really the work that begins in prek, right? You can't just say just high school. This begins in prek. Um, all of our teachers, all of our students, and all of our parents. Congratulations to every single one of you. And to our amazing staff, thank you for what you do on a daily basis. But I'll break it down for you here. Um, we Atlantic High School improved from a 93.7 to a 95.6, a 1.9. Wait with your applauses until the end, please. Um, the Land High School improved from a 96.5 to a 98.4, an increase of 1.9%. Um, Deltona High School

01796.5 to a 99. Sorry, one second. Make sure I'm looking at this correctly. Yes, the Land High School 96.5 to a 9.1 at 2.6%. Uh, Deltona High School, they were at 100% last year. This year, 99.2. The Mainland High School, they were at 94.8% la at the year before. This past year, 95.8, an increase of 1.1%. We have New Simra Beach High that went from a 97.2 to a 98.6 6 1.4% increase. We have Pineriidge High School 97.8 to a 97.7 a decrease of 0.00001%. Um, Seabbze High School went from a 97.8 to now a this past year at 98.6 of 08%. Spruce Creek High, I shared this before, 95.1 to now a 99.5, a 4.4. The uh Taylor High went from an 89.8 to a 99.2, 9.4% increase. >> That's awesome. >> University High

018School 96% to a 99.3% 3.3% increase. and Valuchia online learning from a 90 from an uh 88.1 to a 94% a 5.9% increase. Five of our traditional high schools achieve above a 99%. And if you recall n 2019 2020 our graduation rate was an 87.7. So, we have come a long way, but that's that's very focused leadership and diligent work that has been exhibited from every single staff member here in Valuchia County. No matter what role they play, it's important because every single one of them coming together, it's like that puzzle. You need all the pieces in the right places. So, congratulations to the entire team here in Valuchia County. Thank you board for your governors and uh most importantly you know what this is our students and their success. So to all of our

019students and to your families congratulations. [applause] >> So that federal rate includes all of our charter schools. Richard Milbour JJ. Yeah. Yeah. >> Very good. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Wow. How do you top that? Well, we're about to. Very good. Next item on the agenda is the Land High School Renaissance National Award. Dr. B. >> Yes, Chair. And I would like to ask at this point for um Dr. Drayton to join us along with Dr. Castelli. And they're going to share a little bit with you regarding the Justin's Renaissance School of Distinction. um because this really is a very exclusive award um that and they will share a little with you what is it that you have to do to earn this and really there's only about 2% of the schools it's the land

020high school is among the 2% of schools nationwide to have earned this award. So they will share a little bit more with you and we will do that recognition. >> Good evening Chair Cologne, Dr. Dr. Balabin and members of the board, we would like to thank you for allowing us to share this exciting news. We want to say that out of 2200 high schools in Florida, the Land High School is the only high school selected for this prestigious award and they have received this award two consecutive years. They have achieved the platinum status which is the highest recognition for creating an inclusive and positive school climate. This honor reflects excellence in measurable goals, community engagement, recognition of students and staff, and sustaining success year after year. Platinum isn't just a title. It's proof that the

021Land High School is setting the standard for a thriving environment where every student and staff member feels valued. I want to take this time to thank some of the students and families who made this possible. So, if you could please stand as I say your name. We have Dean Lee Hernandez, Isabelle Cloudman, Daffany D'Angelo, Josiah Estz, Gabriella Seagara, Jaden McCoy, Jessica Charlotte, Devin Davidson, Gardner Nordman, and Ava Castellano. and we have their parents with them as well. A special thank you is also goes to the assistant principal Kelly Mccclardi and teacher Mindy Kamaro for their leadership and dedication. [applause] This achievement embodies our district's vision to ignite a passion for learning and our mission to create lifelong learners prepared for an everchanging global society. Thank you for your continued support as we lead the way

022in excellence. >> Thank you. And so we are going to invite the students to come up front. I also want to acknowledge that we have our amazing mayor of the city of the land, Mr. Chris Cloudman. And the audience today. Let's give him a round of applause. Thank you. He's a huge supporter of our students. And I would invite him up to come up as well to join us for a picture. Thank you. He didn't see that coming. I know. >> And then we have another one too, right? The bowling [laughter] at >> looking good. >> Yeah. I'll just have like anyway. >> Is everybody So proud of you guys. >> Such an amazing job you guys are doing there. part of the elite group. Congratulations, sweetheart. You guys have the best sweetheart. >> Right

023there. Y >> keep going. Almost there. Almost there. Perfect. Perfect. >> Awesome. Can everyone else file into the sides? >> Okay, I should make sure everybody sees me and I need to see everyone's face. All right. [applause and cheering] What >> you got over there? Some fruit. >> And then I went then I went and had pizza. >> Yep. >> All right. Next item on the agenda, we have the Seabbze High School Bowling State Champions, Dr. B. THANK YOU, CHAIR. And uh I'm going to ask again that Dr. uh Drayton along with uh Dr. Castelli will do this presentation for us as well. >> Good evening again, Chair Cologne, Dr. Balabin, and members of the board. Thank you for allowing me to share this exciting news. Today, we recognize the Seabbze High School boys bowling

024team as back-to- back state champions. [applause] I WANT TO TELL you a little story. At the start of the season, the team faced uncertainty. They almost didn't have enough members to form a full squad of five. Through perseverance and teamwork, they not only competed, but they dominated the competition. I want to acknowledge assistant principal Dan Presley, athletic director Anthony Capanella, and head coach Paul Scheler, and our five outstanding bowlers, which three are unable to make it, but the others were here. We have Dalton Boyce, son of Brian and Stacy Boyce. [applause] We have Logan Compton, son of Scott and Brenda Compton. We have Jonathan Jonathan King, son of Joseph and Shannon King. We have Braden Russell, son of Jeanie and Michael Russell. [applause] And then we have Xavier Zubia, son of Jenny and Michael Russell.

025This achievement reflects the resilience and excellence we strive for in Valuchia County Schools. And we want to congratulate our Seabbze High School champion bowlers. >> Thank you. >> See lots of uh sand crabs going on here. There we go. So, if you all will honor us with a picture, please feel free to join us. >> I love that. >> I know you can do that. When my grandson was born, I was like, "You can be a short." >> You saw the graduation for the first time. [laughter] >> Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Okay, students in the front dead center in the front. >> Coach, thank you both. >> Congratulations. >> Look at you. >> And now we can all file behind them as well. >> There you go. >> All right. The rest of the adults in

026the back, you're a little short. >> [laughter] >> ready to go. >> There you go. Right there. >> Congratulations. Go back to the mother side. >> Yes. [laughter] Wait, do you have video? the video. [laughter] >> Send her a copy of it. [laughter] >> Send our vice chair a copy. >> I love that. >> I'm sorry, Don. That's your one. >> [laughter] [sighs] >> Wonderful. All right. Next item on the agenda. We're going to move on to uh removal of items from the consent agenda. Dr. Balgabin, are there any items that you need to >> Cologne? I have no changes. No items that I would like to remove. >> Board hearing. No proposed changes to the consent agenda. Do we have a motion to approve the consent? Uh, no, not yet. There are no other

027agendas. So, let's see here. Hold on. This is There we go. All right. So, there's no changes to the consent agenda board. Are there any items you all would like to discuss? >> Yes. Give >> me one second. I don't have a pen. All right. Which item would you like to discuss? >> I have three. Um 11.01. >> Okay. >> 11.02. >> Okay. >> And 13.03. >> 13.03. >> Yes. >> Now, would you like these for discussion or individual votes? >> Uh the only one for a separate vote would be 11.02. >> Okay. Very good. All right. Anybody else have any other items they'd like to pull for discussion? >> All right. So, we'll start with item 11.01. Miss Rosmer. >> Oh. Um, okay. I guess I need um Mrs. Workman. >> Uh, what's the

028question? And Dr. B can call whoever. Well, I have questions about the uh job description changes and additions uh going from 250 days to 255. >> Thank you. >> Should I address the questions to you? I'm I'm sorry. >> Yes, you can. Uh but Patty, let me ask you, did you guys not review this in your weekly >> um Yes. This was on the agenda for the weekly one-on-one. Miss Brosmer was not in attendance. >> Oh, okay. Go ahead, Miss Bros. Okay. Um I just w wanted to understand um the levels. Uh it's it's my understanding and please correct me if I'm wrong here. Um but it's my understanding that going from 250 days to 255 days is a change in in the pay level. >> Um so you know going from like level 12

029to level 14 or you know whatever it is. >> I want to make sure that I know it doesn't change the level but come on up Stephanie. There is I believe it's three or two. I want to make sure that Stephanie speaks correctly. There's three. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, the change that we are making is um you know we currently have five executive directors. All the other cabinet members, chiefs, staff attorney, the whole shebang are all 255 days. For whatever reason, these three particular job descriptions were created at 250. So, we're just trying to get everybody back on track. In terms of the level and the steps, the level stays the same. So, the level there, it's still a level 13. What changes is is they work five additional days and those five days

030are spring break. So, if they want to take spring break off, they would have to use um annual or paid personal leave. >> Okay? So, this doesn't this doesn't change their pay scale or anything else. It just um >> it basically is just a lateral move from a 250day schedule to a 255 day schedule. Um I want to say that the total impact was like maybe $7600 total for all three people. >> Okay. >> So it's just paying them for one additional week of work. >> Okay. Thank you. That's all I needed. >> Okay. >> Thank you. The next item is uh third. Yeah. I'm sorry, Miss Haynes. So, I actually asked the question last week and so um if they work those days um all together, if all three of them work those days,

031it's a diff it's just $7,326 because I got an email back with that information in it. Um but if they don't work the days now where they weren't being counted against them, now they have to turn in days to be off. So, Okay, >> great. Thank you so much. All right, the next item was 13.03. >> Okay. And and this one I did speak with uh Mr. Young before the uh before the meeting and my request to him is to just explain the process of of what um what is involved when we surplus property uh because there I've been asked some questions I don't know how to answer them and so I just thought it would be a good thing to explain. >> Okay. Is he Oh, here he is. >> Here. Oh, yeah. Here

032he is. >> Mr. Ron Young, >> I wrote it down so I hopefully I won't skip a step. So the order of surplusing a property, what we do is we identify that property and when possible, we identify it as part of our five-year plant survey. So we survey the plant every five years and we rank everything in the plant. We rank the roof, the the envelope, the electrical, everything. And that helps us build our 5-year capital plan. So at that time, it's best to identify the property at that time. Sometimes we don't. Um once it's been deemed that that property is unnecessary for educational use, we bring it to the board for surplus and then we get two appraisals. The next step is if we didn't have it in our 5-year plant survey, we do

033what's called a spot survey. The reason for the spot survey and the um the five-year plant survey is that information goes to the state. So if it wasn't in our five-year plant survey, it goes as a spot survey to the state so they know what's going on. And then uh we again we submit that to the state and uh at that point the board has approved it. So we would notify our county city partners. So if the let's just say for example the property is in the city of Dan then obviously we would notify the city of Dan the county uh police agency you know all those partner agencies and if nobody wants it but the city of Dan wants it then the city of Dan can purchase it from us for the appraised value.

034If three or four departments so to speak want it, partners want it, then I believe it's in our ILA that the city of Dan gets it because it's in their jurisdiction. So if if they res if no one responds in 30 days, then it goes um it goes to be advertised at that point. And [gasps] then once we have a deal, then the attorney, we contact the attorney for a contract, and then the contract, the spot survey, and the appraisals come back to the board for approval on the contract. And that's that's that >> complicated. >> Okay. Uh and I know we discussed this property several months ago. Um, am I safe in guessing there hasn't been any activity on on this particular one? Um, >> talking about Buckley, >> uh, Buckley, right? >> Correct.

035No activity at all. >> Okay. Um, I appreciate understanding the the process um, a little more clearly and um, and hopefully for those who had asked me questions, it'll help them too. >> We're currently writing a policy revision that you will see soon. So maybe that will explain, right? Okay, [laughter] thank you very much. >> Great. Thank you, board. Anybody else have any questions or other items? Very good. So, um I will entertain a motion to pro to approve the consent agenda with the exception of item 11.02. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Miss Goodri, second by Miss Rosmer. Any further discussion? Otherwise, all those in favor, please say I. I. >> All those opposed, please say nay. Motion passes. Item 11.02, 02 personnel actions. Uh, Mrs. Bros Merlin.

036>> Okay. This has to do specifically with uh the separation or however it's characterized here for uh Rob Sabatino. Uh, and I have to say uh this one is certainly a more difficult uh conversation from my perspective to have. Uh there were a couple of things that came to mind when I saw uh when I saw this agenda item. Uh they may sound a little bit silly to you, but they made sense to me. One was I thought of my two brothers and the other was I thought of the ethics training we were just required to complete in December. Uh my two brothers were five years apart and when we were growing up they had to share a room and uh my older brother is very quiet and my younger brother is very loud and

037outgoing. And anytime they got into an issue, my little brother would shoot his mouth off and my father would run in and discipline him without ever noticing that he was being teased and tormented by his very quiet older brother. Uh so that was one of the things that came to mind. The other thing had to do with the uh because I believe that's what happened here. Uh the other thing that came to mind is the the thread throughout the ethics training that we were just required to complete uh which was when we have a policy we should enforce it consistently um among all of our employees and staff. uh and and I don't believe that that is what happened what is happening here. Uh the it was it was bad enough that that the outburst

038in the room was then repeated for everyone to it was memorialized for public consumption. But to have done so without including the context of what happened in the room was really grossly unfair because when a member of the district administration so openly mocks a speaker. >> Moser, I'm going to stop you right there because we received a notice for suit and so we should not be talking about this as that person has intended that he was going to sue this the school district. Uh and so I would probably and Mr. Attorney If we proceed with caution, we all receive that notice that there's an intent to sue, >> then I would suggest that this that this agenda item also be set aside until that is determined because the uh what is in that uh teacher's

039file right now um has already been put there prior to the grievance being completed and prior to a lawsuit. >> Well, that would be the next step. So there's a grief, correct me if I'm wrong, there's a grievance process once the board votes on that discipline. Uh is there not? >> Yes, that that is correct. The problem is that that the letters um about this teacher were put in his file prior to the grievance being uh completed. >> Understood. So um I will ask for clarity. Again, I just I don't want to continue a conversation just because we received that notice of suit. Uh and so there is pending litigation on this. >> Where is Andrew Lean back? >> He is not here. He's had to go to a court hearing here. >> But we

040did receive a notice of intent to sue on this matter. So I would recommend that we not discuss that at this time. >> Okay. then I'm not sure where the vote would stand. Um, but if you're going to call for a vote, I I am a no. >> Okay, very good. Anybody else have any uh Yes, Miss H. >> I I have a question. Um, I thought Okay, and I'm not sure on this. This is why I'm asking. So, do we have to take action in order for a grievance to be filed against the action we took or do we not have to take have action for a grievance? >> Okay. Have HR come on up and anyone else has worked on that can >> some clarity >> because I just think there's some confusion

041and I'm confused now. Miss Workman can clarify, but the the grievance process is in place and Miss Workman and I are both in that chain and uh that never was enacted upon. It never came to me and I don't believe it came to Miss Workman at level two or even a level one. No, because usually what happens is is they have um a set number of days after an action is taken and this is you know all employees they can file a level one grievance against you know the the action. >> Okay. And then that is usually heard by the administrator or PS depending on the type of case. If that level decides I'm going to uphold what happened, it then comes to me and I'm the level two and then right now Mr. Cash

042serves as a level three if I uphold the original action taken. >> So can you explain where we're at in this process? I have received nothing in terms of a level two grievance. So I I cannot speak if a level one has been filed, but I have not received anything. What is Mr. Cash? >> Can we please hear from from Miss Mrs. Albert? >> Uh she has a card here and so we'll call her up in just a minute. >> Okay. Okay. So, after we made the decision, well, no, this got pulled. This got pulled off of the agenda where it was going to be talked about. >> The 11 um No, it would have been the 129 agenda, I believe, was when it was on there originally. >> No, I thought it was on

043the November. >> It may have been November, but it was it was uh earlier in the year. >> Okay. And it got pulled off and you reconvened as a committee, >> correct? And you stepped back from what you were originally going to do. >> That is correct. It was uh step back to a five-day suspension. >> Okay. So, we went from what was being recommended was a termination and we stepped back to a five-day suspension then. But if I read on here, it says it's a three-day suspension. >> It's that was actually a um a typo and I corrected that this morning with um Celeste. It should have been a fiveday. I confirmed that with um Mr. Carter. >> It was with Mr. Carter out of the PS office, Ben Carter. >> Okay. >> Um

044it was it should have been five when they originally put the date in. They put it in as three within uh the HR system and so we had to correct it and that pulled off of the three, not the five. >> Yeah, because I sent an email about it. >> Correct. And I sent back in the email that I I had confirmed it was five days. >> Okay. I I don't remember seeing that, but that's okay. So, we went from termination to now five. So, no longer termination, >> correct? >> And a fiveday suspension, and that was determined by the committee. >> That is correct. >> So, what you have listed on here tonight as um you know, under all of the things like transfers and hires and all that, you have his name listed

045with a five-day suspension. Now, >> that is correct. And then if you continue to look down the page, there is also an additional line where he has since taken a leave of absence that began on the 5th of November. I mean, I'm sorry, 5th of January and he is now working at one of our charter schools. >> So, was that correct? Because when the personnel thing came out, >> we fixed that as well. Yes. Because it had originally been entered as 1219. Yes. >> I pulled this on the first day we came back from break because we had to get it out for the um you know, the 7-day notice. So, we fixed those over the last two days. >> Okay. Cuz I just thought we all needed to know where we were at right

046now because as I said, when I opened it when it got released last Tuesday, I saw that it read three and I saw a different date for um the leave of absence and all. So, now that it's been correct, and I will tell you, Celeste does a great job of telling us when something's changed. Most things are easy to find the change >> because it's a single item, but when you go into >> that document is very lengthy. >> You have to read all through all these pages again and if you didn't print a copy of the 10 pages to start with, you don't sometimes know what the single change is. >> Correct. >> Okay. All right. I I'm fine because now I understand at least where we're at, Mr. Cologne. Thank you. >> Thank

047you. All right. Any other questions? All right. We have Cardon Elizabeth Albert. >> Good evening, Madam Chair or I'm sorry, Mr. Chair, members of the old habits, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. Balgabin, members of the audience. So, uh, thank you for, you know, eventually getting to me here. So, obviously, I'm going to talk about this suspension coming before you. Uh, this is not the process that we follow. Typically, uh, our contract, our contract sets forth the ability to grieve a disciplinary outcome. Mr. Sabatino received a letter of reprimand and suspension days. The process is we have, as Miss Workman mentioned to you, 10 days to begin that grievant grievance process, which has three levels. Never have I ever seen a board vote on a suspension prior to the process of a grievance bill being

048being fully executed. And I did my research. You better believe I did. I went back and I I looked through some cases where we had uh disciplinary outcomes that also had suspensions that we worked through the grievance process. None of them came before you. They haven't. And and so what my question is, why do we not have consistent practices? Why can't each and every employee in this district count on a fair and consistent process uh when they're working through what is contractually available to them? Why is the professional standards uh department upending the apple cart and pushing this forward so quickly? It seems to me that there is unequal treatment that Mr. Sabatino is receiving. Um you know, let me ask you this question. We are planning and we've scheduled the first level one grievance

049meeting. And part of the reason why Miss Workman doesn't know that this grievance is already in play is because she is no longer our contact for labor management nor the chief negotiator. I don't know if you know that that change was made. And so as the transition to new employees, she doesn't get that information anymore. So that's no fault of hers that she doesn't know. Our level one grievance meeting is this Friday. So my question to you is this. At the conclusion of the grievance process, should we be successful in reducing or eliminating those suspension days, do you plan to put it back on the agenda again and then revote on it? Seems to me that's not a very efficient practice. It absolutely doesn't line align with what we have done in the past for

050every other employee that I can uh quickly search uh to to just see what to see how we treat people. When we don't treat people the same way, it breaks trust. It breeds suspicion and it makes this district look like they may have a, you know, vendetta against someone. We certainly don't want that. Let's treat everybody fairly. Let's follow what we've done in the past and let's fix this mistake tonight. Thank you, >> Mr. Sabatino. >> Good evening. I'm here tonight to object to a procedural malfcence in handling of my case and the district's failure to provide due process guarant guaranteed to me under Florida law. The most glaring fact is the district's recommendation has changed four times in 90 days despite the evidence remaining exactly the same. This fluctuation proves that the discipline is

051not based on a consistent matrix or state law. It's arbitrary and capriccious. In Florida, when an agency makes up the penalty as they go, the action is legally invalid. This investigation was structurally designed for a predetermined outcome. Evidence shows that professional standards notified my school of a disciplinary outcome before the investigation was even finished. Not only has a discipline been a moving target, but the district chose to report these unadjudicated charges to the Florida DOE and potential employers well before the board had a chance to review these facts. This is a blatant attempt to destroy my career before I even add unfforted my due process and is in violation of confidentially requirements of Florida statute. You have effectively blacklisted an 11-year veteran by reporting a termination recommendation that you have since admitted was so flawed

052you had to lower it twice, three times, who knows? This was not an investigation. Due process requires an impartial decision maker. You cannot have an impartial process when the highest levels of administration express a desire to see me fired before a single witness is interviewed. Florida requires a complete analysis of all facts. Yet, the investigator willfully excluded eyewitness testimony regarding the administrative pro provocation, ignoring the actions of the administrator who mocked me during my moment of personal grief. The district has conducted a one-sided inquiry intended to protect leadership rather than find the truth. You cannot fix a procedurally void investigation by simply changing the discipline until the problem goes away. Any suspension based on a biased predetermined and shifting investigation is just as unlawful as a termination. The district also intends to keep the rescended

053termination recommendation in my permanent personnel file as a historical record. This is another bad faith attempt to blacklist me. Under Florida law, a personnel file must be an accurate reflection of adjudicated discipline. This is a deceptive practice designed to circumvent the law and ensure I struggle elsewhere in my chosen career. It [clears throat] should be removed as it is a product of very procedural malfeence the district is now trying to hide. I am asking the board to uphold the law, recognize the lack of due process, and reject this recommendation. And finally, I am not suing the school board unless the school board wants to uh stipulate that what he did was part of the scope of his duties. Thank you so much, Mr. Sabatino. All right. So, board, seeing as we've heard that, I think

054it would Mr. Sabatino, my understanding, uh, Miss Workman is is no longer employed with or no longer with Valuchia schools actively in one of our schools. Is that correct, Miss Workman? >> Okay. So, I don't see any uh I don't see any uh harm in uh bringing this back once that grievance process has passed. And so, um, I I think that can, you know, he's no longer here, so it doesn't really, uh, so with that being said, um, I'd like to make the motion, and I don't know if I need to pass the gavl, but I'll ceremoniously pass it your way. I'd like to make a motion that we accept 11.02 with the exception of Rob Sabatino's line and uh, suspension in there. Uh, and that will come back to us at a later date

055should that be appropriate. >> Second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion passes. All right. We're going to take a 10m minute stretch your leg break. We'll be back. Thank you. All right, we will call this meeting back to order. So it is 5:38. Consent agenda is done. All right. So we're going to move on to board action item 16.01. Let's get our board council to come around. like this. >> Thank you so much. [sighs] >> All right. Changes the schoolboard attendance boundaries for Edith Stark Freedom Elementary School. Uh let's see who is presenting that. >> Miss Corore. >> Okay. Can somebody please call Miss Core and Mr. Young? Ron, you want to come up? Wonderful. >> I just text her

056as well. >> Thank you. Patty text. >> All right, let's do this. We'll move on to item 16.02, proposed adoption uh for schoolboard policy 201. Madam superintendent. >> Yeah. Uh chair, I would like to ask Dr. Evans, our board attorney, along with Miss uh Dr. Dr. our chief technology officer. They will share with you regarding the adoption of policy 2011, 219, and two uh 427. >> Thank you. All right. So, we have policy uh we're asking for adoption of policy 2011, student records. This policy has already been reviewed and advertised. So, we're seeking for the board to approve adoption of this policy. >> Wonderful board. So, we have already advertised this. Did we receive any public comment regarding this uh policy that you're aware of? >> No, sir. >> Thank you. All right. So, board,

057does anybody have any questions on this policy? Otherwise, I'll entertain a moment. A motion. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Miss Goodrich, a second by Miss Brosmer. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of approving policy 201 say I. >> I >> say nay. For the record, Miss Haynes is not present. >> Uh, next we'll move on. A motion passes. Next, we'll move on to item 16.03, request for adoption of proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 219. Yes, we're asking for this board to adopt policy 219. This policy has been reviewed and advertised and now we're asking the board for adoption. >> Thank you so much board. You've heard the recommendation of the superintendent. Uh do we have any questions on this policy? Otherwise, I will entertain a

058motion to approve policy 219. >> So moved. >> And I'll second that motion. We have a motion by Miss Brosper, second by Miss Thompson. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please say I. I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion passes. >> Next, we have policy request for adoption of proposed amendments to policy 427, employee technology use. >> Yes, we're asking the board to please uh adopt policy 427, employee technology use. As with the prior policies, this policy has been reviewed by the board and advertised. >> Wonderful. Did we receive any cards? Any uh comments uh for this policy? >> Not to my knowledge. >> Any of these? No. All right. Uh board, do we have any questions on this policy? Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to approve this policy to

059approve. >> Sorry. Second. >> Right. We have a motion by Miss Thompson, second by Miss Haynes. Any further discussion hearing? None. All those in favor, please say I. I. >> All those opposed, say nay. Motion passes. Next item is uh 16.05, authorization to advertise proposed amendments to school board policy 305. This was workshopped earlier today uh in our meeting. Uh Mr. >> Yes. We're asking the board to approve uh authorization to uh to advertise policy 305 physical education policy. The changes that are here were discussed at during the workshop on today and the one change was we're no longer using the sunshine state standards for physical education. We're using the next generation's sunshine state standards and we had to change the reference to the statute. >> Okay. Did we make the edits to this one

060as well? Uh to not necessarily denote the >> I don't think we had any particular edits to this policy. >> We did. >> Celeste is nudging. >> We did not replace this one. And so I will what language did we use on the standards of conduct one? >> Oh, we're not there yet. >> What did we change it to? >> We're not there yet. >> No, we're not there yet. >> Physical, >> right? So the physical education is the one that denoted the change in the standards where we had spoken about changing that to be >> Oh, I see. >> Whatever the current state >> So we're not having to change it time and time again. >> Correct. Yep. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, we can make that change uh to this particular policy.

061The district allows a standardbased physical education curriculum using the current >> standards >> using the current standards. That's a material. That's a minor change. So, we can make that particular change at this time and we still ask for your approval. >> The current state standards. >> Current state standards. >> No. And actually, you could just cross through next generation sunshine and yes, leave it. >> So, I'm doing that now. >> Perfect. All right, board. With those edits, uh, does somebody want to make a motion to approve the advertising of policy 305? >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> Second. >> All right, I'll take uh we'll share a second this time. So, we'll uh motion by Miss Goodri, second by Miss Haynes. Any further discussion on policy 305? Hearing none. All those in favor,

062please say I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion passes. Item 16.06, authorization to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 418, standards of conduct. Yes, we have standards of conduct. We're asking the board to approve authorization to advertise based upon our workshop this afternoon. The changes that we discussed to this policy have been updated. Specifically, as we added to the next to the last paragraph, employees may access sensitive and confidential information only as defined by applicable state and federal law. Okay. All right. So, we workshopped this earlier today. If everybody's good with the edits, I will entertain a motion. Uh, >> so moved. >> All right. And Do we have a second? >> I'll second that motion. >> We have a motion by Miss Brosmer, second by Miss Thompson. Any further discussion on this polic

063advertisement of this policy? >> Hearing none. All those in favor, please say I. I. >> All those opposed say nay. >> Motion passes. >> Item 16.07 authorization to authorize proposed schoolboard policy 616 policy on re on district reimaging. >> Yes. Thank you, your honor. Um, your >> honor. [laughter] Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, we're asking for this policy, new policy to be advertised. During the workshop today, we did make one m one change to it. We removed policy on and the title. So, the new title is just district reimaging. So, we're asking approval to advertise. >> Wonderful. So, board, we workshopped this earlier today. If there's no further questions, I will entertain a mo motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve policy 616 district reimaging. >> And do I have a second? >> Second.

064>> Rosmer. Wonderful. We have a motion by Miss Hayne. Second by Miss Brosmer. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of authoriz of advertising policy 718, please say I. I. >> I. >> All those opposed, excuse me. 616. 6. All those in favor of approving policy 616, please say I. >> I. >> Nay. Motion passes. Item 16.08. Again, this is one that we uh workshopped this afternoon. Authorization to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 718 uh which is now named >> School district marketing. And that was an edit that uh was proposed in the workshop >> and it has been updated for that particular t title school district marketing and the spelling error has been corrected. >> Wonderful. And we're asking this board to approve authorization to advertise this policy with those changes.

065>> Wonderful board. Are there any additional questions or thoughts on this policy? >> Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to approve schoolboard policy 809. I make a motion to approve schoolboard policy 718. >> 718. I'm ahead of myself today. >> 718. All right. And so all those in favor? Oh, that's a motion. We have a second. >> Second. Second. >> I'm getting off my slow down a little bit here. All right. So, we have a motion by Miss Haynes, a second by Miss Goodrich. Any further discussion hearing? None. All those in favor say I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion passes. Last but not least, 16.09, authorization to advertise proposed amendments to schoolboard policy 809, school advisory councils. This is once again one that we workshop this afternoon. Any further questions or concerns on

066this policy? Otherwise, I'll entertain a motion. >> Motion to approve. I'll second it. >> All right. We have a motion by Miss Goodrich, second by uh Miss Haynes. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please say I. I. All those opposed say nay. All right, we're going to move back up to item 16.01, changes to school attendance boundaries for Stark and Freedom Elementary Schools. Welcome. >> Good evening, chair. Uh the reimagining of Stark was brought on by the replacement school u has been completed and is significantly larger. Okay, board. Are there any questions? And this was originally going to be on the consent agenda, and I specifically asked I thought this was of big concern that we certainly should have uh discussion on this one. Uh so could you share with us a

067little bit of the process and how you've met with the community and and what steps have been taken to this point? Me too. Okay. Yes. Thank you. Um good evening board chair, superintendent Belg. Um we met in December with the community and um in the in the attachments you'll see in the board docs it shows the zonings of the schools and the proposed area um that would be brought over to Stark. And you can see it's on the very far edge of uh on the very far west edge of Freedom Elementary School. um that's now being um that area drawn into Stark Elementary. The new school was built uh for about 650 students um and so definitely can hold more students. At the time uh Freedom was a little bit overcrowded. In addition on the

068east side of Freedom, there's more building uh that is happening on that side that now Freedom will need to absorb any students that come out of that new development that's over there. Um, so we did have um uh that meeting and also a tour of the new school. So that's always nice. This is sometimes hard for people to adjust when we have to change attendance boundaries, but when you have a brand new school, it makes it a little easier because it's beautiful high-tech school. They have the STEM magnet program going there. Um, I had a parent reach out to me who was a little apprehensive and afterwards said that they can't wait to bring their child to Stark next year. Um, there were a couple special incidents that we deal with one-on-one. one was with

069an ESC student with a nursing situation and we're dealing with that one-on-one. Um, in addition, as always, when we have an attendance boundary change, if a rising fifth grader would be in this area that would be reszoned, they have the option to remain because if they've been at a school K through four, we don't want to move them for one year, their last year of elementary school. Um, so they they do have that option. They still go through the variance process. They fill out the card, but they put on there um what you know what the request is. So if they're a rising fifth grader, we do grandfather them in. >> Thank you, Miss Haynes. >> So I actually participated >> Oh, yes. >> in that meeting even though we were in Tampa. Um, I

070got on virtually and introduced myself and talked to them about the school and the reasonzoning and the fact that this is our first magnet program school also in Valuchia County and it's a STEM and arts um, magnet program there. and I stayed on the entire time while the um students and parents and community members were in the media center so that I could hear the questions that they were being asked and everything and everyone I mean the questions were great you know because so many people are afraid of resoning but I'm just telling you that this group did a great job you know we had been telling people for two years though that this was coming ideally we would have opened the beginning of this year already reszone zoned, but the schools couldn't open [clears

071throat] on time and we had no space to add any students into the older um Stark. But if you haven't been there, um I really say you should go by and see it because you know after it was all over with, I did talk to um Patty and Ron and you know and I said to him, so once they toured the facility, you know, what did they think? But you know they held it in the media center also and that media center is absolutely beautiful. Um but what they shared with me is no they loved touring it and they they got positive input. I mean even the student you know that there's like needs to have a nurse. It's not a problem. The parent came and brought it up so that we could handle the

072issue ahead of time. But there were no complaints. They said they look forward to bringing their children to that building and it is and and I I'm just going to tell you a few highlights of that building besides the fact that they're going to be a magnet program. Um when you're pulling in the front and you're driving along the front, you see they built the entire media center with what looks like schoolhouse shaped windows. You know, like when you ask kids to draw the shape of a school and that's how they did it. And they've got the whole koala thing across all the windows. So, it's bright and beautiful, but it's a safety piece also. So, no one can see in, but yet when you're in the media center, you can see out. But everywhere

073that they put one of those schoolhouse windows, they put bench seating under that window so kids can curl up on a bench seat to read a book. And they put storage in the bench seating so there's plenty of storage. And everything is modular. You can like bookcases that we see that are, you know, glued in um in other schools. These bookcases, you just click the wheels and you can move it and change the whole media center or open it up to hold a big event. And I will tell you, it's they did a great job on building this school and it's beautiful. And our students are already so excited and parents are saying, "So, are we, you know, adding the next grade level next year for the magnet program?" And it's like, "Yes, we are."

074I love walking in that building and just seeing the faces of the children and how excited they are to come to school. And so many community organizations, a lot of the um individuals in Victoria Park have adopted them. And one lady's group made hats. They knitted caps or hats for every kid and they got to choose their own when they came to Winterfest before um we went home for the winter break. But you guys did a great job that night and it was, you know, even though I was attending virtually, it was just a calm meeting and thank you for everything you did. >> You're welcome. >> Well, thank you. Uh Miss Brosmer, or is this Oh, that's old. >> Oh, sorry. I don't know. >> It's been sitting there for a while. >> Oh,

075it's been there a while. No. Very good. Any other comments? All right. So, uh, seeing as there's no further comments, I'll entertain a motion for 16.01. >> I make a motion. I'll second. >> Motion's been made by Miss Hayne, seconded by Miss Goodrich. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> All those opposed say nay. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. All right. It is a few minutes before our six o'clock public comment time. So, we're going to wait for three minutes just because it's been our practice to wait. >> I can add one more thing about start. >> Sure, you can. You've got three minutes. Please start the clock. >> Only because I got only because I got the email yesterday. So, the other thing, you know,

076I've talked a lot about is us having parent pickup and drop off areas that go onto the property so we don't block the streets in the community. And so, they opened up, they finally had it ready today and they opened up the new parent pickup um drop off pickup and drop off loop. And so, they come off of Bearsford now and they're going across where the old school set and coming around to the new school. So the vehicles will not be stacked out on the street and this is much safer for all of our children and the individuals that are dropping them off. And today was the first day. And so they've still got a few things to finalize out there on the um property where they, you know, took down the old school. And

077also, in case anyone didn't know, Edith Ice Stark, who is the principal that the school is named after, her photo was restored and it is hanging in the media center. And we did a ceremony there before winter break on a Sunday afternoon to put that photo in and just to share the school with the community and it's just beautiful. >> Very good. You still have two minutes left. go visit the school, please. [laughter] >> And so we have a six o'clock time certain for public comment. So we are going to wait about another minute and a half and we'll get started. We have four cards today. >> I'll say this. Anybody here in the community, if you're sitting out here tonight and you're in the community and you would like to read at Stark, reach

078out to Shannon King, the media specialist, because the end of this month, they're asking community members to come in and read. So, if somebody wants to just that way, you can see the school and you can read to a class or two. All right, very good. It is six o'clock. Thank you, Miss Haynes, for uh filling in the time. Our first card will be Miss Pam Crow. Pam, welcome, Pam. Long time no see. >> Congratulations. Good evening. >> Thank you, >> Chair Cologne, school board, and Superintendent Balgaben. I'm concerned about the schools of hope, which I call schools of nope, that the state board of education and our governor is pushing for community members who are unaware. This means that private operators are allowed to move into or colllocate these charter schools, the private charter

079schools in our public schools on the local school board dime. It was framed as a targeted intervention to support students in persistently low performing schools. However, I'm afraid it was never really about helping students. Um, instead what happened with recent rulemaking by the state board of education is turned into a statewide charter takeover mechanism allowing private operators to move into public school buildings, including stable, successful, and fully enrolled schools without the local school board approval, community consent, or meaningful oversight. This is not school improvement. It is the transfer of public assets and public dollars to private entities. On November 11th, letters of intent regarding colllocation were sent uh concerning the following schools in Valuchia. Tamoka Elementary, Edgewater, Heritage Middle School, Spirit, Woodward, Chisum, Sunrise, River Springs Middle, Dand Middle, Taylor Middle, and Galaxy Middle. To

080be clear, the only School of Hope applica operator application uh was for Tamoka, a beautiful shiny rebuilt school. The operators for all those other schools were not officially approved by the board of education yet. So, the board removed their applications from the agenda at the November 25th meeting. However, who knows when that approval does come. Our community must speak up. So, I'm really appealing to the community here, asking please contact the Florida Board of Education. Their next meeting is January 21st at 9:00 a.m. in Tallahassee. Also, remember the Florida Legislature is just starting its first session or its its 2026 session. So, you should also contact your state legislators. This is really something very concerning. I've been hearing buzz about it, but I think our community is not fully aware of it. Thank you. >>

081Thank you, Miss Fernelpar. Welcome and congratulations again, teacher of the year. >> Thank you so much. >> Good evening, Mr. Chair, superintendent, school board members. U my name is Vanell Spar. I am the music teacher at Tit Small Elementary. Um I've come before you um maybe two times already and sent information. Um, this time I'm speaking on again the area outside where our students play. This is a bag of where our students play of rocks. This is what our kids have to play on. Yesterday, my fifth graders went around and picked up rocks because they said they wanted to make sure the younger ones didn't trip and hurt themselves. So, I have a bucket. I only gave him 10 minutes. 10 minutes. And I have a bucket of rocks. There's no grass because they threw

082seedlings out there. And so, our kids have large patches of of sand and dirt to play in. Where the traps are, the covers are flipped on the wrong side. They have holes in them. They have holes in some of the other parts of um the piping. Yet, our kids have to play out there. I am positive that you would not want your child nor your grandchild playing in that area because it is a safety risk. I spoke about it before. I've sent the information. Yet, one thing they did do, they put pipes out to help drain the playground. But guess what? The pipes are in the way where the kids get to play. The way that they cut it makes no sense. And I know where I feel that a lot of people think that,

083oh, they should be happy with what they got. They finally got a new school after 70 years. Well, guess what? I'm a teacher. I'm a mother, but I'm an advocate for those kids in that community. And I am tired. I'm tired of being tired. Now, I have receipts of everything, but it is time that we make Terry T and Campbell a priority. Stop saying what you're going to do. do it. That area for those kids is not safe. Period. And I'm asking you to come out. Not someone else. Not a Mrs. Core came out. Not No, you come out and see. You come out. Don't send someone else. I need for you to see with your own eyes because it's not okay. And it's not okay that the kids in that community continue to get

084shortch changed. It's not. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Park. Miss Debbie Parker. Good evening. I'm Debbie Parker and I'm speaking for myself. Thank you for this opportunity. Tonight, I'm speaking up for students freedom to learn and their freedom to read the full and honest history of our nation. African-American history is American history. Next month, Monday on the 19th, we're all celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. So, there are many community se celebrations. Last weekend, the Martin Luther King annual lunchon in Deltona was held and of course it honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I learned there um and I wonder if you know whether or not that day is the only federal holiday that is identified by an individual's name. No other holiday is specific to one person. Also, last month I attended

085two memorial events for the Harry T and Harriet V. Moore. One was on the 15th at the Memorial Park and Museum and it's in Mims about an hour away from here. At that event, the museum was presented with the official state of Florida proclamation designating December 15th as Harry T. Moore and Harriet Vida Sims Moore Day. In 2018, a Florida legislature act legislative act established the day to honor the Moore's legacy, service, and sacrifice. Just a bit of information about them. There were courageous civil rights pioneers in Florida. They in the 1940s established the NAACP and registered over a 100,000 people to vote. They were both killed by a bomb that exploded under their bed on their anniversary, December 25th, 1951. I was attending on Sunday, this past Sunday, an event at Rosewood. It was

086a dedication for Rosewood Park and Rosewood is in Levy County, Florida. Dr. Professor or Ameritus, Professor Meredus Marvin Dunn, Naval Officer, author, historian, and activist who happens to be a Uklid High School graduate along with the Miami Center for Racial Justice, which he founded, and he's president of it. They dedicated this park to Rosewood. And quick bit of history about that. Except for one home, the town of Rosewood, a wellestablished black community, was burned by a mob of 200 to 300 people, white people. Regarding teaching the truth, in 2023, the advanced placement African-American studies course was blocked. In January and July, the Florida studies st Florida Florida's standards were modified to include the ridiculous notion that slaves benefited from slavery. Also, HB 1069 was signed by the governor in 2023 and of its results. Results

087has been challenging and removable. >> Next up, we have Mr. Peter Thomas from this uh >> students in Valuchia County have the freedom to learn. >> Welcome, Mr. Thomas. >> Thank you. [clears throat] Good evening, Mr. Chairman, school board members, Madam Superintendent. My name is Peter Thomas. I'm the assistant city manager for the city of Orange City and I'm here tonight to read a statement from Mayor Kelly Marks regarding the future of the Orange City Elementary School Building. Statement. Members of the Valuchia County School Board, thank you for the opportunity to speak today and for the work you do on behalf of our students and families. I apologize for not being with you in person tonight as I have a council meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m. I am here not just to talk about

088a building but about memories, identity, and shared sense of place. This school has stood as a witness to the generations of children's learning, growing, and becoming members of this community. For many families, it represents first friendships, inspiring teachers, and milestones that help shape our lives. When a building like this is lost, we don't just lose bricks and mortar. we lose a physical connection to our collective past. First, if preservation is not possible and demolition must move forward, we asked you to allow the community an opportunity to walk through the building one last time. This would give formal former students, teachers, and families the chance to reflect, say goodbye, and preserve members, preserve memories before the building is gone. Second, at minimum, we ask that a portion of the historical entrance be preserved and allow the

089city to relocate it to a public park or open space. Saving and displaying this architectural element would create a lasting symbol of remembrance, a place where stories can continue to be shared and where future generations can understand what once stood here. We recognize the difficult decisions before you. We simply are asking that history, memory, and community be part of that decision. Thank you for listening and for considering a path forward that honors both progress and the past. Sincerely, Kelly Marks, Orange City mayor. Thank you for the opportunity for to read this into the record. >> Thank you so much. All right, next item on the agenda 17.01, public participation. Do we have any additional cards? >> All right, we do not. Next, we will move >> missing. Oh, they snuck this one in. Wonderful, Doug.

090Welcome. >> Good evening. I'm here to express my concern about an article that appeared in the Daytona News Journal December 31 edition reporting a school district donation of a building and property to the Dan Police Athletic League. It's not the first time a donation of this type has been made. I've discovered in 2024, five district-owned lots in Daytona were donated to a nonprofit, Homes Bring Hope. Since when did the taxpayers of Valuchia County appoint the school districts and school board as the brokers for the donations to nonprofits? For a school district that frequently cuts staff or programs due to funding shortfalls, it would seem logical and more respectful to the taxpayers to try to sell these assets to cover some revenue to recover some revenue. And that's where you board members come in. You were

091voted into your position by the taxpaying public, not only to set policy for the school district, but to ensure the voters's interests were protected. And you let both of these donations go down without so much as a whimper. As you're aware that the Are you aware that the Dand PL lost its sheriff's department sponsorship several years ago and only recently regained sponsorship by the Dan Police Department? What questions were asked about the PAL before district assets were donated? As a nonprofit, the PAL is required to have a board of directors. How many members on do they have on that board? Who are the board members? How often do they meet? Are there minutes for their meetings? And were there any restrictions on the donation preventing the sale to private ownership should the PLA cease operation

092again? It might have been prudent to have waited a little while before donating school district assets to see if the organization would have be successful. Then we come to the legality of these donations. Florida statute allows a school district to partner with nonprofits, but direct unconditional donations from district funds to charities are not allowed unless they directly serve the public school interests. Now, the Daytona property donation may loosely be considered as serving the public interest by providing housing for employees. But are there conditions on those donations that allow the homes to only be owned by school district employees? I speak for the taxpayers throughout Valuchia County who fund this school district when I say we don't need you making decisions about what nonprofits we do or don't support. To the superintendent, let me suggest that

093if the school district wants to donate future assets, at the very least, there should be a public hearing so the people who own the property have a say in what's done with it, especially if those that we elect to look after our interests fail to do so. And to the school board members, when you go home this evening, you need to engage in a lot of soulsearching about what your purpose is of serving on this board, especially if you intend to run for reelection. The taxpayers put you here. We expect you to represent our interests, not rubber stamp giveaways of our properties and assets. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Next item on the agenda, 18.01, items from the board. Miss Prosper, >> I might as well go first um because uh Mr. Pettit

094had contacted me about this issue and as I let Dr. Evans know it, it raised a question that I had um raised myself uh before I ever got on the board. So um Dr. Evans has mentioned that we don't have a policy that addresses this and he's going to be looking into it. So, um I appreciate that and um and we'll keep um Mr. Pettit um apprised of of our progress on that. Uh I have a couple of other things. Um one, and this is as much of a surprise to me as it would be to anybody. Uh, I have been invited to join the Florida AI task force and I have accepted because I know nothing about AI and I figured it was a great [laughter] time uh to learn. I think the way

095I got invited was because I was asking questions that I was told the task force needed to hear. So, they asked me if I would participate and I said yes. And so, I guess I'm going to be on the task force. Um, also, uh, over the last year, as this board knows, I've raised a number of issues that that, uh, have, um, for me made it difficult for me to do my job as a board member. Um, some of those were access to documents, having to pay for for records, not having a specific independent board attorney, uh, not having the line item budget posted, uh, the use of NDAs, and the role of board members in the hiring of administrative staff. I I greatly appreciate that uh Senator Leak um seemed to think that those

096were valid concerns and he has uh filed legislation to address them. Um it is seven uh Senate Bill 1620. there is a house sponsor and I uh and number and I don't have those in front of me so I can't cite that but but I I did want to publicly thank Senator Leak for taking those questions seriously and and um uh drafting a bill. And my last thing is is just some questions for Dr. Bulgaban actually. Um I I just want to um and because we know that that um Mrs. Core and and um Mr. Cash have have swapped positions, I just want to know uh how that works. Is this a temporary um situation? Um is there a window? Uh how exactly does this work? So again, this was something that was discussed in

097our weekly board member meetings, but it for now it's temporary. >> Okay. Uh can we define temporary? Is this a six months? Uh being in the middle of the year is >> it could go until the end of the year until the end of this academic school year. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah, that's all I have. >> Wonderful. Miss Goodrich. >> So first I do want to thank Mr. Pettit. you bring up some very valid concerns and I appreciate your email. So, thank you for bringing those concerns up and glad to hear we're going to be looking at creating a policy for that. So, thank you. Um, and then I also want to address T and Campbell, but T in particular. So, I know that I've brought up T. I know Mr. Cologne has

098brought up T. I know we've both been out there numerous times and sent numerous correspondents about the different issues that are going on out there. And so I don't know if we what we need to do next to get out there to >> So let's go ahead and discuss dirty. >> Let's do it. >> Uh Miss Core, can you join me? And um Cash, Mr. Cash, can you join me, please? >> Am I losing my three minutes? So >> Huh? >> Am I losing my three minute my three minutes? >> No, you can keep your time. >> No, they'll make it brief. Um >> you're good. >> So going back, I know that you had visited Ti. Many of you have visited Turkey. You've been there. You're there often. Um with the cafeteria, the situation

099with the cafeteria that I shared that with um Miss Core and some of the items that we saw after the builders left that were starting, you know, that we we took notice of and it's been brought to our concern. I would when I ask you guys then you'll go so miss that was brought to Miss Cor's attention and she took her team out. That's when she was COO and they did a walk through. they contacted the builder also. Um, you'll share a little bit about that. Then recently, maybe a few months ago, probably 3 months ago or so, I went back because I heard that some of it was still continuing and we did a walk through there again and Patty and Patty briefed John, but I know that we met with the builder and

100some of the items we took care of, some of them are in the process, but like some of the other items that are as as they come up, we need to be we need to know that they are, you know, like for example with the situation with the the landscape, I I don't know if that was called in if if that was inputed into our system. I don't know. So why we need to discuss that process as well but Patty if you will share a little bit with the conversation because we brought legal into that discussion as well. Legal met with us and the builder and we had that conversation and there was a few takeaways from that and in terms of what we're working on moving forward. >> Yes. Thank you. Good evening. [clears

101throat] Excuse me again. Um, we did go out again and walk and then, um, I brought out Mr. Langenbach with me because we wanted to look and see if there was anything that would rise to the level of, um, legal action against the contractor. There were items that were listed in the what we call punch list. Um, you get the the certificate of occupancy. You can be in the school, but there's things that still have to be corrected or fixed. That's on the onus is on the the builder. um after we hit the one year of the warranty expiration, some of those items were still outstanding. So that's what we were trying to get them to move along. Um and we did get the head person out there for the next walkth through. Andrew was

102not there uh for that one. Um and then um there were some items that were not part of that which now that the the uh warranty had expired was is is on us. It's on our maintenance team then to pick up now and and keep that moving. So I would have to do some more investigation about the play area. um and find out because I know Rod's team went out there. Rod Smith is our director of maintenance and um I know his team has been out there and he's talked with the principal many times. If you want an update about the cafeteria project, um I don't know how frank you want me to be, but unfortunately it's not the best design we've ever seen. It's not our preferred design. It preceded all of us, that

103design. Um and so now we do have a project coming forward. I know it's been in architectural. Uh John might have a more recent update about that. Um, but it's going through that process where we're going to be able to expand it and close it in because it needs to be set. They can't eat in the hallway in in that open foyer area. It's too noisy. It's echoey. So, there is a project underway for that. I know Dave Lever, uh, one of our project man senior project managers was leading that up. But, as you know, when we do capital projects, that doesn't happen overnight. There's a series, you know, you got to establish the project, you got to do bids, you know, so that's going to take some time, but that is underway. >> And

104the preliminary drawings just came in. So, we met on that recently. In addition to that, we're going to do an acoustic study because noise was part of that issue. There's a wall there, too, that many of you may have seen that needs to be discussed. So, that is in motion. As a matter of fact, I have a meeting scheduled with the principal to go out and discuss with her and bring her an update on where we are. I want to make sure that the school understands and the principal understands that this is on our radar and that they have continual updates on how we're moving forward. Now, in terms of some of the landscape issues that was shared with us today, I don't know if that was that was inserted into our system or not,

105but we need to look into that. >> Yeah, I I will check on that. As a matter of fact, I will visit uh Terry T this week. >> And so, just for clarification for me, so if the T teachers or administrators see things on the property that need to be reported, what what is the path? >> So, if it's a teacher Oh, I'm sorry, John. If it's a teacher or staff member, they report it to their facilities administrator. So, every school, either the principal, the AP, or if it's a school that has more than one AP, somebody is assigned and it's an administrator to be in charge of the facility. Um, usually it's the same person who does their fire drills and things like that. And they have a way through our AIM system where

106they put in a work order ticket. Um, and then they also in addition, we need the ticket in there because that's how we can if we need parts or whatever, that's how we route it to pay for things. Um, but they can also always pick up the phone um and call Rod Smith directly. There is a hub supervisor that runs that area. Um there's we have mobile FMTS, field maintenance technicians that go out. So depending on what the issue is. Um one was the the one water fountain that was faulty. Our team went out and fixed that already. Our guys were out there. I was there the day they were out there fixing it. Um so it depends on what the issue is. Is it plumbing? Do we need a carpenter? You know, is it

107landscaping? It's different contracts. So if they put in the work order, they can certainly follow it up. And I used to tell them even email me if you don't hear from somebody let me know because we will get somebody out there. >> But to sum up the question that you're asking what is the process that we you generate a work order >> and some of them will can be prioritized depending on you know >> yeah because giant rocks that >> yeah rocks are an issue. Grass is hard um because that that you need to do really in the summer when people aren't there. We had the same issue at the Orange City um when we were building the new school and we had to move their play area and what were we out there how

108many times Ruben with excuse me Mr. Cologne with that um it's sand and then and Silver Sands is called Silver Sands for a reason. It's sandy and we're in Florida and we keep re we seeding and try to grow but we're not going to keep kids from playing either. So that's a balance we have to figure out. Maybe there's something else that we need to be doing out there besides trying to grow grass. Was there anything else for that one? >> So, I want to thank Miss Spar for coming out again. This is why you're a teacher of the year because you do not stop fighting for your kids. And thank you for not stopping. Um, okay. So, happy new year. Congrats to all our teachers of the year. Thank you to Futures Foundation for

109putting on an amazing event and for always being so wonderful to us. Um I want to give a big shout out to um Jordan over at Beachside for being a finalist. And then of course we have to recognize that over in district 2 we have the Valuchia County Teacher of the Year, Erica. Just another shout out to her and I already said it earlier but in case no one heard it is a trifecta in D2. That's the teacher of the year, the principal of secondary and elementary school are all over of in uh on district two. So, congratulations district 2. You're amazing. All of our districts are, but I do represent district 2 and I am not going to be shy about bragging on them. [laughter] So, um that being said, let's move on to

110Martin Luther King event. I want to thank um Principal Owens for inviting me to a wonderful, beautiful ceremony on Sunday over at the Hard Rock. fantastic event and we've got a lot of events going on with MLK this month. So hopefully we can all attend some of those. Um I wanted to share that at the value adjustment board I did request a workshop at the meeting yesterday morning. We vote on a um on a budget over $60 billion and that's a bigger budget than I've ever voted on or managed or anything and I'm guessing my counterparts up at the DAS it's the same thing. So I suggested that we actually have a workshop to go through that so that we know what we're voting on and not just rubber stamping something as it comes through.

111So that's going to happen in June. We're going to have a workshop to review it for all of us. Um and then the last thing is I wanted to say that I am proud to be increasing um our enrollment and whether that's going to be a graduate of mainland or Atlantic is still to be determined. But I am officially a Coco a granny. >> [applause] >> In Spanish we say aa. [clears throat] >> Very good. Miss Haynes, >> I first have a question for Miss Goodrich. Did you say that you received an email from Mr. Pettit? >> I did. >> Did everybody else receive an email from Mr. Pettit? >> I didn't receive an email from Mr. Pettit. >> I think it was an email. No, I I think you got it and then you

112forwarded it to >> um I No, Doug, he lives in my district and so he contacted me about this. I don't I don't remember if there I know I forwarded I I forwarded an email that I drafted that addressed his concerns. Um and and I did send that to uh Dr. Evans and I don't remember I don't think I copied everybody. I think it just went to you and to Mrs. Core, >> but I think when I responded I responded >> to everyone. >> But that was from Miss Brosmer, right? Mmer. >> Yes. But it was for me. >> Okay. So if I misspoke, I saw the email either way. I saw the information. I'm not I do not recall exactly how it was got given to me. Rosmer sent it to me with a

113few questions and then when I responded to her I included the superintendent and also the other board members as is our practice. >> Correct. Okay. Yes. So I want to talk about um the PAL organization. The PAL organization actually came here to the boardroom and did an entire presentation on April the 8th of 2025. Um it was on our workshop agenda. It was item number 4.01 and in that it gives the entire background about the PAL organization what their purpose is. It also shares in that that we have been in an agreement with them as a school board since 2003 for them to use what you the site that used to be called the former Uklid learning center. And the individuals that per were presenting that day for us are part of their board. It

114was Miss Jennifer, how do I say it? Natal Cove who is the board chairman. Um, Mr. Willie Johnson who's the program director. Mr. Kevin Reid who's a board member and also Dan City Commissioner. Mr. Jason Umbberger the Dan Chief of Police. Miss Sherry Aken from Akens Law is their attorney. Mr. Al Buouie is a board member and the chairman of the Jackson Gym and Property Committee. And Mr. Rocky Kaiser is a past board chair. They also have other passport chairs and other passboard members. Everyone on that list volunteers to serve on that board. Mr. Willie Johnson is paid as the program director, but the rest of these individuals do not receive payment to serve on that board. They also have people that serve on committees. Their presentation is available in our board docs under the

115April 8th, 2025 workshop. It's a beautiful presentation because we all sat here and we listened to it and we heard all of the wonderful things that they are doing. We've had this partnership with them since 2003. When Uklid was closed and no longer being used as a school, which was prior to 2003, the old building there and the portables were knocked down. There was only one piece that was left on property, and that was the gymnasium. Fast forward though, even when we turned it over to them to use, the gymnasium was not in that great of shape. And what has stopped them from and and and none of us were on the board back in 2003. Okay? None of us were on the board when the buildings old portables were torn down or the old

116building was torn down. I don't know if any of you have ever even been over to see the piece of property. I mean, I've been there. I I went there when there was we were still using it as an alternative site. I went there after we tore down what was needed to be torn down. I've been there to see the gymnasium and everything. But the thing of it is that was decided by a board a long time ago to actually make a partnership with them. I support that partnership because when you say it's not helping our students, that is totally wrong. And if you read the description, you look at the PowerPoint presentation they did, I don't think any of you sitting here on the board can say we're not helping our students through that

117organization. That organization allows our students to go there after school every day, get tutoring help, also participate in clubs and activities, things they maybe would have never had an opportunity to do. They do cooking classes. They play sports outside. But where they've been for several years now. And when I got on the board and I found out the condition and then realized, okay, we as Val County Schools have not put any money into that property or to that building. Okay. We've let it sit there. They, on the other hand, can't put the money into it because it didn't belong to them because we just had an agreement where they used the property. So, what they came and asked of us, and I had conversation with them before this, so did Patty, Ron Young. There's been

118a lot of people out there to look at this property and see what was going on. They said, "We want to move forward on repairing the gym. We want to add field like level some of the fields so they're safe for the kids." And we they have a beautiful plan. I went to the ribbon cutting for it. All right. Where we did the ribbon cutting. And this is for all the children. If east side wants to come over, it's fine. But it's for the kids on the west side of the county. Does it first and foremost pick up the kids in Dand? Yeah. But we have six elementaryaries that all but one are title one in Dand. We have two middle schools and we have the largest high school. This is the place where these

119kids can go every day after school. They're there all summer. Sometimes they're there on the weekends. There's no cost for them. It's a safe place where they get the support and help they need. So the thought that we're not doing what's right with a piece of property that was probably purchased more than a hundred years ago, that is actually where an African American school sat for many years until it became an alternative site. I am very disappointed that individuals would think this is not supporting our children. This is 100% supporting our children and every day I would vote the same way again because every child that lives in our county is part of the school system whether they're coming to our public school, whether they're going to one of the charter schools, whether they're going

120to a private with a voucher or the parents are homeschooling. and it is our responsibility to continue to partner with groups that will support them in a situation like this. So that's what I have to say about that and I mean it. I'd vote every single day. >> Can I clarify something there, Miss Haynes? >> Yes. >> So when I said what I said, I wasn't questioning the organization. I was saying I'm [clears throat] glad to hear that there's a policy. If we didn't have a policy in place, we need a policy. It wasn't a question of the organizations cuz I did vote for that organization. I agree with everything you just said, but that if we don't have a policy in place about how we get rid of land assets, we do need a

121policy in place that that's what I agree with. So, I wasn't clear on that. >> I am fine with a policy, but this you have to think about all of what was said tonight. You have to think about what was said in the post on social media about this. Now, let me go to the other piece. Okay. Which I also went to the ribbon cutting for that. I support it and I've actually asked um Patty and John and Ron Young and them to look on the west side of the county. So number one, I don't know whoever's been to the old Bonner Elementary School slashnows academy. I know a raise your hand if you've ever been there. Okay. Yep. All right. So Bonner Elementary was our highest title one poverty school in Valuchia County up

122until the day we closed it. It had this the um the population there was in the high 90 percentile of every child being on free andor reduced lunch. And when we closed it, it was because the building, we weren't not going to pour money into redesigning or redoing the building at the time because we were headed into a recession piece where we couldn't spend money on it. So, we reszoned those children into safer, better building conditions, past go past the recession piece. And prior to that, we had had on every one of our high school campuses, we had had the opportunity that if our young ladies got pregnant while in high school, they could continue to come to school and we were taking care, helping them to prepare to be moms and then taking care

123of their children so they could continue to go to school. Well, a former superintendent made the decision to close those programs down off of almost all of our schools. I didn't agree with it. I was a teacher at the time though. But fast forward the lot and child's academy. It was designed and took over the old Bonner Elementary and it was done by teachers that had been doing that on our own high school campuses and they went and opened up that school and they na named it after lots because he came and sponsored them and supported them. Well, when we finally made the decision, because they raised the money that they wanted to buy that, um, and there's a whole PowerPoint presentation on it that anybody can pull up and read. Okay. We worked with

124them on what could they afford and what part did they need. So, when you're looking at the property over here on the far right side of it, there's a street. And on that street, we owned five tiny little lots that were of no value to them because they weren't expanding the building. They were once again trying to get grants and things in order to do the repairs to the building because they service a need for our kids in this community that we don't service on a public school campus. Those young ladies go there, they get their education, and their children get to stay there with them until they're finished or through kindergarten and then go into our public school systems. So, we have employees that are struggling that have never owned a home and never

125thought they'd see the light of at the end of the tunnel to own a home. So, what we did, and I'll vote every day for this again, we took five little lots that trust me, they've sat there forever. Nobody's ever wanted them. The statement was made, "Oh, that's like valuable property." Okay. My group that's been over to Bonner, anybody want to tell me that that's a valuable piece of property that somebody's waiting to buy that, you know, we we bought over a hundred years ago and probably didn't pay $100 for those lots. Anybody tell me somebody tell me if it's it's like we could have made a lot of money off of it. I'd like to know. May I may I interrupt here? Um I would like to reinforce what Chris what Mrs. Good. Rich,

126sorry. Sad because um while I remember this uh similar uh conversation came up with the with the uh county council because uh some of the county council members objected to uh contributions that were being made by the council to nonprofits and so they had a debate about it. the there there will always I'm sure be questions among the public about um about um decisions like that. But my purpose in approaching Dr. Evans about it was what is the structure that we are allowed to do and and do we have any kind of of direction about it? And that's so from from my perspective, this is not about the merits of of any of these organizations. I agree with you about everything that you've said about their merits. Um, but we we are obligated to stay

127within whatever our statutory gu guidelines are and establish policies accordingly. So that was my reason for bringing it forward and and that's where we're intending to go with all of this. It's not to question the merits of any of these organizations. >> Okay. So I think in the email that you wrote I think you did question and say that this is not helping our children or the >> I raised the question of whether the definition of a partnership or a direct relationship to the educational um u services we provide to the children were would fit those donations and they I use them as examples because they're the only two I know of. But that's the structure that we have to address in our own policy. And and >> and obviously we're not going to change

128anything that we've already done. Um it's just a question of what do we do moving forward. >> Okay? And I agree to a policy. I have no problem with the policy. But I'm addressing what has been stated in email, stated on social media where we have brought in and we are t trying to discredit the not a We're okay. You're trying to discredit all of us, but at the same time, you're trying to discredit these organizations that are doing what's right. I will tell you after opening those five little tiny homes over next to Bonner/child's Academy and being there that day and watching our employees because the agreement we made was we will hand you over these lots that you will build homes on for our employees that work in that community and area that

129this is the only way they'll probably ever own a home. and the stories that day and the tears that were shed and how thankful they were. I said at the end of that day, I said, "Dr. Balcomin, can we look for any little pieces on the west side of the county? I know there's a little triangular piece that you can't like all you could build was a little tiny home on it. And who would want to build it?" for the same thing for this. I spent an entire three days with the Florida Schoolboard Association Board of Directors at a meeting and three of our presentations that were that day were from counties that are looking and making partnerships to build homes for their faculty. Now, they have to pay for it, but it's made so

130that they can get into it. Go look at if you have no idea, go look at what Orange County is doing. I mean, they have turned over pieces of land for um town homes to be built on for their employees to get into. So, we are taking care of the people, the people that work for us, the students that we serve. And I need people to know there's nothing hidden. There's been presentations on this. You can go back and pull it out of board docs. You can see how we voted on the things to happen. But I do not appreciate when accusations are made without giving all of the information because especially the POW group, those people all volunteer to make that happen for kids in Dand and kids in Deltona or Orange City or

131Pearson or Seville that may be going to school in Dand. And I will stand by it every day. We did nothing wrong. We partnered to ensure the safety and the continued learning for our children. And we've given some of our employees the ability to be in a home that they can call their own and they will be able to stay in the area and continue to work for us. And so and and don't even throw politics into this whole thing because this is not political. I don't do political. I do what's best for kids. >> Thank you, Miss Thompson. >> Okay, so just three short things. Um, one, tonight on the consent agenda, we had replacing the gutters and downspouts at New Simra. So, I want to thank my fellow board members for approving that

132because some of those gutters are near where the metal detectors are. It's like a hallway that's open, but there's there's gutters and there's been leaking and um I know I've talked to Patty about this a couple times, so I just want to thank you guys for that. Um, second of all, the schools of hope was brought up tonight and I appreciate you saying reach out to the state board of education. Um, they'll be discussing this on the 26th of this month and then voting on making some changes and such in February. I don't have an exact date. So, if anyone has questions, concerns, please reach out to the uh, state board of education. Last thing that makes me happy, thank you Dr. Bman for bringing up the state winners for uh, Junior Beta Club. Right

133now, Coronado Beach Elementary is the only elementary school that has a beta club. And I know you need a sponsor for it, and I know there's things that go into that, and I'm not ever going to force anyone to do that, but I encourage elementary schools to have a junior beta club because the amazing part when they go to the state or national conventions is you see kids, some that are very shy and, you know, don't talk to other kids or maybe they play video games or everything's online now. They go up and have these interactions with other students that are involved with things like woodworking or public speaking or photography. and you're seeing these interactions take place and it's so cool to see. Um, so anyway, thank you for bringing that up and if

134anyone has any questions about it or open anyone, I can put you in touch with people. I don't know everything there is to know, but I'd be more than happy to help out. And uh, happy new year and congratul What are we calling you now? >> It's Coco. >> Coco. Love [laughter] that. >> That's Ko Ko. So, not like the movie. All right. Got it. Congratulations. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. And so I don't Go ahead. >> Yeah. I just want to make one observation for the board tonight. I want to go back to the Sabatino issue. Um I want the record to reflect that the Sabatino um matter regarding suspension should have been removed uh from the agenda once that level one grievance had been filed. the board agenda had gone live and

135we received the grievance after it had gone live and it was inadvertently not removed. So I want to make make sure that was reflected in the record. So we've had some great conversations tonight. Um you know there was a question whether or not on all those transactions was the public notified and the answer on both of those we had workshops They were on the board meeting. If I am correct, they were all unanimously approved. Okay. So, to answer any question whether or not the public was aware, the answer is yes. Do we all agree on that? The answer is yes. >> Yes. >> Two of us were not here for the first one >> to be the board mention the board members >> the board at the time. >> Correct. And so it I could

136see if somebody said, "Oh, these were on consent." And they were voted on consent, then nobody asked any questions. But no, there were workshops. There were presentations. These were publicly noticed. These were publicly available. These were voted on. These were on the agenda. And so anybody who says these were not is a liar. And I'm gonna say that straight up. Now, it is not our duty to deliver this mail to everyone's home and say this is what we follow the process that the state has put in place. And so I I I just want to be clear about that. And we all are nodding our heads. So we're all agreeing that. Go ahead. Did we Does the state have a process that we followed? They >> do seven days. The agenda gets posted >> out

137of it. >> Yeah. The agenda gets posted and so same thing with the surplus. It gets posted. Uh you know the city of Deltona property that we recently disposed of. There was question about oh did you all notify the public? Well the answer is yes. through the channels that are the normal. We're surplusing this property. Now, does this mean that we called every realtor in town and said, "By the way, we've got a property that we're surplusing." The answer is no. That's not our requirement. And so, um I I think that's misinformation uh that's been put out there because there was nothing done uh behind. I mean, it's very difficult, especially if you have a workshop and a meeting and a conversation and a vote. So that that's what I have there and and I'm

138sorry to feel like I'm contributing to that. But you know that that's a process question and fortunately for us some of these process things are and and so I don't disagree with a policy. I think it's good. I think policies and SOPs are always good. Um however, you know, we followed what we normally do to notify the public as we do for everything else. Um, I also, uh, on a brighter note, uh, our basketball seasons are coming to an end and so I'm looking forward to see our regional champions there. I had the opportunity to attend some basketball games and so, uh, the mayor's cup is actually going on in Deltona tonight, uh, which is where Pineriidge plays Deltona High and the mayor presents the trophy. I almost thought we I would get there by

1397, but it's all good. Um, and uh, I think that's pretty much it. Is any >> So, for anybody listening, um, the vote was conducted on July 30th, 2024. Um, it was item 21.01 about, um, the land over by Bonner Elementary and what would be built. And I will also say the community did get behind that bill because when we did get there to unveil um people within the community had donated all the appliances for every one of those homes so that they didn't have to start by going and finding their own. There were a lot of donations made from our local community and Lowe's and places like that to also give them a start in their new homes. >> And I'll I'm sorry I'm going to say one more thing. I think what what

140was done was beautiful things for our communities and our and our children and the families and the teachers we serve. And so I don't like that it was made to sound that it wasn't done in with a good intention. I do think it was, but I do agree that a policy needs to be in place. So that's just something we should um and I and we're already looking at. So >> awesome. Very good. If there's nothing else, it is 6:52 and this meeting is adjourned. Great.