001first then first and then Johnson No matter what age your child is, you want the best for their future. What do they want to do after graduation, what career path do they want to take? These questions can be overwhelming. That's why you should ask them this question. What's your E? Simol County Public Schools e- pathway program is designed for your student to choose their own path in life from as many options as we can offer. Whether they're looking to enlist, enroll, or be employed, we're excited to help you and your child make it happen. Want them to enroll in a college or university? We'll help you find the best school for them to continue their education. Learn about grants and programs to help your child obtain their degree at a pace and a cost that
002works for you both. Are they looking to go straight into employment? Discover a variety of trades and skills that will propel their future. They can learn aviation maintenance, automotive repair, culinary arts, and more to hone their talents in the growing industries. Is your child interested in enlistment? We'll help them find the right path of service. Whether it's military, law enforcement, fire response, or EMS, they can serve the community while learning skills that will last a lifetime. What's your E? Explore options with e- pathways by visiting us online at the link below. [Music] What inspired me to get into engineering was Legos. So, I started as a kid, as most kids do, uh, working with Legos and just kind of doing your own thing, building the Lego sets. And I would often take apart my Lego
003sets, mix them together, and build something completely new. Then in about fourth grade, I was introduced to Lego robotics, which is where you have a actual uh robot that you could program and you start with this brick and that would feed information to Lego motors and it would all communicate as a system and you could do a lot of really cool robotic tasks with that. And that was really the start of me looking into engineering. The engineering I'm looking to pursue at first is mechanical engineering. This is what I'm going to go to UCF for. and this is going to be the start of my career. A mechanical engineer can really do anything. Um they work with a lot of thermodynamics and a lot of vibrations and really just anything that moves. So a lot
004of fields use mechanical engineering. I want to go past that and specialize into biomedical engineering which is more along the lines of surgical robotics and medical machinery. I want to develop surgical robots and with that I need to know exactly how the human body functions and how it functions with robotic systems. Essentially, I'll be able to design a system where a person will be able to communicate with a motor and hopefully improve their quality of life. Whether this be through a surgical robot that a doctor is controlling or whether it's a prosthetic that's motorized. >> I taught Josh his freshman year. He was so good with that inventor material. He picked up on it very quickly. He was ready to jump in and help other students which I really really appreciated. And he has carried
005those characteristics with him as he has moved through the program. And now with his journey moving forward in bioengineering, I can't wait to see what he's going to make with his knee brace and the orthotics that he's trying to produce. The current prosthetic I'm looking at developing is a loadbearing knee brace in which I'm going to take a motor or servo and attach that to the knee which will enable the a person to be able to push past what their muscles currently are able to do whether that be because of uh muscle fatigue or osteoarthritis in the kneecap where they're not able to put a lot of pressure on their knee. Current knee braces really only work when walking. There's still a lot of pain when there's extra forces being applied to the knee. such
006as walking upstairs or standing up from sitting down. Things you and I normally don't think about, but for someone that has severe arthritis in their knee, this is hugely painful. >> The strongest advantages of projectbased learning, that hands-on experience that allows you to manipulate that material, really solidifies in the brain exactly how those things work. The thing I would say about this program where it exceeds the most is the more you use it, the more it'll benefit you. It's weird my computer doesn't have the time up. N. >> Good evening everyone. If I could ask you to please take your seats and we're going to get started. Thank you. Um I call to order the July 22nd, 2025 regular school board meeting. Um and this evening I have the um invocation and pledge of allegiance.
007So I thought I would start with um a back to school poem since we're right there a couple of weeks guys um by Shell Silverstein. I've rewatched every rerun. I have no skin on my knees. I've had it with the crickets, the sunburn, and the bees. I hiked around the woods and got peed on by a tree frog. My neighbor took me fishing. I got gang jumped by mosquitoes. I've been bitten, scratched, and stung. And the ball field is a sneeze. My controller went on strike, and I'm bouncing off the trees. Days no longer long. Whisper time to move along. School is calling. No you stalling. Summer is summering and it cannot be ignored. Should I follow? Might as well. I'm pretty bored. Thank you. If you please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I
008aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you all very much. Um, please let the record reflect that board member Sanchez, board member Dinger, board member Davis, Vice Chair Garrick, and myself are present along with our wonderful superintendent, our board clerk Jill, and attorney Johnson as we begin this meeting. Um, are there any acknowledgements this evening? No. Anyone from PTA here? No. Okay. Thank you. Um, superintendent, do you have any um agenda modifications? >> Yes, I do. The addendum for a good cause is marked on our electronic agenda by a green flag named addendum item. And board members, I am pulling item 6 AF, Winter Springs Fleet Facility Project, and that will
009be brought back to you at a at a different time. >> Thank you very much. Uh, board members, the roll call order this evening. Member Dinger, Member Davis, Member Sanchez, Vice Chair Garrick, and then myself. Do you have any agenda modifications? Member Dinger? >> No, I don't. >> Thank you very much. Member Davis, >> no changes. >> Thank you. Member Sanchez, >> no modifications. Thank you. >> Vice Chair Carrick, >> no modifications. >> And I have no modifications. Thank you. Um I understand we have some RFPs too that we wanted to um to qualify. >> There are two for um related to the Sanford Middle project and then two for um South Seminal project. >> Okay. And as I understand um board member Garrick, you'll hander the Sanford >> Yes. >> RFPs and RFPs. And
010member Davis, you'll hander the Winter Springs projects. Is that correct? Okay, thank you. If you'll let the record reflect that. Okay, next up, um, approval of the agenda outline outline. Is there a motion to approve? >> So, move it up. >> Okay. So, vice chair. >> Motions. Okay. All in favor, please signify by saying I. I. >> I. Any opposed? Thank you. Um, superintendent, do we have recognitions and presentations? >> Yes, we do. We have a number. We'll start with the new principal of Greenwood Lakes Middle School, Miss Yashika Mims. Okay, board members, if you'll join us. Good evening board chair, school board members, and superintendent Beman. It is with great excitement that I introduce the new principal of Greenwood Lakes Middle School, Mrs. Yashika Mims. Mrs. Mims earned a bachelor of science and psychology
011with a minor in general education from the University of Florida. She went on to receive a masterers of arts in teaching and learning and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership at Nova Southeast Southeastern University. She began her career in education in 2004 as a social studies and reading teacher at Indian Trails Middle School. In 2014, she became the dean of students at Greenwood Lakes Middle School and later served as an assistant principal at Tuscowilla Middle School. Now, in a meaningful full circle moment, she is returning to Greenwood Lakes as their principal. Joining her this evening is her husband Nicholas Mims, her children Mason and Bryson Mims, her parents Harry and Beverly Edwards, her mother-in-law Annette Mims, her sister and nephew Jasmine Edwards and Jaden Sparks, members of the Tuscala Middle School team, principal Randy
012Scheler and assistant principles Ryan Garrett and Cynthia Woods, and a host of friends who are like family. Congratulations [Applause] All right. Good evening, board members and Superintendent Bean. Uh, this evening I have the pre pleasure to introduce the newest assistant principal at Lyman High School, Carly Marx. [Applause] Carly was born and raised right here in Central Florida, graduating from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's in athletic training. She went on to earn her mers in educational leadership from the American College of Education. Carly joined Semino County Public Schools in the fall of 2014. And during her tenure at Lyman High School, she served as a licensed and certified athletic trainer, a teacher, an athletic director, dean, school administration manager, and now an assistant principal. As you see, joining here tonight is her three-month-old
013son, Mason, along with her husband, Brandon Marks, parents, Janet and Ron Burns, and the principal of Lyman High School, Mr. Michael Hunter. Congratulations to Carly Marks. [Applause] Good evening, board members and superintendent Bean. It is my honor to introduce our new assistant superintendent for student and school success, Miss Mallalerie Lambert. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Mallerie Lambert holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in educational leadership from Stson University. With 16 years of experience in education, she has served in a variety of impactful roles, including third grade teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. Throughout her career, Mallerie has been recognized for her dedication to excellence and student achievement. She was named teacher of the year for the for the 20112 school year, received the closing the
014gap award in July 2022 and was honored as principal of the year for 2324. Her leadership is marked by a consistent history of closing achievement gaps and driving positive academic outcomes for all students. Mallerie brings a wealth of experience, a passion for educational equity, and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive and high-performing school communities. Joining her for this evening are her husband Corey, son Bryson, bonus daughters Rebecca, Ryer and Skyler, dad Paul, stepmom Janet, sister Shay, godmother mentor Jocelyn, and many, many friends and colleagues who are joining her now. Look at you trying to hide his back. >> You getting nervous? [Music] [Applause] All right. Uh, board members, madam superintendent, everyone in the audience, my pleasure to introduce the newest member of our legal services team, attorney Klay Man. Klay is an Orlando native who
015attended private and public school in Central Florida. She graduated from Olympia High School in Windmir and after graduating attended Florida State University where she earned a bachelor of science and political science in 2012. Thereafter, Klay entered her first career and became a teacher for Orange County Public Schools prior to attending law school. After teaching for three years, Kle attended Florida um agricultural and mechanical university in Orlando where she received her jurist doctor in 2020. While in law school, uh Klay interned at the state attorney's office for the nine judicial circuit and subsequently became a prosecutor after graduating. After gaining experience in criminal prosecution, she primarily spent her career in private practice working as an associate attorney in defense firms. Her practice was focused on employment, personal injury matters, and homeowners insurance disputes. Klay is happily
016married. Uh in fact, her husband Carl is probably pretty happy to hear. Um has one child, I believe, is six-year-old and a dog and enjoys spending time with her family and trying new restaurants, activities, and traveling. She is joined by her husband Carl Manard. Please Yeah, >> right. >> Yeah, I need a shot. I'm sorry. >> Yeah, >> I know. >> We'll give him just a Okay, superintendent, we're now up to focus on student achievement. Do we have a presentation? >> Yes, we do. We have Dr. Cody, our deputy superintendent, and Sarah Barovski, our coordinator in assessment and accountability here to present on school grades. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Superintendent Bean and board members. Um, good evening again. This evening's focused on student achievement is an overview of Semino County Public
017Schools 2025 school and district grades and an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding work that has been done by our students, teachers, administrators, staff, families, and community members. These achievements are not possible without the leadership of our student focused school board and superintendent. As I hear you often say, SCPS is a family. And there is no better evidence of that than the significant student achievement accomplishes from the accomplishments from the 2425 school year. Superintendent Bean reminds us that our primary responsibility is serving every student every day in every classroom and that is key to achieving these results. After the data review, Miss Baroski, coordinator of assessment and accountability, will provide an update on the accountability formula for 2526. You'll note there are some changes uh in the forecast. She'll also provide an overview
018of the three FLDOE progress monitoring assessments and a reminder of how parents can access their student scores. I I I have to say before I begin, thank you to Miss Barasi, Caitlyn Trippany, and Shangu Zu for their data analysis that is always student focused. All right, once again, let's celebrate that SCPS is an A-rated, academically high-erforming district as designated by the Florida Department of Education. Awesome work, everybody. And as a reminder, SCPS remains number one in STEM education as recognized by Florida State University professor Dr. Paul Coddle and Nich reported that parents and community members rated SCPS as the number one district in Florida. So let's learn why SCPS is the best choice for educating our semol county ch children. It's important to document our continuous improvement from year to year, but also compare ourselves
019against our Central Florida districts, 14 largest districts, and all districts in the state. We should be very proud to see that SCPS maintained its first place ranking in c Central Florida, second in the 14 largest districts. And this is a a tremendous accomplishment. When you move a system our size, even one percentage point in the ranking, it it's it's a lot. We moved from 12th to 10th overall in the state. Again, amazing work by our Seino County family. And let let's look at how this work was accomplished. The district is graded on 12 achievement components. In 2025, SCPS earned 818 points of a possible 1,200 for an A grade. SCPS improved the percentages of school students scoring 11 scoring three plus on 11 of the 12 components only dropping by one percentage point in math
020lower quartile learning gates. That's how you make continuous improvement for every student every day in every classroom. You're improving across all metrics. I'm sorry, but I get so proud of these things. This table show displays each level's accountability performance with green cells indicating improvement. So now you see the improvements across every level, every cell. Elementary improved in seven of their eight cells, middle improved in seven of their nine cells, and high school improved in seven of their 10 cells. Continuous improvement at all levels. For 2425, 86% of SCPS schools received an a grade of A or B. Elementary schools increased by 7% the number of schools earning A or B from 29 in 2024 to 31 in 2025. While the total number of combined A and B graded schools remained the same for middle schools.
021Listen to this. The number of A middle schools more than doubled, increasing from four schools in 24 to nine in 2025. Middle school, we all know it's hard. It's hard. High school also had an exceptional year. One additional high school earned a B in 2025 and the number of A schools remain the same result resulting in all SCPS high schools earning A or B. Outstanding work. As you know, we have our focus schools and two of our focus schools increased from a C to a B-grade and three earned grades of C's. It's important to remember that all of the students and staff worked extremely hard to prepare for PM3. We are looking forward to increases at all of these schools for the 2526 school year. It's important that we particularly celebrate the accomplishments of the
022schools listed on this slide. You'll note that all of these school schools earned Agrades after working diligently and intentionally to improve student performance for several years. Please note, Hamilton Elementary School of Engineering earned their first Agrade since the inception of the accountability system. That that that's just wonderful. Congratulations to all of these school staff and in particular to Hamilton's principal, Mr. Adrien Fuller, and his team for earning the first A in Hamilton's history. And it's only the first of many. If you've been at Hamilton, you know this school is on the road to keep those A's. Many of you are familiar with these tables. This is our five-year district ELA ranking, and the more ones we have, the better. So, congratulations to elementary for maintaining number one in ELA at all three grade levels in
023Central Florida and in the 14 largest districts, as well as ranking in the top six districts uh in in the state of Florida. Middle school students earn two first place rankings in ELA for Central Florida and top three in the 14 largest districts. Middle school rankings are in the top 12 at all grade levels when compared to the state. High schools are number one in ELA in Central Florida and 14 largest districts and ranked eight out of 67 districts in ninth grade and third out of 67 districts in 10th grade. Our kids are ready. They're prepared. And thank you to board and our superintendent for supporting the work that it takes to see these achievement me metrics. Let's look at math. I'm going to spend a bit more time on this slide because we receive
024many questions about grade five and grade a eight math performance in mathematics. We know that in semol county we do what is best for students and if they need and want to be accelerated they are given the opportunity. The current state accountability model doesn't reflect accelerated students in math ranking data resulting in some members of the public are assuming our fifth and eighth grade math rank rankings are abysmal. We acknowledge we have a lot of work to do for those students who are taking the grade level five and eight tests. That being said, interpreting data without knowledge and context leads to false conclusions. Look at grades three, four, and six. They were first or second in Central Florida and in the 14 largest districts as well in the top as well as in the top
02514 in the state. And here's here's why. Grade five represents 66% of fifth graders with 34% of the highest performing math students enrolled in RAMP, our elementary acceleration course. These fifth grade students take the sixth grade test while enrolled in fifth grade. And 99% of the fifth grade students who took the sixth grade test earned passing scores of three or higher. These students deserve to be accelerated and they've proven they can do the work. Grade eight data represents 39% of eighth grade students because 61% of grade eight students are in high school level algebra or geometry courses. Again, our highest performing math students are not taking their grade level tests. The middle school algebra 1 pass rate is 85%. And the middle school geometry pass rate is 97%. So why do we accelerate knowing our
026rankings will be lower? Because SCPS prioritizes students needs. Overall, end of course and Seni science rankings were positive. For science, grade five stayed the same in Central Florida, but declined slightly in the 14 14 largest and in the state. Grade 8 science remained number one in Central Florida and the 14 largest districts and improved in the state ranking. Biology declines led to deeper analysis related to instruction and scheduling resulting in 2526 course specific strategy opportunities that Mr. Rice has already put in place. End of course state rankings for civics, US history, algebra 1, and geometry improved for all four courses. We have to celebrate this one too. Students with disability um is a is a passion for many of us in this room. The increased achievement for students with disabilities is unprecedented. At the elementary
027level, student achievement increased in every accountability cell. At middle school, there are increases in all but two math cells. And in high school, all but one math. All but one math cell increased. Thank you to Amy Elwood and her team, our support facilitators, our outstanding teachers and administrators for taking on the challenge to improve achievement for all students. Thank you so much, Miss Elwood and team. Uh, and Miss Cardona and her team once again delivered on support for our English language learners. Elementary, middle, and high school ELELLL student achievement increased in all but four cells. And SCPS is number one in the state for having more than double the state percentage of English language proficient students on the WEDA access for L's test. Congratulations to our ESOL teachers and to Miss Cardona and her team
028for being first in Florida. When you all say all, you all mean all. So let's talk about these students. Advanced placement performance and success is another SCPS strength. In at 7,522 students took 16,874 AP exams and earned a pass rate of 73%. Miss Baroski just got back from the AP conference and they're calculating the Florida and global pass rate. But we know we're above both, right Sarah? We are above both. Um these data represent an increase of 108 students taking an exam and an increase of 777 exams. Those of you who have students in our school system or who have had students who have since graduated realize the tremendous amount of money these AP exams save families due to their college credit acceptance at many colleges and universities. Even more impressive is that SCPS is
029an open enrollment district. We welcome students who want the challenge. That means there are no barriers like you have to have a certain grade or a recommendation from a teacher and that every student takes the AP test. Obviously, our teachers are doing an outstanding job promoting accelerated opportunities for our students. Let's look at AP pre-calculus. This was a a new course that was offered by AP in the 2324 school year and understandably there were some hesitations about our students being prepared to participate. Um it's a very rigorous course and they're expected to pass the AP pre-calculus exam. This year, 1,294 students were enrolled with an 86% pass rate pass rate, which is 3 percentage points higher than the first year. Again, great teachers and high expectations are a winning combination. To conclude our presentation, Miss
030Baroski will pro provide important updates for the 2526 accountability program, share fast progress monitoring details and dates, and remind parents how they can see their child's performance on family portal 2.0. Sarah, >> excellent. Thank you, Dr. Cody. Good evening, board members and superintendent bean. One update to the accountability model is that due to statutory requirements, the percentage of points needed for high schools and the district to earn an A grade will increase in the 2526 school year. For Florida statute, if more than 75% of schools in a category earned an A or B in one year, the grading scale must adjust upward to the next highest percentage ending in a zero or a five. In 2425, 82% of Florida high schools earn an A or B, triggering this adjustment. And as a result, the Agrade
031threshold for next year for high schools is going to increase from 64% to 65%. That's a one one percentage increase. Now, if we call attention to the B range, this is going to adjust from a 57 through 63% window to a 60 to 64% um to earn a B. The additional grade bands are going to shift accordingly. Similarly, 77% of Florida combination schools earned an A or B in 2425, which this affects the district grading scale. The district skill are now aligned with the combination school skill also increasing the thresholds for each for each grade. As a point of context, SCPS earned 68% in 2425 and will now be measured against this updated more rigorous scale in 2526. Now for several reminders regarding the fast progress monitoring assessments. The fast assessments are administered in English
032language arts from from VPK through grade 10 and in math from grades K through grade eight three times a year. These assessments are computer adaptive and measure the full scope of the grade level content for math and ELA. Results from PM1 and PM2 provide a snapshot of a student's progress towards meeting end of the year grade level goals. It's important to keep in mind that the results from the fall and winter of PM1 and PM2 may show students performing below grade level. That is expected and and completely normal since students have yet haven't yet been taught the full year's content. Just because a student scores below grade level on a PM1 or PM2 does not mean they're not on track. These results are not used for accountability purposes. They are purelyformational. The results are used
033along with classroom activities to identify areas for additional instruction and support and mastering best benchmarks. It is the PM3 assessment that is used for school accountability. The window for PM1 opens in August. As I've mentioned, the PM1 provides the beginning of the year baseline score for teachers and schools to begin monitoring students progress throughout the year. PM2 is taken in the winter and provide a score reflecting growth from PM1 while it is the PM3 taken in May that serves as the summitative measurement of student mastery for the year. Each school determines their exact dates for testing within these school within these testing windows. For our parents and families, student results are available within 24 to 48 hours of a student completing their assessment on the state family portal. The family brochure, the family brochure shown
034is available on our district website and provides information on how to access the student results. The easiest way to access these results is by logging into Skyward and clicking on district links in the top right hand corner. After logging in, families will be able to see the all subject page which is displayed as a sample. They'll be able to see the students overall scale score and achievement level for tests that have been taken as well as a chart indicating the student's scale score and where it falls in the achievement level. For each test, there are two clickable buttons which they will be able to see for the to view detailed report where families can access additional information about the students results and the option to down download a detailed report. Families may also see scores
035from previous years. Then when a family member clicks on the view detailed report button, it opens up to the page shown above. There are five tabs that families will be able to have access to. And this includes a tab that indicates additional resources on how to help your student and a tab that shows how the student's performance has progressed over time. And then finally for the most comprehensive information that families should download is the detailed report. It reflects overall performance, how a student score compares to the district and state and more detailed information on the different academic areas covered by the tests. >> Thank you, Miss Barasi. Um, thank you, Superintendent Bean and board members, as I said, for your ongoing support. You're in our schools every every day just about. You know what's happening
036and that's reflected in those very difficult decisions you have to make on a regular basis. >> Thank you so much for your presentation. Um board members, do you have any questions? Member Dinger comments. Member Davis. >> No, thank you. >> Member Sanchez. I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you guys do. And of course to our fabulous students, teachers, faculty, families. Couldn't do it without them and for all their dedication and hard work and for all those kids out there right now that are still reading and doing all their work that they're doing too right now. So we appreciate everybody. >> Thank you. Vice Chair, >> I'm so excited for the growth that has happened across the district. I know it was intentional. Um, thank you, Superintendent Bean, for your vision,
037for your leadership, u making sure that we focus um on every single kid, but looking specifically for those students that face challenges. Um, I couldn't be more proud to represent this district. And kudos again to um, assistant superintendent Baison, Assistant Superintendent Elwood, and of course uh, Director Cardona. I mean those students with disabilities, middle school and English language learner gains are just outstanding. Um Dr. Cody, thank you for your transparent for transparency and providing context and knowledge. Um there is always work to do and um now we know we will we will look for guidance uh and ideas um as to where we will focus moving forward. And thank you um Assistant Superintendent Rice for already uh looking forward to how we are going to uh to make some changes in biology and help our
038kids get more become more successful and little bit of concern about um the letter letter grades going up and what that's going to look like. Um I understand we have to embrace change but we'll keep a close eye on it and I echo all of uh vice chair's sentiments as well. Thank you for your presentation. >> Thank you. >> Um it's now time for public comments. Uh vice chair, do you have the statement, please? >> I do. >> Thank you. The purpose of the public participation segments of the board meeting is to allow the public to address matters within the board's jurisdiction and not to resolve individual grievances or disputes. Public comments related to education. The board agenda and the district are welcome and encouraged, but public comment segments are not forums to engage in
039personal attacks against school system employees or board members. To maintain orderly conduct, the public comment segments of the meeting may not be used as open forums to discuss matters unrelated to education, to support or oppose candidates for public office, including presentation of political and/or campaign issues, announcing candidacy and/or campaigning, or to engage in commercial speech attempting to sell a service or product to the board or the public. Nor are they forums to address matters involving disciplinary actions of any kind, pending complaints, claims, or litigation against the district or district personnel. Public comment segments durations are as follows. Agenda items limited to three minutes. One group representative speaking on a proposition maximum of six minutes. Speaker must remain on topic for agenda item proposition. Non-aggenda items limited to two minutes. Speakers shall direct their comments only
040to the board and may not address the audience or other speakers. No speaker may yield his or her time to any other person. Generally, substitutions of speakers will not be allowed. Thank you very much. And currently I only have one speaker. Uh agenda item, Miss Nina Samberg. I'm Nina Samberg. I would like to discuss the board's policies regarding public participation at board meetings. It was unethical, malicious, and disrespectful towards the citizens for the school board to change non-aggenda public comment time from three minutes to two minutes. Citizens are supposed to have three minutes, which is 380 words, to explain their problems to the board. And the board is supposed to listen to what the citizens have to say as they are paying your salaries. The citizens are paying the salaries of all of the employees
041in this school district. It is your job as board members to listen to public comment and to take it seriously. It is supposed to be three minutes and I don't care that a rude woman abused public comment for two years straight. I don't care that an LGBTQ plus activist group abused public comment one single time. The board was still supposed to respect the public comment time of all of the other citizens. It is concerning that the district is making it very very difficult for the citizens to review the agendas for the board meetings and the agenda items. I brought up tonight's agenda item regarding proposed amendments to policy 0169.1 public participation at board meetings and it does not tell the public what it is that you intend to do. It is a mystery. In addition,
042I could not bring up tonight's agenda under agendas and meetings. it was hidden somewhere else and it is very very h hard to find things. There is a giant lack of transparency and there is a giant lack of respect for the rights of the citizens as well. It is not clear what you are intending to do to policy 2460 regarding exceptional student education either. I brought that up on my phone as well. You seem to be hiding a lot of information to prevent the public from reading it and to prevent the public from having an opinion and telling you their opinion on it before you pass these agenda items. We need to be more transparent. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. That concludes public comment agenda items. It's now time for general board comments,
043not committee reports. Um, member Dinger Thank you, Miss Thank you very much. Um, I wanted to take a moment to thank the parents and staff members and people in the public who joined us in advocating with uh legislators to maintain the weighted funding for AP, IB, dual enrollment and CTE courses. This advocacy by parents and students resulted in the decision by our legislators to maintain this funding. The impact of losing this funding would have cost more than $17 million and most importantly lost opportunities for our students whose outstanding achievements were highlighted in the focused on student achievement presentation. Um we will continue advocating for our public school students and we appreciate the incredible support from our parents and our business community that really rallied to to um support the school district and the students. Um,
044also a large group attended the teacher of the year gala last Friday and we went to celebrate our teacher of the year, Bailey Hawker, who's just an incredible and amazing teacher. I'd like to thank Jean Van Smith and the foundation for supporting this event. Uh, it was wonderful and uplifting and I've had the great the great fortune to be able to attend it many times in the past. Um, and every time I come away thinking We just have incredible people working for our students in our public schools. Um, and once again, all of the folks that had comments, all the videos about students and teachers was just heartwarming and overwhelming and it's very apparent that these children are being impacted greatly by these teachers. Um, so it also reinforces to me uh the critical impact
045that public school teachers have on their students and their families. Um, and as the Florida teacher of the year stated, teachers are difference makers, and they encourage and support their students to be difference makers, too. He has a little uh fist bump that he gives them, and they spray that difference making everywhere. It's wonderful. Um, I'd also like to thank Superintendent Bean and the leadership team for an outstanding leadership conference. I won't say everything about it because I know other board members want to do that, but I do want to say a couple things. It was wonderful to be able to congratulate principles, assistant principles, Sams and other personnel. And it was a lot of fun, too, Dr. Cody. Um, I did take notes. I still take notes with pencil and paper. And a couple
046of things struck me as significant and I just thought um it really helped me think about what I want to focus on in the upcoming year. First, we were reminded that our former superintendent Dr. Hagerty, his words, we are here to serve children and everything else is secondary. This is our purpose. Also, teachers are learning architects. I thought that was a great way of putting it. Their work is of utmost importance. what happens in their classrooms impacts children's lives. And we all have a duty and responsibility to have a growth mindset. Our values and culture lead to innovation. In my experience, SCPS has always been an innovative organization. The semol association of school administrators president Archisee Wright with whom I had the privilege of working a few years ago reminded us that the data is
047the artifact of our work. I'd never thought of it like that but it is. I can't think of a truer observation. We always must use these artifacts to guide our work as we move forward. And finally, Miss Bean, your vision on deepening connections with intentionality is critical to the continued success of our students. Relationships and connections are the foundation of the mission of Semino County Public Schools, which is to ensure that all students require the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become productive citizens not only of our county, but of our country. So, this leadership experience really motivated me and um was very impactful. And so I'd like to thank you for that opportunity. That's all I have for now. >> Thank you very much, Dr. Dinger. Um, Member Davis, do you have any comments? >>
048I do. Um, I agree with everything that Miss Dillinger said. >> I just want to remind everyone that we're starting a new year. Um, this is the opportunity to motivate these kids, to get them excited about school. When they come and they just sit there, they don't learn. Um, and we have great teachers that do that. You know, our administrators do that and the public does it. We have to be strong on that in motivating these kids because if they don't want to learn, they're not going to learn as well if it's forced. Um, I see a lot of teachers, you know, when the students come through the door, they're like, "Hey, Mikey," you know, and they get them all excited. We need to remember that that we're the example. If you know we're, you
049know, not uh in a great mood, then we have to pretend to be because these kids rely on us. Um so be kind to each other and um motivate our kids. And I'm really excited about a new year. >> Thank you very much, Member Sanchez. >> Both. Thank you guys so much for both of your speeches. Um, also remember this is schools getting ready to start. Some of our children and teachers as well as faculty may not have supplies that they may need. So if you see any items at the store and they're buy one get one or you see some extra items on their wish list, if you could pick them up or um help a family, that would be great. um our schools, our teachers could use that extra support and um so
050could the students. I know I'm doing a couple back to school drives with a couple different city commissioners um throughout the county and then some in different homeowners associations. one I happen to be doing um on July 29th um from 6:00 to 8 at Black Hammock and um that one is with Wiz Winter Spring City Commissioner Mark Russo from 6:00 to 8 and afterwards you get to see some live gators. Um so if you have any items you want to bring or if you need some supplies we're going to have supplies there for you as well. So hope you can make it for that. Uh the wanted to share that October 11th is our base camp which is basecamp.org. It's an organization that I um I'm um executive board member on and it's our cancer
051foundation for pediatric central Florida children with cancer and it's for our children locally and we raise funds for our children here to help those families and our children that are going through cancer as well as their families. We have nights out if you want to donate any items. If you want to even donate some time to our facility off of Wyomore where you can come and help watch children on a Friday or Saturday night so the parents can have a night out. We'd love that. Um John Gillan from the Sim State and um Sheriff Lima will be our um MC's for the evening. So and if you want to buy a table as well, they're um we're selling tables for that event or just come to the gayla as well. uh parks foundation. That is
052another one that I serve on. That's our recreational parks, trails, all the different facilities that we have throughout the county. And this nonprofit organization is really helping our playground equipment as well as our beautifification of our wonderful parks that we have throughout Central Florida or Semino County, should I say. And we are still looking for more volunteers and committees, people that want to um donate benches, memorial benches, uh rocks. If you if you're interested in doing a memorial bench for some one of your loved ones, um and have it placed in one of the parks, uh we're looking different things like that as well. Uh wanted to let you know that the rich theater camps we're round wrapping up our last one for our senior students which are the kids from sixth to 8th grade
053right now and it's been extremely successful. Um I wanted to also let everyone know not to forget that the state of our schools is coming up. Um that is fun done by our uh seminal chamber. So, if you didn't get your ticket yet, that is and Superintendent Bean as well as some of the other leadership team will be discussing one our amazing school year and things that we have going on for the school year and that's from 11:30 to 1:30. And if you haven't, like I said, re had a chance to get your ticket. My from my understanding, they are selling out pretty fast. So, that's at the Orlando Marriott. Am I correct? Orlando Marriott. And then um I wanted to mention that uh DJ Marky, you you rocked it. So I just wanted to
054make sure you knew that Dr. Mullins's over there. He was our DJ for the superintendent leadership conference and uh besides everybody else rocking it, too. But you know, we really got our our blood moving and you know, dancing with everybody. We all had a great time doing that. Uh, and it's all about positivity and um, like they said, we're going to have a great year, but remember um, a lot of our children, I mean, some of us have been in the classroom for so many years and have seen some different things go through our children's lives or you have seen things go through children's lives and families and different things that have happened. um keep that in mind and um be patient with everyone and help each other out as much as possible and help
055our teachers as much as possible as well as our faculty and remember communication is the key. um we don't know what we don't know if you don't communicate with us as well as our teachers of course you know the protocol you first reach out to the teacher then you reach out if you you know continue a couple times to reach out to the teacher and then you go from there administration so on and so forth but always communicate with the your teacher immediately as as soon as possible especially with school starting right around the corner I wanted to make sure everybody knew that um also wanted to mention that today's work session was excellent uh appreciated our the public hearing um also with the uh our information for our budget and everything that went on
056with that our tenative budget and millage rates that is also on our website. So, if you're not familiar with everything that was going on and you weren't here at 505 to um see the presentation with that with our wonderful CFO, then please go and look on our website for that from our work session also from our lobbyists, legislative um lobbyist um Ally um Libby Skunover. Uh they did an update on our legislative priorities discussion and funding update. Uh very informative and um a lot of things have changed. Remember our session lasted 108 days longer than it usually does. So there were quite a few changes. Probably the like Dr. Dinger said, you know, going up to Tallahassee, you you saw a lot just like I did. It it was definitely probably the most intense session
057I've ever been to and I know you felt the same way. A lot of us did. So it was quite interesting. Also, don't forget in this boardroom tomorrow night, uh VPK night, five o'clock and 6:15, but there's there's things every night here. If you just go to Seminal County uh website on our Seminal County public school website, you'll see all the wonderful events. Or if you're on Facebook, just go to Seminal County Facebook page um public school Facebook page and you'll see different things. It's 5 to 6:15 here in the district boardroom. Um that's info night for the BPK students. So, if you're interested in that, uh, also I just wanted to do a little uh info on the um, student conduct and code manual or the book. I know many of you know dress
058codes and um, make sure you have a chance to look over before you buy or send your child to school and the teachers and everybody and faculty all are aware cell phone usages and stuff like that. And cell phones are not to be out during class time unless of course the teacher is asking for them. But a lot of kids don't even have cell phones. Some not all students have them is why I want people to realize not every child has that ability to have one. Um and then I wanted to mention that Ali's Hope um Wandre Higgins is coming back again. Thank you super um assistant superintendent um Mike Rice for helping with that as well. Um and continuing that uh with Lyman and Winter Springs and I know other schools are still continuing
059to help that program grow. Uh the more students that we can help um with mental health, the better. Wandre Higgins is amazing and she has been this is our second year doing it. So if you know you want to help her with her class supply list, they can all use a bunch of different things. And um other than that, I think I'm done with my um regular >> Thank you very much. >> Thanks, >> Vice Chair. I wanted to piggyback a a bit on what Dr. Dinger uh was initially talking about with advocacy for our um for our advanced classes. I want to say a special shout out um to our PTAs who organized and made sure that our legislators heard parents' voices. Um it is not too early to join PTAs for this coming
060year. There are links up on almost every uh every school's website. I've had the opportunity to join a couple. Um, you can be a parent, you can be a family member, you can be a community member, and it's a great way to find out what is going on in day-to-day in uh in our local schools. So, you do not have to be um intricately involved, but um just having your support uh by look keeping up with the um keeping up with the activities um is a great way to show your support for local schools. I also had the chance to go to a Wikllo fundraiser. I want to say thank you uh to Hollerbox in downtown Sanford. Um we have so many tremendous partners throughout the district uh goes to building those deeper connections. Um
061whether it's uh folks holding uh school supply drives for teachers or for students or people volunteering to work with our kids. Um it is really the heart of our community um our schools and and education. I'm so glad that it is a focus of uh the entire community, not just SCPS. Um last evening we got to see the uh Unity Youth Association. They had a summerlong learning and adventure experience. One more great um resource in our community. I know that we've had parks and wreck throughout the county have um have uh summer learning camps as well and we truly appreciate those uh those partnerships. I wanted to um say a special thank you to uh Assistant Superintendent Mike Rice and all of the high school principles for a phenomenal summer graduation experience. Um, it is
062our goal to make sure that every single student graduates with a meaningful diploma. And so we do our very best to give them that opportunity. And I it's especially touching to see students that um had had to put in some extra work, but they proved that they were resilient and understood the value long term of a diploma. So that was a great experience. And thank you um to Winter Springs High School for uh for hosting. And finally um going back to the uh superintendent leadership uh conference another exceptional it's all good. It is my LA. I promise this is the last thing I will be commenting on. But I wanted to say for there it's always exciting to meet new leaders and to connect with um people throughout the district. But for me, one of
063the most meaningful parts of the day are the closing the gap awards. I want to say thank you superintendent for always making sure that we focus on the most vulnerable students throughout the district. And so I would like to say again congratulations to Spring Lake Elementary, Teague Middle School, Bentley Elementary, and Seminal High School for the exceptional work. Semino High School, 4,000 students in that school, the most diverse population of any school in our district and one of the largest in the entire country. their metrics whether everything from attendance to behavior to uh lowest quartortile math uh math gains to our top IB students. Every single category improved and yep they went from a C to a B. But when I called one of their assistant principles to say thank you, she said, you know,
064we were just two points from the A. And so they've got their eye on the prize for next year. And I am just that's the kind of commitment and dedication that I know each of our educators and staff pour into our students each and every day. And it comes from the top down. So thank you very much, Superintendent Bean. >> Thank you for those comment. Boy, it's hard to follow all of this um this happy happy work. I too left the um the leadership conference just feeling joyful. The connection that Dr. Guard Herrell made with Apple and our partnerships as we move forward I think is invaluable. Um the speeches were phenomenal. Um and I'd like to shout out Dr. Connie Collins. I'm very who I know her personally. She was principal at Crooms for
065a while with my son. um for closing closing the achievement gap. Good job to to all of you, to our district administrators, to our principles. I hope that you took time, a little time for refreshing, regrouping. You owe it to yourselves to um to your teams and I hope that you had some time to do that. Um I too want to thank uh Mr. Gaffne and Winter Springs High for hosting summer graduation. It was phenomenal. 80 students I think um crossed the finish line. So good job people. And finally um we were just informed from Mr. Mills who is the um the president of Florida PTA that they have joined a lawsuit against the federal department of education uh relating to funding. I'm sure there'll be many more lawsuits coming. I've heard the state our
066state might also I don't know um because we're working with a lot of unknowns but we're going to continue doing the good work employ keep our people employed and um and move forward to do what's right for our kids. So that concludes my uh non-committee comments. Um we're now up to the consent agenda. Superintendent, you have a recommendation >> that the consent agenda be approved as presented. >> So moved. >> Member Sanchez. Is there a second? >> Member Davis. Is there any discussion? >> All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any post? Motion passes. And I'm sorry, what was the item that we pulled? It was C. >> It af I'm sorry. Okay. And that'll come back to us. Yes. I was going to mark that to keep track of it. Okay. Okay.
067Um Superintendent, do you have a recommendation regarding student discipline? >> Um we do not have any um discipline matters. The dates are not listed. I don't have I believe it was in book three. Is that correct? Chair, the recommendation will be that the school board of Simino County approve the student disciplinary recommendations from June 9th, 2025 and June 19, 2025. >> Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Member Davis, second by Dr. Dinger. Any discussion? All in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. No. Unfinished. No new business. Superintendent, do you have a report? I do and it is read only and is included in the book, but as part of the report, um, Captain Shaw would like to come up and provide the quarterly school safety
068report. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. Again, good evening. Um, Superintendent Dean, Chair Krauss, and rest of board members. Um, before I give my report, it's very brief, but I just want to say, um, I'm so happy to be a part of this team and what you all have done. I sit here and listen to these things. Most of it, I got to admit, goes over my head, but I do understand um, two distinctions, being A-rated district and being a academically high performing district. So, congrats to you all for what you do, and I think that's what makes Simol County different. as I travel around, I see these different districts and um I actually get to look behind the wall and I see what you all do and what they all put forth in the
069effort. Um things just don't happen. They have to be intentional and you guys are intentional and deliberate about what you do and it's notice from even layman. So just want to put that out there. Thank you all for what you do. As far as um our compliance quarterly, the Department of Education Office of Safe Schools will provide a statistical report for compliance vids conducted to Sim County Schools as required by as required by Florida statute um 106.07. The school safety the school safety specialist must provide the superintendent and the school board at least quarterly any non-compliance by the school district with laws or rules regarding school safety. During quarter 4, there were only two schools inspected. um one had minor documentation issues that was fixed before the um the actually uh assessor left the campus.
070The other was uh perfect. Um so uh those were our visits for this quarter and hopefully we continue that um that same path moving forward for next year. >> Thank you very much and thank you for meeting with each of us individually. Captain. >> Okay, it's now time for um board member committee updates. We'll start with Dr. Dillinger. Did you have any committee meetings? >> I did. Uh the audit committee met on July 7th to review and discuss this year's audits. We have good recommendations. Um and we also discussed the proposed audit schedule for 2526. I would also like to take this time to extend my appreciation to Mr. Pettek um our CFO and our finance director Brandy Grovik for their excellent work in in supporting the audit committee and also Dr. Mullins and also
071Jared Low our budgeting director. He has given me some tutorials which have been very helpful and also um Jenny Ariano and Zay Thomas for their excellent preparation and ongoing work. Those ladies are always open to suggestions. They are spoton getting things done. Um the meeting uh schedule for next year has been established and our next quarterly meeting will be in October. That's it. Thank you very much. Uh, member Davis, did you have any committee meetings? >> Uh, no, Chair, not at this time. >> Thank you. >> Uh, member Sanchez, >> um, I have the update on the Central Florida Zoo. Uh, we had a great meeting and a visit to Jacksonville Zoo. I'll be going to the Wild Oak Conservation in Julie, Florida again where we house many of our animals that I've been to
072before. Um, it's really cool because we went there what a couple years ago and when I just got back from Africa. It's really neat how we are the leading edge here in Florida literally two hours away where many of our animals that we are are close to in you know in just disappearing and extinction and and we are um doing whatever we can to um have these animals survive and bring them across to animal kingdom to our zoos and everything like that. Um our zoo meeting was fabulous. I want you to know there's still some summer camps available. So if you go to central florida zoo.org, we still have uh camp August 4th 9 to 4 and that's from age five until I think age 12, but they're broken up into different groups. So they
073have a a great group of educational uh camps there and they're all hands-on. Also, uh don't forget this week, this Friday or is it Saturday? July 25th, uh we have um every week they have a different theme, different events, different activities. Uh this one on this Friday is um Central Florida's uh black and African-American heritage um event at the zoo. and that is from 5 until 8:00 p.m. And then August 22nd, AsianAmerican Pacific Islander Heritage um from 5 until 8. And that's August 22nd. Um, and then I just also wanted to say a big shout out to Captain Shaw, our S SRRO's and our Chief Francis and all of our fabulous uh, deputies and captains and sergeants that are here too right now as well as the ones that are behind the scenes that you
074have no idea what they do day in and day out to help our campuses. Um, keeping them safe and secure. Um, I know we just received a new dog um recently and she's still in training. Remember her name or his name? What What was it again? >> Yeah, he's Yeah, I I told you. Um, Superintendent Bean, but we got >> Yeah. Yeah, he he still jumps. Yeah, he's big and he still jumps. He's only a year and a half old, so he's still in training and um his handler is doing a great job with him. I of course, you know, I'm already telling everybody all seven m municipalities, hint hint, need to have a dog. Hint, make it easier for Dragas and everybody else. Uh, so, uh, with that, just want to wish everybody a
075wonderful school year. Thank all of our fabulous faculty and everybody behind the scenes for everything they do day in and day out and wish our students a fabulous school year, a nice successful one. And remember, we're always here for everyone. Thank you. >> Thank you, Vice Chair. The foundation did not meet but um the foundation executive director Jean Van Smith and the their executive board was busy at work as we all witnessed at the leadership seinal conference. They gave out some big checks uh to folks for closing the gap and are always there to support us um and looking forward to um to great things this coming year with the foundation. I also um had the opportunity to attend um a reszoning uh commission meeting in downtown Sanford with the Midway Coalition. So the area
076um if you look at Midway Elementary from Beardolf, is that the the street that's right in front of it? Britain. Um on the right hand side of Midway Elementary is a retention pond and a plot of land that's been underused for years and years. Um with some with some uh additional funding from the county that's going to be redeveloped around there as a trail. So, a recreational and exercise trail. Um it needed to go through uh some some extra steps to make sure that it was zoned appropriately, but executive director um Emory Green spoke on behalf and we made it through that hurdle. So, looking forward to continuing work. that'll be a great resource for the community of Midway and of course that that um whole area is just exploding with growth. So I look
077forward to uh the opportunities for our students and families near there. And then um city of Sanford I did have the opportunity to uh along with Dr. Dinger um go to the uh the uh Commissioner Wiggins monthly report and that was where he first got to announce that's where uh principal Feifer first got to announce the exceptional data and the community was just thrilled um you with Hamilton's now an A and Seminal's a strong B and you know just Markhamm Woods is an A and Sanford is an A and so many great of course Goldsboro is a is an A. So many really really great things happening in that community. Um open to everyone in the county is the uh is the school supply giveaway. Mr. Bentley, is it is it next Thursday? >> Next.
078>> So that's July 31st at the Boys and Girls Club aka the Belmill Williams Center in historic Goldsboro, 6 PM. And not only are there school supplies, but we'll have um all of the schools from that area will be there to meet um students and I believe SAPA is usually there to talk through uh talk through um the options for our kids. So really really great event. Everyone please um feel free to uh join us in Sanford. >> Thank you very much. Sorry for that. I um only had two meetings. the value adjustment board at the seminal county commission office. Um it was mostly a re reorg meeting and um they we voted on the magistrates that will hear the variance request for um for taxation. Also the Steinway Society um please save the date
079September 14th is the Steinway Gala. That's our main fundraiser. As you know, the arts programs have been hit by federal and state cuts. So, they're doing whatever they can to um provide pianos for underserved areas. And teachers, they're paying teachers $30 an hour um to teach lessons. So, it's a it's a real opportunity to to grow that program as well. Um and those are the only two committees that I have at this time. Okay. Uh, thank you for that time. Okay, we're now back up to public comments. Uh, non-aggenda items. I only have one, Miss Nina Sandberg. Good evening. >> I'm Nina Samberg. I'm wondering how much money SCPS wasted buying commercials and advertisements to lie to the public about the quality of Seminal County Public Schools. SCPS is only an A+ school district for
080highly advanced students who will excel no matter what. SCPS has a very negative history of attacking students with disabilities and their parents of making life extremely difficult for them. Unfortunately, SCPS continued this negative and nasty culture again during the 2024 2025 school year. We are not allowed to talk about a malicious, unethical, and immoral legal action that SCPs took against an 8-year-old boy who had serious medical disabilities. If we attempt to actually discuss the retaliation culture in this district, we are threatened by school district attorneys. I have personally witnessed D and F quality education inside of SCPS on many different occasions. The method for hiding it is illegal retaliation which is done to children, their parents, and even employees in order to shut them up and in order to assert corrupt power trips over them
081and in order to deny fate. SCPS needs to do better in the area of special education and of meeting the needs of students with disabilities. SCPS should not be t taking malicious legal actions against handicapped children or their parents. SCPS should be doing everything it can to meet the needs of the disabled community. SCPS needs to become an A+ school district for the handicapped community instead of a D or F um quality school district. Thank you. Thank you very much. That con concludes public comment. Board members, any final comments? Mr. Johnson, did you need a session or no? >> Yeah, I'm going to defer that discussion to a later time, please. >> Okay. Thank you, Vice Chair. I'm looking out at our at our phenomenal staff and I think almost everyone has had a shout
082out except teaching and learning and and this is all about teaching and learning. So, I just want to say thank you so much to the fabulous work that um Mike Alba and his team is doing. Um you're you're the the heartbeat of this organization. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. With no no further business, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.