001Good evening everyone. We are ready to begin this evening's board meeting. Sergeant-at-Arms, has the lobby been cleared? Yes. Thank you. We request that all electronic devices be turned off or put in silent mode. Also, please refrain from using flash photography except during special presentations portion of the meeting. I am pleased to welcome you to the December 1st, 2025 school board meeting. The time is 6 pm and this meeting is called to order. Prior to the start of tonight's board meeting, we have been enjoying music performed by the Spring Creek Elementary School Choir under the direction of Miss Stacy McDonald. Three members of this talented group have been selected for the Florida Music Educators Association Allstate Ensemble and will proudly represent Lee County at the All State Conference in Tampa this January. Please join me in
002congratulating these outstanding young musicians. Now we're going to listen to one more song from the group. We will now take a brief pause while they clear the performance area. Thank you again. mission which is to ensure each student achieves his or her highest potential and the district's vision to be a worldclass school system. Before we proceed to the approval of tonight's agenda, I just want to remind everybody that board policies 1232 3232 32.01 32 32.01 and 4232.01 all prohibit campaigning on district property. This includes distributing materials, wearing campaign materials such as buttons, hats, shirts, making public statements advocating for or against a candidate or issue, or using district email, staff time, or other resources for political activity. This evening's agenda includes the invocation, pledge of allegiance, acknowledgements, recognitions, public comment, consent actions which include two
003items under board office, three items under executive services, three items under academic and student services, three items under school choice and administration, five items under business services, eight items under human resources, two items under information systems, one item under legal services, three items under safety, security and fleet operations, 35 items under facility operations. We also will have a recess for the Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation and then two items under public hearings and four items under good of the order. Other business board members, is there a motion to adopt the agenda? Mr. Mr. Ribble, I'll make the motion to adopt the agenda as read. Okay. Is there a second? Second. Miss Jordan second. Mr. Ri Ribble made a motion. M. Jordan second. Will you please record your vote? Yes. The motion is approved 70.
004As is the custom of the board, as is the custom of the board, I will lead us an invocation after which Mr. Ribble will lead us in the presentation of colors and pledge of allegiance. Please stand. Thank you. Heavenly Father, we ask that for guidance tonight that you'll be with us and help us make the tough decisions that are before us, always keeping in mind what is best for the students. We ask that you will guide us and give us clear thought and enable us to listen to all those who come before us with public comment. We ask you keep all our students safe and all our staff. We ask all this in your name. Amen. Please join me in the pledge of the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
005of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Next on the agenda is the character word for December. The character word for December is kindness, demonstrating concern for the well-being of others. The design displayed on the screen was created by Joelle Zinda, an 11th grade student at Asterero High School. Board members and superintendent, it is time for recognitions. Good evening. Will tonight's recipients please join Dr. Jason Thomaseski on the left side of the boardroom on the ramp. Dr. Tomeski will present your certificates. In 1990, Superintendent Dr. James Adams invited high school students to submit artwork to be featured in the district's holiday brochure. What began as a small showcase of student creativity has grown into beloved district tradition. One that highlights the remarkable
006artistic talents of our K through2 art students. Each year the program rotates between elementary, middle, and high school submissions. However, this year we expand the opportunity to include all grade levels, including creative works from across the district. Entries were reviewed and voted on by district staff, and the winning pieces are proudly displayed in our lobby throughout the holiday season. In addition to recognizing the top three submissions with the most votes at each level, elementary, middle, and high school, we are excited to introduce a new award category, best ornament design. The addition celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of students who brought the holiday spirit to life in three-dimensional form. This year's winners and runners up will all will have their artwork showcased at the Sydney and Burn Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Meyers for the
007month throughout the month of December. This evening, we're honored to recognize students in four categories as this year's holiday greeting card winners. Dr. Tomeski, please hold all students until the recognition is concluded and please hold your applause until I read through all the names. Thank you. First up under elementary school is Isabelli de Jesus Duerte from Allen Park Elementary School, followed by Katherine Leo from Allen Park Elementary School, followed by Binley Mythal from Hancock Creek Elementary School, followed next by middle school district winners, Liloo Bachins from Veterans Park Academy of the Arts, Amy Don from Three Oaks, Middle School. Ariana Melvin from Lexington Middle School. Now we're on to high school winners. Alexi Strani from Riverdale High School. Jazelle Perez from North Fort Myers High School. Audriana Canz from North Fort Myers High School. Now
008we're on to the ornament contest winners. First up is Natalie White from Ida Baker High School. Gabriella Grandio from Ida Esbaker High School and Maddie Delora from Cape Coral High School. The artistic talent of these students and the dedication of their principles and art teachers are sincerely appreciated. Their creativity has truly brightened our holidays. Congratulations once again to these schools, their teachers, administrators, and students. The school board and superintendent are proud to recognize your commitment, determination, hard work. Thank you. Thank you for doing that. Congratulations. So awesome. Congratulations. Thank you for Congratulations. Congratulations. What you did I loved voting. It was fun. I got my kids involved. there. Next item on the agenda is public comment. Mrs. Debay Bruno, please address the item of public comment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good evening. School board
009policy provides the opportunity at this point in the meeting to address the board concerning any matter on this meeting's agenda or any other matter relevant to the operation of the school district. Please complete a public comment card and put it in the basket provided. If you need a public comment card, they are provided by our staff. The rules concerning public comment are posted in the back and they will be made from the podium in the front center aisle. Please be advised that the board will not respond during public comment to remarks made by speakers. The purpose of public comment is to provide feedback on district issues such as duties, responsibilities, decisions, and the general operation of the district. The school board is viewpoint neutral during public comment. We ask that decorum be kept and respect
010be shown, which is what is expected when a government agency conducts official business. Therefore, abusive language defined as swearing, use of profanity, and name calling is prohibited. In addition, clapping, hissing, booing, or display of temper during public comment is prohibited. Speakers who fail to follow proper decorum in the chambers will be ruled out of order by the board chair or the board attorney. Any speaker continuing with such remarks will be required to relinquish the microphone per board policy 0169.1 and may be removed from the chambers by the sergeant-at-arms. Per board policy 0169.1, the time per speaker is 3 minutes if there are 20, 2 minutes if there are 30, and 1 minute if there are 31 speakers or more. The maximum time allotted for public comment is 1 hour 60 speakers. You'll find a countdown
011on the big screens in the front of the room. Once your time is elapsed, the microphone will automatically shut off. Mr. Chairman, there is one individual that would like to address the board this evening. The time for speaker is 3 minutes. Thank you. Please ensure you have completed a public comment card to provide public comment. The car is a public record identifying and providing contact information for staff to follow up. Is there anyone in the audience who wishes to address the board but did not fill out a comment card? Please raise your hand. Seeing none, attorney Dupe Bruno, please proceed with the public comment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Will the following individual please step forward to the podium? Carlen Santalus. I just have a question. Well, I have a statement with regards to legislative priorities.
012Can you hear me? Your name, please. My name is Carlen St. regarding legis legislative priorities. Is it one of the three lobbyists or the two governmental relations employees or the seven board members or even the superintendent that is in charge of that? and why aren't we lobbying as a district of school for the schools of hope or better yet oversight for the voucher or against the law requiring us to send sales tax funds to charter schools. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That concludes public comment. Thank you. Next is the approval of action items under the agenda under consent. Documentation of action items list under consent is made available to board members seven business days prior to the board meeting. We are expected to review all the material and we have an opportunity to speak with a
013superintendent with any questions we may have regarding the recommendations. Some of these items have also been briefed or workshopped with the board in advance of appearing on the action agenda. Board members, are there any agenda items you wish to pull for discussion under unfinished business? Mr. Fiser, I have none. Mrs. Gioanelli, I have one item and I am trying to find it now because Q13 G Oh, Q13. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ribble. I have none. Miss Jordan, I have none. Thank you, Miss Langford Fleming. I have none. Miss Shaviano, I have none. Thank you. And I have none. Is there a motion to approve the agenda consent action items? I'm sorry. with the exception of pulled item Q13. Mr. Fischer. Motion to approve consent action items with the exception of Q13. Okay. Second, M.
014Shaveaniano. I'll second the motion. All right. Moved by Mr. Fiser, second by M. Mrs. Shaviano. Please record your vote. Motion carries 70. Dr. Carlin, please introduce any administrators in attendance with a new assignment approved under the consent agenda. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As soon as I get to that part, I will pull it right up. Thank you very much. So, it is my pleasure to introduce a variety of administrators that upon approval of your consent agenda are now in their new positions. So, congratulations to Akiia Masten who is the now the principal of Veterans Park Academy for the Arts. Ed Carter, principal of Elementary School L, which now is Green Meadow Elementary. Elijah Porter, who is the director of athletics and activities for high school, Lehigh Senior High School. Gina Fzone, principal of Pinewoods Elementary.
015Jennifer Robinson, senior coordinator, community partnership strategy. Joe Restino, principal of High School NNN, now known as the Alba High School. David Tepe So. I know I pronounced that incorrectly, but deputy director information security and compliance information technology. Congratulations. Kevin Beckman, senior coordinator, community partnerships. And finally, Sarah Cox, chief financial officer. Congratulations to all of our administrators. We really appreciate all of your hard work and we look forward to the great things you'll do at your new schools and in your new assignments. Congratulations and happy holidays. Merry Christmas, all that good stuff. We have one pulled item to address. Dr. Carlin, please read your recommendation. Yes, sir. Approval to renew ITN number N227428LA for painting services awarded to Florida Painters of Lee County, Inc. in North Fort Myers, Florida. Heatherros LLC in Fort Myers, Florida. Jamestown
016Painting, Inc. in Fort Myers, Florida. Quick Painting Group in Orlando, Florida. Service Contracting Solutions in Fort Myers, Florida. Steve's Painting Incorporated in Cape Coral, Florida. Vicks Painting and Reconstruction in Fort Myers, Florida. for the first renewal period of January 10, 2026 through January 9, 2027 for up to 5,350,000 pursuant to the same terms and conditions as previously approved by the board. Approval authorizes the superintendent to execute all related documents. Is there a motion to adopt Dr. Carlin's recommendation? M. Jordan. I move to adopt Dr. Dr. Kurlin's recommendation on Q13. All right. Is there a second? Mr. Fischer. Second. All right. Moved by Miss Jordan and seconded by Mr. Fiser. This will be a Is there any discussion? Yes. So, I pulled these two items or this one item, but regarding two projects in here. One
017was a very expensive interior paint job of Island Coast High School. it's quite expensive. This painting contract when I went back to the renewals in 23 it was $2 million and now and then in 24 it jumped up to $5 million where it's it's 5 million again or a little over five million. But I just for me to bring the I want to bring this up because it's important that we have to maintain our buildings. the other the other project in here was the Riverdale High exterior project that I feel like there's been some neglect and this falls back into prior superintendent and prior administration. And so I know that Dr. Carlin has inherited this situation with Riverdale and I feel like this piece was overlooked. Also, we have a new COO and I'm confident
018that he is going to get a better handle on our projects that and painting and today they worked very diligently to get me the information that I wanted to from for me to to successfully vote for something. so I you know I want to make sure that the community is aware that I am very concerned and watching every dollar being spent and I will be approving this evening. But I think it's prudent on us to make sure that we're maintaining our buildings and I'm confident under the new administration that that's going to happen. And I just know there's a lot to painting. we are paying top dollar for this interior paint at Island Coast. However, it is a re a really large school and I'll tell you anyone that wants to be a painter, you
019could pretty you could make some good money being a painter these days. I know it's a hard a hard job, especially because we have certain downtimes and that's the only time that can be painted during the summertime during when school's not in session. So, there's a lot of hoops that they have to jump through to accommodate us. but it's a I just want to be really prudent about, you know, $1.5 million is a lot of money to paint an inside building and that's what that cost is. I was concerned over another $500,000 for Riverdale. I want to make sure we're not putting a band-aid on a greater problem because we've put a lot of money in Riverdale, which is my alma mada. And I have to also give kudos to Riverdale because they just won
020their the regional champion. I really hate that I missed that. not that I know much about football, but so but I'm but I'm supporting it this evening, but I just want the community to know that I am going to be very v vigilant on every dollar that's being spent. And the administration worked very hard for me today to get me the answers that I needed and thank you for that. Mr. Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Member Juvenelli, for for looking through and being detailed in that. We always want to save every dollar we can, and I agree it's obviously a large expense, but based on what is what the past has been in regards, whether it's been North Fort Myers or Lehi, it's within the scope, and those scopes were lesser scopes,
021the money works out about the same to that. the other thing I want to give kudos to for this school district and this team is for example Island Coast it's what 20 plus years old I think now and one of the issues this district has had and I've mentioned this before is we have not taken care of properly of our buildings and we're trying to play catch-up right now and I think that's one thing we're able to do. So I want to give kudos to the district for that. So appreciate you looking through that but to me it looks like it's in line with what we've done before. So Mr. juvenile. Just so you're aware, the cuz I did my homework. the two schools that they compared it to were interiors or not actually. So
022exterior instead of interior on the island coast compared to Island Coast and Riverdale is exterior, but so it you can't you can't compare in interior to in it's got to it's not apples to apples. It was it was not. So, so therefore that's was part of why it raised a flag for me regarding that. So, we haven't done a lot of interior high schools. I think this might be one of the first. So, just for the record. So, you know, and Island Coast is almost our newest school next to Gateway and Bonita. So, that what does that say? So, I think Riverdale might need to be painted inside. Just saying. But anyways, I you know it that's scary. So I just wanted to bring that up. Thank you. Any other discussion? Seeing none, this will
023be a roll call vote. Please say I or nay or yes or no when your name is called. Mr. Fiser. I. Mrs. Jim Vanelli. Yes. Mr. Ribble. Hi. Miss Jordan I. Mrs. Langford Fleming I. Mrs. Shaviano I. And I am an I. The motion carries 70. Next on the agenda is the Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation meeting. We will now take a recess from the regular school board action meeting to attend to this meeting. The time is 7:29 I mean 6:29 p.m. Excuse me. I'm in the wrong time zone. Okay. The Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation of December 1st, 2025 is now called to order. The time is 6:30 p.m. We'll just pause for a moment. Let all these administrators go to bed early so I can get to work early. Okay. All
024right. Next is the approval of the agenda. We have public comment. Two secretary recommendations. Good to of the order. Other business and adjournment. Directors. The president will now entertain a motion to adopt the agenda. Miss. Jordan. I move to adopt the agenda as written. Second, Mr. Langford Fleming. There's been a motion to adopt the agenda by Miss Jordan and a second by Mrs. Langford Fleming. This will be a roll call vote. All those in favor signify by saying I or yes. Those opposed by signifying saying nay or no. Mr. Fischer, I. Miss Giovenelli, I. Mr. Ribble, hi. Miss Jordan I Miss Langford Fleming I Mrs. Shaviano I and I am an I. Motion carries 70. Turning to prey Bruno please address the matter of public comment. Thank you Mr. Chairman. At this time members of
025the public have an opportunity to comment on the items outlined on the agenda for the leasing corporation. And Mr. President I do not have anyone at this time. Okay. Thank you. We will now move on to the secretary's recommendation. Dr. Carlin, please state your first recommendation. Yes. approval of the minutes of the last Lee County Schoolboard Leasing Corporation meeting held on June 3rd, 2025. Directors, you have heard the secretary's recommendation to approve the minutes of the last Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation meeting held on June 3rd, 2025. I will now entertain a motion. I'll make a motion. Okay, Miss Shaviano, I'll second. Okay. And a second by Miss Langford Fleming. It's been moved by Miss Shaviano and second by Miss Langford Fleming. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this will be a roll call
026vote. All those in favor signify by saying I or yes, opposed, nay or no. Mr. Fiser, I. Mr. Chief Vanelli, I. Mr. Rible, I. Miss Jordan I Lford Fleming I Miss Shaviano I and I am an I. Motion carries 70. Dr. Carlin, please state your second recommendation. Thank you chairpair persons. Approval of the organizational resolution of the Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation for the election of officers. Directors, you have heard the secretary's recommendation to approve the organizational resolution of the Lee County School Board Leasing Corporation for the election of officers. I will now entertain a motion. A motion. Okay. Miss Shaviano seconded, Mr. Fisher. Second. The adoption of the secretary's recommendations been moved by Mrs. Shabiano and second by Mr. Fischer. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this will be a roll call vote.
027All those in favor signify by saying I yes and those opposed nay or no. Mr. Fischer I. Mr. Giovenelli I. Mr. Ribble I. Mr. Jordan I. Mr. Laner Fleming I. Shaviano I. And I am an I. Motion carries 70. We now move to public hearings. Dr. Carlin, please re present your recommendations for this evening public hearing items. Thank you, sir. Number one, approval to adopt revised board policy in compliance with changes and related rules, regulations, and statutes to adopt best practices and promote transparency and accountability. The effective date of this adoption shall be December 2nd, 2025. And secondly, approval to adopt 2025 2026 student enrollment plan in compliance with changes and related rules, regulations, and statutes to adopt best practices and to promote transparency and accountability. The effective date of this adoption shall be January
02820th, 2026. We will now recess the regular school board meeting and open the public hearing. The time is 6:35 p.m. As indicated, the public hearing this evening is considered Dr. Collins recommendations as previously stated. At this time, the public is invited to speak on these two items. The time allowed for public comment is three minutes. Is there anyone in the audience who would like to address the board regarding these items? Seeing none, the effective date of this adoption shall be December 2nd, 2025. Item number two, let me re restate that a little bit. I apologize. Item number one was to adopt best practices and promote transparency and accountability. The effective date of this adoption shall be December 2nd, 2025. Is there anyone in the audience who would like to address the board regarding the site
029selection committee or the approval to adopt the student enrollment plan in compliance with changes and related rules, regulation, and statutes? The effective date of this adoption shall be January 20th, 2026. Okay, seeing no speakers, Dr. Carlin, please restate your recommendation with this evening's public hearing items one at a time. Yes, thank you, sir. Approval to adopt. Try that one more time. Approval to adopt revise board policy in compliance with changes and related rules, regulations, and statutes to adopt best practices and promote transparency and accountability. The effective date of this adoption shall be December 2nd, 2025. You have heard the superintendent's recommendation the board approve to adopt revised board policy in compliance with changes in related rules, regulations, and statutes to adopt best practices and promote transparency and accountability. The effective date of this adoption shall
030be December 2nd, 2025. Board members, is there a motion to approve? Mrs. Gio Vanelli, I move to approve the and adopt revised board policy. All right. Is there a second? I'll second those. Mr. Ribble seconds. Is there any discussion? All right. Please record your vote. The recommendation number one passes 70. Dr. Carlin, please read your second recommendation. Thank you. Chairperson's approval to adopt the 2025 2026 student enrollment plan in compliance with changes in related rules, regulations, and statutes. to adopt best practices and to promote transparency and accountability. The effective date of this adoption shall be January 20th, 2026. You have heard the superintendent's recommendation that the board approved to adopt the 2025 2026 student enrollment plan in compliance with changes in related rules, regulations, and statutes to adopt best practices and promote transparency and accountability.
031The effective date of this adoption shall be January 20th, 2026. Board members, is there a motion to approve? I'll move to approve. Miss Langford Fleming makes a motion seconded M by Mr. Ribble. Any discussion? Seeing none, please record your vote. My boat didn't come up. Hang on. There we go. Recommendation number two passes 70. Now we move on to the good of the order. Other business board members, Mr. Fiser. Thank you, chair. I'll make it quick. I know we have many of us are driving later on. So, want to thank again to the superintendent, her team, and the clerk reports, Kevin K for, finalizing the, fraud, waste, and abuse hotline. if anyone hasn't seen that yet, I would say please check out our website and the clerk's website as well for that. Thank you. had
032the opportunity to, go with Miss Jordan. We went out to the, color run, which is fun at G Middle School. So, that's always an amazing time. If anyone hasn't seen one of those before out the district, I'd encourage that. had the opportunity to go to the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce lunchon and the guest speaker was our own board member Chabiano and she did a fantastic job. So just want to wish everyone else a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and happy holidays and I hope everyone is safe. Thank you. Thank you Mrs. Giovanelli. Hi. Thank you. okay. So, I sent everyone a motion regarding the internal board auditor and I wanted to address that first before I just give my quick comments. I want to make a motion to that I move that we proceed expeditiously
033with the hiring of the board auditor position so that one is in place by the board meeting on February 2026. staff should move forward with the candidate we with the candidates we currently have and we should proceed with the hiring process with the expectation that interviews will take place in January and any necessary special meetings should be scheduled to accomplish this do I have support in that board is there a motion to that's my question to approve this no motion has been made now you're looking for a I'm looking I'm a second we need a Second. I'm sorry, Miss Jordan. I'll second that motion. Okay. So, it was moved by Miss Giovanelli and seconded by Miss Jordan. Is there any discussion? Mr. Fischer, thank you for bringing this up, Miss Juvenelli. Obviously, I've been dealing
034with this for the last little bit. So, I am not opposed to hiring a board auditor, but I I don't see how we could do a date certain or time certain on that. It's very complex. And the biggest thing for me and I've tried to communicate that to everyone is it's a very hard position to hire for. You don't want to get the wrong person. That's been my concern all along with it. So, and I think we're go forward with you'd probably also have to adjust the job description as well. But right now, I'm content with RSM. I'm not opposed to, as I said, hiring down the line board auditor if we did it over, you know, due time. But I'll be voting no on this because of the time. Thank you. I'm not opposed
035to Oh, sorry. Yeah, Mr. Chiefelli. Thank you. I am not opposed to changing the time. I've only put the time in there because I feel like that it's I think we need to get someone in place. I think it will strengthen us as a board and our governance and our oversight. I think it would make the community more aware of that we're serious about accountability and transparency. I think we need it that was one thing Mr. KS had mentioned to me is we should have that internal auditor to focus on many things that the board could be addressing and I have a list enhancing our oversight and accountability reinforce transparenc govern governance and ensure re rigorous oversight and of our operations budgeting and compliance. This will be a check and balance for us as a
036board between the superintendent as and the board oversight. A border auditor will provide impartial review and in ensuring that physical and operational practices are aligned with our policies. Independent and direct oversight is another important key for having a board auditor to work directly with RSM and for unbiased thorough audits that informed to help us inform decision-m and promote accountability at levels of our management. The coordination of of our audits that would help them focus on that as and report back to us regarding our audits. we don't with RSM right now. I'm on the audit committee and it's still very difficult to get the information. Not that they're not, it's has nothing to do with them, but they're a big corporation and we're we need that hands-on that works directly with the internal and external audit
037auditing that's happening that happens within the district. I don't have a problem changing the timeline. I'm not I just think that we keep pushing this timeline and we are we are compliant, but there was a time when we weren't compliant when RSM fired us. So, I don't want to see that happen again. was before this present board. And I understand this board's way u more diligent and respectful of each and everyone and everyone's decision and the decision-m process. I'm just concerned because I think that we need that now with Kevin K's in place that we need that extra advocacy for for us as well as as well as the oversight. Okay. Any other discussion? Miss Jordan. I have to agree with Miss Ganelli. I appreciate RSM and the work that they have done and I
038know we've had conversation about do we really need that extra person, but since the last week's press conference that I was not at, I do believe that we do need somebody that is watching over for the board. So, I would be in favor of the motion, not necessarily the time frame because I don't know if we could possibly get that done as Mr. Fischer said because I know this has been an ongoing process, but I do think that is something we absolutely need as as a board. Thank you. Anyone else? Mr. Chaviano, I know I personally brought this up after we had the discussion for legal. My concern is the time frame because even then, which was a year ago at this point, I think we had two or three contenders after the fact and
039in the year that I've sat in this position and have seen the amount and different verticals that RSM touches, it worries me cuz one person can't possibly have that much knowledge across security and IT and all the different things that we get auditing pieces on. again, I do agree we need that position. I think with the information even me requesting coming in fairly new, I've never had a problem receiving it as fast. I think the time frame is a little rushed considering even the last time we had the discussion, I want to say even two months ago, we really didn't have any candidates. So I would be concerned that we're almost rushing to have someone in that position and it not be the right person. So for me for the time frame, no again in
040and what I've seen in in this past year with the amount the different areas that's touched, I think finding one person that with that skill set and what we're going to pay them, I'm not sure if that's feasible. Janelli and then Miss Jordan, there's no way that RS I mean that an internal auditor can do what RSM is. We wouldn't be getting rid of RSM. We would only we would only have I our own auditor to help with checks and balances internally to work with them directly as well as the district in the past. and and on my notes today, hold on. Where did it go? because I thought it was interesting. Oh, what I did I do with it because I asked the question about and I think I took it. It's in my
041office. about how many audits there's still 41 outstanding for that was RSM did that 41 outstanding and we have not I don't I don't have it and that goes back from 2021 that it's not been completed. The audits are the audits are done but we have not fixed it on our end. So how does that work? That's what need there's this is about accountability and making sure that our systems are were to now it's time those those 41 that are outstanding it that was done 5 years ago they need to be reodited again by RSM and we still fix the first ones. That's the problem with the we need to have a timeline with that and get things done and we're not getting things done. That's our oversight. RSM did their job and I can't
042complain about RSN RSM and I'm not complaining about RSM but when you have stuff that goes back from 2021 that's not been fixed or completed or and it's now time to re re-evaluate and risk the risk again. Okay. Thank you. Thanks, Mr. Fischer. Thank you. in regards first off in the 41 you know I've been on this board talking about that since 2021 but Dr. Carlin is set up with her staff actually division essentially to address this. So I think we should give her some time along with her staff to be able to do that. I don't think that is necessarily on the board himself. I think that is a follow-up on the management side which is not our lane to put it politely. So the second part is when we're looking at hiring and
043this is part of the conundrum. So it's it's a very hard position especially with a schoolbased finance and schoolbased audit to hire somebody. So, and one of the issues coming across HR has has been great about it and they've had kept in great contact and but but short of spending big dollars on a head hunter which I don't support that at the moment having RSM I don't know in any kind of you know pace right now we'd be able to get somebody that would be able to to mimic at least or you know to start off you know I know we'd keep RSM but still being able to do that said I was one of the big people pushing for a board order you know outside of an internal one so but I don't think
044within the time frame what you're looking at. It's a very tough thing I think to hire. So more so even than you know it used to be with a superintendent or board attorney. So I just want you to have that perspective. Thank you. All right. I would like to comment if I may. I've come 360 on this. I was all for a board auditor, but RSM has increased their scope. I mean, they're first off doing quarterly reports to all of us. They're adding now one-on- ones with each of us. And I would rather see the money that we have budgeted for a board auditor who I just don't think any board auditor can handle a job this big. That would be like saying, "Let's get rid of all of our legal staff and hire one
045attorney. and maybe somebody without experience and then try to farm everything else out. I mean, we have our but by statute, the RSM is our internal auditor. Now, we can add stuff to them. There's nothing to keep us from doing that. We give them set areas every year. I think it was five this year to go over and but in our one-on ones, you know, if you come up with something, ask them something and then bring it before the board. Let's say you wanted to look at because if it's an investigation, we already have Kevin Gins we can ask, but just to look into the day-to-day operation. I just I don't I don't see the benefit because a board member should not be directing a board auditor. Go here, do this, go here, do that,
046and it should come before the board and go from there. I just think that's where I'm leaning is to stay with RSM and expand that some. Mr. Ribble. Yeah. I just got to share a previous experience I've had with with internal auditors. I don't know if anybody in the group has ever been an auditor, but it's the most unpopular job that you could possibly have because you're instantly hated because people don't like to hear you finding bad news in their department or their function. And it's not a it's not a very positive job. Talk about morale. We have a proven corporation that's outside our firm that we feel comfortable with. I agree with Mr. Persons about the having the monthly meeting, the oneonone. I think that puts the fix on that. And as far as
047the 41 open audits that we had, that's numbers way down because our superintendent put a process in place and there's two people assigned to reviewing those audits and we all had one ones the past four weeks with those people. We saw the gains that those folks have made. So I feel very comfortable that we're getting things fixed and I can tell you I'm not in favor of hiring an internal auditor. the learning curve is a disaster. We wouldn't see any effect from that probably for two years. And I just don't think w with a with the confidence we have in RSM or if we lose confidence in them, there's plenty other companies out there as an outside vendor that we could hire and that I'm sure has a great track record. So those are my
048thoughts. Mr. Langford Fleming, thank you. I could not agree more, Mr. Ribble. and you know, let's go way back to 2021, and I want to I it would be remiss not to applaud Mr. Fiser for trying to tackle something at this size. and Armor or Mr. Persons, you made a great point that RSM has come full circle. I mean, even as recently as saying that they would have one-on- ones. 41 red flags. I don't think it's fair to go off of that whenever Dr. Carlin has put a team in place that's really tackling and addressing those. I think it's fair for her to have time to correct those before we even hire someone else. And then let's talk about fiscal responsibility. So now we're going to hire another employee of the board. We have RSM
049and now we have thankfully Kevin KS with fraud, waste, and abuse. And with those two time those two tied in plus Dr. Carlin and her team, I think this can be done. seamlessly. But I think it's fair that we wait. And I also want to go back on what Mr. Fischer, I think you said in your first comment was I do think when we if we are going to address this and we are going to go out and and tackle this situation, I think we need to go back to the job description because I think that there are some things that need to be tightened up and that possibly might be why we're having such a hard time finding candidates that we all feel comfortable with. So, those are my comments on that. So I
050tonight I will not be supporting this. I would like to give time to our superintendent and her team to correct the findings in in the last few years and then go from there. Thank you Mr. Jordan. I don't think that it has anything to do with RSM. If I if I'm you know if I'm wrong let me know because it's not the fact that RSM is doing a bad job because I don't believe that they are. I believe that they are doing what we are asking them to do as a board. So they go and they do the process. However, we have now which everybody keeps alluding to another person that's involved with this organization who is doing waste fraud and waste fraud and abuse which is not part of our employees RSM that's on
051the side over here. So who's putting putting this together? like who's overseeing both of them together to make sure that this one understands what this one is doing. And I mean that's the way I look at it because if somebody sends something to Mr. KS, how do we know where it's going? Who who is getting that information? Because he's not working for us as RSM is working for us as our board auditors. So you have this over here just doing whatever and then you have these people here who are doing what we are telling. So who's pulling it together and I think that's where the auditor person would come into play. It's not for them to go out and to do all the job. It's to them to bring everything together and full full circle
052so we all have the same understanding what has taken place. Just as we have our board attorney who has her team who pulls everything together. She's not out there doing everything herself because she cannot. It's too big of an organization. So, I think that's where Mie Vanelli was going with with this board auditor. if I'm wrong, then no, Mr. Chief Vanelli. And actually, Kevin K is the one that said, "Lisa, you need to make a motion and get this out of the way. We need to have somebody to work with." It was Kevin Kins's idea. He's mentioned it to me numerous times when I've met with him. you know, for me, this is building public trust and transparency by having an auditor that will help oversee and it would just be a balancing from the
053district and the board oversight. It's a check and balance situation where that's all an internal auditor would do. is meet with us, see where what we think. I get all kinds of complaints all the time. That's something I could shove off and they could do a little more research and find out if it's even legit or needs to get it to the superintendent wherever. That's what I mean. I do that constantly. and I love that ability. Someone that can work directly with Kevin KS and let us know what's going on. We don't that was one of the things. So maybe we need to have another workshop regarding auditor, what an a board auditor would do, what the district is doing, how Kevin Kins gets the information and how the Kevin Kins gets the information back
054to us if he gets it back to us. I mean, we don't have any of that information exactly and we didn't discuss it. That's what the board's supposed to do. We're not supposed to just to wait and see what happens. maybe we don't hire someone at this moment in time. Maybe we look at the board auditor job description. I certainly would listen to Mr. Fischer about that because I think we need to relook at that. I think there's just so much this is about just public transparency, building public trust, the ability to have that the tr the community to have that access. Right now, the community doesn't have access to Kevin Kins. They don't have to and Kevin Carson doesn't have to be compliant with them. I do not believe. That's what I have to
055say. M Shaviano. Okay. so I just want to take it back to just the statement with Kevin Kins and we don't know what he's doing. that was discussed last month. a flowchart was given as far as what that process is. When the referrals or the intakes are given, we're notified as well as the superintendent when that once that happens. That's in the flowchart that was provided in November as far as what the process is. We probably haven't seen anything. It just kicked off. We said we don't even know if we're going to get anything yet. So, I kind of want to pin that for for after because we do have a true process and flowchart of what that process looks like and how we're notified. we did get that last month. As far as the
056auditor, again, mirroring what Miss Lingford Fleming said in terms of fiscal responsibility and everything else we have going on. You know, we just increased how much the board put out for insurance to offset some of the costs for our teachers, right? So, that's money that comes out of our account. So, when we're looking at what we have in our account, what we're doing, if we have RSM, again, it's not saying we don't want it. I just don't think this time frame is going to do because at this point, like I said, the last time I checked, I think we had two or three candidates and we weren't even sure if they were still around or interested in the position cuz it had been so long that we've had this position open. Like I said, we
057came into this a year ago and this was voted over from the previous board for us to make this decision. So yes, I do believe we need the auditor. I do not think this timetable for January, February is going to happen when HR has made a huge push in the last two to three months in terms of recruitment and and putting LinkedIn and spending those funds to get that person. I think it does need to go back to the drawing board, have a review of the job description, even see if our pay is in line with what the expectation is. And then maybe we need to look at what we're asking RSM to do. And if we're not holding our piece of our internal auditing process, make sure we're following through on our end what
058we're responsible for before we say something's not working. and to the point with the superintendent, she just came in a year ago just like I did and there's things that she's taking on. And to say that something that came through from four years ago hasn't been addressed, I don't think that's fair. because that's something that was acquired. and that's that all that stuff takes time for all the changes that have been made this past year. Again, I brought the rush of getting this position on 3 months ago when we had the conversation for legal. I just do not think this is the timetable for it. Yes, we need this position. Yes, we need the internal audit. But we have so many facets that are supporting that. Maybe it's on us to make sure we're holding
059those pieces accountable and really doing our job and then looking at the other components as well. So for this, that's kind of where I stand with this with this motion. So, Miss Jordan, we need to wrap this up shortly. Yeah, I was just going to say maybe Miss Jvenelli would put this on hold because Dr. Cute McCoy and her team are definitely working on those those things and they've already we know what they've already done. So that right there we know is that is definitely working that whole team that part is but maybe going through like Miss Chevan just said about redoing this melli. Yeah. And I want to be real clear. I'm not blaming the superintendent on any of those outstand those 41 outstanding corrections that are need to be made. I know she's
060working on in fact we had a great presentation regarding ESSE today. That's one of them that was huge. so kudos to her for that and her staff and the district for that. I am more than willing to to do a time frame. but I and I say so and I actually will withdraw the motion. I could I'm I could table it like Miss Jordan said. I don't have my I don't have a problem withdrawing it because I can bring it back up later. But what I would ask the board is let's have another conversation not on a board meeting night or if we could do it during the day but have a workshop regarding it because I know that the district's working on things and I'm open to that and see where it goes and
061relook at the job description reook at other avenues here maybe it you know and what that looks like for you know the future and what the expectation is. Maybe I mean I don't know that we're going to get a CPA in this position but none of us are CPAs so that's my concern. I'm certainly not an expert in that and like today I would have loved to have the board auditor sit next to me next to the finance guy and give me some help on reading some of that financial stuff today because it because it was it was way over my head. I can certainly admit that. so there's that's where I think a CPA would be or an auditor would be very beneficial for the Do you want to go forward with your motion
062or do you want to withdraw and then we'll do a workshop? I will withdraw my motion. I would like to see a workshop. I would love to see a workshop. We had a second on the motion. So now No, if I withdraw it, the second person has to withdraw also. Right. Who Who is the second again? So both of you are withdrawing. Yes. Okay. Thank you. We just trying to follow the correct procedure there. Yeah. All right. I think we should just again have a workshop on this. I like that idea, but I think we should give everybody some time to to see how all these pieces are working. RSM stepping up and the new Cupid McCoy and that group what they're doing. So maybe in I mean it sounds like a long time but
063it's not maybe six months like June or May or something like that. Well, I first thought six. I don't think a month's quick enough. See, I mean No, no, no. I was going to say March or April. Okay. But at let's revisit and have the conversation then maybe not even at that point we can see how things are working through. See how what Kevin Kins is doing. I'll revisit with him and get some more information, talking points or whatever. I think I think I would encourage each board member to do the same thing because I know he's you know meets with u each of us. it was a good good discussion. Yeah, thank you for bringing it up and we will keep it on our radar and not ignore it. Right. Well, and this has
064nothing to do with Chair Fischer when he was chair because I want to make sure I'm bringing that because he you worked very hard. He put a lot of work and time in into it and it didn't go unnoticed. I really that so I you know it's important that we keep this conversation going. Maybe it the end result is no auditor, but at this point in time I I can't say one way or another. I'm I'm more pro because I know the need in the past when things didn't happen. So, and the there's still 41 outstanding items. Do you have anything else in your good or the order? Oh, I do. Let me do that since we all have to go somewhere. Oh, that's right. Okay. I got to have Okay, let me let me
065get ready. Let me get ready for mine because it's I will be quick. I'm quick actually because all I actually all that I have is that we went to the Charlotte Rafferty at Edison Park. They named the street, right? Mr. Burson, you were there. and Miss Jordan, they named the street that sits right kind of behind the school after her and I thought was very sweet. Her daughter was there. very it was a little emotional. but all the students were excited about having that little street named after after her. her vision for Essen Park Elementary has definitely she's left a legacy there and it's exciting for it's it's just exciting something in our district that such the my grandchildren have went there and my grandson's still there and all the plays and activity the her
066arts and vision for arts was amazing and we're lucky that we had her in our district sharing that legacy with us. I really that's it for me. congratulations to all the new hires. I'm excited for 2026. Like that's hard to believe it's around the corner. I wish everybody happy holidays, merry Christmas, and a safe and happy new year. Okay, Mr. Ribble. Okay, you have 30 seconds. Grab a grab a sandwich and a Coke. All right, Miss Floy, I I'm gonna go over these things tonight. I'm thought we were g out of here for a drive, but we're not. So, here's my here's my spiel. So, earlier today, Miss Fleming talk about talked about a principal and the culture of that school. And I want to share a quick story about a win-winwin between the school
067district, the local municipality, and the county commissioner. And that's in regards to the task that David Nulan took on with the disastrous River Ranch Road we have at Earl High School. It's been a problem for years. We finally had a meeting with the county manager Dave New yeah David her Steve Sarcoi from a sterile village and the and the principal of the high school. We finally got this thing solved. Chief Nulan did an outstanding job. What he did was he really kind of copied what happened at RI Riverdale's high school parking in the morning where people are stacking cars rather than just leaving them out on Riverranch Road. So, we're looking to have this project fairly well completed by the first week of January, believe it or not. That's the Ballards and everything else in
068installed. That's like a 90-day turnaround on a project. So, so kudos to the county and kudos to to Chief Nuland and also the manager Sarosi. the manager in Asterero. The other thing I wanted to mention, you folks probably heard on the radio about the 10,000 holiday cards being written for our troops that are abroad. There's 177,000 active military folks that are assigned off of our shores. And what the mayors did past couple of weeks here in Lee County was reach a goal of 10,000 cards. I know they're going to exceed that. We'll know what the number is next week, but you won't guess who wrote most of the cards. The kid, not me, the children in our schools cuz all the mayors called around and got the and got the schools engaged. So, so kudos
069to the schools in district three because they bailed out the village of Asterero and the Bonita Springs mayor as well. So, it was a great job. the cards are still coming in. I picked up a bunch of them when I got back into town on on Sunday evening. And believe it or not, that's all I have. That's it. Very good. Miss Jordan, I'll be quick. Okay. So, I just want to say that we attended u Mia German, Dr. German and I attended the builder industry association awards where Franklin Park was named for the best-in-class for schools award. so o OAK received that award regarding the school which she was really excited about that. And also what else I want to make sure everybody knows at North Meers Academy of the Arts they have the performance
070of Nutcracker on December the 5th. Everybody needs to go and watch that show. It is just 270 students will be participating in that and staff and administrators. They all have a part. It's phenomenal. U it's something you don't want to miss. And then I just want to thank the community who I spent multiple I was at multiple sites over the Thanksgiving holiday helping certain sites gave out over 4,000 turkeys to make sure that our families and our community and our schools were fed. So I just really want to give a thanks to all the churches and the different communities that really went out of their way to to make sure there was food on the table for so many of our families. And I think that's it. And just happy holidays, merry Christmas, happy New
071Year's, whatever you all. Happy Hanukkah. Just thank you so much. Have a safe holiday and we'll see you in 2026. Thank you, Mr. Langford Plumbing. Yes, so many great things are on the rise and when you're an educator, this is actually a really fun but exhausting month. So, we talked a little bit today about how you engage kids and you want them to be excited about coming to school. And, you know, I think it's really important K through 12 to make sure that these months are exciting and fun and we don't take the eye our eye off the ball. However, what do kids remember when they graduate? They sure don't remember a test. So, but they will remember a teacher that made a difference for sure. something though that I do want to talk about,
072this is something that is not on our legislative priority list. However, I'm going to bring it up because it's on my priority list and I've been having conversations with some folks in legislation. We pride ourselves on the fact that we just gave a statewide record increase in pay to our teachers. I think it's really important that we start to address the issue with our coaches in our athletic facilities and all of the hours that they put in because we want quality coaches. Then we need to treat them like quality people. I think I did I did the math about two years ago and I think if you were a volleyball coach, I can't imagine I didn't do the math on a football coach, but a high school volleyball coach just because that's what I did.
073So, I think it was like 72 cents an hour. And if if you if you look at if you look at the breakdown of what a really good coach and they live and breathe their team and they and they're also their coach for their entire year. It's not just the three months of the volleyball season. so I know that our governor is working on something for a supplement for our coaching our coaches. I don't want to go too into the weeds here on this, but it is something I'm very excited about and I would encourage our superintendent to maybe be the her and her staff figure out how we can be the leaders in the district that also not only treat our teachers with the respect that they deserve, but also our coaches who give
074hours and hours. And I'm talking coaches are on weekends and summers and nights and then when their kids graduate, we are going to see an outstanding person retire this year and he has touched the lives of hundreds and hundreds of kids and that deserves to be recognized. So I just wanted to put that on everybody's radar that those conversations have been had. And as far as the holidays, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy new year. I hope our st It sounds crazy to wish everybody happy holidays on December 1st when we still have several days, but we know it'll be here before before we know it. But, I really hope that our staff can go home to their families on the day they get out and feel a breath have have sort of a catch their
075breath and a breath of fresh air and be able to spend time with their family and their children. And just know that you're appreciated and that your work is not unvalued and you are incredibly respect respected. you are doing more than most and you deserve more than more than I can give for sure. But I just want to say thank you and thank you to all of our staff and I hope you shut your laptop for a few days over that break. Thank you. Miss Shaviano. Yes. So, as, Miss Jada Lake said, there's a lot of events going on. And unfortunately, because we have FSBI this week and there's Tallahassee next week, we're going to be missing a good bulk of them that I actually look forward to going to with my with my kids.
076So, best of luck to the shows and the productions that are happening these next two weeks. I know how much time and effort and planning and creativity and glitter and glue and all the things how much goes into that. So I just I wish you a tremendous successful show and that your kids just have a great experience to remember for the years to come. There's a lot of competitions coming up. We had a lot a lot of Lee County popcorner teams that competed over Thanksgiving in Orlando and we have a lot of them flying out that are going to be getting notes to teachers for homework because they're going to be in North Carolina competing for nationals as well. So we have a lot of local teams that are going to be going. So teachers,
077please give out the homework because we are setting aside time for them to do their homework while they're at competition. So please make sure they get that. and I we were messing around and saying like our Christmas weeks and the things that happen and this is kind of the time when like we joke around and say it's December. Have your Grinchmas shirt and have your hats and your socks and your Christmas thing cuz all those things happen. so I bought my Grinch shirt last week on Amazon for my daughter so we're all set. cuz I usually paint it. so yeah. So just hopefully you guys are resting and truly taking the time to disconnect and I mean disconnect from email and social media and all of the things and just touch grass, go to the
078beach, take some time and just get away for a minute even if it's somewhere close, but just step away and spend time with your family and your friends and fill your cup. cuz I'm sure this school year there's been a lot of things going on. So, please take your time to fill your cup and to come back refreshed and renewed for the new year that is right around the corner. I'm have a hard time running 2026 soon, but yeah, take that time. So, yes, merry Christmas. happy new year. Just please be safe. we look forward to seeing you when the new year comes. Thank you. I was going to steal your thunder and I didn't. Wow. Not much left for me to say. Go Raiders. But the Raiders, I guarantee bet any amount of money,
079the Raiders will win the game in the playoff. I only say that because St. Thomas, what? They're also Raiders. So, both teams are Raiders. Sorry about that. But I am really rooting for Riverdale because they have put in so much work over the summer. I watched them just train hard and that has really paid off all year long. When is that? That's this Friday in Fort Lauderdale. Thomas at St. Thomas. At St. Thomas 7:30. You know the protein. There's one I can't remember how many titles in the last few years. It's unbelievable. But everybody have a safe trip to Tampa. I know most of us are going right after this. So that'll be good. let me see. Who do I have next? Oh, attorney Bruno. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'll make this very quick. just
080to make sure that the record is clear, even though we have some latitude. if you could ask the board whether or not there is any objection to the withdrawal of Miss G. Vanelli's motion whether or not there is any objection to that or if there's unanimous consent for that. Let me rephrase it. If you could ask the board whether or not there's any objection to a unanimous consent of the withdrawal of the motion. All right. Or members, do we have unanimous consent for Miss Gio to withdraw her motion? Yes. I I everybody I Okay, we have more discussion. What do you think? If no discussion, you made your board attorney happy. Just to make sure the record is clean. I just want to wish everybody a merry Christmas, happy new year, happy Hanukkah, and we'll
081see you next year. All right, superintendent. Thank you, Mr. Chairland. All right. Thank you, sir. first of all, u I will not belabor. I have two items. That's it. I promise. one is I just wanted to give you some really good news. You know, we talked in a couple of workshops ago about filling our teacher vacancies and now we talk about holding on to our teachers. We want to hold on to the very best. So, I have a really good statistic. You know, our 95% is the threshold. That's the goal. Right now, we're at 98.68%. So, we are absolutely ahead of where we have been in the past. and that's all about creating the right culture in the CLA in the classrooms and the school and making sure we're taking good care of our teachers.
082So, kudos to HR, our principles, and all of our directors that do that work. and then finally, just to piggy back have everybody have a very merry Christmas, happy holidays, happy Hanukkah, whatever it is it is you that you choose to celebrate, please know that on behalf of the entire board, our attorney, and all of us, we just appreciate you. Thank you so much for your hard work. Please disconnect it as everybody has alluded to. and just please know that when we come back in 2026, we're going to be an A. Have a great rest of your day. All right, before I adjourn the meeting, board member, we rehearsed this earlier. What are we all going to say at the same time? Ready? One, two, three. Happy holidays. That wasn't on the script, people. Our
083next schedule meeting is January 13th, workshop at 1:00 followed by a school board action meeting at 6 p.m. This point, no other business. This meeting is adjourned.