001Good morning. Motion carries 70. Next on the agenda is the approval of the agenda. This evening's agenda includes acknowledgements, recognitions, public comment, consent action items, which include two items under board office, two items under executive services, four items under academic and student services, five items under school choice and administration, seven items under business services, seven items under human resources, one item under information systems. Five items under safety, security and fleet operations, 29 items under facility operations, one item under public hearings, and four items under other board other business. Board members, is there a motion to adopt the agenda, Miss Chaviano? A motion to adopt the agenda. Is there a second? Mr. Ribble. Motion has been made to adopt the agenda by Miss Chaviano and seconded by Mr. Ribble. Please record your vote. Motion carries 70.
002Next on the agenda is the character word for November. The character word for November is patriotism. Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. By John F. Kennedy. The display the design displayed on the screen was created by Ken Rosero, a 12th grade student at Asterero High School. Acknowledgements for the month of November. The school board of Lee County acknowledges the Florida the following state recognized event for the month of November 2025. Holocaust education week November 3rd through the 8th 2025. Next is recognitions. Board member and superintendent, it's time for the recognitions. We have three for tonight. Board members, if you will back up there. The first is Florida positive behavioral interventions and support project. It promotes statewide imple impl implementation, excuse me of PBIS, an
003evidence-based framework that supports positive behavior and foster success in our schools. Bronze PBIS model schools, please line up at the ramp on my left side of the boardroom. Francine Lutman, our district PBS contact, will present your certificates. FLPBIS provides training, coaching, technical assistance, and recognition to help schools create safe, supported learning environments. Each year, Florida PBIS recognizes schools that have successfully implemented PBIS both in individual classrooms and schoolwide. Schools may earn one of three achievement levels, bronze, bronze, silver, or gold based on their demonstration of PBIS implementation and positive discipline data outcomes. First on recipients receive a banner while repeat award winners will receive a sticker to add to their existing banner. This year, the school board super and superintendent are proud to announce that 34 Lee County schools have been recognized as PBS PBIS
004model schools. We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding teams. Our bronze PBIS model schools are the following. Diplomat Elementary, Heights Elementary, River Hall Elementary, Sunshine Elementary, Three Oaks Elementary, Tortuga Preserve Elementary, Treeline Elementary, Villas Elementary, Challenger Middle, Oak Middle, Cypress Lake High, and the Owl School, which who could not be here tonight. If you'll join me, A ROUND OF APPLAUSE. MAKE YOUR WAY DOWN. CONGRATULATIONS. CONGRATULATIONS. Great job. Congrats. Congratulations. Great work. Congratulations. Thank you for being here. Great job. Great work. Thank you. Congratulations. Congratulations. Great job. Thank you. Congratulations. Oh, I love your shirt. Those are awesome. Congratulations. Great job. Congratulations. Great work. Thank you. Thanks for being here. Great job. Thank you, sir. Great job. Thank you. Congratulations. Way to go, Cyrus. Congratulations. Elementary, Fort Myers Beach Elementary, Spring Creek Elementary,
005Tropic Isles Elementary, Three Oaks Middle, Varsity Lakes Middle, Bayshore School, the Santael School, and Island Coast High School. silver because he's Fort Beach. Congratulations. Finally, gold PBIS model schools, please line up at the ramp on my left side of the boardroom. Francine Lutman will present your certificates. Our gold PBS PBIS model schools, Kousa Elementary, Golf Elementary, JC Colon English Elementary, Mirror Lakes Elementary, Patriot Elementary, St. Carlos Park Elementary, Ty Elementary, Diplomat Middle, Trafalga Middle, Buckingham Exceptional Student Center, Young Parent Education Program, and Trafalga Elementary, who cannot be here tonight. Please stop. What's the best? Good evening again. The Everglades Foundation is an environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring America's Everglades through science, advocacy, and education. The Everglades Literacy Program empowers the next generation of conservative stewards by investing in teachers who drive cultural
006change within schools, benefiting both local and ecological communities. We ask that all bronze, silver, and gold recipients please join Susie Hasset and line up in order on left side of the boardroom on this ramp. As the vital efforts of Everglades restoration take center stage, it's important to remember that the key to long-term sustainability rests with the next generation ensuring that they understand the ecological and economic value of the Everglades. Tonight, we are proud to celebrate a special group of Lee County schools schools that have embraced a culture of environmental stewardship both on their campuses and within the communities by becoming Everglades Champion schools. An Everglades Champion School encourages teachers to participate in Everglades literacy professional development, integrate Everglades concepts into their curriculum, promote interdisciplinary projects and field experiences, and cultivate a community culture of environmental
007excellence. This evening, we are honored to recognize six Lee County schools as designated Everglades Champion schools for the 2425 school year. Congratulations to our bronze level Everglades Champion School, Lee Virtual School. We're going to do these bronze, gold, silver just like we did. Yep. Congratulations. Great work. Congratulations. Awesome. Congratulations. Way to go, guys. Congratulations. You're welcome. Congratulations. That's great. Thank you. Congratulations. to do this because again And now for our silver level. Congratulations to these silver silver silver level Everglades champion schools. Horns Marsh Elementary, Lehi Elementary, and Pelican Elementary. Great job. Congratulations. Great job. And finally, congratulations to our gold level Everglades champion schools. Hector Caparada Junior Elementary and Hancock Creek Elementary. In addition, Hancock Creek Elementary is the recipient of the Florida Power and Light Environmental Stewardship Award, recognizing and renewing their outstanding efforts
008within the Everglades Champion School program to promote stewardship and innovation through action in our community. You can come on up. THIS WAY. This way. This way. This way. Congratulations. Such a pro. I know. You're very welcome. Congratulations. The school board and superintendent are proud to recognize your commitment, determination, hard work in earning this prestigious distinction. We look forward to witnessing your continued leadership and lasting impact on Everglades education for years to come. There we go. We are thrilled to honor the outstanding achievements of our JOTC instructor and cadetses who continue to set the standard for excellence, leadership, and impact within the program. All gold recipients being recognized, please line up at the ramp to my left of the side of the boardroom. Colonel Rodney Robinson, our director of Army instruction, will present you with your
009certificates. This prestigious recognition is awarded to instructors who demonstrate exceptional commitment by fostering excellence in the classroom, motivating cadetses and fellow instructors through service learning projects and competitions, and contributing to the overall success of both students and the program. The order of precedence is gold, silver, and bronze. Gold Sergeant First Class Malachi Sumpter, Ida Ida Sbaker High School. Sergeant Major Kim Williams from Mariner High School. Chief Warrant Officer for Gary Carter from Leer Lehigh Senior High School. Sergeant Major Charlotte Morris Lehigh Senior High. First Sergeant Frank Smith of Island Coast High School could not be here with us tonight. He is also honored with the Gold Distinguished Instructor Award. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Next, all silver recipients. being recognized. Please line up at the ramp on my left side of the boardroom. Colonel Rodney
010Robinson, our director of army instruction, will present you your certificates. Lieutenant Colonel Terry Morrow of Oasis High. First Sergeant Don Anderson of Dumbar High, Sergeant Firstclass Baxter Pitman of Riverdale High, Lieutenant Colonel Retired Mario Johnson of Cape Coral High School, and Sergeant Firstclass retired Anthony Restivo of Lehigh Senior High School could not be here with us tonight, but they're also being honored with the Silver Distinguished Instructor Award. Congratulations. Thank you very much. Congratulations. Congratulations. Next, the All Impact Instructor Award. Recipients being recognized. Please line up at the ramp on my left side of the boardroom. Colonel Ronnie Robinson, our director of Army Instruction, will present your certificates. This award honors an instructor's outstanding ability to contribute to and excel within a high impact team. Evaluation criteria include total cadet program enrollment, cadet to instructor ratio,
011cadet behavior and motivation, and the number of special teams led by each program and instructor. Command Sergeant Major Serge Sergio Ortega from Cypress Lake High School. Sergeant First Class Thomas Brooks of Oasis High School. First Sergeant Michael Brown, Oasis High School. Sergeant First Class Ronald Kluff, North Fort Myers High School. Command Sergeant Major Michael Lewis, Gateway High School. Lieutenant Colonel Terry Marorrow, Oasis High School. Captain Jana Froman, North Fort Myers High School. Lieutenant Colonel Damon Bernardo, Cypress Lake High School. Sergeant Major Brian Elmore, Ida S.Baker High School. Staff Sergeant Brian Brown, Fort Meyers High School. Staff Sergeant Robert Hunter, Bonita Springs High School. Major Soul Vez, South Fort Myers High School. finally all cadet 5.0 GPA award recipients being recognized, please line up at the ramp on my left side of the boardroom. Colonel Rody
012Robinson, our director of Army instruction, will present you with your certificates. This award honors cadetses who have maintained a GPA of 5.0 or higher. A remarkable achievement that reflects dedication, discipline, and drive. Cadet Sophia Homoki, Southport Meers High School. Cadet Genesis Sabata, Island Coast High School. Cadet Khloe Benamate, Oasis High School. Cadet Reed Spicker, Gateway High School. The board and superintendent are proud to recognize these students and staff members for their commitment and hard work to earn these achievements. The next item on the agenda is public comment. Attorney Dupe Bruno, please address the item. Actually, we'll pause for just a minute. Next item on the agenda is public comment. Attorney Dupe Bruno, please address the item of public comment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good evening. Schoolboard policy provides the opportunity at this point in the
013meeting 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 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 be shown, which is what is expected when a government
014agency conducts official business. Therefore, abuse of language defined as swearing, use of profanity, or 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 will find a countdown on the big screen in the
015front of the room. Once your time is elapsed, the microphone will automatically shut off. Please state your name when you approach the microphone. I will call your names five speakers at a time. Please follow staff's direction when lining up. Mr. Chairman, there are eight, I'm sorry, nine individuals that wish to address the board this evening and the time per speaker is three minutes. Please make sure you have completed a public comment card if you intend to provide public comment. The card is a public record identifying those who speak and providing contact information to staff for followup. The cards are located with staff in the hallway. 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
016proceed with public comment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Will the following individuals please line up? Eric Pentali, John Scott, Marge Cox, Lane Jones, Joyce Compana, and please go to the back. Only one speaker at the podium at a time, please bit tall. Bear with me. Hello, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. My name is Eric Pinselli. I'm here to speak tonight on the matter of the sanctions for the teachers that justified the murder of Charlie Kirk. On September 10th, 2025, perhaps one of the worst days of my life, I saw a video of a man that I respect yet his neck blown up and blood stream out of it like a water fountain. I then saw thousands of leftists on social media attempt to justify and even celebrate these actions. As a young person who just
017recently went through the school system, I know very well the need for moral, decent people to teach the next leaders of our country. The teachers that light-heartedly brought up Charlie's past positions to justify this murder, they belong nowhere near students, whether in Lee County or elsewhere. The First Amendment protects you from getting persecuted by the government. It does not protect you from getting fired by your employer because you said something that contradicts their values. It is not oppressive. It does not create a climate of fear. It's called maintaining decency and respect and maintaining a society where political violence and assassinations are never celebrated. I would like to thank Superintendent Carlin and the members of the sustained board for sending a clear message that if you support murderous actions, you will not be a member or
018an employee of this school district. Teachers should have a uniquely high standard of conduct for their unique role in shaping future generations. Thank you and I yield the rest of my time. Next speaker. Good evening. My name is JJ Scott. I attended Lee County Schools. Growing up, I never once feared that a teacher or a member of the faculty could lay their hands on me, much less physically assault me. But that fear, unfortunately, has been unlocked for my son. My son Carsten is 10 years old. He is a fifth grader at Gateway Elementary. On Thursday, October 16th, he was physically assaulted by a substitute teacher, somebody employed by Kelly Services, a company contracted by the district. This individual was given credentials and access to a classroom full of children. And within moments of introducing himself,
019he began verbally threatening the students. His tone was hostile. His his words were intimidating to the point where several children began to cry. My son stood up from his desk to comfort a classmate. And that simple act of kindness led to violence. The substitute grabbed him by the wrist, dragged him to a corner, and threw him to the ground. He stayed on the ground crying, facing the corner, fearful that he would be struck from behind. Frightened and shaken, Carson later hid in the classroom bathroom and locked the door until he was until other adults arrived. By then though, the damage had been done. The entire class was terrified and asked the same question. How could someone like this be allowed into their classroom? Now, because of a state law that permits custodial touch, I've been
020challenged in pursuing criminal charges against the individual. The law allows faculty members to physically touch or even paddle a student without consequences if it is deemed necessary for disciplinary reasons. This was not discipline. This was an unprovoked assault verified by multiple witness statements on record. Yet, I've been blocked from seeking justice, blocked from ensuring this individual can never harm another child again. The lack of accountability from the principal at Gateway Elementary, Cherry Gibson, and the lack of response from you has both been shocking and revealing. The principal at Gateway Elementary has repeated on multiple occasions that she does not have anything to do with the screening process for guest teachers and in fact had never even met the man that assaulted my son. her own secretary pointed out that since the guest teacher was only
021on property for one hour, he may not have received the folder that the other substitutes received. I wonder what was in that folder. Maybe an instruction not to assault the children. And I agree, he probably did not get that folder. Accountability does not end with that one person. When I contacted the district, I was told the substitute would no longer be allowed to teach in Lee County Schools, and further comment must be taken from Kelly Services. But let me be very clear. I do not drop my kid off at Kelly Services. I drop my kids off at Gateway Elementary School, a Lee County public school. The district cannot outsource accountability. There must be stricter screening and oversight for substitute teachers who are given access to our children's classrooms. Because if my son had struck his
022head that day, we wouldn't be here having this conversation. We'd be in a courtroom. By continuing to contract with Kelly Services without deeper review, the district is enabling this risk to happen again. I urge you to investigate this contract, investigate this process, and take action before another child is hurt. Thank you. And thank you to Debbie. Your time is up, sir. Member for reaching out to me and having any communication whatsoever regarding this matter. Thank you for your integrity, Debbie. Thank you. Hello, I'm Marge Cox. I'm a retired educator living in Bonita Springs. And as we think about the things to celebrate and you had some November celebrations, I want you to think about November as National Picture Book Month. Oftenimes when we think of picture books, we think of things for young children such
023as The Monster Who Love books and it is a popup and young kids do love it. But I also want you to think about the fact that picture books are often meant for older kids. Time for a tale would be something younger kids might not understand. Older kids will love the humor of it. And then picture books can also be for adults. McBTH is not going to interest a young child, but it might give new understanding to us as an adults for Shakespeare's work. So, I've sent you an email that includes sources where you could see a variety of picture books and some ideas of ways to use them once you found them. I would suggest you browse in a library or a bookstore and see some things that are there and really look at
024the illustrations because that's the strength of a picture book. Notice the difference between one set of illustration styles and another and then choose some of those books that you find to share with some of your friends, neighbors, children, family so that they understand the importance as we think about things to celebrate. Let us celebrate National Picture Book Month in November. Have a good day. Good evening. My name is Joyce Campana and I'm here in support of the teachers who were terminated for exercising their constitutional right to free speech. Citizens want common sense government that follows the law of the land, not dumb political antics. Stop governing by ideology and an iron fist. The constitutional rights and freedoms of all people outweigh policies based on your political biases and impact more than the small world of
025being a school board member. Instead of being in lock step with your political party, you should address the needs and concerns of all your constituents. You do not need to look any further for citizens discontent than the uprising against tonedeaf politicians in Cape Coral and Fort Myers Beach. The trend is spreading. You work for us, the public, and the taxpayers who fund your salaries. My way or the highway mindset is not working for this county, this state or this country, regardless of their political party affiliations or religious beliefs. People are getting angry at the tone deafness of their elected officials. Thank you. Will the following following individuals please line up? Renee Sisben, Lou Lopez, Simon Prefer, Jean Miller, and Rich Joll. Good evening. Related to coach Murphy's at Cape Cod High School coach, football coach.
026This has gone on too long. Our children have been denied the teacher, coach, and mentor they trust most, Tyler Murphy. At the last meeting, we were told the district couldn't act because of because an ongoing state investigation. Yet, your superiors, the state of Florida, continues emailing and have confirmed that coach Morphe's license is active and they can legally work during this process. Nothing, nothing at all showed that he has failed our students. So why is he still being kept from the kids who need him? If this district truly cares about what is best for its children, it is time to bring back the person who has always stood by them with heart, integrity, and unwavering support. Why is their side being ignored? Who is standing in the way of what is right of these K
027for these kids? This feels like a smear campaign and needs to end now. It's been too much. I ask if there is anyone on this board willing to stand up for what is right for our kids, your kids, your district kids, and put the best interest for the student first. Our children deserve that and they deserve it now. Thank you. Ma'am, could you please state your name? My name is Lopez. Thank you. You're welcome. Hi, my name is Jean Miller. I am a parent of a football player at Cape Coral High School. I'm speaking tonight concerning the absence of Coach Tyler Murphy from our school, locker room, and field. My son has played football since the age of eight. Over the past seven years, he has had several coaches, some great, not some some not
028so great. Due to this, he began to lose a love of the game and was on the fence about continuing in high school. My husband and I convinced him to give his ninth grade a year a try by making the decision whether to walk away or to continue to play. We asked us of him due to the football program at Cape Coral High School. It reminded us of the team he started to play for in Maryland that ignited his love for the sport. The team was full of coaches that considered us family we still talk today. The morals and the respect they taught my son at the age of eight was something we are proud to be a part of. They were not just teaching football. They were teaching how to be human decent humans.
029My husband and I met with coach Murphy during open house as well as other players from the team. They exuded the same morals and decent human decency we recognized from the earlier years. Coach Murf and his program has renewed my son's love for the game. He is a great coach, mentor, and decent human human being. He would do anything for the players of this team. He would help anywhere, any way he could. He always has an open door policy as reached out to check on players if they are hurt or having issues with anything inside or outside of the classroom or on and off the field. He wants to see these players succeed. My son has shown such great growth in school, on the field, and in a personal level. His self-confidence has flourished this
030year, and we're only three months in. It is it is my humble opinion that if you continue to keep Coach Murf away from his team and the Cape culture that he has built, the program will collapse. He is a mentor, a teacher, a coach, and even a father figure to some of these players. I myself had felt as if I was punched in the gut when I heard he was forced to resign. Please do the right thing and bring Tyler Murphy back to this team, the school family he has built, and let him continue to grow the Cape culture he has started. Thank you. Simon Priy. hello y'all. I'm a student athlete at Cape Coral High School. As you guys can see, I just came out of practice just because that man Tyler Murphy over
031there, he's one of the most important people in my life. without Tyler Murphy, I would be stuck about what I want to do after football. I didn't have a clue on what I wanted to do. But that man, Tyler Murphy, he helped me get in contact with the fire department, Lee County Health, the orthodontist, and much more. I believe that man helped me so much just because he doesn't he cares about us more than football. And with that, I want to give back to the young community. And I believe the young community should also have him because he gave us a really good standard on be early, overly communicate, mental toughness, do everything deliberately, and be of high character. And I stand on the be of high character because now a day I believe that
032kids should be respectful and everything. M Mr. Chairman, that concludes public comment, but I have a couple things I want to address if I may. Yes, you may. Thank you, sir. I just want to make sure that it's clear and for the record. I don't know if Mr. Scott is still here. but I do want to make sure that it's for the record and that the public understands that the guest teacher that was spoken of earlier today no longer works for Kelly Services and certainly does not work for the district. I also want to make sure that it's on the record that the school district in hiring any contractors that may provide services is required as noted in law to ensure that they have the highest level of background checks. That's just part of what
033the law requires us to do. So, I want to make sure that's on the record that we have done that and that this particular guest teacher is no longer with the school district. And I and I'm also going to just say something with regards to Coach Murphy as well, just for the record. There was a resignation and the resignation was accepted and it was brought forward to the board and the board voted on it. End of story. Thank you. I'm really off today. Lane Jones and Lou Lopez, are you here? Rene, I don't have anybody else. Is Renee suspen here? Didn't speak. Okay. Thank you, ma'am. I didn't see you lined up. I'm here to speak too about Tyler Murphy. I'm here tonight to speak from the heart about Coach Murphy. Removing him or limiting
034his ability to coach is not just a loss for him. It's a loss for our students, especially the young men on the football team. Coach Murphy's done nothing wrong. He hasn't harmed a student. He hasn't come to school under the influence, and he hasn't broken any laws. What he has done is far more important. He's taught these boys respect, discipline, and integrity. He's guided them through challenges on and off the field, helping them become not just better players, but better people. He's the kind of mentor every parent and grandparent hopes their child will have. As you can see, many in this community feel the same way. I ask you not to look at the lives I ask you to look at the lives he's touched and the characters he's built. The question shouldn't be can
035he return. The question should be how soon can he come back. Is there a lane Jones? Lane Jones. Oh, okay. All right. All right. That appears to be Excuse me. I believe we have one more. Where am I now? Oh, I'm sorry. Rich Joll, I think I'm a little off today, everybody. I'm sorry. I see Mr. Joville. Richard Joll. Yes, I know you guys probably can't believe we're still here fighting for Coach Tyler Murthy. I want to start by saying the school board is supposed to be for the kids. Your job is to act in the best interest of the children. That should be your only goal. However, it feels like it only applies to some kids, not the ones at KC Coral High. It's clear there's been a lack of accountability and poor judgment
036throughout the entire process and investigation. The state has already determined that Coach Murphy is fit to teach and coach. Yet, political pressure, personal influence seems to be preventing his reinstatement. The students at Cape Core High deserve honesty and fairness. They deserve They deserve to see that doing the right thing still matters. What's happening here feels like injustice and the question remains why? Is it a rivalry, alumni, personal connections, or simply unwillingness to admit a mistake? Obviously, we the parents and players are still fighting for Tyler Murphy. If you can't see this, that this is about more than just football wins, then perhaps it's time to reconsider your position on the board. I weigh in this as the mission of the school district says to ensure each student achieves his or her highest potential. Students can
037only reach their highest potential when they have the right leader guiding, encouraging, and challenging them. Without that mentorship, even the most talented kids can struggle to grow and push past their limits. A strong teacher coach like Murphy makes that possible. And I know that ma'am Kathy, you stated that he resigned. Teachers can't resign and be rehired. And you guys all know on this board he was forced his hand. And it's a shame that you guys are pay painting a narrative. You gave him an ultimatum. Be fired or resigned. And we know that this exactly what happened. We were all there. So just do the right thing. It was a mistake. We all made mistakes. We all jump to conclusions before we see all the evidence. We all don't want to look bad in front of
038the public or the media. But let's do the right thing. Bring them back for these students. That's what you guys are here for. Bring them back for the students. You're at the You're at the games. I see you over there. The students are better with coach Murphy teaching and coaching and being a mentor there. Just do the right thing. Everyone makes mistakes. Nobody's going to look at you in any kind of way. But let him coach. Let the principal know. It's okay. If you want to hire him as a coach, let it be. That's all we're asking here. We're not asking for anything. He hasn't harmed a child. He hasn't done anything in the school, but be the right person. The right person that this county obviously needs. And there's a bunch of mistakes that
039you guys make every day all the time. You're human. But let's do the right thing. Bring coach Murphy back. All right, Mr. Chairman. I do think now that's the conclusion of public comments. My apologies for earlier. Thank you. And thank you for your comments, those that came forward and took your time to come here tonight and express your views and your experiences. Next is the approval of action items in the agenda under consent. The documentation for action items listed under consent is made available to board members seven business days prior to the board meeting. Board members are expected to review all materials and may speak with the superintendent regarding any questions about the recommendations. Additionally, some of these items have been previously briefed or workshopped with the board before appearing on the action agenda. Board
040members, are there any agenda items you wish to pull for discussion under unfinished business tabled items portion of the agenda? Mr. Fischer. Mr. Chair, I'll be asking for I1 the renaming Hector Cafferetta to be pulled. Thank you, Mrs. Gio Vanelli. I have none. Thank you, Mr. Ribble. I have none. Thank you, Miss Jordan. J for I'm sorry. R14 R14 Miss Fleming. I have none. Mrs. Shaviano, I have none. And I have none. There is a motion to approve the agenda's consent items with the exception of pulled items I1 and R14. Is there a motion? Make a motion. Mr. Ribble makes a motion. Is there a second? Second, Mr. Fiser. Moved by Mr. Ribble and seconded by Mr. Fiser. Please record your vote. The motion passes 70. We have two polls to address. Dr. Carlin, will
041you please read your recommendation for the pulled item 1 point I mean I.1. Thank you chairpersons. item I1 is approval to rename Hector A. Cafferetta Jr. Elementary School as Hector A. Cafferetta Junior K8 School at the recommendation of the renaming committee. This recommendation is based on the district's intention of expanding the school to include grades 6, 7, and 8 for the 202627 school year. Approval authorizes the superintendent to execute all related documents. Mr. Fiser, do you have a motion you would like to make regarding this item? Yes, chair. I move to suspend board policy 7250 commemor commemoration of school facilities so the board can approve the renaming of Hector A Caparetta Elementary School to Hector A Caparetta Junior KA School. You have heard Mr. Fischer's motion. Is there a second? I second. Miss Chaviano seconds.
042This will be a roll call vote. Any discussion? Oh, I'm sorry. Any discussion first? I'm new to this. I'm just kidding. I'll give you a break here person. Currently, board policy 7250 does not allow the use of K8 in a school naming. We pre-briefed a policy change this afternoon to allow the use of K8 in school names. The policy change will have to go through the rulemaking process and will not formally be adopted by this board potentially until February of 2026. Thus, the rules would have to be suspended to allow us to proceed with the renaming this evening. Therefore, we'll need a motion to accept the superintendent's recommendation in order to accomplish this. And as we've dealt with, Hector Caparetta has been in portables for over 3 years at this point. And I know I
043don't want to wait any longer. I know the rest of this board doesn't want to wait any longer. So, I believe it's prudent for us to move forward with this. I'd also like to confirm, madam attorney, as we're suspending the rules. I believe that would require a super majority. Correct. No. Oh, we're not. We changed that policy. Just majority now. Okay, we're good then. All right. Is there any further discussion? All right. If not, this will be a roll call vote. Mr. Fischer, I. Miss Janelli, I. Mr. Rible, I. Miss Jordan, Mr. Leford Fleming, I. Mrs. Chaviano, I. And I and I. This motion carries 70. Dr. Carlin, restate your recommendation for the pulled item. R, why? R14, I'm sorry. R14. We have to go ahead and now vote on the recommendation itself because we
044just suspended the rules. Oh, okay. I'm sorry. So, that was correct. Okay. Now, we'll vote on I1 approval to rename I'm sorry, M. Superintendent, you read it. Thank you, sir. Happy to do that item. approval to rename Hector A. Cafferetta Junior Elementary School as Hector A. Kefetta Junior K8 School at the recommendation of the renaming committee. This recommendation is based on the district's intention of expanding the school to include grades 6, 7, and 8 for the 2026 2027 school year. Approval authorizes the superintendent to execute all related documents. Is there a motion to adopt Dr. Carlin's recommendation? Motion to approve. Second. It's been moved by Mr. Fiser and seconded by Mr. Mr. River Ribble. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this will be a roll call vote. Please signify by saying I or nay. Mr.
045Fischer I. Mrs. Gioanelli. I. Mr. Ribble. I. Mrs. Jordan. I. M. Mrs. Leford Fleming. I M Mrs. Shabiano. I. And I am an I. The motion carries. 70. Now we will discuss superintendent, would you read your recommendation for item R14? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. this recommendation is to approve the incre to increase the previously board approved amount of $900,000 by $365,000 for up to 1.265 with American Management Resources Corporation, otherwise known as AMRC in Fort Myers, Florida. Pavement Maintenance LLC in Fort Myers, Florida, and Tobler Construction, Inc. in Fort Myers, Florida for the period of November 4, 2025 through April 9, 2026. Pursuant to the same terms and conditions as previously approved by the board, the $365,000 increase is requested due to additional services required by the maintenance services department. Approval authorizes the superintendent to
046execute all related documents. Miss Jordan, do you have a motion you would like to make regarding this item? No. The only reason I brought it back up because the word of the day was transparency and I wanted to make sure after our meeting we got the information that there is such a we have notes and dates and where this money will be spent. So, I just wanted to make sure that was out there, that it was not just $365,000 that were added onto whatever. There is definitely dates and sewage and everything that needs to be taken care of. So, that's the reason that I pulled it for the transparency. Thank you. Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Is there any further discussion? All right. Dr. Carlin, would you like to read item R14,
047your recommendation? Yes, sir. Approval to increase the previously board approved amount of $900,000 by $365,000 for up to 1,265,000 with American Management Resources Corporation, also known as AMRC in Fort Myers, Florida. Pavement Maintenance LLC in Fort Myers, Florida, and Tobler Construction, Inc. in Fort Myers, Florida for the period of November 4, 2025 through April 9, 2026. Pursuant to the same terms and conditions as previously approved by the board, the $365,000 increase is requested due to additional services required by the maintenance services department. Approval authorizes the superintendent to execute all related documents. Is there a motion to adopt Dr. Carl's recommendation. Make the motion. Mr. Dibble makes a motion and seconded by Miss Gio Vanelli. Is there any discussion? I would like to say that while they mentioned it's for continued maintenance, this is for drainage.
048We're going to be doing it during the dry time of the year. So when we get a hurricane or heavy rainstorms or whatever all around the district, we will have better drainage. So that's what this is for. And we did get specific times, places that this will be carried out. Any further discussion? All right, this will be a roll call. Please sign by saying I or nay when your name is called. Mr. Fischer. Hi, Miss Jvenelli. Hi, Mr. Ribble. Hi, Miss Jordan. Hi, Miss Langford Fleming. Hi, Miss Chaviano. I And I'm an I. R14 passes 70. Dr. Carlin, would you please present your recommendation for this evening's public hearing items? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Item W1, approval to adopt revised board policies and compliance with changes in related rules, regulations, and statutes to adopt best
049practices and promote transparency and accountability. The effective date of this adoption shall be November 5th, 2025. We will now recess the schoolboard action meeting and open the public hearing. The time is 7:29 p.m. As indicated, public hearings this evening is to consider Dr. Carlin's recommendation as previously stated. At this time, the public will be invited to speak on this one item. The time allow allowed for public comment is three minutes. Item W1. Is there anyone in the audience who would like to address the board regarding the approval to adopt revised board policies 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 November 5th, 2025. Seeing none, we'll start with chapter 1000 administration policy 1500 remote work. Any
050speakers? See none. Chapter 2000 under programs policy two 2421 career and technical education. Policy 2423, schoolto work program. Any speakers wishing to speak on that? Chapter 3000, instructional staff policy 35000, remote work. Any speakers? Seeing none, chapter 4,000, support staff policy 500, remote work. See no speakers. Chapter 5,000 students policy 5,114 policy 5780. Any speakers? Seeing none. Chapter 8000 operations policy 86000 transportation. Any speakers? Seeing none, I will now close the public hearing and reconvene the school board meeting of November 4th, 2025. The time is 7:32 p.m. Dr. Carlin, please restate your recommendation for this recommendation for this evening's public hearing item. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Item W1, approval to adopt revised board policies in compliance with changes in related rules, regulations, and statutes to adopt best practices and promote transparency and accountability. The effective
051date of this adoption shall be November 5th, 2025. You have heard the superintendent's recommendation the board approve to adopt revised board policies 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 be November 5th, 2025. Board members, is there a motion to approve? Miss Gio Manelli, I actually have a question. Oh, yes. I have a question regarding transportation 8600 line item. It doesn't have a line item, but it's the top of the second page. It says siblings of students receiving special transportation eg shuttles shall not be allowed to ride the special transportation. I personally know that this is existing as we speak. So how do we address that? So what I can share is that's why we brought this
052forward. It was originally in in our earlier board policy and it became problematic for transportation. And so that's why we made the correction so that it's not going to happen once this policy becomes effective tomorrow then transportation can take the appropriate steps to rectify. So let me understand this. Today I know that students rode the bus with siblings their ESC sibling and tomorrow they can't. Well there'll be a transition. So transportation working with the ESC department, they'll come up with a plan to be able to notify parents so that they're aware. So there it's not going to just immediately tomorrow. There's going to have to be in transition so that parents are aware. I'd like to I'd like to pull this. I can't support that tonight for that reason. I don't think you just bring
053that on them overnight like that. I'm sorry. The only thing I will say, Miss Janelli, is that this was went to a workshop already last month, but I mean, we I missed this. So, I'll defer to the superintendent in terms of any action from her team. Yes. I'm going to ask if we have our folks on transportation who might be able to provide some additional insight to Miss Ganelli on this. Thank you. I mean matter of housekeeping before we do this. We really should have a motion to approve and second and then this the discussion. So, we sort of skipped over that real quick. Thank you. You're You're correct. So, do I have a motion to approve, Mr. Fischer? Motion to approve the superintendent's recommendation. Second, seconded by Miss Jordan. Now, we'll continue with the
054discussion. Please enlighten us. Good evening, everyone. so right now currently on our ESC buses, we have the ridership is really high and right now we have a lot of siblings that are on the buses and it's really causing some issues with the students. It's disturbing the other students on the bus. We have a lot of the things that are going on that are causing the students to react to some of a lot of behaviors that are happening along with that and it's just a lot of overcrowding. We have a lot of students that can't sit with other students. they require some spacing between and right now with the siblings on the bus, you know, it's just it's creating a lot of capacity issues. So with this, we will filter having siblings on the buses and
055it's not that the siblings won't get buses. What we can do cuz I've been working with parents in the past, what we typically do is just move the bus stop to where a parent doesn't have to be in two different places at once. We usually accommodate so that the gened bus stop can be with the ESC student and a parent will be able to be at both for the students. and we will, like she said, we will do a process along with this according to superintendent that it's not just be overnight. I feel like December 1st, there will be a period to where we'll give them time to adjust so that we can make the accommodations for them. Thank you for that. So, my apologies, but and the reason why I bring this up is
056I personally know another student that rides an ESE bus that was provided because that was the only bus they got and that they were able to they put them on that bus a and they go to Beayshore. So, they were granted. So, so it's it affects several students that I know of that we accommodated by putting them on an ESSE bus when they really didn't want to ride an ES bus, but they took that route at the beginning of the school year because we didn't have a bus going to Beayshore from where they were coming from. So, and that was one of their options and we put them in Beayshore in student enrollment. So, I am concerned because I know that's a single parent and that accommodating that was a big deal. They needed the
057transportation. So, how does that work? But it's not even a sibling issue. They're just on the ESC bus because that was the only bus going from their home area to Beayshore. Yes. So, this particular issue that you're discussing, so behind the year, we were informed a little late about them becoming K to 8. So, that bus was the only one in the area. It's not that it's just only ESC. That bus was in that area and just so happened to be an ESC bus. So, they still will get their transportation. that one won't be cancelled because Basher was something that we had to make accommodations for later in the summer. So, thank you for that. But how is that any different than what we're now saying here? Like that to me contradicts what we're the
058policy. No, no, those are two different situations. So, the Beayshore situation, right, that's where they became K to 8. We were notified a little later about those students needing rides, so they opened up the zone a little further. So, we did provide the bus in the area. It just so happened to be an ESC bus, but that is the bus that services the gened and the ESC in that area because the ESSE population at Basher is very small. So that bus accommodates that route. But when it comes to exceptional ed students just in general, we're not just going to be adding siblings to the bus to just accommodate. There will be a gened bus in the area that will accommodate the ESC and the GED. So that's why we're separating because we just can't have
059them all on that bus because right now it's creating a lot of problems. Right. But you understand where I'm why I'm thinking that way where it kind of to me it conflicts the policy because we're just accommodating and we're you know we have now we're having going to have a policy that kind of conflict technically does not because the policy says siblings that's not a does not say non ESC students can ride with regular I mean I shouldn't say regular but other with ESC students and ESC students cannot ride together. This says siblings ESC and their siblings cannot and if you know I mean I know it's not perfect but this is not so we have a transportation issue now we're going to send two buses to take the same students to one place. No
060you haven't well you're going to have siblings on one bus and you're going to have the ESE student on the other bus. But I want to keep in mind that this is always how it's been. This isn't a new policy. This policy was always in place. When we switched over to Neiola, it just so happened to slip through the cracks. So, we're just adding it back. So, this is how it's always been. There's always been an exceptional bus and there's a GenEd bus. So, that's it's not anything that we're doing new. It's just replacing the policy and putting it back into Niola. So, it's not like the parents aren't uninformed of this happening. It's just reinstating a policy that was already in place. And my apologies again, but I am concerned because I know of
061stu ESSE students that are comfortable because their sibling is on that bus with them and they're and they are calm and it's it's that they need that sibling there to make them comfortable and that helps deescalate their why they're ESE students. So again, I just think we're making it harder on families when we're supposed to be making it easier. And I just think this is making it harder. My apologies, but No, no, you're fine. I understand where you're coming from, but I understand the difficulty in transportation, so I'm not disputing that. I And I understand you're trying to have a solution, but I think that this could be an unintended consequence in the fact making this change. And I'm concerned because you have ESC students and we neglect them enough as it is and this
062just me sets it aside when they might need that sibling there to calm them down. So Mr. Yeah. C can I just a point of clarification? Mr. McKenna, can you clarify what you said a moment ago that this is currently our policy? Yeah, this is currently a policy. We're just replacing it in Niola. So it's this isn't anything new like we it just when we switched from board policies to Niola this was one that slipped through the cracks and we just replacing it you know putting it back into Niola. So that's what I want to say you know that it was already existing. So this isn't anything that's going to be too shocking to the community because this policy has been in place up until last year when we went to Niola and realized that
063this policy wasn't in place. And a point of clarification if I may. when we have special education buses, they are equipped in different ways than our typical education buses. Is that correct? That is correct. Okay. And so there are certain requirements. Sometimes children are in wheelchairs, sometimes assistive types of adaptive u materials that need to be used on those buses. Yes. And so is that the reason why we have a separate policy? And that is how long has that been in place in our district? Has it been a number of years? it's been a number of years. Okay. So, this is not something new that came on this year. This is not even in the last two years. No. Okay. All right. Just to clarify. Thank you. And and just to answer your question, every
064student has an IEP and IST and we do make accommodations and you know, even though I know they feel comfortable with their siblings, but there is an assistant on the bus. Sometimes the students have a one-on-one and to what Dr. Carlin was saying, some students require safety vest. You know, we have padded windows. Whatever their accommodation is, it is met on the bus. And again, like it isn't to, you know, make parents, you know, to to make them uncomfortable in any way. Like we make sure that every need is met, but it's just to provide the opportunity. And some students require that smaller space. And right now with the amount of siblings that are on the bus, it's a very large environment on the bus. Okay. So, and I know since if it's been a
065policy in place, I know so many exceptions. I just named several. So the superintendent can still make exceptions to that policy. Am I correct? If that if if a parent needs that. Are there exceptions that you're making? Currently, there are some exceptions. Sometimes they go through legal that we will have to make exceptions for. Yes. So there may be specific cases where there may be a need to to do that. My other question is, could there be a safety issue for a sibling of another child, a non-ESC child? If there are behavioral issues or other types of issues that could lead to potential danger of another sibling, could that be one of the reasons why this policy is in existence? Yes, it could be. Yes. Okay. All right. Thank you. I think we covered it
066all. Thank you. Any further discussion? All right, we will now record the vote on this motion. Yes. All right. Motion passes 70. Thank you. We now will move on to the good of the order and other business. Board members, comments and reports. Mr. Fiser, we will start with you. First of all, congratulations again to Chair Persons. It's good to see you in the seat again. I know you'll do a great job. You know, we let you off a little easy tonight though, I think. So, congratulations as well to Vice Chair Ribble. excited to see you in that position and thank you for stepping up. So, couple things real quick. thank you to Dr. Carlin and her staff. We're able to have a town hall at Challenger Middle School and we're able to answer a bunch
067of questions and meet with members of the community. Thank you to Principal Drake as well for hosting us. We really appreciate that. I had the opportunity as with the Chamber of Commerce leadership class that I'm an alumni as well as 21. Javiano 21 21 but to meet over at IDA Baker and Kroll Technical College and be able to talk to the students about the importance of what happens in the school district Lee County. was able to take a tour with Superintendent Carlin and the Boys and Girls Club. They are doing some amazing work over there. So if you have not seen their newer facility in Fort Myers, I would check it out. As a for mentioned before, was a great time at Build My Future. It was awesome. I mean, I remember we had met
068with a business owner that actually one of the students basically brought up a resume and a cover letter right in the spot and I think that was really amazing to see. So, kudos to everyone involved in that. That was amazing. with our vote, I'm sure Dr. Carlin will probably talk about this more. We approved the teachers contract tonight. I want to thank Dr. Carlin and her team as well. I'm excited to keep supporting these teachers. And I also want to note that some of this would not be possible without the prior work of Deputy Superintendent Savage as well as Dr. Carlin being able to find money through her cuts and the doze as we call it. So thank you for doing that. If we look around the state, many other school districts increase are anywhere
069from 1 to 2%. So kudos to you and your team. So I think that's it, right? Oh no, okay. Well, football. so Mr. and Persons and I made a friendly wager again this year for Cape Coral High School being in District 1 and Riverdale being in District 5 and the, you know, much like last year when it was North Fort Myers, District Five where students thrive. Yeah, District One where things get done. That's right. Not forgetting that one. So, we had a friendly wager with North Fort Meyers versus Fort Myers last year and, I came out on top of this one. Unfortunately, I did not come out, on top this year. so, shout out to Riverdale. Is there something I supposed to do? Yep. Here we go. Oh, boy. Congratulations. Wait, wait, wait. Turn sideways.
070Oh my god. Oh, no. I keep my Somehow his head fit in there. That's my report. Thank you. Thank you. Great sport. Great sport. This is juvenile. If you could quit laughing long enough to talk. I'm just gonna I'm gonna be short. I it October is National Bullying Month and I just want to bring awareness to that and thank you for being respectful and at our on our board because we've had bullying here before in the past. So, just thank you for that. I just I'll be quick because I can't even look. thank you to the superintendent and her staff regarding the tal contract and ratifying that. And tonight I'm excited for the teachers deserve this raise. So I'm excited and all those that follow because others will get raises too that benefit and as
071well as Falcon and Dal. congratulations to chair persons and vice chair Mr. Ribble and congratulation and thank you s for serving Raider Fischer and Mrs. Fleming. Thank you. That's it. Thank you. Mr. Ribble. Okay. Real quickly, we talked about a lot of things today, but we really didn't drill into student achievement and the accountability piece, which is, I think, the main reason Dr. Colin wants us to go from school to school to review these plans. We did Friday, a nice trip Friday to the Bonita Springs High School with the principal, Jeff Estus. Then we went to the middle school and met with the Bonita Springs Middle School. met with Kimberly Edishba and then we w up the elementary school with Cynthia Hernandez and I was really impressed. I don't know if you saw my Facebook
072page but I took a shot of one of the boards of accountability. Every one of those principles has an accountability board on there and I was most impressed with how they could look at this thing and explain it. It wasn't just dog and pony show. It was a real accountability process and I was really enlightened to see what we're doing to drive stu student achievement. So I know you keep saying we're we want to be an a school, but I think we're going to get there with this process. So good job and I really enjoyed it. That's it, Miss Jordan. Thank you. again, I wanted to say I said most of my stuff this afternoon. Mr. Ribble, congratulations. And again, congratulations on becoming a certified board member. Thank you. I wanted to bring that back
073up again. Congratulations, Chair Persons, and thank you, Miss Fleming, and Mr. Yeah. Fisher over there. I believe that's him under there. and that's and I just want to say too, because we spoke about this a lot today, one team, one vision. That means all of us. Like when we always speak speak about children all children we need to speak about all board. Thank you. Thank you Miss for Fleming. Thank you Mr. Persons. Congratulations on your chair position. I know that you'll be great. Thank you Mr. Ribble for stepping up. Congratulations on vice chair. we've got some exciting things headed our way. you know, as we travel into the holidays, and we have a lot of amazing staff that deserve a lot of great things. I know you already mentioned the Tal agreement, and, I appreciate
074you bringing that up. I want to say thank you to, is my understanding that, Chorus Mintosh will, be moving along and I want to publicly thank him for his service to our district and all that he has done. and I just want to say thank you to the staff for these long hours and sticking it out here with us. Thank you for all the presentations. I know that those those are hours and hours of work and I just I really appreciate how thorough you were and taking all of our questions and being prepared just like tonight being ready to go with a question that we had about a policy. So, thank you for being on your feet about those types of issues. and then I want to just say because we won't see one another,
075happy Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to our staff, and our students and our families. I for one am very grateful for the honor to be able to serve our community in this capacity. and we all have much to be grateful for. So, I want to thank you all. Thank you to our amazing students and that they bring it every day to the classroom. And I'm super appreciative of the teachers that do the same. That's all Mrs. Shaviano. Thank you. Well, congratulations along the line. So, congratulations, Mr. Ribble and Mr. Persons. thank you, Miss Langford Fleming and Helmet Head over there for everything that you've done. It's greatly appreciated. But, yes, echoing our Thanksgiving break coming up, much needed rest and relaxation and that time with family. and just to have a time of reflection. and just kind
076of soak it all in. And hopefully you relax and do nothing. And by nothing, like no grading of anything, no touching of anything. Like just don't even cook. Like have someone else cook for you if you can. just enjoy it. and and be with family. I don't know. That's the greatest thing I think I can kind of take away. there's teams competing during Thanksgiving break for competition. and I'm part of one of those teams. So, I will be away on Thanksgiving in Orlando competing. So, safe travels to a lot of our kids in our district that are going to be traveling and away from family on Thanksgiving. but thank you, yes, to our district and to our staff and just everyone here for everything that you do. It does not go unnoticed. There are phone
077calls and text messages and emails that are sent sometimes at ungodly hours with questions and you guys are very graceful and kind when you respond. So, I greatly appreciate that. and just thank you for everyone here on the board for everything you do. I don't I don't think everyone fully understands what happens behind the scene. It's coming up on my year here. it's a great time of reflection. and I always get asked, is it what you thought it would be? And I'm happy to say I didn't really have an idea, which I'm grateful for because I probably would have been like, it's not what I thought. it's so many things, right? But it's it's the people and there's so many great people in this district and we have such great students and I think we
078miss that sometimes. We need to highlight that better and just recognize that more that's what we're here for. and so thank you for that and thank you for that honor and that privilege to do that every day. and I answer the emails and the phone calls, so keep doing that. but yes, please enjoy your break and all the things. Rest up. Thank you. All right. Thank you for the confidence to make myself chair. I appreciate that. I'm looking forward to a great year. You know, it's the first year we've really had in a while that we haven't had CO or a hurricane or another hurricane, you know. So, I we have certified teachers in every room. The buses are getting more kids there on time. We have great accountability now as Mr. Ribble mentioned. So
079I honestly believe we are set to make our move to an A district. I'm excited about that. I'm now going to go to Attorney Bruno. Do you have any comments? Thank you to Mr. Fischer, Miss Langford Fleming for serving. and congratulations to Mr. Persons and to Mr. Riddle. Looking forward to a good year, Mrs. Superintendent. Thank you very much, sir. just I guess piling on to the congratulations to chairpersons and vice chair Ribble. Look forward to a wonderful school year ahead. also congratulations, Miss Chaviano. just want to piggyback on something you said on the first year in office to you, to Mr. Ribble. also my rounding out my first year as superintendent. so it's been a real pleasure to get to work with the governance team and just thank you for your patience with us
080newbies as we come into the team and just really appreciate all of the guidance and support you all provide for us. So thank you. as Mr. Pson said, there's a lot to be proud of and a lot to be grateful for. As I talked about earlier today, we are very very blessed. we are down to 20 teacher vacancies. and I said this earlier, I just want to repeat this for the public. which is comprised of four teacher vacancies in the east region, four in the north, five in the south, and six in the west with one at the special centers. I can tell you having been in this district for many, many years, 32 to be exact, plus this next year, so 33, I cannot tell you the last time that those numbers existed in
081this district. It's been a very long time. very proud of our teachers and all the work that they do. Thank you to our principles and our hiring managers in the schools because you are making it happen in partnership with HR. I really appreciate that. The kids are the winners when we fill classrooms. So, thank you for that. I also want to congratulate the board. Thank you for the approval of the Tal contract tonight. Very special shout out to our chief negotiator Dr. Ayusi and to the leadership of TAL. everybody did a great job and we now have lots of great things happening to include up to a 7% raise for our teachers. My colleagues around the state are talking about 2% 1% or 0.05%. So kudos to Lee County and to our team for for
082making that happen. We also have bereavement and personal leave and and tons of other things that we've been able to do adding nine minutes to the day. So you know we continue to find ways to add those instructional minutes which really make a big deal for our kids. So thank you. had the privilege of visiting many different organizations around Lee County in this first year, most recently at the Rotary of North Fort Meyers. It was a pleasure to go over and speak with those ladies and gentlemen. It was very early in the morning. thank you to Dr. Johnston for the invitation and just a pleasure to be out there as well. And finally, just to round out the evening, happy Thanksgiving to everybody. Yes, it is a little bit early, but we will not have
083another meeting until after Thanksgiving. So, just to add on to what my colleagues on the board said, to our staff, to our children, to our families, just enjoy that family time. please make sure that you disconnect have that time, eat some turkey, and just enjoy the parade and all those wonderful traditions that you have as a family. we just wish you a very blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you. And thank you. Our next scheduled meetings of the board will start at 100 p.m. on December 1st. That's a Monday, followed by a schoolboard action meeting at 6:00 p.m. At this point, having no other business to come before this body and see no objection, this meeting is adjourned. The time is 8 o'