School Board Meeting | April 28, 2026

001Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> I need to take a picture of that real quick and put on her lip gloss before we start. >> I was trying to do it off camera. Okay. >> Hey, secrets don't make friends. Sorry, I didn't mean to slide into you like that. >> Wow. >> All right. >> Good evening, everyone. I'd like to uh Good evening everyone. I'd like to call uh Bishop Mincy forward to give our invocation and I'll ask that you all please stand and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Thank you. Shall we pray? Kind father, in Jesus name, we are so grateful for the gift of this day. But this is the day you made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you for your love, your mercy, your grace, and

002your power. Thank you, oh God, for how you have kept us and you have brought us to this present time. Thank you, oh God, for this board, P County School Board Chairman, and all of the members that serve. Thank you for Superintendent Hyde. Thank you for P County Public Schools, all of its staff and students today. ask your continued blessings will be upon our district. Bless, oh God, and encourage us and strengthen us as only you can. Be in this meeting tonight and let whatever is done bring glory, honor, and praise to your wonderful name. Thank you, oh God, for Jason Pittz. Ask that you will continue to strengthen and others, oh God, that may be going through physically. Thank you for board member Fields and her family. be with them tonight. Ask oh God

003that you would be with us now and that will keep us in thy will. And as our children are coming close to the end of this school year, graduations is about to take place. I ask that your blessings will go with all of our graduates and their families. Be with us now, oh God, and ever keep us. And we'll tell you thank you for all things. We ask these blessings today in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. We pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> At this time, I would like to invite Delaney Tveris to come forward and lead us in the pledge of allegiance. [clears throat] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice

004for all. >> Thank you. You may be seated. However, Delaney, I'd still I'd ask you to stay there, please. >> Yes, you are not in trouble. We just had we have uh we have a few questions for you. First of all, it was fantastic. Good job leading us through the pledge. Um could you introduce yourself and anyone you brought with you tonight? >> My name is Delaney Terraras and tonight I brought my mother and my grandmother and with my um my cousin's daughter. >> Excellent. Um any school staff you came with you tonight? >> My principal from the school, Miss Q. Excellent. Thank you. Uh, and what grade are you in? >> I'm in fifth grade. >> Fifth grade. Awesome. Uh, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Do you have any hobbies

005or other activities that you enjoy doing? >> I like playing basketball and I also draw a lot. So, that's basically it. >> What do you like to draw? >> I like to draw dragons cuz I really I really love dragons. Um, I lot I have a lot of stuff with dragons. Yeah, >> that goes well with the theme of your school, right? Um, can you tell us a little bit about your favorite subject in school? >> Well, my favorite subject has to be ELA because I like reading and in ELA it helps me my reading improve and I can read out loud for them to under for them to hear and I feel proud of it. >> Excellent. Excellent. What are are your biggest dreams for your future? >> To become a famous artist. >>

006Oh, famous artist. Well, um, we have some great art schools in this county, so make sure you're you're paying attention there. Um, can you tell us, speaking of schools though, can you tell us what you like best about your school, Palmetto Elementary? >> I really like that my school has an art class and then the art class has many, many subject, many cool things in it. So, we can do Tagar and all of that. It's very cool. I love it. >> Excellent. I'm glad you enjoy your school. Um, I would like to say thanks for joining us tonight. Hope you have a great rest of the school year. And can we give Delaney a round of applause for being here? [applause] [applause] Thank you very much. Good evening. I wish to extend a >> photo.

007>> Oh, sure. Absolutely. Come on. Come. It's okay. Come forward. We'll take the photos. Thank you. That's it. Wait, we're going to bring the >> Thank you so much, Delaney. Great job. >> [applause] >> So, good evening. I wish to extend a warm welcome to everyone present on this evening of Tuesday, April 28th. The board, superintendent, and I are pleased that you have joined us as we celebrate student achievement, review information, and make policy decisions related to the effective operation of the Poke County School Board. Our goal is to ens ensure we achieve our mission to provide a highquality education for all students. I would like to call the April 28th, 2026 regular school board meeting to order. Board members, the first item on our agenda tonight is to accept our agenda. Superintendent Hyde, are

008there any revisions to the agenda as printed? >> Mr. Chair, yes, sir. Item L number six, Duke Energy easement request at Bthoon Academy. The item was removed pending the finalization of those documents. Item L number 10, approval for the use of funds permanent generators at Tener High School for the special needs shelter and others. Item was removed. Item M number one, non-instructional personnel actions, attachments were updated. Item M number two, administrative instructional personnel actions. attachments were updated. Item O number two, an amendment, Stepping Stones Group LLC SLP ESE, that item was added. Item U number one, purchase of Lake Marian site for district development in Northeast area for future schools. The attachments were updated. Item U number two, contract renewal for Rowdy Gaines Aquatic Center. That item was removing again pending the completion of those

009documents with the city of Winter Haven. Thank you, sir. That concludes any changes to the board agenda. >> Thank you, Superintendent Hyde. So, at this time, the chair will entertain a motion to accept the agenda for the April 20 28th, 2026 meeting with noted revisions. >> Move to approve. >> It's been moved by board member Allen. Do I hear a second? >> Seconded by board member Wallace. Is there any discussion? I see no further discussion. We get our electronic votes. >> I'm slow on the reboot. >> Okay. We're just pausing for a second to get our electronic votes in. Missing three. >> Are the only ones that have entered or are missing? >> Okay, we're not we're having some issues right now. Refresh. [clears throat] >> You may want to refresh. >> It's making me

010sign back in. >> We have to resign back in. Okay. We're waiting just for our electronic votes. Just hold up for one second. >> Who's missing still? >> Who else? >> Okay. Miss Wy, were you able to reboot? Were you able to vote? >> I think I'm good. >> We're good. They're still missing your vote for some reason. Miss Wyatt >> saying I can change my vote, but it keeps saying error. There was an error and your vote may not have been reported, but it's telling me I can change my vote. You change your vote. I'm trying. It keeps coming up here. >> Okay. We we will now proceed to do a voice vote. All those in favor of accepting the school board agenda for April 28th, 2026, please signify by saying I. >> I.

011All those opposed, say nay. Motion carries unanimously. Next item up is new administrators. Superintendent Hyde, will you lead us through our next item? I apologize, sir. >> I had to reboot [laughter] as well. We have new administrators, sir. At this time, I'd like to invite Mr. Kevin Levine, principal, former principal at Harrison School of the Arts, who was recently promoted to senior director for fine arts. >> Good evening, superintendent. Hi. >> Good evening, sir. >> School board members, colleagues, and community members. Um, I want to start by thanking God for the many blessings he's given me in my life, including the opportunity to have a career in arguably the most rewarding and one of the most important professions, which is educating our students. Um, I do want to thank uh, Superintendent Hyde and Mr. McNotton

012for their faith and trust in me to um take the helm at the fine arts department and I'm looking forward to continuing to advocate uh and promote great quality arts programs throughout our district. I'm very appreciative of a school board that as I look across I know as each individual one of you are also fully supportive of having amazing fine arts programs because you realize uh what it does for our our students and our community. Um, I would get myself into a lot of trouble if I started naming a lot of names, thanking people because I would inevitably uh leave somebody out. But I would just like to thank all of my friends and colleagues who have supported me over my years in my prof. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> To my husband, Willie

013J. Carter Jr., my sons, Ashton Carter and Willie J. Carter III, and my family. Thank you for being my role models and constant support. I am a girl from Little Malberry, across from Malberry Middle, not Shepard Road, Malberry, the real Malberry. [laughter] If you know, you know. Who used to play school every day in my room, making my friends be students while I pretended to be the teacher. Make I attended Po Pulk County Public Schools with perfect attendance from kindergarten to 12th grade. I attended Sykes Elementary where I was a wizard in Malbury Middle and Malbury Senior High Schools where I became a Panther graduating sixth in my class. Looking back, those mascots reflect my journey as an educator. The wizard represents knowledge, growth, and the power of believing in possibilities. The panther represents strength,

014courage, and determination. In education, and especially in ESSE, we need both the wisdom to meet every child's unique needs and the courage to advocate for supports they need. Poke County Public Schools has always been home to me. I began here as a student, returned after college as a teacher, and I am honored to now serve in my 25 year with 25th year with this district. Early in my career, I taught a K to5 separate class VE setting. That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of the unique needs, strengths, and possibilities within special education. and it inspired me to continue growing in the ESSE department. My philosophy is simple. All children can learn no matter the challenges they may encounter when given the right supports, high expectations, and people who believe in them. Thank you m

015to Miss Tammy Williams, Miss Rebecca Ecman, Dr. Paulie Bruno, and Miss Pam Grim for your leadership this past year. I look forward to partnering with you all as we continue the important work for serving students across our district. I also want to thank say thank you to my village who came tonight to support me and my my work family for believing in me and pushing me to the next level. I look forward to continuing to grow, learn, and serve our students, families, and staff. Thank you. >> Congratulations. [applause] Thank you. >> Congratulations again. [applause] Next we have Carolyn Porter, administrative assistant at Philip O'Brien Elementary, being promoted to acting principal at Philip O'Brien Elementary. Not with us this evening. Okay. And lastly, we have Matthew Cochran, senior manager with land services, being promoted to assistant

016director of network operations. Also not with us, so we'll take an opportunity to see if they'll join us at a at a future meeting. Thank you, board members. That concludes administrative administrator updates for today. >> Thank you, Superintendent Hyde. The next item up is our special recognitions. Superintendent Hyde, would you lead us through our special recognitions? >> Yes, sir. At this time, I'd like to ask board member Lisa Miller to step down for this evening's recognitions. for for our first recognition. Please know that we're in our fourth year of working with Florida's prepaid program to offer scholarships to our five Pulk County Public School students. Each of the winners tonight will receive a two-year scholarship for college. This selection is done randomly and it includes all eligible students. We have two current or incoming kindergarteners,

017one elementary age student and one middle school student and one high school student. And this is based again on the current school year. To assist me with announcing the names, I'm going to welcome Miss Anne Everett, senior director of the Office of Acceleration Innovation, to the podium. >> Good evening, everybody. Before we begin, I do want to recognize a few friends that make this possible every year. Wendy Winchester, who champions this project and works tirelessly behind the scenes. Jason Giri and his team who do all the promotion for this project, as well as printing our awards this evening. and then Michelle Nab who worked with our schools and families to make sure the paperwork was submitted on time. So, as Mr. Hyde shared, we do use a randomizer to select students. Um, we select from

018our pre-K pool, our kindergarten students that attended Camp Early Bird. So, I strongly encourage all those preK students out there to sign up for Camp Early Bird this summer so you can be eligible for next year's awards. and then from elementary, middle, and high school. Students, when your name is called, please bring your family to the front to receive your f your award and have your photo taken with Mr. Hyde and Mrs. Miller. Our first recipient is a prek student at Frost Proof Benhill Griffin Junior Elementary School, Jeremiah Wallace. [applause] >> [applause] >> Hi everybody. Big smile. [applause] >> Those walls are destined for success. [laughter] >> Our kindergarten recipient is from Brigham Academy and joined by their principal, Miss Lorie May. And we have Laura Lee Gaskin. Come on down. [applause] One, two, three.

019Thank you. >> [applause] >> That's how you pay for college. [laughter] >> Our elementary recipient is a fifth grader from Inwood Elementary and joined by his principal, Mrs. Camp. Please welcome Malachi Mosley down to the front. [applause] [applause] I love that. >> Congratulations. It's two It's a two-year prepaid, but I don't know their value. Yeah. >> Yeah. Very [applause] Awesome. Our middle school recipient is a sixth grader from Crystal Lake Middle School. Please welcome Adlia Hunt down to the front. [applause] Thank you so much. >> [applause] >> And last, but certainly not least, is our high school student from Lake Gibson Middle School, 11th grader, [laughter] Declan Van El Slacker. Come on down. [applause] >> Congratulations. gives a grade. [laughter] >> You're not coming down. >> You'll have to [laughter] put >> Thank you so

020much. Have a good evening and congratulations Next, I'd like to welcome representatives from the Supervisor of Elections Office to come forward and introduce themselves and recognize the winners of the I voted sticker design contest. >> I'll start it off. Good evening, uh, board chair Sharpless, honorable board members, Superintendent Hyde. I'd like to introduce uh, Shannon Curtis. What? >> I love your energy right now. I >> after after seeing that that was so cute up there. So, we're going to try to really try to top it. But here and and Casey McNichol uh from the Office of Supervisor Elections about uh something that we did a project we did with them. So, take it away. >> All right. Hello. Uh we're here to announce the winners of the sticker contest. It's our first year we've done

021it, so we're very excited about it. This sticker contest was open to all Pulk County public schools and the elementary school students designed a future voter sticker. The middle school students designed a vote by mail sticker and the high school students designed an I voted sticker which are going to be used this year during our primary and general elections. And future voter will be used during our outreach initiatives throughout the year. So this was done during literacy week. Um it was a tie-in with their read white and blue um theme that they had. So it was really easy to slide right in and and use that. Um, so I know that there was a booklet and I know Mr. McNotton wanted to talk about that. Did you want to talk about that? >> Yeah. So

022when we talked about the America 250, the lessons that we're doing, the artwork on the back cover are submitted for this project. So >> So Shannon's going to step up and talk a little bit about um our contest and then we'll go ahead and we'll announce the winners. Okay. Thank you all for being here as we recognize some very talented student artists from across Pulk County Public Schools and celebrate the importance of on the important part of our democracy. This year's I voted vote by mail and future voter sticker art contest was a special partnership between Pulk County Pulk County Public Schools and the Pulk County Supervisor of Elections, giving students the opportunity to combine creativity with civic engagement. We wanted to recognize that throughout this process, Jeffrey Hancock has been a wonderful resource and

023support. And I want to say that very loud and clear for everyone. He's been fantastic this entire time, both with this and the high schools. Can't say enough wonderful things about Jeffrey. I know he can't be here today, but he's been great um coordinating with the district to integrate this concept into literacy week, which was conveniently themed read, white, and blue, celebrating 250 chapters of America. But we will continue to do this moving forward. Um, voting is one of the most important rights we have as Americans. It gives each of us a voice in shaping our future, our communities, and our country. Through this contest, students had the chance to express what voting means to them, not just through their words, but through art. And that's powerful. A sticker may seem like a small thing,

024but the I voted sticker has become a symbol of participation, pride, and community. And it represents the idea that every voice matters. Today, as we are recognizing students whose creativity captured the spirit in a meaningful way, their artwork stood out for its originality, message, and ability to inspire others. What makes this even more exciting is that these winning designs will be seen by voters across our community during upcoming elections. We have 500,000 registered voters in Pole County, and they will all be receiving these stickers. So, we are very, very excited about that. serving as a reminder that civic engagement starts early and that the next generation is already making an impact. To all of our participants across all of the different schools, thank you for sharing your talent and ideas. To our teachers, families, and

025school leaders, thank you for encouraging creativity and civic learning. And to our winners, congratulations. Your artwork represents more than a sticker. It represents the future of democracy. Your future, your voice, your pulk. Congratulations. So, if our winners could come forward, okay, okay. [applause] Oh, I think we're missing one today. So, but we'll see. So, our elementary future voter winner is Chloe Munz from Sykes Elementary. [applause] Sorry. There we go. There's our sticker. [laughter] >> Remember that if you want to. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Our middle school winner was Bernia Joiner from Crystal Lake Middle. I I believe she's not here tonight. And our high school winner is um Sarah Vivas from George Jenkins High School. [applause] >> Okay. And we have um the stickers for everybody. We'll leave them in the back hall when you're

026leaving, but we have a little bag of stickers for each of you so you can get them before anyone else. But you still got to promise to vote in August and November. >> Okay, you're right in the middle. We'll take our picture. >> I'll hold my >> board especially wants you to vote in August. [laughter] Give one to each one of them. Right. There's >> great work. >> [clears throat] >> Put one right here. Thank you so much. This is exciting. >> Don't let them escape without giving them their challenge coins. >> Thank you, board members. Next, I'd like to welcome welcome representatives from the Toys for Tots for the recognition of schools who collected the most bikes and the most toys. >> Good evening. >> I'm Angela Davis. I am the coordinator for PK

027County Toys for Tots. And before I get started with these awards, I'd like to just share a couple of things with you guys. In Pulk County, Toys for Tots is totally volunteer. There are no salaries, no payroll. I'm a volunteer. This is actually a group of people who come together with big hearts and want to make sure that the less fortunate children in our community get to have a good holiday. But now, we were able to take it a step further, which there was an error on the schedule earlier today. I was to address you guys, but I know you all received a red folder earlier. I hope you will take time to look at that because Toys for Tots is more than just toys. We have a foster care program. We have a literacy

028program and I actually reached out to five different elementary schools this year trying to give them books and got no response. So that was part of the reason I wanted to address you guys. We have funds now. We are totally supported through the community and we are here. We want to help. Um so yes, we want to work with you guys going further than what we're going to talk about right now with the Christmas program, but with our literacy program and also with our youth ambassador program. But tonight we are here to take uh take a moment to recognize two high schools. So we have a program every year in Pulk County. Last year we serve about 15,000 less fortunate children and that equates to about 80,000 toys that we have to bring into our

029warehouse, sort and then distribute to those families. One of the things we do is a high school challenge and we reach out to our high schools and several of them do take on the challenge and we appreciate that. So tonight I want to recognize first Malberry High School. We have Principal Young here. [applause] And also with me, this is not something I can do by myself. And luckily, we have the Heart of Florida Marine Corps League. I have Jake with me. Come up, Jake. Jake is more or less spearheading the high school program for me now. Couldn't do it without him. And I'm going to let you have the honor since you work so hard, Jake. Make sure we have the right trophy. If you want to present that to Principal Young. They collected the

030most toys. We actually had to go to two trophies. And the reason we had to do that is because of this lady right here, Principal King. Lake Region High School >> overperforms every year. And they do so many bicycles for us that they were winning the award year after year after year. So I said, "Wait a minute. We got to make this more fair." So now we do an award for the most bicycles and also for the most toys. So Principal King, you get to take this back WITH YOU AGAIN. [laughter] >> [applause] >> BUT AGAIN, I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK you so much to these schools. Thank you to everyone who supports our program. We literally are here. We want to help the less fortunate children of PK County. Please take time to

031read those packets. Reach out to us. We want to be here. As we like to say, Toys for Tots is a force for good year round. Okay. Thank you. >> So So wait, don't run off yet. >> Okay. So, say that someone in the room is incredibly competitive and would love to make a run at a trophy. How many items did both schools collect? >> If I remember correctly, because I had those notes with me earlier and I forgot them when I came back. >> Okay. >> Um, I believe the school was around 140 bicycles, 147, something like that. And Malbury High School, I want to say they were around 900 toys and books altogether. >> All accept. >> But again, we do about 80,000 70 80,000 toys. So, they make a big big help

032to us. >> All right, that's amazing. >> That's a good picture. You don't want to mess up with a fit person. >> Good lord. >> That's multiple pickups. >> Thank you. >> Great job. Thank you. Next, I'd like to introduce and welcome Miss Janette Crowley, director of strategic planning and partnerships for the recognition of our volunteer appreciation month. [clears throat] >> I guess green stickers. They're very important. You got them. chair, school board members, and superintendent Hyde. Happy National Volunteer Appreciation Month. That's the month of April. Um Pulk County Public Schools has over 17,000 approved volunteers serving nearly 130 school sites. These individuals give their time and talents to enrich the educational environment for our students by helping in media centers, front offices and classrooms, mentor and tutor students, or work on beautifification projects for

033the campus. And that's only a fraction of what these volunteers contribute to our schools. As you recall, we recently um honored our school volunteer honores and district winners last month at the volunteer of the year awards ceremony. But tonight, we want to recognize those behind those individuals behind the scenes at the school sites who make things happen for our volunteers, our volunteer coordinators and administrators. With us tonight, we have two of our schools who have a stellar volunteer program. As I call each school to join me, I will share some highlights about their specific school volunteer program. First, Chain of Lakes Elementary. Come on. Come on. [applause] We have Principal Susie Nelson and volunteer coordinator Candace O'Neal. Chain of Lakes Elementary has over 500 approved volunteers, including more than 130 newly screened level two volunteers.

034The school has been a prime example of how to adapt to the new Florida statute and keep our students sta safe safe, effectively communicating expectations with parents and community members and ensuring a smooth process for their volunteers. We are so proud of Candace and Susie for their hard work and dedication to a great school volunteer program. >> Can we get in with Can we get in with the photos? These are for you, too. Sorry, I'm not gift for you, too. Yes. >> And then we also have some points. >> Already gave you the points. Okay. Okay. Okay. And finally, Winston Academy of Engineering with principal Lucas Wilkins. Volunteer coordinator Suzanne Newman unfortunately had a prior commitment and could not be with us. Winston Academy has shown incredible initiative with the updated level two process and

035has added over 220 level two screened volunteers this past year. The changes have al also not affected their volunteers dedication with over 2,000 volunteer hours logged in the school year. Win Academy has not only built a solid volunteer program but a culture of working together with their community to help students achieve success. Congratulations Suzanne and Lucas on your amazing work. Thank you so much. [applause] That concludes my presentation on the volunteer recognition. >> Congratulations. And lastly, Miss Crowley is going to stay with us and recognize the group three winners of our focused on excellence program. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> The Focus on Excellence employee recognition campaign launched six years ago to foster a culture of recognition and motivate staff to continually strive for excellence in their roles by highlighting outstanding achievements and dedication.

036The initiative helps strengthen morale and build a supportive environment throughout Pulk County Public Schools, keeping one of the nation's 26 largest school districts running efficiently, entailing all almost 14,000 employees giving their best very every other every day. Through this campaign, we celebrate PCPS staff from various roles, ensuring their contributions aren't overlooked within our school district. Each quarter, 12 nominated employees from different employee groups are selected as winners through a nomination process to receive prizes from our generous sponsors, attend an appreciation lunchon, and be honored at a board meeting. [snorts] The 12 winners are also featured on our website and social media channels. This allows our public and stakeholders to learn more about our amazing employees. As we enter um through this impactful year of the program, the goal always remains the same, to encourage and

037appreciate employees positively impacting their lives while reinforcing the students first mission. Tonight, I will be recognizing our third group like Superintendent Hyde said, which is our teachers. I'm going to share with you what our teachers love most about what they do for PK County Public Schools. So, as I call your name, if you could please come forward and we have a certificate and a challenge coin for you as well and bring your family too or if and any support staff that you have with us as well. So, I'd like to um ask Dakota Roman, first grade teacher at Spessard El Holland Elementary to come forward, please. Ms. Roman shared that she loves when students finally start to make connections and expand their knowledge. She looks forward to the smiles and laughs shared when they finally

038reach a shared goal. Pulk County Public Schools has been her home for the past seven years and has allowed her to grow and sharpen her love for teaching. Thank you, Mrs. Roman. [applause] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all for being here. >> Thank you. Mr. Ray Cruz. Mr. Cruz is an agriculture teacher, FFA adviser at Roosevelt Academy. [applause] >> Mr. Mr. Cruz said the opportunity to teach in an environment that blends academic, vocational, and employability skills has been one of the greatest blessings of his life. It has been incredibly meaningful to serve both ESSE and general education students while making a positive impact on our schools, community, environment, and the future of education. His 31-year journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his agriculture supervisors, co-teers, principles, facilities, and maintenance

039teams, and district personnel. Their encouragement, collaboration, and belief in this program that he has built have meant more than words can express. Above all, he wants to thank his family and God whose constant guidance and support and blessings have made his journey possible. Congratulations, [applause] >> Miss Crowley. I'm going to interrupt for a moment. Um, do me a favor. Check the apple today and call for Elizabeth Thompson. Is there an Elizabeth Thompson in the room? My worry is if we keep going, people are leaving and we found a personal item that needs to be returned. Elizabeth Thompson. Okay, you can proceed. I apologize, but I'm worried somebody will be missing that item and we failed to catch him before they left. So, go ahead, please. >> Ivy Thomas. Miss Thomas is a health science teacher

040at George Jenkins Senior High. She feels honored to be a member of the George Jenkins team and she truly enjoys her position alongside the incredible colleagues she collaborates with daily. Our students are remarkable individuals and it's inspiring to see their dedication to becoming future health care professionals. >> Thank you, Miss Helus. [applause] Eddie Congden. Eddie is an agriculture teacher at Dundy Ridge Middle Academy. [applause] Mr. Congden said the daily interaction with his students and helping them develop a genuine love and appreciation for agriculture is what he loves best about his job and teaching for PK County Public Schools. >> Eddie, you got a fan club out here. [applause] Claire Stron. Claire is a reading interventionist at Dundy Elementary Academy. [applause] Claire said without a doubt, the students, they're the heart of everything she does, and

041being a part of their growth as learners is incredibly rewarding. Every day she gets to work feeling thankful, not only because of she's doing what she loves, but she's also supported by dedicated administrators and fellow teachers who make their school community a place where students can succeed and thrive. The collaboration and encouragement that guides her to give her best every day allows her to grow as an educator so that she can continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and teachers. Congratulations, >> [applause] >> Tara Peterson. Unfortunately, she could not be here with us this evening. Um, however, I do want to read her information. She's an English teacher at Gauze Academy. What she said she loves most about her job is knowing that she can make a difference. It's a privilege to

042be able to be there for her students when they need her most and being able to feel like you actually help make a difference in their lives. Working for Pulk County Public Schools doesn't feel like a job because she gets to look forward every day to helping students become the best they can. And when they show appreciation, it is worth more than money. Congratulations to Miss Peterson. [applause] Adam Smith. [applause] Adam is a physical education teacher at Frank E. Brighgam Academy. What Adam loves most about his job is getting to teach, mentor, and set a positive male example for the students each day. He's absolutely blessed to work with an amazing assistant coach, an awesome team, and an administrative duo who supports him in his creative, sometimes off-the-wall ideas. He's eternally grateful for the opportunity

043to fulfill his calling within PCPS every day. Congratulations, >> [applause] >> Katrina Lynn. [applause] Miss Lynn is an agriculture teacher at Southwest Middle. She loves that she gets to work every day to do a job that she enjoys and gives her purpose. working for PCPS for the last 28 years has blessed her with opportunities to watch young people develop into remarkable leaders in the community. She has the honor of working with and learning from some of the greatest educators in our state. Congratulations, [applause] Jennifer Longley. Miss Longley is an eighth grade science teacher at JWT Middle Academy. [applause] Ms. Longley has been with PCPS for close to 30 years and she said she loves her job. Um the mo the most thing she loves about it is working with students when they understand a concept.

044She knows that people often talk about light bulb moments. Um but it's truly amazing to watch their eyes light up and the confidence build, especially if they have been struggling to understand. Working for PCPS has given her a career that she wanted to do ever since she was little. She's been able to work with amazing people both in and out of the classroom. She's forever grateful to Pulk County Public Schools. We appreciate you, Miss Longling. [applause] Next, we have Kimberly Nolan, and she is also not able to be with us tonight. I believe she said she had after school testing or tutoring that she was going to be doing, so she was not able to be with us, but she is a sixth grade language arts teacher at Rochelle School of the Arts. Um, what

045Miss Nolan said that she loves working for Pulk County Public Schools is because every day is exciting and never is never repetitive. Teaching middle school students keeps her young at heart and she's always up for creating challenging and exciting lessons that make students happy to learn. Congratulations to Miss Nolan. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Next, we have Anita Raina. All right. [applause] Miss Rea is a graduation enhancement teacher at Lake Region Senior High. She said the opportunity to support and encourage students in their educational journeys is what she loves most. She loves seeing students succeed at every stage from mastering lessons to completing courses, graduating, and achieving goals beyond school. Congratulations, >> [applause] >> switched over. It's the wrong date. >> All right. Thank you. [applause] >> Jessica Victory Jackson. Miss Jackson is a STEM

046teacher at South Point Elementary. What she loves most about her job is that every day she gets a chance to make a meaningful impact in students lives and watch them grow both academically and personally. Working for Pulk County Public Schools gives her the opportunity to be a part of a team that cares about student success. PCPS has also provided her with the ability to grow professionally and she would not be where she's at today without the support of staff. Congratulations. [applause] >> That concludes my presentation. Thank you. >> Thank you, ma'am. Mr. Chair, that concludes special recognitions for this evening. [clears throat] >> Thank you so much, Superintendent. I just also for those that are leaving right now, I just want to say thank you for taking your time out to be here and um

047and join us for your uh your recognition. Uh, next item is public comments for items on the agenda to be voted upon as adopted at the start of the meeting. Before we begin, I would like to welcome the public and go over p our public comment process and opportunities for this evening. We will have three opportunities for public comment this evening. The first will be for items on this e evening's agenda to be voted upon. As always, during this time, comments will be limited to those items on the agenda. The second will be during the public hearing for policy updates and the Alta Vista K8 reszone. And lastly, at the end of the meeting, we will have an additional opportunity for public comment on on items that are not on this evening's agenda. To register

048to speak, community members must fill out a speaker card in the lobby prior to the meeting. All speakers will be given three minutes. The light will turn yellow when you have one minute left, and you will hear a beep when your time is concluded. All comments should be directed to myself as board chair. As a reminder, public comments are an opportunity for us to uh collectively to hear your thoughts and comments. This is not a question and answer session and comments are not to be directed at individual board members. However, if you are seeking additional information, I encourage you to contact any of us or the superintendent's office outside of board meetings and we will be happy to have deeper conversations. We do not have any uh anyone registered to speak on our agenda items.

049So board members uh now we will need to approve three sets of minutes. The first set of minutes is for the March 24th, 2026 school board work session. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the March 24th, 2026 school board work session minutes as written. Do I have a motion and second? >> Motion to approve the March 24 work session minutes. [snorts] It's been moved by board member Keys, seconded by board member Allen. We'll now we'll now have our electronic votes. She's having to log in. It's okay. We'll just take a second to uh register our electronic votes. >> Thank you. All right. Now we'll now we'll proceed to do a VO voice vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed, nay. Motion carries unanimously. The second set

050of minutes is for the March 24th, 2026 school board meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the March 24th, 2026 school board meeting minutes as written. Do I have a motion and second? >> Move to approve. It's been moved by board member Allen and seconded by board member Miller. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, let's register our electronic votes. And now we'll proceed to do a voice vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed, nay. Motion carries unanimously. The third set of minutes is for the April 14th, 2026 school board work session. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the April 14th, 2026 school board work session minutes as written. Do I have a motion and second? >> Motion to approve the April 14th work session

051minutes. >> Moved by board member Keys. Do I have a second? >> Seconded by board member Wyatt. Please take a moment to register your electronic votes. We'll now proceed to do a voice vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All those opposed, nay. Motion carries unanimously. The next item of is approval of today's consent agenda. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the April 28th, 2026 consent agenda as printed. Do I have a motion and second? >> Move to approve. >> So moved by board member Miller. Do I have a second? >> Seconded by board member Wyatt. We now take a moment to register our electronic votes. Wait. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, we will we will register our electronic votes. They will now proceed to a voice

052vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed, nay. Motion carries unanimously. Next up is our action agenda. Our first item on the action agenda is U1 entitled [clears throat] purchase of the Lake Marian site for district development in the northeast area for future school. The suggested action is to approve the purchase of the Lake Marian site. The chair will accept a motion and second. >> So moved. Second. >> It's been moved by board member Wyatt and seconded by board member Miller. Is there any discussion? The board uh chair recognizes board member keys. >> So I think there's probably no mystery here of what I'm going to say. Um at a time especially after our last strategic planning meeting when we have received um deferred maintenance that was in originally

053in the amount of $1.1 billion but then reduced to 827 million. I don't see where we can in good conscience purchase a piece of land that we have no direct use for currently and even so on the agenda it was labeled as for school use and we have already identified that it may not be for school use I just don't feel comfortable in supporting an item um and the current condition of cuts with deferred maintenance coming up in the amount it is purchasing property to land bank so I will not be in favor of Thank you, board member Keys. Board member Allen, you are now recognized. >> Thank you, Chair Sharpless. Um, you know, personally, I'm not in favor of it as well. I just think there's a utility risk associated with it. Um, just

054as noted previously that we're looking at about 16,000 plus feet of force main that's not um been established. So, I just see that as a high risk. Um secondly, I think the zoning uh element for me has been a concern as well. And then lastly, I just from a transparency concern, um you know, the realtor that's just actively advocating almost trying to answer questions that we've had that um we could not have had answered, trying to advocate uh on that and email form. Um but they're also the principal seller of the land and and have ownership in a piece of the property as well. So, um, I I'm just not in favor of it overall. So, I will not be voting in favor of it tonight. So, thank you, chair. That's all I have. Thank

055you. Thank you, Dr. Allen. Are there any more board member comments? I would like to make a comment. Um, did you Okay, sorry. I thought I saw someone push a button. I would like to make a comment. Um so after our last work session uh actually our last board meeting where we tabled this to this board um board meeting table this item. We were challenged and during that meeting um by board member keys to actually go out there and visit the property, go drive by it, see it um and see where the location is rather than just look on a map. see the infrastructure, all that in place. Um, and so I did. I looked at our map. I looked at uh where the location of the of the property was and I drove there.

056Um when I drove there um I noticed that the road itself um was very there's a very a small little two-lane road um kind of out there in in the uh northeast Pulk kind of I don't know in Pulk County vernacular we say it's out there in sticks kind of out there um you know and so I it concerned me um and then some of the other in the other comment tonight from board member Allen about utilities concerned me as well. So, I'm hesitant um especially with the um with the deferred maintenance that board member Keys mentioned. So, with that hesitancy, I'm going to be voting down on this tonight. Um and so I just wanted to make sure everyone knew the reasons why. Um and so is there any other board member comment tonight?

057Board member Wallace, you're now recognized. Um, >> this process got started long before I joined the board. So, um, although I've, um, done my best to ask questions, study the issue, um, because it did spill over into my time and I felt like, um, I had questions similar to Dr. Allen's about utilities and I come from an industry adjacent to utilities where at any given time on demand we can calculate how long or how much it would cost to extend fiber broadband service from point A to point B and um I wanted to know exactly what it would cost to under today's you always have to assume while we know things could change by the time we build a school there we always want to know in today's dollars the maximum cost that could happen

058if we had to extend utilities from the nearest point and was unable to ascertain that and so I just didn't I do not feel uh comfortable supporting this at this time and and uh you know there's so many things we can't predict or control for the future but I um agree with the my colleagues who have commented today and I am not from the northeast part of the district so I'm deferring to board member keys uh on his on his um input there as as a local who knows the crevices of that part of the county really well. I'm going to trust his judgment and I will be voting it down tonight as well. >> Thank you, board member Wallace. Board member Wyatt, you are now recognized. >> Thank you. Um I just in listening

059to my colleagues comments can can see where this is going. But I do want to just make the point that, you know, had we not bought some of the properties that we did 30, 40 years ago um that looked very similar to this area um out where Chain of Lakes Elementary is and who would have thought that portion of Winter Haven would have ever exploded the way that it did. Um we likely would not have school sites in some of our areas that have are currently what they are. Um, so I do have concerns whether it's this property or others that PK County is not stopping growing. Um, especially in that northeast area that as we look at what we own currently that we need to make sure that we do have sites available because

060I mean we already have three looking at four high schools in the northeast that are opening at capac. I mean we've opened a high school. Every time we've opened one opened a school up there has been at capacity. Um, so I do have concerns about not having property when we need it because once the land is sold, um, we unfortunately don't have the luxury as we have in the past couple decades where there's a million orange groves around and it's easy to come buy large parcels of land um, or a conglomeration of large parcels of land that once they are homes owned individually and in developments, it's much much more difficult to um, get the acreage needed to build a school. It's we can't build a school on one or two acres. So, um those

061are my concerns with not moving this forward. >> Thank you, board member Wyatt. Board member Miller, you're now recognized. Thank you, Chair. I just want to um my input on this is this strugg um indication to our staff that once they've done the work on something like this and gone back and answered questions multiple times, we need to respect that and probably call a vote before we keep pushing it out six months for the same questions to be asked with the same answers given. I don't think it's uh that's it's not good pro it's not good business um for us when we deal with property owners. It's not good business as a district. So, I I would hope that the next time there's a question that we just don't keep tableabling and tableabling it that

062it's decided early enough for for people to move on and do business elsewhere. Um but again, yes, this is the area of the county that's growing um more rapidly than ever. So, if we're going to talk about portables, we need to talk about opportunities and it needs to be clarified in record that these that this opportunity was given and and we may end up choosing portables over it. So, um, that's what a board's about and I am happy to take the vote on it. I just think that in the future, either written policy or procedure is tableabling things multiple times and asking people to hold contracts and hold on to prices they could have easily moved on from. It would be respectable to let them go a lot earlier. Thank you. >> Thank you, board

063member Miller. Is there any further comment? Seeing none, we will now proceed to vote electronically. All right. Now, we'll proceed for a uh voice vote. All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> All oppose say nay. >> This motion fails. Next up is item U2 entitled FSBA advocacy committee representative and alternate upcoming an alternate upcoming term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The suggested action is to approve Travis Keys as the FSBA advocacy committee representative and Kate Wallace as the alternate for the upcoming term of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The chair will entertain a motion. It's been moved by board member uh Allen. Do I hear a second? >> Seconded by board member Wyatt. Uh we now have discussion. Do I hear any [clears

064throat] discussion? Board members. Board member Miller, you are now recognized. >> Thank you. I just want to confirm. I'm happy that people are wanting to serve. I think it's important. I served on the same committee long ago. I just want to make sure that um is following FSBA that I can vote on something even though I'm not a member of FSBA. >> Yes, I confirm that because as a board member as as a part of the board, you are selecting a representative even if you're not if you're not a member. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. All right. Is there any any further discussion? Seeing none, we will now proceed to vote by electronic means. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. All those opposed say nay. Motion carries unanimously. Next

065we will go into into our public hearing. I now open the public hearing. The first order of business is any comments on the public hearing agenda items. We have no uh and no no individuals signed up for public comment on our public hearing agenda items. So, first up is V1 public hearing for policy updates. The chair will accept a motion at this time to approve uh the the motion to approve all policies presented during the public hearing and those policies are bylaw 0147.1 travel and expenses and policy 5223 absences for religious instruction. Do I hear a motion? >> Motion to approve the hearing for policy updates. The motion to approve the policy update. The all policies presented. >> Yes, I'm sorry. The policy updates. >> Excellent. >> As presented. So, we have a motion. Do

066I hear a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved by board member Keys, seconded by board member Wyatt. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, we will now proceed to vote on approving the pol policies presented during our public hearing. Please record your vote electronically. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. All those opposed nay. >> Motion carries unanimously. The next item is V2, Alta Vista K8 Reszone. The chair will accept a motion to approve the Alta Vista K8 reszone. Do I hear a motion and a second? >> Motion to approve the Alta Vista K8 reszone. >> It's been moved by board member Keys. Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> It's been seconded by board member Wyatt. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, please uh record your vote

067electronically. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. Motion carries unanimously. At this time, we will close the public hearing. Yes. Yes. That's what I'm doing right now. [laughter] At this time, we will close this public hearing on April 28th. >> Point of order. Mr. Chair, you need to go back to item uh action agenda U number two. There were actually two motions that needed to be addressed there >> separately. >> Okay. We we made the motion to to do them together. We said board member Keys as chair as a a member and then >> there there are two stated recommendations. I if if if Mr. Green says that that's sufficient to do them collectively, then that's fine. >> I withdraw my reframed. >> Yeah, >> it's fine. >>

068Okay. >> Thank you. All right. The next item on our agenda is our superintendence report. Superintendent Hyde, do you have a report for us tonight? >> I do. The next sess the next meeting will be on May 5th, 2026. We will have a work session at 12:30 p.m. and a board meeting immediately following at 5:00 p.m. Both will be held here at the district office located at 1915 South Floral Avenue in BAT. That concludes my report, sir. >> Thank you. Next, we will move to our attorney's report. Mr. Green, you are recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh my first item on the report this evening is to request authority to advertise a public hearing at the June 9th, 2026 regularly scheduled schoolboard meeting regarding the code of student conduct changes presented at uh today's

069school board work session today, April 28th. All right. [snorts] Thank you, Mr. Green. The recommended motion is to approve advertising a public hearing on June 9th, 2026 of the changes to the code of student conduct presented at the April 28th, 2026 school board work session. The chair w re the chair welcomes a motion at this time >> to approve that advertising. >> It's been moved by board member Allen. Do I hear a second? Second. It's by It's been seconded by board member keys. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, we will vote electronically. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed say nay. Motion carries unanimously. >> Chair. My second um item on the attorney's report deals with um a settlement matter. Uh in 2008, a claimant had a workplace

070accident which was deemed compensible. The claimment had two prior claims with the school board. Uh the dates of those accidents were July 8th, 2005, April 3rd, 2006, and November 4th, 2008, respectively. Uh the claimant has had multiple surgeries and a device that may need replacement which is included in the cost of settlement. Uh the claimant has been deemed permanently and totally disabled. The board's excess carrier amerit trust group provided authority to settle and during mediation the board's outside council reached a final settlement of $310,000. The board's excess carrier requires the school board to front the cost of this settlement amount and then will provide reimbursement after the fact. The net cost of the settlement will be $0 after reimbursement from the excess carrier. The recommended motion is to approve the negotiated workers compensation settlement of

071$310,000 and to authorize the board chair, superintendent of schools, and general counsel and the school board's outside counsel to take all necessary actions related to the settlement of this case. The chair welcomes a motion at this time. >> Motion to approve the negotiated compensation settlement. >> It's been moved by board member keys. Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> Been seconded by board member Wallace. Is there any discussion? Board member Keys, you are now recognized. >> I just want to say thank you for Mr. Green for taking the opportunity to talk to me about this and I think this kind of closes the chapter for the district and alleviates us from any further um claims for litigation. So that's why I'm voting in favor. >> Thank you, board member Keys. Is there any other

072discussion? Seeing none, we'll now proceed to vote electronically. All those in favor of the vote of the motion to approve the negotiated compensation, please signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose. Same sign. Motion is approved unanimously. Thank you, Mr. Green, for that report. Next, we come to the part of the evening where we have our board members report. Tonight, I'm going to go in reverse district order. So, we're going to start with you, board member Miller. >> Um, I real quickly, I have just a few things. One, I want to mention a scholarship that has just been um developed for my longtime friend from Winter Haven High School and one of our one of our employees who passed away, Mr. Delrich Leonard. Um the scholarship is now open. If you would go, if you're

073in high school, if you and plan it planned to go to FAMU, please reach out to your college and career advisor to ask about this scholarship. His legacy is a great one and I know his family appreciates us um continuing that with students. I want to mention connected and the success Melody Ryder has had with bringing our business community into our schools. The connect event was recent recently held and I'm proud to say Lake Gibson won multiple awards including our community partner Bonnie and Perry Evans who support our school and our students. Um and I want to thank all the community business partners that are that belong um in that circle and really give of their time because time is worth more than money and we are seeing the success when we see our business

074community reach out to our students. Um, I want to thank the superintendent for joining me at the Pulk Ecumenical Action Center for Empowerment. That's a lot to say. The Peace Group, um, if you know Pastor Clark, you know that the superintendent and I had more than a church service that evening, but it is a it is a organization that runs when I they fill a congregation. There was probably 800 plus people there. Um, they work on different issues and this year they've chosen youth mental health. And so, um, if you've ever been to one of the peace organized meetings, you know that they give an official time on stage to either agree to work with them or to disagree. Um, they stopped, "If you disagree, there's complete silence of a room of almost a thousand."

075So, I told him, "Go up there and agree quickly." Um, luckily, it was a topic that we're all very much um in favor of. And so we will work with them and our other community partners to talk about mental health resources, not only what we have, but I think the biggest concern is how do families know how to access those resources. So that'll be what we work on throughout this year um with the peace group. And last but not least, um I got to speak with the public service leadership class with Pulk Vision. And those are people who are thinking about serving in their community either as an elected official or on boards and committees. And I want to thank those people that take time um to really do the homework, the people that have

076purpose, the people that want to belong um in a in a area of change and improvement for whatever part of the city or county they get involved in. We need more of them. So, I want to thank Kim Long and Pulk Vision for providing that service to have the service leadership class for people to join. Um lots of busy things here at the end of the year. I'm looking forward to graduations. And that is all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Oh, I forgot something. The most important thing, I didn't put it on social media because I was waiting for PEF to announce it. Last night, was it last night? Superintendent and I attended the Pulk Education Foundation take stock in children um end of the year gathering. So, there was a big

077surprise to be announced and I was waiting patiently, but I kind of knew what it was already. Um, take stock and children is a program for students to go through if they com if they complete the two years with the adult mentor. Um, they are awarded a two-year prepaid Florida prepaid scholarship. Last night they told the kids, "You got here, you arrived, you went through all the program, and we promised you two years Florida prepaid." Well, we're not doing that. They're giving them four years. Everybody that completed this year, 33 students that completed the last two years of take stock and uh take stock and children with Pulk Education Foundation received a four-year Florida prepaid scholarship. I want to thank Tracy Porter, Pulk Education Foundation, their board, and all of the partners that help raise

078money to help those kids dreams come true. Thank you. That was a big one and I almost forgot. >> Thank you, board member Miller. We now recognize board member Wyatt. >> I don't know if I can can I'll do that one. Um, this is, you know, the season of a million events. A couple recently, the Hearth lunchon, this honors our seniors graduating in high school that have been homeless at some point during their um, high school years. It is always incredible to see those students show up, but more so to talk to those students. Our guidance counselors do a great job of making sure they have a plan, that they are prepared, that they're not just walking across the stage with a diploma, but that they know, you know, I'm going on a golf scholarship

079somewhere or I'm going to be working at the public's warehouse or what their plan enrolling in the military. They all have a plan. Um, so I want to say kudos to our teams that wrap around wrap do all of the wraparound services for those students to really make sure that while their time with us ends in a few weeks that they are supported um and have a plan for their future because they don't necessarily have a ton of adults or the stability that that many students do. Um, so that's probably my favorite event every year. Um, but then and they also all got a free computer, so that was exciting. Um, but there's again a million events coming up. Um, and so I will just let us all enjoy those. >> Thank you, board member

080Wyatt. And now rec recognize board member Wallace. [clears throat] >> All right. Um, so same deal, lots going off. Um, I first, this was, this happened since our last board meeting, but I would like to congratulate board member Miller and all of the team at Junior Achievement for the successful groundbreaking at the Barnett Family Discovery Center that will be at adjacent to Tenok High School. And I have to brag on my employer, Spectrum, because Spectrum is um a a a founder, meaning that um Spectrum is one of the going to be the one of the major donors to the project. Although there's probably two dozen organizations plus that have made it possible and um none of that would be possible without all of the um companies that are giving five and six digit amounts including

081um and then some philanthropists who are doing even more than that. So looking forward to opening that up to thousands of students this fall. Can't wait for that day. Look forward to celebrating. Glad to be part of that. So again, congrats. Then, um I'm going to while we're talking about how much I love Spectrum that my bosses who are sharing me and my time um know this is I had the opportunity last Friday to travel to Orlando and attend a New World's reading celebration and there were 3,000 Orange County area families that showed up with children all of whom are receiving one free book a month from the state. It's a state program kind of like Dolly Parton's program um where children enroll and get one free book a month. So, New World's Reading was

082launched five years ago and Spectrum received an award for being the first company to sign up and support it and I don't want to disclose the amount but it's been millions of dollars cumulatively that Spectrum has given. Um and Tiko was another one in that in that boat and I know they're a huge supporter of ours. But 14 million books have been distributed to Florida children since that program started 5 years ago. So, I wanted to mention it because if you are a parent watching, if you're a teacher, if you're a principal, if you're anyone watching, you haven't heard about it or you've heard about it, you weren't sure, it's New World's Reading. And any child in Florida starting with our four-year-olds who's been flagged through their formative assessments or if they're older, third grade

083and up through their FAST assessments as as being an atrisisk below grade level reader can enroll in this program. Doesn't matter your zip code, your income or any anything your background. The only litmus test is if you're a struggling reader. So, please enroll. It is free and it's thanks to the generosity of Florida taxpayers and corporations like Spectrum and uh Tiko and many others who enroll and make that possible. Okay. And then I would like to congratulate the Pulk State Foundation on their successful legacy gayla they had uh last week and um and many former PCPS students who are there who benefit from uh those tuition scholarships that the foundation award students to make sure they can afford their education and advance themselves. I want to thank the Virgil Hawk Hawkins Bar Association and all

084of the divine nine uh fraternity and sorority chapters who had an incredible H.B.CU CU jump off event last Saturday at Dennis Middle. Um I saw several $500,000 checks going to our PCPS students who are metriculating to college next year. Gift cards, information, um community organizations tableabling. Um there's a student I'm mentoring who attended and he loved it and came away with a lot of information and a gift card. So we really appreciate all the the generosity. Uh I saw Allison Wonderland Jr. with the superintendent on Saturday at Davenport School of the Arts. Great show, audience engagement off the charts, wonderful costumes, lighting, music, laughs, all of it. And they have more shows coming May 2nd and third. Um, >> three Alice's. There were three Alice's, which is kind of cool because this the the play

085showcases her at all different sizes, just like the movie. Um, want to congratulate our artists who were acknowledged by Congressman Scott Franklin's office with our Congressional Arts Awards yesterday at the Ashley G. Bernett Museum of Art and one student will have their art on display in the tunnel uh connecting the capitol and the um house offices. So very very I wanted to make that and got and got stuck in traffic, but um I'm I'm happy for them. Appreciate the congressman and his staff. And then I'd like to uh like uh all my colleagues said, just appreciate um all the great events going on and look forward to celebrating our students at graduation and the video awards uh later this week. That's it. Thank you. >> Thank you, board member Wallace. I now recognize board member

086keys. >> So, lots going on as as many have already echoed. Um you know, enjoyed going out to B tower Gardens on the 15th to witness the dedication of the Calvin Kulage statue. I mean, I learned stuff at that that I never that I never knew about President Culage that that was his last visit, official presidential visit. Um, you know, during his term. So, that was cool. Um, also went to the bash uh benefiting ACE Arisa Center for Excellence and Sun and Fund. My first time ever going to Sun and Fund and wow, what an amazing experience. And we left as we're walking out that um Saturday afternoon and my youngest just says she's pointing a building. She goes, "Daddy, what's that?" I'm like, "That's actually the high school that CFA." She goes, "They have

087a high school that teaches about flying airplanes." I said, "Well, kind of. Yeah, but yes." She goes, "Well, that's where I'm going." So, just awesome opportunities out there. Um, also, for the first time, I got to go to a couple of commitment days. Um, the first at Hay City Senior High School and then at Davenport High School. And just to see those students walk across the stage. Um, and it's more than now just committing to whatever um, secondary education. It's recognizing those who are have agreed to, you know, join our armed forces as well as enter the workforce. Um, and to see the number of students walk across to celebrate those achievements that they're doing after was just an absolute joy and a blessing and and and got to see those. Congratulations to uh my

088colleagues here, Mr. Sharpless and [laughter] Miss Wyatt on their graduation from the um their time in the sheriff's advisory council and that that course uh was able to attend that as an alumn. And I also we had Mr. Talbot went through that as well. And there was one more from the district, >> Ramsey. >> Oh, Dr. Ramsey, that's right. So, congratulations to you all. Um, thank you for committing the time to that. I think to see the inside of the the sheriff's office is valuable. Um, state of the county want to say thank you to Superintendent Hyde and and uh, Chair Sharpless for representing the school district. Well, I think I got a lot of comments afterwards just um how much information was given and the support thereof of the district and the good things

089we're doing. Um and then uh also attended the Congressional Arts Awards yesterday at the AGB. Um and to see the artwork submitted by those students is absolutely phenomenal. Dr. Allen and I were able to last year um see in the tunnel the one that was displayed there and and to the honor to be able to have that as thousands pass those every day. Um but the artwork submitted was absolutely fantastic and has a joy to see that. And uh the last thing we end up with is u as you're watching you know um I would say a special request pray for us because as we come into this season it's busy and we sacrifice time away from our jobs and away from our families to attend all of these graduations and these closing ceremonies and

090it it takes a lot and I got to a point where I was mentally and physically exhausted here recently. But um I will tell you the joy that we get out of it and to be able to experience these things in our public schools is just absolutely fantastic and wouldn't have any other way. So um looking forward to a busy into April and even busier May. Thank you. >> Thank you board member Keys and now recognize board member Allen. >> All right. So so many of these things have already been mentioned by you all but we've been so busy. It's really encouraging um since our last meeting what's been happening around the school district, but the Tenner Rock um and the Barnett Family Discovery Center always exciting to see this vision unfold and it's just

091something uh that our students can actually walk into one day very soon. Um I also had a chance to celebrate some of the very best in our community at the volunteer of the year awards. Uh reminded me quickly that we have a lot of people who give way more than they get. For sure. Um, I want to say thanks to Sheriff Grady Jud. Uh, [snorts] he actually stopped over to Oscar J. Pope uh to receive a student portrait that was created by a class. Um, honestly, I think that that might be the best uh PR that he's had all year. Not really, but I mean it was really amazing. Students just loved I mean he spent so much quality time on that campus um just recently. Pretty amazing. Um yeah, you know, so so many

092of us join the breakfast with the board which proves that if you offer food so early in the morning, uh people ab absolutely come talk about education policy. Um and then I think just you know from the silver garland awards to the hearth lunchon um I mean it's just been incredible to celebrate both service and then the success of our students um that have overcome some crazy challenges in their life. [snorts] Um, yeah, the Connect Ed Pulk Partnership Awards dinner was mentioned already, so I just want to give a shout out. Uh, congrats to the winner of the Academy Trailblazer of the Year. Uh, and that was awarded to George Jenkins High School for the Academy of Cyber Security. So, go Jenkins. Uh, and then thanks to Goofy. Y'all, I'm sure y'all saw that. um

093superintendent was out there and uh got a selfie with Goofy and was playing with the parachute and all kinds of stuff getting crazy. But thanks to Goofy from Disney who stopped by Jesse Keen and had an amazing program for our prek students. Uh but also uh gave multiple park tickets to every staff member uh on campus at Jesse Keane. And I tell you um that principal, she is amazing. I mean, she got so excited. And that staff, they just went wild. Um and superintendent really built it up and uh they thought they thought that he was there for a principal change, you know, was going to announce a principal change and uh it was he just sort of built it up. [laughter] >> Yeah. Because I tell you, Miss um Principal Perry has really built

094an amazing culture there and um really love her. She's doing incredible work. Uh and then finally, we recognize our congressional award uh winners. Again, that was already noted. And then I'll just uh close with thanks to Chair Sharp List and Superintendent Hyde. The state of the P County Public Schools is strong. >> So, thank y'all. Thank y'all. That's all I have. >> Thank you, board member Allen. Appreciate that. Board member Keys has one other thing he forgot to mention. >> Yep. And thank you for that, Chair Sharpless. Um, also is the uh assignment of uh from our board to sit on PEF. Special recognition to Matt Mucci. Um, it was his last board meeting at PEF and I'm going to [snorts] tear up kind of like he did. It was um to hear the amount

095of effort and passion put into there and just the board as a as a whole [snorts] and the support of one another was absolutely fantastic. So publicly, um, if you happen to ever watch us, Matt, thank you so much for your service to PEF, um, over the many years and and, um, you've left a legacy there that won't be forgotten and we're looking forward to to to great things from others coming up. And, u,, but that was a special time. So, thank you to Matt for that. >> Thank you, board member Keys. Um, I've got a few things for my comments. Uh, first, I also attended the volunteer of the year awards banquet. Um, I want to give a shout out to District 66's own uh Dundy Elementary uh volunteer, Lynn Daniels, elementary senior volunteer

096of the year. That was really special for me to see uh Lynn up there. Um I actually graduated with her son. Um and it was really cool and she does a great job there at at Dundy Elementary. So um kudos to you, Lynn. Um, I also had the opportunity to go by Winter Haven High School's uh CFAA um and visit with Mr. Brian Hughes, their director. Um, you know, we a lot of attention is on Kathleen CFAA and for good reason. It's a great a great uh facility and in uh and academy. Um, but they're doing great things at Winter Haven CFAA, too. And I I want to encourage um my fellow board members to go out there and check it out if you haven't yet. Um, [laughter] yeah, we're not stealing Winter Haven High

097School from you, Board Member Wyatt. I I think we would >> Yeah. [laughter] Um, I I want to also uh thank the Lake Wales City Council um for designating April as Roosevelt Academy Month. I was at their city council meeting when they presented that um that uh designation to Roosevelt Academy. Uh it was very special. the the history of that and the legacy of that school is a really important one. Um and so I just want to thank the Lakewell City Council. Um I also went to the hearth lunchon. Um it was uh I got to hear the speaker and then I had to leave uh and go to another event but um great motivational speaker that uh you know got your when your neck start your hair in back of your neck starts to

098stand up you know he's a good good motivational speaker. So, uh, good job and, um, such a great, great program, uh, for the hearth lunch in there. And finally, um, this past Saturday, I attended the funeral of John Richmond. Um, he was a bus driver in the Frost Proof area. Um, one thing I want to just mention to the public, if they don't know, if an active bus driver passes away, they take their bus to the funeral and park it outside of the funeral. And, um, it was very touching. um and uh to see the camaraderie amongst our bus drivers at that um at that funeral and how much uh he was was loved. I want to um just send my condolences out to the bus drivers uh especially the ones in the frost proof

099area, area 4 I believe it is. um you know for losing a colleague uh and and someone who man just listened to the story was truly a remarkable person. So um that's all I have for my uh for my board report today. Um and the next item on our agenda is public comments addressing items not on our agenda tonight. As noted earlier, to register to speak, community members must fill out a speakers card in the lobby prior to the meeting. All speakers will be given three minutes. The light, which is over here, will turn yellow um when you're you have one minute left and then you will hear a beep when your time is concluded. Please note that although the board encourages community participation, no immediate action will be taken on items presented during this

100public comment portion of the meeting. If follow-up board action is required, then the matter may be placed on the agenda at a subsequent meeting in accordance with school board policy. I have one individual who signed up to speak today. Uh when I call your name, can you please come forward and state your name and address for the record and you will have three minutes to speak. So the individual is John Sharer. Please come forward and you'll have three minutes to speak. My name is John. I live at 204 Lake Regions Boulevard, Winter Haven, Florida. >> Good evening, Chair Shapeless Sharpless, members of the board, superintendent, and distinguished guests. I'm here to talk to you about artificial intelligence in PT County Schools. I'm a proud father of my son who goes to Garden Grove Elementary School

101there in Winter Haven. And I'm the CEO and founder of Sheer Tech. I've spent more than 25 years in technology helping organizations from school districts to govern government agencies to enterprise clients navigate the most consequential technology transitions of their generation. Our repetition is built on the ability above all others, bridging the gap of people and technology. I'm not here to sell you a product. I'm here to deliver a message that I believe is among the most important this board will hear all year. Six 116,000 Poke County students, 14,000 educators are at a crossroads. The decisions you make in this room shape the next generation. Where Poke County Schools stands and why this cannot wait. I want to be completely honest with this board about where Poke County stands today. Not to criticize anyone in this

102room, but the students in our schools deserve an honest accountability. Poke County is the eighth largest school district in Florida. We are one of the last major districts to act on artificial intelligent ed education. It has been the standard since effective July 2024. Poke County school is out of compliance for more than 21 months. Orange County is advanced. Hillsboro County advanced. Broward County in progress. Miami date early stages. Poke County hadn't even started. I'm here to hopefully let you know that I can help you get to where you need to get with artificial intelligence in Poke County schools. And safety is first. The safety of every child, every educator in Poke County schools is non-negotiable foundation of everything that we do. Not performance, not cost savings, not competitive positioning, safety first, safety always, safety in

103every decision that we would ever make. Here's the reality of this board. Students in every level in Poke County are already using Chat GPT, Google Gemini, AI writing tools, and image generators today, this week, in every cluster. Thank you. Thank you board members. Next order of business is adjournment. There being no further business, this meeting of the Poke County School Board is now adjourned. Thank you.