001[music] Heat. Heat. N. >> [music] >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah. >> Are you okay? >> Oh, >> hello everyone. I now I would like to ask Reverend Harris to please give our invocation. I would ask that you all would please stand and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance afterwards. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Let us pray. >> Leg stool. Thank you for the school. Lord, thank you as a teacher myself today honoring seniors for their senior night basketball game. thinking about our 2026 class as they go down the stretch. Give them a second, third, fourth, fifth win so they can finish well. Thank you for all the folks in the room today. I can sense their energy, their passion, their love for your people. And thank you that you created all of us in
002your image. We all have intrinsic worth and value because you made us. And I pray Lord that as we go about your business tonight that we will not forget that we all matter from the seniors all the way down to the little babies. I'm thinking about my sixth year old cousin who was recently in a horrific accident and now has to do school a different way. Give us eyes to see, hearts to hear and to receive and to think about how to best educate these young people. Thank you for the privilege it is when they walk on campus, when they get off the bus. Thank you for our superintendent, for our team, all those who work with our kids each and every day. Thank you for the privilege of serving you in the role of
003education. Now, give us ingenuity with our lesson plans. Give us uh creativity when it comes to delivering those plans. But most of all, tonight, help us to remember what's important. It's our faith, it's our family, and it's our friends. And we thank you for those who going to be recognized tonight for their contributions. Thank you for using us all in your way to make this world a better place. Lord, we need you right now more than ever before. And we call on your great name. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, let it be acceptable in your sight. For Lord, you are our strength and our redeemer. Help us, Lord. We pray all this in your name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you, Reverend. I would now like to call
004up uh Haley Hendris to come forward and lead us in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may all be seated. However, Haley, you need to stay up here for a second. Excellent job. Excellent job. I've got a few questions for you if you don't mind. Okay. Um, could you introduce yourself and anyone else that you brought with you tonight? >> Um, my name is Haley Hendris. I am 10 years old. I like to sleep. [laughter] >> [gasps] >> And anyone you brought with you tonight? >> Um, my dad, my mom, and my sister. >> Okay. Anyone from your school? >> No. Okay. [laughter] >>
005Yeah. Right behind you. Can you introduce them, please? >> Um, Miss Hancock and Miss Miller. >> Oh, well, hello. [laughter] Um, so what grade are you in? >> Fourth grade. Okay. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Do you have any hobbies or activities that you enjoy? Um, I like to swim, sleep, magic. >> I also heard you have a great sense of humor. [laughter] Dad shaking his head. Yes. Back there. Um, can you tell me a little bit about your favorite subject in school? >> I like ELA. >> Oh, excellent. I also heard you're a big music fan, too. Okay. Um, can can you tell me what your biggest dreams are for your future? >> Um, I would like to be featured in a movie and be a voice actor. Oh, excellent.
006Um, and can you tell us last question here? Um, you attend Poke City Elementary, correct? Can you tell us what you like best about Poke City Elementary? >> I get to stay after school cuz mom's a teacher. >> Oh, mom's a teacher there. Excellent. So, good job, Haley. We appreciate you you being here tonight leading the pledge of allegiance. Um, I hope you have a great rest of the school year. And uh, everyone, can we give Haley a round of applause for her being here tonight? Excellent job. You may be seated. Good job. Oh. Um, actually, if you could come forward and get a photo. Parents, uh, admin, if you'd like to come forward, everyone. >> Yeah. Family. She snuck it in there, but she said she magic and I was curious if she practices
007magic like as a magician or she just enjoys it. >> Does she? >> See, I knew it was [laughter] >> That's amazing. >> You're terrible. >> Awesome. Good job. Nice. Great job. Good evening. I wish to extend a warm welcome to everyone present on this chilly Tuesday, January 27th evening. 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 Pulk County School Board. Our goal is to ensure that we achieve our mission to provide a highquality education for all students. And I would like to call the January 27th, 2026 regular school board meeting to order. Board members, the first item on our agenda tonight is to accept our agenda. Superintendent Hyde, are there any revisions
008to the agenda as printed? >> Yes, Mr. Chair. Item L number six, corrective deed and resolution with Hayne City for the Massie Wright Road or road rights of way dedication. An item was added. Item M number one, non-instructional personnel actions, an attachment was added. Item M number two, administrative and instructional personnel actions. An attachment was added. Item N number five, go to SEC Sierra Wireless. An item was added. [snorts] Item R number one, out of state field trips. The description and attachment were updated. Item U number four, land assignment for the new BBB High School and attachment was updated. And item number five, purchase of the Lake Maran site for district development in northeast area for future school site. That item was removed but will return at a future date. >> Thank you, Superintendent Hyde.
009So, at this time, the chair will [laughter] entertain a motion to accept the agenda for January 27th, 2026 with the noted revisions. Do I have a motion? >> It's been moved by board member Wyatt, seconded by board member Allen. So, [clears throat] is there any discussion? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. So the motion on the floor is to accept the January 27th, 2026 schoolboard agenda as presented. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed, same sign. Motion carries unanimously. The next item up on on our agenda is new administrators. Superintendent Hyde, would you lead us through our next item? >> Yes, sir. Mr. Chair, members of the board, members of committee and staff, thank you for being here this evening. At this time, it's my
010pleasure to see if Mr. Achinson, administrative assistant at Lakeship Elementary School, is now being promoted to acting assistant principal at Walter Caldwell Elementary. Is he with us this evening? >> Perfect. Congratulations, sir. [applause] All right. Thank you for the opportunity and I want to thank my uh family, my wife Bobby and >> uh the administration at Caldwell and um all the schools that I've worked at. Thank you. >> You're very welcome. So, we'll ask you to come forward and take a photo if with your family, please, and your friends, your loved ones, your colleagues. Anybody else? >> Congratulations again. Is Miss Hall with us this evening? Oh, perfect. Kimberly Hall, administrative assistant at Winter Haven High School, is being promoted to acting assistant principal at Winter Haven High School. >> Thank you. Thank you for
011having me and for this recognition. I look forward to making a big difference at Winter Haven High School. >> Do you have friends and family with you this evening? >> I do not. My husband had to work late. >> That's okay. Mr. Bruno, come on down. Take a family photo, please. >> Congratulations again. Thank you, Mr. Bruno. >> Excellent. Outstanding. >> Congratulations. You did great, >> Mr. Sharpish. Uh, members of the board, that concludes new administrators for this evening. >> Never drinking a soda before speaking again. The next item up is our special recognitions. Superintendent Hyde, would you lead us through our special recognitions? >> It' be my pleasure, sir. At this time, I'd like to ask Miss K. Fields to step down for the rest of tonight's recognitions. Additionally, at this time, I'd like
012to recognize the members of the First South Florida Missionary Baptist District Association for their very generous donation of gift cards to some of our neediest schools. There are several individuals here from the association with us this evening. And so, I'd like to invite them to the podium to share a few words if they'd like. >> Please join us. [applause] >> [applause] >> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> I'm uh Reverend Harper and this is Mrs. Saunders with me and uh in the audience with us, Sister Matthysse is kind of hiding back there, but she's along with us. But just want to say first of all uh I grew up in in Pulk County and uh graduated back in 1976 from Kathleen Senior High and this is the first school board meeting I've ever been
013to. feel like I'm in trouble. But nevertheless, [laughter] it's it's been a pleasure for us as an association, churches all over pretty much Central Florida to come together and each time we get together, we find local schools that we can give support to. And on behalf of our deaconess ministry and uh senior women ministry and the entire uh first baptist uh first south Florida missionary baptist district association, we just thank God for the opportunity that we've had to be of service and be a help to the to the young people here in P County. So thank you. >> Good evening to each one of you. Thank you for inviting us to your board meeting. Just want to echo moderator Harper. We each year whatever city the association is hosted in, we help schools in that
014area. So we were able to help PCEL Elementary School, North Lakeland Elementary School, and Crystal Lake Elementary School. um this last year with over 300 Walmart cards for each school. >> So we just that is our mission outreach and we want to thank you for inviting us again. Again I'm Carlen Sanders Deacon S ministry leader and Sister Katherine Waldell is the senior women ministry leader that was our mission effort for 2026. Thank you again. >> We'd also like to we'd like to invite your group down, including the individual who was hiding in the back, you said. >> Um, but we'd also like to ask the principles to step forward. So, I see several of them here with us. Um, and one more time, um, from the bottom of my heart, and I know I speak
015on behalf of the board members, want to say thank you very much for your generous contribution and donation to support our students. Am I on the balance? Thank you. Big smiles. >> Next, I'd like to welcome Janette Crowley, director of strategic planning and partnerships, to please come forward to recognize this quarter's focused on excellence winners. Chair, school board members, Superintendent Hyde, audience members, the focus on excellence employee recognition campaign launched six years ago to foster the culture of recognition and motivation to staff to continually strive for excellence in their roles. By highlighting outstanding achievements and dedication, this 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 and entailing all 13,000 employees giving their best every day. Through this campaign,
016we celebrate PCPS staff from various roles, ensuring their contributions aren't overlooked in 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 schoolboard meeting. The 12 winners are also featured on our website and social media channels. This allows the public and internal and external stakeholders to learn more about our amazing employees. As we enter another impactful year of the program, our goal remains the same, to encourage and appreciate employees to positively impact their lives while upholding the mission of students. First, I'm honored to recognize staff this quarter in the school nutrition and parent educator positions. [clears throat] I'd like to start off by mentioning our sponsors that help make
017this program possible. idx Brands, Mid Florida Credit Union, Public Supermarkets, Inc., Sign Gypsies, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Connect Dead Pulk, Chick-fil-A, Ad Morgan, Central Florida Business Development Council, Orlando Health, Dixie Southern Industrial, Inc., The Club at Eaglebrook, T-Mobile, Camp Margaritavville, [snorts] and the and that's that's our all our sponsors for this year. And I'd like to thank each of them publicly for the support that they give not only to this program but also to PK County Public Schools overall. Our winners winners when I sh when I um call your name and explain to everybody what you love most about your job in working for Pulk County Public Schools. I'd like you to come forward with any family or staff that are here to support you. And you don't have to say anything.
018I'll do all the talking. I promise them that. [snorts] Amber Arfuso. Amber, can you please come forward? [applause] >> Amber, you're going to come in the middle. >> Let her family come down. >> All right. Amber is a school nutrition assistant at Central Florida Aerospace Academy. Amber says she likes her job because it introduces her to um and lets her connect with all kinds of people on different walks of life. She loves working for PK County Public Schools because everyone is treated like family and no two days are the same. Thank you for what you do, Amber. We appreciate you. [applause] Kathleen Blackman. [applause] There you go. If you have a hand fan board members or um a PCPS finger hand, you're more than welcome to share in the excitement and cheer them on. Okay.
019Kathleen is an ESOL parent educator at Frost Proof Middle Senior. The thing that she loves most about working with her school, well, she can't just pick one, so she gave me multiple, but she said she'll try to tie it all together. She said, "Frost Middle Senior High is a family, a family of administration who support all areas of the school, not just teachers or students, but bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, [clears throat] and our one lunch man para educators and support staff. Our teachers are the best in the county." and she might be biased, but she says going um she's going to stick with her beliefs and that [snorts] her our students are wonderful and she enjoys building meaningful relationships with not only the students who are assigned to her, but all the students she
020gets to be around every day. Our community is super invested in supporting our school. You should hear the crowds at the athletic events and musical presentations. From the first person who greets you at the door to each face in the hallway in office and classrooms, this is the best school to be in. All right. I love the spirit. Congratulations. [applause] >> Now we need to figure out who the one lunch man is. >> [applause] >> Amelia Jacobo. [applause] Amelia is an ESOL para educator at Lena Vista Elementary. She's incredibly grateful for this wonderful acknowledgement. Receiving a Focus on Excellence award means a lot to her. She would like to express her heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. What she loves most about her job is the joy of seeing the students learn and grow. She's also
021proud to be a part of Pulk County Public Schools. Congratulations, [applause] >> [applause] >> Keith Longley. [applause] Keith is a network para educator manager at JW Middle Academy. What Keith loves most about his job is that he is working in his field again and he gets to put his technician and customer service skills to good use. What he likes most about working for PK County Public Schools is he's gets the opportunity to work with the great team in the IST department and make new friends. Congratulations, Keith. [applause] >> [applause] >> Lacy Tomlin [applause] Blacy is a PAR educator at Dundy Elementary Academy. And what she loves most about her job is working alongside incredibly supportive colleagues who have given her guidance and helped her grow. She's proud to work with a team that is dedicated
022to helping students achieve their aha moments. When those [clears throat] concepts really click, that makes her job especially meaningful. Congratulations and thank you for being a part of the team of PCPS. [applause] Of [applause] course. >> So nice. >> Debbie Wright. >> [applause] >> Debbie's got her support team here. I can tell. All right. All right. When Miss Wright is while she's coming down, she is an ESSE para educator in the transition program at Ridge Technical College. What Miss Wright loves most about her um position is the unique privilege of working with transition students who are learning skills for adulthood and watching them grow. And when they get their aha moment when something finally clicks is the most rewarding and reminder of why her job matters. She's continually inspired by the growth, resilience, and determination
023and often finds that learning is just as much fun for her as it is for her students. Thank you, Miss Wright, for what you do. We appreciate you and obviously you have a lot of support from your team, too. Thank you. Laura P >> PA. Miss Laura is an ESse parent educator in the vision program. And what she loves most about her job and working for Pulk County Public Schools is the opportunity to support students and teachers as a pair educator in the vision program. It is incredibly rewarding to work with these teachers and these see these students learn to overcome challenges while building confidence and independence. She's grateful to be a part of such a dedicated and professional team of teachers who genuinely care about their students and go above and beyond to meet
024their needs. The collaboration, support, and shared commitment to student success make Pulk County Public Schools a wonderful place to work. And she's proud to be part of the team that makes a meaningful difference every day. Congratulations, Tanya Savala Tanya is an ESOL para educator at Southwest Elementary. And the reason that she loves her job most in working for Pulk County Public Schools is because of the individuals that she's had the opportunity to work alongside. They are full of love, care, generosity, encouragement, and knowledge. It's an honor that she can call them co-workers in her administration. Congratulations, Christina Hodes. Christina is an ESSE PAR educator at Spessardell Holland Elementary. She said after 19 years in the classroom, her greatest joy remains watching her students succeed and grow. She loves working for PCPS because of the supportive
025environment created by her administrators and her amazing ESSE team at Spessard Holland. It's rewarding to be a part of a community that is truly focused on excellence for every student. Congratulations, Kelly Hamshshire. Kelly is a parent educator at Spessard El Holland Elementary. And the thing that she loves most about working at Spessard is that her principal is very kind, supportive, and hands-on. and the teachers and staff follow her lead by doing everything they can to help students succeed and her co-workers succeed as well. So, congratulations and thank you for being a part of the team. Caitlyn Davis Caitlyn is a parent educator at Code Academy and she loves being able to work with kids and see their growth throughout the year. She loves learning new ways to work with the students and accomplish her job
026more efficiently. Thank you for what you do for Pulk County Public Schools. We have one more winner, but she cannot be here with us tonight. Her name is Julie Heb, and she's a PAR educator at James E. Stevens Academy. I want to make sure Julie's not here. All right. She told me she wasn't going to be here. I just want to make sure she didn't um slip in here. But what Julie loves most about her school is that when former students visit her and tell her how they are doing and that they miss her. She said it's always funny when they say to her that you are still working here since I've been here for over three 30 years. So she thinks it's funny when they tell her that you're still working here and she's
027like I've been here over 30 years. So um she also gets to work with the absolute bunch best group of individuals. So she's really thankful and she loves working for PK County Public Schools. So I want to say congratulations to all of our winners. Um, in the coming weeks, we'll be spotlighting you on social media so that way everybody can hear about how great you are and we'll really put the focus on you. Um, in closing, I just want to remind everybody that our current nomination period is open for our third group, which includes our classroom teachers and 12-month teachers, is only till November 2nd. So, any PCPS employee can submit a nomination. We just don't accept self-nominations. So, that concludes my presentation. Mr. Chair, that concludes special recognitions for this evening. >> Thank you,
028Superintendent Hyde. Just a quick thank you also to all those that took time out of their schedule to join us tonight. Uh, and congratulations to everyone who was recognized. Uh, next up is public comments for items on the agenda to be a voted upon as adopted at the start of this meeting. [clears throat] Before we begin, I would like to welcome the public and go over our public comment process and opportunities uh for this evening. Sorry. We will have three opportunities for public comment this evening. The first will be for items on this evening agenda uh as a as voted upon. As always during this time uh this will be limited to only those items on the agenda. The second will be during our public hearing. And lastly, uh, will be at the end of
029the meeting, we'll have an additional opportunity for public comment on items that are not on this evening's agenda. To register to speak, community members must fill out a speaker card in the lobby to the meeting. All speakers will be given three minutes. The light over here 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 reminder, public comments are an opportunity for us collectively to hear your thoughts and comments. This is not a question and answer session and comments uh 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
030we would be happy to have a deeper conversation with you. We have no one signed up for comments on uh our agenda items. So that will move us to our approval of minutes. Board members, we now need to approve five sets of minutes. The first set of minutes is for the December 9th, 2025 school board meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept [clears throat] The chair will entertain a motion to accept the December 9th, 2025 uh school board meeting minutes as written. >> So moved. >> It's a move moved by board member keys, seconded by board member Wyatt. Any discussion? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. All those opposed, nay. Motion carries unanimously. [clears throat] The second set
031of minutes is for the December 9th, 2025 work session meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the December 9th, 2025 work session meeting minutes as written. >> So move. >> Second. >> Been moved by board member Allen, seconded by board member keys. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All opposed? Nay. Motion carries unanimously. [clears throat] The third set of minutes is for the January 9th, 2026 board retreat meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the January 9th, 2026 board retreat meeting minutes as written. Do I hear a motion to approve? has been moved by board member Fields. Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> It's been seconded by board member Keys. Are
032there any discussion? Seeing none, we'll now proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed say nay. >> Motion carries. The fourth set of minutes is for the January 9th, 2026 special board meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the January 9th, 2026 special board meeting minutes as written. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> It's been moved by board member keys. Do I have a second? It's been seconded by board member Fields. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. >> The eyes have it and motion carries unanimously. The fifth and final set of minutes is for the January 13, 2026 work
033session meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the January 13, 2026 work session meeting minutes as written. Do I have a motion? >> Second. It's been moved by board member Fields, seconded by board member Allen. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. Motion carries unanimously. The next item uh on our agenda is approval of today's consent agenda. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the January 27th, 2026 consent agenda as printed. Do I have a motion? >> It's been moved by board member Fields. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Been seconded by board member Wyatt. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I.
034All those opposed, nay. The eyes have it. And the motion carries unanimously. Next up, we have our action agenda for this evening. Our first item on the action agenda is U1 entitled contract extension for board auditor. The suggested action is to approve the board auditor's request for an extension of contract. The chair will accept a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Second. >> Been moved. It's been moved by board member Allen, seconded by board member Miller. Are there any Is there any discussion, fellow board members? All right, seeing none, we'll now proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All those opposed, nay. The motion carries unanimously. >> Congrats. >> The next item is U2 entitled Cypress Junction Monasuri Contract Extension. The suggested action is to approve the Cypress
035Junction Monosur's one-year contract extension. The chair will entertain a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Been moved by board member Miller. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> It's been seconded by board member Fields. We now have a motion and second. Is there any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, we will now proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. Motion carries unanimously. The next item is U3 entitled McKill Academy Malberry Charter Application. The suggested action is to approve the high-erforming charter application submitted by the schools of Mackil Academy which is Mackil Academy Malberry. The chair will accept a motion. >> So moved. It's been moved by board member keys. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Been seconded. Seconded by board member Allen.
036Is there any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, we'll now proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All those opposed? Nay. Motion carries unanimously. We are now to our last action agenda item, U4. which is land assignment for new BBB high school. The suggested action is to approve the land assignment and associated contract for purchase. The chair will accept a motion at this time. >> Move to approve. >> Been moved by board member Miller. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> It's been seconded by board member Wyatt. We have a motion and second. Is there any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, we will now proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All those opposed, nay. >> Nay. >> On
037a vote five to two, the motion carries. Why is it? And next we'll go into our public hearing. I now open the public hearing. The first order [clears throat] of business is any comments on the public hearing agenda items. No one has uh filled out a form. Uh so we have no public comments on our agenda items or sorry our public hearing items. So our first item up is V1 comprehensive high school resoning. This item came before the board during a previous work session on October 28th. The chair will accept a motion at this time. >> So moved. has been moved to approve by board member Wyatt. It's been seconded by board member Fields. Is there any fellow any discussion? Fellow board members, I'm going to recognize Miss Fields at this time. >> Hold over.
038>> Oh, it's a hold over. Sorry, Dr. Allen. >> Yeah, mine was a holdover as well from the last item. However, I'll go ahead and address comments on this one. Um I mean I again I appreciate the comprehensive uh reasonzoning effort that this district has gone through. Um much needed in a timely fashion at this point as we're experiencing so much growth uh within Pole County. I mentioned the stats earlier today. Uh if you just look at the you know top 25 school districts in the state of Florida within the last 5 years as far as percentage of growth. Extract the districts that are not in the top 10 as far as size. Um and then look at that data. Um Pulk County is at the top you know um 14.6% growth um approximately um
039within five years and the closest to us would be Duval. So um yes this is this is so important to us as a district to rightsize uh in essence but really to give uh the best educational um spaces for our students and um so I I'm definitely in favor of this. I think there's been um items and you know questions um that have been brought forward. I think uh the superintendent has done a great job to address those. I think I mentioned specifically uh the 600 plus students that are going to Lakeland High School. Um and and my concern in regards to the traffic, I know this is going to be scaffolded. Um but man, that that road uh Highingsworth Road, I I lived on Hollingsworth Road for I don't know 12 years and uh
040it's gotten pretty bad. So, I can imagine 600 more students uh from a capacity standpoint at Lakeland High uh will cause more traffic issues uh especially uh at that intersection of Highway 98 and Hollingsworth. That's a a pretty major uh intersection. And then on top of that, it's a shared facility between Lakeland High and Harrison and that Ollie Springs um you know conflict. Shared facilities in general uh is a big discussion at the state level as well. So, we know those concerns. we've addressed them uh and you know we're ready for that. Um I and I think um secondly is my portable philosophy. I mean we we all have our stance on this and superintendent I appreciate um even you know just those thorough discussions on that. If we look at across the school district,
041um you know, we have over 800 portables um on our our facilities. And if we just look at the high school facilities, we probably have 140 plus uh portables sitting on our high schools. Um you know, so this is um much needed uh as it relates to growth and for the betterment of our students and our programs for sure. So I'm definitely supporting this tonight. I think even if you consider uh with these proposed changes, we can look at um Davenport which would still be at 100% capacity, Hayne City at 105%, Ridge at 103.2% capacity. That's even after we're approving the reszone. U and that's specifically utilization um that does not factor portables. So, it's definitely time and I'm thankful for the work that the district has done on that uh and on this that
042we've brought out to the community. the community's been um you know engaging. We want more community support, but we obviously discussed some of those things earlier today uh quite thoroughly from uh Commissioner Terry Coney. So um again, I'm thankful for the work and I'll be supporting this tonight. >> Thank you, Board Member Allen. Now, I'm going to recognize board member Wyatt. >> Thank you. Um and I want to echo some of Dr. Allen's sentiments. Um, it's it's interesting to me because I sent an article to Superintendent Hyde during the break that a a news station had reported that we were having a highly controversial vote tonight on high school resoning. Um, so it's interesting that there's not a single person to speak on a highly controversial vote. Um, but I think that's a testament to
043the job that our team has done in the planning office. Um, this has been a very long time coming. There's been a ton of opportunities for community feedback, for staff feedback, for the, you know, we've even gone as far as looking at, you know, does this make sense? Yes, the numbers make sense, but does it make sense for this road to go across, you know, across the canal, across the lake, you know, around their elbow to get to this school when there's a school closer to them. Um, so I really want to thank the planning team because they've done an incredible job of getting this across the finish line. Um, so I just want to say thank you and I'm I'm excited to see this actually finally rolled out. >> Thank you, board member Wyatt.
044I recognize board member Miller. >> Thank you. I just want to um again comment on this process. I can tell you that the high schools because of their because of the opportunities you have in high school that this is probably not the most controversial thing we're doing this year. Um and but as we go down to elementary schools, we have to be very um mindful of the families and the families that purchased homes based on where they would be zoned to school. I want to comment on how the numbers were done. It was very interesting that we were so conservative with our numbers to make sure that we had a good um a good idea of what we would be getting that even the numbers of students that would be flowing to a school consisted
045of everyone even if they were already going somewhere else. So if you're already going to a charter school, we counted you in those numbers for the day that you return. or if you go to another school um a private or home school, you know, the this is the capacity that you'll see. I think we're very smart not to impede on our programming. Um we are going to, you know, be be very mindful and respectful of programs like Harrison and the programs that are so um particular to a certain population that we have to make sure that it it's going to work for them and work for staff. So, um I want to thank the staff. As far as community, I hope that you'll go to our website. It will go to our social media and
046as this continues to happen for middle school and elementary school that you stay engaged. You must stay engaged with your voices heard and we're open to that. Thank you. >> Thank you, board member Miller. I recognize Vice Chair Keys. >> Thank you, Chair. Um, you know, this has been a long, long process. I was very involved in it being the vice chair of that committee um and serving on it for some time and it it it was a heavy lift. It was a heavy lift. And when the superintendent, you know, mentioned that we were doing a a comprehensive resoning, you got to realize we haven't done these things in a very long time. We haven't looked at boundary zones for a long time, especially with the just immense amount of choice that we offer. These
047things can can sometimes, you know, go overlooked. We look at capacities and Dr. Allen did a great job of of of mentioning, you know, the growth we've had. All three of those high schools mentioned just happen to be my district. And it is it is crazy to think about, you know, H City High School this past year had 707 graduates walk across that stage. That is absolutely huge. And next year, Ridge Community and Davenport, you know, are going to be just up there. Same. I think Davenport even more than that. So long overdue, you know, and then, you know, board member Wyatt mentioned transportation. We look at those routes, make sure we're running the most efficient routes, you know, board member Miller talking about protecting those programming opportunities. So the [snorts] transparency involved in this
048process has been second to none. the community's been notified. They've been very involved. Um had ample opportunity over the years now to input on this process, but again, it's long overdue and I think that we've done a great job as a as a district and looking at those figures and making the best decision going forward. So, I will be in support of this. >> Yes, superintendent. >> Apologies. I'll wait if if you want to come back to me. >> Okay. Board member Wallace. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a quick comment, too, on when resoning happens is it's not just that we're crowded or we're getting trying to get students out of portables and into more secure facilities. Um, it's also about fiduciary responsibility and and um equitability with what we're spending per pupil at every
049student site. So when there are underenrolled schools, the cost to educate every student goes up because we're not utilizing the facilities fully um as they're designed. And then that is not fair to all the students in our um school system where if we're spending more money than is necessary to deliver. And on top of that, it with all the challenges that we have, the public is well aware. We need to free up every dollar possible to get that to the classroom to make sure all the um schools are staffed as uh fairly and equitably as possible and to piggyback to what my some of my colleagues have said about offering the programming, the transportation, all the other things that our students and families and teachers count on. So, thank you. >> Thank you, board member
050Wallace. Board member Wyatt, you are recognized. >> Thank you. I just wanted to make sure we had one more point of clarification because there seems to be some rumors out there that students will be switching schools. All students that are currently at their high school will continue through unless they choose to go to their new zone school. There there is no requirement for any students to switch schools. Now, students starting 9th grade next year will go to the new zoned school. Um but students that are currently in 9th through 11th grade will be allowed to progress at their school as they h they would be otherwise. So, just want to make that clarification. >> Thank you, board member Wyatt. Board member Fields, you're recognized. >> Thank you. I would just add that the staff did
051an amazing job organizing and making the public aware of all of the uh opportunities to come to the uh uh hearings and uh in meetings and uh I think that was very critical because typically with a a a boundary change there's a lot of controversy and uh there wasn't any to my knowledge and we had comments from the public but there weren't many comments and they were all for the most part positive. So, I want to uh uh to commend the staff for making sure that uh everything was transparent and everything was on the up and up and if there were any concerns that those concerns were addressed. >> Thank you, board member Fields. Uh I want to just add one more comment as board chair. I know earlier today um when uh Commissioner Con
052was here giving the presentation, one thing he mentioned was that every single one of our town halls, we [clears throat] had a board member present. Okay? And the point I want to say that is I want the community to understand that as board members, we care, we listen, we're empathetic. And so we were at those um those different town halls. I personally went to the one at Mclofflin Academy of Excellence in Lake Wales. um we're there to listen to what our our community members are saying and to make adjustments um that are needed. So with that, Superintendent Hyde, you had a comment that you wanted to make? >> I did, Mr. Chair. Um just [clears throat] make I want to make sure we clarify Dr. Allen's comments. The 600 plus kids, as he said, are
053phased in over a 4-year period of time. We will not have 600 drivers thankfully showing up. And then that coupled with the amount of school choice. And I think that's what really helped staff and the board and and families arrive at this point where there's an understanding that even though a student is zoned for a particular school, we offer more school choice and opportunity than most others. And and families, we celebrate that, right? We want them to find a place that best suits the needs of their child. Um and that's why we are so engaged in in working towards innovative strategies and programs to expand those high interest high need high needs programs across the district to replicate them in every one of your districts because it's important for us to provide that access within
054a zip code. Um so I want to thank the board but I appreciate Miss Fields and the others who have commented about staff. I don't think individuals understand just how much time is spent on this the back and forth. I also want to thank the attendance boundary committee and all of those individuals who volunteer their time to be present to participate to lend their voice to the to the process. And then again back to our schools for their the great job they did messaging this um and then to reassure families that tomorrow we or this evening depending on the board's ultimate vote, we will begin messaging to families either way. Um so we are prepared for that. We provided those messages um earlier today just in anticipation of where the board might go so that
055we can provide that clarification. And then should the board finally vote to approve for this approve this transition plan for reszoning our high schools, we will outline for the families who are impacted the process they will follow to opt in or opt out so that they can either remain at their zone school or they can choose to go to their newly zoned school. So there's a lot to that. Just wanted to put that out there. Thank you for the opportunity. >> Thank you, Superintendent. We have a motion and a second to approve uh the comprehensive high school resoning. I would I would like to call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. Motion carries unanimously. The next item is V2 2025 2026 student progre progress
056plan. The chair will accept a motion at this time to approve the student progress plan. >> It's been moved by board member Fields. Do we have Do I have a second? >> Second. >> It's been seconded by board member Wyatt. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, we will now proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All those opposed? Nay. Motion carries unanimously. And the next item is V3, public hearing for policy updates. This item came before this board during previous work sessions on November 18th and December 9th. >> [clears throat] >> I would like to read for re uh for the record the policy number and name for each of the policies that we will see tonight. Policies presented at the November 18th meeting. Policy 1120 employment of
057administrators policy 1121.01 background screening and employment history checks. Policy 1129 conflict of interest. Policy 1139, educator misconduct. Policy 1210, standards of ethical conduct. Policy 1213, student supervision and welfare. Policy 1242, professional learning. Policy 3120, employment of instructional staff. Policy 3121.01, background screening and employment history checks. Policy 3129, conflict of interest. Policy 3130, appointment, assignment, transfer, and promotion of instructional staff. Policy 3139, educator misconduct. Policy 3210, standards of ethical conduct. Policy 3213, student supervision and welfare. Policy 3242, professional learning. Policy 3410, compensation. Policy 3430.03, sick leave. Policy 4120, employment of support staff. Policy 4121.01, background screening and employment history checks. Policy 4129, conflict of interest. Policy 4210, standards of ethical conduct. Policy 4213, student supervision and welfare, policy 4242, professional development. And then policies presented at the December 9th meeting are policy 1425 nursing mothers, policy
0583425 nursing mothers, policy 4425 nursing mothers, policy 6144.01 investments purpose. Policy 6325 procurement federal grants and funds. Policy 6550, travel and expenses. Policy 7230, gifts to the school district. Policy 8280, nursing mothers. The chair will accept a motion at this time to approve the following policy updates. So move. >> It's been moved by board member Keys. Do I have a second? Seconded by board member Miller. Is there any discussion? Fellow board members. Seeing none, we will now proceed to vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. Motion passes unanimously. At this time, we will close the public hearing on January 27th, 2026. The next item on our agenda is our superintendence report. Superintendent Hyde, do you have a report for us tonight? >> I do, sir. And I'
059I'd request a courtesy that when the board concludes their reports that you allow me to come back because I have a list of things I'd like to acknowledge, but I also know that board members take a lot of pride in their schools and don't want to steal all your thunder. So, >> we will allow that super >> simply because I'm up first. The next work session meeting will be held on February 10th, 2026 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the district office located at 1915 South Floral Avenue here in Barto. Thank you, Superintendent Hyde. Next, we will move to our attorney's report. Mr. Green, you are recognized. >> Thank you. Um, so tonight I bring before you um an updated agreement. Um, our disclosure council, George Smith, just walked in. Hi, George.
060Um, he recently joined the law firm of Greenberg Trrowigg. um and he's represented the school board uh in disclosure issues and other financial transactions uh going back to about October. So because he recently joined this uh firm, he submitted the attached contract which includes a a waiver of conflict of interest clause in section 6V like Victor due to the fact that uh Bank of America is also represented by his attorneys in his firm and they happen to be a co-managing underwriter for the board's certificates of uh participation otherwise known as cops. Um my recommendation is to grant the requested waiver and to sign the uh the latest fee agreement which um is substantively the same as the one that the board had approved um previously in um October. So thank you. >> Right. Thank you
061uh board attorney Green. The recommended motion is to approve uh approve the revised contract and waiver of conflict of interest requested by Bank of America Securities Incorporated because it is a client of Greenberg Tro PA and is co-managing underwriter for the board's certificates of participation. The board's current disclosure council recently joined uh Greenberg Tar and will continue to represent the district. The chair welcomes a motion at this time. >> So moved. is has been moved by board member keys, seconded by board member Miller. Is there any discussion, fellow board members? Seeing none, we'll now proceed to vote. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed, nay. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you, Mr. Green. And thank you, Mr. Smith. Next item on our agenda is, let's see here. Sorry, why
062is it doing this? There we go. The next item on our agenda is um our board member reports tonight. I've decided to go in reverse order. Board member Miller, you are first up with district 7. Didn't give you a heads up on that one. >> No. And for luckily for you, I'm so prepared. Um, I'll be quick. There's a lot of exciting things going on, especially in sports right now. I want to recognize the Auburnale Hounds, the girls soccer district champs. Um, also the girls weightlifting were district runner-ups in traditional and Olympic. Lake Gibson Theater is doing lots of amazing things. They went to all county um with all superiors though. They held that at Pulk State College and it was a great turnout for all the schools to be there. Special recognition to Emily
063Esler who was critic's choice for outstanding monologue. And then we cannot forget Lake Gibson wrestling. It's what we're known for over there in Lake Gibson. Um 2A state dual champs once again, Mr. George and all of his um team and staff working to bring that home and it was cute on social media. They they made sure that the trophy was seat belted in to the vehicle and it was going to be safe as we transported it back to Pulk. So, we're very proud of Lake Gibson and also [snorts] Lake Gibson Middle. FFA has been very active and I know Mr. Sharpless will share um a lot of those. We had June Hendricks who's moving on to state from Lake Gibson Middle in the leadership development event and I love to see our young people in
064those leadership programs and I love that we'll be represented right here. Lake Gibson will be represented at the state level. I'm sure we'll have a lot of PULK recognition at the state level. So, good job to all those students that are out there. I just want to recognize the people that took um our staff that took their time out and our students who were in the MLK parades that happened across the weekend. Um and also to all the teachers that put in all the time and the parents who dressed up their kids for the hundth day of school. Um there was a lot of creativity happening, a lot of extracurricular non-academic things happening this week that I wanted to share. Thank you. >> Thank you, board member Miller. I now recognize board member Fields. Thank
065you. I wanted to acknowledge um my son who came today and did our invocation and he is always excited. He always wants to know does Missette need me to come and pray mama cuz if she does just let me know. So I want to thank him because he doesn't have to do that but he willingly comes. We had a lot of of of great uh MLK activities uh in the uh community and uh I attended the MLK Gayla. Then we had the parade and uh we had great representation. Superintendent Hyde was in the Lakeland parade and so thanks for that. And we had many of our bands. We had great representation and so we're just thankful uh that we were present uh when it's necessary and and uh important. And then uh we had the
066ortorical uh contest at New Mount Zion U Missionary Baptist Church on this [snorts] past um Thursday and uh Dr. um Anthony was able to bring some inspiring words uh on behalf of the superintendent and uh we had uh board member um Keys and um Dr. Allen present and it was kind of long. So, thank you all for staying for the entire time and um the awards amounted to $1,700 I believe in cash monies and it was high school um categories and middle school and elementary school. So, we're very thankful that we were a part of that. And then uh I was able to attend the MLK unity uh lunchon with my husband in Winter Haven uh uh about I think it might have been last Friday and that was amazing to see a lot of
067our students on display and sharing their talents. And then I wanted to acknowledge Janette Crowley. She was honored at the leadership Lakeland alumni uh dinner that was held uh on the 14th of this month and she received the leadership legacy award. Uh and that was a big thing and I think the first time that they've done that. So congratulations to Janette. She does a great job representing our school district in the community. And that is the end of my report. >> Thank you board member Fields. I now recognize board member Wyatt. Thank you, Miss Fields. It's funny that you mentioned the um Winter Haven MLK event because I had an opportunity to sit next to Mr. Hyde and at one point I leaned over to him and said, "Is anyone in Winter Haven in school
068today or are they all performing here?" Um because our Winter Haven schools were so well represented. Um it was it really was a beautiful lunchon. It is it is a longer lunchon, but um they do a great job showcasing um our students and the community as a whole. So, um, and it was exciting to see how many board members made it all the way to Winter Haven because there were there was a good turnout there. Um, I also just want to highlight I had an opportunity through my day job to participate in the JA trades hub um, thought group because JA Discovery Center will have a trades hub. Man, seeing all of those trades partners come together and figure out what their project is going to be, I'm really excited and want to go through
069it as a student because they're making it so fun. Um, so it was a a cool little preview into what is to come for the Discovery Center um out at Tener Rock High School. Um, I also participated in the superintendent's calendar committee meeting. I meant to mention this in my um board report earlier. Um, it was extremely well attended. It's a very large committee and rightfully so because there are a lot of stakeholders when it comes to our calendar. Um, but I want to give a special um, thanks to the superintendent for making sure that we have a range of principles in that meeting this year. um you know, we've always had one or two, but making sure that they're truly representative of every grade level, of every type of school. Um their comments were
070extremely valuable, I think, as we were looking at, you know, what's what's really best for kids. Does it make sense to have three early releases in a a fiveweek period or does it make sense to try and um shift them around so that we have that continuity of instruction? Um so, I think you'll be pleased when it comes to you. Um it was it was cool to see how many things everybody looked at and said, "Yeah, that's not going to work. We're going to change that." Um but everybody was on the the same page on many of those. So I'm excited that those will be coming forward in the coming months. [snorts] Um I also had an opportunity to participate in Pulk County Day in Tallahassee with some of my colleagues. Um we got the
071opportunity to see almost all of our delegation. Um and it's it's always nice when you walk into their office and they know exactly what you're talking about. Um Wendy Dodge does a great job for us up there. Um and a couple of them, you know, genuinely excited to run some of our appropriations. Um so we're excited to see where those go. And I believe that concludes my report. >> Thank you, board member Wyatt. I now recognize board member Wallace. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh I would love to echo some of the comments of my colleagues. Uh starting off with all of the observations and celebrations of the MLK holiday weekend. I had the privilege of walking in the Lakeland parade with Superintendent Hyde and some of our other staff. And um it's just I'm
072a people person, so I I just got so much energy seeing all the beautiful children and members of our community. And it probably could not have been a more beautiful weather day. So that was that was a real treat because I think mother nature is confused right now. We don't know if it's 80° or 30° in Florida, but that day was just right. And it was a nice gift from God to be able to get together and celebrate in that way. Also got to go to the unity lunchon in Winter Haven as well. And I agree with my colleagues. It was a beautiful celebration, a showcasing of our students and coming together when it's sometimes so hard to think how are we going to do that? But that was um a beautiful wonderful time and
073um I'm going to have that circled on my calendar every year as long as I can help it. So, uh, I know this week the is the PK County Youth Fair and I'm sure Cher Sharpless will elaborate, but because it's in my district here in Barto, uh, I know it's a huge event where so many volunteer hours and exhaustive staff hours and parents and the children, but learning life skills and responsibility and where our food comes from. Um, could not be a better uh, education, I think. So, glad to see that. and I may or may not get to make it because I'll be going to Tallahassee this week. Um, but I I just I appreciate everybody involved with that and I'm glad that our district also is so supportive of that programming um so
074that all of our students have those opportunities to benefit from those um experiences. Uh, I will also note that last night I had the opportunity to attend the Barto High School band prism concert and it's across the street at the Barto Civic Center and they are doing their second and final concert tonight. So, if you are not ready to go home yet and we wrap up here and within the next half hour, I recommend you cross the street and go see them perform. Um, they did all the sections, the drums, the jazz, the rock band, um, the concert band. You get a little bit of Star Wars, all the decades. There's something for everybody. And you get a homemade barbecue meal with a tableside service from the students and free refills. So, it was um,
075great and a privilege to attend. Uh, my only complaint I told Mr. Ecman is it did not conclude with the Barto fight song, but he said that that's going to happen tonight. So, [laughter] cuz as a yellow jacket, I never get tired of that. Um, I also was privileged and proud to join PK County Day in Tallahassee last week with many of my colleagues here. Really appreciate our delegation for taking the time to sit down with us. Um, you know, the budget, while Florida is blessed, um, and we're not in times of austerity, they do have to be careful. So knowing that we have really respected and influential delegation members that are going to be able to navigate that for us and help us bring home more resources to our students is is wonderful and
076affirming and nothing's for sure until the ink dries on the budget, but we feel really confident about um our representation there. Then um I'd also like to note that this week is National School Choice Week. There is a full-time organization online called um National School Choice Week and what they do is they celebrate the importance and the excitement of school choice. And I would like to publicly state that I thank all the parents of our 116,000 students who trust us and choose us for their child's education. And uh and we as a board and as an organization support all the choices out there. We know all of our kids here in P County are our kids no matter where and how they do school. But I just want to celebrate that and and bring that
077out. And um I think that there is when when I get to travel to Tallahassee and I believe there's going to be a rally at the old capital with a bunch of students in their yellow national school choice week scarves and I know a lot of public school advocates will be there um to celebrate that because um public school choosing public school is a wonderful and excellent choice. and I and most of us in this room, I'm sure, are beneficiaries of that choice. And so, um, I'm thrilled to acknowledge that and celebrate that. Um, I think that is, um, I'm and and I again will say I'm I'm about to start touring schools in district three, meeting more of the principles and students, and, um, trying to get back out there as a new board
078member and continue to learn more about our district. So, if anybody watching would like to connect, please reach out. um look forward to meeting you and thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, board member Wallace. I now recognize Vice Chair Keys. >> Thank you, Chair Sharpless. So, um like some of my colleagues, got the chance to attend some wonderful MLK celebrations over the past week and a half or so. Um the unity lunchon at at Norma Maya Hall in Winter Haven. It was wonderful to see our students, the cheerleaders on from Winter Haven High School. And I I'm like board member White, I was like, are any of those in school today? There's a there's a lot of students there with the RTC as well. So, but what a fantastic celebration and I
079was I was taken aback by um those that were celebrated and honores and their service to the community and that's just amazing to see that input. Um then later on the next week got to attend the economic forecast breakfast, host a balling company with the Lakeland Chamber and I will tell you as a kind of a finance geek I love that and hearing what's going on in the economy because ultimately that affects us right and the way we steer our district and and the things we have to take [snorts] into account on the horizon um followed by that evening as Miss Fields mentioned the uh ortorical um uh contest at New Mount Zion. I will tell you that was absolutely amazing. Um, not only the students and the courage that it takes to get up
080there and speak uh not only to study a subject, to formulate an opinion on that subject, but then to present in front of a group of people that they're unfamiliar with. Um, and there were a couple students that choked up and probably more memorable to me than anything else was the crowd that engaged and it was you got this, you got this. and how they stopped what they were doing, took their breath, gained back that confidence, and were able to present the rest of their uh presentation. So, absolutely powerful. What a wonderful time. And and I I know that well, I'm saying this for myself. I wouldn't mind if it lasted another 45 minutes to see those students be able to get their point across and the way that it it helped them to grow.
081Absolutely fantastic event. Um, and then last, and and you guys will probably get tired of me hearing about talking about these things, but um, I went to the all county um, theater performance at Pulk State College. Um, love supporting the arts. Just the students get excited there to go into that foyer area at Pulk State and they're all getting prepared and you see them outside and they're in their little troops practicing their lines with each other. Um, I I I love that not only because my girls are involved, but I love what the arts does and to our, you know, for our students and allows them to engage in critical thinking. Bragging on them again, um, Davenport School of the Arts, uh, they performed 15 pieces, got 13 superiors, two high excellence, and four out
082of six critics choices. So, of those critic choice awards, they got four out of the six. So, congratulations to DSA and their awesome work. they'll be taking those um some of those performances to state. So, what an awesome experience to to see them also grow in that. And um [snorts] uh that concludes my report. Chair, >> thank you, Vice Chair Keys. I now recognize board member Allen. >> It was good to be last, man. >> No, uh last it really good to hear what everybody's taking part in and to join um quite a few of you along the way. Uh first of all, I want just say thanks uh for the work that Miss Matthews, our internal auditor, continues to do for the school district. Um you know, we approved uh her extension of the
083contract tonight. And I think I I thought it was actually a timely uh evening to do that in relation to our uh external audit that came in today that we heard from uh during our work session. So it to me it just shows the systems that you have in place uh internally and the work that you're doing around that as well. So thank you and congrats to you. Uh and then I want to say congrats to Miss Fields. Uh I'm sure everybody has seen um the active social media uh shares and post um regarding Miss Fields. But uh she was honored uh with the Dr. Jerry Annis Leadership Award. And um it basically is an award that recognizes uh individuals who embody Dr. Anis' values of civic engagement um service and leadership. uh it's presented
084annually um at the lead leadership Lakeland uh annual meeting and I thought what was interesting about this is the award recipient is chosen by past awardees ensuring that the selection uh reflects the core principles of leadership service and community. Um so for that um congrats and thank you for your continued service in our community. Um pretty significant actually. Um and then you know since our last board meeting uh you know we've just we've attended all these different events along the way. Um I could reflect on the groundbreaking of Barto Middle's new gymnasium. Miss Wallace and I were in attendance. Uh it's it's always humbling to uh be in the presence of your previous high school uh principal, you know, who's who's still so active in our community and I'm always nervous around him, you know,
085is do I have to go see the principal, you know, and uh 30 years later, I still feel that [laughter] when I'm with around him, but uh he's a great leader. So, uh, and it was just good to, um, you know, stand there and imagine back in the day just this is the area that I played, uh, you know, as far as PE and so forth. And early morning sort of roaming around the building on the backside going into the art lab and hanging out with friends before the beginning, uh, of the school day. So, um, we were so close, by the way, on all of our middle school gymnasiums. I think we have one more left at Blake Academy. So, that's been a a good journey. Uh also Mi asella Monasuri uh that new
086school site we had a chance to take part in that groundbreaking as well. Uh these things are supporting student growth and you know innovative learning uh for sure. Um several of us took place in the leadership Lakeland Education Day. Pretty significant day. It was actually on the campus of Florida Southern College. Uh thanks to Janette Crowley who actually chairs that day. Um so uh phenomenal work. It was great. I know that uh Florida Southern had to share out had an opportunity to share out the partnership that we have uh the school district and Florida Southern as it relates to the education academy at Lakeland High School which is a great new initiative there as well. Um at the swearing in ceremony for the new Lakeland commissioners and um our new mayor that was a great
087uh event as well. I know a good friend of mine uh who was sworn in uh as the city commissioner uh Ashley Troutman and probably one of the first things he did to me is reached out to me and like hey give me your schedule when you're out visiting schools. Um so and Ashley Troutman our new commissioner in the city of Lakeland uh very tied to our school system and passionate about education. So uh congrats to them. Um yeah I mean here's another one. uh the transcendence art exhibit uh that's at the AGB Museum uh of art at Florida Southern College. If you have not had a chance to go, this is our high school uh art exhibit that just opened up. I think there were over 300 submissions for that art exhibit and there
088were uh hundred selected that are hanging on the walls. Uh some incredible uh artwork by our students and a great way to honor them and the work that they're doing. Um we some of us had a chance to attend the Winterhaven MLK unity lunchon. Um that was a great opportunity for our students to be involved as well. So that was a a really great event. It was good to see Superintendent Hyde out for that as well. Uh and then as uh board member Keys mentioned the economic forecast that was a great event as well. Thanks uh thanks to Leanne Bennett for representing our district at that event. Um and again just looking forward to our uh FSBA legislative days that are coming up this week is a big uh opportunity. We we do have our
089legislative platform. Uh I'll I'll be joining in uh on the cursive writing um bill. I don't know if you all have been following that but uh as it relates to you know that the handwriting national handwriting day was this past week. So um I don't know if did anybody celebrate the national handwriting day and honor the pencil? Uh, I hope you did. Um, but happy National uh, handwriting day or week to us. That's all I have. Thank you, chair. Thank you, board member Allen. Um, I uh, some of you covered some of the events that um that I was going to talk about. So, I I do want to talk about one though that's been talked about already tonight, and that's the Pulk County Youth Fair only because that's very near and dear to my
090heart. I serve on the board of directors for the Pulk County Youth Fair. Um I I don't think uh if you if you have not attended uh you don't understand the community support that's there. Um the great students we have that participate in the Poke County Youth Fair. Um I'm going to give you a stat. Uh yesterday it took 11 hours for auctioneers, just a little over 11 hours to auction off 438 pigs that students um exhibited at the fair. That generated almost 698, so almost $700,000 >> of community support. >> I didn't stutter. $700,000 of community support which made an average price of $6.7 uh $6.75 per pound >> per pig for these children. Um you know I I can tell you the impact that can make on a kid is is tremendous. I
091know when I was um when I was in high school uh someone that I looked up to um at a different high school told me that she started showing pigs at 8 years old. by the time she turned 16, she had enough in her savings account to buy her first vehicle outright. Didn't have to finance it at all. So, my point is this, our community cares. And so, I hope you understand that tonight when we're talking about policies and we're talking about all these, you know, other things, when I'm when I'm so uh you know, um passionate about being transparent to our community, it's because they care. Um and and truly, um I wanted to go uh go over a couple more things. First, um, you know, there's a department that we have here in
092the district that doesn't always get the, uh, fanfare that other departments get. Um, and that's the IST department. And the reason I bring this up, uh, is because I was I was I was told that I was the first board member to ever attend one of their events they had called Kitty Christmas. Uh, the Kitty Christmas event was was tremendous. I went with Superintendent Hyde. Uh, kids got uh, new bicycles, which was great. um you a big celebration and and this the IST department which is supported by many of the other departments in our district office here um but they are um they're the ones that put on that whole event they plan it um and so I just want not just the IST department but all the departments just to to know that you're
093seen right you know you're seen you're heard and um and [clears throat] it truly was a great event and so kudos to the IST department Um the Florida Association of Agricultural Educators um invited me I had a idea for them uh to create a school board member panel. This was the first of its kind. So um we had school we had a teachers middle and high school a teachers from all around the state there and I invited some of my friends no one on this board because we can't serve on the same panel together. Uh sunshine violation, right? And so um I I represented Pulk County and um we were able to answer questions. It was very um insightful hearing from teachers from all over the state uh that teach in an area, you know,
094as an agriculture professor that I'm pretty passionate about. Uh the last thing uh I also had on my on my list to congratulate board member Fields for the Dr. Annis award. Um truly uh welld deserved. I you know Dr. Allen did mention it so I don't want to steal all that but I I just want to say congratulations truly. Uh the last thing, uh it's a little bit of a sombering thought, um but today is Holocaust, International Holocaust Remembrance Remembrance Day. Um you know, we we passed there was legislation that was passed to make sure that we're teaching about the Holocaust and all that. So, I think it's very applicable to what we're doing today. Um you know, I just want to make sure that we continue to honor the memory of the six million
095Jewish lives that were lost during the Holocaust. And can we can we remember um to never let that happen again. And so with that um I will conclude my board report and I will we will go to our next item of business which oh >> I I thank you board member Fields for reminding me because I was I'm on a roll sometimes. Superintendent I know you are recognized. >> Thank you sir. Thank you board members. I I'm going to go very quickly. Some of these have been mentioned. I want to congratulate Lake Gibson wrestling team 11 straight state championship titles. That's truly impressive. I'm going to leave it at that before I jinx them any further. Uh George Jenkins High School's barbecue team was one of 110 teams and they were the only high school
096team. But not only did they score five perfect scores from five judges, they also won the Judge Homer award for being the team that embodied the best all-around team spirit. Um, and and here's what people don't understand. When you do a barbecue competition, you're there almost 24 36 hours straight because you have to cook throughout the night. So someone either has to stay up and make sure that the smoker doesn't run out of fuel and and check the temps and do all those things. And with the weather, as we mentioned earlier, changing that changes how you have to approach, you know, that smoking those meats and things. So I want to say congratulations to them because that that takes a lot. And I know Miss Fields, you know, volunteers at Pigfest every year and that's
097one of the reasons she was recognized for all of her community engagement. but she recognizes cuz she's out there every single year and sees the commitment and our teams compete there as well. So I want to say congratulations to all of them. I want to thank you US Representative Scott Franklin who visited Barto IB. Um thank him for his time and his attention here at home. Um I also want to thank board members. You know we we go through a lot of diff difficult topics. There's a lot of great discussion. There's at times very direct comments. Um and but it's important. The community needs to see that. I believe that I believe that your passions and your commitments and your concerns are voiced very well and I I appreciate the fact that you bring those
098concerns forward and give us a chance and and and I want to say I appreciate you bringing them forward publicly and not just an email because the public needs to see that dialogue occurring so that they are confident that there's transparency amongst all of us. Um I also want to say thank you to the team. Um, it was a pleasure to be at several MLK events. You know, our schools who show up and do such a great job. We had over 110 students at the Lakeland MLK parade alone. We also had representation at the BTO parade. We all went to the Winter Haven MLK breakfast and and those are fantastic events for us to celebrate in our community. Want to say thank you to all of our staff who also attended and again, as was
099pointed out, great board member attendance at all of those events as well. And then lastly, I did want to contribute one last kudos to Miss Fields for the recent award. And I'll read something that was quoted in the paper about her. Um, and they said, "Case stands amongst a distinguished group of leaders who've not only shaped our city, but have also uplifted others along the way. Her impact is generational, and this award is a testament to the lives she's touched through both action and her heart," said Mr. Bill Langston, incoming president of the Lakeland Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association. So, Miss Fields, congratulations to you and all of your hard work. [applause] And the last item I have, uh, you mentioned it, Mr. Sharpless, you know, this year at this time of year becomes a really
100exciting time because all of our students are competing. I happen to be driving back from Winter Haven. Um, and everything I saw on the highway next to me were pigs being transported. So, I saw almost all 300 pigs making their way to the county fair. I I want to apologize. I had really hoped to get to the rabbit judging because I heard that's a great event cuz they bring them out in costumes and everything else. I missed it, but I promise I will see it next year and I look forward to joining all of you at the awards ceremony. Um, and that's really an honor and a privilege to have those students from not just Pulk County, but other places coming up and being recognized for their commitment. As Mr. Sharpless mentioned, it's a great
101way for them to learn about finance and and the investment and the return on investment that they get. Better yet, there's nothing better to teach a child how to be empathetic than to have them have a pet or raise an animal. And it's important, too, that our kids understand where their food comes from and other things. So, I'm proud of the fact that as the incoming superintendent that we're able to maintain that culture and that heritage here in Pulk County and it's one that's thriving and we continue to see that grow and participation grows, but just a great opportunity for our kids. So, thank you for all of those things and Mr. Chair, that concludes my comments. Thank you for the opportunity. >> Thank you, Superintendent. Um, [clears throat] the next item on our agenda
102is public comments addressing items not on our agenda tonight. As noted earlier, to register to speak, community members must fill out a speaker card in the lobby prior to our meeting beginning. All speakers will be given three minutes. The light, which is over here, will turn yellow when you have one minute left, and 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 the p this public 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 schoolboard policy. I have a list of individuals who have signed up to speak today. When I call your name, could you please come
103forward and state your name and address for the record and you will have three minutes to speak. There's also over here on the side there's a a red tape and that will call our on deck. So whenever I call your name for on deck if you could please make it that way as well. So first up we have Bishop Willie Mincy and on deck Cassandra Blanco. Bishop Mincy, you are recognized. >> My 2842 Country Club Road, North Winter Haven. I just wanted to say tonight, haven't spoke to you all in a while, but uh happy new year and uh I want to say I appreciate you all for making the decision to take care of the situation at Hayne City. Uh you all have procra procrastinated. Amen. And kicked the can down the road or
104whatever you want to call it because this been going on for a few years. Portable city is in Hayne City. And uh the sad part about it is I don't know if you all thought about it but you know all of the violence that is going on in our country all of those portables. I really thought that that was necessary that we get a campus over there because our children need to be protected. So I thank you all for amen coming to come to the conclusion that it was right tonight to vote. Amen. For the piece of property may be some troubles there. Maybe whatever. But amen, we walk by faith and not by sight. It ain't everything you see. You got to just know you got to make a move, right? So, I appreciate
105you all for uh doing that. And I thank you for all of the the work that you try to do. I know sometimes it get a little uh rough. Amen. Because everybody think they know. Everybody feel like they got the answer. But amen, you work together and uh you can accomplish a whole lot more. And I appreciate you for the accomplishments that has been made in our district. I've been coming down here about almost 10 years, I believe. It's a long time to come down here y'all talk. and uh all the different ones talking. Amen. Sometimes some of y'all make sense and some of you don't make sense to me, but [snorts] amen. I support you anyway. Amen. So, God bless you and I hope you all continue to do the work that has to
106be done. >> Thank you, Bishop Mincy. Next up, we have Cassandra Blanco. And on deck is Denise Morgan. You're recognized. >> Good afternoon. My name is Cassandra Blanco and I am a PK County native and alumni of the school system here. I'm also an older sister to a currently enrolled student here. I'm speaking on behalf of PK County residents who are unable to safely discuss ongoing challenges. On January 15th, the Florida Department of Financial Services reported that PK County Sheriff's Office received $1,6,985 to assist agencies with immigration enforcements. With this funding, as well as opportunities for law enforcement to receive bonuses for these assignments and trainings, there's now direct effort and attack on people of our community. The recent developments as well as the killings of a mother and VA nurse at the hands of
107immigration enforcement have brought on major concerns regarding the safety of our communities, including families that are being directly targeted. In 2023, Pulk County had a population of 11,000 immigrant children under the age of 18. As of late 2025, Pulk County school boards had a Hispanic body of four of 42%. In case you didn't catch that, yes, Latinos make up almost half of your student body. These children and families, both documented and undocumented, are part of our community. Under the Supreme Court case of Plier versus Do from 1982, it is maintained the states cannot constitutionally deny students a free public education on account of their immigration status. The court found that any resources which might be saved from excluding undocumented children from the Pulk County or general school boards were far outweighed by the harms imposed
108on society at large from denying them an education. This caused fear and confusion in schools. Chapter 101 of Florida statutes that the state and any of its political subdivisions, any other government entity, or any other institution may not infringe on the fundamental rights of a parent without demonstrating that such is actionable is reasonable and necessary. Is it necessary and reasonable to allow immigration enforcement to forcefully remove students from school, a place that we have maintained as a safe space for all children, staff, and teachers? Is it necessary for immigration enforcement to impose fear, violence, and absenteeism? Miss Wallace, you recently stated that if we really focus on what's best for our students, will be really open to some radical ideas that maybe um people weren't ready for five or 10 years ago. Is it radical
109to believe that children are ensured equal access to education regardless of status? You all were voted in to protect and serve the communities of PK County. As elected officials, you claim to hold yourselves to a the highest ethical standards, acting with honesty and integrity. This includes maintaining public trust. How will you continue to maintain that trust of the 42% of Latinos in our community as well as other community members during this time? Will you allow masked men to come to our schools, warranted their not to abduct children or parents of these children? Will you protect our communities from these cruelties or will you be implicit in the abductions of families that are withheld due process? >> Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Next up we have Denise Morgan and on deck is I believe
110this is Monica Williams. Did I say that right? Okay. Thank you. Denise Morgan, 2891, Stonewood Circle. Um, I just have a concern about the communication calls. Um, I've been getting those calls for 10 years and I've noticed that there's been a stop in those calls. Now, as for me, um, when I reach out to the school board, I was told that they're sending emails, but as for me, um, I would rather those calls because normally I would keep those voicemails. I'm not sure if that's something that was discussed to be stopped. Um, however, I'm not getting those calls. The ones that I'm not getting is like the early release calls, the return to school calls. Um, and I was just wondering if there was a decision on that um that the parents weren't aware of.
111The reason why we're not getting those calls, if it's is it just me not getting those calls? Um, I do get the email. However, I'm not receiving those calls. And I did reach out to the school board and I was told that there is a pause on those calls. So, I'm not sure. I really I'm not happy with that. I'm thinking I'm the only one that's being affected and I would like to start getting those calls back because I do depend on those calls. Um, as far as checking my email, that's not something that I checked and I was wondering what goes on for those parents that do not have emails. So, I would like for that to get fixed immediately for me to receive all those calls. Um, so, you know, I can plan
112accordingly. as a busy parent. As I said, I've been getting those calls for over 10 years, and I do um trust that Poke County School Board will go ahead and resume those calls to me um as I do need those calls in order to be the parent that I need to be for my two um students. Um they are at Barter IB for my son and Winston Academy for my daughter. I am a single mom, so I do need those calls. So, anything that can be done um to reassure that we'll be getting those calls, I would really appreciate it. Thank you guys so much for your cooperation. It's my first time at this meeting and everyone is um very kind. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Next up, we have Monica Williams.
113>> Good evening. Monica Williams, 1858 Alta Vista Circle, Lakeland, Florida 33810. I speak tonight as a parent, a member of this community, as one of the voters who entrusted you in this responsibility. I'm here to formally document on record my concern regarding the ESC department, specifically who is reviewing the data related to state complaints, parents complaint, and who is monitoring the trend or repeated violations to ensure compliance. Families are being told they're being heard. But the same parents you say you are listening to or the same parents and the community members who voted you into office. Being heard must lead with accountability and actions. Across the Pulk County schools, parents continue to experience systematic failures. IEPs not being implemented as written. Services delayed, reduced, or omitted. accounted um accommodations inconsistently applied, behavior plans ignored, and
114parents being dis um dis discouraged from requesting meetings or evaluations. These failures violate IDA, federal law protecting a free appropriate public education and Florida statutes 103.57 and 103.571, which governs the right of students with disabilities. I'm also raising serious governance concerns that was that I was made aware of when parents make a complaint against the ESSE department or ESC director example Rebecca Ecman or Tammy Williams. Tammy Williams being in particular, she has a spouse named Curtis Williams. My concern is that I was told that she is he is the spouse of Mrs. Williams. How can he be involved in monitoring the aspect of the of someone in the same department that he is married to? Under Florida statutes chapter 112, even the appearance or conflict of interest undermines public trust oversightes must be independent or
115impartially separated. Tonight, I want to say clearly that a letter has already already been drafted requesting a state investigation. This session is supported by myself and other parents who have come together to put a stop to this ongoing failures. We will continue to communicate directly to the board with meaningful actions to be taking place. I'm formally requesting that the board obtain or initiate a documented review into ESC compliance and data trends IEP compliance monitoring and department oversight practice potential conflicts of interest. And that I close. >> Thank you, Miss Williams. >> So, board members, I I am going to state for the record that the speaker was incorrect. While Mr. Williams and Mrs. Williams are in fact married, he does not work within the same department. And there are numerous individuals that should there be
116a complaint specific about Miss Williams or her professionalism, that that is to be investigated by others as well as a second department that's available under Dr. Anony's lead. and we welcome if there's a state complaint, we will address those complaints in due time. Thank you. >> Thank you, superintendent. Board members, next order of business is adjournment. That there being no further business, this meeting of the Poke County School Board is now adjourned. Thank you.